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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC I
3 1833 00859 7038
r H E
MORRIS FAMILY
PHILADKI ri
DESCENDANTS OF
ANTHONY MORRIS
I 6
ROBERT C MOON, M. D.
R (J I .
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THE
MORRIS FAMILY
OF
PHILADELPHIA
DESCENDANTS OF
ANTHONY MORRIS
Born I Ska.- I J 2 I Dieci BY
ROBERT C. MOON, M. D.
VOL. I
PHILADELPHIA
ROBERT C. MOON, M. D., 1319 WALNUT STREET
1898
Robert C. Moon, M. D.
Ketterlinns Litho. Mfg. Co.
Phila., A^ezv York,
Chicago.
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PREFACE.
A FEW words, b}' way of explanation, may not be inappro- priate, in reference to the publication of this history of the j\Iorris family of Philadelphia, — a family which is coeval with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and one, which has been intimately identified with the growth and life of Philadelphia.
The author, upon becoming connected with the Morris family, by marriage, soon gathered together a few interesting facts and figures relating to its history ; these formed a nucleus, around whicli, other facts and figures readily crystallized ; and ever encouraged, and inspired, by the near presence of one, who worthih^ represents the virtues of a worthy line, it became the pleasant task of leisure moments from professional duties, to acquire and arrange fresh biographical data relating to the family. In the course of time, several of its prominent members learned that a large amount of such material had been collected, and, it was at their urgent request, that its preparation for the press was ultimately undertaken.
The Morris Tree, compiled by the late Anthony S. Morris, and published by him in 18G1, has afforded considerable assist- ance, but from the two facts, that dates are almost entirely absent
from the "Tree," and that thirty-seven years have elapsed, since
(iii)
iv GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
its publication, it has been neither a brief, nor an easy task, to prepare and complete the Genealogy of the family up to the present time. In a few instances, it has been found impossible to procure the dates of births, etc., and, in some others, they have been omitted from these pages, at the request of living members of the family.
The numerous descendants of Anthony INIorris* (son of William,'^) most of whom reside in Western States, have been traced ab initio, as there is no record of them upon the Morris Tree, — the name of " Anthony Morris," their progenitor, appear- ing alone, upon a solitary twig. After several years of inquiry, the author has had the gratification of finding the Bible of William Morris,^ in which are recorded the names and dates of birth of his children, who were born in the Island of Barbados. The photographic reproductions of these entries will doubtless be of interest to his descendants.
The endeavour to collect together all the recorded facts, referring to the ancestry and life of the founder of this Morris family in America, has necessitated extensive and prolonged research in Great Britain and the United States.
From the lack of knowledge of his antecedents, it has been the custom in the family, to denominate Anthony Morris, " Mariner," (whose name is at the Root of the Morris Tree), as "Anthony Morris the first;" but one result of the autlior's recent investigations, has been, the discovery, that the father of that Anthony Morris, " Mariner," was an "Anthony Morris, late of the Island of Barbados, formerly of Reading in Great
PKEFACE. V
Britain," (born circa 1600). Our knowledge of the ancestry of the family, is thus carried one generation further back, and the fact is emphasized, that "ANTHONY," for the past 300 years has been the distinguishing Christian name of the famil3^ Further than this, the author has discovered a statement (made by Anthony ^Nlorris,^) that " The Family came from Leicestershire to London." {Vide " Page of Entries in Famil}^ Bible of Samuel Morris.^ ")
The biographical sketches, with copious references to Colonial Records, Deeds, Wills, Letters, and other documents, to which (as a member of the family), the author has been afforded access, will, we trust, prove of interest and value to the historian, as well as to the members of the family.
Separate notices are also given of several of the families connected, by intermarriage, with the Morris family. In some instances, the information contained in tliese notices, appears in print for the first time.
Many priceless relics and portraits have kindly been com- mitted to the care of the author, for the purpose of making photographic reproductions of them — many of which are shown in the following pages — but, the photographic illustrations of the Morris family histor}^, have accumulated to such an extent, that it has heen found impossible to insert more than a portion of them in this work.
It is needless to dwell at length, upon the importance and uses of Genealogical study and research ; an able writer has well said : " To gather up the Memorials of those wlio have gone
vi GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
before us, to reconstruct their living portraits from historical fragments so widely scattered, is a work of time, of patience, and of unremitting toil ; but once completed, the ancestral line, reaching down the vista of the past, will stand out clearly before us, the images of our fathers will tenderly live in our minds, and we shall reverently cherish their memories as will likewise the generations to come." Besides which, as Edmund Burke emphatically exclaimed : " Those who do not treasure up the memory of their Ancestors, do not deserve to be remembered b}^ posterity."
Since the establishment of so many patriotic and hereditary Societies, Genealogical information has become a necessity, and in the present work, special attention has been given to the recording of facts, which will, we trust, be found of service to many who are desirous of enrolment in such organizations.
ROBERT C. MOON, M. D.
"WALNaTT Streei', Philadelphia, September, 1898.
TO THE DESCENDANTS.
Beneath old England's misty skies
Two hundred years ago, One, to the sunset turned his eyes
With firm resolve, to go Where, in the far land of the AVest, He might serve God as seemed him best.
Across the stormy sea he sailed
A voyage stern, and long, Yet his brave spirit never quailed
Save at the fear of wrong ; At last, he reached the alien strand Where friends were few to grasp his hand.
The wild-birds sang in thoughtless glee. The flowers, a welcome smiled,
The sunny sky, appeared to be With mankind reconciled ;
And in his home beside the stream,
The new life seemed a happy dream.
Like saplings in their native earth His children round him grew ;
Love dwelt beside his peaceful hearth. And fond afiection threw
A golden splendor o'er the days
Of earnest toil, and simple ways.
But, as the dear, domestic nest
Enlarged, and overflowed, In North, and South, in East, and West,
Each sought a new abode ; Thus, like a widening circle spread The family, from that fountain head, (vii)
GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Until from wild Atlantic's shore,
To mild Pacific's strand, The many members scattered o'er
The broad, and fertile land. And where they lit their household fires. Cherished the memories of their Sires.
Like us, they loved, and suffered much,
And bravely bore life's strain ; Their hearts throbbed to the self-same touch
Of Pleasure, and of Pain; Sought the same Father's Throne in Prayer, And felt the like supjiorting care.
So, as one treasures faded flowers
Or wood-bird's fallen plume. Recalling thus, long vanished hours
From grey oblivion's gloom, Mementos here we fondly lay Of those, who long have passed away.
Dear Lord of Love ! AVe pray Thee, bless
Our Family here below! Grant to us all, that happiness
Which those who serve Thee know. And when our earthly wanderings cease. Unite us in Thy Home of Peace !
September, 1898.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
St. Duxstax's Church, Stepxey, Loxdox — Exterior, 1898, . . . Froidlsplece
Dedicatiox,
St. Duxstax's Church, Stepxey, Loxdox — Exterior, 1755, 18
Kecord of Baptism of Axtiioxy Morris,- 1(35-1, 20
Map of Stepxey— 1703, 22
Map of Stepney— 1898, 22
St. Dunstan's Church, Stepxey, Loxdox — Exterior, 1785, 24
St. Dunstan's Church, Stepxey, Loxdox — Exterior, 1795, 24
St. Dunstan's Church, Stepxey, Loxdox — Exterior, 1809, 26
St. Dunstan's Church, Stepney, London- Ixterior, 1898, 26
Ligon's Map of Barbados, 28
Canal and Wharves at Bridgetown, Barbados, 30
A House in Barbados, 30
The Font, St. Dunstan's Church, Stepney, Loxdox, 32
Anthony Morris^ and Mary Jones Propose their Ixtextioxs of Mar- riage, 12 MO. 14, 1675, 34
AxTHONY Morris^ AND Mary Jones Propose their Ixtextioxs of IMar-
riage, 12 mo. 28, 1675, 34
Axthony Morris^ Produces his Certificate in London, 10 mo. 5, 1715, 34 Marriage Certificate of Anthony Morris^ and Mary Joxes, 1 mo.
30, 1676, 36
Certificate for Anthony' Morris^ and Wife from Friends at West- minster TO Friends in Burlington, N. J., 9 mo. 1, 1682, 38
A Silver Chafinct Dish Brought to America by Anthony Morris,-
1682, 40
A Silver Chafing Dish Brought to America by Anthony Morris, ^
1682, (Under Side,) 40
Friends' Meeting House, Burlington, N. J., 1683-1787, 42
Record of the Birth of "John ye son of Anthony and Mary
Morris," Burlington, N. J., 1685, 48
Portion of List of Subscribers to the ^Ieeting House, Burling- ton, X. J., 48
Marriage Certificate of Axtiioxy Morris- axd Agnes Bom, 8 mo.
28, 1689, 50
Enoch Flower — Autograph Signature, 53
(ix)
X GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
PAGE
Petition for Public School ix Philadelphia, 1697, 54
A Writ Signed by Judge Anthony Morris, 3 mo. 20, 1698, 58
The "Blue Anchor" and Drawbridge, Philadelphia, 60
Great Meeting House and Old Court House, Philadelphia, .... 60 Marriage Certificate of Anthony ^Morris- and Elizabei'h Watson,
8 MO. 30, 1700, 62
Isaac Norris — Autograph Signature, 63
Anthony Morris^ — Autograph Signature, 89
Thos. Chalkley — Autograph Signature, 89
Anthony Morris- receives Certificate from London Yearly Meeting,
4 MO. 25, 1716, 108
Elizabeth (Watson) Morris — Autograj)h Signature, 114
Anthony Morris^ — Autograph Signature to Will, 117
Morris Mansion, South Front Street, Philadelphia, 122
Morris Mansion, South Front Street, Philadelphia — Inside of Gable, 124
Family Bible of Anthony Morris, ^ 126
Family Bible of Anthony Morris^ — Title Page, 126
Family Bible of Anthony Morris- — Xew Testament Title Page, . . . 126
Family Bible of Anthony Morrls^ — A page of Entries, 126
Morris, Guest, Senior, and Chanders Relics, 128
Guest Relics — Brass Tongs, Shovel, And-Irons and Fender, 128
Provincial Currency, 1723, 139
Provincial Currency, 1759, 139
Plan of Independence Square, Philadelphia, 149
Petition for Pennsylvania Hospital, 1750, 154
Anthony Morris' — Autograph Signature, ... 155
A Letter from Anthony Morris' to his Son Samuel Morris.* .... 156
Anthony Morris'— Autograph Signature to Will, 163
Seal (Crest) attached to Will of Anthony Morris,' 163
Morris Mansion, North Second Street, Philadelphia, 164
Ancient Arm Chair used by the Guest Family in the Cave on the
Delaware, 174
Marrl\ge Certificate of James Morris' and Margaret Cook, 1709, . 178
Deed from W.m. Penn to James Morrls,' 1716, 178
Fowling Piece Presented by Wm. Penn to James 3Iorris, ' 180
Wm. Morris'— Autograph Signature, 181
Entries in Family Bible of Wm. Morris,' 182
^LvRRiAGE Certificate of Wm. Morris' and Rebecca Cadwalader, . . 192
Entries in the Family Bible of Wm. Morris,' 192
Entries in the Family Bible of Wm. Morris,' 196
John Cadwalader — Autograph Signature, 198
Sarah Morris' — Autograph Signature, 204
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XI
PAGE
LiTKE Morris'' — Autograph Signature, 212
Mary Allen's Silver Tea-pot and Salver, 212
Silver Tankard of AVm. Morris,^ 212
Certificate for Anthony Morris* from Philadelphia to Barbados, 218
The First Anthony' Morris Brew-house, Philadelphia, 220
Morris Brewery, Pear and Dock Streets, Philadelphia, 220
Marriage Certificate of Anthony Morris-* and Elizabeth Hudson,
1752, 222
Return Made by' Anthony' Morris* of Property' Possessed by him,
1765, 224
John Eeynell — Autograph Signature, 236
James Pemberton — Autograph Signature, 236
Edward Penington — Autograph Signature, 236
Richard Wells — Autograph Signature, . . , 236
Nicholas Waln — Autograph Signature, 236
Samuel Powell, Sr.^ — Autograph Signature, 238
Marriage Certificate James Morris* and Elizabeth Kearney, . . . 244
]\Iarriage Certificate Samuel Morris* and Hannah Cadwalader, . . 244
John Morris* — Autograph Signature, 250
Morris Mansion, "Mount Joy'," Spring Mill, 254
Spring Mill, 256
Samuel Morris* — Autograph Signature, 260
Hannah Cadwalader Morris — Portrait, 260
Family Bible of Samuel Morris,* 268
Entries in Family Bible of Sajiuel Morihs,* 270
Mary Powel — Autograph Signature, 271
Joseph Morris* — Portrait, 274
Joseph Morris* — Autograph Signature, 276
Deborah Morris — Autograph Signature, 280
Diploma of Benjamin Morris, M. D., 300
Wm. Morris* — Autograph Signature, «''08
Rebecca Morris — Autograph Signature, 310
Marriage Certificate of Wm. Morris* and Rebecca Richardson
Peters— 1752, 310
Joseph Richardson — Autograpla Signature, 311
Israel Morris* (Son OF W^M. Morris^ )— Autograph Signature, .... 314
Marriage Certificate of Israel Morris* and Phcebe Brown — 1761, . 314
Entries in Family Bible of Israel Morris,* 316
A Chest of Drawers which belonged to Israel AIorris,* 318
Samuel Morris, Jr., ^ — Autograph Signature, 320
Isaac Greenleafe — Autograph Signature, 320
Captain Samuel Morris — Portrait, 320
Xii GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
PAGE
Samuel Morris 5— Autogi-aph Signature, 320
Rebekah Morris — Autograph Signature, 321
Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse, Letter of Discharge from
Gen. Washington, Jan. 23, 1777, 330
Grandfather's Clock of Captain Samuel Morris, 352
" Forsterhaus," HiLSBACH, Baden, Germany, 1717, 356
Church at Gaibebg, 358
HiLSBACH — " Wirthschaft," 360
HiLSBACH — Town House, 360
HiLSBACH — Schooliiouse, 360
Caspar Wuster — Autograph Signature, 363
Deborah Franklin — Autograph Signature, 366
John Franklin — Autograph Signature, 369
Major Anthony Morris — Portrait, 374
Provincial Currency — 1772, 376
Provincial Currency — 1775, 376
Israel Morris' — Autograph Signature, 382
Sarah Buckley — Autograph Signature, 385
Wm. Buckley — Autograph Signature, 386
Thomas Morris' — Autograph Signature, 394
Westtown School, Boys' Wing and South Front, 1830-1885, 394
Wm. Morris, Sr. — Autograph Signature, 396
Wm. Morris^ — Autograph Signature, 397
Luke Morris' — Autograph Signature, 399
Anne Willing ■Morris — Portrait, 400
Isaac Morris^ — Autograph Signature, 404
Colonel Anthony James jNIorris — Autograph Signature, 405
]Maky Jones' — Autograph Signature, 408
Blathwaite Jones— Autograph Signature, 409
Margaret Hill— Portrait, Mr. 15, 414
Richard Hill — Autograph Signature, 425
]\Iary Morris' — Autograph Signature, 427
John Morris' — Autograph Signature, 428
Cadwalader Morris — Autogi-aph Signature, 434
Cadwalader Morris— Portrait, 434
Provincial Currency — 1772, 436
Provincial Currency — 1775, 436
Samuel C. Morris— Autograpli Signature, 437
Anthony C. Morris— Autograph Signature, 442
Martha ^Iorris — Autograph Signature, 449
Thomas Morris"' — Autograph Signature, 4.50
BEN.T.A.MIN Morris — Autograpli Signature, 452
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. xiu
PAGE
Samukl Powel' — Autograph Signature, .400
Samuel Powel^ — Portrait, 480
" PowEL Maxsion," South Third Street, PiiiLADELPuiA, 484
Martha Mifflin — Autograph Signature, 489
Phcebe 3I0RRIS — Autograph Signature, 489
George Mifflix — Autograph Signature, 490
James INIorris'' — Autograph Signature, 492
James jNIorris^ — Portrait, 492
Elizabeth Morris— Autograph Signature, 493
"Dawesfield," — Washixgtox's Headquarters, James 3Iokris', 1777, . 496
House of James Morris,* now kxowx as the " Detweiler House," . . 496
James Morris — Autograpli Signature, 503
Elizabeth JVIorris — Autograph Signature, 503
Isaac Griffix — Autograph Signature, 506
Nicholas Waln— Autograph Signature, 511
SusAXXA (NoRRis) MoRRis— Silhouette, . 520
Sarah Morris Wistar — Silhouette, 520
Benjamin AV. Morris — Autograph Signature, 522
Richard Wistar — Portrait, 522
Caspar W. Morris«— Portrait, 524
Caspar W. Morris'^ — Autograph Signature, 525
Elizabeth Giles INIorris — Portrait, 526
Caspar W. Morris" — Autograph Signature, 527
Anthony Morris"— Autograph Signature, 528
Anthony Morris" — Portrait, 530
"The Highlands," Georgetown, D. C, 536
"The Highlands," Montgomery Co., Pa., 536
Luke W. Morris — Autograph Signature, 540
Luke W. Morris — Portrait, 540
Isaac W. Morris — Autograph Signature, 542
Isaac ^X. 3Iorris— Portrait, 542
"Cedar Grove," 544
Catharine W. Morris — Autograph Signature, 556
Catharine W. Morris — Portrait, • • 556
Israel W. Morris — Portrait, 55(>
3IARY Hollingsworth ]Morris — Portrait, 558-559
Israel W. Morris — Portrait, 558-559
3I0RRIS Mansion, Green Hill Farm, 560
Thomas Franklin" — Autograph Signature, 563
Thomas Franklin"— Portrait, 564
EzEKiEL Robins — Autograph Signature, 566
Mary Haviland Franklin — Portrait, 566
XIV GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
PAGE
Anthony Franklin — Portrait, 566
Nathan Combes — Autograph Signature, 567
Elizabeth Franklin — Autograph Signature, 567
John Townsend — Autograph Signature, 568
Lydia Lawrence Fr.\nklin — Portrait, 568
Anthony Morris Buckley — Autograph Signature, 572
Anthony Morris Buckley — Portrait, 572
Joseph Saunders IMorris — Portrait, 574
Thomas Morris'^ — Portrait, 576
"Warder Morris — Autograph Signature, 578
Warder Morris — Portrait, 578
Thomas Willing Morris — Portrait, 580
Morris-Littell House, Germantown, 582
"Ivy Lodge," Germantown, 582
Susannah Budd Jones Shober — Portrait, 584
Isaac Collins — Autograph Signature, 590
EiCHARD Hill Morris — Autograph Signature, 596
Samuel Milligan — Autograph Signature, 605
Samuel Milligan — Portrait, 604
Hester Griffitts — Portrait, 608
Prof. Samuel Powel Griffitts, M. D. — Portrait, 610
Caspar Wistar, M. D. — Autograph Signature, 612
Prof. Caspar Wistar, M. D. — Portrait, 614
Ann Rothwell — Autograph Signature, 626
Thomas Rothwell— Autograph Signature, 626
James Morris, Jr. — Autograph Signature, 627
Elizabeth B. Morris — Autograph Signature, 627
Rebecca Corse— Autograph Signature, 627
James R. Corse — Autograph Signature, G29
Susan E. Morris Morrison — Portrait, 648
Samuel Wells INIorris (Judge) —Portrait, 650
Jacob S. Waln — Autograph Signature, 654
Jacob S. AValn — Portrait 654
Samuel B. Morris— Autograph Signature, 664
Samuel B. Morris — Silhouette, . . 664
Westtown School — Boys' Wing and South Front, 1898, 666
John Perot — Silhouette, . . 068
Elliston Perot — Silhouette, 668
Morris Mansion, Germantown, 678
Washington's Breakfast Parlor, Morris Mansion, Germantown, . . 680
Hall, Staircase and Dining Room, Morris Mansion, Germantown, . . 682
Anthony P. Morris— Autograph Signature, 684
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XV
PAGE
Anthony P. Morris— Portrait, 684
"Farm View," Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, 686
Anna Husband Morris — Portrait, • 688
Edward S. Morris— Portrait, 600
Isaac P. Morris— Portrait, 692
Isaac P. Morris— Autograph Signature, 693
Rebecca (Thompson) Morris — Portrait, 694
" Compton," Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, 696
Caspar Morris, M. D. — Portrait, 700
Caspar Morris, M. T). — Autograph Signature, 701
"Harriton," = . . . . 704
Harriton Cemetery — Interior, 704
Elizabeth Longstreth Morris — Portrait, 706-707
Israel Morris— Portrait, 706-707
Richard H. Downing — Portrait, 707
Jacob P. Jones — Portrait, 707
" DuNDALE," Residence of Mr. Israel Morris, Upton, Pennsylvania
Railroad, 708
WisTAE Morris— Portrait, 709
Morris Franklin — Portrait, 710
Elizabeth Franklin Smart — Portrait, 712-713
William Smart — Portrait, 712-713
Francis Perot — Portrait, 720
Anthony Saunders Morris — Portrait, 722
Catharine Ann Snyder, ^Et. 7 — Portrait, 726
Catharine Ann (Snyder) Shober, with Two Grandchildren, Catharine
Ann Drinker and Robert Morton Drinker — Portraits, 726
Samuel Lieberkuhn Shober — Portrait, . . . 728
Mary Ann Bedford Shober — Portrait, 730
Isaac Collins —Autograpli Signatui'e, 731
Edmund Morris — Portrait 736
John Jay Smith — Autograph Signature, 738
John Jay Smith —Portrait ' . 738
Charles Moore AYheatley', A. M. — Portrait, 744
Joseph Saunders Lewis— Silhouette, 748
Frances Montgomery-- Lewis — Silhouette, 748
A Group of Silhouettes of Descendants of James Morris,^ 772
William Ellis Morris— Portrait, 816
Right Rev. Benjamin Wistar Morris, D. D., Bishop of Oregon — Portrait, 818
Richard Vaux — Autograph Signature, 824
Richard Vaux — Portrait, 826
Phineas Pemberton Morris — Portrait, 838
Xvi GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
PAGE
\Vesttown School— Girls' Wing and South Feont, 1898, 840
Morris Mansion, South Eighth Street, Philadelphia, 852
Parlor in the Morris Mansion, South Eighth Street, Philadelphia, 852 Dining Eoom in the Morris Mansion, South Eighth Street, Phila- delphia, 852
Sarah Morris Vaux — Portrait, 854
Residence of ]Mr. Theodore H. Morris, Upton, Pennsylvania Kail- road, 855
Residence of :\Ir. Frederick W. ^Morris, Upton, Pennsylvania Rail- road, 855
Anna Morris — Portrait, 856
"Chew" House, Germantoavn, 910
Morris, Hudson, Warder Plate, 916
Morris, Cadwalader, Strettell Plate, 916
Residence of Mrs. Wm. McNair, Minneapolis, Minn., 952
A Hall in the McNair Residence, Minneapolis, Minn., 952
Thomas B. Morris — Portrait, 992
Roland Sletoe Morris — Portrait, 994
Westtown School — Avenue in Winter, 1008
Israel and Elisabeth Morris, with their Children and Grand- children, on the Fiftieth Annwersary of their Wedding, . . . 1020
"Ernesta" — AiMEE Ernesta Drinker — Portrait, 1036
"Brother and Sister" — Philip Drinker — Aimee Ernesta Drinker —
Portraits, 1038
Schuylkill FisiiiNt; Co. — Seal of Incorporation — 1844, 1086
NOTES OF A
VISIT TO ST. DUNSTAN'S CHURCH, STEPNEY,
LONDON, ENGLAND.
By Robert C. Moon, M. D.
One of the greatest charms of travel, attends the visiting of places associated with the illustrious departed, — a pleasure which is enhanced, when we take a personal interest in the history of such individuals. It is, therefore, no matter of surprise, that an irresistible impulse of reverence, and curiosity, should have led me, during ni}'^ residence in London in 1893, to make a pilgrim- age to Stepney, with the object of visiting St. Dunstan's Church, where Anthony Morris,^ an ancestor of my wife, and the progen- itor of the family of that name, in America, was baptized in the year of our Lord, 1654.
A brief run by railroad from Fenchurch St. station, brought me to Stepney station, in Commercial Road East. I then pro- ceeded northward, for about half a mile, until I reached the fine old Parish Church, dedicated to St. Dunstan.
It is situated in a large churchyard, which is celebrated for its quaint epitaphs, but the limited amount of time at my disposal, would not permit of my making a close inspection of the tombstones. I soon, however, observed a man who was energetically beating hassocks, and upon entering into conversa- tion with him, discovered that he was the sexton of the church.
At my request, he willingly left the hassocks, to conduct me through the church, and to point out some of its objects of particular interest. The first to which he drew m}^ attention was a " rood " — a representation of the " crucifixion," — of very ancient date, roughly carved in stone over the South Porch, on the outside of the church.
Upon entering the church, one sees a monument of Dame Rebecca Berry, 1696, wife of Sir John Berry, and afterward of Thomas Elton of Stratford-le Bow.
Near to this monument stands
The Font, which is said to be at least 600 years old. The basin is of white marble, elegantly carved, square in shape, and supported by a
(17)
18 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
circular pillar surrounded by four smaller cylindrical pillars of dark marble; these stand upon a base of stone, carved in the form of a cross. The Font is now situated in the Nave, but until quite recenth^, it stood a few feet nearer to the side entrance. As I gazed upon that Font, I tried to picture to myself a " christening in ye olden time," and then my thoughts rapidly flew away to the other side of the Atlantic, where, in the New World, ten generations, rejoicing in the time-honored name of *' Morris," had sprung from the loins of a babe who was bap- tized at that very Font, and in that very church, 239 years before.*
I next followed my guide up one of the aisles, to the altar rails. On the northern side of the chancel, I was shown an oblique slit in the wall, with glass inserted in the outer end. This the sexton informed me was the " Leper^s Squint.^' I won- dered what he could mean by " Leper's Squint," for although I had been familiar with a variety of " Squints " for many years, I had never before heard of a " Leper's Squint ! " He explained to me, that in former times when Leprosy was very common, its victims, whilst strictl}^ forbidden to enter the church, were per- mitted to look through the opening, upon the priest at the altar. The "slit," he said, was originally in the outer wall of the church, which has been considerablv widened since those early times. I was next shown the Sedilia — ancient and elegantly carved stone seats with pointed arches — upon the opposite side of the chancel.
The magnificent Altar Window is of modern construction. On the left of the altar is the handsome canopied tomb of Sir Henry Colet. He was twice Lord Mayor of London, and was the father of Dean Colet. Sir Thomas Speat, founder of the Trinity House, and comptroller of the Navy under Henry VIH., is also buried here.
In the vestry are several engravings of the church, and its objects of interest at different dates. These engravings have been taken from various works on ecclesiastical architecture, and have been neatly framed and hung upon the walls. There are also a map of Stepney as it was in 1703, a likeness of Dean Colet, a former Vicar of considerable note, and also a list of the Rectors and Vicars of the parish from 1233 to the present time.
*Now (1898) 244 years ago.
ST. DUNSTAN'S CHURCH, STEPNEY, LONDON, 1755
VISIT TO ST. DUNSTAN's CHURCH, STEPNEY. 19
The original vestry was evidently very small, but it has been greatly enlarged in modern times, and has spacious receptacles for the vestments and surplices of the clergymen and choristers of the church.
As we re-entered the Nave of the church, my guide pointed out that the seats were modern, and so constructed that they could bo tilted upon their ends, to permit of the stone pavement being scoured and flushed with water, which seemed to be an excellent sanitary provision. Many elegant marble tablets adorn the interior of the church.
Before we made our exit, my attention was called to the " Carthage Stone," within the West Porch. This stone is said to have been taken from the wall of ancient Carthage. It was inserted into the wall of this church by Thomas Hughes, 1663. The following is a copy of the lines inscribed upon its face : —
" Of Carthage wall I was a stone, O mortals read with pity ! Time consumes all, it spareth none, Man, mountain, town, nor city. Therefore, O mortals ! now bethink
You whereunto you must, Since now such stately buildings Lie buried in the dust.
" Thomas Hughes, 1663."
During our stroll through the church I made inquir}^ of the sexton as to the best way of gaining a sight of the old Baptismal Register for 1654. He suggested that I should call upon the Parish Clerk, who could assist me in searching the "Records." Accordingly I wended my way to the house of the Parish Clerk (on Stepney green), but upon reaching it, found that he was from home. I therefore arranged to meet him at the church somewhat later in the day. Upon inquiring if there were any places of interest in the neighborhood, which I could visit in the interim, I learned that
The People's Palace,
in the Mile End Road, was within an easy walking distance. I found that it was an elegant structure, with a spacious hall, capable of holding more than 3000 persons. At one end was a very fine organ surmounting a raised orchestra. I was much struck with the elegance of the organ and the inscription upon
20 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
it, which was to the effect that it was presented to the People's Palace by a Mr. Edwards " in remembrance of a beloved and good " father, with the hope that its solemn and sweet tones ma}^ often "bring comfort and rest to many a weary heart."
In the centre of the gallery at the opposite end of the building, was a tinted statue of Queen Victoria, who opened the Palace in May, 1887. Adjoining the large hall, and of similar length, was a Winter Garden, enclosed with glass and containing rare and luxuriant ferns and palms. This annex was designed as a free promenade for the people in the afternoon of the day, and comfortable seats w^ere ranged around for visitors to rest upon. Attached to the great hall were several class rooms, where instruc- tion is given upon various scientific and technical subjects at a nominal cost. Behind it was a large library, in the reading room of which, I found about 300 workingmen comfortably seated at tables, attentively reading magazines, periodicals, and news- papers upon all kinds of subjects, ranging from chemistry and electricity, to boot and shoe making. Here I had also the pleasure of finding a complete library of books for the blind, embossed upon the system invented by my late blind father. Dr. William Moon, of Brighton, England. These books had been recenth^ contributed to the People's Palace Library by his friend, the late Sir Charles Lowther (of Wilton Castle), who was also blind, and who, although ninety-two years old, enjoyed reading by my father's embossed books, until the close of his life in 1894.
I would have liked to linger at the "Palace," to inspect the details of the great and good work which was being carried on there, for the benefit of the poor of the district, but time would not permit. I, however, took a farewell look at the exterior of the building, and in doing so, saw a placard announcing the performance of Mendelssohn's Oratorio of "St. Paul," by some of the most celebrated artistes on the following evening. The price of admission was " three pence " (six cents) ! I marvelled that so little was generally known of what w^as being done in London, for the elevation of the masses, as opportunities were here being afforded the poorest, to become acquainted with the best musical works, and to study many of the useful arts and sciences.
With such reflections upon what I had seen, I soon retraced my steps to St. Dunstan's Church. I was at once conducted by
VISIT TO ST. DUNSTAn's CHURCH, STEPNEY. 21
the sexton into the vestry, where I was soon joined by the Parish Clerk. He very readily gave me access to the " Records " of the church, which date back to 1546. I was amazed to see how well they were j)reserved, although in some of the earlier entries, the peculiar caligraphy was rather difficult to decipher. However, there was no difficulty in making out the following entry in the book of "Christenings" Anno. 1654: —
" August 25, Anthony sonne of Anthony Moores of Oldgravel- laine, Marin'' & Elizab*''— 2 days old."
As I was looking at the entry the clerk explained that in those days the clergymen advised parents to have their infants baptized as early as possible. But, as I continued to examine the entry without replying to his remark, he eyed me very curiously, and when I looked up, he said " Why sir. Bishop Morris, "the Bishop of Oregon, was here four years ago and he searched "for that very same entry, and had it photographed to take back " with him to Oregon." * I explained to the Clerk that I was a connection of the Bishop's by marriage, as he and my wife were cousins, whereupon he became more and more communicative. "Bishop Morris preached here too. Sir," he said, "and such a rousing sermon he gave us. It must have been about five years ago that he was here, and I robed him, and as I robed him, he remarked, 'We can't always robe in this way in my diocese, for many a time I've had to robe behind the trees.' Ah, Sir," said the Clerk, "he was a powerful preacher when he did begin, but you wouldn't think he was a Bishop when he only had his plain black tie on. In his sermon — I remember it as well as can be, — he told the people that so many hundreds of years ago, an ancestor of his was baptized in this church, and he threw his whole heart and soul into that sermon. Yes, I remember him well ; I robed him, Sir, I robed the Bishop." This seemed to be one of the Parish Clerk's proudest reminiscences. I asked him if I could not have a photograph of the entry in the "Records." He replied, " Of course you can. Sir; you shall have exactly the same kind of an entry that the Bishop had." " And the Font too ?" I enquired. " No, not the Font, Sir," he answered ; " the Font has never been photographed." " But " I said, " let me have
* Bishop Morris visited Saint Dunstan's Church, Stepney, on Aug. 25, 1888, at which time he searched for the entry of Baptism referred to above.
22 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
the Font done; I want not only a photograph of the register of the baptism of that celebrated ancestor of my wife, but also a photograph of the very Font at which he was presented and baptized." Finally, the worthy Clerk agreed to provide me with all I required, and I have the pleasure of here inserting repro- ductions of the two photographs for the inspection of my readers.
After searching the Records of Christenings for 1654, it occurred to me that it might be well to search those of Marriages for about a year previously, and to my surprise, I found that the record of Marriages, which had been regularly kept for more than a hundred years, from 1568, suddenly broke off in February, 1653, and there were no entries of marriages again until 1658. This break in the record, the clerk said, was due to the Protec- torate of Cromwell, during which time, he said, "people could meet and marry one another at the corner of a street if they pleased, and have any one they chose to witness the ceremony." "Ah! those were dreadful times," said the Clerk. "Why, that Cromwell came here and robbed this church of lots of things." I could but call to mind, how at that period, churches and sepulchres, fine works of art, and curious remains of antiquity, were brutally defaced by Cromwell's troops ; and truly too many of the cathedrals and churches still bear the marks of the hatred with which those stern spirits regarded every vestige of popery. I availed myself of the opportunity to search back for several years in the Marriage Register, for the entry of a marriage of an Anthony Morris, but could find none ; which appears to be a confirmation of the tradition that Anthony Morris, "Mariner," had migrated from some other place, to take up his abode in Stepney.
Having procured all the information that seemed available in the "Records," I parted from the Parish Clerk, but before leaving the neighborhood, I sought for some historical facts con- nected with Stepney and its Parish Church.
^^J 'f
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MAP OF STEPNEY, 1703
MAP OF STEPNEY, 1898
STEPNEY AND ITS PARISH CHURCH.
The grand old church, built in the perpendicular style of architecture, dates back to Saxon times, at least a thousand years ago. It was dedicated originally to All Saints, but at the end of the tenth century it was rebuilt by St. Dunstan, who for a short time was Bishop of London, and was probably, therefore, Lord of the Manor of Stepney, and quite possibly he lived in the parish. In gratitude for this action, when St. Dunstan was canonized, the church was put under his especial patronage.
Internally, the structure consists of a chancel, nave and two aisles separated by clustered columns and pointed arches. At the west end of the church is a square tower. The windows are various, but for the most part, of the architecture which prevailed in the fourteenth century. Those in the north aisle have obtuse arches of a later date.
This church has undergone restorations, but in 1847 was thoroughly repaired under the direction of Benjamin Ferrey, Architect.*
This Church of St. Dunstan's, Stepney, must not be confounded with other churches in London dedicated to the same patron saint. Not far from Temple Bar, is a St. Dunstan's Church, which was built by John Shaw in 1831-33, on the site of an older church {Vide Blunt's " London," p. 305).
We present illustrations of the exterior of St. Dunstan's Church, Stepney, as it has appeared at various periods, 1755, 1785, 1795, 1809, and 1898.
Stepney is 2^ miles from St. Paul's Cathedral eastward, and is at the present time connected with the City of London. In the thirteenth century, however, the name "Stepney'' (which has gradually become modified from Stebonheath,t Stibenhede, Stebenhythe, Stebenhethe and Stebonhuth) comprised one large parish, as yet entirely undivided, and St. Dunstan's remained
* Vide " London Past and Present," Whealley and Cunningham, Vol. i., p. 538. Lysons' " Environs of London," Vol. iii., p. 428.
t Stebonheath, although the most common of the older forms, is not con- nected with the word ' heath,' but with the old word ' hythe ' (meaning a small port or harbour), which we find also in the name Rotherhithe, and Lambeth,
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24 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
the only parish cliurch, but early in the fourteenth century, other churches erected at Whitechapel and Stratford Bow, began to lighten the mother church, which was being served by two clergy; (1) the Rector or person appointed by the Bishop, and (2) the Vicar — a deputy, whom the Rector appointed.
Rectors and vicars of the parish were appointed from 1233 up to the year 1710, when the tw^o offices of Rector and Vicar were united, since which time there have been no more Vicars of Stepney.
Colet was Vicar of the church before he was Dean of St. Paul's. He was follow^ed by Richard Pace, also Dean of St. Paul's, de- scribed by Erasmus, who was his intimate friend, and addressed many of his letters to him, as "utriusque literature calentis- simus," and by Stow, as "endowed with many excellent gifts of " nature ; courteous, pleasant, and delighting in music : highly "in the King's favour and well heard in matters of w^eight." In 1527 he was sent as Ambassador to Venice. Afterwards he lost the royal favour through the influence of Wolsey, and was imprisoned for two years in the Tower. On his release, he lived in retirement at Stepney, and was buried near the altar of the church. William Jerome, who was presented to the Vicarage of Stepney soon after the death of Pace, was executed for heresy in 1540. Stepney was the scene of a parliament under Edward I., and the Bishops of London had a country palace and park here till the reign of Elizabeth.
Toward the close of the sixteenth century, Puritanism — using the word in the Elizabethan sense, was finally established in Stepney, and continued to flourish there during the earlier part of the seventeenth century. In the course of time, naany changes took place in the parish church ; among others being the appoint- ment in 1654, by the Keeper of the Liberties in England, of an able man named William Greenhill, to succeed Dr. Hoyle as Vicar. He was one of the Westminster Assembly of Divines,
etc. The meaning of the word can hardly be stated with any certainty. The name also appears as Stibbenhidde or Stebenheth in early deeds, the affix indicating the hid or hoeredium of a Saxon freeman.
Vide " The Environs of London," by Rev. Daniel Lysons, 1795. Lysons says "I know not how to complete the etymology unless we suppose it to have been the timber wharf, from Steb, the trunk of a tree. Some have taken Stiben or Steben for a corruption of Steven."
ST. DUNSTAN'S CHURCH, STEPNEY, 1785
ST. DUNSTAN'S CHURCH, STEPNEY, 1795
STEPNEY AND ITS PARISH CHURCH. 25
was made Chaplain to the King's children, and one of the com- missioners to try public preachers. In 1644 he had been one of the original members of the Independent Congregation in Stepney, and most probably was the prime mover in it, and its first pastor. This did not prevent him from accepting the position and pay of the Vicarage of Stepney, though he had thus formally separated himself from the Church, a course for which his own followers have not failed to censure him. In other respects he was a man of deep piety and learning, as his works show. He and his Independent Congregation were in possession of the Parish Church until the Restoration of the Monarchy under Charles the Second in 1660, when the Church and Prayer Book were restored, and Greenhill and his congregation were driven out to seek another home. After some unsettled years, they found a final resting place in the " Old Stepney Meeting House," built in 1674.*
The following is the record in the Church Book of this Inde- pendent Congregation at Stepney, which has lasted upwards of 250 years.
" The Church being constituted by the mutual consent and agreement of Henry Barton and his wife, William Parker, John Odingsell, William Greenhill and John Pococke in the presence of Mr. Henry Burton, pastor of a Church in London, to walk in all the ways of Christ held out unto them in the Gospel, and having the right hand of fellowship given them by the afore- mentioned, and owned for a true church of Jesus Christ, there were added unto them from time to time as followeth:" The roll thus commenced, contains the names of all that have joined the Church from then to the present time, the same book being still used.
Mr. A. C. Jones, in " Early Days of Stepney Meeting " (p. 24), writes : " Bearing in mind that at the time (i. e. 1656) Pastor William Greenhill was also Vicar of Stepney Church, and was one of the leading divines of the Independent body, it will be seen that the Church at Stepney Meeting was now an important
*Tlie writer, being desirous of knowing whether Anthony Morris and Elizabeth Senior were ever connected with the Stepney (Congregational) meet- ing, made inquiries relative to the matter, of the Rev. Charles Chambers, the present minister of the Congregation, who very kindly searched the records and courteously rephed " There was no one of the name mentioned in Church fellowship."
26 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
one, both in point of numbers and from the Social standing of man}^ of its members, as well as from the high position attained by its Pastor." On page 33 Mr. Jones says : " It is pretty certain that during these years (1653-1660) our Church met in the Parish Church for public worship and for its meetings."
Simultaneously with the religious movement in the 17th century, the development of naval enterprise was revolutioniz- ing the parish. The growth of shipbuilding in the Thames began with the reign of Henry the Seventh, and mainly at three cen- tres, Ratclifte, Blackwall and Deptford ; it was here that the royal navy began to become England's great power, and London began to attract to itself the chief men of enterprise from other parts of England. The direct consequence of the activity at RatclifFe, was a parallel development in the neighboring parish of Stei3ney.
It is a curious circumstance that all the children born at sea are supposed to belong by law to the Parish of Stepney ; and in consequence of that, paupers born at sea have been sent here from almost every parish in the kingdom.
The old rhyme runs : —
" He who sails on the wide sea Is a parishioner of Stepney."
On Sunday, Aug. 26, 1894, the day following the 240th anni- versarv of the baptism of Anthony Morris,- the Rev. Thomas Gardiner Littell, D. D. (a lineal descendant), and his family, attended service at St. Dunstan's Church, Stepney, London. The Rev. John Stockton Littell, Dr. Littell's eldest son officiated, and his father preached.
ST. DUNSTAN'S CHURCH, STEPNEY, LONDON,
ST. DUNSTAN'S CHURCH, STEPNEY, LONDON, 1898.- Interior
THE MORRIS FAMILY
OF
PHILADELPHIA,
FOUNDED BY
ANTHONY MORRIS,
Born at Stepney, London, England. Aug. 23. 1654. Baptized at St. Dunstan's Church, Stepney, London, Aug. 25, 1654. Died at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Oct. 23, 1721.
FIRST GENERATION.
"The Glory of children are their fathers." Prov. xvii. 6.
Anthony Morris/ the fiither of the Anthony Morris, who afterwards emigrated to America, is described in the Baptismal Register, ah-eady referred to, as a " Mariner," having his resi- dence in Old Gravel Lane, in the parish of Stepney, London. According to tradition, he w^as of Welsh extraction, and was probably b. about 1630. Until recently there was no knowledge of the ancestry of the family, or of any member of it, prior to Anthony Morris, the " Mariner." It may, therefore, be conve- nient to continue to style him the "first," as has been the custom in the family, in recent times. The writer has, however, discov- ered records, which throw some light upon the antecedents of Anthony Morris, " Mariner." From these records, it appears that Anthony Morris, '' Mariner," was the son of another "Anthony Morris" (b. about 1600), who was at one time a resident "of Read- ing in Great Britain," but subsequently he became a resident "of Barbados in the West Indies." It is evident that this branch of the Morris family at some time, came from a distant part of Great Britain, as one of the records referred to, states that " The Family removed from Leicestershire to London."
It is not surprising, that an enterprising young " Mariner " should have been attracted to the Metropolis, which had, in the
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28 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
middle of the seventeenth century, a population of half a milKon, more than seventeen times as large as that of Bristol, or any other city of the kingdom. It had in the world only one commercial rival — the then mighty and opulent Amster- dam, and English writers boasted of the forest of masts, and yard arms, which covered the River Thames from the Bridge to the Tower of London.
Anthony Morris,^ " Mariner," m. Elizabeth Senior, probably in 1653, or perhaps at a somewhat earlier date, and he made voyages between London and the Island of Barbados, the most eastern of the Caribbean Islands in the West Indies.
BARBADOS.
Barbados is 21 miles long and 14J miles at its broadest part. The island is almost encircled by coral reefs, making it extremely dangerous for navigation.
Barbados is known to the initiated as "Bimshire," and a Bar- badian as a " Bim," but nobody appears to know the reason why. The Portuguese called the island "The Bearded," from the masses of grey moss which hung down from the Banyan trees.
Barbados came into the possession of the British in 1G05, when the crew of the " Olive Branch " landed, and erected a cross as a memorial of the event, cutting at the same time, upon the bark of a tree, the words "James, King of England, and of this Island," but 1625 is the date of the earliest English settle- ment of the island. The first settlers cultivated maize, sweet potatoes, plantains and yams for their own consumption, and indigo, cotton wool, tobacco, ginger and aloes for export. Quan- tities of logwood, fustic and lignum vitee were also shipped. But the adaptability of the soil for cane becoming known, sugar soon became the great staple in the colony. Such were probably the articles in which Anthony Morris^ and his father traded.
About the year 1646, Captain Swan, who was Surveyor of the Island, drew a draught of it, and gave it to the Governor, who carried it with him to England, and so it was lost, but he gave Mr. Ligon a copy of it, which was engraved, and is the same as that put before Ligon's " History of Barbados," published in 1673. A copy of the map, which is here introduced, shows the name of " Moris " given to a house represented as being near to
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FIRST GENERATION. 29
the " Bridge." Another house shown upon the map is marked " Jones," and two others are marked " Powell."
Mr. Ligon, who was resident in the island from 1647 to 1(350, thus writes : " There are many places in this Island which may justly be called towns, as containing many fine, long and spacious streets, furnished with a great number of noble structures built by the officers and inhabitants of this colon3^ Indeed, taking a full Prospect of the whole Island, a man might take it for one great city, inasmuch as the houses are at no great distance one from another ; that many of these are very well built according to the manner of building in England, that the shops and store- houses are well provided with all sorts of commodities; that there are many fairs and markets, and lastly, that the whole island, as great cities are, is divided into several parishes. The most considerable inhabitants think themselves so well settled, that 'tis seldom seen they ever remove thence."
Such was the state of Barbados about the year 1650, when the population was computed at 50,000, exclusive of negroes, and it is a matter of astonishment to think what progress this colony had made in 20 years time. The writer of the " British Empire in America" says:* "This island was the soonest peopled of all our colonies, the riches of the planters, produced by that of the soil, tempted gentlemen of estates to transport themselves to im- prove them." "The people that went thither from England could not be so mean as those that transported themselves to other parts of America, because to raise a plantation required a stock of some Thousands of pounds, which were not so common, as they are now, though we do not live in the most abounding times."!
In the latter part of 1655 Ann Austin and Mary Fisher, two ministers of the Society of Friends, reached Barbados from Eng- land, and in 1671 George Fox, accompanied by a number of other Friends, visited and organized the Society there. A wonderful revival followed, and many joined the Society, which greatly flour- ished. At one time there were at least five meetings in existence so that " Friends " must have been comparatively numerous.
Thomas Chalkley repeatedly visited Barbados during the early part of the last (18th) century, when there were Meeting
*Vide "British Empire in America," London, 1741, Vol. ii., p. 124. -\lhid., Vol. ii., p. 14.
30 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Houses at Bridgetown, Speight's Town, the Spring, the Thickets, Pumpkin Hill and Heathcote's Bay, in most of which large and open meetings were held. But even at that time the Society in the island was in a declining condition. This was greatly due to a considerable emigration of Friends from Barbados to New England, Philadelphia and other places on the North American Continent. James Cresson in his Diary, written in Barbados in 1785,* states that he " found all the meeting houses belonging to Friends that were in the Island thrown down." He had a view of the Monthly Meeting Books of the Island from the year 1715 to 1760, when they dropt their Quarterly and Monthly Meetings.
At an early date the island was divided into six parishes, viz: Christ Church, St. Michael's (Bridge Town), St. James's, St. Thomas's, St. Peter's and St. Lucy's. The number of parishes was afterwards increased so that in 1711 there were: St. Michael's or Bridge Town, St. George's, St. James's or the ''Hole'' St. Thomas's, St. Peter's or Speight's Town, All Saints' Chapel, St. Lucy's, St. Andrew's, St. Joseph's, St. John's, St. Philip's, Christ Church or Oistin's.
Bridge Town is situated in the innermost part of the bay, com- monly called Carlisle Bay. Formerly a small river fell into the bay at the Bridge. Bridge Town in 1741 contained 1200 houses, built of stone, the windows glazed, the streets broad, houses high, "and the rents as dear in Cheapside, in the Bridge, as in Cheapside in London." t
" It is a great misfortune to us," says the same writer, " that about the year 1666 the Bridge Town was burnt and all the chief records lost * * * no Records are kept of it in England." X The hurricane of 31st August, 1675, and others since that time, wrought terrible havoc in the island. It is therefore most diffi- cult to find any records referring to the members of the Anthony Morris family, who were among the early settlers in the island.
" The Hole" lies seven miles from the Bridge. In 1741 it had about 100 houses in it. " Speight's Town," situated about three and a half miles from " The Hole," was in 1741 " the most con- .-^iderable place in the Island next to the Bridge." § It was at
"^Vide "The Friend," Vol. Ix., p. 178.
-fVide "British Empire in America," Vol. ii., p. 98.
t Ibid., -p. 5. 'ilbkl,ip.l01.
CANAL AND WHARVES AT BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS
A HOUSE IN BARBADOS
FIRST GENERATION. 31
first called Little Bristol. It consisted of one long street, called Jew Street, and three others that led down to the water side ; the whole making above 300 houses. It was much frequented by the Bristol men when it was built."
There was a fine church in it dedicated to St. Peter.
The writer learns from a resident in Barbados, that there is at the present time, an estate called "Senior" in a parish just beyond Speight's Town. It may have been so called after some of the family of that name. On Captain Swan's (Ligou's) map we find " Senex " (another form of " Senior ") marked near to Speight's Town church. These facts are sufficient to suggest the possibility of Anthony Morris, " Mariner," having m. " Elizabeth Senior " in Barbados.
At the present day the scene which presents itself to the traveller's charmed gaze on his arrival at Carlisle Bay, Barba- dos, is the very remarkable activity and bustle, in many ways interesting and picturesque. At no other place in the West Indies is gathered so great a fleet of merchantmen and coasting- vessels. Ships of all nations are collected here, and motley crowds of sailors loiter on the wharves.
Barbados is now one grand sugar estate, and has the appear- ance of a well kept garden. Every acre of tillable ground has been broken by the plough, and year by year yields greater in- crease. Ninet}^ per cent, of the population of Barbados (in 1897 estimated at 186,000) are either of pure African or mixed blood, but most of the negroes here are of the better class. English is universally spoken.*
Bridgetown is the principal town of the island, and it is a busy prosperous city, devoted to buying and selling.
Anthony Morris, " Mariner," was unhappily, according to one account, "lost at sea" in 1655-6, on a return voyage from this island to his native country, Britain, or according to an entry in an old family Bible, " he died in Barbados." His wife and only child, Anthony, survived him.
As will be seen from other parts of this work, several mem- bers of this branch of the Morris family lived in, or traded with, Barbados, so that the connection of the family with the island extended over a considerable period.
* Vide " Colonial Office List for 1897 " by John Andrews, p. 24.
SECOND GENERATION.
"Every one may arrive at true nobility, by the ways of virtue and goodness." William Pen'n.
Anthony Morris,^ son of Anthony Morris/ " Mariner," and Elizabeth Senior, was b. in Old Gravel Lane, Stepne}^ London, in the Kingdom of Great Britain, on Aug. 23, 1654, and was bapt. Aug. 25, 1654, at St. Dunstan's Church, Stepney.* He d. in Philadelphia, 8 mo. 23d, 1721.
He was m. four times. He m. 1st at the meeting at Savoy, in the Strand, London, 1st mo. 30th, 1676, Mary Jones, who d. in Philadelphia, 3d mo. 8th, 1688. He m. secondly at Philadelphia ^^lonthly Meeting, 8th mo. 28th, 1689, Agnes Bom, widow of Cornelius Bom. She d. 5th mo. 26th, 1692; Anthony Morris m. thirdly, Jan. 18, 1693/4, at Newport, Rhode Island, Mary Cod- dington, widows of Thomas Coddington,t of Rhode Island, and dau. of John Howard, of Yorkshire, England. She d. 7th mo. 25th, 1699. Anthony Morris m. at Philadelphia Monthly fleet- ing, 8th mo. 30th, 1700, his fourth wife, Elizabeth AVatson, dau. of Luke and Sarah Watson. Elizabeth Morris d. Feb. 2. 1767, in her 94th year.
.. Anthony Morris- w^as baptized wdien two days old. The record of his baptism, which is faithfully preserved in the Stepney Parish "Register," has been already described. It is probable that the ceremony of baptism or " Christening," as, at that time, it was more commonly called, was performed by the Rev. AVilliam Greenhill, who was appointed Vicar, June 2, 1654.
■^ Since that time the Parish of Stepney has been divided into several par- ishes, so tliat Old Gravel Lane is now in \Yapping, and runs directly north and south between the West and East London Docks, down to the entrance of the famous Thames Tunnel. A glance at the map of the District in 1703 will suffice to show, that large open spaces then intervened between Old Gravel Lane and Stepney proper, all of which are now (1898) covered with houses.
At the time that Anthony Morris was b., Stepney was a quiet suburban village, with old fashioned houses and streets, lying somewhat secluded from the great highway into Essex, and reached by IMile End Green, now Stepney Green, surrounded by its verdant fields and pleasant walks, with the old Church in its large churchyard, King John's palace standing near the Green, and Dean Colet's house at the corner of White Horse Street and Salmon's Lane.
t Thomas Coddington was a son of Governor William Coddington, of Rhode Island.
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THE FONT ST. DUNSTAN'S CHURCH, STEPNEY, LONDON
SECOND GENERATIOX. 66
Whilst the child was still an infant (about 1G55-G) his father either d. at Barbados or was lost at sea, " by a storm on his voyage from Barbados to his native country, England." * The widow found " it necessary to go to Barbados to settle her husband's affairs," but d. there soon after her arrival about 1660, leaving young Anthony completely an orphan, when only six years old. About this time (1660) he must have been an eye witness of the rejoicings of the populace upon the restoration of the Monarchy under Charles the Second (after an interregnum of 4137 days), for everywhere flags were flying, and bells and music were sounding, in honor of him, whose return was looked upon as the return of peace, of law, and of freedom.
Five years later, at the beginning of the Plague of London (during the hot months of May and June, 1665), Anthony Morris must have seen the nobility and rich people from the western part of the City of London filling the broad street of White- chapel near by, with coaches and wagons and carts, all hurrying away with goods, women, servants, and children, whilst horsemen, with servants bearing their baggage, followed in this mournful cavalcade from morning to night. Later on young Anthony doubtless saw the infected houses, marked with the red cross, beneath which was written, " Lord have mercy upon us," whilst the streets were silent and deserted, save for the rumbling of the dead cart going its rounds in the night, with bell tinkling and buryers crying, " Bring out your dead."
Not only was he a witness, of the horrors attendant upon the plague, which carried off 68,000 persons, but soon afterwards, in that same " Annus Mirabilis," 1665-6, he gazed upon the great fire of London, which reduced so large a portion of the city to ashes. The fire continued three days, during which were des- troyed 1300 houses and 90 churches.
We catch a glimpse of the events occurring in his immediate neighborhood, in the interesting account w^hich Pepys has left us in his Diary (June 23, 1663) of a visit to Sir William Ryder, J. P. and Deputy Master of the Trinity House, at his mansion at Bednall Green, near Stepney. " By coach to Bednall Green, to Sir William Ryder's to dinner. A fine merry walk with the ladies alone after dinner, in the garden, the greatest quantities
*Vide Will of Deborah Morris, Philadelphia Will Book W., p. 307, &c.
34 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
of strawberries I ever saw, and good. This very house was built by the Blind Beggar of Bednall Green, so much talked of in ballads." During the great fire in 1666, Sir William's city friends used his house as a warehouse for their goods and chattels, much to his disgust. Pepys relates that "about four o'clock in the morning, my Lady Batten sent me a cart, to carry away all my money, and plate, and best things, which I did, riding myself in my night gown, in the cart; and. Lord! to see how the streets and highways are crowded with people running or riding, and getting of carts, at any rate, to fetch away things. I find Sir William Ryder, tired with being called up all night, and receiving things from several friends." From the restoration (1660) when he was knighted, until his death in 1669, Sir William Ryder was a person of much importance in naval affairs and appears to have possessed an ample fortune.
Anthony Morris^ resided during his minority in London, as appears by the following brief letter, written many years after- wards to Henry Goldney. It is dated 6th' mo. 1st, 1707 : —
" I am glad to hear thou art a serviceable man in the Church of Christ, having had some knowledge of thee when thou wast a 'Prentice. How many of the young men that were then in Lon- don, near about our age, and seemed hopeful, the grand enemy hath been too strong for, causing some to err on the right hand, some on the left, some to run too fast, and others to fall short, over whom I have often lamented. The Lord, if it be his will, protect us, and preserve us to the end of our days, is the humble petition of thy friend and brother in the unchangeable Truth.
"A. Morris." *
Henry Gouldne}^ (or Goldney), to whom this letter was addressed, became a man of considerable wealth and import- ance. He was a friend and Trustee of William Penn, and in 1716 assisted Sir William Keith with a loan of one hundred pounds to meet his expenses of transportation upon his appoint- ment as Governor of Pennsylvania.f
Before arriving at manhood, Anthony Morris became a mem- ber of the Societv of Friends from convincement. In 1675 he
*Vide "The Friend," VoL xxix., p. 20. ^Vide " Penna. Mag.," Vol. xii., pp. 9 and 10.
y;J^u^>./:r ^,V..^«/ p....>.^- C /
ANTHONY MORRIS AND MARY JONES PROPOSE THEIR INTENTIONS OF MARRIAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME, 12 MO. 14th, 1675
FROM THE MINUTES OF THE WESTMINSTER MEETING OF FRIENDS
1143034
ANTHONY MORRIS AND MARY JONES PROPOSE THEIR INTENTIONS OF MARRIAGE
FOR THE SECOND TIME, 12 MO. 28th, 1675
FROM THE MINUTES OF THE WESTMINSTER MEETING OF FRIENDS
t9V io-'"' ""
t
f
ANTHONY MORRIS- PRODUCES HIS CERTIFICATES IN LONDON, 10 MO. 5th, 1715
FROM THE MINUTES OF THE LONDON YEARLY MEETING CF FRIENDS
SECOND GENERATION. 35
was a member of the Savoy Meeting in the Strand, which was connected with the Monthly Meeting at Westminster,* and we find by the minutes, that the Monthly Meetings were almost as frequently held at the Savoy, as at the Westminster Meeting House.
The first entry referring to Anthony Morris, in the Records of Friends, appears in the Minutes of the Westminster Friends' Meeting to the effect that at a Monthly Meeting held at the Savoy, the 2d. of 12th mo., 1675, Anthony Morris and Mary Jones of that meeting proposed their intentions of marriage and were given permission to appear at " y^ two weeks meeting." Accord- ingly on the 14th of 12th mo., 1675, Anthony Morris and Mary Jones further made known their intentions of marriage as recorded in the minutes, and they declared their intentions for the last time, on the 28th of the 12th mo., 1675, and thereupon were permitted to proceed as recorded in the minutes.
All preliminaries having been properly attended to, Anthony Morris and Mary Jones were m. on the 30th day of 1st mo., 1676, at the meeting of the Savoy in the Strand, London. The Mar- riage Certificate, which was prepared and signed on that occa- sion, is still preserved as a precious family relic. It was until recently in the possession of the late Miss Anne J. Morris (dau. of the late Anthony Saunders Morris), and by her kind permis- sion the writer was privileged to photograph this and several other interesting relics of Morris Ancestors.
The certificate is signed by the bride and bridegroom and 37 others. We learn from the certificate that both Anthony Morris and Mary Jones were at that time residing in the Strand, Lon- don.f They continued to reside in the Strand, and afterwards
* Westminster derives its name from the Abbey minster and was made a city in the reign of Henry VIII. In Doomsday Book, it is styled a village with fifty holders of land, and "farmage for a hundred hogs." In 1174 the royal palace stood about two miles westward from the City of London, with a garden and orchards between. In 1560 an old plan shows that a double line of buildings connected London and Westminster, whilst a town had grown up around the hall and abbey. (Black's "London and its Environs," p. 6.)
fThe Strand is an ancient thoroughfare connecting the City of London with that of Westminster, and derives its name from lying on the banks of the Kiver Thames, from which it is now separated by houses. The river side of the Strand came to be occupied by the houses of the nobility and bishops, which have entirely disappeared, but the names of the streets record their
36 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
in St. Giles' in the Fields, London, for about seven 3^ears or until they left London for America in 1682.
On the 4th of March, 1681, William Penn was before the King in Council at Whitehall Palace. Eleven j^ears previously he, with others of George Fox's persuasion, who had wholly disregarded the Coventicle Act, had stood at the bar of the Old Bailey, indicted for " preaching and speaking, to the great disturbance of the King's peace," and they were pronounced by the jury to be ''not guilty," for which those "true and honest men " were fined 40 marks, and Penn was fined for Contempt of Court ! In the same year his father, the Admiral, died, and left his Quaker son a considerable property. The Duke of York, a friend of Admiral Penn, undertook to be the young man's protector. He was kind to Penn, who soon became a person of consequence at Whitehall Palace. The sum of £16,000, equal to more than three times that amount of our present money, was due from the Treasury to Penn, as his father's heir, — the amount of money lent by the Admiral with accumulated interest. He petitioned to have his claim settled, by the grant of a large tract in America — a region of mountains and forests, accessible from the sea by the River Delaware. He was well aware that in the per- secuted of his own sect, he would find the best of settlers, not caring so much for worldly profit, as for a home for his co-reli- gionists, beyond the reach of vexatious penal laws. Penn assiduously pressed his suit, and on the fourth of March, 1681, he stood before the King and Council, to have his charter signed. The name first suggested for this mountainous and wooded region, was New Wales, and the second, Sylvania. The King prefixed Penn, making it Pennsylvania — a happy combina- tion— the Forest land of Penn.
The Constitution of the new colony was essentially demo- cratic. Religious liberty was its great element, and necessarily connected with it was civil freedom.
What joy and thankfulness must have filled the hearts of the much tried " Friends " when they became aware of the Royal
situations. One of these streets is "Savoj^ Street," which leads to the old Church of St. Mary-le- Savoy, a few yards to the west of Wellington Street, which is an approach to Waterloo Bridge. Near to the church must have been held the Friends' Meeting in the Savoy. (Black's "London and its Environs," p. 324.)
2 § 3! CO. > z o > |
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SECOND GENERATION. 37
Grant and William Penn's plans for their reception and resi- dence in the new province ! Excitement among them must have been at its height, and the stirring times in which they lived would but help to stimulate the religious zeal of the per- secuted sect of "Friends," and make them long for the time when they could jDeaceably worship God according to their convictions. They would therefore gladly embrace such an opportunity as that which presented itself, of emigrating to America under the auspices of William Penn, to try their fortunes, and make new homes for themselves in the Western World.
At that time, however, no dwellings had been built on the site of the future Philadelphia, and many emigrants made their homes for awhile in Burlington, West New Jersey, where a set- tlement had been founded in 1677.
In 1682 Anthony Morris and Mary his wife, were living in St. Giles' in the Fields, in London, but being desirous of emi- grating to America, they followed the custom of "Friends," by personally laying their intentions of leaving England before the Quarterly Meeting of Friends in Westminster,* which is thus recorded in the Minutes : 4th of the 8th mo., 1682.
"Att a quarterly Meeting of y« Savoy the 4'*^ day of y^ 8th "month, 1682, Anthony Morris and Mary his wife proposed "Intentions of transporting themselves and ffamily into Bur- " lington in N. West Jersey, & he desiring a Certificate from this "Meeting who have appointed Edward Brookes & Wm Cham- " berlaine to enquire & see y* he is clear from all engagem*^ & to
*The01d Westminster Meeting House is described in the records at Dev- onshire House London, as being "situate on the north side of Churchj-ard Lane, otherwise Heming's Row, in the parish called St. Martin's in the Fields, in the County of Middlesex, and rented of the Earl of Salisbury." The leases of this and other properties connected with it expired in 1883, and in 188-4 the Meeting House was pulled down to make room for ''improvements." The interior measured 52 feet by 74 feet. It was in the rear of the buildings on Heming's Eow, which was at one time behind the Royal Mews, on the site of which the National Gallery was afterwards erected. Meetings for worship were held in this Meeting House until 1884, and there the celebrated Quaker orator, John Bright, was a regular attendant when he was in London. Many of the buildings behind the National Gallery have in recent times been demolished, and new buildings have been erected in their place. Where the "Ministers' Gallery" in the Friend's Meeting House once stood, has recently been built "The Garrick," — a restaurant, No. 13 (ireen Street.
38 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"report to the next meeting, in ord"" for a Certificate to y^ ffriends "of y^ Monthly Meeting of Burlington."
They received from the Monthly Meeting a certificate or letter of commendation, signed by 27 members of the "Monthly Meeting of ye City of Westminster," and addressed "to the Friends and Brethern in West Jersey, at the Monthly Meeting at Burlington," dated the first day of the 9th mo., 1682.*
Two months before, on the first day of the seventh month, 1682, William Penn and a hundred passengers, who embarked with him on the "Welcome," a vessel of 300 tons, set sail from Deal in Kent. One-third of them died of the small pox during the voyage, and the survivors, with their Governor, after a voy- age of seven weeks, arrived on the 27th of the 8th mouth, at New Castle on the Delaware. To those who are accustomed to crossing the Atlantic in swift ocean steamers of 5,000 or 10,000 tons burthen, it manifests an immense amount of courage and daring in Penn and his party, to cross in a sailing vessel of 300 tons. But bolder things had been attempted some 62 years before, when the Pilgrim Fathers embarked at Delft Haven in the " Mayflower," a ship of 180 tons !
It must have been a rather expensive undertaking for An- thony Morris to travel with his wife, his son Anthony, and his household eff'ects from London to America, as we may surmise from contemporary documents. A single sheet, entitled " The present state of the Colony of West Jersey in America, Septem- ber, Anno Domini 1681," gives to intending emigrants the fol- lowing information as to transportation : f
" 16. For Transportation of passengers to West Jersey, Ships "set sail from London generally once in three months, sometimes "in two months. The Master gives notice six weeks (or more) "of his going beforehand."
"17. The price for every passenger, (that is to say) for men "and women, meat, drink and passage with a chest is Five Pounds
* To the late Mr. Anthony Haunders Morris belongs the credit of rescuing the original document from oblivion. During his researches at Burlington, he discovered it in the possession of William Allison, who related how he had received it from a friend in Burlington, who was destroying by burning many old papers and documents out of his way, and gave this and others to him to do as he pleased with them !
-tVide Penna. Mag., Vol. xviii., p. 161.
{/3.S^.^ .v9?w>^.i ^-^.
1efW^(£.-<^^' /T^^^/-^^.;^ ^^A^-^W.^ ^^^7=;^^
CVciir '\frcuxds- ^SrtlhtrciL.
CERTIFICATE FOR ANTHONY MORRIS^ AND WIFE
FROM FRIENDS AT WESTMINSTER TO FRIENDS IN BURLINGTON, N. J , 9TH MO. 1ST, 1682
SECOND GENERATION. 39
" Sterling per head : for children of twelve years of age and "under, Fifty shillings per head. For Goods, Forty shillings a "Ton Freight, to be landed at Burlington, or elsewhere upon "Delaware River."
It is extremely probable, that Anthony Morris left the shores of Old England soon after receiving his letter of commendation from the Friends of the monthly meeting at Westminster.
At what port the Morris family embarked, or on what ship they sailed, is not known, but they must have reached their des- tination in this country about the end of February (then the 12th mo.),* 1682.
On their way up the River Delaware to Burlington, in New Jersey, they must have passed by, and admired, the site of the future Philadelphia, which then had a " high and dry bank next to the water, with a shore ornamented with a fine view of pine trees growing upon it." Doubtless they were all glad enough to have escaped the perils of the sea, and to have reached their destination in safety. Truly, it might be said of them, as of an earlier pilgrim band : —
" What sought they thus afar?
" Bright Jewels of the mine ? " The wealth of seas? The spoils of war?
" No ! 'twas a faith's pure shrine."
Before leaving London, the young couple had had four chil- dren born to them, viz: — Susanna, Mary, Anthony, and Anthony, all of whom, excepting second Anthony, died before their parents left for America.
Besides their one child (2nd), Anthony, who was then about one year old, they brought over with them many pieces of family plate, among which was a silver sugar box, which had formerly belonged to Anthony Morris the "Mariner," and was subsequently altered into a tureen by a descendant, Deborah Morris.*
They also brought with them a silver chafing dish (now in the possession of Mr. Richard Wistar Harvey) and several silver
* It may be well to remind the reader that prior to the change of the Cal- endar in 1752, the yeaif commenced in March, so that Fel)ruary, being the last month of the year, was styled the " twelfth."
40 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
spoons. Two of these spoons are known to have been marked E. S. (Elizabeth Senior — the maiden name of the mother of Anthony Morris^), and a third which, in addition to being marked E. S., is marked in full with date, " Elizabeth Senior 1654," is now in the possession of Mr. Elliston P. Morris.
Almost immediately after his arrival at Burlington, Anthony Morris purchased two hundred and fifty acres of land, and also one acre of land in Burlington from Thomas Budd. The follow- ing copy of the deed referring to this transaction is transcribed from-the Record in the office of the Secretary of State at Trenton, and, as it is believed to be the first recorded notice of the pres- ence of Anthony Morris in the New World, it possesses peculiar interest for the members of the Morris family. It bears date of 17th of 1st mo. (March), 1683 :— *
"By one deed bearing date the seventeenth day of ye ffirst "month called March 1683, and made between Thomas Budd of "ye one part unto Anthony Morris of ye other part, ffbr the " considerason of fhve and Twenty pounds current Boston money "by ye said Anthony Morris to ye sd Thomas Budd paid Hee "ye said Thomas Budd hath sold to ye said Anthony Two " Hundred & ffifty acres of Land within the precincts and terri- "tories of Burlington fronting the River Delaware about two "myles below Burlington Bounded on the East with a Highway, "and running South and by East by ye Highway side one Hun- "dred and fFour chaines from the River into the Woods, then " West twenty seaven chaines to ye land of Thomas Budd then "decending North by West downe to the River and soe twenty "five chaines up fronting ye River to ye first mensoned, with all "& every the mines, mineralls, fiishing, ffowling, huntinge, & "hawkinge & all other of itts comodities and Hereditamts belong- "ing To hold to ye sd Anthony Morris his heirs and assigns for "ever, with ye Covenant yt the sd Thomas Budd hath not done "anything yt may encumber ye premises. And also ye covenant "for further assurance within seven years."
"Also ye said Thomas Budd in considerason above sd hath "sold to ye said Anthony Morris his heirs and assigns for ever "one acre of land within ye Island of Burlington fronting a
*ride Liber B, p. 43, in Office of Secretary of State, Trenton, N. J.
A SILVER CHAFING DlSI-
BROUGHT TO AMERICA
MORRIS," 1682
A SILVER CHAFING DISH TO AMERICA BY ANTHONY MORRIS,' 1682
SECOND GENERATION. 41
"street called Broad Street on ye east of ye River Street on ye " North; and ye land of John Gosling and William fframpton on "the West with all ways, waters pffits & priviledges & appurt "to ye sd Acre of Land belonging to hold to the sd Anthony "Morris, his Heirs and Assigns for ever."
"Signed sealed & delivered in presence of
"WiLLM BUDD
"Nathaniel Ible "John Budd Jr "Jonathan Boore
And acknowledged before
"Tho. Lambert
"Comr."
We find from the Records that, about eight months later, Anthony Morris, by deed bearing date 9th mo., 10th, 1683, bought of Mahlon Stacy another Burlington town lot, bounded by the River Delaware on the north.*
In the following year, by deed dated April 17, 1684, Samuel Jennings, of Burlington, New Jersey, conveyed to " Anthony " Morris of ye same for five pounds eight shillings (£5.8.0.) " One piece or parcel of land in Burlington fronting ye High " Street, and contayning fifty four foot in breadth or front, & " running half way back to the next street in length, being part " of the front lott or house lott appertayning to him said Samuel " Jennings, or late in the possession of ye said Samuel Jennings, " together with all ways, waters," &c.. &c.t
On 6th Aug., 1684, Anthony Morris purchased of Samuel Bunting "A Towne Lott or House Lott of land lying within y^ " Island of Burlington fronting y*" High St being 65 feet in y^ " front and fronting y^ Second Street being one hundred and fifty " feet in front, being a corner lott and adjoining unto y® house "& land of James Marshall on y^ South." This corner lot Anthony Morris, on Mar. 17 (1st mo.), 1689, sold to James Marshall, of Burlington, merchant, for the sum of £12.12.0. (Liber B, p. 433, Trenton Deeds.)
*This purchase is referred to in a deed recorded in Liber B, p. 483. t Vide Liber B, p. 580, Trenton Deeds.
42 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
On Nov. 19, 1684, Anthony Morris purchased of Jonathan Boor twenty-five acres of land within the Tow^n bounds of Bur- lington, about one mile from the Island of Burlington.*"
On May 19th, 1685, "Thomas ffarnsworth of Mansfield in ye Province of New Jersey," conveyed to "Anthony Morris of Burlington in ye province aforesaid," * * * "for, and in " considerason of, ye sum of fower pounds fifteen shillings "of Lawful money" * * * "All that House lott or towne "lott of land lying within the Island of Burlington belong- "ing & appurteyning unto his the said Thomas one ffif- "teenth pte of a Propriety being in that Propriety commonly "known by ye name of Wm. Emley's Propriety and in " the High Street, together with all the ways, waters, ease- "ments," &c., &c.t
The foregoing probably represent but a portion of the pur- chases of land made by Anthony Morris in Burlington, as we may infer from the recorded deeds of conveyance of land made by him to other persons.
As early as April 2nd, 1683, "Anthony Morris in the Prov- ince of New Jersey" conveyed to "Isaac Smith of Burlington, wheelwright," for the consideration of five pounds, one small piece of land, lying and being in the High Street in Burlington, containing "forty-five feet fronting the High Street, and extend- "ing one hundred and sixty feet backward." |
The deed for the next recorded sale made by Anthony Morris bears date Feb. 25, 1683. It is to " John Budd— Wharf Lott from Anthony Morris."
" By one conveyance bearing date the five and twentieth day " of the twelfth month called February 1683 made from Anthony " Morris of the one part, to John Budd, of y^ other part ffor the " considerason of ffive pounds currt Boston money by the said " John Budd to the said Anthony Morris paid, Hee the said An- "thon}^ Morris hath sold unto the said John Budd all that ye " Water Lott or wharfe Lott of Land to him ye said Anthony "Morris belonging (excepting eight foot) in ye Island of Bur- " lington fronting ye river Delaware and appurteyneth to a
* Vide Liber B, p. 667, giving deed of transfer (with full description of this property) to Peter Boss. t Vide Liber B, p. 154. Trenton Deeds.
i Vide Liber B, p. 506. Trenton Deeds.
FRIENDS' MEETING HOUSE, HIGH STREET, BURLINGTON, N. J. BUILT IN 1683; TAKEN DOWN 1786-7
SECOND GENERATION. 43
" fourth parte of a propriety with all ways, waters, priviledges " and appurtenances to ye said Water Lott belonging."*
By deed bearing date April 14, 1685, " Anthony Morris of Burlington in West Jersey conveys to Thomas Ffrench Inhabit- ant near Burlington : "
" One water side lott of Land in Burlington containing eight " foot front upon ye Great River abutting North upon ye said " River and South upon ye Bank Street and East upon ye land "of ye said Thomas Ffrench, and West upon Richard Basnett's "house it being part of ye purchase which hee ye said Anthony " Morris hath and holdeth by vertue of a deed and indenture " bearing date the tenth of ninth month 1683, between Mahlon " Stacy of ye one part & ye said Anthony Morris of the other " part " &c. &c.t
Whilst Anthony Morris was acquiring land, and disposing of the same in Burlington and its neighborhood, he was not neg- lectful of the prosperity of the Religious Society to which he belonged. As early as the year 1677, members of the Society of Friends had begun to settle at Burlington, and in the following year, oth mo. loth, 1678, they formed their first "meeting," which was held for a few years in private houses. At the time of Anthony Morris' arrival "Friends" assembled in the house of Thomas Gardiner, but in 1683 the erection of the first "Meeting House" at Burlington was commenced, towards the cost of which Anthony Morris subscribed £2.0.0., the total amount subscribed in 1st mo., 1685, being £132.16.0., as we find recorded in the Minutes of the Monthly Meeting at Burlington.
The last two references to Anthony Morris in the Minutes of the Burlington Monthly Meeting are as follows: —
"At our Monthly Meeting held at the house of Thomas "Gardiner in Burlington 7th of ye 5th mo., 1685."
" Anthony Morris is willing to assist Robert Stacy in following "reports yt tend to ye reproach or slander of any person, and "make report at ye next meeting "
" At ye monthly meeting 9th, 9th mo., 1685."
* Vide Liber B, p. 37. Trenton Deeds, t Vide Liber B, p. 483. Trenton Deeds.
44 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"Ye meeting desires Anthony Morris to speak to Francis " Collings to appear at next monthly meeting and Henry Grubb "to assist in it."
At the time of the last entry, Anthony Morris was onl}^ 31 years of age, but from the minutes we may suppose he had already made his mark in the Society. He had been living for nearly three years in Burlington, and had there, built for himself, a comfortable house upon his own land, but neither he nor his neighbors w^ere unmindful of what was transpiring lower down on the opposite bank of the river. B}^ the end of 1685 Phila- delphia had become a thriving settlement, and Anthony Morris would speedily realize the advantage of taking iip his abode in that city, in preference to remaining in Burlington.
We learn from a letter written (6th mo. 3rd, 1685) by Robert Turner to William Penn, that by that time 600 houses had been erected in Philadelphia. Bricks were said to be exceedingly good at 16 shillings per thousand, and brick houses were then as cheap to build as wooden. He further writes, "Many brave "brick houses are going up with good cellars, and all these have " balconies and we build most houses with them."
As early as October, 1685, Anthony Morris appears to have made preparation for removing to Philadelphia, by disposing of his " towne lott " and newly erected house in Burlington to William Budd. This house was perhaps the first erected by Anthony Morris in tliis country, and we therefore transcribe essential portions of the deed of conveyance as it is recorded at Trenton :— (Liber B, p. 140) bearing date October 21st, 1685.
"This indenture made the one and twentieth da}^ of the eighth month called October in the year of our Lord according to English acct one thousand six hundred eighty and five between Anthony Morris of Burlington in the province of West Jersey of ye one pte and William Budd of Burlington in the province aforesaid of ye other pte, witnesseth that the said Anthony Morris for and in consideration of ye summ of One hundred pounds of lawful money of Old England to him in hand paid by the said William Budd at and before the sealing and delivery hereof the receipt whereof him the said Anthony Morris doth hereby acknowledge and himself therewith full}^ satisfied contented and paid hath granted, bargained and sold.
SECOND GENERATION. 45
alyened enfeoffed and confirmed unto him the said William Budd his heirs and assigns for ever the dwelling house and lott by him the said Anthony Morris lately erected, fronting the High street, adjoining unto the land of Isaac Smith on the South and land of Thomas Budd on the north in the towne of Bur- lington now in possession of him the said Anthony Morris with all ways, waters, priviledges and appurtenances to the said House & Lott and dwelling house only belonging, and also one acre of land or thereabout, little more or less lyeing and being in the Island of Burlington aforesaid fronting the River on the north and a street commonly called Broad St. eastward with the ways, water, easements and appurtenances to the same belonging.
Anthony Morris." "Signed in presence of Nathaniel Ible, John Budd, Jr.
" Nathaniel Ible & John Budd Jr ye 4th day of ye oth month Anno 1687 came before us magistrates underwritten and attested that they did see ye Avithin named Anthony Morris sign, seal and deliver the within written deed to ye within named William Budd.
James Marshall, WiLLM Myers,
Justices."
This transaction was concluded in the Sth month, but from the minutes of the Burlington monthly meeting dated 9th mo. 9th, 1685, as before shown, Anthony Morris was still there. It is, however, certain, that he had removed by the beginning of the 12th month, for in a letter of attorney, from a certain Philip Richard to Anthony Morris, and dated " Third day of Twelfth month, 1685," Anthony Morris is described as "of the said County of Philadelphia."* We gather therefore from this document, that Anthony ]\Iorris settled in Philadelphia before the close of 1685.
A special interest attaches to one of the early purchases of real estate made by Anthony Morris in Philadelphia, referred to in a deed, bearing date 3rd mo. 4th, 1687, by which Thomas
* Vide Book E 1, p. 189, in Office of Eecorder of Deeds, Philadelphia.
46 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Lloyd, "President of the Province of Pennsylvania" conveyed to Anthony Morris, "Merchant," of Philadelphia, "for a certain sum of money," or (as stated in another deed), "in exchange " for another property, " a lot of land fronting Delaware Front Street on the East, adjoining the lot of Thomas Hootton on the South side, and the lot of William Wood deceased on the North side." This lot of land, had previously been conveyed to Thomas Lloyd, by Christopher Taylor, 8th mo. 3d, 1685.*
It was upon a portion of this ground, that Anthony Morris afterwards erected his "Mansion house." On Dec. 10, 1687, he purchased the adjoining lot on the north side. The deed of conveyance of this property, states, that for the consideration of three score and five pounds, Joseph Wood, of Darby, Chester County, conveyed to Anthony Morris, "A Lot of land in Phila- delphia, situated between Chestnut Street, formerly called Wine street, on the north, and Walnut street, formerly called Poole street, on the south, containing in breadth 51 foot, and 396 foot in length, bounded northward with William Shardloe's lott. East- ward with Delaware Front Street, Southward with deceased Christopher Taylor's lott, thereafter Thomas Lloyd's lott and now Anthony Morris's lott, and westward with the Second street from Delaware."!
This lot of ground purchased from Joseph Wood, extended from Front Street to Second Street, being 396 feet in length. It was disposed of by Anthony Morris in two portions. The upper (northern) portion, measuring 20 feet in width, he sold to Alexander Beardsley in 1688, and the remainder, 31 feet in width, he sold to Edmund Du Castell in 1692. Edmund Du Castell in the same year, re-conveyed to Anthony Morris the western half of this strip, measuring 30 feet 9 inches in. width and 196 feet in length " to run with a straight line cross from the said Morris his back garden fence." X
* Vide Deed Book E 1, p. 52.3, in Office of Recorder of Deeds, Phila. The property given bj' Anthony Morris in exchange for the Front Street lot, consisted of 218 acres of land in Phila. Co., " measured from a Spanish Oak standing by the River Delaware, belonging to Christian Clewson." Vide Deed Book E ], p. 524.
t Fidf Deed Book E 1, p. 647, in Office of Recorder of Deeds, Phila., also Deed Book EF 2, p. 75, for a deed dated 10th mo. 1st, 1688, from Jos. Wood to Anthony Morris which refers, apparently, to the same property.
t Vide Deed in Exemp. Rec, Vol. vii., p. 78, Phila.
SECOND GENERATION. 47
As already iiiiimated, it was upon the ujDper part of the ground purchased of Thomas Lloyd, that Anthony Morris built a house for himself. It was a prominent Front Street site, and the garden ground extended half way to Second Street.* On the south side of this building he made a street called " Morris Lane " or " Morris Alley, "f extending from Front Street to Second Street.
The remainder of the land he divided into lots, which he leased to various individuals. Richard Armitt rented the land at the S. W. corner of Front Street and Morris Alley.
Gabriel Thomas, in his account of Philadelphia, in the year 1696, writes: "The industrious inhabitants have built a noble "and beautiful city, and called it Philadelphia, or Brotherly- " Love, which contains a number of houses, all inhabited, and " most of them stately and of brick, generally of three stories " high, after the mode in London, and as many several fami- " lies in each. There are very many lanes and alleys, as first, " Hutton's lane, Morris lane, Jones lane, &c. &c. All these alleys " and lanes extend from the Front Street to the Second Street,"
No more desirable spot could have been chosen for a city house than the site on Front Street, from which the residents could enjoy an uninterrupted and commanding view of the Dela- ware River and the surrounding scenery; besides which, it was the original design of William Penn to have beautified the City by a most graceful and agreeable promenade on the high bank of the river front, the whole length of the city. But, within a few years, these laudable purposes were to be frustrated. Not only were houses built on the eastern side of Front Street, but inconvenient and cramped streets were crowded in down to the water's brink.
Anthony Morris, upon his arrival in Philadelphia, became actively interested in the work of the " Society of Friends," to which he belonged. In the 7th mo., 1686, he was appointed to business in the monthly meeting of Philadelphia, and was before long its clerk, which office he filled for a considerable time. He was one of the willing laborers for the good of his fellow men,
* At first Anthony Morris reserved for his house and grounds a depth of 200 feet, but afterwards a piece at the western end, 20 feet in width, was granted to John Armitt, reducing the depth to 180 feet.
t Afterwards Grays Alley, and now Gatzmer Street.
48 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
and a very large amount of service of this kind devolved on him; indeed he appears to have been employed at every meeting he attended.
He had been settled but a little more than two years and a half in Philadelphia, when on the 3rd day of the 8th mo., 1688, the partner of his earlier and checkered days, was taken from him by death. After their arrival in America, this couple had three children born to them, viz.: John, Susanna, and James, the last two after their removal from Burlington to Philadelphia. The birth of John is entered in the Records of Burlington Monthly IMeeting, thus :
" John y^ Son of Anthony & Mary Morris of Burlington was born y^ 17'^ of y" 2'^ mo in y^ year 1685. Witnesses then present
"Elizabeth Gardiner mid*
"SUZANNAH BiDD
"Mary Dimsdall "Mary Gosnell''
In the same Records is the entry of the marriage of Thomas Gardiner, Jr., and Hannah Mathews at Burlington, 4th mo. 2oth, 1684. Amongst the signatures on the Marriage Certificate is that of Mary Morris.
On the 18th day of April, 1688, Gerhard Hendricks, Dirck op den Graef, Francis Daniel Pastorius, and Abraham op den Graef, sent to the Friends' Meeting at German town, a document setting forth " the reasons w^hy " they were " against the traffick of mens- body." It is said to have been " the first public protest ever made on this continent against the holding of slaves." f
The matter was duly considered, by the Quarterly, and Yearly Meetings, and the disposition which was made of it, appears from the Friends' Records :
" The above mentioned was Read in our Quarterly Meeting " at Philadelphia, the 4th of ye 4mo., '88, and was from thence " recommended to the Yearly Meeting, and the above-said Derick
* Elizabeth Gardiner appears to have been present, as midwife, at many of the births of children in Burlington about that time.
-\ Vide "Historical and Biographical Sketches" — Judge Samuel W. Pennypacker, p. 42.
^nt
FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY MEETING OF FRIENDS, BURLINGTON, N. J.
£
2^..:^
- — ^^ /
— H> ~, (y'3''
O'J^
O'Z.
> ?
OO'-OC
0 0- CO oa - <?<? (
A PORTION OF THE LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS TO THE MEETING HOUSE, BURLINGTON, N. J.
FROM THE MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY MEETING OF FRIENDS, BURLINGTON, N. J , 1684-5
SECOND GENERATION. 49
" and the other two mentioned therein, to present the same to ye " above-said meeting, it being a thing of too great a weight for " this meeting to determine."
" Signed by order of the ]\leeting,
"Anthony Morris."
At the Yearly Meeting held at Burlington, the 5th day of 7th mo., 1688, " A paper being here presented by some German " Friends, Concerning the lawfulness and unlawfulness of buying " and keeping Negroes, It was adjudged not to be so proper for " this meeting to give a positive judgment in the ease, It having " so General a Relation to many other Parts and therefore, at " present they forbear it."
Thus for a time, the expression of humanitarian sentiment made by the Sturdy " Friends " of Germantown, as regards traf- fick in slaves, was allowed to remain dormant. But a protest had been made, and repeatedly during the coming years, it was to be brought forward for reconsideration, until in 1776 the Friends decided that any of their members who continued to hold slaves over lawful age were to be dealt with and disowned ; and yet it was not until 1781 that the records show the Society to have become entirely clear of holding slaves.
Following Chronological sequence we find that at the begin- ning of 1689 Anthony Morris sold another piece of land in Burlington, N. J., by deed dated 1st mo. (March) 17th, 1689 :— *
"Anthony Morris of Philadelphia in ye Province of Pennsyl- "vania. Merchant (late of Burlington in West Jersey)" sells to " James Marshall of Burlington in ye Province of West Jersey, " Merchant," for the sum of twelve pounds, twelve shillings, "All " that his Towne Lott or House Lott of land lying within ye " Island of Burlington and fronting ye High Street, being sixty " five feet in ye front, and fronting ye second street being one " hundred and fifty feet in front, being a corner lott and adjoin- "ing unto ye house and land of James Marshall on ye south, " which sd granted premises were by the sd Anthony Morris pur- " chased of Samuel Bunting by virtue of one Deed or conveyance " bearing date of sixth of August Anno 1684, together with all " ways, waters " &c., &c.
*Vide Liber B, p. 433, Oflace of Secretary of State, Trenton, N. J.
50 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
This deed was signed in the presence of The. Budd, Susanna Budd, and Wm. Hudson, and it may be here remarked that Anthony Morris appears to have been so frequently associated with the Budd family, in business transactions, that the coinci- dence is suggestive of some connection having existed between the Morris, Jones, Gosling, and Budd families, before Anthony Morris left old England. The signatures of William Budd and John Jones are upon the Certificate of Marriage of Anthony Morris and Mary Jones in London, 1676.
After the death of his first wife, Anthony Morris was a widower for about a year, but we find from the minutes of the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting for the 27th of the 7th mo., 1689, that on that date
" Sarah Welch and Margaret Beardsley presents Anthony " Morris and Agnes Boom, who published their intentions of " taking each other in marriage, and the said Agnes being a " widow, friends desire John Eckley, Samuel Carpenter and " Humphrey Murray to make it their endeavour to settle a pro- " portionate part of her estate upon the children between this " and the next monthly meeting, and return an account of what " they have done to friends." The financial questions seem to have been satisfactorily arranged, for, at the monthly meeting held 8th mo. 25th, 1689, " Sarah Welch and ]\Iargaret Beardsley " presents Anthony Morris and Agnes Bom, who declared their " intention of marriage, and it being the second time and the " said Agnes having settled part of her estate upon her children, " and no objections made, friends leave them to their liberty to " consummate their intentions." The marriage certificate shows that the marriage was solemnized 8th mo. 28th, 1689. The bride signed her name " Agnes Bom." The will of Cornelius Bom leads us to infer, that Agnes had been married at least twice, before her marriage with him. Her name when betrothed to Cornelius Bom was Agnes Makeman, and the name of her first husband was Herman Van Snyder {vide " Abstract of Will of Cornelius Bom "). So that her marriage with Anthony Morris appears to have been her fourth matrimonial venture. In the following year, under date of 4th mo. 27th, 1690, it was recorded in the minutes that " John Williamson has a matter of difference " between himself and Agnes Morris, late Widow Bom," which was referred to arbitration.
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c-.yu- <liU hj^'crifGo-Jr the the Caid C/Hf^tf c/ie>ant -
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i
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF ANTHONY MORRIS" AND AGNES BOM, 8 MO. 2&th, 1689
SECOND GENERATION. 61
This latter spelling of her name as " Agnes Bom," is no doubt the correct one, as she was widow of Cornelius Bom, a Dutch Friend, who originally settled in Germantown, and was there before Pastorius arrived. Cornelius Bom traded in various ways, and as he wrote from Germantown to a friend in Rotterdam, Oct. 12, 1684, " I have here a shop of many kinds of goods and "edibles. Sometimes I ride out with merchandise, and some- " times bring something back, mostly from the Indians, and deal " with them in many things. I have no regular servants except " one negro, whom I bought. I have no rent or tax or excise to " pay. I have a cow which gives plenty of milk, a horse to ride " around, my pigs increase rapidly, so that in the summer I had " seventeen when at first I had only two. I have many chickens " and geese, and a garden, and shall next year have an orchard, " if I remain well, so that my wife and I are in good spirits."
He afterwards removed to Philadelphia, where he had a "bake-house" located in the "wilderness at the south east corner of 3rd and Chestnut Sts., and not far from the Creek."
But Anthony Morris did not long enjoy the society of his second wife, as she died on the 26th of the 5th month, 1692, without having children by her last husband.
Cornelius Bom was probably a man in good circumstances, but at the time of his death, his affairs appear to have been somewhat in disorder, as we gather from a deed of conveyance from Anthony Morris to William Hudson, dated 3rd mo. 25th, 1697,* which refers to a piece of land granted 5th mo. 10th, 1684, by William Penn to Cornelius Bome — 50 feet in breadth, in length on the west side of said lot from Chestnut Street to the Swamp 260 feet, and from the Swamp on the east side of said lot to said street 295 feet, bounded northward with Chestnut Street, eastward with Henry Wood's lot, southward with Swamp, west- ward with the third street. Cornelius Bome had, "before a "Notary in Rotterdam, in the year 1675, by an instrument called "his will, made Agnes his then intended wife (and whome he " afterwards married), his heir according to the laws and usages " of that country. He, the said Cornelius Bome did improve the "said lot and built a messuage thereon, and afterwards died in
* Vide Exemp. Rec, Vol. vii., p. 113, in the Office of Recorder of Deeds, Phila. Recorded 12th mo. 18th, 1697.
b2 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" this Province, and after his decease, administration of his estate "was committed to said Agnes, who intermarried with said " Anthony Morris, and afterwards died intestate." As Cornelius Bom owed several debts at the time of his death, his widow Agnes, and afterwards Anthony Morris, paid off many of them, but some still remained — one particularly of £237.12.0 was owing to Peter van Radt. Anthony ^Morris therefore sold this property to "William Hudson for £130, which sum was used towards satis- fying the judgment against the estate of Bom.
Anthony Morris rapidly became prominent in the affairs of the city. In the charter (probably the first) granted to the City of Philadelphia, which bears date the 20th of the 3rd mo., 1691, Humphrey Morrey is appointed to be the present Mayor ; John Delavall, Recorder; David Lloyd, Town Clerk; and Anthony Morris is appointed one of the six Aldermen, the others being Samuel Richardson, Griffith Owen, Robert Ewer, John Holmes, and Francis Rawle, Junr., " being the present Justices^ Citizens and Inhabitants of the City." From this we may infer that Anthony Morris was already a Magistrate. He doubtless served in the capacity of "Alderman" so long as the charter remained in force, ])robably about two years, for there is evidence that Morrey was acting as Mayor as late as December, 1692.*
On 6th Sept., 1692, Anthony Morris was commissioned a Jus- tice of the Peace of the County Courts, Philadelphia (Penna. Archiv., Vol. ix., 2nd S., p. 701. Martin's Bench & Bar, p. 29) ; he was reappointed May 6, 1693 (1 C. R. 331, Martin's B. & B., p. 29, Penna. Archiv., 2nd S., Vol. ix., p. 701), and is mentioned as a Justice of the Peace, Feb. 12, 1697/8 (1 C. R. 498).
On 6th Sept., 1692, Anthonj^ Morris was likewise commis- sioned a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and the Orphans Court, of the Cit}' and Co. of Phil- delphia (Martin's Bench & Bar, p. 42). He was re-appointed by Governor Fletcher, oth May, 1693, being commissioned the Pre- siding Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and also Presiding Justice of the County Court of Quarter Sessions on 29th May, 1693 (Martin's B. & B., p. 51).
*Vide Article by Judge Samuel W. Pennypacker, Penna. Mag., Vol. xv.,p. 346.
PUBLIC SCHOOL OF PHILADELPHIA.
(" William Penn Charter School.")
Amongst the many valuable institutions which were founded in Philadelphia at an early date, and with which Anthony Morris was intimatelj^ associated, was the Public School in Philadelphia, which in 1689 was placed under the mastership of George Keith, by the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadel- phia, which established the school some years before.* This meeting, 5th mo., 25th, 1689, appointed George Keith, one of the most influential " Friends " of his day, as Master of the School- He was to receive a salary of Fifty pounds, with a house to live in, a school-house provided, and the profits of the school for the first year. For two years more, one hundred and twenty pounds per annum were to be guaranteed to him, if he remained and taught the poor gratis. The rich were to pay for their tuition. Anthony Morris was directed by the meeting to send notices of the School to the different Counties.
This was the "Quaker School," or "Quaker Academy," after- wards celebrated as the place where many of the leading citizens were educated.
George Keith, the first "Master" (a native of Aberdeen in Scotland) came from Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey. " He was a man distinguished for his learning and talents, but fierce and contentious in his disposition, intolerant in his faith, rude in his manners, and abusive in his language." About 1690
*The following "Minute" probably records the first public provision made in Philadelphia for the instruction of the youth of the city :
"At a Council held in Philadelphia ye 26th of 10th month 1683, The Gov' " and Prov" Councill having taken into their serious consideration the great " necessity there is of a Scool Master for y'^ /^ . --^
" Instruction & Sober Education of Youth ^'\^J^ A// y^ yC'^/r/ ^y/^*^ " in the towne of Philadelphia sent for ^^ ^ ^^
" Enock flower, an Inhabitant of the said Towne, who for twenty years past "liath been Exercised in that care and Imployment in England, to whom "having communicated their minds, he embraced it upon these following " Termes : to Learne to read English 4^ by the Quarter, to Learne to read and " write 6' by y« Quarter, to learne to read, write and cast acco' 8' by y" Quarter ; " for Boarding a Scholler, that is to say, dyet, Washing, Lodging and Schooling, " Tenn pounds for one whole year." ( Vide Col. Rec, Vol. i, p. 36.)
(53)
54 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
he gave up the school and devoted himself to preaching. His successors, as teachers, were Thomas Makin (Usher of George Keith, who desired he should succeed him), D. J. Dove, Robert Proud, the historian, William Wanney, Jeremiah Todd and Charles Thomson.
On the 10th day of 12th mo. 1697/8 Anthony Morris with Samuel Carpenter, Edward Shippen, James Ffox, David Lloyd, William Southby and John Jones adopted an Humble Petition to the Deputy Governor and Council of the Province of Pennsyl- vania, for a charter for this School. The following is a copy of the Petition, which has been preserved in the Morris Famil}^ :
" To the Governo'': & Councill of the Province of Pennsilvania & Territt^^ thereof
"Sitting at
"Philadelphia the Tenth Day of the Twelth Month And. Domi. 1697/8
"The humble petition of Samuel Carpenter, Edw'^. Shippen, Anthony Morris, James Ffox, David Lloyd, William Southby and John Jones.
" in the behalfe of themselves and the rest of the people called Quakers who are the Members of the Monthly Meeting held & kept at the New Meeting house lately built upon a piece of ground fronting the high street in Philadelphia afores*^ purchased of the present Governor by the s"^ people.
" Sheweth
"that It has been & is much desired by many that a schoole be set up & Upheld in this town of Philadelphia where poor Children may be freely maintained, taught & educated in good
Literature Until they are fitt to be put out apprentices
or capable to be Masters or Ushers in ye 8^ Schoole. . . . And for as much as by the Law & Constitucone of this Governmt : Its provided & Enacted that the Governor : & Councill shall enact & order all public Schools and encourage & reward the Authors of usefull schemes & Laudable Invencons in the sd province & Territ'ys
" Therefore may it please the Governor ; and Councill to ordain & establish that at y^ Sd towne of Philadelphia a public Schoole May be founded where all Children & Servants male & Female whose parents Guardians or Masters be willing to subject
1
^/
PETITION TO GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL FOR A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN PHILADELPHIA, 1697
SECOND GENERATION. 55
them to the Rules & orders of y® Sd Schoole Shall from time to time w}^ the approbacou of the Overseers thereof for the time being
be received or admitted taught & instructed the Rich at
reasonable Rates and the poor to be Maintained & Schooled for
nothing And To that end a Meet and Convenient House
or houses Building & Roome may be erected for the keeping of the sd Schoole And for the entertainment & Abode of such & so many Masters, Ushers Mistresses and poor Children as by the order & Direction of y*" Sd Monthly Meeting Shall be Limited & appointed from time to time .... And also that y^ Members of y® afors*^ Meeting for the time being May at their Respective Monthly Meetings from time to time make Choyce of & Admit Such & so many persons as they shall think fitt to be Overseers Masters Ushers ^Mistresses and poor children of y^ S'' Schoole. And the same Persons or any of them to remove or displace as often as the Sd Meeting Shall see Occasion. And that the Overseers & Schoole aforesd May for ever hereafter stand & be established & founded in Name & in Deed a Body politick & Corporate to have Continuance for ever By the Name of y® Overseers of the public Schoole founded in Philadelphia at y^ Request Costs & Charges of the people of God called Quakers And that y^ sd Overseers may have perpetuall Succession and by that Name they and their Successors may for ever hold & enjoy all the Lands Tene- ments & Chattells & receive & take all gifts & Legacys as shall be given granted or devised for the use and maintainance of the Said Schoole and poor Scholars without any further or other Lycence or Authority from this Govermnt : into that behalfe saving unto y® propr"" his Quitrent out of the s'^ Lands. And that the said Overseers by the Same Name Shall & mayw.*" consent of the Said Meeting have power & Capacity to demise and grant by writing under their hands & common seale any of the Sd Lands tene- ments And to take & purchase any other Lands Tenements or hereditam:*^ for the best advantage of the Sd Schoole. And to prescribe such Rules and ordinances for the good order &govrm:'' of the Same Schoole and of the Masters Ushers Mistresses & poor children Successively and for their & every of their stipends .... & allowances As to the members of the Sd Monthly Meeting for the time being or the Major part of them shall seem meet with power also to sue & be sued And to do perform & execute all & every other Lawfull act & thing good & profitable for the sd
56 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Schoole in as full & ample manner as any other Body politic or Corporate more perfectly founded & incorporated, May Doe."
In compliance with this Petition, a Charter was granted by William Markham, Lieut. Governor in 1697, but it does not ap- pear to have been recorded.
William Penn confirmed the charter on 8th mo. 2oth, 1701,* and again, 5th mo. 22d, 1708,t when he directed, that the corpora- tion w^as "forever thereafter to consist of fifteen discreet and reli- " gious persons, of the people called Quakers by the name of 'the " Overseers of the Public School. ' " On 9th mo. 29th, 1711, he gave a Charter^ confirming all previous charters, and appointed as Overseers, Samuel Carpenter y® Elder, Edward Shippen, Grif- fith Owen, Thomas Storey, Anthony Morris, Richard Hill, Isaac Norris, Samuel Preston, Jonathan Dickenson, Nathan Stanbury, Thomas Masters, Nicholas Wain, Caleb Pusey, Rowland Ellis, and James Logan, with authority in the corporation thereafter to elect the overseers.§
A characteristic seal was adopted, with an open book contain- ing the Greek motto " <I>0.z'izs a.)lr^)Mu- " and the inscription " Good Instruction is better than Riches."
Anthony ]\Iorris was one of the Judges who sat in the noted trial of George Keith, Thomas Budd and others.
Proud tells us that|| —
"All possible art and means were said to be used, which the enemies to the Quakers, the disaffected to the administration, and the more libertine part of the people, in the province were capable of, to magnify these judicial proceedings, and to repre-
* Recorded 5th-10th-1701, in Patent Book 2, p. 202, now remaining in De- partment of Internal Affairs of Penna.
t Recorded in Patent Book A, Vol. iv, p. 185.
t Recorded as a "Charter for a Free School in Philadelphia" in Patent Book A, Vol. iv., p. 280, in Dept. Int. Affairs.
§ Anthony Morris^ continued in office as Overseer until his death, 8th mo. 24th, 1721. His successor, Thomas Griffitts, was appointed 2d mo. 27th, 1722. It is a fact worthy of notice, that the descendants of Anthony Morris^, have in every successive generation manifested practical interest in the educational affairs of the State. Mr. John T. Morris, a direct descendant of Anthony Morris^, was recently elected (26th 11th mo., 1897) to fill the vacancy in the Board, caused by the decease of the late Marmaduke C. Cope, who was one of the Overseers of this Institution, generally known as the " Penn Charter School," Philadelphia.
II Proud's Hist. Penna. Vol. i., pp. 373-4-5-6.
SECOND GENERATION. 57
sent them, as being on a religious account; and with great assiduity, artifice and noise; they were by these propagated as such, both at home and abroad; upon wdiich the Magistrates pubhshed the reasons of their conduct, in the following paper, viz: "At a private sessions held for the county of Philadelphia, the 25th of the Sixth-month, 1692, before
"Arthur Cook, -^
"Samuel Jenings, "Samuel Richardson, | " Humphrey Murray, "Anthony Morris, "Robert Ewer,
Justices of the county."
"WHEREAS, the government of this province being, by the late King of England's peculiar favour, vested, and since continued in Governor Penn, who thought fit to make his, and our worthy friend, Thomas Lloyd, his Deputy Governor, by, and under whom the Magistrates do act, in the government; and, whereas, it hath been proved before us, that George Keith, being resident here, did, contrary to his duty, publicly revile the said Deputy Governor, by calling him an impudent man, telling him, "iJe was not jit to be a Governor, and that his name woidd stink;" with many other slighting and abusive expressions, both to him and the Magis- trates; (and he, that usetli such exorbitancy of speech towards our said Governor, may be supposed, will easily dare to call the members of Council and Magistrates impudent rascals, as he hath lately called one, in an open assembly, that was constituted by the Proprietary, to be a Magistrate) and he also charges the Magistrates, who are ministers here, with engrossing the magis- terial power into their hands, that they might usurp authority over him ; saying also, ''He hoped in God he shoidd shortly see their power taken from them;" all which he acted in an indecent manner. "And further, the said George Keith, with several of his adher- ents, having, some few days since, with unusual insolence, by a printed sheet, called, ' An Appeal' &c. traduced and vilely mis- represented the industry, care, readiness and vigilance of some magistrates and others here, in their late proceedings against the privateers, Bahit, and his crew, in order to bring them to condign punishment; whereby to discourage such attempts, for the future;
58 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
and have thereb}^ also defamed and arraigned the determina- tions of the principal judicature, against murders ; and not only so, but also, by wrong insinuations, have laboured to possess the readers of their pamphlet, that it is inconsistent for those who are ministers of the gospel, to act as Magistrates; which, if granted, will render our said Proprietary incapable of the powers, given him by the said King's letters patent ; and so prostitute the validity of every act of government, more especially in the executive part thereof, to the courtesy and censure of all factious spirits, and male-contents, under the same.
" Therefore, for the undeceiving of all people, we have thought fit, by this public writing, not only to signify, that our procedure against the persons now in the " Sheriff's custody, as well as what we intend against others concerned (in its proper place) respects only that part of the said printed sheet, which appears to have the tendency aforesaid, and not any part relating to differences in religion ; but also these are to caution such, who are well affected to the security, peace, and legal administration of justice, in this place, that they give no countenance to any revilers, or contemners of authorit}^, Magistrates or magistracy ; as also, to warn all other persons, that they forbear the further publishing and spreading of the said pamphlets, as they will answer the contrary at their peril.
" Given under our hands, and seal of the county, the day, year and place, aforesaid."
We gain some idea of the financial standing of Anthony Morris about this time, b}^ a reference to the first tax list of Philadelphia County, made in 1693, in which he is rated at £800, being among the highest.
In the minutes of the Philadelphia Meeting of 5th mo. 8th, 1693, appears the following entry: "Anthony Morris laying his intentions before this meeting of going towards New England and being a single person, requests of this meeting a certificate of his clearness in relation to marriage." His motive in going is not apparent from this. He appears to have been present at the Meeting held 6th mo. 25th, 1693, also 2nd mo. 27th, 1694. In the interval between these dates it is clear that he made his projected journey, for we find in the Rhode Island F. M. that he was m. at Newport, R. I., on Jan. 18, 1693/4, to his third
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WRIT SIGNED BY JUDGE ANTHONY MORRIS, 3 MO. 20th, 16S
SECOND GENERATION. 59
wife Mary Coddington, widow of Thomas Coddington (son of Governor William Coddington, first Chief Magistrate of Rhode Island b}^ his third wife Anne Brinley). The following group of entries in Rhode Island F. M. may be conveniently given here : —
Thomas Coddington, son of William and Anne Coddington, of Newport, R. I., b. Nov. 5-1655; m. 1st Priseilla who d. Aug. 7-1688 aged 34 years.
Thomas Coddington of R. I., m. 2dly Mary Howard, of New York, Jan. 22-1689.
The children of Thomas Coddington's second marriage were:
1. William Coddington (son of Thomas and Mary) b. in New^port Dec. 1- 1690; bu. at Phila. 7 mo-8-1694 (Phila. F. M.).
2. Mary Coddington (dau. of Thomas and Mary) b. in Newport Jan. 15- 1692/3. She became the second wife of Judge William Trent.
Thomas Coddington (son of Governor William) d. March 4-1692/3, aged 38 years, bu. in Coddington Graveyard.
Anthony Morris, of Pennsylvania, and Mary Coddington (widow of Thomas Coddington) m. Jan. 18, 1693/4.
Edward Shippen of Boston and Rebecca Richardson (widow of Francis Richardson of New York, Merchant, d. July 15-1688) m. Sept. 4, 1691. Rebecca (Richardson) Shippen was originally Rebecca Howard, sister of Mary Howard, both being dau's of John Howard of Yorkshire, England. Edward Shippen and Anthony Morris, therefore, married sisters, and about 1693-4 Edward Shippen removed from Massachusetts to Philadelphia.*
These facts explain the appointment by Mary Howard (Coddington) Morris, of " brother Edward Shippen " as the exec- utor of her will. Her sister, Rebecca Shippen, signs as one of the witnesses, 7th mo. 25th, 1699. f
On Aug. 10, 1694 Anthony Morris was commissioned a Just- ice of the Supreme Court of the Province of Pennsylvania, " but
* Vide New Eng. Hist, and Gen. Reg. Vol. xviii, p. 241, also " Vital Records of Rhode Island," Vol. vii, p. 10, 25, 51, 95. " Rhode Island Friends' Records."
t Vide Will Book A, p. 516, Reg. of Wills, Phila.
Edward Shippen was Speaker in 1695 of the Assembly of the Province of Penna., appointed by its Charter in 1701, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, President from 1702 to 1704 of the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania, and appointed by William Penn, Proprietary of the Province, one of the Executors of his will. He was b. in Yorkshire, England, in 1639; emigrated to Boston in 1668 ; d. in Philadelphia Oct. 2, 1712, aged 73, whither he had removed because of persecution, 1693/4; m. 1st, in 1671, Elizabeth Ly brand, of Boston, who d. there on Oct. 25, 1688 ; m., 2dly, Sept. 4, 1689, at Newport. R. I., Rebecca, widow of Fi-ancis Richardson of New York, and dau. of John Howard, of Yorkshire, England ; she d. at Philadelphia, Feb. 26, 1704/5, and was bu. in Friends' burial ground; m., 3dly, 1706, at Phila., Pa., Esther, widow of PhiUp James, and dau. of John Wilcox ; she d. in Phila. Aug. 7, 1724, bu. in Friends' burial ground. Will proved Oct. 20, 1726.
60 GENEALOGY OP THE MORRIS FAMILY.
seems to have retained his position in the lower courts " (Martin's B. & B., p. 40). The following is a copy of the entry in the Colonial Records (Vol. i., p. 415), in reference to this new appointment :
" The necessitie of a provinciall Judge in the room of Jno. " Cann Esq. deced was urged to the Lt. Go'', there being raanie " appeals depending to be tryed in 7br next, which if delayed to " be tryed, would give occasion of complaint."
" The Lieut. Governor named Anthony Morris Esqr. a fitt " person to discharge y' trust, which was agreed to by the Coun- " cill, and orders hee should take the oaths and test next sitting " of the Councill and yt a commission be prepared for him."
Anthony Morris retained his several judicial offices until 1698. We here reproduce a writ of Attachment, dat. 3d mo. 20th, 1698, signed by Anthony Morris, issued by the King's authority, in the Proprietor's name, and directed to the Sheriff of Phila- delphia County. It is in the plain language of Friends.*
"Anthony Morris was probably the presiding justice of the " Common Pleas from May 29-1693 until Edward Shippen appears " (Feb. 12-1697/8) at the head of the Commission (1 C. R. 498,) but " as the Writ signed by Anthony Morris bears date more than " three months afterwards it may be that Shippen presided only " in the Quarter Sessions." (Martin's " Bench and Bar," p.40.)
Notwithstanding this increase of his judicial duties Anthony Morris was unremitting in his labors for the prosperity of the Religious Society to which he belonged. The Meeting of the Friends in Philadelphia had authorized Anthony Morris, Samuel Carpenter and Edward Shippen to purchase for the meeting from William Markham at the cost of £50, a lot of ground at the S. W. corner of High Street and Second Street, upon which to erect a Meeting House, and upon the completion of the transaction the purchasers gave a Deed dat. 10th mo. last clay, 1695, to the " Friends of Philada." renouncing all private right to the property.f Upon this lot of ground was built the structure known as "The Great Meeting House."
* The original is in the possession of Effingham B. Morris, Esq., by whose kind permission it is here reproduced.
t Vide Deed Book E 2, p. 336, Office Recorder of Deeds, Phila.
THE "BLUE ANCHOR" AND DRAWBRIDGE, PHILADELPHIA
GREAT MEETING HOUSE AND OLD COURT HOUSE. PHILADELPHIA
SECOND GENERATION. 61
In 1695 Antliony Morris was returned as a Representative for Phila. Co., in the Provincial Council, and the election is thus recorded : —
" 20th April 1695
"Att a Council held att Philadelphia die Saturni 20th "April 1695.
" Present :
" William Markham Esq. Governor under Wm. Penn, &c.
"The Sheriff of the Countie of Philadelphia, his return of "Representatives in Councill was read, and there -wer elected "Samll Carpenter for 3 years, Samll Richardson for 2 years, and "Anthony Morris for one yeare "*
"22nd April 1695.
"Att a Councill Held att Philada. Die Lunte 22nd Aprill 1695. " The Representatives of the Countie of New Castle took the "oathes appointed by act of parliment to be taken instead of the "oathes of allegiance and supremacie, and subt the test and "promise of secresie and took their places att the Councill board."
"The Representatives of the Countie of Phila. & Chester did "subscribe the declaraon of fidelitie, profession of the Christian "faith, test and promise aforesaid, and took y'' places as above."t
It appears that Anthony Morris was re-elected in 1696 to represent Philadelphia in the Provincial Council, for on 25tli Sept., 1696, Anthony Morris with others "did subscribe the declaraon of fidelitie, profession of Christian faith & the Test, and all of them promised fidelitie to Wm. Penn, proprietor and Governor of ye sd province, and Secresie in all matters that should be secretly treated of in Council" J
The last note of Anthony Morris being present as a member of the Provincial Council, is under date 7th Nov., 1696 — that being " the end of the 4th Sessions of Council & Assembly. §
Not long before the close of the 17th century, Anthon}?- Mor- ris was once more left a widower, Mary Coddington, his third
* Vide Colonial Records, Vol. i., p. 446. t Vide Ibid., p. 447. % Vide Ibid., p. 460. i Vide Ibid., p. 473.
62 GENEALOGY OF THE MOKRIS FAMILY.
wife, having d. Sept. 25, 1699. Three children named William, Elizabeth and Joseph had been the fruit of their marriage. The last of these, Joseph, d. in infancy.
Anthony Morris m. again, however, before the close of the next year (8th mo. 30th, 1700), at Philadelphia, Elizabeth Wat- son, dau. of Luke Watson and Sarah, his wife.
We find in the Family Bible of Anthony Morris^ the follow- ing note in his own handwriting : —
" May the 16th, 1677.
" There was Baptized three children of Luke Watson and Sarah his wife. At the fFort att New York by the Dutch ]\Iinister A^iz: Sarah, Elizabeth and Isaac Watson, the fFors"^ Elizabeth being then about three and a half years old. This note was sent us hither by Sam" Bown of Long Island, who searched the Records there for the same.
entered pr.
Antho. Morris."
Elizabeth Watson is said by a writer in " The Friend," to have been " the only one of his wives much used in religious society," and we may believe that he derived no small benefit from her sympathetic Christian spirit in the various religious exercises which he was now experiencing, as a preparation for the Ministry of the Gospel, to which he from that time especially devoted himself.
The Certificate of this marriage is now (1898) in the posses- sion of Mr. Howard Edwards, and it is here reproduced with his kind permission.
On the 10th May, 1698, Anthony Morris was elected a Repre- sentative for the County of Philadelphia in the Assembly of the Province. He was re-elected each year afterwards until Oct., 1703 — his term of office expiring Oct. 1, 1704.*
Frequently during that time, the minutes of the Council and the minutes of the Assembly, refer to him as one of those chosen
* Vide Penna. Archiv., 2nd Series, Vol. ix., pp. 715, 716. Colonial Records, Vol. i., pp. 515, 537, 574 ; Vol. ii., p. 85. Penn and Logan Correspondence, Vol. i., p. 148. Vide Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives of the Prov. of Penna., Vol. i., pp. 101, 108, 118 and 142. Appendix to Vol. i., pp. xxii. and xxiv., Vol. i., part 2, p. 1.
^'li ^tn-^"'^.'^
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF ANTHONY MORRIS" AND ELIZABETH WATSON, 8 MO. 30th, 1700
SECOND GENERATION. 63
to carry the bills which had been passed by the House of Repre- sentatives, to the Governor and Council, for their concurrence and approval. Anthony Morris was also frequently appointed to serve on Committees of the House and to j)resent addresses to the Proprietary.*
On 2oth May, 1698, the Assembly "ordered that Samuel " Richardson, Anthony Morris, and James Fox, draw up a Bill " to regulate the Water Courses of the Streets, and to repair the " public WharfFs of Philadelphia." f
Towards the close of 1699 William Penn arrived in Phila- delphia, for the second time, from England. He had come over, determined, that action should be taken to clear his province, from the charge of illicit trade ; more especially as it referred to Madagascar and Natoll ; but as the Assembly of 1699 had been in session, and had adjourned before his arrival, he summoned it to reassemble in Philadelphia, and called upon it, to pass a law especially directed to this " illicit trade." The Assembly required some information as to the whereabouts of " Natoll," and accord- ingly, on 12th mo. 6th, 1699, "Anthony Morris and Isaac Norris, " were ordered to attend the Governor and Council, to be informed "of the place called Natoll, and that something might be " added to the clause, forbidding Trade to Madagascar and Natoll, " to show that we have been hitherto clear of trade to those " parts." t
" The members return and report, that Natoll is a place upon "the Main, near Madagascar, where it is supposed the Pirates " intend to remove their Magazines and Trade, and also brought " the requested addition to the said Bill."
On this day, it was re- corded, that the Assembly
adjourned "to Isaac Norris's ^ Y //7 // /'/V/1 ^^'^-^^y/^ (by reason of the extreme {^y/^cJcO f C/ /^ / ^ cold) for an hour."
On 12th mo. 9th, 1699, it w^as " ordered that Anthony Morris, "Isaac Norris, Nehemiah Field, and William Houston be a Com- " mittee to meet with four members of Council."
* Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. i., p. 117. t Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol i., p. 106. % Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. i., p. 115.
64 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
In the year 1701, as the time was approaching for William Penn to leave America, he was busily engaged in the formation of the new Charter for the City of Philadelphia, and the Bill of Property, and on 8th T*""-, 1701, about a week before the meeting of the Assembly, he wrote from Pennsbury to James Logan : —
" Thy amendments of the Bill of Property deliberate upon, "for that is a cardinal point with me, to be sure; and Nicholas " Wain and Anthony Morris should be treated with, upon that "head."*
When the Assembly met on Sept. 16, 1701,t " It was proposed ".that a Committee be appointed to peruse the Old Charter, the " Concessions, etc., in order to draw up Heads of Privileges "relating to Property, and to make Return to the House of what "they do, for their further consideration and debate, and to be "humbly offered to the Proprietary, for his assent, — and voted "that six members be appointed for the Service aforesaid, and "carried in the affirmative."
" Whereupon Anthony Morris, John Swift, Robert Pile, "Richard Hallowell, William Rodney and William Clarke were "appointed a Committee for that purpose."
On Sept. 19, 1701, | Anthony Morris and Joseph Yeates were ordered to draw up an "Address to the Proprietary concerning Property'^ and Anthony Morris and John Blunston were ordered to wait upon the Governor, and present the same. The " Address to the Proprietary concerning Property" was presented Sept. 20. § but there was considerable delay in obtaining a reply from the Governor, and the Assembly repeatedh' sent for it. It came on the 29th Sept., and was taken under consideration by the Assembly.
On Oct. 27, 1701,11 it was " Ordered that Nicholas Walne and "Anthony Morris wait on the Proprietary, and request him to "give his answer to the House concerning the Charter of "Property; who return to sa}'', the Governor's answer was, " He had not the Charter in his Hands, and what he has to do, "he will do without the Assembly as well as with; and desires "the Assembly will dispatch in regard he designs to go awa}^
*Vide Penn & Logan Correspondence, Vol. i., p. 54. -\Vide Votes of Ass., VoL i., p. 142. XVide Votes of Ass., Vol. i., p. 145.
I Vide Votes of Ass., Vol. i., p. 146.
II Vide Votes of Ass., Vol. i., p. 164.
SECOND GENERATION. 65
"this night." In the midst of other duties, on Oct. 17, 1701, Anthony Morris and Robert Pile are ordered to bring in the Bill "for preventing Clandestine Marriages," with amend- ments.*
James Logan thus refers to the result of the Election in 1702:
Logan TO Penn ,,r) n i o^i -,^r.-^
"Philadelphia, 2nd 8th mo., 1702.
" Yesterday being the day Election was made {i. e. Election of representatives for Assembly) Friends chiefly appearing."
" The members of the County are David Lloyd, in the first " place, then Anthony Morris, T. Richardson, and Griffith Jones, " the stifFest men they could choose." f
Anthony Morris was evidently in sympathy with those who claimed, to the fullest extent, the privileges granted to the City by its charter, and apparently he and his party were not always so pliable and compliant as Secretary Logan desired on behalf of the Proprietary Government.
Soon after Anthony Morris' re-election, in 1702, to the assem- bly, James Logan thus wrote :
Logan to Penn ,,r^ i x i nxi i r-nc^
" Philada. 1st 10th mo., 1702.
"A. Morris behaves as well as possibly his temper can let " him ; he seems much brought off from that busy humor, and " sometimes speaks in a meeting." X
James Logan in his " Justification " in answer to the Assem- bly's " Remonstrance " states, that at one time, David Lloyd, although not a member of the Assembly, "was not idle with them " and that he endeavoured to obtrude " a list of com- plaints " on a Committee then sitting at the house of Anthony Morris, but could b}^ no means prevail or obtain his end. §
In reply to this charge David Lloyd wrote : —
" I was requested by the ensuing Assembly at Philadelphia in 1701, to assist in drawing several bills; and I was one of the ten that were appointed by about sixty of the freeholders and
*Vide Votes of Ass. i., p. 158.
-fVide Penn & Logan Correspondence, Vol. i., p. 139. tVide Penn & Logan Correspondence, Vol. i., p. 148. § Vide Ibid., Vol. ii., pp. 371-2.
66 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
inhabitants of this City, to attend that Assembly with a certain Address, subscribed by seventy odd of the said inhabitants in behalf of themselves, and- others, which we presented to the Assembly, who referred it to a Committee that sat at Anthony Morris's and reported the same." *
From these extracts, it would appear that Committees of the Assembly were in the habit of convening at Anthony Morris' house on Front Street. It also seems probable, that Anthony Morris did not approve of the radical methods of David Lloyd.
William Penn had truthfully told his followers — "You are "come to a quiet land, and liberty and authority are in your "hands," but it took a considerable time for the machinery of the law to work smoothly, as the following incident will help to illustrate : —
When first elected a member of the Assembly, Anthony Morris was still exercising his judicial functions. For some time previously, conflicts were occasionally taking place, between the King's Officers, and the Governor and Council; the King's Officers being generally hostile to the Proprietary Government, and constant complaints were transmitted to the home Govern- ment. Colonel Quarry, who was Admiralty Judge under the King during 1698, issued a warrant to Marshall Webb, to seize a sloop containing goods, said to be without a certificate, and belonging to John Adams, but he (J. A.) afterward presented one, and obtaining in Aug., 1698, a writ of replevin from Anthony Morris, one of the Justices of the Peace for the County, Sheriff Claypole seized the goods, but Governor Markham ordered him to withhold them from Adams. The Council voted them- selves and the Governor blameless in the matter, as will be seen by the following Extract from the Minutes of the Council, held 24th Sept., 1698 :—
"The Lt. Gor said: Gentl, There has Hapened here in this " town an action that hath verie much troubled me. & I think "in it self verie Irregular, viz : There were some goods & merdizes "Seized by y^ king's Collectors for goods imported Contrary to " Law, The wch goods Coll. Robt. Quarry, Judge of the Court of "admiraltie for this pvince & territories, b}' his warrt to Robt
*Vide Penn & Logan Correspondence, Vol. ii., pp. 403-4.
SECOND GENERATION. 67
"Webb, marshall of y^ sd Court, took from y^ said Collectors, & "Committed ym to y^ custodie of y*" sd marshall, and y* sd "Coll. Quarry being upon going to Maryland, I was petitioned "by Jn° Adams, y^ owner of y^ said goods, for a replevin, in "these words, viz: ' To y^ Honble Wm. Markham, escf, Go'' of " ' the province of pennsilvania. The humble petion of Jn° Adams "'most humbly Sheweth, that yo"" petitioner did in y'^ mo. of "'June Last past, ship a Considerable Quantitie of goods on board '"y* sloop Jacob, Francis Basset M''., bound for this place from '"New york, wch sd goods, for want of a Certificate, wer seized att "'Newcastle; whereupon I, as in duty bound, made my appli- " ' caon to yo"" Hon"", & yo"" Hon"" was pleased to promise me all y* '"favour you could in such a Case grant mee, And by yo"" Honor's "'advice, I went down to Newcastle to treat with the Collecto"" '"concerning that, who not willing to take any advantage to "'Ruine mee, was verie willing to observe yo"" Honor's commands "■' & directions, so j^ I hoped (as I thought on good ground) to " ' Have my goods returned mee upon an appraism', till y^ Court '"wold be. A smal time after my certificate Came from New "'york, which I showed to the Judge of the admiraltie, & to "'Esq'" Randolph, & requested I might have my goods. The "'Judge told me if I had 1000 Certificates I could not have my '"goods but in a Legal way^, Becaus hee said y' M"" was not "'Qualified according to Law. I submitted to it, and pray'd I "'might have my goods prized, & wold give in good securitie to '"ans"" it att Court, which was i^romis't mee (as soon as y^ provost '"marshall had his commission, which yet hath not been '"granted;) Tho' hee who was the author of all my trouble, & " ' an alien, had his goods and vessel delivered to Him ; & I was '"still putt off with fair promises that I should have ym; when '"y® advocate (y* is to be) had been att Newyork & come back "'again, I should have ym delivered to me instantly. I y®mean- "'time, understanding I had a cargo of goods arrived there for "'mee, I went to Newyork to dispose of j^ same. And meeting "' wt y® Advocate on my journey, Hee told mee I might have my " ' goods if I wold give bail according to my prime Invoice, wch "'I was willing to do, rather than to Consume so much of my " ' precious time waiting for I know not what, and so made all "'possible Haist to Newyork & putt my goods into a merts. "'Hands to sell for mee, allowing Him Usual Comissions, in
68 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
'regard I was Unwilling to neglect my troublesome bussines 'here, in hopes of a Speedy dispatch, according to the manie ' Reiterated promises made mee. So I made post from Newyork 'back again, and Have since made my applicaon to y^ Judge of 'y^ admiraltie, and delivered him my Invoice to puse, & offered 'him my oath to it. He told mee he wold Consider of it, & 'since tells me hee can do nothing in it, and gave mee some ' Hints as though it Stuck wt yo"" Hon"", & am still putt off wt 'fair words, but no such actions. So y* I have assumed the ' boldness once more to address to yo'' Hon*", Hoping & Humbly 'requesting y* yo"" Hon'' will please to Consider the great Charge 'I have beenattin having my goods seized, & paying ten shills 'p. week storige, almost these 2 mo's., & in having ym detained 'from mee; my several chargeable and uncomfortable voyages 'to Newcastle (by yor Honors advice) to treat with the Collector ; ' my great charge, pains, & trouble in Coming back from New- 'york, together with my great Charge & Inconvenience in 'Leaving my goods there on Comissions; my intolerable Charge 'in y® Loss of my precious time, & extraordinary expenses I am 'dayly att; the Loss of my market & damnifying of my goods, 'wch, for aught I know, may be roten before y*" Court of Admi- 'ralty be Constituted, the Judge being bound to Maryland for 'y® advocat's Comission ; the great detriment it hath been to 'my health, being fallen away since I came almost to skin & 'bones, by Continual Concernedness for my hard. Unheard of 'Usage; the great destruction of my bussines att home & ' abroad ; the impairing my Creditt the best Jewell I have ; the 'utter, unavoidable Ruine of my dear wife & children ; ye smal, ' or no advantage that can redound to his matie or yo"" Hono"" by 'with-holding ym from mee ; all which tends to the dishonor of 'his matie in having his subjects wronged in pson & estate, by 'Hard hearted, unreasonable officers, & y^ discouragm* of y® 'growing trade of this province. Yo"" petition"" Humbly prays 'yo'' Hon"" to Consider y® premises, and grant Hee may Have 'his goods on an appraismt, by sworn appraisers or any other ' ways, as yo" Hon^s great wisdom may think fitt, being willing 'to give in Securitie to ans"" what may be alledged ag* my goods, ' and abide y® Order of y^ Court. And yo'^ petition'", as in duty 'bound, shall ever pray for yo"" Hours Happiness & prosperity. 'JOHN ADAMS, Philadelphia, August 19th, 1698.'"
SECOND GENERATION. 69
" I made ans'' that I wold not medle with any thing that Lay- before the Court of admiralty ; But the day after, as I take it, the sd Coll. Quarry went out of this town, the sd Jn° Adams, Owner of the goods seized, obtained from Anthon}^ Morris, one of the Justices of y^ peace for this County, a warr', by y® name of a warr* of Replevin, which was executed by y^ under Sheriff, and the goods taken from y® marshall & delivered to the sd Jn° Adams, y^ owner yrof "
" Upon the complaint of y® marshall, I wrote to the Sheriff y® 27th Aug*. 1698, in these words, viz : ' Mr. Claypool, 1 won- ' der such an action of replevying y® goods in y^ hands of y^ mar- ' shall of y^ admiralty should be done without my knowledge ; 'It was but yesterday that I was petitioned for a Replevin, 'which I refused ; & I think I have as much power as any man 'in this governm*. What complaints & damages may arise 'from this Let the actors ans"" for; since I cannot undo what's ' done, I will declare ag*^ y* proceedings of all who were con- ' cerned in it ; my advice to you is, & I expect that everything 'you have taken by virtue of the warr* of Replevin, be forth 'coming in its j)roper specie.' To which sd sheriff made an- swer in these words. Adz : ' Sir I perceive by yors, y' Adams of ' Boston had been with you to request the grant of a Replevin ' & y' liee had yo"" denial. He came to mee about foure in the ' afternoon yesterday, and desired to have a Replevin of certain ' goods that was taken from him by Robt. Webb, not naming him 'to me by any office, & the writ named him Robt. Webb, gentl ; I ' knew not that it any way interfered with the Court of admiralty, ' neither did I either hear or know any ways that hee had been ' with you. Replevins have been always here granted by the ' Justices, and never questioned by the Sheriff, no more than ' writts of arrest. I took of him bond w' Securitie in 300 lb. for ' y® goods to be forth coming, being several sorts of English 'goods, five bolts of Canvass, & five 1/2 barrels of East India ' goods, and that he shall make restitution of y'' sd goods, if it ' shall be so ordered by y^ Court. Had I known you had been 'interceded about it, wold not have any wayes medled in it ' wtout yo"" approbaon ; So hope my ignorance yrof may plead ' my excuse, being ever willing to obey yo'' Comands to y® best 'of my power and ability.' so subt. JOHN CLAYPOOLE, 7th Aug*, 1698. And Seeing the said Robt. Webb, marshall of
70 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"the admiralty, came no more near mee, I sent the Sheriff the "following warrant, viz: 'province of Pennsylvania; By the " ' Lt. Go''. Whereas, several goods & merchandizes wer seized by " ' M'" Jn° Bewley & M' Mathew Birch, Collectors of his Maties "'Customs wtin this governm*; which goods were delivered by "'ym Into y® hands or possession of M''Ilobt. Webb, marshall of "'y^ Court of Admiralty, in ord"" to have ym tryed in y^ same "'Court, as goods illegallie imported, which goods wer by the '"Sheriff of y^ Countie of Philadelphia, taken from the sd Rob* '"Webb, by virtue of a warrant of Replevin from a justice of the '"peace of the sd Countie, & the goods delivered to Jn° Adams, "'the pretended owner thereof; I do yrfor hereby will and re- "' quire you, to take into yo"" possession y® same & sd goods, & "'safely keep ym, untill further order, or that they be brought to '"trial in such Court ye Informer shall think fitt, according to " ' Law, for which this shall be yo'' sufficient warr^ Given att "'Philadelphia, this 27th day of Aug*, in y^ 10th year of y^ reign "'of king Wm., & 18th of y^ proprietor's gov*. Annoque domi, '"1698, Wm. Markham. To M^ Jn° Claypool, High sheriff of "'Philadelphia Countie.' And the sd Sheriff wrote mee in an- "swer this, viz: ' Aug* oOth, 1698. Sir, Jacob May, (the under "'Sheriff,) Has been yesterday & to-day about the excuon of yor '"warrt for seizing & Securing of y® goods taken by replevin, & "'have not as yet any accot yrof : I hope to wait on you to mor- '"row, & receive yo*" further Comands. To Subt, John Clay- "'poole.' Thereafter the marshall, Robt. Webb, posted outt of "town after Coll. Quarry, & overtook him at New castle, and "there drew up a narrative & swore to itt, but know not as yet "what it is; But Coll. Quarry att his return to Philadelphia, told " mee hee had sent several Copies of it home, w* Coments upon it "as large as the Circumstances of the thing wold bear, w* re- " flections upon mee in it. I told him I thought hee had been to "quick in writing home before hee had first inquired in ye matter "Himself Then the Lt. Go'' said, Gentl, Its now late, yrfor "wee'U adjourn till Moonday, ye 26th instant, & in y® meantime "I desire you will think of what I have Laid before you, and y* "you will be readie by y* time to assist mee wt yo'' advice in this " matter.
"Adjourned to 26th instant."
SECOND GENERATION. 71
"(2Gth Sep"-, 1698.
" Att a Council Held att Philadelphia, die Lunte, y^ 26th of "Sept., 1698.
" Present :
"WILLIAM MARKHAM, Escf. Leiut. Governo'^, et ysdem "ut antea.
"The Lt. Go' said : Gentl, I Hope you Have by this time Con- "sidered of what I Laid before you y^ 24th instant, & are ready "to give me yo'' advice yrin. I ask your opinion of the action " of Anthony Morris, the Justice of y** peace y' granted y^ writt "of replevin, becaus Coll. Quarry, the Judge of the admiraltie, "aggravats it as an action of y® governm**, and I think no action "of any Justice of the peace, nor no unjust proceedings of any "Court, can be termed an action of y^ governm*-
"It was resolved, that the granting of y® sd replevin was no "act of the government, nor was the Governor any wise Consent- "ing or privie therto.
"Therafter, three of the Justices of y® peace for the County of "Philadelphia, viz: Anthony Morris, Sam" Richardson & James " ffox, presented to the Go*" & Council the paper following, viz : "'May it please the Go' & Council, Wee, the Justices of the "'County Court of Philadelphia, understanding that some "'complaints have been made to you ag' o' proceedings in a '"replevin Latelie granted by one of us to John Adams, mert, "'returnable to o' last Court, do humbly offer this following "'answer for o' vindicaon. First, that wee look upon a replevin " ' to be the right of the king's subjects to have, & or duties to "'grant, where any goods or Cattle are taken or distrained. 2dly, '"That such writts have been granted by the Justices, and no "'other in this govern^the p'ties giving bond with Surties, to the '"Sheriff, for redeliverie of such goods in case y^ pltf in the '"replevin be cast, according as is usual in England in such cases. " ' 3diy, that since wee understood how the goods in Question wer "'Seized & secured in y^ king's store house, wee might have just "'grounds to conceive that the Sheriff might be as proper to " ' secure the same to be forth coming in Specie, as by the replev- '"in hee is comanded, as that they should remain in the hands of " ' Robt. Webb, who is no proper officer as wee know of, to keep '"the same, nor hath given any Security or Caution to this gov- " ' ernm' to ans' the king and His people in that respect, as wee
72 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
'"can understand. Lastly, That wee att o'' Last Court, finding " ' this matter to be weighty, tho' wee did not know of any Court "'of admiralty erected, nor psons Qualified as wee know of to '"this day, to hold such Court, yet wee forbore the triall of y® sd "'replevin, & Continued it untill wee further advised, & so the " ' pties are to come before us again att next Court, where wee "'should be glad to receive some advice ja-in from you ; And rest "'yo'' loving friends, Anthony Morris, Sam" Richardson, James '"flPox, philad. y^ 27th of y^ 7th mo., 1698.' " Adjourned to y^ 27th instant.
" (27th Sep--, 1698.
" Att a Council Held att Philadelphia die Martis, 27th Sej/, "1698.
"Present:
" WM. MARKHAM, Esq''. Leiut. Governo", et ysdem ut antea.
"The Lt. go'' Sent for the Justices of y® peace of the sd County "of Philadelphia, that Satt on the bench the last Countie Court. "There appeared Anthony Morris, Sam" Richardson & James "ffox, (Edward Shippen, one of ym, being gone to New england,) "The Lt. Gor told ym y* Coll. Robt. Quarry & m-" Jn° Moor, had "been with him, & told him y* in y* sd Last Count}^ Court, there "wer great reflections made upon Coll. Quarrie's pson, & his Co- " mission; And that the Court permitted a petion to be read in " Court that had many reflections in it upon sd Coll. Quarry, wtout "any reprimand or notice taken of it. Gentl, I am sorry to Hear " & unwilling to believe these things. But y' I may be satisfied in "y^ truth yrof, I sent for you to have it examined before this "board; But y^ time of y® provincial Court's circuit being come, "wherein Some of y^ Council are Judges, I cannot have a Quorum "of y^ Council until y® sd Court be over, and then I shall call a "Council on purpose to examin y^ sd Complaints. WHereupon "some of y^ members of Council moved that the Lt. Go"" wold be "pleased to Cause Coll. Quarry & Jn" Moor, to reduce y'' Com- " plaints to writting, y* y® psons Concerned might make their "defence thereunto.
"Adjourned till further order."
David Lloyd was the Attorney in this case. When shown the letters-patent from the King to the Marshal, with the broad
SECOND gp:neration. 73
seal of the High Court of Admiralty attached, he exclaimed "What is this? Do you think to scare us with a great box and "a little babie? 'Tis true, fine pictures please children, but we " are not to be frightened at such a rate."
These words cost Lloyd his seat in the Council, and the three Judges, Anthon}^ Morris, Samuel Richardson, and James Fox, were summoned to the presence of the Governor, who repri- manded them for not having rebuked David Lloyd for such utterances.
The further official notice of this matter appears to have been postponed for more than a year, by which time, William Penn arrived, and it was accordingly brought before him, for decision. The references to it, in the Minutes of the Council, are of sufficient interest to be given verbatim, prefacing them with the following extract from the " Catalogue of papers relating to Pennsylvania and Delaware deposited in the State paper Office, London," which refers to a letter dated "Sept. 12, 1699, Whitehall — 'Board of Trade to Mr. Penn' — ordering that David Lloyd be removed from all public employments, and Anthony INlorris from the Commission of the Peace."*
" (22d Decemb^ 1699.
" Att a Council Held att Philadelphia die veneris, 22d "Decemb', 1699.
" WM. PENN, pror & Go-", et ysdem ut antea.
" The mess"" of the Council acquainted ym y' Anthony Morris "one of the Justices of the peace for philad. County, desired ad- "mittance, which being granted, said That hee for some years "past served y^ king & Country as such to his great trouble & "private detriment, and then delivering to ym 4 paps, relating "to y^ goods of one Robt. Adams of Boston, y* in June, 1698, had "been seized by the king's Collectors here, & b}' ym, by a warr*' "from sd Coll. Quarry, delivred into y^ hands of Rob* Webb, " marshall of y^ admiraltie, & wch had been (by a warr* of replevin " signed by him, sd Anthony) replevied and taken outt of the hands " of sd Marshall, And yrfor, y* hee now came befor ym to Lay "down, & did lay down, his Comission of Justice; and further
Vide ]Mem. Penn. Hist. Soc, Vol. iv., part ii., p. 294.
74 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" said, y' liee granted & signed y^ sd replevin in psuance (as liee "thought) of his duty, believing he was in the right, & y* hee was "induced yrto by advice of those that hee thought wer well " skilled in y^ Law, who told him y* was the priviledge of the sub- "ject; and further said, y' hee had no interest in the owner nor " goods, nor no self by nor sinister end in so doing.
" To whom the pro'" & Go"" made ans'', That his signing y^ sd "replevin was a verie indeliberate, rash & (in his opinion) un- " warrantable act, which hee, sd Anthonie, could not justii&e, & "yet hee wold be so farr from Justifying itt, that tho' hee could "not deliver back Into y® hands of y^ admiraltie y^ sd goods, "(they being long since delivered to the supposed owner, on "securitie given to the Sheriff,) yet he wold deliver into y® Judge "of y® admiraltie's hands, & into y® power of y*" Court, the 2 "invries & appraismts of sd goods, & y® obligaon given by sd "Adams & his sureties to y*" Sheriff of philad, for 32711. 8s. 6d. "Then sd Anthony was desired to withdraw; which hee "did."
" Upon notice given yesterday to Coll. Quarrie, hee this day " appeared. To whom the pror. & Go'' having opened his, the " Council & govermts most sincere intentions, by all law" means, "to discourage, discountenance & severely punish piracy & Ille- "gal trade, Hee desired y^ sd Coll. to be assistant in proposing "such expedients as might be most Conducive yrto, & y' hee & "all others the king's officers & y® govmts', might go on hand in "hand in securing the king's interests in this govm^ To wch y^ "sd Coll. ansred, y* the matter being weightie it required thought, "& y* after some consideraon, hee wold propose to ym what in "his opinion wold be most effectual for these ends.
" Then y® pro'' & Go'' delivered to sd Coll. Quarry 4 paps, "relating to the sd replevin, telling him y' tho y^ goods in kind "were Long since delivered to y^ptended owner, & so outt of his "power, yet hee delivered to him the Invrie, 2 appraismts, & sd "Adams & His sureties obligaon for y® sd sum, & desired y^ secrie " to take Copie of sd 4 paps, wt Coll. Quarrie's receit for y^ same, "to. remain on y® file of minutes of Council."
"(24th January, 1699-700.
"Att a Council Held att Philadelphia die Mercury, 24th .Jan- "uarie, 1699-700.
second generation. 75
" Present :
"WILLIAM PENN, pror. & Governo^
" Sam" Carpenter, David Lloyd, Wm. Clarke.
"Edward Shippen, Caleb pusse}'-,
"The Mess'' of the Council acquainted ym that Coll. Quarry "desired admittance; wch being granted, Hee desired Anthony " Morris might be called befor hee spoke, wch was done. Hee " appearing, Coll. Quarry said. That in the pror. & Gor's absence, "many abuses had been comitted, (qrof hee was in duty obliged "to Complain home, but was glad to see him since his arrival " discountenance y^ same, and provide better agt y^ like for the " future,) & y* goods that had been imported Contrarie to y^ laws "of trade, had been seized by the king's Collectors, and put in "his majes store, and y* before trial, Anthonie Morris signed a " writt of replevin, qrby the sd goods wer forciblie taken out of "the sd store, and outt of the power of the Court of Admiraltie, " & what came of ym the sd Anthonie best knew. That this his " action, was no Less than to question whether his Matie or y® sd " Anthonie has most power. The act of parliamen* is for us, & " hee cannot pretend ignorance, having been so Long a Justice "y' hee became verie insolent, and by this his action, hee has "affronted y^ king, (what in him Lay,) & has broken his Laws " & invaded his priviledges & Courts, and yrfor, desired the pror. " & Go"" wold order sd Anthonie to restore y^ sd goods into y® "power of the Admiraltie again, & y* securhie had been taken " by y® sherif for y^ value of y® sd goods, according to appraism* & "y* the Security refuses to pay y* monie, (& y^ Sherif y' took y® "bond is now Laid aside,) & y* it is unreasonable y* y® king "should be putt to y® trouble & charge of a sute to recover the "appraised value of y^ sd goods (wch sd Anthonie had illegallie "taken away out of y^ king's store.) Therefore, desired his "Hono"" & Council, to think of a method of prosecuting sd "Anthonie for y'' sd violaons, & to make good y" sd apprised "value of y^ sd goods to y® king.
" The sd Anthonie made ans', that his signing the sd replevin "was an act of ignorance, & not of malice ag' y® king, his Laws " & officers, y' hee was psuaded to it by advice of ym y*^ knew "y^ Laws, & yrfor hop'd y* wold excuse him, who had no benefit " by nor interest in y® goods nor y"" owner ; & as for y® apprised
76 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" value, Hee knew nothing of it, but believed y® securities wer "responsible, & y* it Look't verie hard y' any Justice should "suffer for an error in Judgment; & further added, that if it were "to do again hee wold not do it.
" Then the Go"" told Coll. Quarry y* care should be taken to "secure y® apprised value of sd goods to y^ king & his officers, "wtout either trouble or charge, & if hee was not satisfied wt "Anthony Morris's being outt of Comission of the peace, & wt "his psent submission, Hee might propose in writting what " other satisfaction hee expected, and it should be considered of. " To wch Coll. Quarry made axis'", y* hee had no psonal animositie " ag* M"" Morris, & y^ for his pt he was well satisfied wt y^ pror. & "Gor's promise, & M"" Morris' submission.
" Adjourned to 14th February, 1699-700."
Anthony Morris was, however, too valuable a man to be long deprived of his Magisterial office, for we find, in a memorial presented by Col. Quarry to the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Foreign Plantations, in the latter part of 1701, a complaint:
"That Anthony Morris, who as a magistrate did give a "warrant for the taking by force out of her Majesty's stores "a parcel of prohibited goods which were under seizure; of "which unlawful act an account being sent home, the governor, "Mr. Penn, was ordered to turn the said Anthony Morris out of "all offices, and prosecute him for the crime. That, in obedience "to his late Majesty's commands, and the orders of this honorable "Board, Mr. Penn did turn out the said Morris, to answer his "turn for the present occasion; but has now restored him again "and made him one of his chief magistrates."*
To the " Complaint " of Col. Quarry the following " Answer " was made by William Penn to the Board of Trade : — f
" To the three first paragraphs relating to Anthony Morris. If I may say so mean a thing of myself, I had long ago Col. Quarry's licence to re-employ that man after a thorough exami- nation of him about the old business of the replevin in Council, Col. Quarry being present. It appearing evidently to his satis- faction, that he was not only surprised by the lawyer who
*F?(ie " Penn and Logan Correspondence." Vol. i., pp. 37, 38. Also, Mem. Penna. Hist. Soc, Vol. ii., part ii., p. 202. ■fVide Mem. Penna. Hist. Soc, Vol. ii., part ii., p. 205.
SECOND GENERATION. 77
brought it to him to sign, but threatened into it, that if he did not do it he denied justice to one of the King's subjects, Upon which, as well as a private discourse between Col. Quarry and the said Morris he declared, ' If what he had writ of him were to do again, he would not do it; for that he believed he was im- posed upon.' Besides this, we have next to no choice in those parts, and he had been one of the most sufficient as well as dili- gent magistrates there."
This Colonel Quarry, the fomenter of so much ill feeling be- tween the Proprietary Government and the Crown, is described by some writers, as a "Zealous Churchman," but he is spoken of by Penn, in one of his letters to Logan, in terms such as he seldom used even concerning his bitterest enemies, as "one of the great- est villains whom God will make in this world, I believe, for his lies, falsehood, and supreme knavery."
He was, no doubt, a violent enemy of Penn, of his govern- ment, and of the " Friends " generally.
It is believed that Anthony Morris as early as 1687 com- menced the Brewing business which afterwards grew to great proportions, but the old " Anthony Morris Brewhouse " situated on King Street (Water St.), above the Drawbridge, could not have been built until some years later.
The occupation of Brewing, was at that time, followed by prominent Friends who were leading men in the Community, and the Beer of that time was highly esteemed for its purity and strength. Watson says, that, "In the early period of Philadel- phia it was ver}^ common for good livers to have malt houses on their several premises for making Home-made strong beer. There were such at J. Logan's, at Pennsbury, and at several others, — until 70 years ago."
Gabriel Thomas in his account of Philadelphia and the Province in 1696, published probably in 1707-9, states that "the "brewers sell such beer as is equal in strength to that in London, "half ale, and half stout, for fifteen shillings per barrel, and their "beer hath a better name, that is, is in more esteem, than English "beer in Barbadoes, and is sold for a higher price there."
We find a description of the lot upon which Anthony Morris built his "Brewhouse" with other improvements in a "Tripartite Indenture" bearing date 7th mo. 9th, 1706, by which he handed over (by the intervention of trustees), a share of his Brewery and
78 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Business to his son, Anthony MolTis^ which was defined as "a "moiety of the messuage or tenement, Brewhouse, moiety of "wharf or w^ater lot whereon messuage stands 77 foot broad; in "length from Front Street to Street or Cartway (commonly called "King Street) 40 feet & from the East side of King Street into "the river 180 feet; bounded north-ward by lot lately in pos- " session of Josej^h Kirle, Eastward with Delaware River at the "extent of 250 feet from Front Street, southward with a lot lately "in possession of Jacob Reigner, westward with Front Street."*
An Indenture dated Feb. 7, 1709, confirmed the conveyance of this property by Anthony Morris to Nathan Stanbury, and Pentecost Teague in Trust for his son Anthony Morris.^ f
From a later deed| we learn, that the ground here described as being 77 feet in breadth and 250 feet in length, was originally granted by the Proprietary Commissioners in tw^o separate patents.
The first patent, 13th May, 1689, from William Penn by his Commissipners of Property to William Salloway (or Sal way), was for a Bank lot measuring 27 feet in breadth on Front Street and 250 feet in length. It is described as being bounded westward with Front Street, northward with the line of William Markham's purchase (to be next described), eastward with Delaware River & southward with a lot of land then in possession of John Tyzack. On June 22, 1G91, William Salway conveyed the said lot to Jeremiah Elfreth. Jeremiah Elfreth by his wall devised the said lot to his nephew, Henry Elfreth, and on December 7, 1698, Henry Elfreth conveyed it to Anthony Morris.^§
The second patent was granted Sept. 15, 1690, to William Markham for a lot "contiguous to" the first, and is described as a "lott of land on or before the Delaware, Philadelphia, 50 feet broad and 250 feet long, bounded northward with lote of late Patrick Robinsons and Richard Russels, now Joseph Kirles, southward with a vacant lot, westward with Delaware Front Street, and eastward with River Delaware at sd extent of 250
*Vide Deed Book E 3, Vol. vi., p. 67, in Office of Recorder of Deeds, Pliila. In this Deed, reference is made to Pat. Book A, Vol. vii., p. 286, etc., for grant from Proprietar}'.
tVide Deed Book E 6, Vol. vii., p. 53, and Deed Book H 6, p. 2.34, Phila.
tVide Exemplification Record No. 2, p. 356, for Deed dated 28th May, 1735.
i Vide Deed Book H 21, p. 378.
SECOND GENERATION. 79
feet." William Markham conveyed this lot to George Fformaii, 22nd Sept., 1690, and on 3rd June, 1698, Eleanor Fforman and Joseph Yeates, acting as Attornies for George Fforman (who had removed from Chester Co., Penna., to Calne, in England), conveyed it, for the consideration of £50 to Anthony Morris.-*
The following Extract from entries in Minute Book "G" of the Board of Property, under date 9ber 15th, 1704, is of interest: "William Markham and John Goodson, Comm'rs by their war- "rant dated 6th 3mo., '89, granted to John T3^zack 40 ft of Bank " on the S. side of Will'm Salway's Lott, now Anthony Morris's, "which said Lott Thomas Farm'r, Sherr. of Philadelphia in con- "sideration of a debt recovered by Elizabeth Robinson (of £37, "10 and £3 charges) made over to Jacob Regnier by a Deed Poll, "dated 1 July 1703. Vide Deed Predict. He requests a confir- "mation, Granted. "f
According to the Original Patents granted to Wm. Salloway and Wm. Markham the two "Bank and Water Lots" of 27 feet and 50 feet respectively, were held subject to a Quit Rent of two English Shillings and Ninepence yearly, for 51 years from the date of the patents, and at the expiration thereof, one third part of the yearly value of said lot of ground, together with the buildings and improvements which should be there erected, should be paid to William Penn and his heirs.
From this claim Anthony IMorris^ (son of Anthony Morris-) in 1735 sought release from the Proprietors at that time, (John Penn, Thomas Penn & Richard Penn), who accordingly recon- veyed to him the ground, consisting of the two pieces contiguous, by Patent dated 28th May, 1735,J upon the payment of £308 for the release from their claim and the payment yearly of 7 shil- lings and 9 pence. The property was then found to be bounded on the west by Front Street, northward by a lot formerly Wil- liam Haige's, afterwards Joseph Kirle's, Eastward by Delaware River, to extent of 250 feet from Front Street eastward, and south- ward by lot formerly of John Tyzack.
The Brewery of Anthony Morris, is said to have been the second of Record, as to certain location, the first having been
*Vide Exemplification Record, Vol. vii., p. 245. ■fVide Penna. Archiv., 2nd Series, Vol. xix., p. 441.
t Vide Exemp. Records No. 2, p. 356, in Office of Recorder of Deeds Phila. , same as Patent Book A, Vol. vii., p. 286.
80 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
that of Wm. Frampton, in the same neighljorhood, viz., in Front St. between Wahiut and Spruce Streets.
On December 10th and 21st, 1741, Anthony ISIorris^ and his wife Phoebe " for natural love and affection" gave a moiety of this brewery property on Front Street and Water Street to their son Anthony Morris^ By this time Anthony Morris^ had erected upon the ground, in addition to those buildings before specified, one other brick Messuage, one large Malthouse and other Buildings and improvements of considerable value.*
The houses numbered 233, 235, 237, 239 and 241 South Front Street stand upon the original Front Street Bank lot of 77 feet.
No 241 South Front St. 15 feet x 40 feet was conveyed by Anthony Morris* & Elizabeth his wife to Thomas White. March 10, 1764. This lot was then bounded northward by a lot granted to a certain John Moyes, eastward by King Street (or AVater St.) southward by ground belonging to Andrew Hamilton and west- ward by Front Street.!
No. 235 and 237 represent the contiguous messuages and lots devised by Anthony Morris* in the Codicil to his last Will and Testament, dated 29th, 9th, 1780, to his daughter Deborah (Morris) Franklin and her children. These contiguous mes- suages and lots were conveyed by the children of Deborah Franklin for the consideration of £1150 to Charles Wharton of Philadelphia, Merchant, on 2nd Day of May, 1791. The property is thus described :
" All those contiguous messuages and lots of ground thereunto "belonging late in tenure of Walter Drummond and Mary "Crawford, situate on the Bank of the River Delaware between "Walnut Street and the bridge containing in breadth on Front "Street and Water Street about 32 feet 9 inches and one-half, "and in depth from Street to Street bounded on the South by the "middle of the partition wall erected by Thomas White upon " the old stone wall of the south wardmost of said two messuages, "and on the north by the middle of the partition wall dividing "the north wardmost of the two messuages from a messuage by "the said codicil devised to Sarah Buckley and her children."!
*Vide Deed Book H 6, pp. 234 and 237, Phila. fVide Deed Book H 21, p. 375, Phila. tVide Deed Book D 28, p. 457, Phila.
SECOND GENERATION. 81
We may surmise from this reference to the "partition wall" erected by Thomas White on the south side of the contiguous messuages, No. 235 and 237, that the property No. 239 had previously passed into his hands. The title was certainly out of the Morris family prior to 1774, but the Deeds are not of record.
It remains only to account for the messuage and lot 233. This property was conveyed in Feb. 6, 1861, by the descendants of Sarah Buckley to Robert MacGregor for $3,000.* It is thus described in the Deed :
"All that certain brick messuage or tenement and lot of ground, situated on East side of Front Street, No. 233, between Walnut and Spruce Sts., Philadelphia in front or breadth on said Front St. 17 feet 6 inches & in length or depth Eastward 41 feet 6 inches bounded on the North by ground formerly of Sharp Delany, on the East by Water Street on the South by ground now or late of Charles Wharton on the West by Front Street."
Watson in his "Annals of Philadelphia," says, "The houses " on the East side of Front Street, of the first day, were all lower "than the street, and had a wall of defence; the descent of Front "Street began at the Stone House on the West; and on the east "side as high up as the present high Observatory house (probably "the tenth house from the present end), Morris' Malthouse was "there and his Brew house was on the East side of Water Street." (p. 243).
Watson further informs us that upon a dispute arising between the Baptists and Presbyterians (who had been worshipping together in the same building), fthe former were obliged to leave the Presbyterian Church, and seek refuge in Anthony Morris's brewhouse, described as a "Kind of Mariner's Church location on the East side of Water Street, a little above the Drawbridge, by the River side. There they continued to meet until the spring of 1707 lowly and without means for greater things." This action of Anthony Morris, in placing his Brewhouse at the disposal of
*Deed Book A C H, 4, p. 247.
fin the Warehouse of the old Barbados Trading Company in the N. W. corner of Chestnut and 2nd Streets, the Presbyterians worshipped with the Baptists, of whom nine individuals assembled in Phila., in 1698 and "did coalesce into a Church for the Communion of Saints, having the Rev. John Watts to their assistance."
82 GENEALOGY OF THE MOERIS FAMILY.
the Baptists, manifests his liberal spirit of toleration of other religious bodies.*
After Anthony ^Slorris^ had given his son Anthony^ an interest in the business, it was carried on under the name of Anthon}" Morris & Co.
The old Brewery is represented in an oil painting of the "South East Prospect of Philadelphia," executed in 1720 by Peter Cooper. The painting is at present affixed to the wall of the vestibule of the Philadelphia Library, on Locust Street.
A Directory of Philadelphia for 1809 refers to the ]Morris Wharf as running out from 107 South Water Street. The site is now (1898) occupied by the Freight Depot and Wharves of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
On 8th 4th mo., 1697, Anthony Morris- purchased of Thomas Budd two houses on the west side of Front Street, and on the north side of Thomas Budd's own house. They had a frontage of 40 feet and were nearly opposite the lots on the east side of Front Street which have here been described.
On Oct. 25, 1701, William Penn, before sailing for England, favored the City of Philadelphia, with another Charter of Privileges.
After naming Edward Shippen as the first ]\layor under the Charter, and appointing a Recorder, a Sheriff, and a Clerk of the Peace, Anthony ]\Iorris is named as one of the Aldermen of the City of Philadelphia, in virtue of which office, he became an Associate Justice of the City Courts.!
When the Assembly met in Oct., 1702, a difference of opinion existed between the Representatives elected for the Province, and those for the Lower Counties, as regards the legalit}' of their proceedings, if they acted together, since " they of the Province were mett by Charter, and the others by writts." The matter was repeatedly discussed by the Lieut. Governor, and his Council, and the Representatives were several times invited to attend the meetings and express their views.
*Williani Fishbourne in his Ms. says, "For many years there subsisted a good concord and benevolent disposition among the people of all denomina- tions, each delighting to be reciprocally helpful and kind in acts of friendship for one another."
t Martin (B. & B. p. 60), writes, " there is no way of determining the length of services of these Judges of the City Court, but the great majority held the office till their death."
SECOND GENERATION. 83
The ultimate result, was the separation of the three Lower Counties, and the Representatives of the Province drew up an Address to the Governor, requesting " that according to Charter, they might be enabled to hold an Assembly, ' by the addition of more members from each County and two from Philadelphia City.' " It was signed by all the Representatives, among Avhom was Anthony Morris.
The Governor, in pursuance of the Proprietor's Charter, granted the application for additional Representatives, and in the following year (Oct., 1703) returns were duly made of the Elec- tion " for Philadelphia County seven members, for Buck's Six, for Chester Seven, and for the City of Philadelphia two," amongst whom was "Anthony Morris, Senr." who had been re-elected.* With him were such men, as Isaac Norris, David Lloyd, Samuel Richardson, and Joseph Wilcox, who presented a powerful phalanx against any encroachments upon the privileges of the Citizens, or their Representatives.
In 1702 the Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends in Philadelphia, nominated Anthon}' Morris with Edward Shippen and Samuel Carpenter trustees of the ground on the South side of Walnut Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets, which had been left by John Martin " for the use of poor Friends." Upon this ground the Friends' Almshouse was afterwards erected. It is not known whether the Executors of John Martin's will ever signed the necessary papers declaring the trust thereof in the said nominees, but in 1714 the Executors made a declaration in which the}^ declared to William Hudson, John Warder and Anthony Morris, Jr., that they held the ground for the use of the Society.f
Edward Shippen, having served as Mayor of Philadelphia for two years, Anthony Morris was elected by the Common Council on Oct. 5, 1703, to succeed him in the ofRce,| and in the Minutes of the Provincial Council preserved in the " Colonial Records " it is recorded that : "At a Council held at Philada, " 12th 8br, 1703,
"Anthony Morris, Mayor Elect of this City in pursuance of their "Charter for ye following year, presenting himself with ye Alder-
*Vide Col. Records, Vol. ii., pp. 105 and 106.
t Vide Westcott's " Historic Mansions of Philadelphia," p. 97.
i Vide Martin's Bench and Bar, p. 94.
84 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"men & Common Council made a solemn promise of fidelit}' to ye "Queen, took ye declaration of his abhorrence of Poper}' & ye test "for his qualifications, etc."*
The re- election of Anthony Morris a few days before, as a Member of the Assembly, was noted in a letter from James Logan to William Penn. The letter is headed " Philadelphia, 29th 7mo 1703," but in a Postscript added at Chester he writes, "yesterday (probably Oct. 1st) was the Election for Assembly, by Charter, in Philadelphia. The}^ have chosen Rowland Ellis, Nicholas Wain, S. Richardson, Gr. Jones, A. Morris, David Lloyd, Isaac Norris, and Sanmel Cart, & for the Corporation, J. Wilcox and Chas. Read."t
In the Votes of Assembly has been preserved the Declaration or Act signed by Anthony Morris and the other Representatives : —
"At an Assembly begun at Philadelphia, in October, one thousand seven hundred and three,
" Edward Shippen, Esquire, President of the Council.
"The declaration and test, signed by the ]\Ietnbers of this Assembly.
"WE, whose names are hereunto subscribed, elected Repre- sentatives by the freemen of the respective counties, in this province of Pennsylvania, and the city of Philadelphia, in pursu- ance of the Proprietary's charter to serve in Assembly, do, each of us for himself, solemnly promise and declare, that we will be true and faithful to Queen Anne of England, &c. And we do solemnly promise and declare, That we, from our hearts, abhor, detest and renounce, as impious and heretical, that damnable doctrine and position, that princes excommunicated, or deprived, by the Pope, or any other authorit}^ of the See of Rome, may be deposed or murdered, by their subjects, or any other whatsoever; And we do declare, that no foreign prince, person, prelate, state, or potentate, hath or ought to have any power, jurisdiction, superiority, pre-eminence, or authority, ecclesiastical or spiritual, within the realm of England, and the dominioiis thereunto belonging.
"And we, and each of us, do solemnly and sincerely profess,
*Yide Colonial Records, Vol. ii., p. 104. fPenn & Logan Correspondence, Vol. i., p. 148.
SECOND GENERATION. 85
testify and declare, That we do believe, that, in the sacrament of the Lord's supper, there is not any transubstantiation of the elements of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, at, or after the consecration thereof by any person whatsoever; and that the invocation, or adoration of the Virgin Mary, or any other Saint, and the sacrifice of the Mass, as they are now used in the church of Rome, are superstitious and idolatrous.
" And we, and each of us for himself, do solemnly profess, testify and declare, that we do make this declaration, and every part thereof, in the plain ordinary sense of the words read unto us, as they are commonly understood by English Protestants, without any evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation whatsoever ; and without any dispensation ali-eady granted for this purpose by the Pope, or any other authority whatsoever; or without any hope of any such dispensation from any person, or authority whatsoever; or without thinking that we are, or can be, acquitted before God or man, or absolved of this declaration, or any part thereof, al- though the Pope or any other person or persons, or power what- soever, should dispense with, or annul, the same, or declare that It was null and void from the beginning.
" And we, the said subscribing Representatives, and each of us, for himself, do solemnly and sincerely profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ, his eternal Son, the true God, and in the Holy Spirit, one God, blessed forever more; and we do acknowledge the holy scriptures to be given by divine inspi- ration.
"Nicholas Pile, Jeremiah Langhorn,
"John Bennet, Joshua Hoopes,
"Andrew Job, Thomas Stevenson,
"David Lewis, Rowland Ellis,
"Nathaniel Newlin, Nicholas Walne, "Joseph Baker, Samuel Richardson,
"Robert Carter, Isaac Norris,
"Joseph Wood, David Lloyd, Speaker.
"William Biles, Anthony Morris,
"Joseph Growdon, Samuel Cart,
"Tobias Dymmoke, Griffith Jones,
"Richard Hough, Joseph Wilcox,
"William Paxton, Charles Read.
"Votes of Assembly."
86 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
It is an interesting fact that the following entry in the Minutes of the Board of Property under date 11 mo. 17, 1703, was made soon after Anthony Morris entered upon his new duties as Mayor:
''Anthony Morris, INIayor of Philad'a In hehalf of the Corpo- " ration mak'g application to this Board (of Property) that the "Streets of this City may be Regulated by a Concurrent Authority, "both of the Comm'rs and said Corporation. 'Tis ordered that "David Powell forthwith survey exactly According to the first "Projection and mark out the bounds of all those Streets that "have been run Irregularly in upon each other, with the assist- "ance of some fitt Persons appointed by the Corporation."*
During the Mayoralty of Anthony Morris, John Evans, the new Lieut. Governor appointed by William Penn, arrived in Philadelphia on the night of Feb. 2, 1703-4. Next day, his commission and the Queen's sanction of it were " published at " ye market place, in solemn form & order, the sd Governor being "present, and attended with the Council of State, the Mayor, "Aldermen & Council of Philadelphia Citty, the Principal " Officers, Gentlemen & Inhabitants of the place, from whence " returning to ye Council Chamber, the Governor took ye Chair "& held a Council." f Judge Guest then administered to him the oath of allegiance to the Queen ; the oath of abjuration of papal supremacy; and the test oath.
Wm. Penn wrote, that Evans, though only six and twenty, was "sober and sensible " and doubtless he thought him so, or he would not have trusted his son to him as a Companion. For a time all went well, but it soon became evident that Penn was mistaken in Evans — who in various ways made himself obnox- ious to the people. He made an attempt to raise a Militia on his own responsibility, without the means to pay them, promis- ing that those who enlisted in the Militia should be exempted from Watch duty. From this it is evident that the constable and watchman service was performed by citizens, and several in- stances are recorded of citizens, who failed to perform such duty, being fined by the Council.
The Minutes of Council record (Sep. 3, 1704) that " Several complaints have been publicly made of great disorders lately
*Vide Penna. Archiv., 2nd Series, Vol. xix., p. 417. -fVide Colonial Eecords, Vol. ii., p. 110.
SECOND GENERATION. 87
committed within ye Citty in ye night season, to ye great dis- turbance of ye sober inhabitants, and ye encouragement of vice by Evil example."
Anthony Morris, on behalf of the corporation, compkiined of the exemptions, as discouraging people from taking their turns in watching the city ; to which the Governor and Council replied that " the safety of the people by the maintenance of a Militia was greater than safety by a watch and ward." Further irrita- tion was caused by the Governor and Council deciding that County justices had concurrent jurisdiction in the city with the city magistrate. Thus empowered, the Governor refused to license inn-keepers recommended by the Mayor's court unless the County Court endorsed the recommendation, and by procla- mation set aside a verdict of the Mayor's court and forbid the officers to execute it.*
Matters came to a climax when Deputy Governor Evans, young Penn, Sheriff Finney, Thomas Gray and Joseph Ralph " were concerned in a night brawl and affray at Enoch Story's " tavern, in Coomb's Alley. The Constable, James Wood, and " Night- Watchman, James Dough, entered the place: there was " a quarrel about Evan's Militia, the argument ended in blows ; " Penn called for a pistol, Wood and Dough and Story were "beaten; outsiders came in, including Alderman Wilcox, who "beat Penn, under excuse he did not know him."t There was a violent disturbance and the city guard was called out to quell the disorder. " Some of the disturbers escaped and others were "arrested; among the former was the deputy governor, among " the latter was young Penn. Next morning he was brought " before the Mayor and rated severely. He replied M'ith taunts " and defiance ; he was a gentleman, he said, and not responsible " to his father's petty officers. Evans took his part and annulled " by proclamation the proceedings of the magistrates' court. This " audacious conduct roused the Quaker spirit : that body indicted "young Penn, and in his anger he renounced their doctrines, " discipline and jurisdiction."!
*The County Justices at this time were John Guest, Samuel Finney, George Roche, Samuel Richardson, Nathan Stanbury, John Jones, Joseph Pidgeon, Edward Farmer, Rowland Ellis and Andrew Bankson, Jr.
fScharf & Westcott's History of Philadelphia, Vol. i., p. 182.
jHepworth Dixon's William Penn, p. 314.
88 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
References are made to this matter in two letters of the period. The first reference, is in one from
Isaac Norris to Jonathan Dickinson.
Extract "Philadelphia, 27th 7br. 1704.
"William Penn, Junior, quite gone off from Friends. He, "being in company with some extravagants that beat the watch "at Enoch Story's was prosecuted with them; which unmanerly " and disrespectful act as he takes it, gives him great disgust, "and seems a wasted occasion. He talks of going home on the "Jersey man-of-war next month. I wish things had been "better or he had never come."*
The second reference is in a
Letter from James Logan to William Penn.
" Philadelphia, 28th 71)r. 1704.
" Not long after this, the watch meeting with a company at " Enoch Story's, a tavern in which some of the militia officers " were, a difference arose, that ended with some rudeness. Next " night, the watch coming again to the same place, and thy son " happening to be in company there was something of a fray, " which ended with the watch's retiring. This, with all the per- " sons concerned in it was taken notice of the next mayor's court " that sat, which was the 3rd of this month ; and not any regard "had to names by the grand jury, beyond whom it did not "pass. The indignity however put upon the eldest son of the " founder of their corporation, so early after the date of their " Charter, is looked upon by most moderate men, to be very " base ; and by him the Governor, and all others concerned in " the government not quite of their party, is deeply resented as a " thing exceedingly provoking." f
This unpleasant encounter with the Deputy Governor and the Governor's son occurred in September, 1704, towards the
*From Penn and Logan Correspondence, Vol. i., p. 315. t From Penn & Logan Correspondence, Vol. i., p. 318.
SECOND GENERATION.
89
close of Anthony Morris' term of Office as Mayor. A far more agreeable episode during his Mayoralty, was the marriage of Anthony his eldest son to Phoebe Guest, which was solemnized in the old High Street Friends' Meeting House on 3rd mo. 10th, 1704.
In the same year, Anthony Morris also found the time to absent himself from his Magisterial duties to attend the marriage of John Richardson, Jr., and Ann Ashton, at the house of Robert Ashton, in the County of New Castell, on the 7th day of the seventh month, 1704. Anthony Morris and his intimate friend, Thomas Chalkley, signed the marriage Certificate in their usual clear and bold handwriting.
On 6th mo. 25th, 1704,* Anthony Mor- ris and Joseph Wood were ordered by the Assembly to wait on the Governor [i. e. Governor Evans.) Upon their return "Anthony Morris "and Joseph Wood acquainted this house, that they had been "to wait upon the Governor, whom they found very sick." This is the last recorded duty, performed by Anthony Morris, as a Representative in the Assembly of the Province.
In securing the ground for the High Street Meeting House, Anthony Morris had taken a leading part, and probably he helped largely towards the expense of building it. It was erected on ground granted to the Friends by William Markham, but after his decease some fears arose as to the validity of the title and the matter was brought before the Board of Property as recorded in its Minutest under date 26, 12th mo., 1704.
" Richard Hill and Anthony Morris making Application to "this Board in behalf of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of "Philadelphia, and by their appointment that whereas Coll. " Wm. Markham, dec'ed. having Procured (as 'tis said), a Patent " to himself, signed by himself and One Other Commiss'r Only
i#'.
<&ii^
*Vide Votes of Aes., Vol. i., p. 16.
t Vide Penna. Archiv., 2nd Series, Vol. xix., p. 449.
90 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" for a lott on High Str. Joyning on the 2nd Street, Out of which " Pat., the said lott INIarkham granted to Friends a Certain Part " of the same to build a Meeting House, and is the Same, where " the great Meeting House stands, but suspecting the validity of " the title, they therefore requeste a Confirmation from this Board, " alledgeing and Pleading that the Prop'y had formerly granted " ground for a Meeting House at the Centre, upon which they " built very much to their Charges, Inconveniency and Damage, "and have since left it entirely, throwing it up again to the " Prop'y and further that the Prop'ry allways expressed a will- " ingness to furnish them with ground for a Meeting House, and " was accordingly ready to confirm this to them himself at his " Departure, but was neglected, all which being duly considered, " especially that the prop'ry having no where else Granted " Friends any Place for a Meeting House that is now of any " Service to them, and that he Accounted himself Obliged in " favour to them to Grant a Convenient Place, therefore it is " Ordered that a Patent be granted for so much as they now hold " in the Place aforesaid Without any regard had to the said " Grant of Markham to himself being Illegal and Irregular, Or " any Title derived therefrom."
The last official act of Anthony Morris, as Mayor, is thus recorded in the Minutes of Council : —
"At a Council held at Philadia 3d, 8br., 1704.
" Present :
" JNO. EVANS, Esqr., Lieut. Governr.
"Edw. Shippen, 1 Tho. Story, ]
" John Guest, I ^^^,^^_ Grifi". Owen, I ^^^^,^.^^
" Samll. Carpenter, j Samll. finney, i
" Willm. Clark, J James Logan, j
"The Governr laid before ye Board, a Paper presented to him 7th day last, by the Mayor and Aldermen of Philadia, in ye following words : —
" To the Hon'ble John Evans, Esqr., Deputy Governr of ye Province of Pensilvania & Counties annexed ; ye remonstrance
SECOND GENERATION. 91
of ye Mayor, & Commonalty of ye City of Philadia, on behalf of themselves & ye rest of ye freemen of the said City, Sheweth :
" 1st. That we find many of ye good people of this Citty, much discouraged by ye Govrs giving out a Proclamation, exempting all that would list themselves in the Militia, from Watching in their turns, contrary to ye Warrt given forth by the Mayor, for ye safety of the place.
" 2dly. By ye Governrs not Licensing ye persons recommended in ye Mayors Court, for keeping houses of Entertainmt, untill they had obtained a second Recommendation from the County Court, to ye charge & Trouble of ye persons concerned, & as wee think a great Infringemt of ye power granted us by ye Charter, & ren- dring & our authority contemptible to ye Inhabitants.
" 3dly. By ye giving out a Proclamation, declaring a Verdict given in our Court agst a person for keeping a disorderly house, void, & Commanding ye officers not to execute any writt, pursu- ant to said Verdict; since wch we find our authority much trampled on, & many affronts given us, both in Publick, & in private, all wch doe manifestly tend to our great Discouragemt in ye Suppression of ye growing vice of this place, & is contrary to ye Encouragemt intended us by our Charter, wch ought according to ye letter of it, to be construed most favourable in our behalfs. These are our short hints, in order to an amicable discourse with thee on these heads, wth what may further offer hoping & desireing that thereby a good understanding may be settled & continued between ye Governr & ye magistrates of this Citty for ye future.
"Signed on behalf of ye Corporation,
"per ANTHONY MORRIS, Mayr.
"Which being duly considered, it was Resolved, That an answer should be returned in the following words, viz.: —
"The 1st article. Not only by ye Queens order, but also for ye just Discharge of my Duty, in providing for ye safety of ye People, committed to my charge, I find myself obliged to put this Province in ye best posture of Defence yt I am capable. In
92 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
order to well ye principal stejD is ye establishmt of a Militia. This I have endeavoured not without success, tho' ye publick has hitherto given no encouragemt towds it. I therefore thought my power and ye issuing that Proclamation, wth ye advice of ye Council, was ye readiest yt could be thought of. I have reason to doubt yt too many of those good people you mention, are such as oppose a Militia, not from any principle against it, but through an uneasiness to see any thing done under ye present administration, that may recommend us & the Proprietrs affairs to ye Crown. To serve in ye Militia is much more ye duty of ye subject than to watch, & nothing in my Judgmnt can be more reasonable than that those who decline ye one, may engage in ye other, that a double Burthen may not lie on some, while others are exempted; what I have done on yt head, was wth ye best advice, & I cannot see any reason to recede from it.
"To ye 2d. I can boldly affirm yt till I saw your Remon- strance I never once heard it suggested, that the Justices of the County ought not to have the same power in ye Citty, concur- rent with ye Citty Magistrates, If in ye Eye of ye Law it be otherwise, to that I must leave it to be determined, & shall be very well pleased to have it decided by proper Judges ; as to ye Recommendations of persons to be Licensed, the County Justices were of oppinion that they were unkindly dealt by, & therefore were willing to assert their Right, (as they took it to be) not with any design to clash, but to act in concurrence.
"To ye 3rd. Being commanded by ye express words of 3'e Queens Ordr, to take notice of what is there required & govern myself accordingly upon application made to me in Council, I thought myself indispensibly obliged to observe it, not through any Desire of thwarting ye Corporation, but to answer her Majesties Commands. I shall always be pleased to see ye Cor- poration Supported in their just authority, & shall freely con- tribute my Endeavours towards suppressing all Disorders, & whatsoever may give Just offence to ye sober people of ye place, and I assure you no act of mine shall be designed to weaken your power in ye Just discharge of your duty, nor this order of ye Queens to skreen any Enormities. I desire you to be strict & carefull in suppressing of Vice and Disorders, & you shall find a ready Concurrence from me in so laudable an Undertaking."
SECOND GENERATION. 93
At the conclusion of his term as Mayor, Anthony Morris was succeeded in the office by Griffith Jones, on the 4th of 8th mo., 1704.*
On the first of the 7th month, 1705, a deed was recorded in Philadelphia, by which William Penn, Proprietor and Governor/ granted to Anthony Morris, Samuel Carpenter, and Richard Hill in right of George Fox, possession of 25 acres of land in Northern Liberties near Fair Hill Meeting House, also of a lot on High Street (south side) between 3rd Street and 4th Street, and also a lot on Front Street between Sassafras Street and Vine Street.!
This seemed at the time, to be the conclusion of a matter which had been the subject of considerable correspondence.
By William Penn's " Concessions," in 1681, every purchase of 5,000 acres entitled the purchasers to two city lots, one on Front street, 102 feet through to Second Street, the other on High Street, 132 by 306 deep, also 100 acres of town land (after- ward called Liberty land), and lesser purchasers in proportion, but on back streets. George Fox, one of the first purchasers was supposed to have bought 1,250 acres for £25, and thereby was entitled to two city lots and 16 acres of Liberty land.
From 1681 until his death he tried in vain to obtain a patent for these, but never received an answer from the Commissioners, which he was troubled at, and complained of, a little before his departure.
By his will, George Fox gave " his land in Pennsylvania of about 1,000 acres unto Thomas Lower, John Rouse and Daniel Abraham (sons-in-law of his wife, Margaret Fell Fox) and their children, to be equally divided amongst them, but only 16 acres of it he gave to Friends there, 10 of it for a close to put Friends' horses into, when they come from afar to the meeting, that they may not be lost in the woods, and the other six for a meeting- house and school-house, and a burying place, and for a play- ground for the children in the town to play on, and for a garden to plant with physical plants for lads and lasses to know simples and learn to make oils and ointments."
* Vide Colonial Records, Vol. ii., p. 166.
t Vide Exemplification Records, Vol. i., p. 616, Office of Recorder of Deeds, Phila. The date of the Patent was " ye eighth and twentieth day of ye Sixth month called August, 1705.
94 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
The appropriation of the land was much delayed and it was not till " ye eighth and twentieth day of ye Sixth month called August, 1705," — 15 years after George Fox's death, tliat a patent was granted as stated above.
The heirs of George Fox claimed, however, that the right of George Fox never was duly conveyed, and it was not till 1767 that the title was confirmed for ,£500, paid by Friends to the said heirs.
The letters of William Penn to James Logan (the latter his secretary and agent in Philadelphia, for man}^ years), clearly show that the "George Fox lot" was not a purchase by G. F., but a present to him by William Penn.
A letter from Penn (in England), to which the date sixth month, 1703, is assigned, says : " I am solicited about George Fox's gift — indeed it was mine to him ; and therefore must take the liberty to say that for the request I a little admire (feel surprise or wonder) at it. The most considerable of those who sign must know it was so."
We gain some idea of the powerful influence which the Morris familj^, and the families allied with it, exercised in the affairs of Philadelphia early in the 18th century, from a passage in a letter from James Logan to William Penn in the spring of 1706:
"J. Wilcox is Mayor; his father-in-law was last year; his brother that is to be in a few days,* viz., E. Shippen, was 1st and 2nd, and his brother A. Morris 3d; so that it has still been in that family. And by the conjunction of E. S. with that family they are now very strong, and grow more so every day, as the Government grows weaker." f
It is stated in a chart entitled " The Governor Coddington family of Newport, R. I. " that
" In 1708 August 2nd notification was sent from Newport to ''Edward Shippen of Philadelphia, that he render account of the "executorship of the Estate of Thomas Coddington late of New- "port dec'd. The father-in-law (i. e. the step father) of the heir "of Thomas Coddington viz. Anthony Morris was also notified, " he being the husband of the Executrix. It was the opinion of
* Edward Shippen m. in 1706, as his third wife Esther, widoAV of Philip James, and dau. of John Wilcox.
fVlde Penn & Logan Correspondence, Vol. ii., pp. 119-120.
SECOND GENERATION. 95
"the Court that the lieir be kept here in this colony {i. e. Rhode "Island) in her minority where her Estate lieth." From this we may surmise that Mary Coddington, at that time about 16 years of age, was residing with her step-father, Anthony Morris, in Philadelphia. What attention was paid to the opinion of the Rhode Island Court does not appear, but we know that by the year 1710 Mary Coddington had married William Trent of Philadelphia, being his second wife. By her he had two chil- dren— Thomas and William. Thomas Trent died in infancy, as shown by the following entries in the Records of Christ Church, Philadelphia.
" Thomas, son of William and Mary, ye second wife of William Trent, b. and bapt. June 1st, 1711."
" Thomas, the son of William and Marv Trent was bu. 29th Aug., 1711."
The second child, William Trent, m. Sarah Wilkins (who d. in 1807) and they had several children. Governor Gookin of Pennsylvania in a letter to the Bishop of London, styled William Trent, the Elder, " a merchant of credit," and the Rev. John Talbot, Rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Burlington, in a communication to the same bishop, speaks of Mrs. Trent and Mrs. Moore as " ladies of distinction and of a firm rank and quality," so that from this united testimony we may regard Mr. Trent as one of Philadelphia's most eminent merchants.*
William Trent was a Scotchman by birth and emigrated to Pennsylvania when a young man. In Philadelphia he opened a store and eventually transacted an immense business in the Colony, dealing in everything from a thimble to a sloop, or from a horse to a negro. In the Mercantile Library of Philadelphia is to be found a large parchment bound Ledger which once belonged to William Trent. It is denominated Ledger C. It records his business transactions for the first seven years of the eighteenth century, 1700-1707, and is filled with much interest- ing information respecting the first inhabitants of Philadelphia when it was scarcely more than a Village on the River bank.
Anthony Morris had an account with Williaiu Ti'ent which
*" Genealogy of Early Settlers of Trenton," Cooley, pp. 278, 279.
96 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
is recorded ou page 54 of this old Ledger. From 1703 to 1707 it amounted to £239.1.3J for " mercliandise " and " sundry acco*^" but Anthony Morris, in the same way as others, paid by "orders" or through others, and had a balance of £19.13.5| carried to Ledger F. Very little cash changed hands in these transactions between early Philadelphia merchants. When Anthony Morris^ had taken his son Anthony^ into partnership^ the style of the entry of their joint account in Trent's Ledger appears on page 4 as "Anthony Morris & Comp''," there being, however, only two charges against them for " merchandise " amounting to £28.6.0. At the time of using this Ledger William Trent was a member of the Provincial Council of Pennsyl- vania, having been appointed 12mo. 9th, 1703-4, and to set him free to take a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court of Penn- sylvania, to which distinction he was raised, although not an attorney, but because of his high character for integrity and business tact, he probably gave up his store.
During the period to which the Ledger is devoted, William Trent purchased from Samuel Carpenter for the sum of £850 the so called " Slate House," at the S. E. corner of 2nd Street and Norris Alley, Philadelphia. In this house William Penn lived in 1699; there John Penn was born, James Logan enter- tained Lord Cornbury there in 1702, and it was also the resi- dence of Governor James Hamilton. James Logan in a letter to William Penn, dated Dec. 5th, 1703, writes "Samuel Carpenter has sold the house thou lived in to Wm. Trent for £850," and we find this entry of payment for the same in William Trent's Ledger under date Feb. 5-1705/6 "House on 2°^ S' bott of Samuel Carpenter for house £850." In this house — by far the finest house in tiie City, William Trent lived until he sold it on March 30'^, 1709, to Isaac Norris for £900. The "Slate Roof House" was occupied until 1868, when it was taken down and the site now forms a part of that of the Chamber of Commerce.
Notwithstanding his many official engagements, and his untiring labors as a member of the Society of Friends, we find that Anthony Morris was diligent in business as a "Merchant," buying and selling Real Estate in Philadelphia and Chester Counties. In addition to those properties already referred to, he purchased many others, some of which are given in the fol- lowing list.
SECOND GENERATION. 97
In the " List of old Rights " we find noted : —
"Paper No 1507 Morris Anthony — Warrant — Bank Lott, Phila Co dated 2, 4 mo. 1(388.
" Paper 1518 Morris Anthony — War't of res'y 500 acres, date of return 23, 10 mo. 1701.
"Paper 1519 Morris Anthony — Warrant, Land & City Lotts dated 1-3 mo. 1717.
"Paper 1520 Morris Anthony, warr't res'y 500 acres dated 1, 3 mo. 1717.
"Paper 1572 Morris Anthony, Senr., & draft signed by Jacob Taylor 630 Acres (no date).
"Paper 1621 Morris Anthony, return 600 acres land 4, 5 mo. 1717.
"Paper 1622 Morris Anthony, return 630 acres 4, 5 mo. 1717."
Various Purchases of Real Estate by Anthony Morris": —
" On 4 mo-1-1695 Anthony Morris purchased of John Song- hurst a lot in Walnut Street 22 feet in breadth {Vide Exemplifi- cation Records, Vol. vii., p. 224, Phila.).
"On Dec. 3, 1698 he bought of John Goodson a lot 30x165 feet on East side of 2nd Street.
" Between 1700 and 1705 Anthony Morris purchased in various lots, from Thomas Crookshank et al, William Wells, Andrew Wheeler and John Stilla, altogether about 200 acres of land in Mo3^amensing and Passyunk {Vide Deed Book H 9, pp. 36 and 56, Deed Book H 6, pp. 016 and 618, Deed Book F 4, p. 120, Phila.).
"On March 7, 1709/10 he bought for £ll2.10s of Dr. Nicholas Moore 300 acres known as 'Morris purchase,' in Phila. Co., part of Morsland Manor ( Vide Deed Book E 7, A^ol. viii., p. 19, and Deed Book H 2, ]). 24).
"On Dec. 7, 1711 he bought for £80 of George Gray 120 acres in the Liberties ( J^ide Deed Book E 6, Vol. vii., [). 306, Phila.).
"On 1 mo-1 5-1711/12 he bought for £140 of Robert Adams the 'Pewter Platter' and lot 15 ft. 6 inches x 100 feet on AVest side of Delaware Front Street. {Vide Deed Book E 7, Vol. viii., p. 149, Phila.).
"On 1 mo. 4, 1712/13 he bought for £125 of Edward Smout
98 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
492 acres in Chester County ( Vide Deed Book E 7, Vol. viii., p. 297).
"On 3 mo. 1, 1713 he bought for £40 of Richard Townsend 100 acres of land in Phila. Co. on bank of Schuylkill River ( Vide Deed Book E 7, Vol. viii., p. 339).
"On Aug. 31, 1713 he bought of Robert Hogg a house and lot on West side of Front Street 2oJ ft. x 200 feet ( Vide Deed Book E 7, Vol. ix., pp. 154 and 155, Phila.).
"On Feb. 27, 1713/14 he bought for £225 of William Roberts and wife two pieces of land in the Manor of Moorland, Phila. Co. contaiuing 50 and 51 acres respectively with " Boulting Mills and Water Corn Mills " ( Vide Deed Book E 7, Vol. ix., p. 174, Phila.).
"On Feb. 7, 1710 he bought for £40 of Sarah Hersent 500 acres in New Bristol Township (Deed Book F 9, p. 247, Phila.).
"On July 9, 1717 he bought for £100 of Stephen Stapler a house and lot on East side of Front Street above end of High Street, extending from Front to King Street, and also 340 acres in Nottingham Township, Chester Co. (]lde Deed Book E 10, pp. 364 and 365, Phila.)
"On Nov. 23, 1717 he bought for £193 of Thomas Canby one third part of all Boulting Mills and of the lands thereto belong- ing in Cheltenham Township, Phila. Co. This property formerly belonged to Morris Morris and later to Samuel Bolton. (Deed Book E 10, p. 413, Phila.)
"On Nov. 18, 1719 Anthony Morris, 'Gentleman' and Sarah ]\Iorrey, of Phila., widow Distiller, purchased of Jeremiah Bartholomew the house 'called Bine Anchor.' (Deed Book F 8, p. 374, Phila.)."
This list does not include several purchases of land and houses which Anthony Morris quickly resold, and always at a profit.
During his lifetime, Anthony Morris advanced several sums of money to various persons. In the settlement of the Estate of Phineas Pemberton 9th mo. 24th, 1707, is found this entry on the Dr. side.*
"10th mo. 12th, 1702. To Anthony Morris 1 made good, and takin up his 2 bonds." j
* Vtde Pemberton Papers, Vol. iii., p. 10, Historical Society of Penna.
SECOND GENERATION. 09
Samuel Richardson (in his Will signed June 6, proved 13th June, 1719) left to his son-in-law, Wilham Hudson, among other ground rents, one for £1.16.0 from Anthony Morris for the "White Hart," on the North side of High Street, Philadelphia.
The earlier appointments of Anthony Morris in the religious Society to Avhich he belonged, engaged his services in collections for the poor and for schools, in inquiring into clearness as respects marriage, in settling differences, and in looking after the interests of fatherless children whose mothers were about to marry again. Soon, however, appointments of greater weight were put upon him, and for the last twenty-five years of his life, few subjects of deep importance to the welfare of the religious Society of Friends in Philadelphia Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly Meetings, were committed to the care and judgment of a committee, of which he was not a member.
He had much "unity" with the religious labors of William Ellis, and had purposed when the time drew near for that worthy " Friend " to leave this country, to have joined him, either at Chester, or at New Castle, to have taken a last solemn parting. William, however, left before the time expected, in the first month, 1699, and Anthony missed seeing him. The following is a copy of a letter he addressed to William. Ellis in the follow- ing 4th mo. : —
" Dear William Ellis :
" I have often been troubled in my mind, when the thoughts of thy going from us, have come into my remembrance, because, that I had not the opportunity of taking my leave of thee, in a solemn manner, considering how nearly my spirit was united to thee, so that I can truly say, I loved thee, and do love thee, in the Lord : and through the operation of his Spirit, thou wert made serviceable to me. So, dear WiUiam, excuse my neglect, for I came but a few minutes after thou wast gone. Now, I desire thee to pray for me, that I may be kept and preserved faithful to the Lord; for according to my weak abilities, I have often done the same thing for thee, since thy departure from us. I send this, by my very good friend Joseph Kirkbride, whom, I hope, the Lord will attend with his presence, and keep him near to himself, and within his own protection ; and if it be his good
100 GENEALOGY OP THE MORRIS FAMILY.
pleasure, return him safe to his family, as I hope thee has gotten to thine. With the salutation of mine, and my wife's dear love to thee, and thy dear wife, I rest, and subscribe myself, in the Truth that changes not,
" Thy real friend,
"Anthony Morris."*
In 1701, Anthony Morris began to preach, and it is to this fact that James Logan refers iii a letter to William Penn in 1702, in which he says: "A. Morris * * * sometimes speaks in Meeting."!
Robert Proud wrote of him, that he was "a preacher amongst the Quakers, and a man of general good esteem." J
In the year 1701, a young fashionable Friend applied for a certificate to London, and Anthony IMorris and George Gray were appointed to inquire into his orderly behavior, and his clearness in respect to marriage. They found the young man dressed in the height of the fashion of the time, with a huge periwig " extra- ordinarily powdered." They reported, with honest straight- forward simplicity, characteristic of the time, "we cannot find but that he is clear in relation to marriage and debts, but as to his orderly walking amongst Friends we cannot say much." The young man being present and being spoken to on the subject, made some acknowledgment relative to his extravagant appearance, and expressing a hope that he would be more careful for the future, the meeting gave him a certificate. It is probable this plain dealing had its use. The 3'oung Friend returned from London, married in the order of the Society, and appears to have been an orderly respectable "Friend" until his death.
Evening meetings on the first day of the week had been established in Pliiladelphia, in order to prevent the j^oung members of the Society of Friends from rambling about the streets on that evening. The}' were held at the houses of several valuable friends, and among others, that of Anthony Morris. There appears to have been fears relative to them in the minds of some, and they were at last discontinued. Previous to this,.
"^ Vide "The Friend," Vol. xxviii., p. 3-37; Ibid., Vol. xxix., p. ,396. fPenn & Logan Correspondence, Vol. i., p. 148. t Proud's History of Penna., p. 146.
SECOND GENERATION. 101
we find this minute of Third mo. 29th, 1702: "Several of the evening meetings having been let fall, through the late visitation of the small pox, it is the sense of this meeting, that Friends may be left to their libert}'. Such as are so minded, may keep them, provided they be ended in due season.
" Friends to beware of thinking or speaking hard of one another, either for staying from, or going to said meetings."*
In 1702 a request for help in formulating and establishing church discipline was sent up from the " Friends " in Virginia and North Carolina to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. A com- mittee which was appointed to attend to the matter, seems to have sent an answer to both provinces. The one to North Carolina is addressed to " The Yearly, Quarterly, and Monthly Meetings of Friends in North Carolina." It is signed by Samuel Jennings, Griffith Owen, Nicholas Wain, John Blunstone and Anthony Morris, and is dated 18th of 7th mo., 1703. f
On the 5th day of the first month, 1706, Anthony Morris ad- dressed the following letter to his friend Wm. Ellis: —
"Dear Friend: — In that love which abides, and is unchang- "able, do I salute thee, not forgetting tliy labor of love, and thy "care over me, for the Truth's sake and my soul's welfare. I " must confess now, as I have often done, to that which I received "through thee as an instrument, although, the work was the " Lord's, and he it is who gives the increase. Notwithstanding ^'I knew the Lord in some degree, and loved the truth, and the "prosperit}^ thereof, for many years before thy coming amongst "us, yet many things stood in my way, that wanted to be re- " moved, and thou wast made serviceable to me therein: and "now, that thou mayst reap something of thy labors, which "may add a little to thy satisfaction, I may inform thee that " the bread thou cast upon the waters, many days since, is, "in part, found again. The Lord, if it be his will, continue "to bless thy labour, and keep thee faithful in his service, "to the end of thy days: the same I earnestly desire for "myself, with all the Lord's servants and laborours that he "hath employed, to run to and fro on his errands, to call others,
*Vide. " The Friend," Vol. xxviii., p. 357.
t A copy of the letter is in the Archives of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. l(h " Southern Quakers and Slavery," by Stephen B. Weeks, Ph. D., p. 50.
102 GENEALOGY OF THE MORKIS FAMILY.
"and invite them to come to the marriage of our Heavenly " King's Son, who tells us that in his Father's house are many " mansions, and we faithfully believe the report. I shall not need "to enlarge much on this subject, to thee especiall}^ because "thou knowest more than I can tell tliee : but I know by experi- "ence, that Fathers love to hear their children talk a little in "their minority and innocency, and if the children do not speak "together, as they should, the fathers will delight to teach them. " Since I have remembered thee, and given thee an opportunity "for some fatherly instructions, I hope thou wilt not forget me, " for I am in want. Now, I think it is time to break off from "this subject, and acquaint thee that these come by our friend "Samuel Bownas, who is a brave fellow, a good workman, and " hath done great and good service here, and we are loth to part " with him, but if you have any more such, let thy prayers w^itli "mine be put up to our Master, that he may send them forth "amongst us, for here is abundance of work to be done, and a great "want of workmen. Now for a conclusion. In the sense of that "Ancient Power, which, uniting in love, makes us one, all the "world over, when trul}^ gathered into it, do I again, with sin- " cere affection salute thee, and subscribe myself, thy friend and "younger brother, in the fellowship of the Gospel of Peace, " according to my measure.
" Anthony Morris."
Upon comparing this with his former letter to William Ellis, we are impressed with the fact, that as the subject of this memoir advanced in his Christian experience, the more humble he grew in spirit, and desirous of expressing his appreciation of his Friend and Teacher in the Truth.
At the yearly Meeting in 1706, Anthony Morris was one of a Committee appointed to prepare an Epistle to send down to the members and subordinate meetings: —
" For the respective Quarterly and Monthly Meetings within the Provinces of Pennsylvania and the Jerseys.
"Dear Friends and Brethren: — It having i^leased the Lord to bless this meeting with a renewed sense of his holy and comfortable presence, to our great and mutual consolation, we are engaged in his love, so largely extended, to desire the welfare of
SECOND GENERATION. 103
all, and do embrace you therein, as partakers of the same virtue of life, and members of the same body, of which the one Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus is the Holy Head. And as the Lord hath been bountiful unto us, in his inward comforts- and refresh- ments, it hath engaged us in a renewed concern and zeal for the honour of his great name, the prosperit}^ of his blessed Truth, and the welfare of his people, that in all things we may be complete, and grow up into that blessed testimony we have received in this present dispensation of God unto the generation that now is. That as we have believed in the light of his Son Christ Jesus our Lord, we may walk as children of light and of the day of God which hath dawned upon us, in all virtue and holiness. Avoiding every appearance of evil or work of dark- ness in our whole conversation ; that so our lives and ways in all things may evidence to the world that we are of, and upheld and preserved by him. And therefore, dear Friends, as conducing to that blessed end, we hereby remind you in a few words of those many and wholesome particulars comprehended in those papers entitled ' A General Testimony, etc.,' recommended from this meeting in the year 1704, which w'e again recommend unto you and exhort to the strict observation of them, and in especial manner these few things following:
"First, That Friends keep constantly both to First-day and week-day Meetings, and therein diligently wait upon the Lord, with fervent desires and cries in spirit after the enjoyment of his blessed presence. That so all heaviness of soul may vanish, and drowsiness be done away, which is a growing evil in some, greatly to the dishonour of God, and the hurt of their OAvn souls, that can so far play the hypocrite before the Lord and his sensi- ble people, as while pretending to worship God in the quicken- ing spirit of his Son Christ Jesus, give way to unnatural sleep, which is so far contrary, as light and darkness.
"Secondly, that Friends be careful not to put their children apprentices to such as are not Friends, whereby they are often led astray through evil example. But, as much as in them lies, bring up their children, and all that are under their care in the fear and nurture of the Lord. That none may be blameworthy in a thing so greatly necessary.
104 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" Fourthly, That none accustom themselves to vain and idle company, sipping and tippling of drams and strong drink in inns or elsewhere, for though such as use that evil practice may not suddenly be so far prevailed upon as to be drunk to the greatest degree, yet they often inflame themselves thereby so as to become like ground fitted for the seeds of the greatest transgressions. Some that have had the example of virtuous parents, have, from such beginnings in corners, arrived to a shameless excess, to the ruin of themselves, their wives and families, and the scandal of that holy name by which they have been called.
"And for the more effectual putting in practice these things now, and formerly recommended unto you, we think it may be expedient, that the overseers, both men and women in each meeting, take care to report the state of the meeting to the Monthly Meeting, and each Monthly Meeting the state of affairs to the Quarterly Meeting, and they to this meeting, that so where any defect or shortness is found in particular or general, a timely and apt remedy may be applied as in the wisdom and counsel of God shall be found needful. That so honour and glory may be given unto the great name of the Lord our God in all things, who is worthy forever !
"And now, dear Friends, as we write to you in pure love, w^e recommend unto you fervant and inward charity one towards another, and to all men. Beside the commendations given unto charity by the apostle in his day, we also say by experience, that charity preventeth many evils. It keeps the peace, preserves unity, and as it were, teacheth all unity. Where charity is, there is love to God, and love to man ; but where it is wanting, zeal towards God vails and neighbours and friends are also disre- garded, and instead of acts and expressions of love and good will to all, the contrary is brought forth. It is for w^ant of charity, men speak evil of dignities, detract and lessen the name of their neighbours, and evilly entreat in secret the reputations of those that think them no harm. This is a crying evil, from which the God of Truth purge and preserve his people everywhere, we heartily desire.
"This meeting as it was large and edifying as some of you may well remember, so our satisfaction w^as heightened by the mention of several travelling Friends, of the increase and pros- perity of Truth in divers places, which we know will be matter
SECOND GENEKATION. 105
of comfort to you. So, in the love of our heavenly Father, we recommend to you his powerful protection and counsel in all things, and are your loving Friends and Brethren.
"From our Yearly Meeting, held at Burlington, for the Prov- inces of east and west Jersey and Pennsylvania, begun on the 15th day of the Seventh month ; and held by adjournment till the 18th of the same Anno 170G.
"Sam. Jennings, Antho. Morris,
"Nicholas Walln, Sam. Carpenter, "Tho. Story, Caleb Pusey."*
The following letter from Thomas Chalkley to Anthony Morris- is of interest, and shows the friendly intercourse which existed between these two remarkable men.
"Southgate neare London ye 23rd of ye
9th mo. 1708. " Deare Anthony
"Thy kind and loving letter I had and do acknowledge thy "true and Brother love and friendship to mee and mine wch have "not been a little, but large and lasting, and I do hope as we keep " in the holy Truth (as it is in Jesus) wee shall always remaine in "perfect unity and in the holy fellowship of the Everlasting " Gospell, in which Blessed and Sweet fellowship I give unto thee "and all thine the salution of my unfeigned love, as also the ".same to all dr friends.
"As to my concearnes, I feare they are dull and heavy — but "that hath been usual to mee and so I can beare it the better: so "that noe dishonor bee brought on truth thereby: I know dr " frd thy instruction to my poore wife may bee beneficiall to her " (as also to mee) if she will take it. If she lives not in the house " I left her, I desire thee please to advise her to sell the house- "hould * * * * for I do know that it would free of us much "incumbrance, besides a good testimon}^ to our creditors. If she "stick att it. Because I left them to her in the Will, let her take "account of them, and if I dye before I see her, my Will is that "she bee paide that back againe with the first money yt is * * *
* Vide " The Friend," Vol. xxviii., p. 372.
106 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" It was no small surprise to me after a long and expeucive "journey, that when I came to London there was nothing for "mee. Sure I am I cleared £7000 sterling in about 6 mos with "the mills, — tho I confess I never expected half the money when "I left. But in nothing there is no sence. But I hope my greate "Master will beare up my spirit above all my exercises * * * "poore I meets with them thick and threefold. It is true I had " great satisfaction in meeting with my neare and dr relatives^ "but my many afflictions droAvned it in a greate measure :
"Oh my dr frd, my fountain is bitter. The water therefore " must need be bitter, springing from it.
"Oh my Greate Master (the Grate profit) that thee would "please to sw^eeten it with thy Divine Grace.
" Joyne with me my dr frd in this supplication for I need it. "Were it not, that the Lord hath given a reward for my servis "to him, Oh surely I should now even at last faint.
"If thou think meet, let her see this: and I desire thou may "see her: the Lord bee with thee and thine and lett His Bless- "ing rest upon you and upon all his people.
"Amen, thy frd &c &c
"Tho. Chalkley."
Mr. Howard Edwards, who has kindly furnished this copy, remarks, that this letter referring to some pecuniary trials, was written during a religious visit to Great Britain.*
During the latter part of his life, Anthony Morris devoted nearly the whole of his time to ministerial labors among the Society of Friends. The first time he obtained a minute to travel was in 1708, when he attended the yearly meeting at Chester, Maryland, and performed some ministerial services on the Eastern Shore.
The following is a minute made at a Monthly ]\Ieeting held in Philadelphia 12th mo. 23rd, 1710:—
"Anthony Morris laid before this meeting that it had been on his mind a considerable time, to visit Friends in New England, and desired a certificate. In order thereto, the meetina- desires
* Thomas Chalkky was b. in South wark, England, March 3, 1675, and d. at Tortola, West Indies, Sept. 4, 1741, in the 67th year of his age.
SECOND GENERATION. 107
Thomas Griffith and Pentecost Teague to make inquiry into his conversation and what else may be necessary and according as they find tilings to write a certificate against the next monthly meeting and bring it hither for signing."
At a Monthly Meeting held in Philadelphia 1st mo. 30th, 1711 :
"The Friends appointed to write a certificate for Anthony Morris, brought it into this meeting, but there being something alledged of the dissatisfaction of some friends belonging to Newtown meeting, that he was concerned in encouraging the passing of the marriage of William Harrison at Newtown meet- ing, without the consent of his mother, therefore Thomas Story, Griffith Owen, Richard Hill and Isaac Norris or any three of them are desired to assist the said Anthony that they may endeavor to reconcile William Harrison and his mother, and that the matter of difference might be endeavored to be reconciled between those friends aforesaid."
At a Monthly Meeting held in Philadelphia, 2d mo. 27th, 1711:
" The Friends appointed to assist Anthony Morris in recon- ciling those Friends that something had been alledged to the meeting were dissatisfied with him in encouraging the marriage of William Harrison at Newtown Monthly Meeting make report that all things are over and Friends well reconciled, and the said Anthony's certificate was again brought to this meeting, read approved and signed.
"To the Friends of New England and parts adjacent.
" Dear friends and brethren members of the same body whereof Jesus Christ is the Holy Head in whom our union and fellowship stands: we dearly salute you all and give you to understand that our friend Anthony Morris laid before our meet- ing that for a considerable time he hath had a concern upon his mind to visit friends in New England, and requested from us a certificate; therefore for good order sake some friends were appointed to make inquiry concerning him.
" Now these may certify you after inquiry made, that we do not find but that his conversation is answerable to his profession, and is in unity with the body, and his testimony well received amongst us, and we leave him to his liberty in the Truth to
108 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
proceed, desiring the Lord may be with him and give him wisdom and ability so that his ministry may be comfortable and edifying to all his people where he may come ; and that when his service shall be over in your parts he may be pleased by his good Providence to conduct him safe unto us again with the reward of peace in his bosom to our mutual comfort with desires to the Lord for the peace and prosperity of Zion. " We conclude and subscribe * * * *
"Signed in and on behalf of our monthly meeting at Phila- delphia 27th of 2nd month, 1711.
" Griffith Ow^ex, " Isaac Norris, " Thomas Story,
" & others."
After being diligently engaged in New England, Anthony Morris returned to Philadelphia, and it is recorded that he was again at the Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia, 5tli mo. 27th, 1711.
In the year 1715, Anthony Morris received from the yearly meeting of ministering friends, at Philadelphia, the 18th, 19th and 20th of 7th month, a certificate of unity with him for a visit, in Gospel love, to some parts of Great Britain, and he received a second certificate, to the same effect, from the Monthly Meeting of Friends at the same place, on the 30th of the 7th mo., 1715. In the Philadelphia minutes he is referred to at this time, as " our antient friend Anthony Morris."
This visit, which he prosecuted diligently, was principally confined to London, where the fact of his presenting his Certifi- cate is recorded in the minutes of the London Yearly Meeting, oth mo. lOth, 1715.
Besides attending the Yearly Meeting in London, Anthony Morris visited various places in the southern part of England. Having devoted considerable time there in the service of the ministry, he returned to London, and applied for and received his certificate from the London Meeting to take back to America, 4th mo. 25th, 1716. Anthony Morris was also deputed to convey a letter from the Yearly Meeting in London, to the Yearly Meet- ing of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The minutes of the Lon- don Meeting referring to this " Certificate " and " Letter " are here reproduced.
■w^_«
ANTHONY MORRIS- RECEIVES CERTIFICATE FROM LONDON YEARLY MEETING, 4 MO. 25th, 1716 FROM THE MINUTES OF THE LONDON YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS
SECOND GENERATION. 109
From these minutes, it would seem that Anthony Morris intended to return to America at once, and Ave find from the Philadelphia minutes that he was again laboring amongst his friends in Philadelphia, in eleven months from the time of his leaving them. In the Monthly Meeting held in Philadelphia 6th mo. 30th, 1710, the following minute was made: "Anthony Morris who has been visiting friends in some parts of Europe now" returned, brought a Certificate from the Second day's morn- ing meeting in London, which was read and well received." After this, Anthony Morris continued much about Philadelphia, and its neighborhood, yet he visited Maryland once more. In the Burlington Monthly Meeting records, his name is found attached to the Marriage Certificate of Caleb Raj^er and Mary Goate, married at Burlington 7th mo. 10th, 1719.
When the news of William Penn's death in August, 1718, reached Pennsylvania, it called forth the following memorial, which may well be produced as an answer to the point made by Macaulay, that Penn, in his last days was forsaken by the Society of Friends. The memorial has the signatures of forty-six persons attached, among them being that of Anthony Morris: —
"A testimony of Friends in Pennsylvania concerning their deceased Friend and Governor W, Penn.
"AVe find ourselves under obligation and concern, both in duty and affection, to give this mark of our love and the honorable regard we bear to the memory of our late worthy Governor and well beloved friend Wm. Penn, though it may not be our part to attempt so ample and general a testimony as seems justly called for. By his early con- vincement of the blessed truth, his noble resignation thereunto, his steadfastness therein, and great services to the church of Christ, as well as by incessant labors in word and doctrine (made more extensive by the many excellent writings he hath published) as his valiant sufferings for purity of worship, and the testimony he had received, which, to him, might be the greater trial and conflict, his birth and station in the world placing him more in the notice of those of high rank amongst men than was commonly ye lot of many others of our worthy elders. Neither can it, we presume, be forgotten how, when it pleased the Lord to give some ease to his people this our dear friend employed the interest he then had with success, and devoted his time and purse to serve not only his friends in their religious liberties, but them and others distressed, or any wanting favor even to ye neglect of his own just interest. But
110 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
these memorials we leave to be made by those of our woi'thy elders in Great Britain, who have more instances and greater knowledge of those his traits, services and labors, than many of us can be presumed to be so fully acquainted with.
"Yet it becomes us particularly to say, that as he was our Governor he merited from us love and true honor; and we cannot but have the same regard to his memory, when we consider the blessings and ease we have enjoyed under his govei-nment, and are rightly sensible of his care, affection and regard always shewn with anxious concern for the safety and prosperity of the people, who many of them, removed from com- fortable livings to be adventurers with him, not so much with views of better acquisitions or greater riches, but with the laudable prospect of a retired quiet habitation for themselves and posterity, and the promotion of truth and virtue in the earth.
"And as his love was great, and endeavors constant for the happiness of his friends, countrymen and fellow subjects, so was his great ten- derness, justice and love towards the Indians, from first to last always conspicuous and remarkable. Here we cannot but gratefully and humbly acknowledge to the gracious God of all our mercies, the wonder- ful preservation of this colony from such injuries and barbarous depre- dations as have befallen most others : and add, that we believe the same love wherewith the Lord had so fully and effectually operated on the heart of this our worthy friend, was the chief and durable motive of that his affection and kind behavior towards those people ; and was the cause, as he was made a means, of this our peace and preservation ; so that his name remains precious even amongst the heathens.
" More might be truly said of him, as he was ye Proprietary and Governor of this province, and we now find it our duty (incited thereto by the love of our Heavenly Father in our souls,) to add a few lines concerning him, as he was our worthy Elder, friend and brother in the blessed truth ; many of us having been often comforted, edified and solaced with him in the enjoyment thereof. As was his testimony, so was his conversation, edifying and lovely, administering grace and knowledge. His behavior was sweet and engaging, and his condescen- sion great; even to the weakest and meanest, affable and of easy access; tender of every person and thing that had simplicity of truth or honesty for foundation.
"It was our comfort to understand that, after all his various troubles, trials and afflictions, when in an advanced age, infirmity of body, and a distemper which affected his memory in most other things which befel him, yet the love of God remained with him, and his sense thereof was frequently strong and evident, and, we doubt not, the blessing of the Almighty was his Omega.
SECOND GENERATION.
Ill
"So that we have assured hope, those aftlietioas being put off' with his mortal body, immortality is given him by our Lord Jesus, and as he faithfully bore ye cross, the crown (which was his hope and long since in his eye) in his possession ; and his soul received into that bliss prepared and appointed for the righteous.
"Signed at the time of our general meeting, held in Phihidelphia, the 16th First mo., 1718-9 by
" Richard Hill,
" Thomas Masters,
" William Carter,
"John Goodson,
" Wm. Hudson,
" Robert Jones,
"Benj. Mendenhall,
"Rees Thomas,
" David Brintnall,
" Nath. Stanbury,
" Robert David,
" Owen Roberts,
" Francis Daniel Pastorius,
" Denis Conners,
" Peter Shoemaker,
" Randall Malin,
" Jona't Dickinson,
"Isaac Norris,
" John Wright,
" Sam'l Preston,
" Hugh Durborrow,
"Adam Harker,
" Ralph Jackson,
"Christ'n Blackburn,
Pentecost Teague, Edmond Orpwood, Jona'th Cockshaw, Evan Owen, Edward Jones, Cadwaleder Evan, Wm. Routlidge, WiLLOBY Warder, Nicholas Waln, Anthony Morris, Caleb Pusey, Jos. Kirkbridge, David Lloyd, John Salkild, Thos. Lightfoot, AVm. Baldwin, Wm. Lawrence, Edw^\rd Rees, Thos. Griffith, Richard Towns end, Rowland Ellis, Joseph Mather, Richard Warder, John Moore."
After completing his term of office as " Mayor," Anthony Morris^ continued to sit in the Common Council as " Alderman."
On 22nd May, 1710, his name appears as a Subscriber of £5 towards the Building of a new Market House in Philadelphia.
On several occasions he was deputed to assist in seeing " the various Bridges of the City put in proper repair."
On 4th Julv, 1720.^= it is recorded that " Alderman Morris,
Vide Minutes of Common Council, p. V,
112 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"Alderman Dickinson, Alderman Norris and Alderman Logan do "undertake to lend the sum of One Hundred pounds each for "Building ffort}^ New Market Stalls."
The last record of Anthony Morris' attendance in the Council Chamber is 9th Oct., 1721.* On the 7th Oct., 1721, an order had been made that an answer to the Speech of the governor upon the Election of the Mayor, should be prepared "b}^ the Mayor, Alderman Hill, Alderman Morris, Alderman Trent and Clement Plumsted."
But Alderman Morris was not permitted to perform his part in preparing that document, for the Angel was already waiting at the Door to summon him to higher duties. His health, which had been exceedingly good, until after the Philadeli^hia yearly meeting of Friends in the 7th mo., 1721, then suddenly became impaired. He was attacked with a "paralytic disorder," which principalh^ affected his speech. From this he only partially recovered, and he was soon afterwards seized in the 8th mo. with an overwhelming attack of Apoplexy, to which he succumbed 8th mo., 23rd, 1721, only a fortnight after he had been activel}^ engaged in the deliberations of the City Fathers.
His death was a public loss, and many friends and neighbors, as well as "friends from the adjacent county meetings," attended his funeral, and his interment in the Friends Burial ground in the City of Philadelj^hia.
".1 Testimony from the Monthly-Meeting of Philadelphia con- " cerning Anthony Morris.
"Our Ancient and well esteemed friend Anthony Morris, was " a member of this meeting at the early institution thereof, and " in the year 1701 appeared in the ministry, and being obedient " and faithful, he soon became acceptable and edifying, being " sound in word and doctrine. He was advanced to his forty- " seventh year when he engaged in this service, and having a " prospect of a great work before him, requiring his close appli- " cation, he drew his worldly business into a narrow compass, "and devoted his time principally to the service of truth; not " only visiting neighbouring meetings, but also travelled through "New. Jersey, Long Island, Rhode Island, New England and
* Vide Minutes of Common Council, p. 198.
SECOND GENERATION. 113
" Maryland : and about the year 1715 performed a visit to "friends in South Britain. He was early appointed a clerk of " our monthly-meeting, which service he performed many years " to satisfaction ; being zealous and serviceable in the discipline, " a diligent attender of all religious meetings, careful in observ- " ing the time appointed and often concerned to exhort such to " amendment as were remiss herein.
" In the eighth month 1721 his speech was much affected by " frequent attacks of a paralytick disorder, but his understanding "ing remaining clear and being favoured with the enjoyment of "divine love, he was enabled to utter some sentences to those that "visited him, saying, 'That if consistent with the divine will " ' the time of his dissolution was at hand, it would be more joy- " ' ous to dejDart now, than continue longer in the body.' Yet " expressed his free resignation to the will of God, and in an "humble tender frame of spirit mentioned the testimony Christ " gave concerning the woman who poured on his head the pre- " cious ointment, saying 'He was favoured with the evidence in " ' himself, that he had done what he could and felt peace,' " Expressing at the same time, ' That his hope for eternal sal- "' vation was alone in the mercy of God through his Son Christ " ' Jesus, the only saviour and mediator.' Some friends who " were going to attend a neighbouring yearly meeting coming to " visit him, he took an affectionate leave of them, saying ' Re- " ' member my dear love to friends in general ; tell them I am " ' going and all is well.'
"He departed this life the 23^* of the eighth month, 1721, " aged sixty -seven years, and on the 25*'' his corpse was borne to " our meeting house in High Street, accompanied by many " friends and neighbours, as well as friends from the adjacent " county meetings, and thence to our burial ground in this city " where it was interr'd. Concerning whom we hope, he hath ob- " tained an entrance into the mansions prepared by Christ Jesus, " for those who continue faithful to the end of their time here, "as did this our friend.''*
* Extracted from "A collection of Memorials concerning divers Ministers and others of the People called Quakers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and parts adjacent from nearby the first Settlement thereof to the year 1787," Philadelphia, mdcclxxxvii.!,
114 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
The following notice of Elizabeth (Watson) Morris (4th wife of Anthony Morris) appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette for February 12, 1767.
"On Monday, the second instant, departed this life in the 94th " year of her age, Mrs. Elizabeth Morris in whom were happil}" "united the Christian and Gentlewoman, by virtue of which " amiable endowments she passed through the various scenes of "her long life with honour, justly meriting the universal Regard "paid her by all Ranks. She was blessed with an uncommon "share of health, until near the close of life, and then bore the "gradual decay of nature and the prospect of her important "change, with truly Christian Fortitude, had her senses pre- " served to the last Period, and continued to manifest her " knowledge of the Christian Religion by her humble confidence "in God, and love to her Fellow-Creatures. Thursday following, "her remains were attended by a large number of her Fellow- " Citizens to the Burial place of the Quakers, whose principles "she adopted in the early part of her life, .
" and lived and died a worthy member of " the Society."
%(i2'. t/m^
In the next issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette on February 19, 1767, the following second notice of her appeared :
"To the Printer."
"Tho' I believe the character of Elizabeth Morris inserted "in the last Gazette to be just, yet I think the following Particu- " lars (perhaps unknown to the Essayist of that account) are worth "preserving. She was born at Elizabeth Town in New Jersey, "married to Anthony Morris, in 1700, lived with him above " Twenty years, and survived him about forty-six years, and her " conduct in every station of life was truly honourable."
" Her husband was a noted preacher among Friends, one of "the first settlers, and held considerable oflfices in the Govern- "ment of this City and Province, and some of his Descendants "(by preceding wives) of the fifth generation followed the Corpse " of his widow to the place of interment.
"A. B."
SECOND GENERATIOX. 115
Another reference to the death of Elizabeth Morris is to be found in a letter from William Logan to his brother John Smith of Burlington, dated 3rd February, 1767 : —
"I suppose a messenger has been sent to-day to inform you "of the death of our ancient friend — Eliza: Morris. She "departed last night half after ten very easy and without "struggle. They propose to bury her on 5tli day at 3 o'clock in "the afternoon. May our end be as hers. I think I should "desire no better for myself."
Anthony Morris- by his 1st wife, — Mary Jones — had issue: —
3. SrsAXNA Morris, b. in London March 7, 1676/7 "dyed about 6 yrs old."
4. Mary Morris, b. in London 7mo. 18, 1678 ; "and departed this life one
year old." 0. Anthony Morris, b. in London 2mo. 24, 1680 ; "Dyed about one yeare ould. ' '
6. Anthony' Morris, b. in London March 15, 1681/2 ;!d. in Phila. 9mo. 23,
1763 ; m. 3mo. 10, 1704 Phoebe Guest.
7. John Morris, b. in Burlington 2mo. 17, 1685 ; d. 4mo. 12, 1690, Phila.
8. Samuel Morris, b. in Phila. 12mo. 28, 1686/7 ; d. Nov. 2, 1689.
9. James Morris, b. Phila. 5mo. 8, 1688 ; d. lOmo. 31, 1747 at Duck Creek,
Del. ; m. Imo. 8, 1709 Margaret Cook.
Anthony Morris b}^ 2d Wife — x4.gnes Bom — had no issue. Anthony Morris by 3d Wife — Mary Coddington — had issue :
10. William Morris, b. in Phila. omo. 23, 1695 ; d. llmo. 6, 1776 ; m. 1st
llmo. 14, 1718 Sarah Dury ; m. 2dly llmo. 2, 1752 Eebecca Cad- walader.
11. Elizabeth Morris, b. in Phila. 4mo. 28, 1697 ; m. 1st lOmo. 13, 1716
Samuel Lewis ; m. 2dly William Dury.
12. Joseph Morris, b. in Phila. 3nio. 12, 1699 ; d. Phila. 5mo. 25, 1699.
Anthony Morris by 4th wife — Elizabeth Watson — had issue :
13. Isaac Morris, b. in Phila. lOmo. 24, 1701 ; d. Phila. after lOmo. 24,
1755 (date of the Will of his mother Elizabeth Morris).
14. Sarah Morris, b. in Phila. llmo. 16, 1703/4 ; d. unm. Phila. Oct. 24, 1775. . 15. LsRAEL Morris, b. in Phila. lOmo. 25, 1705 ; d. in Phila. 1729.
16. Luke Morris, b. in Phila. 8mo. 25, 1707 ; d. in Phila. llmo. 17, 1793 ;
m. 2mo. 1749 Mary Eichards.
17. Hannah Morris, b. in Phila. 5mo. 4, 1717 ; d. unm. in Phila. 6mo. 25,
1741, "after an illness of about a week, and was interred ye eve of same day." Hannah Morris: Will dated 25th, 6th mo. (Aug.), 17:39; proved Phila. 28th Aug., 1741. Leaves to "dear brothers Isaac and Luke Morris " 10 pounds each. Leaves Eesidue to her " honored JMother Elizabeth Morris" and her "dear sister Sarah Morris." Exec- utors : Elizabeth Morris and Sarah Morris. Witnesses : Edward Shippen, William Logan, Israel Pemberton.
116 GENEALOGY OF THE MORmS FAMILY.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF ANTHONY MORRIS,^ ("IMMIGRANT").
Eecorded in Will Book D, p. 199, Office of Register of Wills, Philadelphia.
Anthony Morris, Sr., of City of Philadelphia, Penna., Merchant, will dated 10th-5th mo. (July) 1721. He gives and confirms to son Anthony Morris his bank and water lot in Phila- delphia with Brewhouse, Malthouses, brewing utensils, negroes, horses, and cattle (except one cow which he intends for his wife). He gives his son Anthony also his interest in a mortgage which they held jointly from John Roads, of Whitemarsh, for securing a loan of £250.
He gives his messuage and lot in Philadelphia wherein he resides, bounded eastward with the Front Street, southward with Morris' Alley, westward with his lot in possession of William Gray and northward with his messuage and lot late in posses- sion of Rachel Reiner with the garden within fence to Anthony Morris and Israel Pemberton in trust for his "dear and loving wife Elizabeth," during the time she continues unmarried. Upon her intermarriage or decease, it is to revert to and be disposed of as part of the residuary of his estate ; in which case if any of his sons or grandsons be able and willing to purchase the same, for the keeping thereof in his "name and family, they shall have it sold unto them and their heirs for one hundred pounds cheaper than the real value thereof."
To his wife Elizabeth gives plate to value of £20 and house- hold goods to value of £50, one milch cow, and £300 in money or goods.
He gives to son James Morris £10 besides what part of his estate he formerly made over to James.
He gives to son William Morris £100 besides what he for- merly gave him.
He releases son William Morris and his sister Elizabeth from all book debts.
He gives to son Isaac £230 at age of 21 years.
He gives to daughters Sarah and Hannah £200 apiece at 21 years of age, or at marriage (if with the consent of their mother).
SECOND GENERATIOX. 117
He gives to sons Israel and Luke £200 apiece to be [)aid upon reaching 21 years of age.
He orders that whilst his wife Elizabeth remains his widow, she shall be paid annually £15 apiece for each of his and her children, viz: Sarah, Luke, and Hannah, until they severally attain 21 years, towards their maintenance and education in their minority.
To each of his son Anthony's children he gives £o apiece, upon their respectively reaching 21 years.
To "every one" of his other grandchildren he gives £5 apiece at 21 years of age or marriage.
To Israel Pemberton he gives " £20 to be paid to 20 such poor persons as the men's monthly meeting of the people called Quakers at Philadelphia for the time being shall appoint."
He empowers his Executors any time after his son Luke has attained or should have attained the age of 21 years, to sell all his unimproved lands in the counties of Philadelphia or Chester, and the residue of his "messuages, mills, parts in mills, lots, lands, tenements, rents and hereditaments." Residuary to be equally divided between his eight children, James Morris, William Morris, Elizabeth Lewis, Isaac Morris, Sarah JNIorris, Israel Morris, Luke iNIorris and Hannah Morris.
The share of the first one to die under 21 years to go to his grandson Anthony.
Should all attain the age of 21 — grandson Anthony is to receive £50 more than the £5 to be paid him at 21 years.
His wearing apparel not to be apj)raised, but delivered to his wife.
Executors: Anthony Morris of Philadelphia, Brewer, and- Israel Pemberton of Philadelphia, Merchant.
(Signed)
Witnesses :
Ql^.-flhwu'
Caspar Wustee. Jos'*- Lawrence. Isaac Brown.
118 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
First Codicil, dated 18th 6mo., 1721, directs £20 to be paid yearly to wife Elizabeth during the minority of son Luke, also gives his neoro man Martin to his wife.
Witnesses,
(Signed) Antho. Morris.
John Wilson.
George Sheed. Elizabeth Hill.
Second Codicil, dated 31st 6mo., 1721, directs that his son Anthony shall supply his " wife and her family with beer and ale as usual for the space of one whole year after" his decease.
(Signed) Antho. Morris.
(No witnesses.)
Proved at Philadelphia
Peter Evans Reg. Gen. Nov. 2, 1721.
COPY OF INVENTORY
ACCOMPANYING THE WILL OF ANTHONY MORRIS-—
THE "IMMIGRANT."
Philada- Inventory of Snndreys of the Estate of Anthony Morris Sr apprd as showed us by his Executrs this 3^^ 9i^er 1721.
Imprimis. His wearing apparrel given by AYill to his wife or
widdow. £ s. d.
In Cash Silver and Gold, 11 7 7
158-1/2 oz Plate viz 3 Tankards and a Cann, 5 Porringers, a
Salver, 2 Salt &1 Spoon all at 6/10-1/2 per oz., 54 9 8^
83-3/4 oz Do viz a Sugar Box, 2 Chaf dishes, 1 Small Tankard pepper & mustard boxes, 4 spoons, 1 Sweet Meat do, & a silver handle of a Mother of Pearl Spoon and a Spoon ladle all at 6/-per oz, 24 18 6
In the front chamber
A feather bed, new fianders Tickin bolster and pillow, 3 old Blanketts "White Quilt & Sheets, Bedstead, Dyaper
Curtains & Yallins head cts & Tester, 12 8 0
3 pr Window Curtains & Pods, 10 0
Chest of Drawers & Table, 10 0 0
1 pr Holland Sheets, 1 5 0
6 Napkins Table Clo & Chest Drawers Clo, 2 10 0
SECOND GENERATION.
119
3 pr Sheets (7v, 14/-pr, 2 2 0
2 Draper Table Cloths, 2 5 0
1 Doz Dyaper Napkins, 19 6
10 Pillow cases, 10 0
Callico Table Cloth, 4 0
A Looking glass, 1 15 0
8 Cancl Chairs @ 14/-pr 5 12 0
4 Do Elbow @ IS^pr, 3 12 0
1 Look glass, 8 0
A feather bed & furnitnre viz bolster 2 small pillows 3 old
blanketts 2 sheets 1 Quilt and Sacking bottom bedstead, 7 0 0 Chest Drawers Table Dressing Box and Swinging glass,
said to be given Sarah, valued £4, 0 0 0
19 old chairs @, 3/, 2 17 0
In the Garrett a Skreen, 2 0 0
4 Feather beds, bolster and pillows 300ib at 14d, ...... 17 10 0
1 Sacking bottom AValnut bedstead & Rods Camblett Cur-
tains .2 Quilts Eiigg & 2 Sheets, 3 0 0
Bedstead, Curtains & Yallins, 1 10 0
A Hammock, 1 5 0
A Suit of Curtains & Yallins, 10 0
A Chest of Drawers, 15 0
An old Couch, 8 0
A Trunk & Chest, 10 0
4 pr Sheets, 2 0 0
Cott bed & Bedding, 2 bolsters, a sheet & Rugg, 2 0 0
Brass Andirons, tare Shovell Tongs & Bellows, 1 4 0
An old Iron beam, 1 10 0
Brasses Skillett Etc., 18 0
2 Bedsteads Sacking & cord, 1 2 6
Lumber & Chest & a table, 8 0
A feather Bedd & 2 Pillows, 2 0 0
An old Chest Drawers, 15 0
Table Linnen, 6 0
Books — Edward Burroughs Works. Councill of Trent. N.
England judged. Barclay's Apologj^, 1 0 0
In ve Parlour Clock & Case, 3 0 0
^Ovall Table, 1 10 0
Spice box & Looking glass, 2 10 0
6 Long backt Lowther chairs, 3 0 0
6 Low backt do & 1 do 2 0 0
1 pr Iron Doggs & child's chair, 12 0
2 Maps & 9 pr Earthen & China Ware, 12 0
In the Clossett Glass Bottles, etc, 10 0
In the Dinning Room An Ovall Table, 1 4 0
A Square table & chest of Drawers & Dressing box & Stand, 4 0 0
Black frame Looking glass, 1 5 0
5 Old Turkey work chairs @, 2/6 ps, 12 6
fireshovel Tongs & Dogs, 10 0
In the Kitchin 8 New Pewter Dishes & basons w' 33tr @ 15<3, .213
9 |
2 |
10 |
0 |
5 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
1() |
0 |
10 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
12 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
l(i |
0 |
10 |
0 |
12 |
0 |
12 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
a |
0 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
(i |
0 |
6 |
10 |
120 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
2 Doz & 1 New Pewter plates @ 14 ds doz, 1
70 lbs of Pewter Dishes Plates Basons etc @ 12d, .... 3 Tinn Ware,
1 Large Brass Kettle SG'bs (^ 20d, :5
3 Smaller old do,
3 Skilletts 1 brass cover,
2 Warm panns,
4 Brass Candlesticks 1 Mortar & rimb,
2 Iron potts & cover,
Jack 2 spitts & Drippin, 1
Doggs & fender, 1
Fire Shovell Tongs Pott hanger,
Frying pann gridiron Trivett & Chaffdish,
2 Tables, a cubboard & Stools Lignum A'itte IMortar &
Lumber, 1
18 ps of Crocker}",
2 Old leather chairs,
Lumber in ye celler,
An old pewter pastry pann, '
11 Napkins, .
Appraised by us to the Sum of Two hundred & Twenty Six pounds, nine- teen shill & Oi<i
JOSEPH SHIPPEN JOS. ANTROBUS
WILL OF
MARY (CODDINGTON) MORRIS, nee HOWARD.
Will Book A, p. 516, Office of Register of Wills, Philadelphia.
" I, Mary Morris, wife of Anthony Morris of Phyladelphia in Pennsylvania (formerly Mary Coddington of Rhode Island, widow)," " Pursuant to a certain bond or writing obligatory under the hand and seal of the s*^ Anthony, my dear husband unto me before our intermarriage bearing date the first of the eleventh mp., 1693 with condition for the payment of fifty pounds Boston money as therein mentioned, Do make this my last will and testament touching the said sum in manner follow- ing. That is to sa}^ I give and bequeath the s** sum of Fifty l^ounds unto my Daughter Mary Coddington, Provided never- theless and my will is that if the s'^ Mary Coddington shall come into the inheritance and possession of that Estate of Lands and
SECOND GENERATION. 121
Tenements in Rhode-Island given by my former husband, Thomas Coddington unto William Coddington his son (deceased brother of the said Mary Coddington). Tlien I give and bequeath the s"^ sum of fifty pounds unto my brother John Howard of Phyladelphia. But if my said Daughter Mary shall not inherit the s'' lands and tenements. Then I give the s*^ sum of Fifty pounds and all the interest thereof unto my s*^ Brother untill my s*^ Daughter shall come unto her full age or day of her marriage, which shall first happen and then to be paid to her, her Exor^, or Adm'"^, and if my s*^ daughter shall hajDpen to dye unmarryed and before her full age as afores*^. Then m}^ will is That the s'^ John Howard shall keep and detain the s'^ sum of fifty pounds unto himself, his Exor^, Adult's and Assigns as his and their own proper mone}^ for ever. And I make my Dear brother Edward Shippen of Phyladelphia Exor of this my Will.
" Witness my hand and seal the five and twentieth day of the seventh month 1699.
mark of
" Mary (M) Morris. " Witnesses,
" Rebekah Shippen. " Eliz"^" Knowles.
mark of " RaCHEL SaY ReEVES.
" AVill proved in Philadelphia, 7 Oct., 1699."
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF ELIZABETH MORRIS,— WIDOW OF ANTHONY MORRIS^ ("IMMIGRANT").
Elizabeth Morris of Philadelphia, — Widow — Will dated 24"' 10mo-17o5.*
Gives to her son, Luke INIorris, her dwelling house and lot " bounding upon Front Street and Dock Street, on condition that he shall pay to his brother, Isaac and his sister, Sarah, £50 apiece yearly, also to Luke Morris she gives a ' silver cann and Porringer," four silver spoons, a feather bed and 6 cane chairs.
*Vide Will Book O, p. 113, Philadelphia.
122 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
She gives to son Isaac Morris a silver taiikard, a silver porringer and two spoons. To the Monthly Meeting of Friends gives £o. Residue to Sarah Morris, her daughter. Executors: — Luke Morris and Sarah Morris.
(Signed) Eliz'^". Morris.
Witnesses :
Edward Cathrall. Edw'' Pennington. Abel James.
Proved at Philadelphia, March 16, 1767.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF CORNELIUS BOM. .
Among Philadelphia Wills.
Cornelius Bom, Baker, late dwelling in Rotterdam, dated 1675, 20th April, new style. Original and translation recorded, 12th of 1st month, 1689. Translation by John De la Vail. Administration granted C. T. A. to his wife Agnes Bom.
"Upon the twentieth of Aprill, new stile, 1675, appeared before mee Jacob Van Oberfelt, Notary Publick appointed by the States General of Holland, dwelling in Rotterdam, and also before the witnesses after mentioned, Cornelius Bom, Baker, and Agnes Makeman his wife, residing in the same cit}^" Then follows the statement that they made a will jointly, after the custom of that country.
There is provision for the daughter of said Agnes, viz.: Wansley Van Sandy, begotten by her first husband, Harman Van Sandy, etc. The witnesses are Peter Degnest and Peter Raibos.
[Difficult to decipher, — no other will dated so early has been found among Philadelphia Wills.]
"MORRIS MANSION," SOUTH FRONT STREET, PHILADELPHIA
THE FIRST MORRIS MANSION, IN FRONT STREET, PHILADELPHIA.
The original house built by Anthony Morris" on the North West corner of Front St. and Morris Alley was in existence at the time (3rd mo., 16th, 1793) Deborah Morris, his grand- daughter, executed her will, in which she writes: "I devise to my "niece Abigail Griffitts and her son Samuel Powel Griffitts, for, "and during the term of the natural life of the said Abigail " Griffitts, all that my late Grandfather's Mansion House, at the "corner of Front Street and Morris Alley" &c. Further on, she writes, " It is my desire, as it was the desire of my late dear "father (i. e. Anthony Morris^) that the mansion house at present "erected on the said lot shall stand as long as it may with safety "to the inhabitants, and when it shall become necesary to rebuild "it, I hereb}^ authorize my said nephew Samuel Powel Griffitts "* * * to erect * * * g^ good, but plain three story brick " house, keeping as near as possible to the old foundations, and "also a brick wall on the southside of the garden, and when this "shall be done, I direct the following words and figures, viz: "A. M. 1686 to be affixed in blue bricks at one of the gable ends "of the house, that being about the time my worthy grandfather "built the present house."
Abigail Griffitts d. Nov. 16, 1797, when, in accordance with the terms of Deborah Morris' will, the property came into the possession of Dr. Samuel Powel Griffitts and his heirs for 99 years.
Between 1793 and 1798 the house was rebuilt as had been directed ; for, the present house, built by Dr. Saml Powel Griffitts was in existence in 1798, when a resurvey of the property was made.* As it did not come into the possession of Dr. Saml. Powel Griffitts, until the death of his mother, Nov. 16, 1797,
* Vide Deed Book E F, Vol. xxix., p. 412, for Deed dated March 4, 1808,— John Elliott, Druggist, to Samuel Powel Griffitts, Doctor of Physic. Recorder of Deeds Office, Phila.
(123)
124 GEXEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
we ma}' presume that he commenced the rebuilding of it about that time.
The writer, a few years ago (Feb. 4, 1895) visited this " Morris House," now standing at the northwest corner of Front and Gatz- mer Streets (formerl}' JMorris Alley). It is a three-story brick structure in excellent preservation, with a frontage of 20 feet on Front Street and running back a considerable distance on Gatz- mer Street. The original front part of the lower floor had evi- dently been removed, and pillars with intervening doors have been substituted, as being more convenient for the purposes of business. The house is now occupied by the firm of Sorver, Damon & Co., Coffee Importers, and bears the number of 118 South Front Street.
Going in by the Front Street entrance, the writer passed through the main Store, where hundreds of bags of coffee lay piled on the substantial oak flooring, and upon reaching the counting house (which is modern) at the back, he was courte- ously received by a member of the firm, who kindly offered to conduct him through the building, and also to show him the inside of the celebrated gable at the top. By means of a modern elevator driven by modern steam machinery, lie rapidly reached the 3d floor, and saw that each floor was safely bearing thousands of bags of coffee. To reach the gable under the roof he had to pass through a small opening (like a trap door) in the ceiling, and there found himself in a spacious loft with double sloping roof. In the gable, formed by the slopes of the roof, is a window about 33 x 19 inches, having 8 small, old-fashioned panes of glass in it. Over the window, could be distinctly seen the letters A. M. worked into the surrounding bricks of the wall, whilst on one side of the window were the figures 16, and on the other 86. All these letters and figures were about two feet in height, and were made of blue-headed bricks, said to have been brought from England. They are only visible on the inner side of the gable. The house, although, evidently of great age, is very substantially built, the staircases leading from the ground floor up to the third, being broad and in excellent preservation. The beams are of red oak, and the plaster of the ceilings is mixed with hair and is of extraordinary thickness. A change has come over the scene since the first members of the Morris family dwelt on Front Street, where now, the houses on the eastern
INSIDE OF GABLE OF MORRIS MANSION, SOUTH FRONT STREET, PHILADELPHL
SECOND GEXERATIOX. 125
side shut out the River view, and swift electric trolley cars are hurrying up and down the street.
"Thus times do sliift, each thing his turne do's hold ; New things succeed, as former things grow old."
Ilerrick " HespcridcH."
When the Mansion was rebuilt by Dr. Samuel Powel Griffitts, sufficient care was not taken to prevent its northern boundary encroaching upon the property of John Elliott which adjoined it on that side, and it was not until the 3'ear 1808, that the matter was legally adjusted. From a Deed dated March 4, 1808, from John Elliott, of Philadelphia, Druggist, to Samuel Powel Griffitts, Philadelphia, Doctor of Physick, w^e learn that John Elliott owned a house on West Front st. adjoining Samuel P. Griffitts' house on the north. The house of "John Elliott w^as built by "him, said John Elliott agreeably to law, some years before said "Samuel P. Griffitts erected his said messuage" and "whereas on "a resurvey 1798 it was found that the south wall of the said "John Elliott's messuage has and is at Front St. placed correctly "right, that is to say, four and a half inches thereof, was, and "is, placed south upon a piece of ground of nine inches in "breadth on Front st. by forty feet in length, which the said "John Elliott had sold and conveyed to Deborah Morris, and "that at the distance of forty feet westward from Front St., the " said south wall of the sd John Elliott's messuage is built five "inches further north tlian it ought to have been built, and that "at the east end of the back Buildings the south wall of them is " built five inches more north than it ought to have been built, " and in forty -six feet further West at the end of the washhouse, "the sd last mentioned south wall is built nine inches and a "half further north upon the said John Elliott's lot than it "should have been placed so that by the resurvey aforesaid it "appears that there are two several pieces or strips of ground, "belonging to the said John Elliott which are now enclosed in "the buildings of the sd Samuel P. Griffitts, the first of which "being a triangular shape is at its west end at the distance "of forty feet from the Front street five inches wide, and "goes from thence eastwardly till it terminates in a point "and the last of which beins: in the Samuel Powel Griffitts back
126 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" Buildings is at the west end nine inches and one half wide and " at the east end five inches wide and extends in length from east "to west forty -six feet, and the sd John Elliott hath agreed to bar- "gain, sell and convey those his sd two strips or pieces of ground "now included in the Buildings of the said Samuel Powel "Griffitts unto him the said Samuel P. GrifRtts in fee simple for "the consideration hereafter mentioned. Now this Indenture " certifieth that the sd John Elliott for and in consideration " of the sum of 90 dollars and 66 cents paid by sd Samuel Powel " Grifhtts and his heirs and assigns for ever, All those the sd "John Elliott's two several strips or pieces of ground herein "above described which are included in the Messuage and back "buildings of the sd Samuel P. Griffitts as aforesaid with all " rights &c." * * * " It is further agreed between the two "that the middle line of the walls now used as partition walls "between the messuages and back buildings of the sd John " Elliott and Samuel P. Griffitts respectively as the same walls "do now respectively stand, shall forever thereafter be the lines "of Division between the respective lots of the sd parties to "these presents so far only however as the sd walls on their " several ' portions do extend westwardly from Front Street. "In witness whereof &c.
"(Signed) "John Elliott,"
"Samuel Powel Griffitts."*
* Vide Deed recorded in Deed Book E F, Vol. xxix., p. 412, in Recorder of Deeds Office, Phila.
FAMILY BIBLE OF ANTHONY MORRIS "
FAMILY BIBLE OF ANTHONY MORRIS - — Title Page
FAMILY BIBLE CF ANTHONY MORRIS
FAMILY BIBLE OF ANTHONY MORRIS^ — A Page of Entries
SECOND GENERATION. 127
THE FAMILY BIBLE OF ANTHONY MORRISl
This is a handsome, well preserved "folio" edition of the Bible with the Apocrypha, bound in leather, with gilt lettering. It is now in the possession of Mr. John T. Morris of Philadelphia.
The elegantly designed title page has the following inscription upon it:
THE HOLY
Containing the Bookes of the Old and New
TESTAMENT
CAMBRIDGE
Printed John Hayes Printer to the Universitie
1674
The following are some of the entries which have been made upon blank leaves of this Bible. They give the names of the earlier owners of the Book :
"This Bibbell bought of John Wale in the 3d mo. 1676 by
Roger Ellis." "Roger Ellis his booke bought in the year 1676." "My dear husband Departed this Life y^ 11'" of y^ 5th
mo. 1695." "This Bible was bought b}^ Anthony JNIorris Senior, off
"Sammuell Carpenter the twentyeth Day of the m'**
"called fifebruary in the year 1694/5." " Cost two pounds nineteen Shillings beside New Bindeing
"and other charges sinse."
In this Bible, Anthony jNIorris^ recorded the births, and some of the deaths, of his children, ten of whom were sons.
THIRD GENERATION.
"A man of good repute, carriage, bearing and estimation."— Shakespeare.
6. Anthony Morris ^ (Anthony -, Anthony ^), a son of Anthony Morris^ and his first wife Mary Jones, b. in London, England, March 15, 1681/2; d. in Phila., Penna., Sept. 23, 1763; m. in Pliila. 3rd mo. 10th, 1704, Phoebe Guest, a dau. of George and AHce Guest, b. 7th mo. 28th, 1685; d. March 18, 1768. Anthony Morris^ was brought to America by his parents, when he was about ten months old. They landed, towards the close of 1682, or at the beginning of 1683, at Burlington, in West New Jersey, where the " Friends" had already begun to establish themselves. The settlement of Philadelphia had then hardly commenced, and the few colonists who had arrived on the site of the future City, were obliged to make their homes in caves, cut in the Bank of the Delaware River. But during the three years spent by the Morris family in Burlington, several houses sprung up on the western side of the River — the nucleus of the future " City of Brotherly Love."
At the close of 1685, Anthony Morris- removed, with his wife and family, from Burlington, New Jersey, to take up his abode in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, w^here, as already stated, he built for himself a house on the western side of Front Street.
Among his neighbors, were George and Alice Guest, members of the Society of Friends, who had emigrated to New Jersey in 1680, but had removed to the site of the future Philadelphia in 1682. There they resided, for a time, in a Cave in the Bank of the Delaware, until they could build a house for a dwelling place. In 1685, their family was increased by the birth of a daughter, whom they named Phoebe, but before the end of that year, George Guest, the father, died.
When the Morris family arrived in Philadelphia, Anthony Morris, " the younger," was four years old, and Phoebe Guest was still an infant. Young Anthony was doubtless an ever welcome visitor at the house of widow Guest and her daughter Phoebe. There must have been much in it that was pleasing and attrac- tive, as Alice Guest had brought with her from the old country many handsome household ornaments and articles of furniture, which had descended to her from her father, William Bailyes, of Birmingham, Eng.
(128)
MORRIS, GUEST, SENIOR, AND CHANDERS RELICS
GUEST RELICS.— BRASS TONGS, SHOVEL, AND-IRONS AND FENDER
THIRD GENERATION. 129
Anthony Morris, Jr., probably received his scholastic educa- tion at the Public School in Philadelphia, which his father, with other " Friends'" of the Monthly Meeting had been instrumental in founding in 1689, and probably, he studied under its first master, Enoch Flower.
When Anthony Morris, Jr., arrived at the age of fourteen years, he put himself, with the consent of his father, an appren- tice to Henry Badcock and Mary his wife, to learn the art and mysteries of brewing, to serve for seven years from the 29th day of the 12th month called February, in the year 1695/6, as can be seen by the following copy of Indenture : — *
Indenture.
" This Indenture witnesseth that Anthony Morris of his own free will and with y® consent of his Father Anthony Morris oi Philadelphia Merchant signified by his signing & sealing hereby Hath put himself an apprentice to Henry Badcock of Philadelphia aforesaid Brewer & Mary his wife unto the art or trade of a Brewer hereby obliging himself after y® manner of an apprentice with them to dwell & serve from y® day of y^- date hereof for and daring the term of seven years from thense next ensuing and fully to be compleat & ended, By & during all which term the s'^ apprentice Anthony Morris Junior doth cove- nant & promise to & with the s*^ Henry Badcock & Mary his wife that he shall & will well & faithfully serve them the s"^ Henry & Mary as his Master & Mistress, their secrets he shall keep, their commands lawful & honest every word he shall obey, their hurt or damage he shall not contrive or do nor suffer to be done, but prevent & hinder the same, & from their service he shall not absent himself, nor the art & mistery of brewing he shall not disclose or discover to any person or persons during y® said term without the special leave or licence of his master & mistress and in all things and at all times he shall carry and behave himself as a good true & faithful servant and apprentice towards the s*^ Henry Badcock & Mary his wife. In consideration whereof and of y® summ of Twenty pounds in hand paid by the s*^ An- thony Morris to the s** Henry Badcock & Mary his wife doo
*This Indenture passed by inheritance to the late Mr. Anthony Saunders Morris, from whose Manuscripts this copy is made.
130 GENEALOGY OF THE MOEEIS FAMILY.
hereby covenant, promise, & grant to & with y*' s*^ Anthony Morris Junior that him the s** Anthon.y Morris in y^ s'^ art & trade of a Brewer with all the mistery & secret which the}^ now use or may hereafter discover herein they shall & will teach & inform or cause to be taught & informed, according to y® best of their knowledge, skill & judgement, and also shall & will find & allow unto their s*^ apprentice sufficient meat, drink, washing, lodging, & mending of his linen & woolen cloaths. And that they shall not put him to drive the dray or cart; carrying of casks, grinding at the hand mill or such like slavish work not fitt for an apprentice of his degree, anjthing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding. And the s'^ Anthony Morris Senior doth hereby covenant & promise to find & maintain his s*^ son with all nessary cloathing during the said term of his apprenticeship.
" In witness whereof the s*^ parties to these presents have interchangeably sett their hands & seals hereunto the 29th day' of the 12th month called February Anno Domini 1695/6.
" Henry Badcock
mark
" Mary M. Badcock
" Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us
" Nehemiah Allen " Isaac Seffin."
During those seven years, Anthony Morris, Jr., probably, had frec[uent opportunities for meeting Phcebe Guest, the playmate of his childhood, and ere his apprenticeship was ended, his admi- ration for the little " Friend " had ripened into love. Dock Creek had then a truly romantic aspect, and many a time, per- chance, these two had wandered side by side along its winding- banks, " meandering through prolixit}^ of shade." Doubtless they met, and walked, and talked, upon the road to " meeting " on the First-day mornings, for in her earlier years, Phoebe Guest, as well as the goodly company of " Friends," was in the habit of attending the meeting at the House '' at the Centre " * — the Centre
* The " Centre Meeting House " was a large plain brick house, sixty feet long and about forty feet broad. It was erected in 1684 in fulfilment of Penn's design, but it appears to have been not long used, being too far "out of town."
THIRD GENERATION. 131
Square, where now stand the Public Buildings. This was 14 squares distant from her home by the river side. Watson says (i^nnals i., 391) the house was built " in a natural forest of oaks "and hickories, and that the general state of woods in which the " (Centre) meeting-house was originally located, continued much "the same until the time of the Revolution. It was once so far "a wild forest, that the grandmother (i. e. Phcebe Guest Morris) " of the late aged Col. A. J. Morris, told him that when they used " to go out from the city to the Centre Square Meeting, she had seen " deer and wild turkeys cross their path."
At length the marriage of Anthony ]\Iorris^ and Phoebe Guest was solemnized in the Great Meeting House on 3rd mo. 10th, 1704. This was an alliance which must have been pleasing to the heads of the families interested, and to the community at large, and it proved to be as happy a marriage, as it was satis- factory to all concerned. It is worthy of note, that it was celebrated during the year that Anthony Morris the elder, was serving as Mayor of Philadelphia, and also as a Member of the Assembly ; consequently, such an event as the marriage of the Mayor's son, must have excited more than ordinary interest in the city. In the following year, 1705, Alice Guest, the mother of Phoebe Morris died.
It is to be presumed, that after his marriage, Anthony Morris, Jr., became associated with his father in his brewing business, for we find that in 1706, the latter conveyed to him, by the intervention of trustees, one half share of his dwelling on the east side of Front Street, with the brewhouse and utensils, coupled with the power to dispose of the propei'ty by will. This brewhouse on King Street remained for more than half a century, and the brewing business has ever since been carried on by a descendant of the elder Anthony Morris, forming the oldest established house in America, if not in the world.*
In 1711 Anthony Morris, Jr., brewer, and Rowland Ellis, Jr., of Merion, gent, purchased of John Roberts and Gainer, his w'ife, '"a piece of land situate lying and being on ye west side of ye river Schuylkill between ye falls and ye lowest ford of ye sd river being ye uppermost of those two rocks or stones between wdiich ye mill race issueth out of ye sd river." This piece of land con-
* The business is at present conducted by Mr. T. INIorris Perot.
132 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
tainecl two acres or thereabouts, being two perches wide.* In the next year (1712) Anthony Morris, Jr., and Rowland Ellis, Jr., bought an adjoining tract of land of Garret Garrats and Reina, his wife, and Morton Garrats and Bridget, his wife. This tract of land contained 150 acres, being "on the West side of the Schuylkill in the township of Blockley."t For both these pieces of land (termed "ye Mill lands"), as well as for a third one of 50 acres, a patent was granted, confirming the sale to Morris and Ellis, by the Commissioners Richard Hill, Isaac Norris and James Logan, 1st mo. 17th, 1713. J
On April 27, 1715, Anthony ]\lorris, Jr., and Roljert Jones, purchased of Rees Williams, the " Spring Mill," Montgomery Co., with 7| acres of land. Anthony Morris, Jr., afterwards became the sole owner of this and adjacent properties which will be re- ferred to more fully under the heading of " Spring Mill."
On Oct. 4, 1715, Anthony Morris, Jr., was elected a member of the Common Council, of Philadelphia,§ but he does not ap- pear to have taken his seat in that body until 30th July, 1716. The dignity of the office was much greater then than now, as its members were chosen for life.
Anthon}^ Morris, Jr., wrote letters to his father during the absence of the latter in England in 1716. One of these, wdiich illustrates the truly filial and Christian character of the son, is here reproduced so far as the (somewhat effaced) original can be deciphered.
"Philadelphia y^ 8"' of y'' 3'" : 1716 "My Dear & Entirely Beloved ffathp:r —
"Thine of the 6**^ of the first mo. from Bristol and of the first mentioned came safe to hand to an exceeding satisfaction in particular and of many fFds in general who were glad to hear of thy v>^elfare, some little time before w'^'' we w^ere beset with thoughts of fear concerning your safety from divers reports but Clements Linds to universal comfort removed the same. I observe the contents of thine and have communicated both mine to INIoth''
^Vide Deed Book E 7, Vol. viii., p. 221, Phila.
■fVide Book E 6, Vol. vii., p. 222, Phila.
tVide Exemp. Record, Vol. ii., p. 91, Phila.
^iVide Minutes of Common Council, and Penna. Archiv., 2nd S., Vol. ix., p. 731.
THIRD GENERATION. 133
and Broth'" and Sisf. Tho ssom to think hard that Pennsilvania should be his bounds if prospect of advantage offers I dont suppose 'twill enclose him long but that have to tryall. Sisf is still as and where thee left her. No vessell but one from Bar- badoes directly this spring nor as yet any Ace" from S. Lewis at which I admire but hear their crop is very late this year w*'*' when Ready expect he will come. I am very well satisfied and Blessed in that freedom and Love is preserved amongst our families in geuerall and hope we do labor for the continuance of it. Tho a few words out of place may happen to be exchanged between thou knowest who twas went yet tis Keept within themselves. Thou seemest in thine to desire the Knowledge of particulars amongst us w''^ we apprehend to be the state of business & trade with us. [this line much defaced^ we have got bills of exchange at fourteen * '•' '-^ for what S. Powell could get money to purchase I expect jNIother will inform thee more particularly concerning that matter therefore say no thereof to avoid repetition. One bill comes by this opportunity. I do admire Wm. Aubrey* should offer to say we owe '^' ''^ * part of purchase when he * * * his re- ceipt in full for the whole '•' '^' '•' and we paid him pounds « -;: -i^ that we ought not to have done '-^ ''' '■' and now we cannot get a discharge '-^ * '^ his deed to us warrants to defend from all * "•' *
"But the case is thus * * "^ of sixty pounds put in his hands for w'^^ I suppose he did not yield him returns w*'" is noth- ing to that purchase. I have not spoke to Bros since I reed thine but to the best of my memory tis of that kind I hope he dont refuse to put the bonds into our hands in the best posture they can be put for recovery, what else is to be done without him if he be unwilling to trouble himself therewith for my sake yet if he knew his Brothers condition I believe 'twould prevail w'*" him. I am much troubled in the thoughts that thou willt not hear from any of us for sevrall weeks yet to come fearing Edw Smout is left by whom all of us sent lets (letters) in the fall.
" C. Gem*" first gave us acctt thou didst intend home soon after London yearly meeting. I would be glad to hear till what time our letters may find thee in England lest we continue send- ing till tis too late. I sent our bro. James an ace" of thy safe
* Son-in-law to William Penn.
134 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
arrival and thy remembrance of them, they were in health when I heard from them last as we are all in generall at this time. Are in expectation of the small pox w^^ which is reported in both countrys on either side of us. Nothing is done in * * * business since thee left us but some error in proceeding & is begun again, ffrasier and Dr. Golden & wife are come up to town who saith he saw thee in London.
" Now dear ffather shall conclude w'^ prayers to the Almighty for thy preservation and Restoration to us again & and in the faith thereof shall take leave of thee at this time w"' with the remembrance of my wife and childrens dear love repeatedly hereby sent unto thee in come * * * to the utmost degree thou canst desire renewed with thee '•" * '^' and hopes to be thy dutiful son whilst he is
Anth° ]\Iorris.
the praise for the same unto that Arm w'^'' hath now with us for the continuance thereof in w'^'' Desires not forgetting to Crave of the Divine Being to be near unto thee and to preserve thee in all thy undertakings, as I doubt not but thine is to the same Power for more effectuall on all our behalfs ffor I can say that" * ^■^ ^
[The original has been mislaid, which accounts for tliis ab- rupt termination.]
The reference to " Wm. Aubrey " in the letter from which we have quoted, seems to indicate, that mention had been made by Wm. Aubrey to Anthony Morris, Senior, while in London, to the effect, that he had not received the full amount of the purchase money for some property which he had sold to his son Anthony Morris, Jr. The following are the facts referring to this transac- tion, as recorded in the minutes of the Board of Property. " On the 24th and 25th April, 1713 William Aubrey conveyed to Anthony Morris Jr., and Pees Thomas Jr., for the consideration of £500, six thousand, five hundred acres of land (of which 2000 acres were in Chester Co and 4500 in Philadelphia Co.) 80 acres in Liberties, five Front Street lots and five High Street lots. The properties had formerly belonged to Richard Whitpain. John AVhitpain, heir at law obstructed the conveyance to Morris and Thomas, but came to an arrangement with them before his death,
THIRD GENERATION. 135
leaving Ann Whitpain his Executrix ' to act and do all things requisite in that affair.'"
But it was not until a re-survey had been applied for and granted in 1718, that Patents were finally issued on 30th 3d mo., 1718, and 10th 5th mo., 1718, confirming the purchase of the Whitpain property by Anthony Morris, Jr., and Rees Thomas.*
0]i June 10, 1719, Anthony Morris, Jr., purchased of the heirs of Thomas Budd, Jr., a lot of ground " in the swamp at the South end of Philadelphia," with the dwelling upon it, wliich is described as " being the corner house nearest the dock." For this property Anthony Morris, Jr., paid £105. In breadth, l)oth front and rear, the lot measured 19| feet, extending in depth from Front Street back to Dock Street (being on the south side of the 95 feet parcel of ground bought of the Proprietor by Thomas Budd, Sr.), bounded eastward with Front Street, south- ward and westward with Dock, and northward with two mes- suages and pieces of ground dividing it from Stephen Simmons' property. t The original lot as purchased by Thomas Budd, Sr., April 4, 1689,1 measured 100 feet on Front Street, on the south side 95 feet and on the north side 118 feet; bounded eastward with Delaware Front Street, northward with James Boyden's lot, westward and southward with the 30 feet, street between the 50 feet. Dock or Cut.
The Deed for this property is in the form of a tripartite inden- ture, between (1) James Bollen, miller, Risle}^ Township, Chester County, and Martha, his wife, reli&t of Thomas Budd, " cooper," — a son of Thomas Budd, " merchant," (2) George Budd, son and heir of Thomas Budd and (3) Anthony Morris, Brewer.
During 1719 Anthony Morris, Jr., bought several properties in Front Street and in High Street, and also concluded the pur- chase of an interesting propert}^ belonging originally to the Guest family. Alice Guest, Mother of Phoebe, the wife of Anthony Morris, had by her will (made in 1705) bequeathed to her son George Guest and his heirs, &c., her " Brick House, Lot and appurtenances thereunto belonging, situate and being on the east side of the Front Street in Philadelphia," in which she dwelt at
* Vide Penna. Archiv., 2d S., Vol. xix., p. 086. tVide Deed Book H 21, p. 53, Phila. i Vide Pat. Book A, Vol. v., p. 294.
136 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
the time of her death, and also all her " Messuages, Buildings and Houses with their appurtenances " on her " Wharf or Water Lot on the east side of King Street in Philadelphia," together with the lot of land on her said wharf or Water Lott. In con- sideration thereof, George Guest was to pay out of the profits or value of the same, the legacies bequeathed in the will — one of which was £150 to her daughter PhcBbe Morris.
On May 18, 1708, George Guest, of Philadelphia, son and heir of Alice Guest, sold to Anthony Morris, his brother-in-law, the eastern portion of the property referred to for £105. In the Deed of conveyance,''^ it is recited, that the Commissioners of William Penn gave a patent, 21st January, 1701, to Alice Guest, for a lot of land on the bank of the Delaware in Philadelphia, 24 feet in width, and 250 feet in depth, bounded southward with lot of Philip James, westward with Delaware Front Street, northward with lot late of James Fox, eastward with river Delaware, at the extent of 250 feet from Front Street, at a yearly rental of two shillings and six pence, it being stipulated that 30 feet should be left for a cartway. f x4.1ice Guest wharfed out the said lot, and left open the " 30 feet cartway," and erected two messuages or dwelling houses upon the said lot.
The portion which George Guest conveyed by this deed to Anthony Morris, Jr., consisted of all the property east of King Street (i. e. the Cartway), bounded northward with " lot late of James Fox, now of John Jones, westward with the river Delaware, southward with William Say's lot, westward with King Street," viz : " All that messuage or tenement with appurtenances situate on the east side of said thirty foot cartway, lately called King Street, with the wharf and piece of ground whereon the same stands," at a quit rental of fifteen pence sterling to William Penn.
In the previous year, on the 12th 4mo., 1707, the said George Guest, as the sole Executor of the Will of Alice Guest, his mother, leased to John Webb of Philadelphia, " Taylor " for a term of ten years, the messuage on the east side of Front Street and on the west side of King Street, Philadelphia, commonly known as the " Crooked Billett,'' bounded northward with John Crapp's house, eastward with said King Street, southward with
*Vide Deed Book, Vol. vii., p. 110, Phila. t ride Patent Book A, Vol. ii., p. 289, Phila.
THIRD GENERATION. 137
lot of Philip James and westward with said Front Street together with all the shops, cellars chambers, rooms, ways, alleys, pas- sages, &c., together with the free use of the office situate upon the wharf on the east side of King Street opposite to the mes- suage referred to in this lease. John Webb was to pay to George Guest, a rental of £15 per annum and to keep the property in repair. The deed which records the transaction, states, that George Guest had already "satisfied" the bequest of Alice Guest to her dau. Phoebe, wife of Antho. INIorris. The Deed mentions George Guest's wife Elizabeth, and John Guest is one of the witnesses to signing.*
On December 11, 1719, George Guest ("of County of Burling- ton, New Jerse}"") and Elizabeth his wife, by deed, confirmed to Anthony Morris, Jr., his purchase of the part on the east side of King Street which is in this deedf described as being " bounded northward with lot formerl}^ of James Fox, but now or late John Jones, eastward with River Delaware, southward with lot late of William Say, westward with King Street." George Guest also conveyed to Anthony Morris, Jr., "All that messuage or tene- ment situate between the said Front Street and King Street aforesaid, commonly called or known by the name of the Sign of the Crooked Billet, formerly in the tenure of Alice Guest, with the ground on which it stands, bounded northward with the house of the late John Crapp, eastward with King Street, southward with lot formerly of Philip James, now or late of Henry Carter, and westward with Front Street." Thus, the bank lot, in which was the Cave occupied by the Guests on their arrival at Philadelphia, became the property of a member of the Morris family. Watson, in his annals of Philadelphia, writes (p. 464), " The Crooked Billet Inn, on the wharf above Chestnut St., (end of the first Alley) w^as the tavern of longest uninter- rupted succession in the City, being named in earliest times, but it has ceased its operation as an inn some years past. It was the first house entered in Philadelphia in 1723 by Doctor Frank- lin in his first visit to the City. It was then a more considerable building than afterwards, having its front upon Water Street, and extending down to the River." ^ '^ * " The sign was a
*Vide Deed Book E 3, Vol. vi., p. 14(), Phila. t Vide Deed Book F 2, p. 94, Phila.
138 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
crooked billet of wood. Near here, was what was known as tlie Crooked Billet Steps, leading down the bqmk to the wharf; just here was the cave described on page 48, Vol. i.'' (Vol. iii., p. 348.) Benjamin Franklin-, in his "Autobiography," has left us a description of his first day in Philadelphia. In it he thus refers to the " Crooked Billet : " " Walking down again toward the river, and looking in the faces of the people, I met a young- Quaker man, whose countenance I liked, and accosting him, requested he would tell me where a stranger could get lodging. He brought me to the Crooked Billet, in Water Street. Here I got a dinner, and while I was eating it, several sly questions were asked me, as it seemed to be suspected from my youth and appearance that I might be a runaway."
" After my dinner my sleepiness returned, and being shown to a bed, I lay down without undressing, and slept till six in the evening, was called to supper, went to bed again very early, and slept soundly till next morning."*
In 1720 Anthony Morris^ was residing in the dwelling house on "the Bank and Water lot" on the east side of Front Street below Walnut Street, which had been provided for him by his father in 1706, as we learn from the record in Minute Book I of the Board of Properties, under the date of 9th mo. 25th, 1720. " Anthony Morris, Jr., requests that he may purchase of the Re- version of the Bank and Water Lott where he dwells, being 77 foot in front, which according to the former computation contin- ued to this time amounts to about £138.12s."t
On April 15, 1721, Anthony Morris, Jr., for the sum of £200, purchased of his father, Anthony Morris, Sr., the " Pewter Plat- ter," on the west side of Delaware Front Street, with ground 15 feet wide and 100 feet deep.j The elder Anthony Morris had purchased the " Pewter Platter " of Robert Adams 1st mo. loth, 1711/12, for the consideration of £140.
In 1721 Anthony Morris^ was chosen a Representative of Philadelphia in the Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania. §
* In 1751 a boat was advertised to leave "Crooked Billet Wharf" in Phila- delphia once a week for Burlington. {Vide Penna. Mag., Vol. viii., p. 12.) fVide Penna. Ai'chiv., 2nd Series, Vol. xix., p. 706, Phila. tVide Deed Book F 2, p. 187, Recorder of Deeds Office, Phila. IVide Penna. Archiv., 2nd S., Vol. ix , p. 739, and Votes of Assembly, Vol. ii.
THIRD GENERATION. 130
He first sat in the Assembly 14th Oct., 1721,''- only a few days before the death of his father. He was re-elected to the Assembly in 1722-3-4 and 5, and sat until the close of the session, 6 mo. 6th, 1726. t A bill for issuing fifteen thousand pounds in paper currency became a law on March 23, 1722-23, :[: and Anthony Morris was appointed by the Provincial Assembl}^ as one of the signers of the "Bills of credit," the first paper money issued in the Province.
The good effects of the first emission of paper currency in Pennsylvania, induced the Assembly on Dec. 12, 1723, to issue £30,000 more, Anthony Morris^ being again appointed one of the signers of the paper money. § Among the merchants and busi- ness people of Philadelphia, who agreed to take paper money of New Castle, and the lower counties at par, was Anthony Morris.^
In all matters connected with this issue of paper currency he took a prominent part, and in 1725 and 1726 he was one of the Committee of Assembly appointed to settle the Public "Accounts of Excise and Provincial Treasury, and to compleat the Accounts and sink the remaining Cjuotas of Bills of Credit." ||
The following is the last minute entered respecting him for that Assembly : " 6 mo 6, 1726, Ordered that John Kearsley and Job Goodson be added to Anthony Morris one of the Committee formerly appointed to apply to an Agent at Home to negotiate the two laws about j^aper currency, to know of the said agent how far he has proceeded in procuring the Royal Assent to the two laws. And then the House rose."!
Meanwhile Anthony Morris^ continued to act as a member of Common Council, and on 15th July, 1726, he was appointed on a Committee " to draw up an address to the Governor (Patrick Gordon) to congratulate him upon his safe arrival, ct., in behalf of the mayor. Aldermen and Commonality of this City."**
*Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. ii., p. 296.
t Vide Penna. Archiv., 2nd S., Vol. ix., i3. 719, and Votes of Assembly, Vol. ii., pp. 333, 374, 404, 457, 490, 493 and 494.
t Firfe " Historical Sketches of the Paper Currency of the American Colo- nies," by Henry Phillips, Jr., M. A.
§ Vide Ibid.
II Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. ii., p. 490, under date of Jan. 12, 1725-0, and Vol. ii., p. 493, Aug. 6, 1726.'
^ Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. ii., p. 494.
**Vide Minutes of Common Council, p. 259.
140 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
In the minutes of the Common Council, Philadelphia, we find under " 17th August 1727, Alderman Hill, Alderman Plumstead and Anthony Morris are desired to view the bridge over the Dock at the south end of Front Street, and to calculate the charge of putting the same into good order, and make report to next coun- cil ; and in the mean time to get subscriptions towards the doing thereof."
Anthony Morris was elected by Councils an Alderman, 29th Sept., 1726,* but declined the honor, preferring to sit in the Councilmanic body as a Common Councilman. He was again chosen Alderman Oct. 2, 1733,t and upon this occasion he accepted the appointment.
Coincidently with his election as Alderman, he was commis- sioned (Oct. 2, 1733) an Associate Justice of the City Court-t Whilst in Councils, Anthony Morris^ loaned the City <£500 towards erecting market stalls.
By the Will of Anthony Morris,- his eldest son Anthony Morris^ and his friend Israel Pemberton were appointed Execu- tors of his estate which was not settled up until Aug. 23, 1729, when William Morris, acting as attorney for his sister Elizabeth Dury and her husband William Dury in Barbados, confirmed to Anthony Morris^ the purchase of his father's family mansion in Front Street. Elizabeth and William Dury having received through Wm. Morris in April, 1729, £337.10, their share of £1350 the estimated value of the mansion. The other heirs had also received their shares.
In the list of bonds held by Anthony Morris- at the time of his death appears the following :
"4 Bonds signed by Wm. Fishbourn for money lent to the Corporation to build the new Market Stalls — viz :
1st payable the 30th 7 mo 1722 for £29.00. 2nd payable the 30th 7 mo 1723 for £31.00. 3rd payable the 30th 7 mo 1724 for £31.00. 4th payable the 30th 7 mo 1725 for £33.00. £124.00."
By the minutes of the Common Council, 30th Aug., 1725 {p. 254), it appears that it was " Ordered that the mayor (Isaac
*Vide Penna. Archiv., 2nd S., VoL ix., p. 735. t Vide Penna. Archiv., 2nd S., Vol. ix., p. 735. • X Vide Martin's Bench and Bar, p. 60.
THIRD GENERATION. 141
Norris Esq.) pay to the Executors of Anthony Morris what re- mained due them on Bond from this Corporation." On 29th September, 1725 (p. 256), " The mayor reports that he has paid Sarah Morris, by order of the Executors of Anthony Morris, what remains due to them on Bond from this Corporation, it being thirty-three pounds."
On the 3rd mo. 18th, 1725, Anthony Morris^ was elected to fill a vacancy in the Board of Overseers of the Public School of Philadelphia, being No. 22 on the list. He continued to serve as an "Overseer" of that Institution until his death in 1763, and he was succeeded in the office by Henry Drinker, who was elected 10th 27th, 1763.
The mining of iron ore engaged the attention of Anthony Morris^ as early as 1720, when, he was part owner of the Cole- brookdale furnace, situated on the Ironstone Creek, an important branch of the Manatawny, in Colebrookdale Township, in Berks County, about eight miles north of Pottstown and within a mile of the Borough of Boyertown. Mr. Morton L. Montgomery informs us* " it is supposed to have been erected in the year " 1720, or a year or two earlier, by a company comprising among "others, Thomas Rutter, Anthony Morris, James Lewis and "Thomas Potts. It is generally conceded to have been the first "furnace which was erected in Pennsylvania. In 1731 it was " owned in one-twelfth parts as follows :
"Anthony Morris 1-12 Nathaniel French 3-12
"Alexander Wooddross 3-12 George Mifflin 1-12
"Samuel Preston 1-12 Thomas Potts] ^ ^^
"William Attwood 1-12 George Boone j
"JohnLeacock 1-12
"About this time the furnace was carried on extensively. " Pig-iron was manufactured and sold in large quantities. The "price was £15 a ton 'Country castings' — articles of iron used by "the farmers in the vicinity, were also made, the price of which "was twice that of pig iron." * * * "A stoveplate, inscribed as "having been cast at this furnace in 1763, was exhibited at the " Centennial Exhibition in 1876. It is supposed, that the furnace "was abandoned soon after tins cast was made." It would seem
Vide Penna. Mag., Vol. viii., pp. 58-59.
142 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
that friendly Indians were employed at Colebrookdale, as Indian John and Magalitha are found in the list of workmen about 1728. The furnace was located in the Jieart of one of the richest deposits of magnetic ore in the United States. Abundance of cinder now marks the exact site of the furnace.
In 1727 Anthon}^ Morris was one of the fourteen founders of the Ancient Durliam furnace, on Durham Creek, about one and a half miles above its entrance into the Delaware River, in the extreme northern part of Bucks County. William Allen, Joseph Turner and James Logan (Penn's Secretary) were also mem- bers of the original Company. It commenced operations in the fall of 1727, and in November of 1728 James Logan shipped three tons of Durham pig iron to England. The keystone of the Durham furnace, bearing the date 1727, was an object of interest at the Philadelphia Exhibition of 1876. The furnace was between 35 and 40 feet square, and about 30 feet high. Mr. Swank states that "from the first this furnace made pig iron "to be converted into bar iron, although subsequently, as early "as 1741, stoves were cast at the furnace in large quantities."*
As late as 1780, negro slaves were employed at Durham, five of whom in that year escaped to the British lines. Much of the iron made at Durham was taken to Philadelphia, in boats fash- ioned like an Indian canoe, and first built at Durham ; hence the term afterwards in common use, "Durham boats." Large quantities of shot and shells for the Continental arm}^, were made at Durham furnace. The furnace was in active operation until 1791, with occasional intervals of susj)ension from various causes, when it blew out finally. In 1829 it was torn down, to make way for a grist mill.
Anthony Morris^ also founded and possessed shares in Pool Forges and other furnaces.
A "Pool" forge was situated on the ]\Ianatawny Creek, a short distance below the point where the Ironstone flows into it ; and another of the same name on the Manatawny, several miles below. The latter is supposed to have been the first of the two, and erected in the year 1717. This would be a few years before the time generall}' allowed as the date of the erection of the Colebrook-
* Fide Davis' "History of Bucks County," p. 664, and Swank's "Iron in all Ages," pp. 168-70.
THIRD GENERATION. 143
dale furnace. In 1731 a " Pool Forge " was owned in one-sixteenth parts as follows :*
Anthony Morris 2-1(3 Nathaniel French 1-lG
Alexander Woddross 2-lG George MifHin 1-lG
Samuel Preston 1-16 Thomas Potts |
AVilliam Attwood 1-lG George Boon j
John Leacock 1-16 Rutter Estate G-16
1-16
A Spring forge was at one time in existence on the Mana- tawny in Berks County, not far from Pool Forge, west of Cole- brookdale furnace, and about five miles north of Douglasville. It was built in 1729, probably by Anthony Morris. Pig metal was supplied for this forge from Colebrookdale furnace.f
In a preceding part of this work it has been stated that Anthony JNIorris^ (the " Immigrant ") had married, as his third wife, Mary Coddington, the widow of Thomas Coddington, son of Governor William Coddington, of Rhode Island. Mary Codding- ton, by her first husband — Thomas Coddington — had a dau. named Mary Coddington, who became the second wife of William Trent, Chief Justice of New Jersey ; by her second husband — Anthony Morris, she had two children to grow to maturity, viz., William ]\Iorris and Elizabeth Morris. These three children of the same mother, doubtless grew up together under the same roof; and consequently upon the marriage of young Mary Cod- dington and Judge William Trent, the Morris and Trent families became closely connected. The Chief Justice died in 1724, leav- ing his son James Trent his heir and Executor, and we find by numerous deeds in the Otfice of the Secretary of State at Tren- ton that James Trent sold most of his father's property to his relatives Anthony Morris^ and William Morris.^
It is evident that Anthony Morris^ did not confine his eff'orts as an Ironmaster to Pennsylvania, for on the 20'*" of June, 1729, Articles of Agreement were signed by Anthony Morris, Thomas Lambert, John Porterfield, and James Trent, as co-partners of the Forge at Trenton, on Assunpink Creek, N. J., each member of the firm promising to bring his recjuisite quota of pig-metal to the forge, or provide fuel and funds for working it.^
■'Vi'le Penna. Mag., Vol. viii., pp. 62-3.
tVidr Penna. Mag., Vol. viii., p. 66, and Swank's "Iron in all Ages," p. 170.
tVi'.Ji; Deeds in Sec. of State's OflSce, Trenton, Liber E, p. 339, &c.
144 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
At the same time, Atithoiw Morris purchased of James Trent, Esq., a half part of thirty acres of land and the forge referred to, the land lying on the Brook or Rivulet called Assunpink on the north side thereof in the township of Trenton in the County of Hunterdon together with all appurtenances belonging there- unto.*
By a deed to Anthony Morris, dated June 21, 1729, special permission was granted to erect Corn Mills, Grist Mills and Saw Mills on the Brook or Rivulet — a permission which had been withheld from the former occupant, Samuel Greene. In the fol- lowing year, on 6th July, 1730, Anthony Morris^ bought of James Trent, Esq., two — " one sixth parts of ten acres, three quarters of an acre and fourteen perches of land situated in the township of Nottingham in the Count}^ of Burlington." It is recorded in the Deed that the land formerh' belonged to Thomas Biles. The other part ow^ners with Anthony Morris* were Thomas Lambert, William Morris, John Porterfield and James Trent.
By deeds dated 12th and 13th Oct., 1733, Anthony Morris dis- posed of his share of this property and another piece of land of 100 acres, belonging to himself and his brother AVilliam, to Col. George Thomas, of Antigua.f
If Anthony Morris* undertook, as his jDart of the agreement, to provide the pig metal for use at the Trenton Forge, it may be surmised that he would furnish his quota from the recently founded Durham Furnace, of which he was a part owner. From this Anthony Morris can be traced a line of descendants who continued to hold a very prominent position as Ironmasters in the State of Pennsylvania.
Personally, or in partnership with others, Anthony Morris* continued to j^urchase large tracts of land in Pennsylvania. Among the "Old Rights" we find reference made to "Paper No. 1571 Morris, Anthony, and Comp Ret'n Res'y 43,588 Acres, Warrant dated X mo. 1727," and on Nov. 14, 1733, Anthony Morris, William Atwood and George MifHin for the sum of £341 bought of Dr. Job Goodson et al., 984 acres on branches of the Manahanatawny, County of Philadelphia.^
*This ground became, on 2d Jan., 1777, the scene of the " Battle of the Assun- pink," or second battle of Trenton.
■fVide Liber D D, pp. 340, 347, in Office of Secretary of State, Trenton. iVide Deed Book G, Vol. ii., p. 64, Phila.
THIRD GENERATIOX. 145
Two years later (Sept. 5, 1735), Anthony Morris bought of Edward Pleadwell and wife for £150 a tract of 300 acres in Chester County, near the division of Radnor and Newtown, and. a lot of ground 44 feet x 806 feet on the northern side of High Street, between Sixth and Seventh Streets in Philadelphia, and the moiety of an adjoining lot of 44 x 306 feet on the eastern side of last lot.*
On April 6, 1738, he bought of Stephen Robinson, Gent., for £5, a piece of land on Pequea Creek, Lancaster County, Penna.
On June 17, 1738, Anthony Morris bought of Thomas Streete and wife for £10 one hundred acres on Pequea Creek, Lancaster County. Vide Deed Book H 19, p. 512.
By this time Anthony Morris had personally acquired a con- siderable amount of property, and was one of the leading men in the community, which delighted to do him honor. On Oct. 3, 1738, he was elected Mayor of the City of Philadelphia,t and in the next month (Nov. 13, 1738) he was appointed a justice of the Orphans' Court. J He served as Mayor until Oct. 2, 1739.
Although Anthony Morris^ is almost invariably referred to in Deeds as " Brewer " he evidently continued to be actively inter- ested in Flour Mills, Iron furnaces and Forges. We find that in 1724 he bought of Thomas Chalkley for £95 one-fourth of 400 acres in Bucks County, near the bank of the Delaware, with water corn mill or grist mill, and in 1724 he bought of Mary Kolluck, for £380, messuages and a lot 40 ft. 9 in. broad, and length from east side of King Street into the River Delaware to extent of 250 feet from east side of Front Street. It Avas bounded northward with ground of Richard Morris, westward with King Street, southward with Nathan Stanbury's house and ground, and east- ward with Delaw^are River, also " Bakehouse, granaries, wharfs, keys and improvements."
Later on, he sought for further facilities for landing his flour and other merchandise in Philadelphia, as we learn from the fol- lowing entry in Minute Book K of the Board of Property : " 6th 2nd mo 1736, Upon the application of Anthony Morris and Benj. Canby, ye Propr consents that the Priviledge of a piece of ground
*Vide Deed Book G 12, p. 407, Phila.
t Vide Penna. Archiv., 2nd S., Vol. ix., p. 729.
i Vide Martin's " Bench and Bar," p, 68.
146 GENEALOGY OF THE MOERIS FAMILY.
on the side of the River Delaware, within the mannor of High- lands, for erecting a store house and wharfe for the conveniencv of carrying of Flour and other goods and Merchandize by water on the said river, be granted unto the said Anthony and Benj., for the term of 21 years at the quit rent of one shilling Sterling, and also the Priviledge of a Road leading to and from the same."
But whilst Anthony Morris was accumulating property he was attentive to the duties which devolved upon him as a promi- nent member of the Society of Friends, an instance of which we extract from the minutes of Burlington Monthly Meeting.
4th 10th mo., 1738. "Anthony Morris and John Bringhurst are appointed to agree with a printer and to get him to reprint Moses West's book wrote against mixt marriages, as reasonable as they can, and to distribute them amongst the several Quarterly and Monthly Meetings in such proportions as they have, and .shall subscribe for."
The Minutes of the City Council for Aug., 1737, record (what is considered to be) the origin of the seM'er at 4th and High Streets, Philadelphia. " It was then determined that Alderman Morris and Israel Pemberton, two of the persons appointed at the last Council to get the arch made over High Street at 4th Street, have prepared now to continue the said Arch along the said 4th Street, until the water falls into the lots of Anthony Morris, and to pave the same, it being about 200 feet, if they can have the liberty of getting voluntary subscrij^tions and £25 paid the most of the money which may hereafter be raised by a tax, which proposition being considered, was agreed to by the Board." *
In 1741 Anthony Morris^ purchased of Rebecca Moore a house and ground on the west side of 2nd Street above Arch Street, Philadelphia, and upon the vacant land in the rear of the mansion he built a new brew house, known as the "Morris Brewery," which Avas considered the oldest establishment of the kind in the city until its disuse a few years ago. In this " house," which was built before 1716 (old No. 86), Anthony Morris^ resided until his death in 1763. f
During the year 1742 there was "a sharp drawing of party lines in the province and in Philadelphia. On one side the
* Vide Watson, Vol. i., p. 434, and Minutes Common Council. -fVide "Morris Mansion onN. Second Street, Phila.," in this work.
THIRD GENERATION. 147
Quakers, the ' country ' party, the majority in the Assembly, the other the Governor's or 'gentlemen's' party."*
The elections for the city and county of Philadelphia, held in Oct., 1742, at the Court House in High Street, were marked by serious riots and great disturbances of the peace by drunken sailors, and Alderman Anthony Morris exercised his authority as a magistrate, to suppress the riot, and preserve the peace. He was however brutally attacked by the mob ; he was knocked down, badly beaten and " almost murdered," but was fortunately rescued and carried into George Fitzwater's house, where his son Anthony found him. Anthony Morris^ at that time was sixty years of age, and it is a proof of remarkable vitality, that he survived his injuries for more than twenty years. Notwithstand- ing all the efforts of the opposition, the Country party was victorious at the elections. An investigation of the riot was instituted by the Assembly, and many witnesses were summoned to give evidence in the matter. Three of the sons of Alderman Anthony Morris, viz.: Anthony,* James* and Joseph,* appeared before the Assembly, and made the depositions which will be found elsewhere in this work.
The following are a few extracts from the Depositions of other witnesses : f
John Mifflin, Esq., of Philadelphia, Merchant, " saw Thomas Lawrence and Anthony Morris active in endeavoring to keep the peace."
Richard Hockley, (p. 582) " Saw some sailors with clubs in their hands, come up towards the Court House and in riotous manner knock down several people, especially Anthony Morris, a magis- trate."
Joseph WJiarton of the City of Philadelphia (p. 567), " When the election came on, this Examinate with Charles Norris went to Anthony Morris as a magistrate, to come down to the election, in order to preserve the peace, who readily complied. That the Magistrates that were active in endeavoring to suppress the riot were Thomas Lawrence, Anthony Morris and Thomas Griffitts."
John Reynill of Philadelphia, Merchant. " That he believes the sailors to be strangers, and to the number of about forty or fifty ;
*Vide Scharf and Westcott's Philadelphia, Vol. i., p. 210. t Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii. and Appendix.
148 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
and saw Anthony Morris go among them as a magistrate to keep the peace, and heard afterward that he was knocked down and grievously wounded." (P. 572).
Israel Pemberton, one of the Representatives of the Assembly. " I saw they {i. e. the sailors) had knocked down several persons, and one person being so knocked down, I saw three or four strik- ing at him after he was down, so that I expected he would have been murdered before any assistance could be got to him. The person so abused I afterward understood to be Anthony Morris the elder, one of the Aldermen of the City." (P. 588.)
Reese Meredith, a Merchant of Philadelphia, " being at the place of election, saw a body of sailors, to the number of sixty or seventy, as he thinks, all strangers, coming up towards the people in a menacing manner, flourishing their clubs, &c. Thomas Lawrence and Anthony Morris were endeavoring to put them back and keep the peace, when the said Morris was knocked down in the Examinate's sight." * We may gather from this, that Anthony Morris^ was no coward, and that he was also a lover of peace and order.
At the close of the Investigation, a special resolution was passed by the Assembly, Oct. 30, 1742.t
'' Resolved, that the thanks of the house be given to Anthony Morris, Esq., for the service done his King and Country, in sup- pressing the said riot, and that the same be signified to him by the Speaker."
After the Election riot of October, 1742, the name of Alder- man Anthony Morris does not appear in the minutes of Common Council until 4th Oct., 1743.
The land upon which the " State House," in Philadelphia was erected, with the remainder of the land included in " State House Square " was originally granted in lots to private individ- uals, between 1683 and 1715. These were by degrees bought up by the authority of the Legislature, and upon inspecting the plan given in Hazard's Register Penna., Vol. ii., 228-233, we find that a large lot in State House Square belonged to Anthony Morris,^ fronting on Walnut Street and running back half wa}^ to Chestnut Street. This lot was, by deed dated Dec. 21, 1742,
* Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii., p. 572, Appendix. ■fVide Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii., p. 501.
THIRD GENERATION. 149
conveyed by Anthony Morris to William Allen. From a perusal of this and other deeds it is evident that this and other lots were originally purchased by and conveyed to Andrew Hamilton and William Allen in their own rights, but the preamble of the act of Assembh^ of 1735-6 declares that the purchases were made by direction of the Legislature.
The annexed plan, copied from Hazard's Register of Penna., indicates the precise location of the piece of ground in Indepen- dence Square, which once belonged to Anthony Morris^ :
Sixth Street
B 1 |
|
Lot of ground owned by An- thony Morris and sold by him Dec. 21. 1742. to William Allen for this Province. |
o |
William Allen, Esq., by deed dated 2nd July, 1760, conveyed to Isaac Norris, Esq., Thomas Leach, Esq., and Joseph Fox, Esq., as Trustees of the State House and land thereto belonging, appointed in accordance with the act of General Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania, 21st Feb., 1735-36, the piece of land on Walnut Street, Philadelphia, which he had purchased of Anthony Morris. In this deed it is recited, that William Penn granted a Patent bearing date of 4th 5th mo., 1684, to Samuel Miles for "A certain Lot of Land in Philadelphia, situated between the 5th and 6th Streets from Delaware, containing in breadth 49 feet and a half and in length 255 feet; Bounded Northward with back lots. Eastward with a vacant lot. Southward with Walnut Street, Westward with a vacant lot granted by a warrant from Proprietary bearing date 24th 1st mo 1683 and laid out by Surveyor General's order 31st of sd month to sd Samuel INIiles.'"^
*Vide Patent Book A, Vol. i., p. 287.
150 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Samuel Miles by deed 20th day 5th mo., 1691, conveyed the same lot to Thomas Hobbs (mason). *
Thomas Hobbs conveyed the same lot by Indenture dated 16th June, 1727, to Anthony Morris of Philadelphia (brewer) the lot situated and bounded as aforesaid together ^Yith the Messuage or Tenement then thereon and all, and singular the Gardens and Orchards, Fences, Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging. (No reference where recorded).
Anthony Morris sold the same lot and improvement to William Allen — Indenture dated 21st December, 1742. William Allen now (2nd July, 1760) sells to the above Trusteesf for £156.- 3s. 3d., the before-mentioned lot and improvements as described above.
The final purchases for the State House grounds were per- fected in the Spring of 1769; deeds were thereupon executed to the Trustees, and thus the Province became possessed of the whole Square. A brick wall seven feet high was at once (1770) con- structed around the whole premises with an immense gateway and wooden door on Walnut Street, in the middle of that front.J
Anthony Morris^ and Israel Pemberton were executors of the Will of Thomas Story, and on September 21, 1745, received a "Release" from the Legatees after they had received their lega- cies; it was signed by Edward Shippen, Margaret Jekyl, William Shippen, Charles Willing, et al.
Among the Real Estate transactions of Anthony Morris^, in addition to those already referred to, were the following :
On March 25, 1719, Anthony Morris^ bought of Jos. Pidgeon, Merchant, for £262.10, two lots of land on east side of 2iid Street, on south side of Mulberiy Street.§
On Aug. 28, 1719, Anthony Morris^ bought of Emmanuel Walter, Carpenter, and wife for £40 tenement and lot 17 feet 8 inches x 360 feet on north side of High Street, bounded east- ward with house of John Sanders, westward with Edward Burke's house. 1 1
^Recorded, Book No. lA, p. 26.
tT7f/eDeed Book H, Vol. x., p. 635, Phila.
tVkle "History of Independence Hall," by Frank M. Etting, p. 131, d seq.
I Vide Deed Book F 4, pp. 42 and 44.
II Vide Deed Book F 3, p. 18.
THIRD GENERATION. 151
On Sept. 1, 1719, Aiithoii}- Morris^ bouglit of Samuel Ring and wife for £175 a house and lot 16 ft. x 100 ft. on the west side of Front Street, at the south side of Black Horse Alley.'''
On July 25, 1720, Richard Hill, Merchant, made assignment to Anthony Morris^ of a mortgage on a lot of land 20 ft. x 50 ft. on the west side of Front Street. f
On Jan. 5, 1726, Anthony Morris^ with Rees Thomas and Ann Whitpain bought of Michael and Samuel Jobson for £110 a lot on High Street 26 ft. x 306 ft. and a moiety of 250 acres of land and 16 acres in Liberties of Philadelphia ( Vide Deed Book G 6, pp. 282 and 287) and April 27, 1728, the same parties bought of Michael Jobson for £12 the other moiety of the tract of 16 acres in the Liberties of Philadelphia. |
On April 10, 1728, Anthony ^lorris' bought for £50 a house and lot 14 x 78 feet, bounded eastward with Front Street, south- ward with Joanna Kelly's lot, westward with a four foot alley dividing this lot from Joseph Coleman's lot, northward with ground and building of Benjamin Rawle. The alley runs into Mulberry Street 78 feet from Front Street.§
On Dec. 27, 1728, Anthony Morris^ received patent from the Commissioners of Property for 11^ acres of swamj) situate between lands of Moyamensing Wickaco and Delaware River, on the river side, "over against Gloucester in West Jersey. "||
On Nov. 19, 1729, Anthony Morris^ bought of Philip Roman, Jr., M. D., for £30, two lots of land on Mulberry Street, 99 feet x 303 feet.^
On July 19, 1732, Anthony Morris^ and Rees Thomas for £20 bought of Ann Whitpain a piece of land in Northern Liberty.
On March 28, 1739, Anthony Morris^ bought of Lawrence Growden for £60 and "one guinea of gould" a piece of ground on Front Street between Pine and Cedar Streets, measuring north and south 51 feet, in length 198 feet, bounded westward with 2nd Street, northward with other ground of Anthony Morris.**
*ride Deed Book F 3, p. 45. t Vide Deed Book F 4, p. 82. tVide Deed Book H 20, p. 512, Phila. ■i Vide Deed Book H 5, p. 225, Phila. II Vide Exemp. Rec, Vol. ii., p. 249, Phila. 1[ Vide Deed Book H 19, p. 49(3. **Vide Deed Book EF, Vol. iii., p. 80, Phila.
152 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
On April 29, 1743, Anthony Morris^ bought of James Hamil- ton for £60 one-sixth of 250 acres of land, mineral ores, metals, quarries and mines of ore in Lancaster County, Penna.*
On jMarch 15, 1745, Anthony Morris^ Ijought of Elizabeth Griffiths, widow, and Mary Lisle, widow, both daughters of Henry Badcock, Brewer, for £1100, 173 acres in Passyunk.f
On April 15, 1745, Anthony Morris^ bought of Gilbert Ban- croft, Apothecary, and wife Deborah, John Newland and wife Elizabeth, of city of Bristol, Eng., by their atty. William Morris (Lt. Atty., dated Oct. 12, 1744), a lot 306 x 49| feet on west side of 7th Street and north side of Mulberry Street.J Gilbert Ban- croft's wife Deborah and John Newland 's wife Elizabeth were sisters and sole issue of Mary Westcomb, at Bristol, who was the dau. of Elizabeth Hawkins, sole issue and heir of John Moon, " Gent." of Philadelphia, Penna.
On Sept. 30, 1748, Anthony Morris^ bought of Joseph Noble for £L500 a house and lot, 24|^ x 180 feet on the east side of 2d Street.§
On Dec. 10, 1748, Anthony Morris^ bought of James Rhoads for £800 a house with 20 feet frontage on 2d Street above Pine Street, running back 177 feet.||
On June 5, 1749, Anthony Morris^ bought for £30 ten acres of marsh land and meadow ground " lying before Passyunk."T[
On Aug. 1, 1749, Anthony Morris^ bought for £28 two lots of ground in Kensington.'''*
On July 6, 1750, Anthony Morris^, bought of Dr. John Red- man for £700, land, houses and coach house S. E. corner of Mul- berry and 2nd streets. ft
On July 19, 1751, Anthony Morris^ bought of John Dummer for £27 cash and amount of mortgage and interest, a lot of ground E. &. W. 17 feet, fronting on Sassafras Street, and extending back 51 feet.n
* Fide Deed Book H, p. 503, Phila.
tVide Deed Book G 9, p. 293, Phila.
tVide Deed Book G 5, p. 545, Phila.
§ rich' Deed Book D 2, p. 336, Phila.
II Vide Deed Book I, Vol. vi., p. 189, Phila.
\\ Vide Deed Book I, Vol. xii., p. 75, Phila. **ride Deed Book I, Vol. vi., p. 122, Phila. nVide Deed Book I, Vol. iii., p. 43, Phila. ttVide Deed Book H 2, p. 70, Phila.
THIRD GENEKATION. 153
In 1752 Anthony Morris^ bought of Sarah Armitt, widow, and John Armitt, merchant, for £200, two hundred and fifty acres in Berks Co.*
On July 23, 1758, Anthony Morris^ bought of Nehemiah Allen for c£108 6s. 8d., a lot of ground in Wiccacoe, north and south 140 feet, length from west side of Second Street, continued southward beyond the City to Moyamensing road.f
On April 15, 1760, Anthony Morris^ bought of Jeremiah Elfreth and wife, for £300, two yearly "rent charges" of £9 each on land between Front and 2nd streets and in Liberties — also a little lot of ground-l
On January 26, 1762, Anthony Morris^ bought of James Par- rock, et al., for. £166 13s. 4d., ground rents on 2nd and Sassafras Streets. §
In Sept., 1747, the Corporation Council for the first time voted a salary to the ]\Iayor, — one hundred pounds per annum; but even then it was difficult to get the right man to serve.
On Oct. 6, 1747, when Alderman Morris was re-elected to serve as ]\Iayor, he could not be found, so that a notice might be served upon him, and it became so evident at last that his absence was intentional, that a new election had to be made.
In the Minutes of the City Council we find the following entries referring to this matter:
"6. October 1747, P. "SL—\\. A. Atwood, Mayor, Alderman "Morris, the Mayor elect, not being present, Charles William, "and Sam' Rhoades were appointed to wait on him, to acquaint "him the Board had chosen him Mayor for the year ensuing.
"The two members appointed to acquaint Alderman Morris "that he was elected Mayor returned and informed the Board "they had been at his House, and were told by his daughter that "he was gone out of Town.
"The Board being under some difficulty for want of knowing "whether the Mayor elect would serve in the said office, con- " eluded to meet again the afternoon to consider what was proper "to be done on this occasion.
"6. Oct. 1747. The Board being met to consider what was
* Vide Deed Book I, Vol. x., p. 549, Phila. "{Vide Deed Book H 19, p. 489, Phila. XVide Deed Book D 28, p. 157, Phila. I Vide Deed Book H 19, p. 509, Phila.
154 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
'necessary to be done on occasion of the Mayor Elect's being 'gone out of town ; the Recorder informed the Board that he had 'consulted the Attorney General & it was his opinion that a ' written Notice should be sent to Alderman Morris' House, 'signifying he was so elected as aforesaid; and likewise that 'a messenger should be sent into the country, where it was said 'he was gone with a like Notice, who should endeavour to procure 'his answer whether he could serve in same office or not. In 'which opinion a majority of the Board concurred. And accord- 'ingly two such Notices were made out and signed by the Clerk '& the City seal affixed to each by order of the Board, one of ' which was delivered to Charles Stow, to be left with Alderman ' Morris's wife or some one of the family, if he should not be at 'home, & the other was delivered to James Whitehead, who was ' ordered to go up into Berks County or wherever else he might 'be informed Alderman Morris was gone & endeavour to serve 'hirn personally with the sd notice, & bring his answer to the 'Board at the next meeting.
"9 Oct. 1747. James Whitehead the Person employed to serve 'Alderman Morris with notice of his being elected Mayor, being ' called in and sworn said, that he had been up into Berks County, ' & at Trenton, where it was said Mr. Morris was gone, & tho' he ' had used his utmost Endeavor, that he had not been able to 'find him."
"Charles Stow being likewise called in and sworn, said that 'he had been at the Dwelling House of Alderman Morris and 'read the notice he was sent with to his wife, and would have ' delivered it to her, but she refused to receive it and said her 'husband was from home and she believed he would not return ' till Saturday night.
" The Board considering the Mayor Elect did not appear, to 'accept of the sd office and take and subscribe the usual Qualifi- ' cations within the time limited by Charter: altho' the proper ' means had been used to give him Notice of his Election, it m- as 'necessary to proceed to a new choice, and thereupon Wm. ' Attwood was Chosen ]\Iayor for the year ensuing by a majority of Vote."
As Anthony Morris had no desire to serve a second time as Mayor, it is not to be wondered at that he should absent himself on this occasion, for we find in a previous minute in 1706, of which
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PETITION FOR PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL, 1750
THIRD GENERATION. 155
the following is a copy, that he would have been subject to a fine if he could have been found and had refused to serve.
" Oct. 1, 1706, Alderman Story refusing to accept the office of " Mayor, therefore he is fined by the Common Council the sum of " 20 pounds." And it must have been vividly in the recollection of Anthony Morris'^ that as late as October, 1745, Alexander Taylor and Joseph Turner had each been fined 30 pounds for refusing to serve as Mayor of Philadelphia after having been duly elected.
Anthony Morris,^ his son Anthony* and his brother Luke^ w^ere among the signers of the origi- , o ^^
nal petition presented to the Legis- (jZ-/ljtJ7, / // Q-VltyJ lature Jan. 23d, 1750-1, for aid to
the new Pennsylvania Hospital, and all three became liberal contributors to the funds of the Institution. When the charter was secured for it on 11th May, 1751, a meeting of the contrib- utors was convened for the election of a Board of Managers and a Treasurer. This meeting was held in the State House, and Anthony Morris^ and his sons Anthony* and Joseph* were among the contributors present. His son Joseph Morris* was upon that occasion elected as one of the first managers of the Hospital. During 1751 Anthony Morris^ contributed $258.6f3 to the Hospital and his descendants have nobly followed his example, as the list of contributors in the valuable " History of the Pennsylvania Hospital " amply testifies.
Anthony Morris was not only prominent in municipal and business affairs but, for forty years, was one of the most influential members of the Society of Friends in Philadelphia, taking an active part in all the movements that were originated at their Monthly Meetings. The reproduction which we give of an autograph letter to his son Samuel, well illustrates the value which Anthony Morris^ attached to the Holy Scriptures, and his earnest desire that his children should profit b}^ the reading and study of the Bible. The original letter is affixed to the inside of the cover of a Bible which Anthony Morris presented to his son Samuel Morris in 1744.
The marriage of Anthony Morris' daughter ]\Iary to Samuel Powell on 9th mo. 9th, 1732, must have been a memorable event amongst the members of the Morris family of those times, for Ave find upon the marriage certificate, no less than 89 signa-
156 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
tures, of which 15 were those of persons bearing the name of " Morris." The names of Thomas Penn and Patrick Gordon are also there.
In 1755, when the people were terribl}^ alarmed at the devas- tation, and the desolation of the border settlements, by the French and their Indian allies, and the Governor and the inhabitants in many places were advocating military preparations to defend the country, and oppose the enemy, many of the members of the Society of Friends, took a 'positive stand against military organi- zation, and Anthony Morris^ and his son Anthony*, and nineteen others, signed an address, to the effect, that "They would be com- pelled to suffer, rather than consent to pay taxes for such purposes. They therefore desire that no measures would be taken which might coerce them in a manner inconsistent with their peaceable principles."
Anthony Morris^ reared a large family of children, some of whom became i:)ersons of considerable importance in the com- munity. Proud speaks of him as "a person of good esteem, character and utility to his country, and in the religious society of the Quakers, of which he was an esteemed, and valuable and useful member until his death Sept. 23^ 1763."
A very interesting reference to the funeral of Anthony Morris' is made in the following extract of a letter from Benjamin Mar- shall to Hugh Forbes in England.
Phila. Oct. 18 1763.
"^ * ^, ^^ ^Yg i^ave lost some faithfull & Worthy friends lately amongst which Anthony Morris, w^ho was buried the Seventh day before our Yearly Meeting whose Corps was attended to the Meeting house and burial ground by a very great number of the most substantial Inhabitants as well as a vast number of Friends from different parts, at meeting a noble & worthy testimony was delivered by our worthy friend Ann Moore at which meeting was present the Governor the Recorder many of the Councill Alder- men severall Ministers (of other persuations) many Lawyers, a great number of Merch'* & Private Gentlemen &c."
A memorandum in the Family Bible of Samuel Morris* reads thus: — "My Father Anthony Morris Died the 23*^ Sep- "tember 1763 about 1/2 after two in the morning. Next day
^._ ^
■^T.
<Vs
THIRD GENERATION. * 157
" at 4 P. M. was carried to the Market Street Meeting house, " Philadelphia, and thence to y^ place of Interment in friends' " burying ground. He lies next to his father. He was born IS^** " March 1682 in London G. B. His father Ant° Morris (son of "Anth° Morris Mariner, who died in Barbadoes) was born in y® " same city and was baptized at S* Dustan's Stepney, as appears " by y« Records of s"^ Church."
"The family came from Leicestershire to London, ex. Relat. PatrisoniV " S. M."
Phoebe, the wife of Anthony Morris^ died a few years after- wards, on March 18, 1768. She was for many years previously, an elder " well esteemed in Philadelphia, and one of the most " useful in her day, in Meetings of Discipline." Her son, Samuel Morris,"* has made the following entry in his family Bible in refer- ence to her death :
" My mother Phoebe Morris died *>!<>!« on the same spot " of ground on which she was born, aged eighty two years, and a " half, having lived a life of Piety, and virtuous oeconomy and " seen a numerous Issue to the fourth Generation. She was buried " in the same grave wherein her Husband was laid about four " years and a half before, with whom she had lived upwards of " sixty years in the highest degree of Conjugal affection."
The following is an extract from a letter written by Samuel Powel, to his Uncle and Guardian, Samuel Morris,"* upon receiv- ing an intimation of his grandfather's death :
" Paris, 1 Feb. 1764. "My Dear Uncle,
" The pleasure ever attendant on the perusal of your letters is not a little alloyed at present, by the sorrowful account of the death of my much honoured Grandsire. This affecting account however, admits of the greatest consolation in the Reflection, that a life ever regulated by the dictates of virtue and unaffected piety, will be rewarded by a fruition of joys too great for the human mind to conceive. That such is now the blessed estate of our honoured grandfather, no one, I think, can have room to doubt * * *
"Adieu, pray commend me to my good grandmother, if yet in life, tho' I doubt not, her loss has already, or will soon, carry
d. 8mo. |
7, 1710. |
d. 3mo. |
31, 1782; m. 3mo. 26, |
Oct. 31, |
1759 ; m. 9mo. 9, 1732, |
158 GENEALOGY OF THE MOERIS FAMILY.
her to join her beloved partner. My best wishes await m}^ dear Aunt and all your good family.
"I am your most affectionate nephew,
" Samuel Powel.
" To Samuel Morris, Esq., Philadelphia."
Anthony and Phoebe (Guest) Morris had issue : —
18. AxTHO>-Y MoKKis, b. llmo. 14, 1705; d. lOmo. 2, 1780; m. 1st 12mo.,
1730, Sarah Powell ; m. 2dly, 4mo. 30, 1752, Elizabeth Hudson.
19. James Morris, b. 7mo. 8, 1707 ; d. Jan {i. e. llmo.) 29, 1750 ; m. Imo.
12, 1729, Elizabeth Kearney. .20. John Morris, b. 4mo. 23, 1709; d. 2mo. 3, 1782; m. 2mo. 18, 1734, Mary Sutton.
21. Samuel Morris, b. 7mo. 20, 1710;
22. Samuel Morris, b. 9mo. 21, 1711 ;
1737, Hannah Cadwalader.
23. Mary Morris, b. Oct. 13, 1713 ; d.
Samuel Powell.
24. Joseph Morris, b. Imo. 10, 1714/5 ; d. 7mo. 1, 1785 ; m. 1st 12mo. 18,
1741, Martha Fitzwater ; m. 2dly, llmo. 7, 1765, Hannah Mickle.
25. Elizabeth Morris, b. Oct. 21, 1716 ; m. Sept. 6, 1739, Benjamin Shoe-
maker.
26. Benjamin Morris, b. lOmo. 30, 1717/8 ; d. 7mo. 7, 1719.
27. Phosbe Morris, b. 5mo. 4, 1721 ; d. 3mo. 5, 1722.
28. Susanna Morris, b. 7mo. 27, 1722; d. 6mo. 13, 1724.
29. Deborah Morris, b. llmo. 13, 1723/4 ; d. unm. March 31, 1793.
30. Benjamin Morris, (M. D. ), b. 3mo. 7, 1725 ; d. unm. May 14, 1755. 81. A dau. un-named b. and d. 5mo. 19, 1726.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF ANTHONY MORRIS.^
Anthony Morris, of the City of Philadelphia, Brewer. Will dated 29th 9th month (September), 1760.
He gives to his " beloved wife Phoebe Morris " all his wearing apparel, confirms unto her bill of sale of all his household goods and furniture, and grants use for life, of his household plate, which at her death, is to be equally divided amongst his surviving sons and his grandson Anthony, son of son James. He also gives his wife the mansion on 2nd Street, which he purchased from Rebecca Moore and others, in which he resides, with brew house, malt house, mill house, stable, chaise house and garden for
THIRD GENERATION. 159
and during the term of her natural life; also malt, barley, hops, ale and wood from his stock, to the value of £1200, his negroes, men and women, his chaise, harness, dray, casks, mill horse, saddle horse, dray horse, mares and colts, also his lot and wharf and messuages thereon in Front and King Street, known and called the "Crooked billet," and the rents and income from his whole estate for tw^o years after his decease.
He directs that the Mansion house, lot and edifices thereon shall be let out to, or on rent, and the net produce thereof for the term of seven years after his wife's decease, shall be paid in equal shares annually to daughters Elizabeth and Deborah, and his grandchildren (i. e. the surviving children of his five sons — Anthony, James, John, Samuel and Joseph) ; after the expiration of the seven years, the 2nd Street Mansion house and buildings on said lot are given to his grandchildren in the following pro- portions :
" Children of son John Morris=l/5 i ^ Hi /in
,,„,.,, ^ . ,, HT • ^ ,_ / Anthony=2/9 of 1/5
"Children of son Anthony Morris=l/o \ „^, - . -i ^ -.,0 c Mr
■' (-Other / children=//9 of 1/5
'Children of son James Morris=l/5
Anthony=2/3 of 1/5 Mary ' =1/3 of 1/5
ur.u-ij e a lAF • T/- f John=2/9 of 1/0
"Children of son feamuel Morris=l/o J ^,, '.,, _,., . ^ ,_
' I Other children=</9 of 1/5
"Children of son Joseph MoiTis=l/5 \ ^,, * T".,, „ ,, e -, ,- v
^ ' I Other children=3/5 of 1/0"
He directs that if the Mansion and Brewery are rented, the first offer is to be made to his grandson Anthony, Brewer, at a rental of £130, and if they are sold, the same grandson is to have first offer of purchase, at the price of £3000; upon the condition, that the said grandson Anthony "do teach and instruct grandson Anthony Morris, son of son Samuel, in the art, mistery and trade of a brewer and malster."
He gives to his "two esteemed and trusty friends Abel James and Owen Jones of the City of Philadelphia, Merchants, their heirs and executors, for the term of fourteen generations, "in trust for certain devisees, nine certain ground rents, amounting to £25.7.0, arising out of certain grants made by his father Anthony
160 GENEALOGY OF THE MOKRIS FAMILY.
Morris and others from his father's Front and 2nd Street lots and on Morris' Alley.
No. 1. £6.0.0 per annum, as by deed to Richard Armitt, he gives for the use of grandson Anthony, son of son James, and male issue for 14 generations.
No. 2. £2.6.0 per annum, as by deed to Richard Armitt, now in tenure of his son John, for the use of son Samuel Morris and male issue for 14 generations.
No. 3. £2.0.6 per annum, as by deed to Thomas England (now in tenure of Hugh Forbes), he gives for use of son Samuel Morris and male issue for 14 generations.
No. 4. £2.0.6 per annum, as by deed to Peter Stretch, he gives for the use of son Samuel Morris and male issue for 14 generations.
No. 5. £4.0.0 per annum, as b}' deed to Thomas England (now in tenure of Widow Mar}' Weyman), he gives for use of son Joseph Morris and male issue for 14 generations.
No. 6. £3.0.0 per annum, as by deed made by John Wilson to William Gray, and bought at Sheriff's sale (now in tenure of Widow Weyman), he gives for the use of son Joseph Morris and male issue for 14 generations.
No. 7. £1.10.0 per annum, as by deed to John Budd (now in tenure of Patrick Farrell), he gives for the use of son John Morris and heirs male for 14 generations.
No. 8. £3.0.0 per annum, as by deed to Richard Tomlinson (late in tenure of heirs of James Carr, dec'*, but now of Patrick Farrell), he gives for use of son John ]\Iorris and heirs male for 14 years.
No. 9. £1.10.0 per annum, as b}^ deed to Thomas Wharton (now in tenure of Stephen Anthony), he gives for the use of son John Morris and his heirs male for 14 generations.
Also to same Trustees he gives (in trust) the late mansion seat, lot and premises of his father Anthony Morris dec**, being on west side of Front Street and north side of Morris's Alley, and a rent charge of £4 per annum on a 20 foot lot, part thereof granted to John Armitt — these for the use of his eldest son Anthony Morris during his life. At decease of son Anthony, Mansion and ground rent to come to son John for his life, and at his decease to son Samuel for his life, and at his decease to son Joseph for his life, and at his decease to grandson Samuel ]Morris,
THIRD GENERATION. 161
son of son Anthony and lieirs male of his body lawfully issuing for 14 generations, provision being made in default of such issue, it being stipulated that the possessor, for the time being, shall " Keep the mansion seat in good repair and yearly expend thereon, in order to keep the same repaired, the S*^ sum of £4 the annuity hereby given." Should the Mansion he destroyed by fire — for and towards rebuilding the same, payment of all the ground rents, referred to above, shall cease to the legatees, for seven years, and the accumulated fund be used in rebuilding it.
He gives to son Samuel and heirs his meadow and marsh ground purchased of John Warner and Wm. Davis and David Gibson, situate on westerly side of Schuylkill, in township of Kingsess opposite to Passyunk Road — provided son Samuel procures for his brother Joseph five acres of meadow ground of equal value.
He gives to son Samuel and his wife Hannah, for the term of ten years, his lot or piece of ground situate on east side of 2d Street and west side of Dock Street below the 2d Bridge, with buildings and Tanyard, w^ith option of son Samuel or dau. Hannah, at the expiration of the ten years, purchasing the said property for £1500, for the use of his Estate.
He confirms to son Joseph, house and lot in which he (Joseph) lately dwelt, which testator bought of Samuel Ring, also a rent charge of £6 per annum on a lot on 2nd Street, Philadelphia, " wherewith to pay a like sum chargeable upon the house wherein son Joseph lately dwelt contiguous to his present dwelling house." Also he gives to son Joseph, a house and lot in upper part of Front Street, which was the estate of Richard Redman and now is in his (Joseph's) tenure.
He gives to dau. Deborah, his houses and lot fronting on 2nd Street and Letitia Court — purchased of Joseph Noble.
He directs all his Estate in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (after his wife's Estate therein is terminated), shall be appraised, "then of such and valuation thereof as will amount to the sum of £730," he gives to his three grandchildren, the children of son James (viz. Mary, Isaac and Anthony), " to be equally divided between them as they shall attain their respective ages of 21 years."
He gives to son John Morris and heirs, of said appraised estate, to amount of £356.
He gives to son Joseph Morris and heirs, of said appraised estate, to amount of £253.
162 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
He gives to daughter Elizabeth Shoemaker and heirs, of said appraised estate, to amount of £228.
He gives to daughter Deborah Morris and heirs, of said ap- praised estate, to amount of £208.
He gives in trust to brother Luke Morris, dau. Deborah Mor- ris, and grandson Samuel Powel, for the use of Abigail Griffits, wife of William Griffits, late of Philadelphia, merchant, the sum of £381.5.0, and at her death, to be divided among her children upon their attaining the age of 21 years.
He gives to grandson Samuel Powel a Silver Tankard of the value of £17.
He gives to his granddaughter Sarah Powel a Silver Tankard of the value of £17.
He gives to " beloved sister Sarah Morris " £20.
He gives to respected friend Margaret Ellis, inmate of Thomas Thomas of Radnor, £5.
He gives to each of his grandchildren and great grandchil- dren, living at his decease (excepting those given an interest in the mansion house and brew house), £5.
Refers to two' lots of ground he had purchased of grandson Samuel Morris, son of son Anthony — one on 2nd Street near Dock and Bridge, and the other fronting on the west side of Dock Street in Philadelphia, and offers to let him have them again any time within four years of date of deed for amount of purchase money — £600 with interest for one year.
To eight of the most virtuous aged poor of the City he gives £16, viz: forty shillings to each.
He releases all his sons from all charges in his books, except- ing those accounts relative to the Estate of his deceased son James, for whose children he acted as guardian.
He gives to his wife a bond from son Anthony for an indebt- edness of £500.
The Residuary (after his wife's interest is extinct) to be esti- mated into seven parts and distributed as follows:
"To son Anthony and his son Anthony ('now dwelling with me') one-seventh, i e. 1/14 apiece.
"To Anthony and Mary Morris, two of children of son James Morris, as they shall respectively attain the age of 21 years, one-seventh, i. e. 1/14 ajDiece.
"To son John Morris — one-seventh.
THIRD GENERATION. 163
"To son Samuel Morris— one-seventh. "To son Joseph Morris — one-seventh. . "To dau. Deborah Morris — one-seventh. "To dau. Elizabeth Shoemaker — one-seventh."
In case of any question or controversy arising concerning the intent of any part of the will he requests his "loving brother William Morris of Trenton, Merchant," his "esteemed friend John Smith now of Burlington and William Callender," in con- junction with his executors, to judge and determine concerning the same, and their judgment to be decisive and binding.
Executors — "dear wife Phoebe Morris," and "four sons Anthony, John, Samuel and Joseph, and dau. Deborah."
Witnesses:
Jer. Elfketh. Aquila Jones.
M. HiLLIGAS.
Codicil, dated Sept. 21, 1763. Alters the disposition of the Mansion house of his late father at the corner of Morris' Alley and Front Street, but devises the same to his " daughter Deborah in the same manner and form and after the same time expired as it is above given to said grandson Samuel Morris." In lieu of the pecuniary donation in his will to grandson John Morris, he gives him two several mortgages in Cumberland County. He further desires that his son Anthony Morris shall not act or take upon him the executorship of his said Will, during the life of his present wife Elizabeth.
Mentions share in Brunswick copper mines, and in Pequca lead mine, and empowers executors to advance money for carry- ing on his share in those mines.
Witnesses: (Signed) Antho. Morris.
Johannes Kopel. Rachel Baremore.
Proved at Philadelphia,
Wm. Plumsted, Reg. Gen., Oct. 29, 1763.
164 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Accompanying the will of Anthony Morris^ is an " Inventory of sundry bonds belonging to the estate of Anthony Morris deceased, found in his house, amounting to £2036.12.10, and of bonds taken for Debts and other bonds arising from Monies of the Testator in the hands of his Widow, which was lent out by her for her use and benefit pursuant to the will of her husband for two years after his discease, amounting to the sum of £5994.13.1, and are this day delivered by his Excrs., for the use of his Legatees, exclusive of the following list of particular bonds which are supposed to be insolvent, viz. : Sundry Bonds and Mortgages amounting to £8031.5.11."
The total amount of Bonds supposed to be insolvent amounted to £543.16.7 making a grand total of £8565.2.6.
The Inventory was signed
"John Morris "Samuel Morris "Joseph Morris.
" Philadelphia, Sept. 26, 1765."
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF PHCEBE (GUEST) MORRIS.
Phcebe Morris, Widow and Relict of Anthony Morris, Brewer.
Will dated 27th Sept., 1763.* Leaves all her estate, real and personal, to sons John Morris, Samuel Morris and Joseph Morris, and daughters Elizabeth Shoemaker and Deborah Morris, " share and share alike."
Executors — John Morris, Samuel Morris, Joseph Morris and Deborah Morris.
(Signed) Phcebe Morris.
Witnesses :
Leonard Melchior. Elias Lewis Treickel.
Proved l*** April, 1768,
Benj. Chew, Reg. Gen.
*Vide Will Book O, p. 221, Phila.
MORRIS MANSION," NORTH SECOND STREET, PHILADELPHIA
MORRIS "MANSION HOUSE," NORTH SECOND STREET, PHILADELPHIA.
On Nov. Q, 1741, Anthon}' Morris^ for the consideration of £450, purchased of Rebecca Moore — sole executrix of John Moore, Esq., who was the surviving Executor for Sarah Quary — " a large brick messuage or tenement and lot of ground thereunto belonging, 51 feet broad, and 300 feet long, with orchards, gardens, fences, watercourses, &c., bounded northward with lot of Benjamin Whitehead, but formerly in tenure of Pentecost Teague, eastward with 2nd Street, southward with lot of Joseph Brown formerly of Joseph Wilcox, and westward with back lots."*
Sarah Quary (Widow) refers to this property in her willf in the following words: "Margaret Tench and myself were joint "purchasers in fee simple of a lot lying on the west side of the "Second Street from Delaware, Philadelphia, whereon she at our "joint charge caused a large Brick House to be built (when I was " last in England) which occasioned her to apply several sums of "my money far extending what I intended on account of that "building."
In this house, which was built before the death of Margaret Tench, Anthony Morris^ resided for 20 years, until his death in 1763.
The Mansion and Brewhouse with Malthouse and all appur- tenances, on 26th Oct., 1775, became the property of his grandson (Major) Anthony Morris,^ who purchased them from the other heirs of the estate of Anthony Morris,^ for the sum of £3000, that being the jDurchasing price stipulated in the will of his grand- father.
Thomas Morris, his brother, also lived in the Mansion and conducted the business whilst Major Anthon^^ was on service, and it was here, Thomas Morris received the corpse of his brother when it was brought from Princeton after the Battle in January, 1777. Thomas Morris then continued the business of the 2nd Street
*Vide Deed Book G 1, p. 368, Phila.
fThe will of Sarah Quary was signed Dec. 18, 1716, probated Dec. 2, 171i Vide Will Book D, p. 87, Phila.
(165)
166 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Brewery and was succeeded by his sons Joseph and Thomas, and his grandson Anthony Saunders Morris, who were in it in 1835.
James Abbott and Robert Newlin took charge of this "Morris Brewery" about 1836. Previous to that arrangement Abbott and Newlin had conducted the brewing business at the Morris Brewery owned by Anthony Morris* on the south side of Pear and Dock Streets. This Brewery, completed in 1790, was conducted by Samuel Morris^ and afterwards by his sons Luke W. Morris^ and Isaac W. Morris,^ who retired about 1810, when William Abbott and Caleb Steward succeeded them.
After a period of at least 182 years, the Morris "Mansion House," on the west side of North Second Street, above Arch Street, Philadelphia, is still standing (1898). It is in fairly good preservation, and Townsend Ward tells us "there is, or was, affixed to the house, as is said, Franklin's first lightning rod, still inviting the subtle fluid to gently leave and descend to the earth."*
*Vide Penna. Mag., Vol. iv., p. 172.
THE GUEST FAMILY.
Among the " Pemberton Papers," in the library of the Penn- sylvania Historical Society, is a deed bearing date 14th March, 1672.* It was made between Joane Guest of Birmingham, in County Warwick, Widdowe, relict of John Guest of Birmingham, deceased, of the one parte, and William Baylys of Birmingham, and William Whyton of Birmingham, of the other part. By his last Will and Testament, John Guest, deceased, devised unto George Guest of Birmingham, second sonne of the said John Guest dec*^ and to his heirs for ever, after the decease of the said Joane, " All that messuage house or tenement, shoppe, barns, stables, edifices, buildings and one peece or parcell of land lately purchased by the said John Guest, deceased of one Nicholas Farkson ; " and " this indenture witnessed that the said Joane Guest as well in part of performance of the last will of the said John Guest her late husband deceased, and for the natural love, favour and affection which she the said Joane bore for and towards the said George Guest her sonne and Alice his now wife granted and confirmed unto the said William Baylys and William Whyton, their heirs and assigns, the above Messuage" &c. situate upon part of a croft of land known by the name of Ladyfold, between the house of Thomas Greene, and the house of Sarah Guest widow, daughter-in-law of said John Guest, deceased. The other part of the Crofte called Ladyfold and the Crosse lane thereat or near on all sides, and part thereof then in possession of the said Joane Guest, This deed secured the aforesaid property to the use of the said Joane Guest for and during the term of her natural life and after her decease to the use of the said George Guest and Alice his wife, " during the term of their two natural lives and the life of the longer liver of them, and from and after them, the heirs of the said George by said Alice his wife."
Alice, the wife of George Guest, was a dau. of William Bailyes (spelled also Bailies, Baylies and Baylys) of Birmingham, Eng- land, whose wife was Alice Chanders, a dau. of Thomas Chan-
* Vide Pemberton Papers, Vol. Iviii., (167)
168 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
ders. William Bailyes, the father of Alice, bap. 15 Dec., 1622,* was the son of William Bailies and Alice Sommerland (m. 26 Jan., 1612,* who had also daus. Joane, bap. 15 June, 1617 ; Margerie, bap. 27 Feb., 1619; Alice, bap. 14 Jan., 1626; and Ann, bap. 17 May, 1629.
The following list of the descendants of William Bailyes, Jr., has been deduced from Parish Registers, Friends' Records at Devonshire House, London, diaries and private memoranda.
William Bailyes (b. 15 Dec, 1622), m. Alice Chanders, dau. of Thomas Chanders. They had two sons and six daughters : —
II. 1. William Baylis, d. young.
II. 2. John Baylis of Birmingham, Warwick Co., b. ; m. 12mo. 20,
1671, Sarah Dyke of London, at Peel Street Monthly Meeting,
John Street.
Issue :
III. 1. John Baylis, d. unm.
III. 2. Samuel Baylis, m. Sarah Fransom of Evesham — left no child. III. 3. Hannah Baylis, m. Samuel Freeth (Frieth or Frith) of Bir- mingham.
Issue:
TV. 1. Samson Freeth, m.
Issue — left 2 sons and 1 dau. :
V. 1. Samuel Fkeeth.
V. 2. Samson Freeth, m. Harvey, dau. of Samuel Harvey,
of Birmingham. V. 3. Elizabeth Freeth, m. Richard Dearman, of Whitehaven. III. 4. Mary Baylis, m. 1st Jonathan Freeth ; m. 2dly Thomas Prichard. (Issue, 1 child).
II. 3. Mary Baylis, m. Barnet Parks, Surgeon, of Dudley (no issue). II. 4. Sarah Baylis, m. John Guest.
Issue :
III. 1. A son, d. young. II. 5. Alice Baylis, m. George Guest and emigrated to Pennsylvania, 1680.
*Vide Register of Parish Church of S. S. Peter and Paul, Astonjuxta, Birmingham.
THIRD GENERATION. 169
They had the following issue, but the precise order of the births of the children is not accurately known : —
III. 1. ]\L\KY Guest, bu. 2mo. 1st, 1697/8 ; m. AVilliam Say, of Bur- lington, N. J., lOmo. 11th, 1690, "at a Public Assembly."*
Issue:
TV. 1. AVilliam Say, Jr.
IV. 2. Hannah Say, bu. Imo. 27, 1698. III. 2. Elizabeth Guest, b. in Birmingham, England, 1675 ; d. in Philadelphia, April 12, 1757; m. lOmo. 5, 1695, Arthur Holton of Philadelphia, "at the dwelling house of Alice Guest, widow."
Issue :
1\. 1. Mary Holton, m. Samuel Hudson, b. 7mo. 27, 1690, eldest son of AVilliam and Mary (Richardson) Hudson.
Issue :
y. 1. Elizabeth Hudson, b. 6mo. 24, 1721 ; m. 3mo. 8, 1740, John Jones of Germantown, Philadelphia, a tanner, son of Griffith Jones of Oxford township.
V. 2. AVilliam Hudson, b. 7mo. 6, 1722.
V. 3. Hannah Hudson, b. 8mo. 28, 1733; m. 3mo. 19, 1741, Joseph Howell, son of Jacob and Sarah Howell of Chester, tanner (at this time Samuel Hudson, father of H. H. was "deceased").
Issue :
VI. 1. Elizabeth Howell, b. 2mo. 19, 1842/3.
VI. 2. Jacob Howell, b. 3mo. 11, 1744.
VI, 3. Sarah Howell, b. 6mo. 23, 1745.
VI. 4. Samuel Howell, b. lOmo. 6, 1766.
VI. 5. Arthur Howell, b. 8mo. 20, 1748 ; d. Imo. 26, 1816 ; m. 12mo. 10, 1778, Mary Mott, daughter of Asher and Deborah ISIott, of Philadelphia, deceased. Arthur Howell afterwards became a celebrated minister among "Friends." Arthur and Mary Mott Howell had 8 children.
VI. 6. Joseph Howell, b. 6mo. 31, 1750.
VI. 7. AVilliam Howell, b. 9mo. 7, 1751.
VI. 8. Eachel Howell, b. 7mo. 7, 1753.
VI. 9. Israel Howell, b. lOmo. 6, 1754. lA^ 2. John Holton, bu. 6mo. 27, 1705. lA^. 3. Arthur Holton, bu. 5mo. 23, 1707.
AVilliam Say m. 2dly April 4, 1699, Mary Paschall.
170 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
III. 3. George Guest of Philadelphia, m. at Burlington, N. J., 8mo. 15, 1701, Elizabeth Marshall of Burlington, dau. of James Marshall, who came from Yorkshire, England, in 1683 with his wife Eachel Hudson. James Marshall was Judge of the Courts, and Justice of the Peace, and Quarter Sessions in the Liberties, Precincts and Jurisdiction of Burlington, N. J., from 1687-169-4. George Guest afterwards resided in Bur- lington, N. J. He d. before the marriage of his son John, 12mo. 23, 1743/4. IV. 1. Marshall Guest, b. May 22, 1702. IV. 2. Phcebe Guest, b. Sept. 15, 1703. IV. 3. George Guest, b. Oct. 22, 1704. IV. 4. James Guest, b. Dec. 10, 1709. IV. 5. John Guest, b. Jan. 3, 1713 ; m. 12mo. 23, 1743/4 Elizabeth
Simmons of Burlington, at Philadelphia Meeting. IV. 6. Rachel Guest, b. Feb. 28, 1715; d. unm. IV. 7. Anna Guest, b. Dec. 18, 1718; m. Thomas Clifford, at Bur- lington, 5mo. 7, 1743. In llmo. 6, 1745, received a certificate to Philadelphia from Burlington Mo. Mg.
IV. 8. Jonathan Guest, b. Aug. 18, 1721 ; d. ; m. 1st Jane ;
m. 2d]y Margaret Clifford, sister of Thomas Clifford. Jonathan Guest had numerous descendants. III. 4. John Guest.
III. 5. PHffiBE Guest, b. at Philadelphia 7mo. 28, 1685 ; d. March 18, 1769; m. 3mo. 10, 1704, Anthony Morris,^ son of Anthony Morris 2 and Mary Jones. (Descendants are given in this Genealogy. ) 11. 6. Elizabeth Bavlls (also spelled Bailyes) of Scotch yard, near Cannon Street, London ; m. 4mo. 17, 1673, William Hard of Kingston, at Grace Church Street Meeting, — they emigrated to Pennsylvania 1682 ; she d. in her 93rd year in Philadelphia. II. 7. Rebecca Baylis, m. Thomas Rose (or Ross) of Birmingham.
Issue :
III. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. All died young.
III. 6. Thomas Rose, m. at Coalbrookdale.
Issue — 2 sons living about 1772, viz.: —
IV. 1. Daniel Rose. IV. 2. John Rose. III. 7. Mary Rose, m. John Williams of Birmingham.
Issue :
IV. 1. Mary Williams, m. John Teeton (Tuton?) of London. IV. 2. Rebecca Williams. IV. 3. Phcebe Williams. 11. 8. Phcebe Baylis, m. Constantine Young, of Leominster.
THIRD GENERATION. 171
Issue : III. 1. Peter Youxg, m. . He left one daughter.
Issue : IV. 1. EuTH Young, living at Worcester about 1772.
Notwithstanding the prospect of enjoying the property referred to in the deed which has been quoted, George and Alice Guest left their native country for America, in 1080, and "settled in the Jerseys" where they first lived, but when Alice Guest heard that her sister Elizabeth Hard "designed to Philadelphia," she and George Guest, her husband, removed thither, and had "just got settled in a cave on the Bank of the Delaware," at the spot where the Crooked Billet Wharf* was afterwards constructed, between Chestnut and High Streets, when Elizabeth Hard arrived, and esteemed it " a divine Providence to find her sister, whom she had not seen for some j^ears, thus ready to receive her, and in the cave they dwelt together till they could build. "t
Many of the immigrants dwelt in caves along the banks of the Delaware, then a high, bold shore called Coaquannock.
"Some dug holes and caves in the dry banks of the river, propped the superincumbent earth up with timbers, and hanging their pots and kettles on improvised stakes and hooks at the entrance, speedily had warm and comparatively comfortable lodgings in the style of what hunters used to call ' half-faced * camps."J
Deborah Morris, the granddaughter of Alice Guest, in com- pany with her aunt Sarah Morris, visited England on religious service, in 1772-3, and in her Diary we find, among other inter- esting records, an account of her visit to Birmingham. We quote her words verbatim as they picture to us the descendants of her great-grandfather :
"Seventh day, Eleventh mo. 28, 1772. Mounted early, and "dined at Sutton, an inn 16 miles. In our way got two horses to " help ours, and reached Birmingham by four o'clock eight miles,
* The Crooked Billet Wharf ^as so named from an old tavern on the river, north of Chestnut Street, which had a crooked billet of wood for its sign. iVide Codicil to Will of Deborah Morris.* XVide Scharf and Westcott, History of Philadelphia, Vol. i., p. 101.
172 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
''and were kindly received by George Boon a valuable public *' friend — a pretty wife."
"Second day, Eleventh mo. 30th, 1772. Spent this day in "visiting my relations by my mother, of whom there is living "now, Mary Williams, first cousin to my dear mother. Her " mother was Mary Rose (or Ross) and she was William Baylis' "daughter, and there are several great-grandchildren of the above "William Balis, descending from his son John, who left no son, ''but one of his daughters married a Frieth, whose grandson " Sampson has now married to a daughter of Samuel Harvey of "Birmingham, that S. H. whose son married Hunt, who I likewise "visited, and though Presbyterians received us very kindly and "the widow Frith, the mother of the present Sampson spent the "evening with us."
Deborah Morris had previously noted in 10th mo., 1772, whilst staying with her aunt Sarah Morris at the house of John and Hannah Harris, High Field, near Pardshaw-Craig, in Eng- land:
" A Richard Dearman and his wife Elizabeth, came to see us, " five miles although it was a rainy day. Very unexpectedly, in " conversing, I found her to be a daughter of Samson Frieth, the "son of Hannah Frieth, my dear mother's own aunt, which made "us second cousins. She is a pretty Friend about my own size, "is agreeably married, and lives at Scatton Furnace, near Cocker- " mouth."
How the early settlers at Philadelphia prepared a shelter for themselves and often experienced providential deliverances, is most interestingly and quaintly described by Deborah Morris in the Codicil to her Will. She had exceptional opportunities for acquiring the information from the lips of her great aunt Eliza- beth Hard, upon whom, as she writes, she "waited with pleasure nine years," and who died in the 93rd year of her age ; " she was a worthy good woman, whose sweet innocent deportment used to give " her niece Deborah " high esteem and regard for other antient people." Deborah Morris tells us :
"All that came wanted a dwelling and hasted to provide one, "they lovingly helped each other, when the women set them- " selves to work they had not been used to, for few of our first "settlers were of the laborious class, help of that sort was scarce, " and my good Aunt thought it expedient to help her husband at
THIRD GENERATION. 173
"one end of the saw and to fetch all such water to make mortar of "as they then had to build her chimney. At one time being "overwearied therewith, her husband desired her to forbear, "saying, thou my dear had better think of dinner, on M^hich "poor woman — she walked away, wept as she went reflecting on "herself for coming to be exposed to such hardships and then "knew not where to get a dinner, for their provision was all spent "except a small quantity of biscuit and cheese, of which she had "not informed her husband, but thought she would try which of " her friends had any to spare. Thus she walked on towards her "tent (happy time when each ones Treasure lay safe in their "tent) but a little desponding in her mind for she felt herself "closely reproved, and as if queried with, did thou not come for " liberty of Conscience, has thou not got it, also been provided "far beyond thy expectation, which so humbled her, she on her "knees begged forgiveness, and for preservation in future and " never repined after, when she arose from her knees and was "going to seek for other food than what she had, her cat came "into the tent and had caught a fine large rabbit which she "thankfully received and dressed as an English hare. When "her husband came to dinner being informed of the particulars, " they both w^ept with reverential joy, and eat their meal which "was thus seasonably provided for them in singleness of heart. "Many such divinely providential cares did they partake of. " Thus did our w^orthy ancestors witness the arm of Divine love "extended for their support within and without which is not "shortened. Therefore let us lean thereon. Oh may we all "seek to be made thereby acceptable in his holy sight."
Such references as the foregoing to the character of the early settlers, recall to mind the beautiful words of Whittier on
THE QUAKER OF THE OLDEN TIME.
The Quaker of the olden time !
How calm and firm and true, Unspotted by its wrong and crime,
He walked the dark earth through. The lust of power, the love of gain,
The thousand lures of sin Around him, had no power to stain
The purity within.
174 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
With that deep insight which detects
All great things in the small, And knows how each man's life affects
The spiritual life of all. He walked by faith, and not by sight.
By love and not by law ; ,
The presence of the wrong or right
He rather felt than saw.
He felt that wrong with wrong partakes,
That nothing stands alone. That whoso gives the motive, makes
His brother's sin his own. And, pausing not for doubtful choice
Of evils great or small. He listened to that inward voice
Which calls away from all.
Oh ! spirit of that early day,
So pure and strong and true. Be with us in the narrow way
Our faithful fathers knew. Give strength the evil to forsake.
The cross of truth to bear, And love and reverent fear to make
Our daily lives a praj-er.!
The writer has been shown by Mrs. Emma Edwards, a very fine large linen napkin, the flax for which was spun by Elizabeth Hard whilst dwelling in the cave ; it was afterwards woven by the German weavers of Germantown.
As a poet of the time writes : —
" Where live High German People and Low Dutch Whose trade in weaving Linen Cloth is such. There grows the Flax, as also you may know That from the same they do divide the tow."*
Another most interesting relic is a very pretty, small arm chair, which was used by the Guests whilst living in that cave. The wood work, elegantly carved with scrolls is almost black with age, and the seat — probably the original one — is made of rushes. Its present owner, Mr. Howard Edwards, to whom the writer is indebted for permission to photograph it, keeps it for safety, on the top of 'a high china-cabinet. This handsome and well-
*"A Description of Pennsylvania in Verse," by Eichard Frame, 1692.
ANCIENT ARM CHAIR USED BY THE GUEST FAMILY IN THE CAVE ON THE DELAWARE
THIRD GENERATION. 175
preserved chair is probably one of the earhest pieces of furni- ture brought to Philadelphia. A set of brass fire ornaments, consisting of brass fire tongs, shovel, fender, and fire dogs with large brass bosses, and several pewter dishes, were also brought over by George and Alice Guest, and are still kept with scrupulous care by their descendants. Deborah Morris informs us, they were "all preserved by being thrown down her great- " grandfather's, William Bailyes, his well in Birmingham during " Cromwell's Wars."
It is noteworthy, that Deborah Morris distinctly stated that the Guests had "just got settled in a Cave " when their sister arrived, and that she came from England with William Penn and other friends, but it has been a tradition that in 1682, when William Penn first came to Philadelphia, he landed upon the "low and sandy beach " which long was known as the "landing place" by the side of the house of George Guest, which was the most finished house in the city when he arrived, and that the designation of the house was the "Blue Anchor" Inn, which "for many years afterwards" was kept by George Guest.* It is there- fore very remarkable that a careful inspection of the Records in the office of the Recorder of Deeds in Philadelphia, fails to reveal any mention of the name of Guest in connection with the " Blue Anchor." At the time of William Penn's landing, the "Blue Anchor" was owned by one Captain William Dare, and by a Deed dated 18 January, 1682 (o. s.) i. e. two months later, he con- veyed it to Colonel Edward Hill of Shirley, Virginia.f
George and Alice Guest were members of standing in the Society of Friends. On the 28th of 7th mo., 1685, they had a dau. b. to them, whom they named Phoebe, but before the close of the year, George Guest, the father, d., and letters of administra- ation of his estate were granted to Joseph Browne of Philadelphia, brickmaker, 11th mo. 6th, 1685. Only two months before, 14th 9th mo., 1685, George Guest had mortgaged a lot of ground on west side of 2nd Street to Henry Jones.
It appears, from the minutes of the Commissioners and the Council, that the Inhabitants of the Caves, in the Delaware
*Vide Proud's History of Pennsylvania, Vol. i., p. 23-4 ; Watson's Annals, Vol. i., pp. 130-133.
tVlde Deed Book E 1, Vol. v., p. 361, etc., Recorder of Deeds Office, Phila- delphia.
176 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Bank were deemed tenants of the Proprietary, and were liable to receive notice to quit at any time, and although it is probable, that the Guests had erected a house for themselves, near the original location in the Delaware Bank, Alice Guest in 1687 was still making use of the Cave in which she and her family had resided in 1682, and was deemed one of the "inhabitants of the Caves."
In Minute Book C, we find that : *
"At a meeting of the Commissioners in the Council Room at "Philad'a ye 25th of ye 5th mo 1687 Present: William Mark- "ham, Thomas Ellis, John Goodson. According to Notice given "ye last sitting of ye Commissioners there appeared of ye Inhab- "itants of ye Caves on the Bank:
"John Otter, Thos. Prichard,
"Benj'n Chambers, Edward Morgan,
"Hen. Furnis, Alse Guest,
"Anth. Weston, Morris Morgan,
"Nath. Allen, Hen'y Hughes,
"Hugh Marsh, Theo Roberts.
"Samuel Hersent appeared in the behalf of John Swift and "Jere Elfrith.
"John Otter, Benj. Chambers, Nathaniel Allen and Alse "Guest, their Caves were esteemed to be worth the Building, "thirty pounds, and the Commissioners treated with them " accordingly."
"At a Meeting of Comm^ 29*'^ 5 mo. 1687 at Phila.
"John Otter, Nath. Allen and Alee Guest, signed their obli- "gation as Renters. The tenor of their obligation was: 1st, to "pay the half value of yearly rent as it shall be valued by 4 "indifferent men to be mutually chosen, it to commence the "19th 7ber next. 2dly, keep good order. 3dly, Upon order to " depart out & leave the same. 4thly, to repair the Bank."
In course of time, Alice Guest made herself owner of the whole bank lot, for it is recorded that "At a Session of Commis- "sioner 17'*^ 10^^ mo 1701,t Alice Guest produces a Patent for 24 " ffoot of the said Bank dated 3rd 3rd mo. 1692, on which she has
*Vide Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, VoL xix., p. 13.
■fVide Minute Book " G," Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. xix., p. 218.
THIRD GENERATION. 177
"built, Offers £24 for the Reversion and Requests a new Patent." "A Patent granted accordingly."
It is recorded that her daughter Elizabeth Guest was m. 10th mo. 5th, 1695, to Arthur Holton, "at the dwelling " house of Alice Guest, widow, which was probably the "Crooked Billet" Inn which she had erected upon the lot referred to.
Alice Guest lived to see Phoebe, her youngest child, married to Anthony Morris,' and died in Aug., 1705. Descriptions of the property she had acquired and the improvements she had made upon the Bank lot, are given in her Will, proved Sept. 5, 1705, and we have seen in the biography of her son-in-law, Anthony Morris,^ that after her death, her Front and Bank lots, with the "Crooked Billet," eventually came into his possession.
ABSTRACT OF THE WILL OF ALICE GUEST.
The Will of Alice Guest, Widow, dated 30'^ day of 6'*^ mo., called August, 1705. She bequeaths "to loving sister Elizabeth Hard of Philadelphia, Widow," five pounds; to Monthly Meeting of Friends called Quakers in Philadelphia, five pounds " to dis- " pose of as said meeting shall see meet and convenient ; " unto each of her friends Pentecost Teague and John Redman Sen'" for acting as executors five pounds; unto her loving son George Guest her "Great Bible;" unto her son John her silver tankard. She then directs :
"All the rest and residue of my personal Estate as Stock of "Liquors, Household goods and other effects of what nature, " kind or quality soever, or wheresoever lying or being, which "shall be left after my said Debts and legacies, I give, Devise and " bequeath, to my four children hereafter named ; that is to say " my two sons George Guest and John Guest, and my two Daugh- "ters Elizabeth Holton and Phoebe Morris, to be equally divided "amongst them.
" Unto my eldest son George Guest his heirs and assigns for "ever my Brick House Lott and appurtenances belonging situate " and being on the East side of the ffront Street in Philadelphia " wherein I at present dwell ; as also all those my Messuages, "Buildings and houses with their appurtenances, on my Wharf " or Water Lott on the East side of King Street in Philadelphia,
178 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"together with the Lott of Land on my said Wharfe or Water " Lott. He the s*^ George in consideration thereof paying out of "the Profits or value of the same the Legacys herein after be- "queathed. * * *
" Unto my son John Guest his heirs and assigns for ever all "that my Brick Messuage or Tenement and the Lott of ground " thereunto belonging situated on y° West side of the ffront Street " in Philadelphia adjoining to the lott of William Say wherein " he at present dwells.
"Unto my daughter Phoibe wife of Anthonj^ Morris jun'' the "sum of one hundred and fifty pounds to be paid within six " years after m}^ decease without interest.
" Unto my daughter Elizabeth wife of Arthur Holton sixty " pounds to be paid without interest within nine years after my "decease.
"Unto my grandson William Say Jun'" sixty pounds when he "shall attain y® age of twenty-one years without interest, forty "pounds more to be paid in six months after without interest.
" Unto the rest of my grandchildren viz*: Marshall and Phoebe " Guest, Mary Holton and Mary Guest, to each of them, ten pounds "at twenty-one years of age without interest.
" Unto William Say the Elder, one shilling in one month (I " having already given him as a portion with my daughter his " late wife deceased the Lot whereon his Home now stands with "twenty pounds in money and sundry goods)."
Alice Guest appoints her son George Guest as the Executor of her Will, with her friends Pentecost Teague and John Redman "to aid advise and assist him."
(Signed) Alice Guest.
Witnesses :
Nathaniel Edgcome. John Jones. Robert Pound.
Proved, Philadelphia, 5th Sept., 1705.
9. James Morris^ (Anthony,^ Anthony'), son of Anthony Morris^ and his first wife Mary Jones, was born in Philadelphia oth mo. 8th, 1688, died Oct. 31, 1747, at Duck Creek, Del. ; m. 1st mo. 8th, 1709, at the Public Meeting House in Chester,
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MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF JAMES MORRIS AND MARGARET COOK, 1709
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DEED FROM WILLIAM PENN TO JAMES MORRIS,^ 1716
THIRD GENERATION. 179
Margaret Cook, dau. of John Cook, of the Township of Oxford, Yeoman. She died 9th Nov., 1766, nearly 77 years of age. After their marriage, James and Margaret Morris settled in Kent County, Delaware, and produced their certificate of removal from Philadelphia, at the George's Creek Monthly Meeting, 8th mo. 20th, 1712. James Morris had purchased for the sum of £67.10.0 six hundred acres of land on the south side of the main branch of Duck Creek, w^hich land was conveyed to him by Thomas England, and his wife Hannah, by Indenture dated 12th mo. 4th, 1711.*
The six hundred acres referred to, formed one of three tracts of land, containing in all 2240 acres, for which Thomas England received a patent from William Penn, Sept. 6, 1709.t
As it was afterwards found that the survey and description in the Indenture of Conveyance from Thomas England to James Morris were incorrect, a re-survey was ordered, and a Patent was granted 10th mo. 12th, 1716, by William Penn, through his Commissioners, confirming the conveyance from Thomas Eng- land to James Morris, but giving more accurate description of the property, which by that time had received the name of "Morris Rambles." The patent is signed by William Penn's Commissioners — Richard Hill, Isaac Norris and James Logan, with a large " Penn Seal " attached. |
A fowling piece which was presented to James Morris by William Penn, is preserved as a precious relic by the widow of the late Dr. James Corse. James Morris built for himself "a Brick House on the Plantation in 1741-2, and in 1745, he built his "Brick Barn." A record of the erection of these buildings is found in an old memorandum book which once belonged to this James Morris. In this time-w^orn book are entries of various kinds — several being records of the births of his negroes. James Morris very considerably increased his possessions at Duck Creek, and at his death, owned at least 1200 acres of land.
The last descendant of James Morris, bearing the name of "Morris," was a great-grand-daughter, Elizabeth Berry Morris, who died at Wilmington, 12th mo. 25th, 1860. She was also the
*Vide Deed Book E, Vol. viii., p. 165, Phila. tVide Patent Book A, Vol. iv., p. 165.
tVide Patent Book A, Vol. v., p. 436, Phila., and Penna. Arcliiv., 2nd Series, Vol. xix., p. 612.
180 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
last of the name to own the "Morris Rambles," which, by pur- chase, came into the possession of her cousin George Wilson Cummins, who died Jan. 23, 1891.
The families bearing the names of Hollida}^ Corse, Cummins, Wilson, Peterson, Rasin, Wilmer, &c., of Delaware and Maryland, and also the families of Griffin, Nicholson, Lowber, Linn, &c., are largely descended from James Morris.^
James and Margaret (Cook) Morris had issue : —
32. James Morris, b. ; bu. in Philadelphia, 5 mo. 3, 1711.
33. Mary Morris, b. 7mo. 22, 1713; d. 14th Dec, 1783; m. 1st, 1730,
Cornelius Empson, 2dly, 1743, Benjamin Jones.
34. Phcebe Morris, b. lOmo. 16, 1720 ; m. 1752, Robert Holliday.
35. James Morris, b. 6mo. 14, 1723 ; d. June 16, 1786, m. March 6, 1750,
Ann Tilton.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF JAMES MORRIS.^
James Morris of the County of Kent, upon Delaware. Will dated 13th July, 1744.
To his "dear and loving wife Margaret Morris" he gives for life or as long as she continues his widow, one half of his new dwelling house, plantation, improvements of the plantation, choice of any two of his negroes, two cows, two sows, two horses, six sheep and one-fourth part of his household goods.
To his dear son James Morris he gives the other half of said plantation, and at the death or intermarriage of his wife, son James is to possess the whole of the plantation.
To son James he also gives all his "land lying on the north " west, north east and east side of a tract of land called French's "neck." To dear daughter Phoebe Morris he gives his "tract of "Land called French's Neck." To his "dear daughter Mary "Jones and to her heirs lawfully by Benjamin Jones of her body" he gives one hundred acres of land, including "the settlement "whereon she is now settled." To granddaughter Margaret Empson he gives seventy acres of land, adjoining that given to daughter Mary Jones, with the proviso that in the event of her disposing of the land she shall sell it to her brother Richard Empson. To grandson Richard Empson he gives "the planta- "tion where Jacob Loatman now dwells on, with the remaining
THIRD GENERATION. 181
" part of my land that joins John Moors land and plantation "lying to the south west side of French's Neck." To son James gives choice of two of the horse kind. To daughter Phoebe gives her mare Bonny and her colt and also one negro lad. To daughter Mary Jones and her husband Benjamin Jones gives one cow and one calf.
(Signed) James Morris.
Witnesses :
Thomas James. Thomas Green. Michael Cook.
10. William Morris, son of Anthony Morris^ and his third wife Mary Coddington, was b. in Philadelphia omo. 23, 1695 ; d. in Philadelphia llmo. 6, 1776; bu. at Trenton, N. J.; m. 1st, 4mo. 14, 1718, in Barbados, Sarah Dury, b. 12mo. 26, 1694; d. 6mo. 26, 1750 ; dau. of William and Sarah Dury of Speight's Town, Barbados; m. 2dly, llmo. 2, 1752, at Philadelphia Monthly Meet- ing, Rebecca Cadwalader, dau. of John and Martha Cadwalader, deceased. Rebecca (Cadwalader) Morris, d. Oct. 9, 1764, and , " was buried on the 11th of October, 1764, y////yy'^/ ii^ Friends' Burying ground at Trenton." William Morris m. his first wife, Sarah Dury, in Barbados. He visited Philadelphia, at least once before his final return with his wife and family to America. His sister Elizabeth for many years resided in Barbados, and upon his visiting Philadelphia in 1728, he i^ceived from her and her second husband, William Dury, a power of Attorney, dated Sept. 20, 1728, to act for them in the partition of the estate of Anthony Morris their father, which, according to his Will, was to be divided between eight of the surviving children, in equal shares, the ninth, — Anthony, having received his share of the estate separately. The eight children referred to, were James, William, Elizabeth, Isaac, Sarah, Israel, Luke, and Hannah; of these, Hannah was the only one under age in 1729, when final distribution of the estate was made. By deed dated Feb. 10, 1728,* Israel Morris disposed of his \ share to William Morris, for a consideration of £300, and by deed dated Feb. 12,
* Vide D, Vol. xxii., p. 197, Philadelphia ; not recorded until Dec. 16, 1788.
182 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
1728,* James Morris, of Kent Co., Delaware, disposed of his ^ share to William Morris for £230.14.6|.
The certificate which AVilliam Morris produced at the Monthly Meeting of the Friends in Philadelphia, from the Friends of the Monthly Meeting Heathcots' Bay, in Barbados, dated 7th mo. 5th, 1728, reads thus : —
" To Friends of the Monthly Meeting in Philadelphia.
"We wish the increase of grace and Divine Blessings through "our Lord Jesus Christ, and the abounding of sincere love in "you always to his name and the Testimony to his Truth. "Dear Friends The bearer hereof our well esteemed friend Wil- "liam Morris, once of you but married and settled with us "several years, intending now to visit his native country, and "thereupon desiring our certificate in relation to him — We "acquaint you that he hath lived in unity and good reputation "among Friends being Orderly in his conversation and a dili- " gent comer to meetings both for worship and Discipline, and "he being about to leave a virtuous wife and commendable "family, we find ourselves engaged under a double concern for "his and their welfare. We sincerely desire his preservation in "his intended voyage and safe return to his family to their "mutual satisfaction.
"Subscribing your loving friends & brethren in the Truth of " Jesus Christ our Saviour.
"Signed by order of our Monthly meeting at Heathcots Ba}^ " Barbadoes ye 5th 7mo 1728.
"John Oxley, Wm. Dury,
"Henry Ellacott, John Lewis,
"Pat. Mein, Saml. Richards,
"Edwd. Harrison, Joseph Gamble,
"Benj. Collyns, William Callender."
Reference has been made already to the fact that Mary Cod- dington, half sister to William Morris, had become the second wife of William Trent, a gentleman of great respectability, who
*Vide D, Vol. xxii., p. 200, Philadelphia ; not recorded until Dec. 16, 1788.
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ENTRIES IN FAMILY BIBLE OF WILLIAM MORRIS'
THIRD GENERATION. 183
was for several years Speaker of the House of Assembly in Pennsylvania.
In Aug., 1714, Colonel William Trent bought of ]\Iahlon Stacy, Jr., his plantation of 800 acres (with the exception of three small parcels, amounting to 62 acres), lying on both sides of the AssuNPiNK Creek on the Delaware,* and tradition says, that William Trent gave to the County a portion of this ground, upon which the Court House at Trenton was erected, and it is probable this grant was made by Trent about the year 1720, and that in compliment to him for the gift, the place was called TRENTON, or as it was first written, " TRENT'S town.f In 1723 William Trent was chosen Speaker of the House of Assembly in New Jersey, and at the time of his death in 1724, he was Chief Justice of New Jersey.
Chief Justice Trent died intestate, and left a large landed estate at Trenton, which came to James Trent, his son and heir- This estate was for sale, at the time William Morris visited America in 1728. William Morris had been successful as a merchant in the Island of Barbados; he married an heiress, and was now prepared to make extensive investments in houses and lands, as will be seen from the following recital of some of his purchases in West New Jersey :
By an indenture! dated 12mo. 28th, 1729, between "James "Trent, Esq., son and heir at Law of William Trent, late of Not- "tingham, in the County of Burlington, West New Jersey, of ye "one part and William Morris of the Island of Barbadoes in y® "English West Indies in America, Merchant, of y^ other part," James Trent for the consideration of two thousand eight hun- dred pounds (£2800) " of good lawful money of America accord- "ing to the late Queen Ann's Royal proclamation," conveyed to William Morris three hundred acres of land in Nottingham County and standing south of "Assunpink Creek, with the Brick "House or Dwelling House, lately erected by William Trent and "in which he resided, with the Water Grist Mills commonly " called and knoAvn bv the name of ' Trent Mills,' the millstones
* Recited in Deed, Liber DD, p. 322, in Oifice of Sec. of State, Trenton. ■fVide "Historical Collections of the State of New Jersey," by John W. Barber and Henry Home, pp. 283 and 286.
t Vide Liber D," p. 382, Office of the Sec. of State, Trenton, N. J.
184 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"and the ghear to the said mills belonging, and one fulling "mill, late in the tenure of Jonas Ingham, and one Saw Mill and " Bolting Mills set up and erected in y* Mill House of y^ said Grist " Mill." It is recited that the said 300 acres were a part of 800 acres, owned, among other lands, by Mahlon Stacy in his life time. Mahlon Stacy is referred to as "late of Handsworth in "the County of York, in the Kingdom of England," and he acquired the said 800 acres "in Right of his Propriety pur- " chases lying near the Falls of Delaware on the creek called "Assunpink Creek." At Mahlon Stacy's decease, the land came to his son Mahlon Stacy, jun"", and he, by Deeds of Lease and Release, dated 16^*^ and 1?'' Aug., 1714, conveyed to William Trent all the 800 acres of land with the messuages, grist mills, and other appurtenances thereto belonging (except three small parcels of said tract amounting in the whole to about 62 acres.
On March 28, 1729, James Trent, Esq., likewise conveyed to William Morris 100 acres of land near the Falls of Trenton, being the same which William Trent on 13th of March, 1718, purchased of Samuel Atkinson and Ruth Beaks his wife. Ruth Beaks had inherited the land from Edward Beaks, who bought it of William Ernley, who bought it of Mahlon Stacy.*
On the same date (March 28, 1729), James Trent, Esq., con- veyed to William Morris, for the consideration of five hundred pounds (£500), 200 acres of land (another portion of Mahlon Stacy's 800 acres) which William Trent had purchased of Ruth (Beakes) Atkinson who had inherited from Edward Beakes.f
It appears^ that Letters Patent bearing date 7th Feb., 1726, were granted to James Trent, son and heir-at-law of William Trent, Esq., late Chief Justice of the Province, "for the sole "liberty and priviledge of erecting and keeping a fferry or fferrys "for Transportation of goods and passengers on the River Dela- " ware in any place or places within two miles above or two miles "below the ffalls of Delaware River near to Trenttown with power "to the said James Trent and his heirs to ask, demand and "receive reasonable fferiage and hire for the transportation of
^Vide Liber D, pp. 382 and 386, Office of Sec. of State, Trenton. Deeds signed by James Trent in presence of Thomas Lambert, Samuel Bustill and Anthony Morris, Junr.
■fVide Liber D, p. 386, in Office of Sec. of State, Trenton, N. J.
tVide Liber DD, p. 336, in the Office of the Sec. of State at Trenton.
THIRD GENERATION. 185
"passengers and goods over Delaware River by the fferry or "fferrys aforesaid."
The Letters Patent and all rights and property connected with the ferries were purchased by William Morris of James Trent at the same time as the foregoing properties.* The transactions here recited acquire additional interest when the reader calls to mind that nearly half a century later the Battle of the Assun- pink — the second battle of Trenton — was fought upon the very soil which in 1729 became the property of William Morris.
After the settling up of his Father's estate, and the conclusion of the above named purchases, William Morris returned to Bar- bados, and arrived there in time to sign the certificate of his nephew, Anthony Morris,^ who was about to return to Philadel- phia, after a stay of six months in the island.
In the following year, William Morris returned to America, bringing his wife with him. Whether their children accompanied them is not evident. William Morris settled in Trenton, and in the minutes of Monthly Meeting of Friends at Chesterfield, under date 5th mo. 2nd, 1730, we find the following entry:
"Our Friend William Morris from Barbados produced a cer- " tificate from a Monthly Meeting of Friends at Hethcoats Bay in " that island for himself and wife, signifying that they had been of " an orderly, and good conversation and in unity with Friends " which was satisfactory to this meeting."
William Morris soon became a prominent member of this meeting, and ultimately one of its elders. He was appointed very early to attend quarterly meetings, and to engage himself actively in work for the Society to which he belonged. He also continued to purchase property in Trenton and its neigh- borhood. By Deeds dated 27th and 28th of April, 1730, Enock Anderson conveyed to William Morris twenty-two acres of land and a messuage situated on the Assunpink, and adjoin- ing Trent's lands.f
On 11th Oct., 1732, William Morris purchased of Joseph Pease, a piece of land comprising four acres, three-quarters of an acre and sixteen poles, it being a portion of 36 acres of land Joseph Pease had bought of James Trent 10th March,
*Vlde Liber DD, p. 336, Office Sec. of State, Trenton, N. J. tVide Liber DD, p. 322, Office of Sec. of State, Trenton, X. J.
186 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
1731 — the said 36 acres being a portion of Wm. Trent's original 800 acres.*
By reference to the deeds in the Office of the Secretary of State, at Trenton, we find that after a residence of about three years in Trenton, William Morris and his wife sold a very large portion of the purchases made in Trenton by William Morris in 1729, to a Colonel George Thomas, of Antigua. By deeds dated 12th and 13th Oct., 1733, " William Morris of Trenton Gent. & "Sarah his wife" for a consideration of £3800 current money of Pennsylvania, conveyed to " Collonel George Thomas of the Island "of Antigua, Gent." the following properties which had been purchased by William Morris in 1729, to wit : (1) The 300 acres on south side of Assunpink Creek with Dwelling House erected by William Trent, the water mills, millstones, fulling mills, saw mills and bolting mills. (2) The 100 acres purchased in 1729. (3) All that piece of four acres, three-quarters of one acre and 16 sq. poles. (4) All that messuage and 22 acres of land amounting in all to 426 acres | of an acre & 16 sq. poles with all and singu- lar y® messuages, tenements, &c. The deed is signed by William Morris and Sarah Morris in presence of Patrick Greeme, Thomas Sober and Samuel McKinnen.f
At the same time (Oct. 13, 1733), William Morris sold and set over to Col. Geo. Thomas, of Antigua, for a consideration of £400, the Royal Letters Patent with fferry or fferrys at Trenton and ail the priviledges profits and benefits with all wharfs, boats, hooks, chains and other things which William Morris had pur- chased from James Trent in 1729. |
On the same date, "William Morris, Gent, of Trenton and "Sarah his wife, and Anthon}' Morris Brewer, of Philadelphia "and Phoebe his wife" sold to "Col. Geo. Thomas, Jr., of Anti- "gua," 100 acres at Trenton for £800,§ and the same also sold to the same, on the same date, for a consideration of £200 two full equal third parts of a half part of 14 acres and 16 acres of land and of Forge buildings, water wheel, bellows, hammer, anvil, and other utensils to the forge belonging, also 2 full equal l/6th parts
*Vide Liber DD, pp. 99 and 332, Office of Sec. of State, Trenton, N. J. tVide Deed Book DD, pp. 322 and 333, Trenton. t Vide Liber DD, p. 336, Trenton. § Vide Liber DD, p. 340, Trenton.
THIRD GENERATION. 187
of 10 acres and 3/1 and 14 perches to wit the Forge Iron Works in the township of Nottingham, in Co. of Burlington, N. J,*
Upon all these purchases Col. Geo. Thomas left a mortgage of £1500t and William Morris on Nov. 12, 1733, deposited the Mortgage with John Kinse}^ of the City of Philadelphia, Penna., Attorney at Law, in favor of his wife Sarah, accompanied by a Deed of Trust which " Witnesseth that the said William Morris "as well for and in consid""" of the natural love and affection "which he beareth to Sarah Morris his now wife, and of the "marriage portion had and rec"* with her the s^ Sarah as for in " consid"" of the sum of 5/, he William Morris hath parted and "assigned to the s"* John Kinsey the messuages houses Edifices "buildings mills Lands tenements fferrys forges Iron Works "mentioned, allowing AVm. Morris & his assigns to receive the " rents profits &c during his life time & afterwards for the benefit "of Sarah Morris in case she survive him."
This was to be "in lieu of her Dower and thirds out of the "Estate real & personal of s*^ Wm. Morris," or in lieu thereof, she was to receive £1500 at decease of William Morris.l
John Kinsey gave a formal receipt for the Mortgage, 13th Oct., 1734. §
On the day after making this provision for his wife, William Morris wrote a Letter of Attorney commencing thus : " I William "Morris of Trenton in County of Hunterdon in the Province of "West New Jersey, Esqre have constituted made & appointed " * * my Trusty & loving wife Sarah Morris, & loving Brother "Anthony Morris, Francis Bowes, & Benjamin Smith my true "and lawful attorneys" &c. &c., dated 13th Nov., 1733. Signed, W. Morris, in presence of Sam" Johnson, Chris. Denning. 1|
This Letter of Attorney was evidently preparatory to a voyage which William Morris intended to make, for we find recorded in the minutes of the Chesterfield monthly meeting, that he and Joseph Callender received certificates dated 9th mo. 1st, 1733, to Friends in Barbados, and it may be inferred from the absence of the name of William Morris from the minutes for nearly two
* Vide Liber DD, p. 347, Trenton. t Vide Liber DD, p. 403, Trenton. tVide Liber DD, p. 402, Trenton. ^ Vide Liber E, p. 38, Trenton. II Vide Liber E, p. 38, Trenton.
188 GENEALOGY OF THE MOKRIS FAMILY.
3"ears, that he was journeying until about 8th mo. 2nd, 1735, when the following record appears : "Our friend William Morris " brought a certificate from Friends at Bristol in England, which " was read and kindl}^ received," but no reference is made to Joseph Callender.
By deed dated 31^* March, 1736, William Morris, Esq., of Trenton, upon the payment of five pounds (£5) to "Joseph Green of same place," secured "twelve feet of land to be taken off the " lott of land where Alexander Cragg now dwells to begin from " King S' and to go as far back as said Joseph Green's land and " extend towards the land of William Morris on Queen Street — " the twelve foot strip being designed as a public alley from King " Street to Queen Street." *
From the minutes of the Chesterfield monthly meeting we learn that in the same year (9th mo. 4th^ 1736), William Morris was appointed with others "to treat for land to build a meeting " house on, and for a grave yard at Bordentown."
At the monthly meeting held at Chesterfield, 11th mo. 5th, 1737, William Morris and Isaac Harrow "requested of the Meet- " ing on behalf of Friends at Trenton and themselves liberty to "build a meeting house there, which the meeting agreed to."
Tlius largely by the efforts of William Morris, the Trenton Meeting was established, for he soon became actively engaged in raising funds for the erection of the Meeting House. We find, however, the following entry in the minutes of the Monthly Meeting at Chesterfield 11 mo. 1, 1740: "William Morris made "application to the meeting setting forth that there is occasion for " 25 or 30 pounds he being in advance for the Meeting House at "Trentown, and in behalf of friends at Trentown and desires "that the meeting would endeavor to raise £25 at least. Friends "of this meeting request Michael Newbold, John Middleton, "Samuel Satterthwaite, Thomas Potts Jr., and Aaron Hews to " procure subscriptions, collect the same, and when received, pay "the sum of £25 to William Morris, or as much of the same as "they can procure."
During the year 1739 William and Sarah Morris had a child born to them, whom they named "Joseph," but he lived only a few weeks, and was buried on the loth 6 mo., 1739, "at the new
*Vide Liber R, p. 540, Office of Sec. of State, Trenton.
THIRD GENERATION. 189
Meeting House grave yard," that being probably, one of the first interments made there.
By deed dated 29th June, 1738, William Morris and Sarah his wife, for the consideration of twenty pounds (£20), "current "money of New Jerse}^, conveyed to Stacy Beakes of Trenton, " Joyner, a certain lot of ground situated in Trenton being a part " of lot of ground purchased by William Morris of John Ham- "ilton sen"" and his wife." This lot lies "on the northerly side "of a street called Hanover Street containing half a rood and six "perches of ground and buildings."* In connection with this sale, it may be convenient to make reference here to another deed, dated 3rd July, 1761, by which William Morris, of Trenton, Merchant, conveyed to Stacy Beakes, of City of Philadelphia, Carpenter, for five pounds (£5), "a small piece of land adjoining "that lot of land which Stacy Beakes (his father) bought of "William Morris 29'^ June, 1738." f
In the year 1739, William Morris was appointed by Governor Lewis Morris, a judge of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, but from the following letter from Governor Morris it would appear that William Morris endeavored, without success, to be relieved of the honor:
"To William Morris.|
"Jan'ry 26, 1739. Perth Amboy.
"My worthy friend W. Morris:
"I thank you for yours of the 18th current. The gentlemen of the councill, by whose advice the officers of your County were named, I find had a better opinion of your abilities y° you your- selfe are pleas'd to entertain of them, and your modesty in endeavoring to depreciate yourselfe, confirms me in the oi:)inion that they have judg'd right in recommending you to be placed in the station you are in, for which reason I cannot easily be persuaded to consent to your declining of it, and I hope you will not insist further on that head. It may be possibly attended with some prejudice to your private affaires, — but we are not borne for ourselves, and when the best men decline the magistracy
*Vide Liber AT, p. 99, Office of Sec. of State, Trenton. ■fVide Liber AT, p. 101, Office of Sec. of State, Trenton.
X From " The papers of Lewis Morris, Governor of the Province of New Jersey, from 1738 to 1746." Published in New York, 1852, p. 80.
190 GENEALOGY OF THE MOKRIS FAMILY.
it must necessarily fall into the hands of the worst. I hope the prejudice to your Private affaires will not be of so much consequence as to be admitted to come in competition with the Public good. u I ^j^ gjj,^ ^^^^ L. M.
" William Morris Esq r. at Trenton there
"1739-40"
On the 3rd of 2nd mo,, 1746, William Morris received from Chesterfield Monthly Meeting, a certificate of removal " within the verge of Woodbridge Meeting," and in the following month (3mo. 1, 1746), he asked to be excused from acting as Clerk of the Chesterfield Monthly Meeting, which was assented to. From that time he is constantly appointed to attend the Quarterly Meeting.
In the Pennsylvania Gazette for April 24, 1746, we find the following : —
" Trenton, 24th of the 2d month, 1746.
" To be Sold or Lett by William Morris in Trenton.
"Sundry lots of land, on each side of Hanover street, contain- " ing 45 feet front and 147 feet deep, or back from said street, and " several lots in Queen street, to be divided as may be agreed on, "also one lot in King street, 63 feet front, and 200 feet back, " fronting a 12ft. alley ; and to be sold by said Morris, one lot in "said street 74 feet front and 200 feet back, with a good dwelling " house, brick kitchen, store-house and stable ; also one plantation " in the township of Hopewell, about eight miles from Trenton, con- "taining 315 acres of land, good dwelling house, new barn, and " stables, with a good orchard, producing some of the best of cyder.
"William Morris."
"And to be sold by William Morris and Son, a large well- " built grist mill, with two pair of stones, two water wheels, "boulting and hoisting by water; the said mill being upon a "stream known as Docher's Creek: which proved so constant "that in all the last Summer's drought, there was little or no " want of water to keep the same constantly going ; two dwelling " houses, store houses, stable and cooper's shop, all within about "a quarter of a mile of a good navigable landing; also a plan- "tation, upon which the above premises stand, being in the
THIRD GENERATION. 191
"township of Nottingham, in the County of Burlington, con- staining upwards of 300 acres, with a good dwelling house, "barn, stable, and orchard thereon; also a considerable quantity "of meadow in grass, with a large quantity of good low land, "capable of making more. The whole commodiously situated, "bounded on Crosswicks Creek, about six miles from Trenton, "and two from Crosswicks Meeting-house.
" One pair of the mill stones are the best sort of Dutch cull "ings, and the plantation in good fence. By applying to the "subscribers in Trenton, or at said mill, may be better informed. " The title indisputable. u William Morris
"William Morris Jun."
In 1746, when Trenton was organized as a borough. Dr. Thomas Cadwalader was elected its first Chief Burgess, and William Morris became one of the Councilmen.
The following appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette, Aug. 9, 1750.
"to be sold by the subscriber.
" A large and commodious well built grist mill, with two pair " of stones, two water wheels, within the house, turned by a con- "stant stream of water, three boulting chests with conveniences "for screening the wheat, boulting and hoisting the meal by " water, with all other utensils necessary for the same : A planta- "tion whereon the said mill stands, containing 300 acres of land, "bounded one way by a navigable creek, upon or near which is " a good frame store house and landing, about a quarter of a mile "from the said mill, from whence flour may be sent (at a small " expense) to Philadelphia, by water, or to York Market, by the "way of Brunswick, which is about 30 miles from the said mill "and plantation, whereon is three dwelling houses, stables, barns, "smith's shop, cooper's shoj), store-house, and all in good repair; " a waggon and 5 horses, a good orchard, about 30 acres of meadow " cleared, most of which is in good grass, and a large quantity of "rich swamp, capable of making considerable more; part of the " premises now rents for 120 pounds proclamation money a year, "and is situate about 6 miles from Trenton, 2 miles and a half " from Bordentown, in the township of Nottingham, Burlington " County, and western division of the province of New Jersey.
192 GENEALOGY OF THE MOEEIS FAMILY.
" Any person inclining to purchase may know the terms of "sale and payments (and have an indisputable title to the prem- "ises) by applying to the subscriber at Trenton.
" William Morris."
During the year 1750, William Morris lost his first wife, Sarah Dury, and in his large Bible has recorded her death in the following words:
"On the 20'^^ Day of y^ 6 mo 1750 My dear Wife Sarah Morris Departed this Life, being on a first day morning about a Quarter after four o'clock and was buryed on the 27"" in the Meeting House Grave Yard — after a solid satisfactory meeting on the occasion at which was Jonah Thompson. My said Wife from her acco' was born on y* 26*^ of y^ 12mo 1694, aged fifty five years and six months — and I hope is gone to Rest."
About six months after the death of his Wife, AVilliam Morris wrote the following letter to his sister Sarah Morris ("the Preacher"):
"Trenton, 12m 4^^ 1750.
"Dear Sister: — From the Naturall Relation Between us I Take the freedom To Trouble Thee with a few of My ScrawU, just to Say that as to myself I have been unwell for some time, the Rest of our family In health. — But What has Chiefly occasioned this arises from a Consideration of a much Nearer Relation than that of flesh and Blood, The which at this time subsists in My Brest to thee, and in a Degree of the Same I sincerely Salute thee, at Same Time Desiring that When Thou approachest the Altar, and art favoured with access, — Thou'll Remember Me. — Who am at times Ready to Conclude I shall fall In y® Wilder- ness at last. Notwithstanding My Long Profession and Having been f^ivoured unexpressably Beyond my Deserts. — and I am very Lonesome, Hardly any Company to Converse With, with any Satisfaction, Should be glad of Some of Thine, if Consistent With Thy Inclination, and not only on my own ace*.. But for the Sake of others, though I would not Press beyond Freedom. —
"As Things appear to me We have scarce Living to bure the Dead, in these parts, The Lord Grant Saith my Soul, That his Light and Truth may More, and More, Spread amongst The
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF WILLIAM MORRIS" AND REBECCA CADWALADER
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c " />. "^ ■ '/ '
t;:r'..i'^f '-^'^^^ f-; ,/,..
ENTRIES IN THE FAMILY BIBLE OF WILLIAM MORRIS'
THIRD GENERATION. 193
people, The Professors especially. That in His Light we may- See our Selves as we Really are, and under a Sense Thereof, Rightly apply for the assistance of his Truth, That we may Thereby be freed, from what would Prevent acceptance, Is the Prayer of Thy affectionate Loving Brother Whilst
" W. Morris.
" My Duty to Mother, and love to W. C. his Wife & D*""- as also to Brother Morris, Sister and Cousin Debb. I simpathise with Them for the Loss of their Son, I was not Well enough to Venture out or Should have been Down — Mathew Wattson Buried on Sixth Day Last. — — « ^y l^j "
A vacancy having occurred in the Provincial Council of New Jersey, Governor J. Belcher, on November loth, 1750, wrote to the Lords of Trade in London, as follows : —
" Yr Lordships are sensible that the suspension of John Coxe, Esqr from his Majesty's Council of New Jersey, makes a vacancy in the number of Councellors for the West Division of this Prov- ince. I would therefore in duty to his Majesty's royal instructions to me nominate to your Lordships for filling up the said vacancy, Wm. Morris, Escj., an inhabitant of the west division of the Province, at pr'sent one of the judges of the court in the County of Hunterdon, and a Gent" every way qualified according to his majesty's 8th instruction, and Mr. Partridge will apply to Yr Lordships for the King's mandamus.""''
On the same date and in the same terms Gov. Belcher wrote to the Duke of Bedford. f But Governor Belcher seems to have had some misgivings as to the acceptance of his nomination, for in writing to Mr. Partridge, he says, " You must use all yr best endeavours and interest to obtain the King's mandamus for Wm. Morris, Esq., to be of the Councils, he is a very worthy man, and may do good service there — the young gent° on yr side the water perhaps may oppose it at ye Board of Trade, and say he is a Quaker &c." In accordance with this request, Rich- ard Partridge, who was " agent for the Province of New Jersey," addressed a memorial to the Board of Trade, but it soon appeared
* Vide New Jersey Archiv., 1st Series, Vol. vii., p. 577. t Vide New Jersey Archiv., 1st Series, Vol. vii., p. 575.
194 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
that AVm. Morris had enemies (of the same name, but not of the same family) in London, who for part}' reasons influenced the Board unfavorably respecting his appointment to the Council, notwithstanding the presentation of several certificates in his behalf. One of them is worthy of reproduction, as follows: —
" Certificate of the judges in the Province of New Jersey, in " behalf of William Morris Esq., Reed, with Mr. Richard Parti'idge's "memorial.*
"To all persons whom it may concern : — " Greeting
"Whereas William Morris of Trenton Esq., hath communi- " cated to us the subscribers, the judges of his Majesty's Court for "holding of Pleas, in and for the County of Hunterdon in the "Province of New Jersey, and others his Majesty's justices of the "Peace for the said County of Hunterdon now sitting at Trenton "at a General Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the said County, "an extract of a paragraph of a letter lately arrived from Lon- "don wrote by Mr. Benjamin jSIorris, and expressed in the follow- "ing words (Viz:) 'Some days past I (Benj. Morris) went with "'Richard Partridge to one of the Board of Trade and Planta- "'tions, in order to defend the reputation of our Uncle Wm. "'Morris which had been scandalously slurred by Chief Justice " ' Morris who is here. He had carry ed his point so far that the "'Lords of Trade designed to reprimand Governor Belcher for '"recommending to his Majesty a bad man for one of his council, '"a man who was a disturber of the Public Peace and concerned "'in the late riots there.'
"We therefore in common justice to the character of the "said Wm. Morris do hereby certify that the said Wm. Morris "neither to our knowledge or belief, nor by any rumour or report " whatsoever was ever in his life time accounted a disturber of the "public peace, or directly or indirectly concerned in the late riots "in this province, but on the contrary in all his actions and con- " versation that w^e ever heard of, hath condemned such proceed- " ing and opposed as far as in him lay, all such unlawful measures. " And that the late Governor Morris, Father of the above Chief "Justice Morris, upwards of seven years ago, granted him a Com-
*T7(/(' New Jersey Archiv., 1st Series, Vol. vii.
THIRD GENERATION. 195
"mission under the Great Seal of this Province to be first judge " of the Inferior Court of y^ Common Pleas of this County of " Hunterdon, as a fitt and proper person, and that by and under "such Commission he now acts as such.
"Theo. Philips, John Garrison,
"Philip Ringo, Wm. Cleavton,
"Charles Clark, Benj. Biles, "Sam"- Stout, Corneli' Ringo,
"Hugh Martin, Theo® Severns."
"Samuel Johnson,
In addition to this and a certificate from the Grand Inquest of New Jersey, was a " Certificate of sev''' Gent" of New Jerse}^ in behalf of the Character of William Morris, Esquire" signed by 16 gentlemen.*
William Morris on 11 mo. 2nd, 1752, was married at the great Meeting House in Philadelphia to his second wife, Rebecca Cad- walader, a daughter of John and Martha Cadwalader, and a sister of Hannah Cadwalader, who had married Wm. Morris' nephew, Samuel Morris, in 1737. Anthony Morris^ had by his will left his "Mansion" and lot at the corner of Front Street and Morris Alley, Philadelphia, in trust, for the use of his wife Elizabeth, during her life time, and directed, that if any of his sons or grandsons should be desirous of possessing the house, to keep his name associated with it, it should be sold to him at 100 pounds less than its value. It is clear, however, that it was sold during his widow's life time, as it was purchased by his son William in 1729, who re-conveyed it to his brother Anthony Morris.^ f Anthony Morris^ held William Morris^ in such esteem, that he referred to him in his will, dated Sept. 9, 1760, in the following terms : —
"It is my earnest request to my loving brother William "Morris of Trenton, Merchant, and my esteemed friend John "Smith now of Burlington, merchant, that if any question or "controversy arise touching or concerning the meaning, exposi- "tion or intent of any part of this my will that the same shall " be expounded and determined by them, m}^ said brother William
*Vide New Jersey Archives, First Series, Vol. vii., p. 603, etc. t It seems evident from certain deeds that Elizabeth, the widow of Anthony Morris,^ continued to reside in the Mansion until her death, in 1767.
196 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" Morris, and my friends John Smith and William Callender in "conjunction with my executors hereinafter named, or the "majority of them shall judge and determine concerning the "same shall be decisive and binding to all persons thereunto "concerned."
Rebecca, the second wife of William Morris, died Oct. 9, 1764, and we find in his great Bible the following entry: —
" My Dear Wife Rebecca Morris Departed this Life, at Tren- ton, New Jersey, on the ninth day of y*" month called October. In y® year one Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty four, 1764, about a quarter after nine at night — being y^ third day of y^ week. Who being a Good Wife to me as any Woman could have made, I hope & believe she is gone to Rest in the Lord, — as it is written Blessed are the Dead, that dye in the Lord Henceforthe they cease from their Labours and their Works follow them and under some sense thereof — Bless the name of the Lord. Amen."
William Morris d. in Philadelphia 11th mo. 6th, 1776, and was bu. in Trenton, N. J.
At the Chesterfied monthly meeting of 8th mo. 5th, 1779, a memorial concerning William Morris was produced, read, approved and signed. It was ordered to be transcribed, and forwarded to the next Quarterly meeting. In the minutes of the Quarterly Meeting at Burlington, 8th mo. 30th, 1779, mention was made of the memorial concerning "William Morris, an Elder of Chesterfield Monthly Meeting." At the Quarterly Meeting, 2nd mo. 28th, 1780, the memorial of William Morris was read and approved and ordered to be forwarded to the next yearly meeting. Diligent search for the document has been most kindly made by Mr. George Scattergood, Clerk of the Philadelphia Meet- ing, but no trace of it can be found.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF WILLIAM MORRIS.^
William Morris of Trenton, in Co. of Hunterdon, N. J. Will dated 21st Feb., 1775, probated Oct. 3, 1782.
By it he leaves to his grand-daughter, Sarah Wain, his largest Silver Tankard, also his largest silver salver, his large family Bible, £500 and one-fourth of all his china-ware.
To Mary Dury he gives his house and lott where she then
// *- t
<?'<''- ^'•'^JJi/f'-'^''^'^
V '■
ENTRIES IN FAMILY BIBLE OF WILLIAM MORRIS'
SECOND GENERATION. 197
dwelt for the terra of her natural life and at her death it is to be sold and the proceeds equally divided between the daughters of Israel Morris, or their heirs.
To the daughters, of Israel Morris "that now are" £200 each as they shall arrive at IS years of age, or on the day of marriage.
To the Overseers of the Monthly Meeting of Chesterfield £20 for the use of the poor of said meeting. " It is to the Over- " seers of the s^ Meeting to which I subscribed the sum of £10 " towards building a new Meeting House."
To each of his son's daughters six table silver spoons.
To eldest daughter of son Israel one silver tankard (that was his grandmother's), marked S. D.
To his Executors each £5.
To son Israel Morris he leaves the remainder of his estate, real and personal.
He appoints his son Israel Morris, his grandson Nicholas Wain, and his cousin Philemon Dickinson his Executors.
On the 3'"'^ Oct., 1782, Philemon Dickinson renounced the duty of Executor, and on the same date Israel Morris was qual- ified as sole Executor of the Estate.*
William Morris and his first wife, Sarah Dury, had issue: —
36. William Mokris, b. in Island of Barbados, 8mo. 18, 1719 ; d. ;
ni. 10th 5tb, 1752, Eebecca Peters.
37. Mary Morris, b. in Barbados 3mo. 30, 1721 ; d. 4mo. 5, 1721.
38. Sarah Morris, b. in Barbados 7mo. 9, 1722 ; d. ■ 1746 ; m. Smo.
1745 Joseph Richardson.
39. Mary Morris, b. in Barbados lOmo. 15, 1724; d. 6mo., 1726, and
"bu. next day at Heathcott's Bay Grave Yard."
40. Anthony Morris, b. in Barbados 8uio. 31, 1727; d. 3mo. 10, 1804;
m. lOmo., 1746 Sarah Cranmer.
41. Mercy Morris, b. in Nottingham, Co. of Burlington, W. New Jersey,
4mo. 9, 1731 ; d. Feb. 15, 1775 ; bu. in Trenton Feb. 18 following, m. Dr. Horton.
42. Joseph Morris, b. in Co. of Hunterdon, W. New Jersey, 9mo. 25,
1733; d. llmo. 15, 1733, "and was buried in Thomas Lambert's burying ground in Nottingham Township in the county of Bur- lington."
43. Israel Morris, b. at Trenton, W. N. J., 2mo. 13, 1738; d. 4mo. 3,
1818; m. (1st) 2mo. 19, 1761, Phoebe Brown; m. (2dly) Sarah
Bond.
44. Joseph Morris, b. 5mo. 19, 1739 ; d. 6mo. 14, 1739.
*Will Recorded Liber 23, p. 250, Trenton, N. J.
THE CADWALADER FAMILY.
John Cadwalader was the first of his family to assume Cadwalader as the surname. He was the son of Cadwalader Thomas, the son of Thomas ap Hugh. Cadwalader Thomas had a brother John ap Thomas who prepared his own pedigree, in which he describes himself as John Thomas of Llaithgwm in the County of Merioneth, Gent, 1682. The Manuscript crossed the ocean with the first emigrants, and has been carefully preserved in the family for more than 200 years. A few years ago it was reproduced in the Pennsylvania Magazine, Vol. iv., p. 477-481. In the first part of the pedigree is traced the descent of John ap Thomas, 1682, from Marchweithian, 16 generations. Marchwei- thian was the eleventh of the 15 tribes or nobles of North Wales — the Lord of Is-Aled in Merionethshire. In the second part, the pedigree goes back to Adda and to Duw (God).
John Cadwalader, the eldest son of Cadwalader Thomas of Kitalgarth (afterwards of Wern Fawr), and Ellen Owen, his wife, dau. of Owen ap Evan of Fron Goch, was b. in Penllyn, Merion- ethshire circa, 1677-8, and was educated in Pembrokeshire, and
from this place received his certificate of removal to Pennsyl- vania in 1697. His friends say of him :
"We have known him since the age of thirteen, he hath the reputation of an apt scholar, and hath attained to as good a degree of learning as any at the school. His demeanour has been sober and innocent."
Upon his arrival in Pennsylvania, he was welcomed by his kinsfolk in Merion, where he first settled. He was m. at Merion Meeting 10th mo. 29, 1699, to Martha, dau. of Dr. Edward Jones
(198)
THIRD GENERATION. 199
of Merioii and his wife Mary, dau. of Dr. Thomas Wynne, who came over with Penn in the "Welcome," and was Speaker of the first three General Assemblies.
John Cadwalader removed to Philadelphia; he became a member of Common Council in 1718, and in 1729 a member of the Provincial Assembly. These oflBces he held until 1733. He d. in Philadelphia July 23, 1734 ; was bu. in Friend's Burying ground. His widow Martha Cadwalader d. April 16, 1747, and was bu. with her husband.
John Cadwalader and Martha Jones had issue as follows : —
(1) Thomas, (2) Mary, who became the second wife of Judge Samuel Dickinson, (3) Hannah, who married Samuel Morris of Philadelphia, and (4) Eebecca, who was the second wife of ^Mlliam Morris of the Island of Barbados, who settled in Trenton.
Thomas Cadwalader, M. D., the son of John, received his classical education at the Friends' Public School in Philadel- phia, and his Medical and Surgical in London. On his return from England, he soon acquired a large practice and was one of the founders of the Philadelphia Library. He afterwards settled in Trenton, and when in 1746 it was organized as a borough, he was elected its "Chief Burgess," his future brother-in-law William Morris being one of the Councilmen. In 1750 he gave £500 to found a public library for Trenton. Dr. Cadwalader lectured on Anatomy in Philadelphia in 1751, and was in 1755 appointed by Governor Robert Hunter Morris, a member of the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania, which office he held con- tinuously till 1774. He attended the meetings in Philadelphia, in opposition to the stamp-act, and signed with his sons Lambert and John, the celebrated " non-importation resolution " adopted by the citizens of that city. He was one of the founders of the Pennsylvania Hospital, from which sprung the Medical Depart- ment of the University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of many Societies, among them being the Royal Medical Societies of Edinburgh and London. He was a large land-holder, as we may judge from his offering for sale, at one time, 900 acres of woodland, 700 acres on the Delaware and 25 acres of meadow- land, all about two miles above Trenton. He d. Nov. 14, 1779, in the 73rd year of his age, having m. June 18, 1738, Hannah,
200 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
dau. of Thomas Lambert, Jr., of Trenton. He had issue : Martha, wife of Brig.-General John Dagworthy, member of the Delaware Assembly; John Lambert; Mary, first wife of Maj.- General Philemon Dickinson; Rebecca, second wife of the same; and Margaret, wife of Brig.-General Samuel Meredith, Major of the Third Philadelphia Battalion of Associators, who was in the battle of Princeton, was a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly from 1778 to 1783, a member of the Continental Congress and Treasurer of the United States from 1789 to 1801 ; and Eliza- beth, who was one of the flower girls at General Washington's reception in Trenton in 1789, and d. unm. in 1799.
General John Cadwalader, the second son of Dr. Thomas Cadwalader, b. in Philadelphia, Jan., 1742, d. at Shrewsbur}^ Maryland, Feb. 10, 1786; received his education at Dr. Allison's Academy, Philadelphia, where he continued to reside; was one of the original members of the Committee of Safety ; was appointed at the outset of the war. Colonel of the Third Battalion of Associators, was promoted Brig.-General of INIilitia, and was in command of the division of Washington's army stationed at Bristol, with the design of crossing there and co-operating with Washington in his attack on the British at Trenton, Dec. 26, 1776. This the ice prevented his doing, but he crossed the next day, and was with Washington, when a week afterwards he retreated before the superior numbers of Lord Cornwallis, across the Assunpink, where, eluding the vigilance of his enemy, he turned his left flank, reached his rear, and achieved the brilliant victory of Princeton. General Cadwalader was also in the Battles of Brandy wine, Germantown, and Monmouth. He was a warm and devoted friend of General Washington, so that when in 1780, General Conway, an English officer, in the service of the United States, was intriguing with the Gates' cabal to supplant Washington, and took occasion to speak disparagingly of the Commander-in-Chief, in the presence of General Cadwalader, the latter promptly took up the matter.
The regulation agreed upon was, that, after the signal, each should fire when ready. General Conway fired first, and missed, and as General Cadwalader was about to fire, a strong gust of wind rendered his aim unsteady, and he lowered his pistol a moment till it should pass. General Conway remarked "You
THIRD GENERATION. 201
fire with deliberation General Cadwalader." "I do," lie replied, "when I fire at a traitor." Cadwalader then fired, and wounded his antagonist, as was then supposed mortally. Under this belief, in a note to General Washington (recorded by Marshall) Conway acknowledged the injustice he had done him and entreated his forgiveness ; he however recovered, but sank ever after into merited neglect and insignificance.
General Cadwalader's first wife was Elizabeth, dau. of Edward Lloyd of Talbot County, Maryland, by whom he had: Anne, wife of Robert Kemble — whose only child Maria became wife of General William H. Sumner of Mass.; Elizabeth, wife- of Archibald McCall of Philadelphia, and mother of Maj .-General Geo. A. McCall of United States Volunteers ; and Maria, wife of General Samuel Ringgold, Member of Congress from Maryland, and mother of Major Samuel Ringgold of the United States Army, who brought the Artillery arm to such a state of efficiency. General Cadwalader's second wife was Williamina Bond, dau. of Dr. Thomas Bond of Philadelphia, b. Feb. 27, 1753, d. in England Sept. 9, 1837. Their children were: Thomas, John and Frances. Frances married in 1800 David Montagu, (son of Lord Chancellor Erskine), then Secretary of the English Legation at Washington, and in 1806, became Minister to this country. For many years he was Minister to Wurtemberg and afterwards to Bavaria. He succeeded his father as 2nd Lord Erkskine in 1823. His eldest son, Thomas, became 3rd Baron Erkskine, who d. s. p., and was succeeded by the second son John Cadwalader.
202 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
FRIENDS' MEETING HOUSE, TRENTON, N. J.
Ill the biography of WilHam Morris^ reference has been made to the active part he took in promoting the erection of a Meeting House for " Friends" in " Trent Town." Some further particulars respecting it will be of interest to his descendants.*
It is recorded in the minutes of Chesterfield Monthly Meet- ing: "Eighth month 5, 1738. Jos. Reckles brought in a deed and acknowledgment of Trust for the landf to build a meeting- house on, and for a graveyard at Trent-Town."
This deed is in the possession of the monthly-meeting, kept in the safe in the present meeting-house. The first meeting-house was a plain, brick building, two stories in height, the upper story being used for a schoolroom and for the men's business meetings, the lower floor not being divided as was usual, in Friends' meet- ing-houses. The entrance was on Hanover Street, over which there was placed in the wall, a stone bearing the date 1739, the year in which the house was built. The same stone is now in the east gable, with the date 1872 cut under the old date, that being the year in which the house was altered and repaired.
History relates, that in 1776, the house was used for soldiers' quarters, when a part of the Continental Army was marching from Pennsylvania to Amboy, and again at the time of the battle of Trenton. One of the older Friends remembers the mark of a cannon ball in the east gable, and the mark left on the floor by bayonets of the soldiers. At the battle of Trenton, the remnant of the Hessian forces was captured in the orchard, then standing east of the meeting-house. In the northwest corner of the bury- ing-ground are the graves of the Cadwalader and Dickinson families. Near by, is buried George Clymer, a signer of the Dec- laration of Independence. Mary Clymer of West State Street, lately deceased, was his granddaughter.
* Vide " Historical Sketch of Ti'enton Meeting" by Seth Ely— in "Friends Intelligencer and Journal," Vol. liii., pp. 797 and 8.
t This land is said to have been given to the Friends at Trenton by Mahlon Stacy.
THIRD GENERATION. 203
11. Elizabeth ]Morris^ (Anthony,- Anthony^), was the second child of Anthony Morris- and Mary Coddington, b. in Phila- delphia 4th mo. 28th, 1697 ; ra. (1st) at Philadelphia Monthly Meeting 10th mo. 13th, 1716, Samuel Lewis, son of Israel Lewis, of the Island of Barbados, "Yeoman." After Samuel's death, which must have occurred between 1st mo. 19th, 1723, and 1st mo. 8th, 1727, she m. (2dly) William Dury, Merchant, of Saint Peter's, Island of Barbados.
It is probable, that soon after her first marriage she went with her husband to Barbados, where it is believed, she resided for the remainder of her life. In the possession of Mr. Howard Edwards are several letters from Elizabeth in Barbados, to her half sister Sarah Morris in Philadelphia. The first, dated Bar- bados, 6th mo. 7th, 1722, refers in a feeling manner to the death of her father Anthony Morris.^ It is signed " Elizabeth Lewis." This letter was conveyed by her " brother Isaac," who seems to have travelled more than once between Philadelphia and Bar- bados, for the next letter, dated 19th ye 1st mo. 1723, and signed " Elizabeth Lewis," acknowledges the receipt of a letter from Sarah " by brother Isaac." The third letter from Barbados, dated 8th of the 1st mo. 1726-7, is the first signed "Eliz''^ Dury," but in it no mention is made of her second marriage. It is clear, however, that she lost her first husband, and married again, between the dates of the second and third letters. In the latter (3rd letter) she writes "my husband and Mollie desire to have their loves and remembrances to you all." The fourth and fifth letters were written in 1728. In the sixth from Barbados, dated 25th of 3rd mo., 1729, she expresses the hope that "Brother Isaac is safe arrived," and then goes on to say "It may be thou mayest hear from me by my brother Luke, whom I was very glad to see with the other two." She adds, "Luke gives his duty to mother and his love to his brothers and sisters.".
In another part she writes "Molley thanks her aunt for her present," and "Molley gives her duty to her grandmother and aunt." The seventh and last letter extant, is dated from Barba- dos, 11th oth mo., 1733, and refers to the great trials she had recently experienced, especially in the prolonged "sickness and death of the head of my family, and then the death of my dear child which proved almost insupportable." These bereavements appear to have occurred but a few months before, as she thanks
204 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
her sister for her " S3^mpathies." At the close of the letter, she writes " MoUey is well, and gives her duty to her grandmother and aunt." We gather from these letters, that the three brothers, Isaac, Israel and Luke Morris, all of whom were younger than Elizabeth, visited Barbados, if they did not actually trade with the Island. Anthony Morris^ their father, journeyed about con- siderably, and his offspring inherited his love of travel, for, at least five of his children (William, Elizabeth, Isaac, Israel and Luke) are known to have made voyages to the West Indies, and carried on business operations between Philadelphia and Barbados.
Elizabeth had issue by first husband: —
45. Molly Lewis.
46. Name not known.
As a "Mary Dury" is referred to in the Will of William Morris,^ it is possible she was his niece — a daughter of his Sister Elizabeth and her second husband.
14. Sarah Morris^ (Anthony," Anthony^), a daughter of Anthony Morris^ by his fourth wife Elizabeth Watson, was born in Philadelphia 11th mo. 16th, 1703-4. She was much beloved by her father and her family, for her sweetness of disposition and self-denial in all things. She
became an eminent minister of /? ^ /^
her denomination, and besides jf/^TT^/^Z/Zj 1^/^^^^"^^^ laboring among the Friends in
New Jersey, Maryland and Long Island, she visited Rhode Island in 1764, and accompanied by her niece Deborah Morris, she travelled through Great Britain in 1772-3. For some years, she had a "concern to make this religious visit to England, and notwithstanding her delicate health, and advanced age, she con- cluded, with the full acquiescence of the "Friends" to undertake it. But she allowed herself no time for rest before embarking, for we can, by the aid of Joseph Oxley's journal trace her, in her unceasing journeyings in America, up to the very time of leaving its shores. It had been arranged, that Joseph Oxley should return to England in the same vessel which was to carry Sarah
THIRD GENERATION. 205
Morris and her niece Deborah, and the following extract from his journal will be found interesting: "The next day (19th 2nd "mo., 1772) returned to Philadelphia, where I continued my "friendly visits to Friend's families, and prepared myself for "embarking to Europe." * * * "All things being now in "readiness for my departure, Sarah Morris, of whom I have "several times made mention, having at length yielded in "obedience to what she believed to be her duty, in paying a "religious visit to Friends in England, and having Friends' "concurrence, approbation and certificate, it was thought well "we should accompany one another over the great ocean. She "had also a kinswoman to accompany her, and though one not "in the ministry, yet was exercised in spirit, for the prosperity of "Truth, and having near sympathy with her Aunt in her present "concern, gave up to attend her in her said undertaking; her "name was Deborah Morris; and indeed I thought her an "excellent mother, raised up in our Israel. On the third day of "the week, being 3rd of 3rd month, we had a short, but weighty "sitting together in the house of our dear friend John Pemberton, "to which place many were gathered, in order to take their last "farewell; it was a time of love, wherein our minds were much "affected, and our spirits broken and contrited before the Lord, "who was pleased to bless us together; in this heavenly frame "we took our leave and parted! Several of our kind friends "from the city accompanied us to Chester, the place where w^e "were to embark, Samuel Neale, John Pemberton, and I suppose "more than thirty in number; after we had taken some little " refreshment at Chester, we retired into a humble awful reverent "waiting, which was again graciously owned, and crowned with "heavenly life and power. After thus taking our farewell of "our dear Friends, many of whom went with us to the brink of " the waters, and then returned, we set sail on board the Pennsyl- "vania Packet, Peter Osborne Commander. The nearness of " unity into which I was brought with these beloved Friends and "Citizens, has made deep impressions on my mind, which I trust "will prove lasting, and make it very hard for me to part with " them.
" We ran aground twice before we left the Capes of Delaware, " and the latter time threatened great danger ; the captain and "sailors said there Avas but little likelihood of getting the ship off
206 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"again, the wind blowing pretty hard. But the men used their "utmost endeavours, which Providence was pleased to bless, and "the ship worked off, but the Captain said, he hardly knew how ; " my soul reverently praises Him who brought this deliverance " for us. We passed through much stormy weather, but through " mercy were in a good degree preserved in stillness, trusting in "Him who hath power to still the winds and calm the seas at " His pleasure.
" About thirtj^-one days after we left the Capes, we got to "soundings, and the next day brought us in sight of land, and "on the 10th of the 4th month, my companions and I landed at " Dover, which time from our going on board was five weeks and "three days" * * * "The next day I came up to London "with my companions, and was kindly received by our friends "and my dear relations."
During the stay of Sarah Morris and her niece in England, the latter kept a diary of their movements, faithfully recording the names of the various places they visited and the meetings they attended. She recounts how, oftentimes her Aunt Sarah Morris was weak in body and suffering much, but even under such condition, she w^ould frequently stand and speak for an hour at a time " in a very lively manner." They visited the various meetings in London, and Sarah Morris in her first visit to the Savoy Meeting " was silent, and a dull time it was," but a week later upon visiting it again, it is said " the service fell upon Aunt and Tabitha Marriott. It ended well." About 100 years before, the father of Sarah Morris was married in that same meeting, to his first wife Mary Jones. Sarah was, however, a dau. by his fourth wife. Deborah Morris' diary will be again referred to. Sarah Morris returned in safety to America, and in great suffering, lived for two years longer. She d. in Philadelphia on Oct. 24, 1775.
"A Testimony from the Monthly-Meeting of Philadelphia "concerning Sarah Morris:*
" She was born in this city, being the daughter of our ancient "friends Anthony and Elizabeth Morris, who were careful to " instruct her in the fear of the Lord, a diligent attendance of
* F7rf«? " Collections of Memorials concerning deceased Ministers," &c., p. 334.
THIRD GENERATION. 207
"our religious meetings, and an early acquaintance with the " Holy Scriptures ; the advantage whereof she at times expressed "to be a great comfort to herself, and of benefit to others. Her "father died when she was about seventeen years of age, and "near his end gave this testimony respecting her. 'That she "'never disobeyed him, and was his comfort,' which we insert " with the desires it may so impress the minds of youth, that by "duly regarding the divine command of obedience to parents, "they may be their comfort, merit the like testimony, and "secure peace to their own minds. She was endued with mental "qualifications and understanding superior to many, which with "her sociable agreeable disposition, occasioned her conversation "in the younger part of her life to be sought and acceptable to "such who were accounted wise in the estimation of the world ; "but from her religious inclinations, preferring the company of "those who exceeded her in age and experience, she was mer- "cifully preserved from the snares and temptations to levity "and vanity by which many of the youth are too readily capti- "vated. * * *
" Her first journey in the service of truth was to some adjacent " meetings as companion to our valuable friend Margaret Ellis ; "being afterwards, through the efficiency of divine love, drawn "forth to visit man}' of the meetings in this province. New "Jersey, and the yearly meetings in Maiyland and Long Island ; " and in the year 1764, in company with our friends Joyce Benezet " and Elizabeth Smith, attended that at Rhode Island ; though "her religious labors were chiefly in this city, manifesting among "us a steady uniform concern for the cause of truth, and preser- " vation of true christian fellowship, not only in the exercise of "her gift in the public ministry, wherein she was eminently "favoured, but also of our christian discipline among friends of "her own sex, for which she was well qualified and of real use. "After the decease of her ancient mother, who in the 94tli year " of her age, departed in a calm and peaceful state of mind, towards "whom she had manifested a filial affection and care, an exercise " which she had many years been under to visit in Great Britain "now reviving, the weight of the service, and her apprehension "of being disqualified therefor, affected her so deeply that she "was reduced to such a low state of mind and body, her recovery " appeared doubtful ; but after a distressing season of conflict, she
208 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
was favoured with strength to communicate her concern to this meeting, and obtaining a certificate of the near sympath}- and concurrence of friends, slie was left to proceed with their free approbation, as the Lord might be pleased to furnish ability; and her affectionate niece Deborah Morris's offer to accompany her, being also concurred with, they embarked for London, on the 3rd day of the 3rd month, 1772, where being arrived, though continuing in a weak state of health, she was enabled to per- form her visit to friends in most of the principal counties and towns from Exeter in the west, as far north as Cumberland, and those called the eastern counties ; attending two yearly meetings in London, and divers general meetings in other parts of the nation. * * *
" The last night of her life, being in bodily pain, and under some discouragement of mind, she was reminded of some late favours of divine love extended to her ; after laying some time in awful silence she replied, ' Now I see it to my comfort, that the Lord hath 'been with me through all this illness, and I, at times, knew it 'not, such was my distressed situation, it was hard for me to 'believe it.' Afterwards falling into a sweet sleep, she in about two hours awaked much refreshed, and remarked, she had not slept so sweetly in all her illness, for she had been in company with her father's God, mother's God, and her God ; asked her niece (Deborah Morris) who had with abundant care attended on her, if she thought life would last all night, who answering, she thought it might, as the night was far spent, she desired her said niece would sit by her until the Lord came (meaning to close her life) then slumbered again, and awakening, admired, saying, ' It is strange that I should sleep at such a time as this! ' Being told her work was done, and it was a favour to her, she could sleep, she replied, 'I believe it is, and I am thankful,' inquiring what time it was, on being told it was after three o'clock, she lifted up her hands as engaged in mental prayer ; soon after uttered some words but not intelligibly, and seeming again to drop into a sweet sleep, neither stirred or spoke more, but continuing until between eight and nine o'clock, passed easily away, on the 24th of the tenth month 1775, in the 72nd year of her age, and 31st of her ministry, fitted no doubt for the enjoyment of that rest which is prepared for the righteous, having accomplished her warfare in the church militant.
THIRD GENERATION. 209
" Her burial ou the 26th after a solemn meeting was respect- " fully attended by many friends and others of her fellow citizens, "to our grave yard in this city."
The following sentences* were expressed by Sarah Morris in her last illness to a relation whose deep affliction she sensibly felt and sympathized with.
"I would not have thee dwell too much on thy great loss, for " though thou hast been deprived of one valuable blessing and "great comfort, yet thou hast many left."
" If we can but feel His presence in our hearts, who promised " not only to be with his own, but in them also, this is the great- " est of all blessings, and the want of it is the greatest loss. We "should be very careful to guard as much as possible against "sinking too low, for we cannot raise our minds again at our "pleasure. Oh! what a happy experience it is to be able to say "with Job 'The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, "blessed be His holy name.' I have often thought of the words " of the prophet who had attained so great a degree of stability "that he could say: 'Though all things fail, yet will I joy in the "'Lord and rejoice in the God of my salvation!' 'There is a '"sorrow which works death.'"
The following obituary of Sarah Morris appeared in the "Pennsylvania Gazette" for Nov. 1, 1775: —
"the memory of the just is blessed.
" On the morning of the 24th ultimo, departed this life, in "the seventy-second year of her age, in certain hope of a joyful "resurrection Sarah Morris, an eminent minister among the " people called Quakers.
"Her life and conversation were uniformly consistent with "her Christian profession, adorning the doctrine she preached. "Cheerful without gaiety, serious without austerity, and pious "without affectation, she was an ornament to Societ}', and the "delight of her friends and acquaintance, whose affliction for " their loss could only be alleviated by an assurance, that it is
* From MSS. of the late Mr. Anthony Saunders Morris.
210 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"her great gain. A long and painful illness she bore with a "fortitude and resignation becoming a Christian, whose expecta- "tions of enduring happiness were fixed on that foundation, "which standeth sure."
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF SARAH MORRIS.
Sarah Morris of Philadelphia, Will dated 20th 11 mo., 1771.
She gives to dear friend Elizabeth Smith of Burlington £50.
To each of her friends Joseph Smith, Esquire, of Morristown, and Hannah Smith, dau. of her late esteemed friend John Smith, dec^ £50.
To James Smith, son of said John, £25.
To friends Joseph Smith and William Dillwyn £100 in trust for John Smith, a minor, son of above-named John Smith, and Susanna Dillwyn, a minor, dau. of above-named William Dillwyn.
To niece Deborah Morris, gives a Silver porringer marked S. M., a silver plate, a silver pepper castor, 6 walnut frame chairs with needle worked seats, one feather Bed, a pair of low Walnut Drawers, and £200.
To Kinsman Samuel Morris, son of nephew Anthony Morris — a Quart tankard which was her " dear father's," also £200.
To Anthony Morris, son of Nephew Anthony, and Anthony Cadwalader Morris, son of nephew Samuel Morris, also Mary Jones, dau. of brother James Morris, dec"^, £25 to each of them.
To "loving kinswoman" Sarah Buckley, £25 and a Silver porringer marked S. M.
To each of "esteemed friends" John Churchman, Rebecca Jones and Hannah Cathrall, £25.
To each of esteemed friends Elizabeth Stephens and Joice Benezet of Philadelphia, and Eleanor Lea and Abel Thomas of or near Exeter, £5.
To esteemed friend Mary Armit, £20.
To the Pennsylvania Hospital, £25.
To Corporation for Relief of the Poor in Philadelphia, £25.
To loving brother Luke Morris and esteemed friends Hugh Roberts, Owen Jones, Henry Drinker and Abel James, £100,
THIRD GENERATION. 211
to distribute among so many reputable housekeepers needing help.
To esteemed friend Ann Moore, of Maryland, £10.
To friend Martha Petell, of Boston, N. E., £10.
To friend David Estaugh, £10.
To Kinsman Anthony Shoemaker, £25.
To friend Rebecca Harding, £5.
To three servants, Margaret Minion, Sarah Greenland and Mary Rose, £5 each.
Releases Isaac Andrews from all indebtedness.
To friend Abel James gives her silver watch.
Gives Residue to loving brother Luke Morris.
Executors: brother Luke Morris, and friend Abel James. Executrix, dear friend and niece Deborah Morris.
(Signed) Sarah Morris.
Witnesses :
Henry Drinker. George James. Benj". Trapnell.
Sarah Morris made a Codicil to her will dated 6th day, 4th mo., 1774, by w^hich she leaves £50 additional to Hannah Smith, and £50 additional to Joseph Smith and William Dillwyn in trust for their children mentioned in will.
Revokes legacy of £5 to Sarah Greenland and Mary Rose.
Appoints her worthy friend John Reynell co-executor with the rest of the executors.
(Signed) Sarah Morris.
Witnesses :
Joseph Morris. Lewis Weiss.
Proved at Philadelphia, Nov. 8, 1775.
16. Luke Morris^ (Anthony,^ Anthony^), son of Anthony Morris^ and his fourth wdfe Elizabeth Watson, was b. in Phila- delphia 8th mo. 25, 1707, d. in Philadelphia, without issue, 11th mo. 17, 1793 ; m. 2nd mo., 1749, Mary Richards, b. 8th mo., 1719, d. 12th mo. 27, 1804, {nee Allen), widow of Joseph Richards.
212 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
In early life, Luke Morris, in company with his brothers Isaac and Israel Morris, visited the Island of Barbados. We find the name of Luke Morris among the signers of the petition to the Pennsyl- vania Legislature on be- "^ half of the Pennsylvania Hospital in 1751, and in 1756 he contributed $104.91 towards its funds."*" Luke Morris signed the Provincial money for 1756, '58, '59, '69 and '71. Mr. Howard Edwards has a note dated April 25, 1759, which is signed by Luke Morris and Charles Thomson, who was afterward Secretary of Congress.
Luke Morris was a director of the Hand in Hand Insurance Company from 1762 to 1784, and was an original member of the Schuylkill Fishing Company, or the "Colony in Schuylkill," an organization which will be frequently referred to in these pages. It was founded at Philadelphia in 1732, and is the oldest social club in existence. The first governor of this " Colony " was Governor Stretch, and we find by the "History of the Schuylkill Fishing Company" (pp. 37 and 38), that:
"At a meeting of Schujdkill Fishing Company, on Oct. 12, 1765, in consequence of the advanced age and infirmities of his excellency, the valuable Governor Stretch, Luke Morris, Esq., was unanimously chosen and proclaimed Lieutenant Governor, according to law.
"A few days after this meeting the Governor departed this life, at a good old age, after a long and prosperous administra- tion of nearly thirty-four years."
The choice of a successor would have fallen on the worthy Lieutenant, but to the regret of all, he modestly declined accept- ance of the proffered honor, because, said he, in a letter bearing date Oct. 11, 1766, "my presence in a neighboring Government being more immediately necessary than heretofore, I hope you will make choice of some person in my stead, to preside over the affairs of the Colony, who can with more convenience attend to the decaying situation of our fishery, and sincerely study the peace and tranquility of Schuylkill." On the same day, the lltli
*Vide History of Penna. Hospital, p. 391.
MARY ALLEN'S SILVER TEAPOT AND SALVER
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SILVER TANKARD OF WILLIAM MORRIS '
THIRD GENERATION. 213
of Oct., 1766, the annual election was held at the Court house, and it is recorded that the members then elected the Honorable Samuel Morris, Esq., unanimously.
Luke Morris was appointed on a committee to view the river and Island July 4, 1775,* and was made Warden of the Port of Philadelphia, July 23, 1778, and again on Oct. 20, 1783.t Mr. Anthony Saunders Morris says in his MSS. " He was known as a very pleasant gentleman. He was very fond of children, and was accustomed to invite his young cousins to his house at the northeast corner of Second and Almond Streets, where he had a large garden filled with all kinds of fruits, which he delighted to distribute among the young guests, much to their satisfaction. It was this Luke Morris to whom his niece Deborah Morris bequeathed the silver tureen, which at one time belonged to his grand-father, Anthony Morris,^ and was brought to America by his own father, Anthony Morris.^"
After living through a large portion of the 18th century, Luke Morris was laid to rest 11 mo. 18, 1793, in the Friends' burying ground, Philadelphia, "on the right hand of his sister Hannah, next to his sister Sarah."
In the list of those, who according to the appraisement of 1782 suffered damages (by the British) exceeding one thousand pounds, was Luke Morris, whose damage was estimated at £1222.0.0.
Mary Morris survived her husband, and in the Directory for 1800, she is referred to, as "Mary Morris, Gentlewoman, 311 South Street."
In the possession of Mr. Benjamin I. Taylor of Bristol, is a small silver tea pot which belonged to Mary Morris. It is very antique and is marked "M. A.," the initials of her maiden name.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF LUKE MOPvRIS.^
Will Book, Philadelphia, W., p. 654.
Luke Morris, of District of Southwark, County Philadelphia, Will dated 6th Sept., 1791. He gives to wife Mary Morris Messuage and lot whereon they dwell, and all the real estate
* Vide Penna. Archiv., 2ad Series, Vol. iii., p. 683. -[Vide Penna. Archiv., 2nd Series, Vol. iii., pp. 693^.
214 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
including Sutton's Ground Rent which was devised to her by her former husband, Joseph Richards, also a messuage and lot adjoining house they dwell in to the northward, also the ground rent issuing out of the adjoining lot, also four acres of land in Moyamensing which he purchased of Samuel Wheeler, and about three acres which he purchased of Joseph Coxe's Estate adjoining Moyamensing and Passyunk Roads near Hollander Creek Bridge and £3000 in cash or bonds, also all his plate, household and kitchen furniture, gold and silver watches and wearing apparel. To his wife during life only he gives interest of 21 shares of North America Bank Stock and £42 per annum out of his Personal Estate.
To grand-nephew Samuel Morris, son of Anthony Morris, dec'd, he gives his lot on Delaware and adjoining the Public Landing in South wark in tenure of William Siddons, also lots with improvements nearly opposite his dwelling, bounded by Francis Trumball's ground, George Street and 2nd Street, and by a lot now of said Samuel Morris, and also the ground rent issuing out of said lot of said Samuel Morris. To Luke Morris, son of s*^ Samuel Morris, a lot of ground in Southwark on River Delaware, purchased of Doctor Martain and wife.
To Isaac Morris, Samuel Morris and Israel Morris, sons of s*^ Samuel Morris, he gives the lot where his Ropewalk is erected in Southwark to be equally divided amongst the three. He makes the following bequests: To grand-nephew Israel Morris, son of Anthony Morris and brother of Samuel Morris, £300 ; To Thomas Morris, said Israel's brother, £300; To Sarah Wistar, wife of Richard Wistar, £300 ; To Benjamin W. Morris, Caspar AV. Morris and Catharine W. Morris, children of said Samuel Morris, £100 each.
To Anthony James Morris, son of James Morris, £200.
To brother Isaac Morris, brother of Anthony James Morris, £100; to ]Mary Jones, widow of Blath. Jones and sister to afore- said Anthony James Morris, £200.
To Anthony Cadwalader Morris, £300; to Joseph Drinker, nephew of wife, £1000; to James Morris, of Duck Creek, grand- son of brother .James, £100; to James Morris, son of Joseph, and to his sisters, Phoebe Morris and Martha Mifflin, £100 each; to Sarah Buckley, wife of William Buckley, £100; to three children of Nicholas and Sarah Wain, £50 each; to Sarah
THIRD GENERATION. 215
Howard, of Worcester County, Maryland, £1000, and also £500 provided no further demands are made by s"^ Sarah against his Estate; to Rebecca Jones and Hannah Cathrell, £50 each. To his Executors he gives £500 for distribution among such poor persons as they may think proper.
To Nicholas Wain, Thomas Fisher and Jona. Evans, Junr., and heirs, he leaves all those ground rents issuing out of lots on north side of Chestnut Street between Front and 2nd Street, and 3 ground rents in Morris' Alley devised to him by sister Sarah, in trust for the use of poor Friends of the Monthly Meeting of women friends of Philadelphia for the Southern District — to be under the care and distribution of said meeting.
To Caspar W. Morris and his brother Anthony Morris he gives lot of ground purchased of the Widow Jekeyl bounded by South and Shippen Streets.
One-third of the Residue he gives to wife Mary, another J to Samuel Morris, son of Anthony, and remaining ^ to Benjamin W. Morris, and Catharine W. Morris, and Anthony Morris, children of said Samuel Morris.
His lands in Bedford County are not to be considered residu- ary Est., but one moiety thereof subject to any agreement he has made with Israel Morris, of Maryland, he directs his Executors to conjfirm to Nicholas Wain and Sarah his wife, and their heirs ; the other moiety he gives to Benjamin W. Morris, Catharine W. Morris and Anthony Morris, children of said Samuel.
Executors : Wife Mary Morris, Nicholas Wain, Samuel Morris, son of Anthony Morris, and Anthony Morris, son of said Samuel Morris.
(Signed) Luke Morris.
Witnesses :
MlCH^- DURNEY,
Peter Miercken, Jun., John Knox, Robert Jones.
216 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
By a Codicil, dated 9*^ day of 10*'' mo., 1793, he gives to his wife Mary, a bond for £700 given him by Caleb Ash ; Deborah Morris's note for £100 he gives to Elizabeth Mifflin, dau. of George and Martha Mifflin, in lieu of the legacy to her mother ; to Anthony Morris, son of Samuel Morris, a lot of ground on Lom- bard Street, purchased of Benj. Harbeson, also a lot of ground on South Street, Schujdkill Front Street and Schuylkill which he purchased of Thomas Clifford and INIiers Fisher, Att'^^ Chr. Gulielma Gaskill.
(Signed) Luke Morris.
Witnesses :
Nicholas Walk, Sarah Waln.
Will and Codicil proved at Philadelphia, 28*'' Nov., 1793.
Geo. Campbell, Reg''.
FOURTH GENERATION.
18. Anthony Morris^ (Anthony,^ Anthony,^ Anthony^), the eldest child of Anthony Morris' and Phoebe Guest, b. 11th mo. 14th, 1705; d. 10th mo. 2nd, 1780; m. (1st) 12th mo., 1730, Sarah Powell, a dau. of Samuel and Abigail Wilcox Powell. Sarah (Powell) Morris, b. 4th mo. 29th, 1713; d. 2nd mo. 10th, 1751; and Anthony Morris," m. (2ndly) 4th mo. 30th, 1752, Elizabeth Hudson, a granddaughter of William Hudson, a member of the Provincial Council, and Mayor of Philadelphia 1725-26, and his wife Mary Richardson, dau. of Samuel Richardson, also a Provincial Councillor.
After completing his education, Anthony Morris* was con- nected with his father in the brewing business. When 23 years of age, he received from the Monthly Meeting of Friends in Philadelphia a certificate, dated 12th mo. 28th, 1728, to the Monthly Meeting of Friends at Heathcott's Bay in the Island of Barbados.* He visited the Island, where he remained about six months, receiving, upon his leaving it, the following certificate:
" From our Monthly Meeting held at Heathcott's Bay Bar- bados ye 20*^ of 6mo., 1729 :
"To Friends of y® Monthly Meeting in Philadelphia.
"Dear Friends: — Our friend Anthony Morris acquainting us by his uncle Wm. Morris of his design to return home & requesting our Certificate, These therefore are to certify that from due enquiry being made we find that his conversation has been orderly as becomes his profession, & that he has duly frequented our meetings both for worship and discipline during his short stay here & that he is clear from any eugagement in respect to marriage. AVe sincerely desire his growth in the Blessed Truth and that the Lord may preserve & conduct him safe to his rela- tions and you and that he may be of service to the Church of
* One of the signers of this certificate was his Uncle, William Morris, which is an evidence of the latter being in Philadelphia at that time.
(217)
218 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Christ. AVith the salutation of Brotherly Love we subscribe your Friends and Brethren
" Signed in and on behalf of our said meeting by
"John Bidou "Wm. Dury " William Callender "Benj. Collyns "W. Morris."
It does not appear that this Anthony Morris purchased so much real estate as his father and grandfather, but on Nov. 30, 1741, he disposed of several lots on High and Fourth Streets to Stephen Armitt and Zachariah Whitpain.* Soon after this trans- action Anthon}^^ was taken into partnership by his father, as we learn from a deed dated Dec. 10, 1741,t in which it is stated that his parents, Anthony and Phoebe Morris, "for and in consider- ation of the natural affection which they have and bear for and towards their said son, Anthony Morris, and for divers other good causes" give over to him "a half share of all the Messuage or Tenement and Brewhouse, and Bank lot and Wharf thereunto belonging, situate in Philadelphia, and containing in breadth 77 feet, and in length from the Front Street to the Street then called King Street forty feet, and from the East side of King Street iiito the River Delaware 180 foot, bounded northward with the lot in the tenure of Joseph Kirle, Eastward with the said River Dela- ware, Southward with the lot now or late in the tenure of Jacob Reignier, his assignee or assigns, and westward with the said Front Street. Together also with ye one full moiety or half part of all and singular ye messuages, tenements, brewhouse, malt- house, granaries, stables, outhouses, waj^s, water courses, lights, easements, rights, liberties, privileges, improvements, heredita- ments, & appurtenances, whatsoever thereunto belonging, and also all and singular ye Malt mills. Cauldrons, Coppers, pumps and all other implements and utensils of Brewing in the use or service of the said Brewhouse or Malthouse." This was precisely as Anthony Morris^ had given his son Anthony^ a half share of the Original Brewery in 1706. But this old "Anthony Morris
*Vide Deed Book EF 6, p. 618, in Office of Recorder of Deeds, Phila. tVide Deed Book H, Vol. vi., p. 234, in Office of Recorder of Deeds, Phila.
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CERTIFICATE FOR ANTHONY MORRIS' FROM PHILADELPHIA TO BARBADOS
FOURTH GENERATION. 219
Brewhouse" had already stood for half a century, when in 1745 Anthon}^ Morris"* removed the brewery to the site now known as "Dock and Pear Street," being attracted to it by the arching over of the upper part of Dock Creek, and the presence of several springs on the property. Previous to 1743, when the Creek was arched over, the tide ebbed and flowed as far as Chestnut Street and Hudson's Alle}^, and down the latter flowed a small stream which began at Seventh and Locust Streets, and joined 'Dock Creek at Third Street. In early times the Brewery yard extended to Third Street, but in 1763, the ground upon which St. Paul's Church now stands, was sold to that congregation. There is an interesting fact connected with the Pear and Dock Street Brewery which Watson refers to in the following terms: "Dock Creek in early days abounded with springs and I have been able to trace as many as three of them on the western side. At Morris' Brewery, now called Abbott's, at the junction of Pear and Dock Streets, there is now a spring arched over, which has a vault from it into the great tunnel. The fact was told to me by Timothy Matlack, who had it so covered in his early days when once concerned in that brewery. They once esteemed their beer as surpassing that of any in the city from the use of that spring, which they concealed and kept a secret. It stood twenty feet east from the east end of the brewhouse premises and fifteen feet back from the Street." *
The ground upon which the new Brewery was built belonged to Sarah Powell, the first wife of Anthony Morris.^ She had re- ceived it from her father, Samuel Powell, and upon a part of the lot which fronted on Third Street, situated immediately south of the site of St. Paul's Church, stood the Morris famil}' mansion. It was a two story structure, built of black and red bricks with a magnificent garden extending as far back as Laurel Street.
The Dock and Pear Street Brewery was probably enlarged by the sons of Anthony Morris,* and was completed in 1790. For 00 years past the property has been out of the Morris family, and for many years was occupied by John Eisenbrey, Jr., as a mahogany saw-mill. It is now likely soon to give way to the march of improvements. The old brewery building is one of the old land-marks of Philadelphia, ranking in antiquity with
* Watson's Annal.e, p. 490.
220 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
the State House proper, and a few other structures still standing, and it has not been much changed since its early days.
During the Riots at the Election for the City and County of Philadelphia in Oct., 1742, Anthony Morris* was a highly in- terested spectator of events, as his brother James was a candidate for re-election to the Assembly of the Province, and he knew that the Sailor mob had been gathered near the Court House to in- terfere with a fair election. His brother was re-elected, but his father, during the riot, was brutally attacked, and he found him in the house of George Fitzwater grievously wounded. At the investigation into the Riotous proceedings, subsequentl}' held by the Assembly, Anthony Morris* gave evidence which is thus re- corded in the Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii. (pp. 565-6).
"Deposition of Anthony Morris, 1742.
" Anthony Morris, the younger, of the city of Philadelphia, "Brewer, being examined in a solemn manner, declareth and "saith, that about nine a Clock on the morning of the day of "Election, he saw John Dillwyn, Thomas Lloj^d, and Hugh " Roberts at Clement Plumsted's, the then Mayor's Door, talking " with him ; and joining them, heard the Mayor say, How can ''you expect any other, when a set of Villains hinder People from " Voting, by croivding the stairs ; and open the People's Tickets, put- "iing others in their Hands, or tearing them as they like or dislike "them. To which, this Examinate reply'd AVe do not think it " our Interest the stairs should be crowded, we have always en- " deavoured to keep them clear. That Hugh Roberts saying. There "are seldom any Sett of Men but have some Villains amongst "them ; the mayor reply'd, It is worse where they are all such; or "words to that efifect. That going from thence towards the " Market-street he saw Capt. Mitchell in Front Street, with a "Stone in his Hand, threatening to throw it at some Persons "who were following him, but some Person had hold of him; "and at the same time he saw Joseph Turner, lay hold of Israel "Pemberton the elder. That this Examinate went to the Market, "and from thence to the Church, about Half an Hour after Nine, "and saw the Sailors gather there, that he thinks they were " without sticks, and that he spoke to one or two of them that he " knew, and advised them to be peaceable ; and they said they "were only on a Frolick. That afterwards he saw them in a
^<.'J
THE FIRST ANTHONY MORRIS BREWHOUSE. PHILADELPHIA
'^M
*.^p
MORRIS BREWERY, PEAR AND DOCK STREETS, PHILADELPHIA
FOURTH GENERATION. 221
"Body arm'd with Clubs, coming up the Jersey-Market; That "the Sheriff went down from the stairs to disperse them ; that he "saw several of the People beat by the Sailors ; But being told his "Father, almost murder'd, was carried into George Fitzwater's "he ran thither and saw no more of the Riot till after the In- " spectors were chosen, when he saw several of the Sailors drive the "People, some down the stairs, and others on to the Court-House, " violently beating some with their clubs. That the next day in "the morning, he went with Sam Par to the Mayors, who told the "Mayor, People were uneasy to hear that he was about to admit "Capt. Redmond to Bail ; that the Sub-Sheriff being present; said "that Judge Grifhtts had forbid the taking Bail for the said Red- "mond until the Election was over; upon which the Mayor grew "angry & said, Who is Thomas Griffitts to send me such a word? "and charged the Examinate with abusing him, in saying he "had encouraged the Sailors; to which this Examinate reply'd "that he had understood they had drawn up and huzza'd at the " Mayor's Door before the Riot, that the mayor went out among "them, and he was informed, did not discourage them, which he "thought was Encouraging; to which the Mayor reply'd Would ''you have me turn Constable? This Examinate further saith, that "Alexander Annand told him some time before, that Redmond had "sworn he would bring a hundred men to the Election.
"Anthony Morris, Junior."
On 8th mo. 8th, 1742, Anthony Morris"* was elected an "Over- seer" of the Public School in Philadelphia, but he resigned the appointment 2d mo. 23d, 1758, and was succeeded by Joseph Morris, his brother. Joseph Morris resigned 1st mo. 12th, 1785, and was succeeded on the same date by John Drinker.
On May 1, 1748, Anthony Morris* became an Original Mem- ber of the " Colon}^ in Schuylkill," a social organization, of which his son, Capt. Samuel Morris, was afterwards a dis- tinguished member, serving as its Governor for a long series of years.
On 4th mo. 11th, 1751, Anthony Morris lost his first wife, Sarah Powell, by whom he had seven children ; six of these were alive at the time of her death. In the early part of 1752 a rumor was afloat that he would soon be married again. Israel
222 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
and Rachel Pemberton wrote on 3d mo. 20tb, 1752, to their sou John Pemberton, in London:*
"Anthony Morris, jr and Elizabeth Hudson it is expected "will publish their intention with each other in a little time; "altho' she hath waited long she is like to be mother to six "children in one da3\" This remark refers to the family of Anthony Morris by his first wife.
Rumor, in this instance, proved to be correct, for on 4th mo. 3rd, 1752, Anthony Morris* m. as his 2d wife, Elizabeth Hudson, a granddau. of William Hudson, a former Mayor of Philadelphia.
Anthony Morris* was of a benevolent disposition and his name was constantly associated with that of his father, Anthonj'' Morris,^ in the support of every good and philanthropic work in Philadelphia. His signature, as well as that of his father and his uncle Luke, is attached to the Petition to the Assembly, on January, 1751, for aid to the Pennsylvania Hospital, and we find from the " Histor}" of the Pennsylvania Hospital " that he con- tributed in that year $165.56 towards the funds. The Hospital received its Charter 6th May, 1751, and in pursuance of the act of the Assembly many of the Contributors met in the State House to elect twelve Managers and a Treasurer. Amongst those present were Anthony Morris^ and two of his sons — Anthony* and Joseph.* Joseph Morris* was then chosen one of the 12 original Managers of the Hospital.
The name of Anthony Morris, Jr. (i. e. A. M.*) as one of the City Assessors, is amongst the signatures to the Memorial to the Mayor and Commonalty of the Cit}' of Philadelphia, 16th Feb., 1753, requesting that the Blue Anchor Tavern Landing be kept open for Public use.
In the 10th volume of the "Pemberton Papers" (p. 79) is a letter dated 1st mo. 29, 1755, from Mary Pemberton, Philadelphia, to Israel Pemberton in Nansemond, Virginia, in which she saj^s:
"Anthony Morris, Jr., has had another slight attack of the " same disorder (viz. palsy) and seems to recover but slowl}'."
At that date An.thony Morris* was about 50 years of age, and we may infer from the above quotation that he was then in failing health and perhaps for some time previously had been an invalid.
* Pemberton Papers, Vol. x., in Library of Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
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FOURTH GENERATION. 223
In addition to his City house, he had two country seats, one named "Solitude," and the other "Peckham," in South wark. The latter house stood upon an elevation, with terrraces in front, and was situated a short distance from the Wharton House, where the Meschianza was given in honor of Lord Howe, 18th May, 1778, and from the "Peckham" house the Morrises may have been witnesses of the cavalcade and all the attendant pomp and circumstance of mimic warfare. The "Morris" and "Wharton" houses in Southwark are both marked on Scull & Heap's Map of Philadelphia in 1750, and in others of a more recent date.
From a Deed executed Nov. 10, 1763, it appears that Samuel Morris, Jr., and his brothers and sisters by their mother, Sarah (Powell) Morris, the first wife of Anthony Morris,* conveyed to their father, Anthony Morris of Southwark, in the County of Philadelphia, Gentleman, for the consideration of £1000 certain property given to them by their mother. It is described as "a lot of ground South of Dock Street, West of 2nd Street, near the Bridge, extending west of 2nd Street, Southward 88 feet to the house and lot, thence along said lot 300 feet to thence north- ward by ground late of Samuel Powell, deceased, to a post 70 foot from Walnut Street." The conveyance also includes a piece of land opposite to it on the east side of 2nd Street.
We gain some idea of the possessions of Anthony Morris* when sixty years of age from " a return of property " which he made in 1765. We have reproduced it as it appears in his own handwriting. The original is in the possession of Miss Eliza- beth Morris, who has kindly allowed it to be copied :
10 acres of March Meadow in grass.
70 acres of Uncultivated land.
15 Houses and Lots.
One unimproved lot.
House rents, £793.10.
Ground rents, £200.
4 Horses, 4 Cattle.
One Negro man 60 years old. One woman 25 years old.
One mulatto girl 12 j^ears old.
One hired man.
As already stated, Anthony Morris* was twice married, and in both cases, to heiresses. His wife Sarah, was a
224 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
dau. of Samuel Powell, the rich builder, and his second wife, Elizabeth Hudson, inherited considerable property from her grandfather; and the children of both marriages were wealthy and made alliances with some of the best families of Philadelphia.
Anthony Morris^ was one of the signers of the Non-importa- tion Agreement, Nov. 7, 1765. On Oct. 25, 1765, the Merchants and traders of Philadelphia subscribed to a non-importation agreement, and on Nov. 7, 1765, at a general meeting in Phila- delphia, it was thus duly unanimously resolved by them that they "would not import any goods from Great Britain until the Stamp Act was repealed." Among the signers of this Resolu- tion were Anthony Morris,* Samuel Morris, and many others. The Resolution was fully sustained by the Brewers of Philadel- phia, who refused to buy any portion of a cargo of Malt that arrived from Yarmouth, England, in 1769, so that the captain of the ship was forced to return with it.
Among the list of 84 persons keeping pleasure carriages in Philadelphia in 1772, appear the names of Anthony Morris,* Samuel Morris, Samuel Powell, Thos. Clifford, Richard Wistar, and Widow Greenleaf (whose maiden name was Catharine Wistar), each one coach wagon ; a coach was considered a special distinction in those days.
On Feb. 28, 1764, a tripartite agreement was drawn up, Anthony Morris of Southwark, and Elizabeth, his wife, being of the first part ; Anthony Morris^ the younger, Brewer, and Israel Morris the younger. Merchant, Thomas Morris, John Franklin, Merchant, of New York, and Deborah his wife, and Sarah Morris, Spinster, of the second part; and Samuel Morris and Joseph Morris of Philadelphia, Merchants, of the third part : The Deed conveys to Samuel and Joseph Morris in trust for Anthony Morris the younger, — 2 Brick tenements and a lot 88 x 162 feet south of Dock and West of 2nd Street.*
In the settlement of the Estate of Anthony Morris^ on —
Oct. 30, 1765, John Morris, of Whitemarsh Township, Gentle- man, and Mary his wife, Samuel Morris, Esq., and Hannah his wife, Joseph Morris, of Philadelphia, Merchant, Deborah Morris, Spinster, Benjamin Shoemaker and his wife Elizabeth, Anthony
Vide Deed Book 17, p. 564, Office of Recorder of Deeds, Philadelphia.
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RETURN MADE BY ANTHONY MORRIS* OF PROPERTY POSSESSED BY HIM, 1765
FOURTH GENERATION. 225
James Morris, and Blatlnvaite Jones, Merchant, and his wife Mary — as Residuary Legatees of the Estate of Anthony Morris,^ con- veyed to Anthony Morris the Elder, of South wark. Gentleman, and Anthony Morris the younger. Brewer, the following prop- erties, viz: —
House and lot bounded eastward with Front Street, southward with lot granted to Samuel Morris, westward with Mary Gray's land, and northward with ground of George Gray, granted by William Morris to Anthony Morris, Brewer, — 180x17 feet 9 inches, also a lot on Mulberry Street, bounded southward with Mulberry Street, eastward with John Morris's ground, W'Cstward with ground of Samuel Morris, northward by ends of Sassafras Street lots, 29 feet 9 inches x 306 feet, being part of large lot of 99 feet granted by Philip Roman to Anthony Morris.^
Also 111 acres of land of 500 acres of land in Cumry town- ship, Berks County; also l/T'** part of land in Hunterton County, New Jersey, called the Miery Run, about five miles from Trenton, bought of Joseph Decow et at. Also 1/7'^ share of Copper Mines in New Brunswick.*
In 1777 during the War of the Revolution, the Congress left Philadelphia and the State Government of Pennsylvania removed from Philadelphia to Lancaster; the Supreme Exec- utive Council began its sessions there on October 1st. " Before "their departure, in the days of excitement over the approach of "General How^e, the Congress and the Council had caused the "arrest of a number of persons, mostly Friends, upon the general "charge of opposing and discouraging the American cause, on "Aug. 28^'' the former body had named eleven of the leading " Friends, including the three Pemberton brothers, for arrest ; "and the Council on the 31st, increased the number to forty -one, "adding other Friends, and also Provost Smith, Rev. Mr. Coombs, "the assistant rector. Dr. Phineas Bond & others. Fifteen of the "forty-one, for various reasons were not arrested but twenty-six, "seventeen of whom were Friends, were taken by Colonel Wm. " Bradford with a military guard, and confined in the Mason's " Lodge. Congress suggested, September 3rd, that the party be "sent to Staunton, Virginia, and after several days of disputa-
*VkU Deed Book D 1, p. 185, Office of Recorder of Deeds, Phila.
226 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"tion, * * * twenty of the party* were loaded in light "covered wagons 'at the door of the Lodge and sent off under "'guard on the afternoon of the battle of Brandywine. They '"went by way of Reading to Harris's Ferry, and thence through '"the Cumberland Valley to Winchester, Virginia, where they re- '"mained until the following spring when they were released.'"
Among those who were in exile in Virginia was Thomas Wharton, Sr., who was related to Anthony Morris'* through his wife Elizabeth.
The following letter from Thomas Wharton to Anthony Morris* during the banishment of the former to Virginia will be read with interest :
Letter addressed to " Anthony Morris in Southwark adjoin- ing to Philadelphia."
"Hopewell, April 2"^ 1778. " Esteemed Relation,
" I refer thee to a letter which I wrote thee on the 25th ult°. in which thou would have the account of the amputation being performed, at the express desire of our Dear Relation, and the Happy prospect we had of his recovery. But Alas, how short sighted are we, or is the judgement of Man ? Altho for a day or two after that, judging by the various Dressings made, it appeared that our hopes had a reasonable foundation. But about the 28th we could not help observing a change, and a Flightiness in some of his expressions, which as it increased added to the Gloominess of our prospect, notwithstanding which a Ray of Hope from some more favorable symptoms, till on the SV^ when the Doctor came out to dress his thigh, He discovered such an Approach of the Dissolution of this Great and Worthy Man, that it caused us painful Hearts. He continued that day pretty easy only Com- plaining of the phlegm rising in his throat ; Indeed we had to Observe that the left side of his Mouth was Contracted, thus, at
* James Pemberton, Miers Fisher, John Pemberton, Samuel Pleasant, Thomas Gilpin, Samuel Fisher (son of John), Owen Jones, junior, Edward Penington, William Drewet Smith, Charles Eddy, Israel Pemberton, John Hunt, Thomas Pike, Thomas Fisher, Henry Drinker, Elijah Brown, William Smith (broker), Thomas Wharton, Senr, Charles Jervis, Thomas Affleck (Colonial Records xi., p. 296).
FOURTH GENERATION. Til
times taking some small matters, He continued till about 9 o'clock in the Evening, when a Change was very Apparent, Gradually departing without much pain or struggle, till about 7 minutes after 10 o'clock ; when it pleased the Divine Author of his Being to put a period thereto, and take him to Himself, and into that State of Bliss, which his Soul has been preparing for these Many Years Past.
"Thus after a Painful Conflict of between 5 & 6 weeks, in which He showed (by a steady resignation to the will of his Maker) a most Patient Disposition, never repining, but Praying, that he might be Indued with Patience to the End, which indeed has been Mercifully extended to Him, He has finished his work and left an example worthy of Imitation.
"His Corps was this Morning Decently Interred in Friends burial Ground at this place. Attended by a Great number of Friends and others. Many of Whom have had to bear Testimony to the Excellence of his Ministry, demonstrating in the Power and Authority of the Gospels the Commission His Master had favoured Him with.
" Friends and others have been very kind in Affording their Assistance in the Days of Distress, And all our Particular Friends have done whatever lay in their Power for Him. — The kind and Affectionate Attention which our Friends, Owen Jones, J. S. & Ch. Eddy have paid Him, both by Night & by Day has been very Acceptable.
"Please to remember me Affectionately to k\\ our Relations & particularly to my Afflicted Cousin Rachel.
"I shall discharge what Expenses have Incurred, & take the best care I can of his things, And if I should not be permitted to return, shall Forward his Will.
" I remain thy aff'ectionate Kinsman,
"Thos. Wharton.
" P. S. Please excuse the bad Copying of this as it was done after Night.
" To Anthony Morris."
Anthony Morris* died on Oct. 2, 1780, at his County seat, " Peckham " in South wark. His wife Elizabeth survived him, and departed this life 5 mo. 23'"^ 1783.
228 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Elizabeth Hudson (a granddaughter of William Hudson, Ma^^or of Philadelphia in 1725, and dau. of William and Jane [Evans] Hudson), b. Feb. 20, 1721/2; d. 5th mo. 22nd, 1783; m. 4th mo. 30th, 1752, Anthony Morris* (as his second wife).
Elizabeth Hudson was famous as a Preacher in the Societ}- of Friends, and in company with Jane Hoskins, who was also a minister, paid a religious visit to the "Friends" in England and Ireland. She has left a Diary, which commences in 1743, and extends through several years. It is principally filled with refer- ences to her religious experiences, and it is written in the quaint style of the middle of the last century. The writer speaks frequently of visits paid to Isaac Norris's seat at Fairhill, and she notes the various places which she visited abroad. After laying her "concern" to visit Europe before the Philadelphia Monthly jMeeting of Friends, and receiving from it a suitable certificate, she left Chester for Europe, in the "Pembrook," Captain Arthur Burris, Commander, — Morris and Griffiths, owners, on 11th mo. 27th, 1747.
After a voyage of five weeks she landed in Dublin. She traveled about almost continuous!}^ through Ireland, England and Scotland, preaching in almost ever}^ meeting, and at length, on 28th 3rd month, 1751, she went on board the ship "Caroline" at Gravesend for her return to America. After a rough voyage of eight weeks she reached Philadelphia again, " having been about 3 years and 3 months, exclusive of the time of being at sea."
Upon her return she continued to visit various meetings. She writes at a later date in her Diar}^ that whilst visiting friends at AVilmington, " my friend A. Morris — my husband that now is, "first acquainted me with his intention of offering himself to me " as a suitor for marriage, which I was to take under considera- "tion, — which affair I think I duly weighed, and in the 2°*^ mo "following concluded to accomplish, our marriage was solem- " nized on the 30'^ day of 2"'' mo (should be 4^^ mo) 1752, at our "meeting house at Philadelphia. We were favored with the " company of our esteemed friend W" Hammon from Duck Creek, "and E. Shipley, who had come on purpose to attend our mar- " riage. The meeting was large and the public service weighty " and particularly suitable to the occasion. I had a good meeting "which had a tendency to confirm me I was right in the present " undertaking."
FOURTH GENERATION. 229
After the birth (3mo. 10th, 1753) of her first son, who was named WiUiam Hudson Morris, she became seriously depressed in spirit, and physically weak. She realized that she needed rest from the business and cares of City life, and at her suggestion, and with her husband's ready acquiescence, they removed in the latter part of 1756 to their " place in South wark." In her Diary she writes: " Soon after was visited with a severe fit of illness, and "before I recovered, my husband fell ill with a nervous fever "which brought him to the brink of the grave." From this illness he recovered partially, but further on she writes, "After "continuing two years at the Farm, and our health not recov- " ering, thought it best to let it, and leave off" all business, which "some favourable turns in our circumstances admitted of. We "then went to the place we had formerly kept as a Country "House, to which we moved in 1758, when we enjoyed better "health and had less care upon me. At this place I had my "second son, Luke, who was born 4**" mo. (April) 10^^ & the 4*^ of "the week, just seven years and one month (being 1760) after " his brother William. After the birth of this son, was favoured "with a better state of health than had been blessed with for "some years, by which means got more to meetings, at home " and abroad.
a-j^st ^j^ jo^y^ 1761, was proclaimed our present King George 3'\ "his royal Grandfather having, full of years departed this life "25^*" of 9"' mo, having filled with honour the exalted station " allotted him by that Providence by whom Kings rule & Princes "decree justice. Thirty-four years, his mild government and "love of peace, rendered him the beloved object of his subject's "affections, who greatly lament his loss."
Her Diary concludes with the following passage : "As every " manifest interposition of Providence in our favour, calls for "our humble acknowledgements to the Director of it, I cannot " but mention with gratitude, what I esteem such, in a singular "manner. My oldest son went into the next room from where " I was sitting, and in a few minutes I heard a gun go off, and a "little girl I had living with me, scream out and then cease. I "was greatly alarmed and ran to where they were. I found her " lying flat on the floor, speechless with fright, and my son little "better; he had, not knowing the gun was charged, held it up " towards her."
230 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Here the Diary abruptly ends, as the rest of the leaves have been torn out. A fragment, however, has been found, which undoubtedly refers to the contemplated destruction of the " Christian Indians " in 1764. In order that it may be better understood, we preface it by an extract from the Pennsylvania Gazette for Feb. 9th, 1764 :—
" Pennsylvania Gazette," Feb. 9, 1764.
" The City was alarmed with the news of great numbers of " armed men from the Frontiers being on the several roads and "moving towards PhiP, as their designs were unknown and there "were various reports concerning them, it was thought proper to "put the City in some posture of defence against any outrages "that might possibly be intended. The inhabitants being accord- "ingly called upon by the Governor, great numbers of them "entered into an association and took arms for the support of "Government and maintenance of good order.
"Six companies of foot, one of artillery & two Troops of Horse " were formed and paraded, to which, it is said, some thousand who " did not appear, were prepared to join themselves in case of any " attempt against the town should have been made. The Barracks " also where the Indians are lodged under the protection of the "regular troops were put into a good posture of defence several "works being thrown about them & eight pieces of cannon planted "there.
"The Insurgents it seems intended to rendezvous at German- "town, but the precautions taken at the several ferries over "Schuylkill, impeded their junction, & those who were assembled "there being made acquainted with the forces raised to oppose "them, listened to the reasonable discourses & advice of the "prudent persons who voluntaril}^ went out to meet and admon- "ish them, and of some gentlemen sent by the Governor to know "the reasons of their insurrection and promised to return peace- "ably to their habitations, leaving only two of their number to "present a petition to the Governor and Assembly, on which the " Companies raised in town were thanked by the Governor, and "on Tuesday evening dismissed & the City restored to its former "quiet. But on AVednesday morning, there was a fresh alarm "occasioned by a false report that four hundred of the same
FOURTH GENERATION. 231
"people were on their march to attack the Town. Immediately "on beat of drum a much greater number of the inhabitants. with " the utmost alacrity put themselves under arms, but as the truth "was soon known, they were again thanked by the Governor "and dismissed, the country people being really dispersed and "gone home according to promise." Thus far from the Gazette.
Elizabeth Hudson writes:
"The first certain intelligence we had of the approach of "these evil minded men whose purposes were beyond all doubt "to have destroyed the Indians who were for their security lodged "within the Barracks, and perhaps those who encouraged them "in their cruel designs, was on the Seventh day night, when " divers of our friends from the City, who were greatly alarmed "at the various reports which prevailed with respect to their "intentions and numbers, which were greatly magnified by those " who secretly favoured that party, in order to intimidate the "inhabitants, fled to our house, as a place out of the way of the "tumult and noise which had filled the City. I received them "with open arms, and made what preparation I could to receive " all that might come. That night all things were pretty quiet, "and next day, some who it was thought too much favoured their "design, went out of town to meet them, but whether they were "deceived or purposely deceived, I know not, but they reported "they were not on the road or did they believe they were coming "these being esteemed reputable men were so far depended upon, " that the fears of many subsided, and those at our house returned "home, but were renewedly at three oclock next morning, by "ringing of the bells & beat of drums, there being certain intel- "ligence sent to the governor and divers others, of there having " several companies of armed men crossed the ford of Schuylkill "about Reading, etc. This news being authentic, gained such "credit that some hundreds took to their arms and departed to "the barracks, -in order to assist those regulars under whose "protection these poor Indians were, and for whose lives these "bloody men thirsted. This melancholy news was soon brought " us by many who again fled with their children. And we received "them and gave them such comfort as we could, but unspeakable "were some of their terrors and fears as supposing they in their "rage would fire the town and put all to the sword. All the
232 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"following da}^ the pannick increased from continual accounts of "their great numbers, and that some hundreds of our treacherous "inhabitants were in wait to join them, many threatening "si^eeches were spread abroad against divers individuals and " some of these of our Society "
The following is an extract from a letter written by Ezekiel Edwards to Phineas Pemberton : —
It is dated
" New York, June 1, 1774. "Dear Finney,
"Arrived here about 4 in the afternoon, and soon after had "the pleasure of meeting an acquaintance Barclay Dimsdale, in "fine spirits, being in a party on board the ship Dick goes in, "where they introduced us to a large company, among whom was "A. Morris and his most amiable wife with one of the Hudsons."
Elizabeth (Hudson) Morris survived her husband and died 5th mo. 22nd, 1783.
Anthony Morris^ and his first wife (Sarah) had issue: —
47. AxTHoxY 3I0RKIS, b. 9mo. 25, 1731 ; d. llmo. 29, 1732.
48. Samuel Morris (Captain), b. 4mo. 24, 1734; d. 7mo. 7, 1812; 111.
12mo. 11, 1755, Eebecca Wistar.
49. Deborah Morris, b. 9mo. 15, 1736 ; d. 9mo. 23, 1787 ; m. 9mo. 8, 1750,
John Franklin, of New York.
50. Anthony Morris (Major), b. 8mo. 8, 1738; killed at Battle of Prince-
ton, Imo. 3, 1777.
51. Israel ]\Iorris, b. 2mo. 6, 1741 ; d. lOmo. 30, 1806 ; m. Mary Harrison.
52. Sarah Morris, b. 5mo. 2, 1743 ; d. Imo. 20, 1830 ; m. 4mo. 11, 1771,
William Buckley.
53. Thomas Morris, b. llmo. (Jan.) 25, 1745/6; d. lOmo. 2, 1809; m.
lOmo. 6, 1768, Mary Saunders.
Anthony Morris* and his second wife (Elizabeth) had issue: —
54. William Hudson Morris, b. 3mo. 10, 1753 ; d. 9mo. 14, 1807 ; m. 9mo.
5, 1776, Sarah Warder.
55. Luke Morris, b. 4mo. 10th, 1760 ; d. 3mo. 20, 1802 ; m. 5mo. 9, 1786,
Ann Willing.
56. Isaac Morris, b. llmo. 28, 1761 ; d. in "the following week."
FOURTH GENERATION. 233
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF ANTHONY MORRIS."
Anthony Morris of the District of Southwark, Philadelphia Co., Gentleman. Will dated 27th 6mo. (June), 1777. Mentions having already made provision for Elizabeth his " dearly beloved wife" by a deed of settlement.* Concerning his two sons Samuel and Israel, he states he has already given them so much of his Estate as he intends for them. To dau. Deborah Franklin and her heirs, he gives a yearly rent charge of £26.5.0 issuing out of a lot of ground which Dennis Dougherty holds on the bank of Delaware on the west side of Water Street, and east side of Front Street, Philadelphia, also a yearly rent charge of £21 issuing out of a lot of ground which John Mayes holds, adjoining the said first described lot in Philadelphia ; also a messuage and lot situate on east side of 2nd Street opposite the New Market in Philadelphia, now in tenure of Sarah Reynolds; also three messuages and three lots of ground thereunto belonging on the north side of Pewter Platter Alley, Philadelphia; also a messuage and lot of ground on Front Street and Water Street now in tenure of Walter Drummond.
To dau. Sarah Buckley and her heirs, a lot of ground on north side of Lombard Street, Philadelphia, now in tenure of John Palmer; also testator's half part of a yearly rent charge of £4 issuing out of a lot of ground in Philadelphia, late in tenure of John Ross, Esq.; also a corner messuage and lot of ground on south side of Market Street and east side of 4th Street, Phila- delphia, now in tenure of George Hill; also a messuage and lot of ground on south side of Market Street, Philadelphia, now in tenure of William Richards ; also a messuage and lot on East side of Water Street, Philadelphia, in tenure of Daniel Fullen.
To son Thomas, he gives the messuage and lot of ground on east side of Water Street, Philadelphia, now in tenure of Chris- topher Sellers; also the messuage, brew house, malt house, lot of ground and wharfs late in tenure of Francis Wade ; also the two bank messuages and lots of ground opposite the said
*The deed which bears date the " third day of November, 1775, did settle and assure unto and upon his wife Ehzabeth for life and after her death to the said sons William and Luke in Fee a certain Estate * * * supposed to be worth £8500."
234 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
brew-house in Philadelphia, now in tenure of William Dru3^er and William Nicholas, with the stipulation that son Thomas shall pay out of the said premises so devised to him, the sum of £260, the income of which, shall be enjoyed by dau. Deborah Franklin for life, and at her decease the said £260 shall be equally divided between her children.
To his two sons, William Morris and Luke Morris, he gives his plantation and tract of land called "Solitude," between the Moyamensing and Passyunk Roads, in district of Southwark, containing 62 acres, and also his meadow ground on Gloucester Road, in Moyamensing township, bounded eastward by River Delaware, westward b}' said road, and southward by ground of James Hamilton, containing 12 acres, with the stipulation that the}^ shall pay out of the same lands, &c., £3020 to certain creditors in a schedule annexed. His plate and the residue of his estate he directs shall be equally divided between his three sons, Thomas, William and Luke, and his two daughters, Deborah and Sarah. Executors — "beloved wife Elizabeth," and three sons, Thomas Morris, William Morris, and Luke Morris.
In the event of his children failing to agree concerning the true intent and meaning of his will, he requests that they "choose " four judicious and conscientious friends of the people called " Quakers to settle the same."
(Signed) A. Morris, [l. s.]
W^itn esses :
Thos. Penrose. William Cliffton. Peter Miller.
Codicil dated 29th 9th mo. (September), 1780. Gives both the messuage and Plantation "Solitude" with 63 acres, and the meadow land in Moyamensing of 12 acres, referred to in the Will, to his son William Morris absolutely, with the proviso, that said William undertake to pay out of the said lands the sum of £3000 for the discharge of lawful debts. To son Thomas Morris, he gives his large messuage and lot of ground on the east side of Water Street, Philadelphia, the same which was lately in tenure of Christopher Sellers, also his messuage and lot of ground
FOURTH GENERATION. 235
situate on the east side of AVater Street, Philadelphia, late in tenure of Francis Wade, together with wharfs and stone houses thereto belonging, also messuage and lot of ground adjoining said stone houses, now in tenure of John Rien, with the stipula- tion, that said son Thomas shall pay out of said properties, all the remainder of testator's lawful debts at the time of his decease.
To his dau. Deborah Franklin and her heirs, he gives a messuage with its lot of ground, on the bank between Front Street and Water Street, now in tenure of Mary Crawford. This bequest is in lieu of the messuage and lot of ground near the New Market, which he had given her in the Will — he having sold that property since date of Will.
To dau. Sarah Buckley and her heirs, he gives a messuage and its lot of ground, on the bank between Front and Water Street in Philadelphia, adjoining said tenement and lot devised to dau. Deborah Franklin, now in tenure of Francis Dwyer. It is given in lieu of the messuage and ground in Market Street, Philadelphia, given to said dau. Sarah in his Will, as he was arranging for the sale of the latter property.
To his son Luke Morris and his heirs, he gives his messuage or tenement plantation and tract of land, in the District of South- wark called " Peckham," containing nine acres. This is in lieu of the lands or tenements devised to him in the Will, and clear from paying any part of said debts. The corner lot with messuage, on east side of Fourth Street and south side of Market Street, which in the Will he gave to dau. Sarah Buckley, he gives to son William Morris, with the stipulation that son William shall pay to said dau. Sarah Buckley or her heirs, yearly, a ground rent of £75.
(Signed) A. Morris.
'Witnesses :
Peter Miller, James Sparks.
Elizabeth Morris, AVilliam Morris and Luke Morris having renounced the Executorship, July 9, 1781, the Will was proved at Philadelphia 23d Jul}^, 1781, by Thomas Morris, to whom Letters of Administration were given.
Sam Morris, Reg"".
236 GENEALOGY OF THE MOKKIS FAMILY.
Some controversy arising, respecting the said AVill and Codicil, the matter was submitted to the arbitration of John Reynell, James Pemberton, Edward Penington, Pvichard Wells
V^^ tM^^^/^^/y^J
'^^iy^^^^i^^^^t^^fy
y^^^^^^^
and Nicholas Wain, and a compromise was effected, by which the sons Samuel Morris and Israel Morris undertook to pay £3000 to William Morris and Luke Morris, in consideration of their not coming into immediate possession of the Estate, settled in Deed of Settlement " referred to in the Will." Samuel and Israel were also to pay all the debts, and William and Luke were to convej'^ to said Samuel and Israel, the Plantation called "Solitude" and the 12 acres of meadow land referred to in the Will; a good deed of conveyance of the messuage and lot at the Corner of Market Street was to be made to Sarah Buckley, for Life, Remainder for her children. For the true performance of this agreement, Samuel and Israel bound themselves to William
FOURTH GENERATION. 237
and Luke, and William and Luke in like manner, bound them- selves to Samuel and Israel, in the sum of three thousand foreign pieces of gold coin, called Half Johannes, each weighing nine penny-weight lawful money of the Kingdom of Portugal.
POWELL FAMILY.
Samuel Powell (whose dau. Sarah m. Anthony Morris*) was born in Great Britain 11th mo. 2nd, 1673. Mr. P. S. P. Connor has made extensive investigations as to Samuel Powell's parentage, and finds (according to the evidence afforded by a comparison of the records herein cited, together with the Herald's Visitations at the College of Arms, London, and the seals used by the Somerset and Pennsylvania Powells), "that he came of a Somersetshire family, many of the name, and apparently his kinsmen, being resident in the parish of North Curry and its neighborhood;" Stoke Saint Gregory in particular.
But they came originally from Wales. Their coat of arms bore. Party per Jesse, argent and or, a Lion rampant gules ; Crest, a star of eight points above a cloud — all proper. From this coat of arms, it is evident that the family claimed descent from the princes of Powis, through Einion Efell, Lord of Cynlaeth, who flourished in the 12^'' century.*
Young Samuel Powell's aunt, Ann Powell of North Curr}^, m. John Parsons of Middlezoy, at Greinton 6th mo. 23d, 1685. The places named are in Somerset (Vide Book A, p. 4, F. M., Arch Street, Philadelphia). Samuel's father was Samuel Powle or Powell, bapt. Sept. 20, 1642, Stoke S\ Gregory, County Somer- set, England ; m. in Friends' Meeting 3rd mo. 6th, 1670 (being the first one of the family to become a " Friend ") to Deborah Powle of Stoke, bapt. 12th Oct., 1640 (S*. Gregory), d. 2nd mo. 6th, 1679 (Parish Register, Stoke Saint Gregory, County Somerset ; Friends' Register for Somerset, Devonshire House, London).
Samuel Powell their son, came to Philadelphia in 1685t (an
* See Lloyd's " History of Powys Fadog," Vol. i., pp. 126, 127, etc. ; and Ped. of Powell of Park, in Vol. iii., p. 405; also Ped. of sd. Powell in MS., British Museum, London.
tPenna. Mag., Vol. x., p. 76. Deed Book No. 7, p. 92, Recorder of Deeds Office, Philadelphia.
238 GENEALOGY OF THE MOEEIS FAMILY.
orphan), with his aunt, Ann Parsons. Her husband was a Carpenter of importance, being a member of Council, and Samuel Powell was brought up to the same business. He w^as seriously inclined and "being faithful to the impression of Truth "in his own mind, he soon became a useful member both of " religious and civil society."
On the 19^^ of the 12*'^ mo., 1700, Samuel Powell m. Abigail Wilcox (b. 7th mo. 28th, 1679 ; d. 7th mo. 4th, 1713), dau. of Barnabas Wilcox ; and in -his married life, both as a loving husband, and as a watchful concerned parent, he was exemplary and faithful. He was early appointed an " Elder," which im- portant station he filled "with prudence and faithfulness." He was constant and exemplary in the education of his family, circumspect in his conduct, and a lover of Truth.
In 1712, he w^as elected one of the Regulators of Partition Walls in Philadelphia, and in 1718, he was the "Builder of ye "Bridge over ye Dock in "Walnut Street." P -66 /^ /y
In 1717-29-30 and 32 <y 0^1^^ U Cnt^-^CyCC^ Samuel Powell was a
Member of Common Council, and in 1713 was an Alderman of the City of Philadelphia. He was the heir of his aunt, Ann Parsons, who died 6th mo. 24th, 1712. (Will recorded, Philadel- phia, Book C, p. 331). Although he was well known as the "rich carpenter" of his day, he was no mere carpenter, he was a great architect and builder, and for the last forty years of his life, few persons were more employed at the meetings in Phila- delphia, than Samuel Pow^ell. He departed this life the 27^^ of 6*'' month, 1756, about the 83'"'* year of his age.
At his death he left a laTge landed estate, and the reputation of having been one of the greatest contributors to the growth of Philadelphia, and to its material and moral improvement.
Mr. Howard Edwards has kindly furnished the following Memorandum : —
"Samuel Powell was the owner of 90 houses and lived at the " N. E. Corner of Pine and 2nd Streets. His garden was on the " south side of Pine Street where the Friend's Meeting afterwards "stood. Besides being a rich builder, he was a Manufacturer of "Fire Buckets.
FOUHTH GENERATION. 239
"The ground now occupied by S^ Pauls' Church (3'"'^ below " AValnut), and descending from Pear Street, was known as ' Pow- " ell's Hill.' Samuel Powell owned all the ground south of S' "Paul's, down to Si^ruce St. The two properties immediately "south of S' Paul's, formed a part of this large Estate, and were "inherited by my grand mother Sarah Powel Hoivard, who was a "granddaughter of Samuel Powell. In 18G4, by order of her "executors, they were sold to Robert M'^Gregor for $16,000°°. "Samuel Powell also owned, nearly the entire square bounded by "S'^'and 6'^ Streets, and Spruce and Pine Streets. From the "same source, my grandmother inherited the properties 516, 518, "and 520 Spruce Street, but one of which, N° 516, now remains "in the family. Powel Street derived its name from the original " owner of this square."
By his will, Samuel Powell devised a piece of ground to " such persons as the Monthly Meeting of the People called Quakers, of Philadelphia, shall nominate, in trust, for ever, 60 feet in width, situated on south side of Pine Street, between Front and 2°*^ 8\ there to build a Meeting House, if the Members of the Society shall agree to build a Meeting and not else."
And by his Will, he recommended, two side lots to be given by his grand-children, to give light and air to the meeting. They obeyed the directions, and the Meeting House lot was consequent- ly enlarged. In 1758 the Meeting House was erected, and was called in early times the " Hill Meeting," in consequence of its being erected on Society Hill.
Samuel Powell's son, Samuel Powell, b. 12th mo. 20th, 1704 ; d. Oct. 1, 1759 ; m. 9th mo. 9th, 1732, Mary Morris."
Samuel Powell's dau. Sarah (the first wife of Anthony Morris"), was b. 4th mo. 29th, 1713; m. 12th mo., 1730, and d. 2d mo. 10th, 1751. She was the mother of (Captain) Samuel Morris, whose Christian name was derived, doubtless, from his maternal grand- father Samuel Powell.
Samuel Powell's dau. Deborah (b. 8tli mo. 24th, 1706, in the house of Susan Ann Parsons, aunt to Samuel Powell) became the second wife of Joshua Emlen on 9th mo. 29th, 1728. Joshua Emlen was the fourth son of George Emlen, who came from Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire, in the time of Penn. Joshua Emlen m. (first) Mary, dau. of Holton, and widow of
240 GENEALOGY OF THE MOKRIS FAMILY.
Hudson, by whom he had no surviving issue. By his marriage with Deborah Powell he had Samuel Powell Emlen, afterwards called simply Samuel Emlen, the noted public friend, who m. twice. By his first wife, Elizabeth Mood, dau. of William Mood, he had a son, namely, Samuel Emlen of West Hill, and of Burlington, N. J. This Mr. Emlen was the founder of the Emlen Institute, now established at Warminster, Bucks Co., Pa. He. m. in 1795 Susanna Dillwyn, dau. of William Dillwyn of Bur- lington. There was no issue by this marriage. Returning to his father Samuel Emlen, he, after the death of his first wife (Elizabeth Mood) m. Sarah dau. of Asher Mott, by whom he had Deborah, who d. unm., and Elizabeth, who m. Philip Syng Phj^sick, M. D., on Sept. 18, 1800. Dr. Physick left four children, one of whom, Susan Dillwyn, was wife of Commodore Conner, U. S. N., and mother of Mr. P. S. P. Conner who has supplied much of this information respecting the Powells.
In addition to the above-mentioned children, Samuel and Abigail (Wilcox) Powell, had Ann Powell, b. 12th mo. 10th, 1702; d. 10th mo. 10th, 1707; and a second Ann Powell, b. 7th mo. 24th, 1708; d. 8th mo. 26th, 1714, aged 6 years and 2 days. The following particulars are kindly furnished by Philip S. P. Conner, Esq. According to the records cited, and provided the identification of persons is correct, the following line shows the descent of Samuel Powell the first, of Philadelphia,
Samuel Powell, b. in the Parish of "Gregory Stoake" (Stoke Saint Gregory) Co. Soms., England, 11th mo. 2nd, 1673; d. at Philadelphia, Penna., 6th mo. 27th, 1756 ; son of Samuel bapt. 20th Sept., 1642; son of Gregory bapt. 7th June, 1599; son of John Powell, junior (by his wife Elizabeth Davidge of sd. Stoke,
bu. 27th Feb., 1618, being then called the elder; son of
Powell who was jwobably a son of Morgan Powell, of Taunton {viv. 16th cent.), who was a descendant of Einion Efell, Lord of Cynllaeth (ob. 1196) through the latter's descendant Howell the son of Griffith of Aberbanah, in Shropshire on the Welsh border.
Howell may have been the said Morgan Powell's (Morgan ap Howell) father or grandfather; but this connection is, as shown, yet uncertain, and is here suggested but as a clue, which if fol- lowed up may lead to the discovery of the true line of descent and show the exact link of connection with the Princes of Powis.
FOURTH GENERATION. 241
THE WILCOX FAMILY.
The name Wilcox (Wild Chough) is undoubtedly of Saxon times and origin, as the family Crest (a Cornish Chough upon a pile of rocks) indicates. The Chough is the red-legged raven of the south of England, and the first Wilcox was so called, doubt- less because he bore a wild chough (pronounced gutturally) upon a shield or pole, in the many battles fought in those rude days. See Ashmead's Hist. Delaware, p. 492.
Abigail Wilcox who m. Samuel Powell (the elder) was the dau. of Barnabas and Sarah Wilcox. Barnabas Wilcox came from the Parish of Bedminster, near Bristol, in the County of Somerset, England, in, or just before, 1683. He was a merchant and man of substance. He appears as "Barnaby Wilcox" in Reed's list of First purchasers. He was a member of the Penn- sylvania Assembly in 1685, and a Justice of the Courts of Phila- delphia in 1686, 1687 and 1690.
"certificate of marriage of SAMUEL POWELL AND ABIGAIL WILCOX.
"Whereas, Samuel Powell of Philadelphia Carpenter, and Abigail Wilcox Daughter of Barnabas and Sarah Wilcox de- ceased of the same place; Haveing declared their Intentions of taking Each other in Marriage before several Public Meetings of the People of God called Quakers in Philadelphia aforesaid, according to the good Order used among them, whose proceedings therein, after a Deliberate consideration thereof, [with Regarde unto the Righteous Laws of God,] and Example of his people Recorded in the Scriptures of truth in that Case Were approved of by the said Meetings, They appearing clear of all others, And haveing the Consent of Partyes and Relations concerned; Now These are to Certifie All whom it may Concerne, that for the full accomplishing of their said Intentions, this Nineteenth Day of the Twelvth Month called February, In the Year, according to the English account, one Thousand Seaven hundred, They the said Samuel Powell and Abigail Wilcox, appeared in a Public Assembly of the aforesaid People, and others Mett together, for that End and Purpose in their Public Meeting Place in Phila- delphia aforesaid, and in a Solemne Manner, he the said Samuel
242
GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY
Powell, takeing the said Abigail Wilcox by the hand Did openly Declare as FoUoweth : —
"Friends in the fear of the Lord, & before this Assembly, I take this my friend Abigail Wilcox to be my wife Promissing to be to her a faithful & Loveing husband, untill it shall please the Lord by Death to Separate us ;
"And then and there in the said assembly, the said Abigail Wilcox did in Like IManner Declare as Followeth; Friends in the fear of God, & before this assembly, I take my friend Samuel Powell to be my husband, promissing to be to him a faithful & Loveing wife, till God by Death shall Separate us;
"And the said Samuel Powell and Abigail AVilcox, as a further Confirmation thereof, did then and there to these Presents Sett their hands; and we whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, being Present among others, at the Solemnizing of their said Marriage and Subscription, in manner aforesaid, as Witnesses hereunto, have also to these Presents Subscribed our Names, The Day and Year above Written. g^^^^ p^^^^^^
Abigail Wilcox
Wm Penn
'Tho Story Jonat^ Dickinson ^Thomas Willis •John Lea ' Nicholas Walln ^Griffith Owen ' Edw'' Penington 'Joseph Shippen ' Griffith Jones ' W" Southebe 'George Claypoole 'John Guest 'George Gray ' Sam : Carpenter ' Da" Lloyd 'James Thomson 'Hugh Durborow 'Will Powell 'John Goodsonn 'John Kinsy ' Ralph Jackson ' Philip James ' W" Hudson
James Keile Philip England Ricd Peters Walter Long Sarah Dymock Jane Breintnall Nathaniel Edgcomb Samuel Bradshaw William Woodmansea Thomas Griffith Nicho. Fairlamb Joseph Paull Phill : Taylor John Hurford Edw^ Fowes Arthur Starr Joseph Paull William Fishbourn Joan ffowes Hannah Penn Rebekah Shippen Sarah Clements Ann Dil worth Joan Jones"
Margret Cooke Rudth Duckitt Elizabeth Fox Mary Williss Margrett Peters Margrett Jones Hannah Carpenter. Ann Webb Elizabeth Maccomb Mary Moultby Joseph Willcox Esther ffi'eeland Rachell Willcox Ann Willcox Jh"". Psons (Sic) Ann Parsons John Roades Edwd : Shippen Joseph Jones Rebecca Willcox Rebecah Budd Marg'. Mecomb Sarah Goodsonn
FOURTH GENERATION. 243
THE HUDSON FAMILY
William Hudson, the founder of this family in Philadelphia, was b. in 1661 in Yorkshire, England, being the eldest son, and heir of William Hudson and his first wife Mary. "The Hudsons came of a good old stock, in which the blood of sturdy yeoman mingled with that of country squire and London mer- chant." The Elder William Hudson early joined the Society of Friends, and bore his share of the persecutions inflicted upon the sect. William Hudson, Jr., came hither from " Keedness " or " Fogerbury Manor," Yorkshire, England, in 1683. He was also a member of the " Society of Friends " and enjoyed the friend- ship and confidence of the Proprietor. Will am Hudson, m (1st) 12th mo. 28th, 1688, Mary, dau. of Samuel Richardson, Provin- cial Councillor, and m. (2dly) 12th mo. 27th, 1709, Hannah, widow of Robert Barber of Chester and sister of David Ogden, deceased, of Middletown, Chester, (now Delaware) County. Wil- liam Hudson held several offices of trust in the new city, having for a number of years served as Alderman and Common Coun- cilman, and in 1725 he was elected Mayor. In 1706 he was returned from Philadelphia for the Provincial Assembly, as a member of which body he served with distinction.
In 1697 William Hudson purchased of Anthony Morris as administrator of the estate of Cornelius Bom, deceased, a strip of land 50 feet in width upon Chestnut Street, extending from Chestnut Street to the " Swamp," as the low ground on the verge of Dock Creek used to be called. Being a tanner, William Hud- son located his tan yard in this Swamp, and at the end of the property the family kept the boats in which they were accus- tomed to drop down Dock Creek to the Delaware River on fish- ing excursions, or when they desired to visit their extensive plantation in the "Neck." At the Chestnut Street end of the lot, the family " Mansion " stood. It was a fine, old-fashioned, brick structure which stood back from Chestnut Street, a short distance below 3rd. In the courtyard on Chestnut street, there were stately buttonwood trees growing.
William Hudson accumulated a large amount of property in Philadelphia. He was the original owner of the old tan yard (afterwards Ashburner's), which was formerly located on 3rd
244 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Street, below Girard Bank. This property extended from the southern line of the Bank property to Harmony Court, and back to Hudson's Alley, a passage way into Chestnut Street, which William Hudson caused to be opened for the use of his property, and which has ever since borne his name.
Another property owned by Mr. Hudson, was "Hudson's Orchard," extending from Market Street to Arch, and from 5tli to 6th. He also owned a neat strip of land opposite this plot, which extended from the south line of Christ Church graveyard, at 5th and Arch, to Market Street, and having a depth of 115 feet from 5th Street.
William Hudson was among the first in Philadelphia to com- mence the work of prison reform ; he also delighted in hospital work and in visiting the sick poor. It is said that "in his dress he was rather inclined to be as fashionable as a consistent Quaker could be. He was usually clad in a black velvet suit with large silver buttons, and silver shoe-buckles, and carried a long gilt- headed cane, with a leather loop and tassel. He appeared in public, except when he went to meeting on First Days, in a fine coach, which was valued after his death, although ancient, at £14, being a rare luxury at that time."*
William Hudson died in 1742, and his large estate was divided between his children and grandchildren. His grand- daughter, Elizabeth Hudson, was a famous preacher in the Society of Friends, and married Anthony Morris,"* as we have already stated.
19. James Moeris,* (Anthony,^ Anthony,^ Anthony ) a son of Anthony and Phoebe (Guest) Morris, b. 7th mo. 8tli, 1707 ; d. 29th January (11th mo. 29th), 1750; m. at Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, 1st mo. 12th, 1729, EUzabetli Kearney, dau. of Philip Kearney of Philadelphia, merchant, by his wife Rebecca Brit- ton, dau. of Lionel and Elizabeth Britton of Philadelphia.
A Patent dated Aug. 15th, 1735, was granted to James Morris by the Proprietors, John, Thomas and Richard Penn, for one- third part of a Water Lot on or before Delaware Bank, on east side of Front Street, Philadelphia.
In October, 1739, James Morris was first returned as a Rej^re-
■" T7(/t' Penna. Mag., Vol. xv., p. 340.
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF JAMES MORRIS^ AND ELIZABETH KEARNEY
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF SAMUEL MORRIS' AND HANNAH CADWALADER
FOURTH GENERATION. 245
sentalive of Philadelphia to the Assembly of the Province. On the 15th of Oct.* he took his seat, and at once became a man of importance and usefulness. His father, Anthou}' Morris,^ had just completed his year of service, as Mayor of the City of Phila- delphia, and now the family influence was again to be exercised in the Assembly. About a month later, on Nov. 20, 1739, it was ordered that James Morris, with Thomas Leach, Isaac Norris, John Kearsley, Israel Pemberton and Joseph Harvey "be a com- mittee to prepare an address in answer to the (Governor's) Message."t
A few days later (Nov. 2-l:th), James Morris appears as one of the authors of the " Report of the Committee on Paper Money. "J he was also one of the signers of the "Report of the Committee on the Rates of Gold and Silver Coins per ounce." James Morris was re-elected to the Assembly in 1740, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 40, 47, 48, and 49.§
In 1741 James Morris was one of a Committee of four, ap- pointed to select a site for "a pest house" and Quarantine Station. They chose Fisher's Island — afterwards named Province Island.
On Oct. 19, 1742, he was one of a "Committee to prepare and bring in a Bill for the more Easy and speedy recovery of small debts." Tf It must have been speedily prepared, for it was read for the first time in the House, on the following day, 20tli October.
During the Investigation by the Assembl}^ of the Riots which occurred during the Elections of that year (1742), James Morris was called upon to give evidence concerning it. The following, was his deposition, as preserved in the Azotes of Assembly, A^ol. iii., •p. 585.
DEPOSITION OF JAMES MORRIS.
" James INIorris, one of the Representatives for the County of " Philadelphia in the present Assembly, being examined, declared ''and said. On the first of October about nine in the morning, "near Evan Morgan's Door, I saw John Fisher, and Joseph
* Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii., p. 352. t Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii., p. 356. t Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii., p. 357.
^.Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii., pp. 352, 42-i, 444, 4'J7, 535 ; Vol. iv., pp. 1, 21, 48, 65, 91 and 115.
T[ Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii., p. 498.
246 • GENEALOGY OF THE MOREIS FAMILY.
"Rakestraw, speaking to Joshua Maddox, and heard them desire ''his assistance as a Magistrate, in preventing the Sailors, who "were then near the Church, from coming to the Place of Elec- "tion, for that they were apprehensive the Sailors had some ill "Designs: He answered. What can I do? I am an Old man; if " they break the Peace, bring them before me, and TU commit them : "Capt. Redmond was present, and said You need not be uneasy, the " Sailors are quiet men, and will not hurt any Body ; adding, I will "6e answerable for their conduct to-day. About ten or eleven a clock "standing in the Crowd in Second Street at the Election of In- "spectors, a little above Thomas Campbell's corner I saw a great "number of Sticks lifted up by Persons on the South side of the "Jersey Market; enquiring into the cause, was told that the "Sailors were knocking down the Inhabitants; and seeing "William Allen, Abraham Taylor, and Septimus Robinson, "standing near Evan Morgan's corner, I went to them, and told "them that the Sailors on the other side of the Street were beat- "ing the Inhabitants, and requested them, as Magistrates, to "exert their authority, and prevent further mischief; They said, " you have a great many Dutch that are not naturalized, and the Sailors "have as much Right to be here as the unnaturalized Dutch; if you " had taken up luith the Proposal that was made of Choosing four " Inspectors on each side, this might have been prevented, it is your own " Faxdt. I endeavoured to show the unreasonableness of such a "Proposal, and Septimus Robinson said that Samuel Parr was "gone up to make the proposal again; as I understood it, he " meant, gone up to the Court House. I continued to press the "Magistrates to their duty, particularly William Allen who in "angry manner said What right have you to speak to me? I am "not directed by you; and then turned away. I followed him, and "said that as he was Recorder of the City, I had right to apply "to him for his assistance to suppress a Riot, and that it was his "Duty to preserve the Public Peace; he then claj^ped me on the "Shoulder, and said 'I command you in the King's name to go "'and assist me,' I said I would cheerfully go. Come along; he "went a little way with me towards the Sailors, but by the time " I got to Evan Morgan's corner, I looked back and perceived the " Recorder, standing near the Place where he stood when he com- "manded me to go and assist him. Samuel Preston of the " Aldermen, at that instant coming from the crowd where the
FOURTH GENERATIOX. 247
"Sailors were, I spoke to him, and desired him to press the
"Recorder to his duty, he spoke to the Recorder, but could not
"prevail with him, the Recorder saying; You have brought it on
"yourselves, why had you not agreed to the Proposal of choosing four
''Inspectors on a side (or words to that purpose); Hearing that, I
"gave over further application, and assisted at the choice of the
"remaining part of the Inspectors. After all the Inspectors were
" chose and qualified, and the People on the Court House Stairs
"carrying up their Votes, I saw the Sailors coming down Market
"Street beating and wounding the Inhabitants in barbarous
"manner, and driving them off the Court House Stairs. I
"endeavoured to persuade the Sailors to go on board their Ships,
" but they said You are dammed Quakers, you are Enemies to King
" George, and we will hnoch you all in the head ; and would not go
"on board, unless two of their company were delivered to them,
"that as they said were confined in the Court House; Upon
"inquiry finding that they were not there, the Sailors in a furious
"manner ran up Market Street, knocking down all before them,
"and in a few minutes the Inhabitants- turned upon them, and
" drove them to their Ships. „ -r ,r „
^ "James Morris.
A few years later (in 1747), Benjamin Franklin and his party were bent upon organizing the means of defense, which they considered so requisite for the public safety, but a majority of the " Friends " refused to contribute aid to any such prepa- rations. It is to this period, probably, that the following mention of Mr. James Morris in the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin* refers :
" A transaction in our fire company gave me some insight "into their prevailing sentiments {i. e. of the "Friends"). It "had been proposed, that we should encourage the scheme for "building a battery by laying out the present stock, then about "sixty pounds, in tickets of the Lottery. By our rules, no money "could be disposed of, till the next meeting upon the proposal. "The company consisted of thirty members, of which, twenty- "two were Quakers, and eight only of other persuasions. We "eight punctually attended the meeting; but tho' we thought
*Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin," by John Bigelow ; Lippincott, 187
248 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" that some of the Quakers would join us, we were by no means "sure of a majority. Only one Quaker, Mr. James Morris "appeared to oppose the measure. He expressed much sorrow "that it had ever been proposed, as he said Friends were all " against, and it would create such discord as might break up the "company. We told him that we saw no reason for that; we "were in the minority, and if Friends were against the measure, "and outvoted us, w^e must and should, agreeably to the "usage of all societies, submit. When the hour for business "arrived, it was niov'd to put the vote; he allow'd we might "then do it by the rules, but as he could assure us that a number "of members intended to be present, for the purpose of opposing "it, it would be but candid to allow a little time for their " appearing.
"While we were disputing this, a waiter came to tell me two "gentlemen below desir'd to speak with me. I went down and " found they were two of our Quaker members. They told me "there were eight of them assembled at a tavern just by; that " they were determin'd to come and vote with us if there should " be occasion, which they hop'd would not be the case, and " desir'd we would not call for their assistance if we could do " without it, as their voting for such a measure might embroil "them with their elders and friends. Being thus secure of a "majorit}'', I went up, and after a little seeming hesitation, " agreed to a delay of another hour. This Mr. Morris allow'd "to be extremely fair. Not one of his opposing friends appear'd, "at which he expressed great surprise; and at the expiration of " the hour, we carry'd the resolution Eight to one ; and as of the "twenty two Quakers, eight were ready to vote with us & thirteen "by their absence manifested that they were not inclined to "oppose the measure, I afterward estimated the proportion of " Quakers sincerely against defense, as one to twenty-one only ; "for these were all regular members of the Society, and in good "reputation among them, and had due notice of what was pro- "pos'd at that meeting."
This record of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, is unwittingly, a valuable testimony to the consistency of Mr. James Morris, in so courageously adhering to his " Friends' principles " when deserted by those who should have supported him.
FOURTH GENERATION. 249
Year after year, as the Assembly met, James Morris was appointed on the "Committee to audit and settle the accounts "of the General Loan Office, and other Publick accounts, and to "sink and exchange the old bills of credit received in Exchange," and also on "The Committee of Aggrievances for the ensuing "year." He was one of the signers of the paper money, issued May 26, 1744, and June 24, 1746.
The frequent calls made upon James Morris, to assist in the financial affairs of the State seem to indicate, that he resembled his father, Anthony Morris,' in possessing exceptional ability in matters of finance.
His last public duty, as recorded in the Votes of Assembly for 6th mo. 18th, 1750, was (in conjunction with Thos. Leach) to "see the Great seal affixed to the Law for preventing exportation "of Bread and Flour not merchantable" and to see the same deposited in the Roll's Office."*'
The Will of James Morris, dated 27th Jan., 1750, was proved Jan. 30th, three days after it was made.f He is therein described as " of Philadelphia, Merchant."
In his Will, after devising his Real and Personal Estate to his three children — Isaac, Anthony and Mary — all of them minors, he concludes with these words : " Desiring my Father and Mother to be the guardian of my said children and their Estate."^ His father, Anthony Morris,' undertook the charge, and in his will dated Sept. 29, 1760, the three children are referred to.
James Morris "w^as buried in the Family's burying place in Friends' Graveyard in Philadelphia."
James and Elizabeth (Kearney) Morris had issue: —
57. James Morris, b. ; d. 8mo. 12, 1738.
.")8. Anthony Morris, b. ; d. 12mo. 25, 1 736.
59. Isaac Morris, b. 17.36; d. 5mo. 29, 1821; m. lOmo. 21, 1810,
Sarah INIarriott.
60. Anthony James Morris, b. 1739 ; d. May 27, 1831.
61. Mary Morris, b. ; bu. 3mo. 9, 1800; m. May 25, 1762, Col.
Blathwaite Jones.
* Votes of Assembly, Vol. iv.
t Vide Will Book I.^ p. 349, Recorder of Wills Office, Phila. t As his wife is not mentioned, it is probable she, died before the date of the will.
250 GENEALOGY OF THE MOREIS FAMILY.
KEARNEY FAMILY.
Philip Kearney was the founder of the family of this name in Philadelphia. The date of his coming here is not known, but it is believed that he could not have come over later than 1700. This conclusion is based on the fact that he married in Pennsylvania, and by this marriage had a daughter who was married not later than 1720. According to tradition he was a native of Ireland.
Mr. Kearney was a ]\Ierchant, and as we do not know that he held any offices, it is conjectured that his business pursuits occu- pied his full time. That his social standing w^as of the best, is strongly indicated by the marriage alliances of his children, all of whom connected themselves with leading families. He mar- ried, circa 1700, Rebecca Britton, dau. of Lionel Britton, merchant, by his wife Elizabeth. Mr. Kearney d. in Philadel- phia, April, 1722. By his wife Rebecca he had issue: —
AuGTATiA, bu. in Christ Church Burying Ground, 29th Aug., 1716.
INIary, b. in 1705 ; m. John Kinsey, Chief Justice of Penna., 9th 7mo., 1725.
Eebecca, b. circa 1712 ; m. Wm. Plumsted, Mayor of Philad'a, Friends'
Meeting, Philad'a, 19th April, 1733 ; she d. 20th Jan., 1740/1. Edmund, merchant in Philadelphia, d. 1774. Joanna, (single woman). Elizabeth, m. James Morris, 1729. Susanna, m. (1st) Dr. Edward Owen (he d. Sep., 1729) ; (2d) Thomas
Lloyd, June, 1734.
20. John Morris* (Anthony,^ ^ Anthony,^ Anthon}^^), a son of //T^^'Tt. jhuFTTT^J Anthony and Phoebe (Guest) Mor- ris, b. 4th mo. 23rd, 1709 ; d. 2nd
mo. 3rd, 1782 ; m. 2nd mo. 18th, 1734, Mary Sutton, who d. Oct. 26, 1771, aged 65 years, dau. of Richard and Mary Sutton, of Philadelphia.
In an old Bible, which at one time Ijelonged to William Car- ter, we find the following entry: "Mary Sutton went from my house with her husband John Morris to his mill ye 5th day of May, 1734. Lived with him."
At the close of 1730, Anthony Morris, the father of John Morris,* became the sole owner of " Spring Mill," and the whole
FOURTH GENERATION. 251
of the surrounding property on the banks of the Schuylkill River, not far from Philadelphia. There he settled John Morris* in business, and erected for him (probably about the time of his marriage) a large stone mansion on a slight elevation overlook- ing the mill. In 1739 he transferred to John Morris'' the whole of the Spring Mill property, and the three tracts of land con- nected with it.
In 1762 John Morris* was connected with his brothers, Samuel Morris* and Joseph Morris* in the establishing of the Boiling- Springs Furnace and Forge.
John Morris* appears to have lived in the mansion, at Spring- Mill, for many years. In 1769 he disposed of the house and the surrounding property, to his son-in-law, Joseph Potts, and took up his abode in Southwark, of which district, he is described in a Deed, dated April S, 1775. By it, he conveys to Joseph Potts for £1800 a house and lot on the East side of Water Street be- tween High and Mulberry Streets.
John and Mary (Sutton) Morris had issue : —
62. AViLLiAM MoKHLs, b. 4mo. 27, 1735; d. April 14, 17G6 ; m. 9nio. 21,
1758, Margaret Hill.
63. Mary Morris, b. llmo. 3, 1738 ; cl. Dec. 19, 1765 ; m. Aug. 16, 1764,
Joseph Potts (as his first wife).
64. Anthony Morris, b. at Spring Mill 8mo. 10, 1740 ; d. 9mo. 2, 1740,
"and was buried at Plimoth Meeting."
65. John Morris, b. at Philada. 9mo. 4, 1745 ; d. 6mo. 9, 1746.
66. John Morris, b. lOmo. 3, 1748/9 ; d. 3mo. 29, 1749.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF JOHN MORRIS.*
John Morris of the District of Southwark, Will dated 1st mo. 11, 1781.
To dau. Margaret Morris, widow of son AVilliam, dec**, he gives £50 per annum, to be paid her quarterly, by his four grand- children— John, Richard, Deborah and Willielma Morris (her four children) out of such portion of his estate as shall fall to their share upon a division.
To Ellinor Siddon, he gives a bed, bedstead, bedding and sundry articles of furniture, for her life, and at her decease, to John Morris Potts. He also gives her £30 per annum for life, to
252 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
be paid her by grandson John Morris Potts, or his representa- tives, issuing out of his (testator's) house, on the west side of Front Street, near the bridge, and now in tenure of Thomas Newark, which house and lot he gives to grandson John Morris Potts.
To John Morris Potts he gives a yearly ground rent of £24, issuing out of a lot of ground on Mulberry Street and Seventh Street — a corner lot now in possession of David Rittenhouse and John Bull, also a lot of ground on Mulberry Street which he received in the division of his father's estate — 24 feet 9 inches in front on Mulberry Street and 360 feet deep ; also to J. M. Potts all the plate that was his mother's, as per list "of the same plate " packed up for him in a red leather trunk, which said plate was "purchased of his Father, and paid for by my dear wife, and all "the China Ware that was his mother's, as per list. I also give "him — John Morris Potts — eight mahogany chairs the seats of "which were worked by his mother." He gives to grandson Richard Hill Morris, his tract of land and mill (bought of John Hart), on Ridley Creek, in Chester County, which plantation and mill he valued at £2500, three quarters of which sum he (R. H. M.) shall allow or discount to his brother John and sisters Deborah and Willielma Morris, i. e., £625 to each. The residue of real and personal estate he leaves to his five grandchildren — John, Richard, Deborah and Willielma Morris, children of son William, and John Morris Potts, son of dau. Mary, deceased, share and share alike. No appraisement to be made of household goods, plate or wearing apparel.
In making division, his Executors are to have assistance of sisters Deborah, and Hannah wife of brother Joseph. All the china, plate and furniture left to grandson John Morris Potts, to be delivered to sister Deborah Morris, who shall keep them for said grandson and shall likewise receive rentals, and other moneys and chattels left for him, until he reaches the age of 21 years. If he should die before he attains the age of 21 years, all said moneys and chattels are to be equally divided amongst the other four grandchildren.
He then says, "And in consideration that my daughter Mar- "garet has in her possession all the real Estate that her Father "gave her, and her husband's estate, meeting with uncommon "and great losses in his outstanding debts * * * and the
FOURTH GENERATION. 253
"care of his family lying much on me since his decease, there- " fore my daughter Margaret will be contented with what I have " allowed her in this my will, and accepting as further pledge for "my regard for her my large silver salver or Waiter, and I do "hereby give the same to her for ever."
Executors, — Brother Joseph Morris, Cousin Thomas Morris, and Sister Deborah Morris.
(Signed) John Morris, [l. s.]
Witnesses :
Sam. C. Morris, Benjamin Morris, Thomas Morris.
Codicil, 17th 2d mo., 1781, to Elinor Siddon, he gives several china articles and kitchen utensils, which are to revert at her death to grandson John Morris Potts.
Probated Philadelphia, Feb. 11, 1782.*
John Gill, D^ Reg"".
"SPPJNG MILL" AND "MOUNT JOY."
The ancient "Spring Mill " and Mansion of "Mount Joy " are in the township of Whitemarsh. They are ^picturesquely situated on the Eastern side of the Schuylkill, twelve miles from Philadelphia.
Spring Mill took its name from several large springs of water near by, five or six of which, at one time, gushed out with con- siderable force. They were all situated within an area of half an acre, and emptied into one stream, which after a course of quarter of a mile, discharged itself into the Schuylkill River. Although the supply of water is not so great as in former times, the stream in this distance gains sufficient power, the whole year round, to propel the grist mill just alluded to. " Spring Flouring Mill " is said to be the oldest grist mill in the State. f The date of the building of it is approximately fixed at 1715, for at that
* Samuel Morris, Esq., was then " Register for the Probate of Wills." t Bean's Hist, of Montgomery Co., p. 624.
254 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
time (April 27, 1715), as the records show, Reese Williams, eldest son and heir of David and Elizabeth Williams, granted the mill and 7^ acres of land to Anthony Morris,* and Robert Jones of North Wales. B}^ indenture dated March 19, 1719, Reese Williams, yeoman, of Whitemarsh, and Elizabeth his wife, granted unto Robert Jones and Anthony Morris,^ 513 acres in Whitemarsh, which said 513 acres had been conveyed by Wil- liam Markham to David Williams, by deed dated May 8, 1697.*
On March 22d, 1719, Reese Williams conveyed to Robert Jones and Anthony Morris* a certain messuage, plantation and tract of land, comprising 163 acres. On Dec. 12, 1730, Robert Jones and his wife Gaynor conveyed their part in the said prem- ises to Anthony Morris,* viz., the Spring Mill, and a Messuage or Tenement with three tracts of land — 7J acres, 513 acres, and 163 acres (plantation) respectively.f
The Mill has therefore been in operation for at least 180 years, and being picturesquely situated, it presents a variety of beautiful views which artists delight to commit to canvas.
Mr. Howard M. Jenkins has collected several facts in refer- ence to petitions for roads to meetings, mills and market in the neighborhood of Spring Mill, in his valuable "Historical Collections of Gwynedd," from which we quote the following :
"At the March sessions, 1715, the following petition was pre- " sented : —
"The petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of Gwynedd, "Montgomery, Skippack, and other of the adjacent townships, "humbly sheweth :
"'That inasmuch as the mill late of David Williams in Ply- "' mouth J is built on a spring which neither the Drought of "'Sumer nor winter's ffrost hinders from supplying the neighbor- "'hood with grinding when all or most of the other mills are "'dormant ^ * * our and others being so supjDly'd in times "'of such necessity lays (us) under great obligations to frequent "'the said mill (they therefore ask convenient roads to it) several " ' of which said roads have been made use for these tenn or twelve
* Vide Deed Book E, Vol. iii., p. 5.
tVide Deed Book F, Vol. v., p. 144, Recorder of Deeds Office, Philadelphia. t This is a geographical error. The mill was situated at Spring Mill, (as now known), in Whitemarsh.
FOURTH GENERATION. 255
'"years past, but obstructed at the pleasure of ill minded and "'contentious persons. (They then suggest the roads as named '"in the record of the court, adding) and your petitioners bring- '"ing their corn to mill in order to bring the meal to markett '"another road wants a confirmation leading from the said mill '"to the Great Road from Parkysomeny to Philadelphia, without '"which your petitioners must labor under great hardships and '"difficulties, for what is more necessary than a Convenient road '"to places of worship and to mills and marketts,' etc. (The "petition is signed by thirty persons, most of them Gwynedd "people).
"The jury on this were William Ilarman, Matthew Holgate, "Rowland Ellis, jr., Richard Jones, John Rhodes, and Thomas "Stroud, who laid out the road from the meeting-house, at "Gwynedd, to the mill on the Schuylkill — now Spring mill — "owned then by Anthony Morris and Robert Jones; and from "the mill eastward to the Perkiomen road, at a point just below "where the village of Barren Hill now is."
On a slight eminence, and at a short distance to the north- west of the "Spring Mill," stands the well-preserved colonial edifice known for many years as the " Morris Mansion," and also as " Mount Joy." It was probably built about the year 1735, by Anthony M.orris^ for his son John, to whom, " for natural love and affection," he and his wife Phoebe conveyed by deed dated March 2G, 1739,* the whole of the Spring Mill property and the three tracts of land before referred to, " excepting and reserving "nevertheless the free and uninterrupted liberty of exporting "and importing any goods, merchandise and lumber from and " unto the said River Schuylkill and passing and repassing with " carts and carriages or otherwise across or along that one perch " and a half wide strip of land on the Banks of the Schuylkill to " and from the lands of the said David Jones, and Joseph Paul " respectively, and the right and liberty to come up and down " with boats and canoes the aforesaid Spring Mill stream over " the aforesaid small strip of land from and to the Spring Mills " and Schuylkill River." Anthony Morris^ further reserved to himself, a moiety of the property for life.
The Mansion house was standing, and known as John
* Vide Deed Book G, Vol. i., p. 37, Office of Recordei- of Deeds, Philadelphia.
256 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Morris's, when the Court of Quarter Sessions sitting at Philadel- phia, Sept. 2, 1751, ordered the opening of a new road "from Gwynedd Meeting House to John Morris's Mill."
After enjoying the ownership of Spring Mill and surround- ing property for 30 years, John Morris, for the sum of £10,000 by Deed dated April 15, 1769,* conveyed to his son-in-law, Joseph Potts, the " Capital Messuage, Grist Mills, Plantation & three several tracts of land," — one being the tract of 163 acres con- veyed to Robert Jones and Anthony Morris on March 22, 1719, which, upon being resurveyed, was found to contain 329 acres; the second of 74 acres, "the same as that granted by John Harry of Whitemarsh, yeoman, on 17^^ Jan. & 10*^ Feb., 1753, as two tracts to John Morris in fee ; and the third was a tract of 192 acres on the other side of the River Schuylkill — opposite to the Mill tract in Merion Township, Philadelphia County — part of the Manor of Mount Joy. It consisted originally of 420 acres of land purchased of Wm. Penn's agent, and contracted for by Anthony Morris, it was released to John Morris by indenture Dec. 1, 1741, with concurrence of said Anthony Morris." John Morris sold 228 acres of this tract to James John.
The next transfer of the property was from Joseph Potts and wife to John Potts on Nov. 10, 1770.
John Potts, of Whitemarsh, Esq., and Margaret his wife, by Deed dated Nov. 4, 1771, conveyed to George Mifflin 204 acres of this property in three parcels of land ; the first, which comprised 65J acres, having upon it the Capital Messuage; the second, con- taining 23 J acres, being contiguous with the first; and the third, which contained 115 acres, was situated on the opposite side of the Schuylkill River in Upper Merion. John Potts sold these, "together with the right and liberty to and for the said George "Mifflin, his heirs and assigns of using the waters of the Mill "Spring to water his meadow from ten of the clock on the first " day night in every week for ever, so that he or they shall shut "the sluices at twelve of the clock in the night between the first "and second day of the week, and from* time to time stop ofi^ " and repair the leaks and breaches thereof, and not waste the "waters to injure the Spring Mills."
George Mifflin and Martha his wife sold the same three tracts
*Vide Deed Book I, Vol. xii., p. 60, Recorder of Deeds Office, Philadelphia.
'^i^^^^^mmk.
SPRING MILL
FOURTH GENERATION. 257
and appurtenances to Samuel Miles by Indenture dated March 2, 1773. Colonel Samuel Miles was a brave Revolutionary officer, who at one time was Captain of the Troop of Philadelphia Light Horse. It is thought that he gave to the Mansion, the name of "Mount Joy," which name it has ever since retained. After holding the same property for ten years, Colonel Samuel Miles and Catherine his wife sold the same to Abel James, 3rd Sept., 1783. Abel James was a prominent Merchant in Philadelphia.
Abel James and Rebecca his wife by deed dated Dec. 17, 1783,* for the consideration of "Two Thousand Pounds Sterling Money of Great Britain " conveyed to Augustine Prevost, Esq., of Phila- delphia the whole of the above described Mount Joj^ property, bought of Samuel Miles three months before.
In the year 1785 a remarkable man, Peter Legaux, arrived from France, and after prospecting for a suitable location in the neighborhood of Pottstown, on January 31, 1786,t bought of Augustine Prevost and wife, the self-same Spring Mill estate of "two hundred and six acres" with the Mansion on the banks of the Schuylkill River.
Mr, Samuel Gordon Smyth writes: "The home he had now "selected was one of more than passing interest, for previous to "1690, it had formed part of the possessions of Major Jaspar "Farmer, whose 5000 acres spread through the length of the "Whitemarsh Valley, and adjoined the great plantation of "Nicholas Scull farther north. It was a portion of the 'Manor "of Springettbury,' so called in honor of W" Penn's first wife, " whose maiden name was Gulielma Maria Springett. From this "land this part has become detached, in a tract of 513 acres, "which the Provincial Commissioners deeded to W™ Markham, "subsequently Deputy-Governor, and from him in 1697, the "property passed to David Williams a Welsh farmer and miller; "he it was, it is thought, who while owning the land, erected the "famous mill which is now, and has been all these years in active " operation."
During Legaux's occupation of "Mount Joy" he was honored by a visit from General Washington. The following entry is found in Legaux's Diary, "July 22nd, 1787. This day Gen.
*Vide Deed Book D 16, p. 168.
■fVlde Deed acknowledged, Deed Book No. 3, p. 121, Montgomerj^ County,
258 GENEALOGY OF THE MOKEIS FAMILY.
"Washington, Gen. MifEin, and four others of the Convention "did us the honer of paying us a Visit in order to see our vine- "yard and bee houses. In this they found great delight, asked a "number of questions, and testified their highest approbation "with my manner of managing bees, which gave me a great "deal of pleasure." The guests at that time were shown around the premises, and afterwards dined in the house. The table used upon that occasion, a large tumbler, which was filled with honey of which the guests partook, and the chairs on which they sat, are preserved by Miss Lucressa R. Righter, a granddaughter of Legaux, who now owns, and resides at, " Mount Joy." About the old mansion are to be found grape vines, which doubtless sprang from those planted a century ago.
" During the Encampment of the American troops in the " township, in 1777, the ' Spring Mill ' supplied them with flour and "corn meal, and it is alleged that the illustrious Commander-in- " Chief, Washington, frequently purchased flour for his military "famih^ and corn for his horses at the Mill. It has passed "through many hands during its long career of usefulness, and "notwithstanding its time worn walls and venerable appearance, "is still capable of doing good service, — grinding 30 barrels of " flour a day. For nearh^ half a centur}^ it was the only mill in " this section. It is solidly built of stone, and was put up in sec- "tions, in accordance with the rough customs and scant}^ means " of the men of those days. The machinery is driven by an over "shot wheel of forty horse-power, and the old stone mill looks as "if it would stand the storms of another hundred years.
" In floods or droughts the same uniform flow of water runs "the mill, reaching it from the grand source which gives the " tract the name of Spring Mill."*
When the writer visited " Mount Joy," in the summer of 1895, he found it almost embowered in trees. It is situated upon the side of the hill, facing the east, so that, as Miss Righter, the kind and courteous hostess, remarked, the rooms in front are "flooded with the morning sunlight." It overlooks many a charming prospect.
The Mansion is a fine stone structure, with a frontage of 55 feet, and a depth of 44 feet. It has a doorway and porch in the
*Vide Bean's Hist. Montgomery Co., p. 624.
FOURTH GENERATION. 259
centre, opening into a spacious hallway, behind which is a hand- some oak staircase leading to the upper floors. On either side of the hallway, is a large, lofty room, well lighted by windows on the front and sides of the building. In the northern room is a mantle-piece, ornamented with quaint Dutch tiles.
This house is frequently visited by students of Colonial history, who receive a courteous reception from Miss Righter and her brother Mr. John Righter, Jr., who resides in his own house at the foot of the hill, and facing the "Spring Mill."
Close by the Mill Race, the William Penn Furnaces were in operation until a few years ago, but they have been almost entirely demolished, and the great slag heaps" which had accu- mulated, have been completely removed.
/ . THE SUTTON FAMILY.
Richard Sutton in. Mary Howell, of Cecil County, Mary- land, 7th mo. 12th, 1698.*
They had two children, at least, Howell Sutton, mentioned in the will of his mother, and Mary Sutton, who m. John Morris.
Richard Sutton d. and his widow Mary {nee Howell) m. Wil- liam Carter, widower, 6th mo. 26th, 1721.
THE CARTER FAMILY.
William Carter of Wapping in the County of Middlesex, England, was among the first purchasers of land in Philadelphia under the propriety of William Penn. He owned land of con- siderable wealth, in the neighborhood of Second and Chestnut Streets, and was much engaged in land transactions. In the Recorder's office his deeds occur very frequently, especially before 1700. The first one, in 1685, conveys land to Thomas HoAvell. He was an alderman appointed by Wm. Penn Oct. 25, 1701, and thereby became one of the Associate Justices (Judges) of the City Court.f
His will mentions his wife Mary, but does not mention any
* Friends' Records.
t" William Carter, Esq., departed this life Philadelphia 12mo 19th, 1738, in the 88th year of his age."
260 GENEALOGY OF THE MOREIS FAMILY.
children. He mentions in his will his kinswoman Mary Smith, wife of William Smith ; his wife's dau. Mar}^ Morris. Will dated Nov. 6, 1738.
Mary Carter, wife of the above, d. 11th mo. 1st, 1748/9 and refers in her will to her son Howell Sutton. She mentions in her will, her friend James Pemberton, her trusty friends Wm. Logan and Israel Pemberton ; her son-in-law John Morris and his wife Mary ; her grandsons Wm. Morris and John Morris and grand- daughter Mary jSIorris."^
22. Samuel Moeris^ (Anthony,^ Anthony,^ Anthony^) was generally spoken of, as " Samuel Morris, Senior." He was a son of Anthony and Phoebe (Guest) Morris, b. 9th mo. 21st, 1711, ''at the house of his s'^ Father, Delaware Street, Philadelphia;" d. "on Easter Sunday," 31st of March, 1782; "interred on the Tuesday following in Quaker's Burial Ground in Arch Street, Philadelphia, aged 70 years and 4 months;" m. 3d mo. 26th, 1737, "at the Great Meeting House (High Street) Philadelphia," Hannah Cadwalader, fifth child and fourth dau. of John and Martha Cadwalader, and sister of Dr. Thomas Cadwalader. She was born (according to her husband's entry in his Family Bible) "at the house of her father. High Street, Philadelphia, March, 1715/16." Her son, Samuel C. Morris, records (in the same Bible) that "she was born, as she herself told me, the loth day of April, 1715." She d. Dec. 15, 1787, " and was buried on the 17**^ of the same in the Quaker's Ground in Arch Street, so that she was just 72 years and 8 months."
Margaret (Hill) Morris writing to her daughter, Deborah, " 7th day evening 12mo, 1787," says " Our Aunt H. Morris died this evening."
Samuel Morris became a Merchant, and took an active part in the affairs of the City and the Province. In 1739 he was in business as a tanner, and in the proceedings of the Assembly under date of 6th mo. 10th, 1739, we find that the names of Samuel Morris, AVilliam Hudson, Jr., John Ogden, John Howell and William Smith, were affixed to a document
* " Carter Family," by Thos. Maxwell Potts, Canonsburg, Pa.
HANNAH CADWALADER MORRIS
No. 22
FOURTH GENERATION. 261
entitled ''A convenient Method for the better regulating of Tan- yards, submitted by the Tanners to the Honb''' House of Repre- sentatives of the Freemen of 'the Province of Pennsylvania."* This document was acceptable to the Assembly, and was consid- ered as a suitable reply of the Tanners, to a petition of the Inhabitants of Philadelphia, craving an alteration in the arrange- ments for slaughtering and tanning in the City.
In the Pennsylvania Gazette for Feb. 5, 1744-45, appeared an advertisement, offering a reward of £5 from the Union Fire Com- pany of Philadelphia, for the discovery of any person concerned in removing "Nossels" of most of the pumps in Market Street, and several other Streets of the City, on the previous 24th Novem- ber. The advertisement is —
"Signed by order of the Company,
"Samuel Morris
"Clerk."
Samuel Morris became a Member of the Philadelphia Bar, Sept. 15, 1751.t
On March 6, 1752, Samuel Morris was commissioned Sheriff of Philadelphia County, and was re-appointed in 1753 and '54, continuing in office until Oct. 4, 1755. He was again commis- sioned Sheriff Oct. 25, 1758, and was re-appointed in 1759 and '60.|
On Oct. 7, 1755, he became a member of the Common Council of Philadelphia.!
On 31st Jan., 1756,f he was commissioned by Gov. Robert Hunter Morris, as one of the Auditors to settle the accounts of the ill-fated Braddock Expedition, and in the same year, he was appointed by the Society of Friends, as a Commissioner to nego- tiate the Treaty with the Indians at Easton.
^Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii., p. 348.
t Vide Martin's Bench and Bar, p. 296.
tVide Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. ix., p. 697. Minutes Prov. Council, Vol. v., pp. 562, 597, 662; Vol. vi., p. 144; Vol. viii., pp. 402 and 505. "It appears to have been the rule to elect the same pei'son (as Sheriff) for three years successively." (Martin's Bench and Bar, p. 101.)
§ Vide Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. ix., p. 733.
T[ Vide Penna. Archives, Vol. ii., p. 598.
262 GEXEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Anthony Morris,^ the father of Samuel Morris, at an early date became interested in the Pennsylvania furnaces and forges for the production of iron, and it was a natural consequence, that his sons should embark in similar undertakings. His sons Samuel Morris, Joseph Morris, and John Morris, with Amos Strettell and John Armstrong, all of Philadelphia, formed them- selves into a Company, which, soon after 1762, built a furnace and forge at Birling Springs, in Cumberland Count}^ forming the nucleus of the Carlisle Iron Works, which afterwards em- braced a blast furnace, a rolling and slitting mill, and a steel furnace. The site of these enterprises, with some contiguous territory, was purchased from John Rigby and Nathan Giles. Michael Ege owned them after 1782."^
Samuel Morris took a great interest in the foundation of the Pennsylvania Hospital, and contributed frequently towards the Building Fund.
During the stay of Samuel PowelP in Europe, Samuel Morris,* who was his guardian, wrote to him very unreservedly with refer- ence to the growing feeling of discontent in the colonies. The following is a copy of one of his letters dated Philad''. 18th Dec^l765:—
"I imagine that by this time, the disobedience of the Subjects " of N. America to the Act of Parliament for establishing a duty "on Stamp'd paper, must have occasioned a considerable disturb- " ance among you, and no doubt have filled our Friends in Eng- "land with great concern for us, who perhaps don't view all y^ "consequences of a Submission in y^ same light as they are appre- "hended here. My several letters to thee of late, have been full of "this subject & y'' other burdens we lay under, by restrictions from "home, so that I shall add very little to it in this, but just inform "thee that matters still continue in y® same high ferment through "all y^ Collonies, & is, as we understand, likely to be as high in y® "Islands except in Barbadoes, where they are receiv'd & y^ Act " Submitted to ; not one stamp has made its appearance here except "from Barbadoes & Halifax, where they are likewise receiv'd; "some that have travell'd from those places, have been immedi- "ately seiz'd upon & burnt, & the Captains who brought 'em, been "obliged to Swear they had no others, from home, and, all other
*T7c/t " Hist, of Iron," etc., by James M. Swank, p. 185.
FOUIITH GENERATION. 263
places Trade proceeds as usual without any Stamps, & it seems to be the fixed determination of all y'' other Colonies to endure any mischiefs, rather than admit them.
"I send thee three of a pamphlet published here last week, upon the Subject of Oppressions, it is wrote cooly & plainly & 'intended to open the eyes of England & America to their true interest. It is entitled Regulations respecting y^ Colonies in America considered, its a plain sensible performance & I wish
■ may have a new edition in England ; the Author is I. D. a Gent, well known to thee. If those come safe to hand, pray (if its proper), present one to M. du Bart with my thanks, & I dare say
' y® thanks of every American, for his honest sensible letter to ye president of y^ B"" of Trade, in behalf of poor America. It would be a happiness, if men in power, cou'd generally see the true 'Interest of y® nation, as clearly as that Gent: does, tho' they shou'd even wilfully shut out every Idea of English Liberty in America, which they will one day know, is as well understood & ' valued here, as in England.
"Manufactures here, of what we us'd to have from England, make a great progress. Only two persons this winter, will make about 100 pieces of Broad Cloaths, besides numbers of other looms in every Township of y*" Province, & y^ general humour is
■ to appear in homespun ; even our Merchants who get their living by selling English goods, find themselves obliged to fall in with this popular measure. This shows to what a degree y® alienation
• of Affection of y^ Colonists to their Mother Country may pro-
■ ceed, from an opinion they have entertain'd, that she has chang'd
■ from a tender parent to a * "" * and nothing but a repeal •of the Stamp Act & other restrictions will conciliate them; I ■wish matters mayn't proceed till even that remedy will be in-
■ sufficient. We are very impatient here to learn what steps will ' be taken on this Affair at home, you are no doubt accjuainted
w'^ a remonstrance or request from y*' Merchants here to their 'Correspondents in G. Brittain, craving their Assistance in this ■Arduous Afiair, & also w^^ the Orders that are gone to them 'from this & from y^ Colony of N. York, not to send any more 'goods, unless the Act is repeal'd. This precedent its thought will 'be followed in all the Colonies, for nothing is more certain than 'y^ Colonies can furnish themselves w*** every necesssary of life, 'and if they are forc'd into the way, its probable they will con-
264 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" tinue in it. Ought not G. B. to dread this, & to be convinced that " kindness & Libert}^ are y'' only methods to preserve y " important "Stake. The hnnen Manufactory -of Sail Cloth &c goes on at "great rate, & is said to exceed in goodness y® English. The " favours granted to y® Opulent Luxurious W. India Islands, in "prejudice to y® Industrious frugal N. Americans you will see " well discussed in y^ pamphlet I herewith send, these things lye "very heavy on y^ minds of people.
" Money is grown exceeding Scarce among us, & if y^ Act takes " place, we shall be utterly ruin'd. Our Rents still continue the "same, or very nearly, but I never found y® Tenants so backward "in pay, they are fallen considerably in many parts of y® Town, "& man}^ houses are untenanted, but to humour them are "obliged to condescend to every repair or convenience they insist "on my doing. I can't proceed further in y® plan of y^ New " Streets, without a Special power to let out y® Lotts & to agree "to a privilege w^" Cp* Mcpherson, have mention'd this in Sev^ "of my late letters, I know that formerly in Security of money, "tradesmen us'd to build for themselves & one another ■i. e. y* "Carpenter for y^ Bricklay'' and vice versa. I imagine it will "be so again. Sev' have spoken to me ab' Lotts, and am in "hopes they will let pretty well, but shall not be forss"^, unless "am satisfied w^^ y® price. I have heard nothing furth'' of I. " Hughes's pretensions to y® Walnut Street Lott, he has been very " ill, but recovered.
"To S. Powel."
Samuel Morris was appointed by the Assembly, a signer of the "Paper Bills of Credit," ordered to be issued Jan.l, 1756; April 22, 1758 (date of note, May 20th) April 17, 1759 (date of note, April 25th).
The following is a copy of one of the receipts of the Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Hospital, acknowledging a contribution thus made to the funds of the Hospital : —
" This is to certify that Samuel Morris hath, by signing Paper " Bills of Credit, contributed the additional sum of Thirteen Pounds "towards building the Pennsylvania Hospital.
" Witness my hand and seal of the Corporation this twenty
"second day of Feb^. 1758. ,,t-t -r> m »
"^ "Hugh Roberts, Treas.
FOURTH GENERATION. 265
In tlie same way, on other occasions, Samuel Morris contrib- uted £10 and £33.7.11 towards the same benevolent object.
Samuel Morris was a zealous advocate of the Independence of the American Colonies, and throughout the Revolutionary period, he was one of the most conspicuous characters in Philadelphia.
On Ma}^ 10, 1776, it was recorded by the " Committee of Safety," " That 14 Barrels of 18 s. Beer be sent down to the Gondolas, at the expence of this Board, and that Mr. Sam'l Morris order the same to be put on Board some Boat or Vessel for that purpose."
The Committee of Safety was continued as the Council of Safety, of which Samuel Morris was a member July 23, 1776, to March 13, 1777;''' he was re-appointed Sept. 11, 1777, and became its Vice-President and Keeper of its Seal.f
Samuel Morris was also a Councillor of State, which office he resigned Sept. 13, 1776. Among the four- new members ap- pointed, was his son, Samuel Cadwalader Morris.
Samuel Morris was appointed on March 13, 1777, a Member of the Board of War.t
On March 21, 1777, Samuel Morris was appointed Register of Wills, in Philadelphia County, which office he held until his death in 1782.§
On Aug. 1, 1777, it was ordered by the 'Supreme Executive Council, "That Samuel Morris, Esq., Register of Wills for the " City and Count}^ of Philadelphia, be directed in case of the " approach of the Enemy, to remove at the Public expense all the "Records belonging to his Office to a place of Safety." ||
In the Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, under date of Aug. 31, 1778, appears a pleasing illustration of this good man's tenderness of heart. T[
" Samuel Morris the Elder Esq"", and eighteen other citizens "of reputation, attended the Council, and the said Samuel " jMorris, in the name of the rest, addressed the Hon'ble Vice "President & requested, that the Council Avould compassion- "ate the case of the four unhappy Prisoners, Criminals, now
* Vide "Venn. Archives," 2d Series, Vol. iii., p. 685.
tThe Seal of the Council of Safety is composed of silver and copper in equal proportions, and is now in the Museum of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. j Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. iii., p. 696.
I Vide bolon. Records, Vol. xi., p. 186. || Vide Colon. Records, Vol. xi., p. 258.
^Vide Colon. Records, Vol. xi., p. 564.
266 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" under Sentence of Death, & spare the lives of the said Crim- " inals, or some of them, they all appearing to be very penitent "& sensible of their great offence, as well as of the justice of the "sentence pronounced against them.
"The Hon'ble Vice President remarked the impossibility of " supporting an army, without making example of offenders in "this way, and that whatever the feelings the members of Council " may have as Men, it must be remembered that the Council are "to consider themselves as being bound by their Station, to "perform some of the Arduous duties of Magistrates. And " remarked that it would be proper for the Gentlemen who meant " to solicit Mercy for the Prisoners, to do it in writing, in order "that it may appear at a future day. They then retired."
On the following day, Sept. 1, 1778, the Supreme Executive Council met again, and we find this minute, from which it is evident the Petition was drawn up: "The Petition of a consider- "able number of reputable Citizens Praying, in effect, that "Council will remit the punishment of death under which "Samuel Lyons, Samuel Ford, Joseph Wilson & John Lawrence "now lie, was read.
"Death Warrant for Lyons, Ford, Wilson, & Lawrence Deliv- "ered to Commodore Hazelwood, directed to Commodore John "Hazelwood, or in his absence to the Officer commanding.
"The Council resumed the consideration of the Case of the " Four men under Sentence of Death, and for the executions of " whom Warrants have been issued :
" Question —
"Shall Ford be Spared? Negative. "Shall Lawrence be spared? Affirmative. "Shall Wilson be spared? Affirmative. "Shall Lyons be spared? Negative, "and thereupon,
" Ordered, That Joseph Wilson & John Lawrence, now under "sentence of Death, & for the execution of whom Warrants have "been issued, be reprieved for fifteen days," and at the Meeting of the Council on Sept. 17, 1778, they were further reprieved.
From 1779 until his death, Samuel Morris was a Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, and upon the establishment of the Bank of Pennsylvania in 1780, he became a subscriber of £3000 towards its Capital.
FOURTH generatio:n. 267
Samuel Morris was a public spirited citizen, and his long life was devoted to his native city and State. Nothing but a strong sense of duty, could have induced this noble old man to risk his all, at his advanced age, to work with untiring energy and zeal for his country. But his active participation in the measures for resistance, during the Revolution, called forth a letter of disown- ment from the Meeting of the Society of Friends in the Northern District of Philadelphia, to which he belonged.
Samuel INIorris was, however, afterwards re-instated in the Society.
All the six sons of Samuel and Hannah Morris, (with the exception of Benjamin), were in the Army of the Revolution, and most of these sons had families, but at the present day, not one of their descendants bears the surname of Morris.
In the Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, for Nov. S, 1779, we find it was —
"Resolved Samuel Morris and Company be permitted to "export a Quantity of Codfish, taken by the priviteer General "Mercer, and brought into this Port."*
The following extracted from the Penna. Archives, Vol. viii., p. 228, refers to a matter which concerned Samuel Morris as Reg- ister of Wills : —
I "Sam'l Morris Reg. to Sec. Matlack, 1780.
^ " Sir — About half after one o'clock Mr. R. Morris attended
■a at the office with Mirolle's will & Translation, I took notice to
I him that there were no persons expressly named Executors,
^ for which reason he said he would have ye advice of Coun-
si sel, and said that he thought it might also be proper for
M I me, and he thought the fittest j)erson to advise with was
I ^ the President ; you'l do me the favour, to let the Presi-
^ "^ dent know how much I shall think myself obliged to him
I ^ for his advice in this matter, and I will wait in expectation
a ? of it before I proceed farther j ^^^^^ ^^-^ ^^ ^^^^,^ ^^^^
Sam'l Morris Reg. •^ ^ E Monday 3 o'clock P. M.
"I have sent the Translation done as Mr. Morris says by his Clark."
^Vide "Colon. Eecords," Vol. xii., p. 161.
268 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Hannah (Cadwalader) Morris was an aristocratic and beau- tiful woman, of marked determination, and strength of mind. She had great powers of loving, and it is impossible to describe how her sons revered and loved her. Even after years of absence, their letters were full of expressions of affection for her — " this best of mothers " — and the influence she retained over them till the end of life, was wonderful. Her husband always called her his " Rose of Sharon." Her miniature was painted for a son, while living in the West Indies, at his request.* She was then 68 years of age and was still very beautiful.
She and her husband entertained most royally during the yearly meeting of " Friends," making up 80 beds, and a stock of 300 pies and puddings for their entertainment.
Hannah Morris survived her husband many years, and died at an advanced age at the house of her son-in-law James Milligan.
THE FAMILY BIBLE OF SAMUEL MORRIS.*
This family Bible, which is at least 171 years old, consists of three parts:
" The Book of Common Prayer, Oxford, John Baskett, Printer to the University, MDCCXXI."'
"The Holy Bible, London, John Baskett, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, 1723."
"A Sacred Geography, contained in Six Maps, London, Printed for Richard Ware, at the Bible and Sun, in Amen-Corner MDCCXXVII."
Fastened to the inner side of the Cover, is a slip of paper with the following writing of Anthony Morris^:
"My Child,
" Notwithstanding the length of time of thy settlement, and many conveniences about thee, and also my frequent re- minding thee of thy want of a Bible, yet have not observed a supply thereof. Therefore send this, with charges for thy fre- quent reading and meditating the contents, and Prayers for
* Our portrait of Hannah Cadwalader Morris is copied from this miniature by the kind permission of Miss Hannah Milligan.
FAMILY BIBLE OF SAMUEL MORRIS""
FOURTH GENERATIOX. 269
Divine Blessing thereon, is the nature of ye often remembrance of thy Father. "AM
"Att home 12th hour of ye
23rd of ye Imo. (4^/4)," probably 1744.
Samuel and Hannah (Cadwalader) Morris had issue: —
67. Anthony Morris, b. in Phila. Imo. 7, 1737/8 ; d. 4mo. 9, 1738.
68. John C. Morris, b. 4mo. 15, 1739 ; d. March 5, 1785 ; m. Mrs.
Meininger.
69. Cadwalader Morris, b. 2mo. 19, 1741 ; d. Imo. 25, 1795 ; m. April 8,
1779, Ann Strettell.
70. Anthony Morris, b. 5mo. 23, 1742 ; d. 6mo. 13, 1742.
71. Samuel Cadwalader Morris, b. 3mo. 29, 1743 ; d. unm. Feb., 1820.
72. Anthony Cadwalader Morris, b. Oct. 4, 1745 ; d. Sept. 28, 1798 ; m.
4mo. 12, 1770, Mary Jones.
73. Ph(ebe Morris, b. Oct. 12, 17—; d. unm. July 25, 1785, "buried in
Quaker's Burial Ground in Arch Street," Philada.
74. Martha Morris, b. Feb. 12, 1749 ; d. Jan. 26, 1815 ; m. July 25, 1787,
James Milligan.
75. Thomas Morris, b. Dec. 6, 1753 ; d. Feb. 18, 1829 ; m. July 26, 1787,
Mary Gadsden.
76. Benjamin Morris, b. Sept 3, 1760 ; d. 1841 ; m. June 19, 1788, Frances
Strettell.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF SAMUEL MORRIS.*
Philadelphia Will Book S, p. 128.
Samuel Morris, Register of the Probate of Wills, &c., in the County of Philadelphia. Will dated 5th day of May, 1781. He gives to beloved wife Hannah Morris all his lands, tenements, goods and chattels, rights and credits whatsover for her natural life. After her decease, all household and kitchen furniture, plate and china he gives to his two daughters Phoebe Morris and Martha Morris — to be equally divided between them.
To sons John Morris and Anthony C. Morris, to whom he has already advanced sundry sums to enable them to carry on busi- ness, he gives £500 each, which they are to receive two years after the decease of wife Hannah. If son John should die before expiration of said two years, or without law^ful issue, the £500 bequeathed to him is to go into the Residue of Estate and be divided accordingly. These two sons were to have no further claim on the estate.
270 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
After the death of wife Hannah, the residue is to be divided into eight equal parts, of wliicli two parts are to be given to daughter Phoebe Morris, two to daughter Martha Morris, one to son Cadwalader Morris, one to son Samuel C. Morris, one to son Thomas Morris, and one to son Benjamin Morris. The daughters are given power to will one of their said eighth parts, during the life of wife Hannah. He then says : " I will that my negro girl Rose when she arrives at the age of twenty eight years, shall be manumitted, and that till that time, she shall be under the care and in the service of my said two daughters viz. P. & M., and that Csesar and Bella shall be good care takers of and kindly treated in my family." Executors — Wife Hannah, sole executor during her life, after her death, four sons — Cadwal- ader Morris, Samuel C. Morris, Thomas Morris and Benjamin Morris.
(Signed) Samuel Morris, [l. s.]
Witnesses :
John Warner, L. Weiss.
Proved at Philadelphia 2d May, 1782. Geo. Campbell, Regr.
"warrant creating the board of war.
"The Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: To David Rittenhouse, Owen Biddle, William Moore, Joseph Dean, Samuel Morris, Senr., Samuel Cadwalader Morris, John Bayard, George Gray, and John Bull, Esquires, send greeting:
" Whereas, The civil department of tlie Commonwealth re- quires Great attention, and will for some time fully employ the council to discharge the duties thereof. And it is also of Great Importance that a due attention be still paid to the war which we are engaged in. And confiding in your Abilities and Integrity, We do appoint you a Board of War, for the Land Service of this State, hereby giving to you or any three of you full power and authority to do and perform all matters and things necessary in said Department, Subject nevertheless to the directions and examinations of this council from time to time as we may judge expedient, and Saving to ourselves always the power of appoint-
FOURTH GENERATION. 271
ing officers, agreeable to the frame of Government of the Com- monwealth. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Supreme Executive Council.
" Dated Philadelphia, this 13th day of March in the year of our Lord 1777.
"Thomas Wharton, Jr., Prest.
"Attest:
"Ty. Matlack, Secry."*
23. Mary Morris^ (Anthony,^ Anthony,- Anthony,^) a dau. of Anthony and Phoebe (Guest) Morris, b. Oct. 13, 1713; cl. Oct. 31, 1759, "in the city of New York, having gone there for the "benefit of her health, and was buried next her husband in the "Powell Family Burying place, in Friends' Graveyard in Phila- "delphia, the third day of November;" m. 9mo. 9th, 1732, Samuel Powell of Philadelphia, Merchant, son of Samuel Powell and Abigail Wilcox, his wife.
^ The following is a copy of the Mar-
jKCUfy^ lPcTTI^ riage Certificate^of Samuel Powell and ^ Mary Morris: —
"marriage certificate of SAMUEL POWELL AND MARY MORRIS.
"Whereas, Samuel Powell of the City of Philadelphia in the Province of Pennsylvania, Merchant, son of Samuel Powell of the City aforesaid, Carpenter, and Mary Morris daughter of Anthony Morris of the City aforesaid, Brewer ; Having declared their intentions of Marriage with each other, before several monthly Meetings of the People of God called Quakers, at Phila- delphia aforesaid : according to the good Order us'd amongst them, and having Consent of Parents, their Proposal of Marriage was allowd of by the said Meetings. Now these are to certify whom it ma}^ concern, that for the full accomplishing their said intentions ; this Ninth day of the Ninth Month, in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and Thirty two. The}' the said Samuel Powell and Maiy Morris, appeared in a publick Meeting of the said People at Philadelphia aforesaid ; and the said Samuel Powell taking the said Mary Morris by the Hand, did in solemn Manner openly declare: that he took her the said
*T7t7t^ Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. i., p. 7.
272
GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Mary Morris to be liis Wife, promising with the Lord's Assist- ance, to be unto her a Loving and Faithful Husband, until Death should separate them ; and then and there in the same Assembly, the same Mary Morris did likewise declare : that she took the said Samuel Powell to be her Husband, in like manner promis- ing to be unto him; a Loving and Faithful Wife until Death should separate them ; And moreover they the said Samuel Powell and Mary Morris (she according to the Custom of Mar- riage assuming the Name of her Husband) as a further confirm- ation thereof, did then and there to these Presents set their Hands ; And we who hereunto subscribed our names, being- present at the Solemnization of the said Marriage and Subscrip- tion, as Witnesses thereunto set our Hands the Day and Year above written.
" Isabella Gordon
" Margaret Preston
" Sarah Knowles
" Esther Clare
" Ann Steel
" Ru^ Thompson
" Hen Charles
" Harriot Gordon
" Mary Plumsted
" PhiP Gordon
" Marg* Hamilton
" Sus'' Owen
" Agnes Walbank
" E. Gordon
" Geo Spotfords
" Obad : Eldridge
" Geo Dickinson
" Joshua Emlen
" Edward Hopkins
" Sam^' Rhoads
" Sarah Bourne
" Rebekah Dickinson
"Sarah Bryant
" Rebecca Kearney jun'
"Mary Kinsey
" Eliz* Morris
" Thomasin Mickle
" Sarah Paschall
"Eliz: Hard
" Deborah Morris
Benjamin Morris Sam' Powell jun' Mary Powell Sam' Powell Auth° Morris Phebe Morris W. Morris A Morris jun' Sarah Morris James Morris Joseph Morris Hannah Morris Elizabeth Morris Jun' Sam' Morris Eliz: Morris Sarah Morris Tho Penn P. Gordon Tho^ Freame Rob' Charles John Salkeld W" Laurence Sam : Preston Israel Pemberton Rees Thomas Frances Knowles Jon"" Cockshaw Alex Graydon Edw: Phippes Matthew Phillips
Clem Plumsted An'^ Hamilton Jun'' Thomas Flixney Hugh Cadry Jacob Howell Isr' Pemberton Jun"" Edmund Kearny John Bringhurst Tho' Annis W. Plumsted Edw^ Lloyd Abigail Arthur Mary Lisle Hannah Allen Elizabeth Norwood Susa" Anderson Sarah Tomas Sus" Painter Margret Clymer Mary Langdale Sarah Cox Deborah Cordry Jun"" Mary Calvert Barbara Scarbrough Mary Lisle Jun' Mary Edwards Eliz"" Calvart Deborah Cordry Sen"" Ehz^' Smith"
FOURTH GENERATION. 273
Samuel Powel, son of Samuel and Abigail Powel and hus- band of Mary Morris, was a merchant of Philadelphia, b. 12th mo. 2Cth, 1704/5. He was the grantor of the site for the Friends' Meeting House on Pine Street, Philadelphia. He adopted one "1" in his name, either for distinction from others of the name, or as a reversion to the spelling of former generations.
Samuel Powel became a member of Common Council of Philadelphia, Oct. 6, 1730,* and on Oct. 4, 1743, he was elected Alderman of the city.f He d. Oct. 1, 1759.
Samuel and Mary (Morris) Powel had issue : —
77. Abigail Powel, b. oiuo. 21, 1735; d. ^'ov. 16, 1797; in. April 16, 1752,
William Griffitts.
78. Samuel Powel, 8mo. 28, 1738; d. Sept. 29, 1793; m. Aug. 7, 1769,
Elizabeth Willing.
79. Sarah Powel, b. 7mo. 22, 1747; d. Jan. 7, 1773; m. Jan. 20, 1768,
Joseph Potts (as his second wife).
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF MARY POWEL.
Will Book L, p. 347, Philadelphia.
Mary Powel of City of Philadelphia and relict of Samuel Powel of said City, Merchant. Will dated 28^^^ Oct., 1759. To son Samuel Powel gives £400; to two grandchildren, James Griffitts and Hester Griffitts, £200 each, to be invested until they reach 21 years of age; to dau. Sarah Powel, her house and ground thereunto belonging, or in case of her decease before attaining 21 years of age, to dau. Abigail Griffitts; to grand- son Samuel Griffitts £150, to be invested until he reaches 21 years of age, also £50.
To dau. Abigail Griffitts £100, with the stipulation that said Abigail pay £6 yearly to Catherine Gregory; to Catherine Gregory £20 to be paid in five annual payments. To Deborah Morris, in trust for cousin Mary Hill £20; to Rebecca Harding £5 ; to Rosanna Smallman, school-mistress, £6 ; to sister Deborah Morris £75, to be disposed of by her to such persons as she may
*Vide Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. ix., p. 732. ■fVide Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. ix., p. 735.
274 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
deem proper; to Samuel Robbins £5; to John Frederick Gross £0 ; to Elizabeth Young, the elder, £3 ; to her girl Mary Griffitts £20 at age of 25 ; but in case of her dying before attaining that age, the £20 is to go to dau. Abigail Griffitts.
Household goods and linen to be equally divided among her three children, but her set of plate for Teatable with her Coffee pot shall be her dau. Sarah Powel's. The remainder of plate to be equally divided between son Samuel Powel and dau. Abigail Griffitts. To cousin Samuel Ehoads she gives £50. Residue of Estate to son Samuel Powel. Cancels debt of £20 of John Rhoads. Executors, son Samuel Powel and brother Samuel Morris.
(Signed) Mary Powel. [l. s.]
Witnesses :
Walter Franklin, John Franklin.
Will proved Philadelphia, 3rd Nov., 1759, Wm. Plumsted, Reg. Gen.
24. Joseph Morris* (Anthony,^ Anthony,^, Anthony^), a son of Anthony and Phoebe (Guest) Morris, was b. 1st mo. 10th, 1714/5; d. 7th mo. 1st, 1785 ; m. (1st) 12th mo. 18th, 1741, Martha Fitz- water, dau. of George Fitzwater of Philadelphia, Merchant; m. (2ndly) 11th mo. 7th, 1705, at Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Hannah Mickle, dau. of Samuel Mickle of Philadelphia.
During the year following the marriage of Joseph Morris to Martha Fitzwater, the notable Election Riot of 1742 disturbed the peace of the "City of Brotherly Love," and he was interested, with other members of his large family, in seeing fair play for the candidates, one of whom was his brother James Morris, who sought re-election as a Representative to the Assembly. Joseph Morris was a witness of the riotous conduct of the mob, and he, as well as his brothers Anthony and James, was summoned before the Assembly, to give evidence at its investigation of the affair. His deposition is recorded as follows : — *
"Joseph Morris, of the Cit}^ of Philadelphia, being one of "the People called Qaakers, and solemnly examined saith. That
*Vide Votes of Assembly, Vol. iii., p. 577.
JOSEPH MORRIS
No. 24
FOURTH GENERATION. 275
"on the First of this instant, October, between eight and nine in "the morning, being in his own House, he heard a noise in " Front Street, and looking out, saw People walking fast up the "street, and Joseph Turner running over into the crowd, and "taking hold of Israel Pemberton, shake him violently, That the " Examinate heard the said Turner call the said Pemberton an " Old Fool and in a Rage say, If you want mobbing you shall have " mobbing enough {you would not accept of our Proposals last night) "come up to the Court-house and we'll see it out. That he afterwards " saw the Sailors coming up Market S*, to the number of sixty or "seventy, all strangers as he judges, armed with clubs and "huzzaing: That observing Capt. Spence amongst them, and to "smile, he asked him what those Fellows meant to do? To " which the said Spence reply'd. Go and ask them : That after the "first assault, the Sailors came and knocked down People off the "Stairs in a barbarous manner, flinging great stones: That this " Examinate called to Joseph Sims, and asked him if it was not a "shame? Who reply'd It is your Fault etc.: That he saw loseph " Turner and William Allen, and went and stood near them, believ- "ing he should there be safe: That he did not see them do " anything as Magistrates to suppress the Rioters. That he heard "some person ask William Allen if it was not a Shame, such "mischief should be suffered? To which Joseph Turner reply'd " Why do you ccdl upon William Allen f Do you think he will " venture his life ? and William Allen added, No, I have been abused, " and will venture my Life for none of you: That this Examinate " spoke to Capt. Redmond, and desired him to take those Fellows "off; who reply'd Damn it, what have I to do with it?"
"Joseph Morris."
In that same year, (on Oct. 5, 1742), Joseph Morris was elected a Member of the Common Council of Philadelphia.*
Joseph Morris was appointed a signer of the " Paper Bills of Credit" ordered by the Assembly to be issued on the following dates: June 28, 1755 (date of note Oct. 1); Sept. 21, 1756 (date of note Oct. 1); March 10, 1757; June 17, 1757 (date of note July 1);
*F/(/c Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. ix., p. 732. Minutes of Common Council.
276 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
April 22, 1758 (date of note May 20) ; April 17, 1759 (date of note April 25) ; March 9, 1771 (date of note March 20).
Joseph Morris was actively interested in the Pennsylvania Hospital, from its founda- tion in 1751. He was in ^
that year elected a mem- /^ 1 >V^c/' ' . y J/I J /f-'A-^L^ ^^ ber of its first Board of V^ yy^'^'^^^
Managers, but resigned in '
1757. He was re-elected in 1769, and resigned May 21, 1781. In 1751 he contributed ^198.05 to the funds of the hospital.
On 2nd mo. 23rd, 1758, Joseph Morris was elected an " Over- seer" of the Public School of Philadelphia, to succeed Anthony Morris,* his brother, who had resigned.
In a list of names of Philadelphians, dated 1767, (now in the Philadelphia Library), the address of Joseph Morris and his son George Anthony Morris, is giveii as " Front, a little below the London Coffee House."
By his will, signed 8th mo. 28th, 1784, Joseph Morris leaves to his second wife, Hannah, all his household furniture and plate which she brought at their marriage, and also his gold watch. His estate is to be divided between his children James, Phoebe and Martha, all three of whom are named as Executors. It is incidentally mentioned, that his second wife's fortune (settled upon herself), is estimated at about £9,000. Will probated 19th July, 1785.*
Joseph Morris by first wife had issue : —
80. Geokge Anthony Morris, b. ; d. Oct. 5, 1773.
81. Phcebe Morris, b. • ; (living 1785).
82. Martha Morris, b. 1751 ; d. Imo. 9, 1792 ; m. Oct. 15, 1772, George
Mifflin.
83. James Morris, b. 1753 ; d. 7mo. 10, 1795 ; m. lOmo. 1, 1772, Elizabeth
Dawes.
Joseph Morris by second wife had issue : —
84. Elizabeth Morris, b.-
85. Joseph Morris, b.
Fide Will Book T, p. 167
FOURTH GENERATION. 277
25. Elizabeth Morris* (Anthony,^ Anthony,^ Anthony^), dau. of Anthony and Phoebe (Guest) Morris, b. Oct. 21, 1716; living 3rd mo. 16th, 1793— date of Deb. Morris' will; m. 7th mo. 6th, 1739, Benjamin Shoemaker, Merchant, of Philadelphia (as his second wife).
Benjamin Shoemaker was b. at German town, August 3 1704. He was a son of Isaac Shoemaker, the head of the family; b. in Cresheim, Germany, and married in Penna. to Sarah Hen- dricks, who was b. in the same town 2nd of 10th mo., 1678 ; she d. a widow 15th June, 1742, her husband having d. 12th Feb., 1732. Benjamin Shoemaker foresook the little settlement of German- town, and of a people which in Colonial times kept aloof from public affairs, and w^ent into the City to become a Merchant, ad- vertising, March 1729, " For Sale in High Street opposite the " Presbyterian Meeting House, good Linseed Oyl by the barrel or "smaller quantity." He was admitted a freeman of the City, on the day of his qualifying as a Common Councilman, October 14, 1732, and ten years later, became an Alderman, and in 1743, Mayor. At the end of his Mayoralty, Philadelphia contained, according to an address to the King, at least 1500 houses, and 13,000 inhabitants and above 300 vessels belonging to his Majesty's dominions, in the course of a year arrived at its wharves. From 1751 until his death, Benj. Shoemaker was Treasurer of the City, having succeeded Hasell the Councillor. He was ]\Iayor a second and a third time in 1752 and 1760, the last term receiving a salary of £100. Prior to this, excepting for a short period, there had been no remuneration for the Mayor, whereas he w^as expected to spend about £100 in a grand dinner on leaving office. To the Treasurer was paid 5% of the receipts and disbursements, amounting, however, wdth the small Treasury, to scarcely £40 a year. Benj. Shoemaker was invited to a seat in the Provincial Council at the same time as James Hamilton. Shoemaker was appointed as a "Friend," and remained such throughout his life. It was a principle with the Governors who preceded John Penn, to keep a fair number of Quakers, if not as many as there were Churchmen at the Board, although those appointed, were scarcely representative men of the sect, but such as were friendly to the Proprietary, and were not likely to obstruct mili- tary measures. Benjamin Shoemaker considered nearly two
278 GENEALOGY OF THE MOERIS FAMILY.
months, whether or not to accept a seat, and at last quaUfied Feb. 4, 1745/6. He was an active member until after the French War. He attended the meetings very seldom during the contest of John Penn and the Assembly, and when present gave no opinion upon the subject. Penn complained that he showed no disapprobation of the effort to change the form of government from Proprietary to Royal, and he had the independence to refuse to put his name to a letter comdemnatory of the Assembly, to be sent to the Proprietary family. For this reason, instead of his want of legal training (for laymen were generally appointed), John Penn in 1764 declined making him a Judge of the Supreme Court. At the election of that year. Shoemaker voted the anti- Proprietary ticket for members of the Assembly. Benjamin Shoemaker d. June 26, 1767, and was bu. in Friends' Ground. He m. (1st) June 18, 1724, Sarah Coates, b. 1705; d. June 8, 1738, dau. of Thomas Coates of Philadelphia, who was b. at Sproxton in Leicestershire, England, 9th mo. 26th, 1659, was son of Henr}^ and Elizabeth Coates, and m. 7th mo. 25th, 1696, Beulah, dau. of Thomas and Beulah Jacques of England, and emigrated to Philadelphia in 1684 and d. 7th mo. 22, 1719. Samuel Coates, brother of Mrs. Shoemaker, m. Mary Langdale. Benjamin Shoemaker m. (2dly) at Friends' Meeting, Philadel- phia, 7th mo. 6th, 1739, Elizabeth Morris, dau. of Anthony and Phoebe Morris of Philadelphia. She survived him. Most of the foregoing particulars have been gathered from Keith's " Provin- cial Councillors."
The following Obituary Notice appeared in tlie " Pennsylvania Gazette," July 2, 1767 :—
"On Thursday last died of a lingering illness Benjamin Shoemaker, Esq., whose social and domestic virtues endeared him to his Family, his Relatives, and his Friends. He was a Member of the Governor's Council, one of the Eldest Aldermen, and has been frequently Mayor of the City ; in which Station he acted with a becoming Dignity, with Judgment, Firmness, and Integrity. During our Party Contentions, his Opinion was his own. He was a good citizen, a worthy and useful Member of Society, and his Death is justly lamented by the Public."
FOURTH GENERATION. 279
Benjamin Shoemaker by second wife Elizabeth Morris had issue : —
86. Anthony Shoemaker, b. ; d. ; m. Penelope Rodman.
87. Charles Shoemaker, b. ; bu. in Friends' Ground ; 9mo. 29, 1752.
88. Joseph Shoemaker, b. ; d. .
89. "William Shoemaker, b. ; m. llmo. 21, 1771, Martha Brown, dan.
of Alexander Brown of Buckingham Township, Bucks County.
90. Charles Shoemaker, b. ; m. Margaret Minnick.
91. James Shoemaker, b. ; died about 1831.
92. Mary Shoemaker, b. ; d. 1810; m. {1st) J. Scull; (2nd) David
Levan.
93. Phojbe Shoemaker, b. ; d. unm., 8mo. 27, 1788.
94. Elizabeth Shoemaker, b. ; d. ; m. 12mo. 30, 1772, Benjamin
Lightfoot.
THE SHOEMAKER FAMILY.
Towards the close of the Seventeenth Century, several mem- bers of the Schumacher family emigrated to America from Cres- heim, a village in the Palatinate, on the right bank of the Rhine, not far from Worms. The name of the emigrants has been by degrees Anglicized to Shoemaker, and the village they came from, is now known as Kriegsheim.
As early as 1(357, ministers of the Society of Friends visited Cresheim, and made converts to their faith, but they soon became the objects of persecutions, so that when William Penn preached there in 1677, he found a little band of sorely tried " Friends," prominent amongst whom, were George and Peter Schumacher.
When William Penn was founding the colony which bears his name, he invited these Germans to join him in the new country, where they could enjoy religious freedom. His invita- tion was gladly accepted, and it led to the formation of the " Frank- fort Company," which secured 5350 acres of land, about six miles north of Philadelphia. Francis Daniel Pastorius was the leader of the first party, which came over in 1683. Among the number, was Jacob Schumacher (then single), who was in all probability a brother of Peter Schumacher, who, with three of his five children, came over in 1685, and of George who, with his wife and seven children, sailed in 1686. George died on the voyage ; the widow and seven children arrived safely. The fourth of these children was Isaac, then seventeen years old. He became a tanner, and resided in Germantown.
280 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
He married Sarah Hendricks' (born at Cresheim in the Palatinate 10th mo. 2nd, 1678; died in Pennsylvania June 15, 1742), daughter of Gerhard Hendricks, who emigrated to America in 1685, and was owner of 200 acres of the German township.
Isaac and Sarah Shoemaker were the parents of Benjamin Shoemaker, the Councillor (born at Germantown, Aug. 3, 1704; died about June 25, 1757), already referred to.
It is, doubtless, to the exodus of the Schumachers and others, that the Quaker Poet refers in his lines on Germantown : —
" That brother band " The sorrowing exiles from their Fatherland, " Leaving their homes in Kresheim's bowers of vine, " And the blue beauty of their glorious Rhine, " To seek amidst our solemn depths of wood, " Freedom for man, and holy peace with God, " Who first of all their testimonial gave " Against the oppressor, for the outcast slave."
"Whiitier."
29. Deborah Morris^ (Anthony,^ Anthony,^ Anthony^), a dau. of Anthony and Phoebe (Guest) Morris, was b. 11th mo. 13th, 1723/4; d. unm. March 31, 1793, bu. April 3, 1793. Deborah Morris was distinguished for her piety, individuality, and firm- ness of character. She was ^ ^ always a woman of note in C~~Z^ ^y^r-/:>1^ ^ the family, being invariably ^^^/) ^yU~^^CC^T7^ called upon for her good
judgment, in all important transactions. She was also esteemed the antiquarian of the family, and was remarkable for her eccentricities.
In the 3rd mo., 1772, Deborah Morris embarked with her Aunt Sarah Morris for London, having received a certificate dated 2nd mo. 6th, 1772, from the Philadelphia meeting, "liber- ating Deborah Morris, as companion to her Aunt Sarah Morris, for religious service abroad."
It has upon it the signatures of 69 women, and 60 men. Friends.
In our biographical account of Sarah Morris, reference has already been made, to the diary which her niece, Deborah Morris, kept during their voyage and travels in England.'"^ The following
*Vide " The Friend," Vol. xxxvi., p. 75, etc.
FOURTH GENERATION. 281
are a few extracts from the Diar}": "1772, Third mouth, 3rd, "and the 3rd of the week, we parted with our kind friends at "Chester, after a solemn sitting, wherein our friend Joseph Oxley, "took his leave with much love and tenderness, and my dear "Aunt was engaged in solemn prayer." Sarah Morris, notwith- standing the evidence of Divine favor attending the parting, became very much cast down and discouraged, in a sense of her own weakness, during the passage down the bay, with its difficulties and dangers, added to which was her own severe sea- sickness, so that she felt as if she would like to return to her home friends with the pilot. Her sickness, however, was too great to admit of such a movement, had her mind been prepared for it, and on the sixth, they ran out to sea, soon after which her sickness left her. Her kind niece was very sick during most of the passage.
On the 10th of the 4th mo., being near Dover, the captain, who had been very kind to them, advised them, as the morning Avas fine and calm, to land; this they did, and taking coach for London, went that night to Rochester Lodge, 26 miles. Deborah Morris says, "Felt Divine goodness near, and slept till day." The next day they reached London. As they were passing by the house of Thomas Wagstaff, he saw them, stopped the coach in which they were, and persuaded them to alight and dine with him. Deborah says, "his wife was a motherly woman. They "constrained us to spend the afternoon, and then our good friend "John Elliott got a coach and took us to the house of our friend "Thomas Corbyn, who with his wife were like parents, and his " son and two daughters were very kind. Here we took up our "abode, and were well entertained with all things needful."
On the First day, the 13th of the month, they attended Peel Meeting, which Deborah found much smaller than she expected, yet she says " the Lord owned us by his love, and broke the bread "and handed it to his servant, my dear Aunt, who handed it to "us. In supplication also she was favored." On the 14th they attended the Two-weeks meeting of Ministers and Elders, and the meeting accepted their certificates. In the afternoon was held a Monthly Meeting in the same house, at which time "six couples "passed in order for marriage." Sarah Morris was "much favored" in supplication. They spent the evening of that day with John and ]\Iary Elliott, she being the dau. of Mary Weston, who paid a religious visit to America.
282 GENEALOGY OP THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Deborah continues "On the 15th, the third of the week, went " to Devonshire house week-day meeting. It was small, yet Aunt's "service therein was acceptable. We dined at Richard Grafton's " with Joseph Oxley. After dinner, a solemn silence was unex- "pectedly fallen into, and Aunt was led particularly in season- "able exhortation to the' wife, who appears sometimes in meeting, "which we then knew not, and to two daughters, the eldest a "solid young woman. Her mother and two brothers were also " present, and were much affected. We drank tea at Joseph "Roe's. The conversation was solid, and an humble supplication "from aunt concluded this agreeable day. There were present, "Joseph Roe, his wife, two sisters, very plain Friends, and friend "Grafton and her eldest daughter. On the 16th, we went to the "week-day meeting at Grace Ghurch street, where Margaret Bell "and our kind landlady were much favored, and aunt clinched "the nail. We went home with our good friend Thomas Wag- " staff and wife to dine. The Young folks Quarterly Meeting "being held in the afternoon at 3 o'clock, we attended it, when "Isaac Sharpless and others were favored, but dear Aunt Extra- " ordinarily so.
"On the fifth-day the 17th, we went to a meeting at Devon- " shire house, where was a marriage of one of the couples that "passed the Second-day before. They were the gayest young "couple I ever saw among Friends. Although it was a rainy "day, it was a very full meeting, and many of other Societies "were there. Aunt was the first that spoke, beginning with the "cry of the prophet, 'All fiesh is grass,' and was carried on to "admiration. She is generally most favored in the largest assem- "blies, and so it was there. She was followed by Isaac Sharpless, "Sarah Gorbyn and Margaret Bell, all in one line, and Isaac "Sharpless concluded the meeting in prayer. The people, though "the meeting held long, were very quiet and attentive. We "dined with Joseph Roe, whose wife went with us to Daniel Mil- " dred. Daniel came in his coach to take us to drink tea with " his wife, who is a gay Friend. He and his son are plain, and " have goodly countenances. He took us to Horsleydown evening "Meeting, which was small and heavy, although several short "testimonies were borne. That of Aunt was in very few words. "On the Sixth-day, we were at Grace Ghurch street week-day " meeting ; it was larger than when we were at it before. There
FOURTH GENEKATIOX. 283
"were some short but living testimonies, and it was concluded in "prayer by aunt. On the First-day the 20th, Ave were at the same " meeting house in the morning, which was very full and very "gay. A few words were dropped by a Friend, after which a man "spoke awhile among the people, who was desired to sit down. "Aunt had the chief service, being 'largely carried out on "doctrinal points. We dined at Timothy Sevan's. His wife took " us to Horsleydown meeting, which was full and better than be- "fore. Aunt bore testimony therein for the Lord.
"Twenty -first. We dined with my dear old friend, Ann Fotli- "ergill and the Doctor, our good landlord, his wife and children "accompanying us. On the 22d, we were at Peel week-day meet- "ing. For a time it was very dull and heavy, although there "was not a small number present, and those mostly plain. At "length Sarah Corbyn and Margaret Bell spoke a few words in "love and life, which seemed to open the way for my aunt, who "lifted up her voice like a trumpet, to the rousing of us all. "Dined at home, with our kind captain and the wife of John "Gri^th and niece.
"Fourth month "iord, 1772. At the meeting at Grace Church "street, Wallis and Sarah Corbyn appeared in testimony, and "aunt concluded it in supplication. The meeting was larger "than usual. We dined at the house of Robert Bell, husband of "Margaret, after which our kind friend Joseph Roe, went with us "to the stage coach, into which, with Frances Griffith and her " niece, we mounted by 15 minutes after two o'clock. By half after "seven o'clock we reached her house at Chelmsford, 29 miles. " On the 24th, Fifth day, we attended their week day meeting. " The town was pretty, and more Friends at meeting than I ex- " pected, but it was a dull time, and close work for Aunt. Through "this town, our worthy Friend James Parnell, was led in chains "to receive his trial. As he passed along, he preached, to the "convincing of Elizabeth Wingfield, who lived to preach the "gospel at the yearly meeting, after she was an hundred and six " years of age."
The 24th was spent in preparing for a trip into the country, and in agreeable conversation with kind friends. On the 25th, the seventh of the week, hiring a post-chaise, they rode twelve miles, to Dunmow, dined there with Dr. John Sims, and in the afternoon, proceeded fourteen miles, to the house of William
284 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Impey, at Saffron Walden, a small town. Here they found a number of friends collected to attend the funeral of Catherine, the wife of Thomas Day. Deborah Morris reports her to have been a woman much beloved, and the family to have been one of note. Deborah says, " In the afternoon we attended the corpse to "the meeting house, which w^as crowded. Aunt was led, in the "demonstration and power of truth, to speak to the people. Isaac "Sharpless and Frances Griffith followed, when the former con- " eluded in prayer. A highly favored meeting ! We took leave " of our kind friends. Nancey Impey's mother, the widow Gib- " son, was particularly kind and full of love. In this town, I was " affected by seeing the stocks, in which our ancient friend George " Whitehead was put. The prison in which he was confined, was, "a few months since, pulled down. In it was found a manuscript "written by him."
Whilst at Scarborough, Deborah Morris and her aunt dined and spent an afternoon, at the house of Rebecca Taylor. Fifth day was rainy, and the Friends having both heavy colds, re- mained at their lodgings. During the afternoon, their landlady related this incident, as having occurred among her own relatives. An only daughter in a family, became attached to a young man, but their marriage was opposed by her father, for no other reason, it appeared, but the poverty of the suitor. Finding that his daughter still retained her attachment, in a fit of anger, the father horsewhipped her. This barbarous treatment from a parent, so affected the 3"oung Woman's mind, that her health broke down, and she soon died. When it became evident that her end was near, the young man, was, at her request, sent for in the night, that they might take a final parting. Her dead body was laid out near an open window, wdien to the astonishment of the wit- nesses, a pigeon entered and perched upon the breast of the corpse. It was driven aw^ay, but still returned, and when the body was placed in the coffin it perched upon it. It accompa- nied the funeral procession to the grave, over which it fluttered, as the coffin was lowered into it. The young man kept it whilst he lived, which was but a short time.
Whilst at Handsworth Woodhouse, in Yorkshire, tliey visited ''John Barnard's, whose wife Hannah is (writes Deborah) Rachel " Wilson's sister, at Upper Thorp, in Yorkshire. Their's is a pretty "family of children. Their two daughters, Mary and Deborah,
FOURTH GENERATION. 285
"are solid lasses. There, undesignedly, four Deborahs sat at "dinner on one side of the table. The first time I ever met so " many at once."
"On first day, the 11th, we went to meeting at Pardshaw Crag, " which is a large good house, and was well filled with plain friends, "such a number as we have not seen in England, belonging to one "meeting. I thought, surely we shall have a fine time to-day : — "so many laborers will easily roll away the stone from the well's " mouth ; but to my great disappointment, here were many idlers, "and poor aunt found it harder work than common. After a "silence of nearly two hours, she was qualified to divide the word " rightly. This meeting takes its name from a very high hill, near "the meeting house, on the top of which is a great rock cleft in "twain, and so spreading that many persons can take shelter under "them. In the first rise of Friends in these parts, they met some- " times under one part, and sometimes under the other, according- "ly as to which furnished the best protection from the present "wind. The people around used to remark, 'the Quakers have "'gone to meeting, we may cut our corn, it will not rain.' This "place I had often heard of, but never expected to see it.
"'Wonderful are thy works, 0 Lord! among the children of " ' men.' The turnings and overturnings of my life are marvellous "in my eyes."
Deborah Morris returned with her aunt to Philadelphia, in 9th mo., 1773. After her return to America, Deborah Morris took up her residence in what was then called Mulberry Court, running from 6th Street above Market Street, where she built herself a house directly across the court, to j)revent persons and vehicles passing from 6th to 7th streets, as she wished to enjoy quietness, and to be free from noise and bustle. The house was called the "Sprite" house; in which she lived during the remain- der of her life. The following is a copy of a letter written by her, nine years before her death, from the Sprite house, to her niece Sarah (Morris) Buckley at Essequibo : —
" Deborah Morris to Sarah Buckley.
"Philadelphia, Mulberry Court, 3mo. 8, 1784. "My Dear,
" Just now, thy good sister R. Buckley has sent me word, of a " possible opj)ortunity to write thee, and tho' a short notice, I
286 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
"readily embrace it, least thou should think thyself designedly " slighted, as I have not answered thy last — being discouraged " from the attempt, having wrote so many, which never reached "thy hand, nor have I received but one from thee, since thou " left us, till thy sweet children came, who are a credit to those "who have had the care of them. I wish the advantages thou "seems to promise thj'self in returning them, may answer thy " expectation.
"I am pleased to see thou hast spared no pains for their im- "provement, and hope thj quick return will perfect, what thou "hast laid a good foundation for.
" Indeed, they are good girls, and thy sister acts a mother's "part with fidelity, yet thy anxiety and theirs, renders it neces- "sary you should both follow, and should be glad it might be so " quickly, that I might not have another to write, for such have "been the vicissitudes that have fallen to my lot, it has become "a task; my spirits much depressed, and feel myself as old at "60, as I think my dear father was at 83. Rachel (Baremore) " continues with me still, or I think I could not cope with the " cares of house-keeping.
"Molly P. Potts and her brother John, have fallen under my "care since the death of his grandfather * * '^'
"Am ready sometimes, to think my trials are uncommon to "most in a single situation, and yet, desire to submit to the dis- " posing hand of unerring wisdom, — well knowing, our good is " designed b}' Divine Love to all His creatures, and in every dis- "pensation, that arm which is all sufficient, is extended. That "thou and I dear Sally may be enabled to lean thereon, as we "ought, for our support thro' every step in life,
"Prays thy sympathizing affectionate Aunt
" D. M., who is ready to "acknowledge the favour of continuing in my usual habitation, "thro' all the turnings and overturnings of time, not without "very trying vicissitudes, but as formerly, so it has been said, to "the raging wave 'hitherto shalt thou come, but no further,' for " which, I desire to return all due acknowledgment.
" Brother Josey is now likely, through favor, to continue a "while longer with us, their love and my family concludes — in " haste."
FOURTH GENEKATIjCJN. 287
Deborah Morris was the possessor of ahnost all the Morris family relics and curiosities, some of which, she had collected, and others had come to her through her mother, Phoebe Guest Morris. In bequeathing the various effects to her descendants, Deborah Morris took occasion in her memorable will and codicil to connect some historical facts with the gifts, and to put on record some of the incidents in the lives of the primitive settlers of Philadelphia, in which she took a truly affectionate interest.
The will and codicil are written in beautifully simple and pious language, and the reader will do well to remember in perusing them, that Deborah's maternal grandmother (Alice Guest) was a daughter of William Bailyes of Birmingham, and, that Alice Guest's grandfather was Thomas Chanders of Liver- pool, England.
THE AVILL OF DEBORAH MORRLS.^
Recorded Will Book W, p. 367, Office of Register of Wills, Pbila.
" Be it remembered that I, Deborah Morris of the city of Phila- delphia, Spinster, being of sound disposing mind and memory, do make (this sixteenth day of the third month one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three) this my last will and testament as fol- lows : Revoking hereb}" all other wills by me heretofore made. First. I authorize my executors, hereinafter named, to pay and discharge all my debts and funeral expenses as soon after my decease as may be, and to enable them so to do, I hereby em- power my said executors, the survivors or survivor of them, to sell at public or private sale, convey and assure all that my tract of land in Nockamixon Township, Bucks County, being the remainder of what I purchased of my nephew, William Shoe- maker; all that my undivided moiety of a tract of land called Callenders Meadows, on the Allegany Mountain in Bedford County, purchased of Samuel Wallis and held jointly by Joseph Potts and myself, although the deed is in my name, all my estate purchased of Alexander Macke}^, situated on Dock and Pear Streets, in the City of Philadelphia ; all that my lot of ground in Seventh Street in the said city, now in the tenure of Virgil Warder a blackman ; and also all that my house and lot of ground on the north side of High Street in the said city, now in the tenure of
288 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
James Biddle, being in front eighteen feet ten inches and in depth an hundred and seventy feet, from which no privilege of outlet shall ever be granted into the Court, but I will and direct that the house and lot last mentioned shall be sold, subject to twelve pounds per annum, pa3^able thereout annually forever to the Contributors to the Pennsylvania Hospital for the benefit of that institution.
" And as this property, whh the monies in my possession or due to me at the time of my decease, may not be sufficient to dis- charge my debts, I hereby devise and bequeath to my said execu- tors, the survivors and survivor of them and the heirs and assigns of such survivor, all and singular other my lands, tenements and herditaments, in trust, however, and to and for the following and no other purposes, intents and uses whatever. That is to say, to receive the rents, issues and profits thereof, and after paying taxes and other unavoidable charges, to pay off and discharge the residue of my debts ; also to pay thereout to my sister Elizabeth Shoemaker, during her natural life, in quarterly pay- ments of twelve pounds ten shillings each, fift}^ pounds per annum, to commence from the day of my decease, and to her daughter Elizabeth Lightfoot, the sum of fifty pounds per annum, payable from the same time, in like manner, during the natural life of her mother, and for the term of two years after the decease of her said mother ; also to pay thereout to my faithful attendant Rachel Baremore now living with me, during the term of her natural life fifty pounds per annum in four even quarterly pay- ments, to commence from the day of my decease, all which pay- ments I direct to be paid in the first place, and out of the estate I shall leave, and after payments of my debts and the aforesaid annuities, I will and direct that my said executors the survivors and survivor of them, the heirs and assigns of such survivor shall be, and stand seized of the said estate, until from the rents issues and profits thereof, the sum of six hundred pounds shall be received, which shall be applied for the repairs hereafter men- tioned, and also to discharge all other, the j^ecuniary or specific legacies, not hereafter particularly otherwise charged upon any part or parts of my real estate, if the same shall be sufficient — but if not, then so much as my executors shall find necessary ; and after the said sum shall have been so raised, then they shall continue to be and stand seized as aforesaid, until the further sum
FOURTH GEXEEATIOX. 289
of twelve hundred pounds shall have been received therefrom, for the purpose of erecting a dwelling house and wall on the lot of ground hereinafter devised to my niece Abigail Griffitts, and her son Samuel Powel Griffitts, which sum, as it is received from time to time, shall be put out to interest by my executors, on good securities, and the interest again put out for the same purpose, and from and after the time that the said last mentioned sum shall have been raised, then to and for the use of my devisees hereinafter named, according to the estates and interest to them respectively granted.
" Item. I devise to my niece Abigail Griffitts and to her son Samuel Powel Griffitts, for and during the term of the natural life of the said Abigail Griffitts, all that my late grandfather's mansion house at the corner of Front Street and Morris Alley, to have and to hold the same, for and during the term of her natural life, and from and after her decease, then I devise and bequeath the same to her son Samuel Powel Griffitts, for the term of Ninety-nine years, if he shall live so long, subject to the payment of two hundred pounds to his brother James Griffitts, in three years after the death of his said mother, or if the said James Griffitts shall not then be living, then to his children, if any, equally to be divided between them, and from and after the decease of the said Samuel Powel Griffitts, then to the issue of his body lawfully begotten, to be equally divided between them during the residue of the said term of ninety-nine years, and after the expiration of the said term, or in case the said Samuel Powel Griffitts shall die leaving no issue, then I devise the same to Benjamin Wistar Morris and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, subject to the payment of an annuity of twenty-five pounds per annum payable thereout annually forever to Nicholas Wain, James Bringhurst, Thomas Fisher, Samuel Coates, Henry Drinker, Samuel Hopkins, Isaac Catheral, Thomas Scattergood, Samuel Sansom, John Field, Joshua Cresson, and John Drinker, their heirs and assigns, which annuity, I will and direct, shall be applied to the relief and accommodation of the poor in the almshouse in this city, under the care and direction of Friends: And for want of such male heir of the body of the said Benjamin Wistar Morris, I devise the said mansion house and lot of ground to Caspar Wistar Morris, the brother of the said Benjamin Wistar Morris, and the heirs male of his body
290 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
lawfully begotten, and for want of such male heir of the body of the said Caspar Wistar IMorris lawfully begotten, I devise the said mansion house and lot of ground, in like manner to his brother Luke Morris, and the male heirs of his body lawfully begotten, and for want of such male heir I devise the same to the said Nicholas Wain, James Bringhurst, Thomas Fisher, Samuel Coates, Henry Drinker, Samuel Hopkins, Isaac Catheral, Thomas Scattergood, Samuel Sanson, John Field, Joshua Cresson and John Drinker, their heirs and assigns, for the purpose of rebuild- ing the said Almshouse, and accommodating the poor thereof, and it is my desire, as it was the desire of my late dear father, that the Mansion house at present erected on the said lot, shall stand as long as it may with safety to the inhabitants, and when it shall become necessary to rebuild it, I hereby authorize and empower my said nephew Samuel Powel GrifRtts, or the person or persons who shall at that time be rightfully seized or possessed thereof by virtue of this will, to call in the said twelve hundred pounds and the interest thereof, and erect therewith a good, but plain three story brick house, keeping as near as possible to the old foundations, and also a brick wall on the south side of the garden, and when this shall be done, I direct the following words and figures, viz. A. M. 1686, to be affixed in blue bricks, at one of the gable ends of the house, that being about the time my worthy grandfather built the present house.
'^ Item. I devise to my sister Elizabeth Shoemaker, for and during her natural life, all my present mansion or dwelling house, and half the garden lot contiguous thereto, with the Westernmost frame house in Farmers Alley ; the adjoining tenement now in the tenure of Jacob Fister, and my chair house and stables subject to the payment of twenty pounds per annum to my niece Mary Jones daughter of my brother James during the natural life of the said Mary, and also subject to the ground rent of fifty shillings per annum, now payable thereout. And from and after the decease of the said Elizabeth Shoemaker, I devise the same to Sarah Powel Buckley, daughter of my niece Sarah Buckley during her natural life, subject to the payment of the said annuity to Mary Jones, and also subject to the payment of twelve pounds per annum, to her mother Sarah Buckley, during the natural life of the said Sarah Buckley. And from and after the decease of the said Sarah Powel Buckley, then I devise the
FOURTH GENERATION. 291
same, to the lawful issue of the body of the said Sarah Powel Buckley lawfully begotten, who shall be living at the time of her death, equally to be divided between them as tenants in com- mon, and not as joint tenants, subject however, to the payment of the aforesaid annuities and ground rent, and also subject from the expiration of said annuities, to an annuity of twelve pounds per annum, payable thereout, annually forever to the overseers of the public school founded by Charter in the town and County of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, for the use of the free negro school in the City of Philadelphia under the care of Friends, and if the said Sarah Powel Buckley shall die without issue, then I devise the same to my nephew Jonathan Jones, the late hus- band of my beloved niece Mary Jones, his heirs and assigns subject to the aforesaid annuities and ground rent.
"And I do hereby declare this devise and the several succes- sive estates, hereby limited and created, to be upon this express condition, viz. that the owner of the several messuages and lots in this clause mentioned, shall not build nor suffer any buildings to be erected in the garden spot, on the south end of my said dwelling house, nor open nor permit or suffer to be opened, if they can in any wise prevent it, an alley through the Court in which my said dwelling house is situated ; and in case of failing in performing this condition, I hereby devise all and singular the premises in this clause mentioned and devised, to Nicholas Wain, James Bringhurst, Thomas Fisher, Samuel Coates, Henry Drinker, Samuel Hopkins, Isaac Catheral, Thomas Scattergood, Samuel Sansom, John Field, Joshua Cresson and John Drinker, their heirs and assigns, for the purpose of repairing or building or rebuilding the Almshouse or a house of employment, for the better accommodating the poor of our Society.
"Item. I devise to my niece Phoebe Morris during her natural life, all that my next house or old mansion situated in jNIulberry Court with the lot back of it on Farmers Alley, and both the frame tenements thereon, being bounded on the east by the lot sold by me to Jonathan Jones, and on the AVest by a cartway, left for the use of the said Court, also one-half of the' garden lot south of my present dwelling house, bounded on the south by the lot sold by me to Jonathan Jones on High Street and eastward by the lot on which my storeroom now stands, subject to the pay- ment of thirty pounds per annum to my attendant Rachel Bare-
292 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
more during the term of her natural life, in four equal quarterly payments, and after the decease of the said Rachel Baremore, then subject to the payment of twelve pounds per annum, paya- ble thereout annually, forever, to the overseers of the public school founded by Charter in the town and County of Philadel- phia, in Pennsylvania, for the use of the negro school under the care of Friends in the said city : And from and after the decease of the said Phoebe Morris, I devise the premises in this clause mentioned, subject to the aforesaid annuities to Elizabeth Mifflin the daughter of my niece Martha Mifflin, and from and after the decease of the said Elizabeth Mifflin, to the issue of the said Elizabeth Mifflin, lawfully begotten, and if she die, leaving no issue, then I devise the same, subject to the said annuities, to Thomas Mifflin brother to the said Elizabeth Mifflin, and to Anthony Buckley and their heirs, equally to be divided as tenants in common and not as joint tenants. And I do declare this devise and several successive estates hereby limited and created, to be subject to the same conditions as to building on the garden lot, or opening the alley, as are in the last preceding devise expressed.
"Item. I devise to Elizabeth Buckley, eldest daughter of niece Sarah Buckley, during her natural life, all that house and lot of ground adjoining my last mentioned house and all the buildings on said lot of ground erected in a straight line northward into the horse yard, with all the ways and water courses, thereto belong- ing subject to the payment of twenty pounds per annum to my said niece Sarah Buckley, during her natural life, and from and after her decease, subject to the payment of twelve pounds per annum, payable annually thereout for ever, to the overseers of the public school founded by Charter in the town and county of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, for the use of the free negro school under the care of friends in the said City, and from and after the decease of the said Elizabeth Buckley, I devise the same, subject to the aforesaid annuities, to the lawful issue of her body, equally to be divided between them, share and share alike, as tenants in common and not as joint tenants, and if she die leaving no issue, then I devise the same, subject to the afore- said annuities, to her brother Anthony and sister Sarah, their heirs and assigns, equally to be divided between them as tenants in common.
FOURTH GENERATION. 293
" Item. I devise to Hannah Catherall and Rebecca Jones, and the survivor of them, during their natural lives, all that my easternmost house and lot of ground in Mulberry Court, now in the tenure of Isaac Lane, with the chairhouse and stables thereto belonging, and the vacant ground at the east end of the said dwelling house, together with the privilege of the Horse yard and all ways and water courses thereto belonging, and I hereby will and direct, that the said dwelling house be repaired by my executors at the cost of my estate : And that during the lives of the said Hannah Catherall and Rebecca Jones, and the lifetime of the survivor of them, it shall be kept in good tenantable order, and the taxes thereon be paid out of my estate, and from and after the decease of the survivor of my said two Friends, I devise all and singular the premises in the clause mentioned, to Elizabeth Lightfoot, granddaughter of my sister Elizabeth Shoemaker, her heirs and assigns forever, subject to the payment of twelve pounds per annum, to be thereout paid annually for- ever to the overseers of the public school as aforesaid, for the use of the negro schools under the care of Friends in this city.
"Item. I devise to Jonathan Jones his heirs and assigns, all that my lot on the north side of High Street, twenty-two feet front, and in depth extending to the pallisade fence south of my present mansion ; bounded on the east by a lot he purchased of me under certain restrictions, w^hich shall be observed in this devise also, so far as respects incommoding my other dwellings.
" Item. I devise to Rachel Baremore during her natural life, all that my house and lot of ground on Sixth Street, and I hereby will and direct, that my executors put the same in good repair, and dig and wall a cellar under the kitchen belonging to it, at the expense of my estate : And this I wish to be done, and the possession thereof delivered to the said Rachel, as soon as conveniently may be after m}^ decease ; and after the decease of the said Rachel, I devise the same house and lot of ground to Elizabeth Lightfoot, granddaughter of my sister Elizabeth Shoemaker, her heirs' and assigns, she paying thereout to her mother Elizabeth Lightfoot, during the natural life of her mother, the sum of twenty-five pounds per annum.
"Item. I devise to the aforesaid Rachel Baremore during her natural life all my ground rents as follows, viz. : Ground rent in Race Street paid by Joseph North ten pounds, two ground rents
294 GENEALOGY OP THE MORRIS FAMILY.
in Second Street near Arch, paid by Samuel Sansom and Thomas Waters fifty shillings each, five pounds. One in Fj-ont Street near Arch Street, paid by Benjamin Wynkoop five pounds, twelve shillings and six pence, and from and after her decease, I devise the same to the contributors of the Pennsylvania Hospital, for the use of the said institution, which is not however to be deducted from the debt I owe them.
''Item. It is my intent and meaning, and I hereby will and direct, that no forfeiture of any estate or interest hereinbefore devised, by reason of neglect or nonperformance of any condition or proviso, shall annul or defeat any annuity or charge made payable thereout.
"And I do hereby authorize and empower all those persons to whom I have devised annuities or rent charges, their heirs, successors and assigns, as the case may be, to enter and distrain from time to time in case of nonpayment thereof.
"Item. I will and direct, that the devises to my niece Abigail GriflStts and her son Samuel Powel Griffitts, and also the devises of the dwelling house on Sixth Street to Rachel Baremore, shall take eff'ect immediately after my decease, and that my executors put them respectively into possession thereof, as soon as may conveniently be, but the other devises and the bequests hereafter mentioned, shall not take effect in possession, until by the sale of what is directed to be sold, and the receipt of the rents, issues and profits from the remainder of my estate, my executors shall have discharged all my debts, and raised the before mentioned two separate funds of six hundred pounds, or such larger sum as shall be found necessary for the purposes of this will, and twelve hundred pounds for the purpose before mentioned.
"Item. Being desirous that the Court in which I now dwell, shall be kept open for the health and convenience of the inhabi- tants, I direct, that garden lots hereinbefore mentioned, shall be always left open and unbuilt on, and that the lot on which my store room lately stood, be left open for public use, as a part of the said court and to enlarge the way therein.
" I give to my sister Elizabeth Shoemaker, my niece Sarah Buckley, and my niece Abigail Griffitts, all my best wearing apparel, and the rest to Rachel Baremore.
" I also give to the said Rachel, all the furniture in the back room commonly called the dining room, the back chambers in
FOURTH GENERATION. 295
the second and third stories, and in the two small rooms in the second and third story, with six cane chairs and the easy chair in the front chamber, the painted field bed stead in the front garret, bed and bedding, and a suit of red and white calico curtains used in the third story, as much kitchen furniture, pewter, china and cjueensware as she thinks necessary for her, also, four diaper table cloths, one damask table cloth, six damask napkins marked D M 12 in. figures, six diaper napkins marked D M, six pair of sheets and pillow cases, with whatever household common linen she may want : All the provision of every sort, and wood which may be in the house at the time of my decease, without any account to be taken thereof One silver porringer, and six silver spoons marked D M.
"And it is my will, that she be allowed to stay two months in my present mansion, or till my executors put her in possession of the house before devised to her. And I request my beloved relations Susanna Jones and Sarah AValn, to see that she has all things comfortable and necessary in her house, though they may not be named here, for she has been faithful to my interest.
"I also devise, that they will see my little maid Margaret Boyer is well, and is returned to her parents, to whom I give a silver spoon marked D M.
"And the residue of my furniture and linen, I give to my niece Elizabeth Lightfoot and Sarah Buckley senior, except some small matters which I have marked for some of my friends.
"And all the rest of my plate, to my executors, in trust for the several persons named in a schedule or list to be delivered to my executors, which I would not have inserted nor appraised in the inventory of my estate. I give to Lydia Robins fifty pounds. To Sarah Blake and KacheJ Attmore, two widows, my tenants, ten pounds each. To Rachel Attmore 's daughter Margaret fifteen pounds. To my friend Phineas Buckley, fifty pounds. To his son Thomas, a silver pint can marked E E W. To his daughter Elizabeth, a silver waiter or salver, with the same mark, they were their uncle and aunt Williams' and also a small punch strainer.
"Item. I give to Sarah Wain, Lydia Wallace's two daughters Mary and Hannah, Owen Jones, Susannah Nancarrow, Jonathan Jones, Samuel Coates, Hannah Clifford and Deborah Buckley,
296 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
daughter of Phineas Buckley, each of them six silver table spoons, to be marked D M.
"Item. I give to the Philadelphia Dispensary, fifteen pounds, and to each of the children and grand children of my deceased father, I give one quarto Bible, a small memorandum of much love.
"And before I conclude my will, I feel it necessary to mention, that I hope none of my dear relations will think my donations in favor of the free negro school too large, as it appears to me to be a debt due to the posterity of those, whom our predecessors kept in bondage.
"Lastly, I appoint my trusty friends Owen Jones senior, Sam'l Coates, my nephew Jonathan Jones, Anthony Wistar Morris, grand son of my brother Anthony, and Samuel Powel Griffitts, executors of this my will, to whom I devise and bequeath all the rest and residue of my real and personal estate not herein- before devised, bequeathed and disposed of.
"In Witness Whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and published and declared this to be my will, the da}' and year first above written.
" But before executing the same, I authorize my executors the survivors or survivor of them to make titles for all such lands as I have agreed to convey.
" Written on four sheets of paper in fourteen pages.
"Deborah Morris.
"Signed, sealed and declared as the last will, and testament of the said Deborah Morris, in the presence of us, who at her request have hereunto subscribed our names. The words, and lot of ground on the fourth page, the words, and the heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, on the fifth page, and the words and their heirs on the eighth page, were interlined before signing.
"Charles Moore. "Richard Humphreys.
"I give to Hannah Fairlamb, twelve pounds, to my nephew Isaac Morris, twenty -five jiounds, and to Catherine Carrel, a little girl, two years English schooling, when she attains the age of
FOURTH GENERATION. 297
twenty-one years and the sum of ten pounds with interest from my death, if she behaves well, and I declare this to be a codicil to my will.
"Deborah Morris."
Codicil to the Will of D. M.
" To my Executors.
"Please give to my nephew James Morris, my quart silver tankard marked D. M., the son of my brother Joseph, to his sister Phoebe, my dear mother's old fashion salts with ye initial letters of her maiden name P. G., and six fruit forks P. M., and two small spoons with a fork at one end, my great grandfathers egg spoons, to Kitty Morris a silver spoon of my dear mothers P. G. To Elizabeth Lightfoot Jr., her gold buttons, to my sister Hannah Morris, her gold girdle buckle (but now she is gone to her sister Fox, who has been, and is now, a very kind Aunt to my nieces, and I love her) to my niece Sarah Buckley my large Bible, to her daughters Elizabeth and Sarah, all my tea table plate. To Elizabeth Galloway, a pint can marked L. G. S. It was her dear mother's who gave it to me, also my worked needle book bound with lace. To my cousin Sarah Wain, all my other needle work ; and silver cork screw with pearl handle, which was my dear brother Benjamin's, 'to Benjamin W. Morris. To Thomas Buckley and his sister Elizabeth, the children of my friend Phineas Buckley, of Bristol, a silver waiter, and pint can marked E. E. W. that once were in their use, and small strainer. To my friends Hannah Catheral and Rebecca Jones, my beloved Aunt Sarah Morris, dressing box of letters, &c. and her silver castor S. M.,they were beloved friends to her. To my much esteemed friends and relations Susanna Jones, and her three daughters Ann, Martha and Sarah, two salts marked D. M., two castors marked D. M., punch strainer, all silver, and my gold girdle buckle to their sister Rebecca. I give to my nephew Samuel Powel GrifRtts, my silver soup spoon and chrysolite studs set in gold J. F. I give to my nephew Jonathan Jones, all my library, and request him to present to my niece Elizabeth Mifflin, with her Aunt Claypole, Sacred History two vol. wrote by Thomas Elwood folio. I also give him my half pint can D. M., six silver spoons, maple drawers and table, ye yellow room, in right of his wife, my
298 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
beloved M. P. Jones. And to Willy Smith, Sewell history, with a needle work cover, it was her Aunt Molly's.
" To my much valued friend and Executor, Samuel Coates, I give my large silver tankard, and as a memorandum of love, not to deprive him, or either of my executors, of their commissions.
" I give to nephew Benjamin Morris, a silver porringer that was my Aunt Sarah S. M.
"I give to my much valued friend Owen Jones, who has been like a father to me, a small silver plate D. M., not by way of com- pensation, but as a token of love."
Part of the Codicil to Deborah Morris Will.
" Believing it will be agreeable to my beloved Uncle Luke Morris, to receive as a token of love, some antient pieces of family plate that were his grandfathers, which are all so antient, that is preserved to this day, of what was given to his father, who was deprived of his when an infant, by a storm on his voyage from Barbadoes to his native Country, England. But his mother lived to attend him till 5 or six years of age, and then finding it necessary to go to Barbadoes, to settle her husband's affairs, she went and did not live to return, but soon died there, her three silver spoons one of them marked with her maiden name Eliza- beth Senior 1648, the other two E. S. only, I give to my said Uncle, with the old silver sugar box marked A. INI., S. M., D. M., of my grandfather, which he must remember, though it now appears as a Tureene, having repaired it and put handles to it, as in that form, it was more useful to me, but the silver, the size, the fashion is the same, the identical feet and lid, and at the decease of my dear uncle and wife, I give the said plate to my nephew Samuel Morris, son of my brother Anthony, and at his decease, to his son Benjamin W. Morris, who will I hope and desire, keep them in the family.
"And to my beloved nephew, Thomas Morris, son of my brother Anthony, I give all the antient pieces on my dear mother's side, as he is fond of relique, (viz) a brass fire shovel, and tongs, and fender, and brass fire dogs, which stand in the chamber I call the yellow room, and pewter dishes, all preserved by being thrown down my greatgrandfather's William Bailyes his well in Birmingham, during Cromwell's wars; also a silver mustard pot
FOURTH GENERATION. 299
lattis work cypher on the top, which belonged to Samuel Frith, one of the good old man's grandchildren, a caudle cup, porrin- ger, and two spoons marked E. H. and a large old fashioned salver A. P. M. which was given my dear Parents by my mother's Aunt Elizabeth Hard, on whom I waited with pleasure nine years, who deceased in the 93rd year of her age, worthy good woman, whose sweet, innocent deportment used to give me high esteem and regard, for other antient people. She came from England with William Penn and other friends, my grandfather and wife came two years before, and settled in the Jerseys, but when she heard her sister designed to Philadelphia, they re- moved thither also, and just got settled in a cave on the Bank of the river, which is now called the Crooked Billet wharf, when my dear aunt arrived, which she esteemed a Divine Providence to find her sister, whom she had not seen for some years, thus ready to receive her, and in the Cave they dwelt together till they could build. I remember wdiile writing, one passage amongst many others she related, which Pve often pleasingly thought of, as it has raised my hopes, increased my faith and depend an ce on that arm, which never failed our worthy ancestors, it was with them, supporting through all their difficulties, and many attended in settling a new country. In hopes of its being profitably remembered by my cousins as myself, I'll repeat it — " All that came, wanted a dwelling, and hasted to provide one; they lovingly helped each other, when the women set themselves to work they had not been used to, for few of our first settlers were of the laborious class, help of that sort was scarce, and my good Aunt thought expedient to help her husband at one end of the saw, and to fetch all such water to make mortar of, as they then had to build her chimney. At one time, being overwearied therewith, her husband desired her to forbear, saying, thou my dear had better think of dinner, on which, poor woman — she walked away, wept as she went, reflecting on herself for coming to be exposed to such hardships, and then knew not where to get a dinner, for their provision was all spent, except a small quantity of biscuit and cheese, of which she had not informed her hus- band, but thought she would try which of her friends had any to spare. Thus she walked on towards tent, (happy time when each ones Treasure lay safe in their tent), but a little desponding in her mind, for she felt herself closely reproved, and as if queried
300 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
with, did thou not come for liberty of Conscience, hast thou not got it, also been provided for beyond thy expectation, which so humbled her, she on her knees begged forgiveness, and for preservation in future, and never repined after. When she arose from her knees, and was going to seek for other food than what she had, her cat came into the tent, and had caught a fine large rabbit, which she thankfully received, and dressed as an English hare. When her husband came to dinner, being informed of the particulars, they both wept with reverential joy, and eat their meal, which was thus seasonably provided for them, in singleness of heart ; many such divinely providential cares did they partake of. Thus did our worthy ancestors witness the arm of Divine love extended for their support, within and without, which is not shortened, his love and power remains the same, and ever will, to his depending children. Therefore let us lean thereon. Oh may we all seek to be made thereby, acceptable in his holy sight." This was all in her own handwriting.
30. Benjamin Morris,* M. D. (Anthony,^ Anthony,^ Anthony,^) youngest son of Anthony and Phoebe (Guest) Morris, was born 3rd mo. 7th, 1725; d. May 14, 1755, "and was buried in the " family burying place in Friends' Grave-yard in Philadelphia."*
On 7th mo. 30th, 1748, Benjamin Morris received from the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, a certificate of removal to the Grace Church Meeting, in London, England, which country he visited before proceeding to Holland, to pursue his Medical Studies. After a course of study at the University of Leyden, he obtained his degree of Doctor of Medicine, Dec. 30, 1750. His Diploma, with large seal (enclosed in a circular metal case) is in excellent preservation, and is in the possession of the present Dr. Caspar Morris, who has kindly permitted a photo- graph of it to be taken, for use in this work. About the time that Dr. Benjamin Morris returned from Holland to England, the nomination of his uncle Judge William Morris, of Trenton, to fill a vacancy in the Provincial Council of New Jersey, was under consideration in London, and in the correspondence already quoted from, it will be seen that Dr. Benjamin Morris during
* Vide Family Bible of Samuel Morris, Sr.
FOURTH GENERATION. 301
his sta}^ in that city, was endeavoring to promote his Uncle's interests.*
Dr. Morris appears to have made a long stay in London, as it was not until 1st mo. 14th, 1754, that he received his certificate from the two weeks' meeting in London, to the IMonthly Meeting of Philadelphia, in which, reference is made to "his sober conversation and freedom from marriage engagements." This certificate was produced at Philadelphia Monthly INIeeting, 6th mo. 28th, 1754. The following is the full text of the Certificate : —
" To Friends at their Monthly Meeting at Philadelphia.
''Dear Friends: — Our Friend Benjamin Morris having request- ed of this meeting a certificate of his conversation and clearness respecting marriage, during his residence among us. These are to certify, that due enquiry having been made, it does not appear, but that his conversation has been sober, and that he leaves us free from any engagements in relation to marriage. With De- sires that the Almighty may conduct him in safety, to you and that by keeping near to that holy Helper, which alone can make him truly usefull and honorable in his station, and a comfort to his Friends, we salute you and remain your Friends and Brethren.
" Signed in and on behalf of our Two Weeks Meeting held at Grace Church Street, London, on the 14th of First month, 1754.
"Joseph Phipps Richd How John Fothergill
"Benjn. Bourne Thos. Smith Jacob Hagen
"Wm. Smith John Hill John Sims
"Geoe. Whitehead John Townsend Nathl Might."
The promising professional career of Dr. Morris, in his native city,. was cut short by his premature death, in the followmg year.
In the very interesting "History of the Pennsylvania Hos- pital," recently published, we find that on the 17th of January, 1767, the following contribution to the Library, w^as recorded in the minutes : " The Medical Books of the Library of Dr. Benjamin "Morris, deed., being presented by his sister Deborah Morris, "towards founding a Medical Library, consisting of 55 volumes, " were brought to the Library."
*Vide New Jersey Archives, 1st Series, Vol. vii., p. 603.
302 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
These books "were j^rincipally standard medical books col- "lected by Dr. Morris during his attendance upon the University "of Leyden." It had been previously recorded in connection with the histor}'- of the Anatomical and Pathological Museum of the Hospital, "That on the 30th April, 1757, Deborah Morris "presented a human skeleton; for the purpose of medical teach- "ing." The latter was probabh^ a part of the collection of her lately deceased brother.
33. Mary Morris* (James,^ Anthony,^ Anthony^), a dau, of James and Margaret (Cook) Morris, b. 7th mo. 22nd, 1713; d. 14th December, 1783; m. 1st 1730 Cornelius Empson; m. 2ndly 1743 Benjamin Jones. Concerning her second marriage, Mary Jones "acknowledged error" at a meeting of Friends at Duck Creek, Del., 6tli mo. 22nd, 1743, for having been married by a Presbyterian. At a meeting 6th mo. 24th, 1780, she was com- plained against for keeping a slave.*
Mary Morris by her first husband had issue : —
95. RiCHAKD Empsox, b. 9mo. 26, 17.32.
96. MarCtAeet Empsox, b. Aug. 22, 17o4 ; d. ; m. David "Wilson.
Mary Morris by her second liusband had issue: —
97. jNIaey Joxes, b. ; d. ; m. , Thomas Shane.
98. Phoebe Jones.
99. Deborah Joxes.
34. Phcebe Morris* (James,' Anthon}^^ Anthony^), a dau. of James and Margaret (Cook) Morris, was born 10th mo. 16th, 1720, d. ; m. 1752 Robert Holliday.
Robert Holliday was appointed a Justice of the Peace, of Kent Co., Nov. 1st, 1764 and '66.t He was a very rich man for those days, and was a "Leading Friend" in Kent Co., Delaware. During the Revolution, he was declared a "Toiy," in consequence of his being opposed to the war, and from the following circum- stance, he was called to account by the Authorities.
* Vide Minutes Duck Creek Meeting.
fVide Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. ix., p. 658.
FOURTH GENERATION. 303
Earl}^ in 1775, he wrote a letter to a friend in Philadelphia, who was indiscreet enough (without the permission of the writer), to hand it to the Editor of Humphrey's " Philadelphia Ledger," for publication. Consequently in the 3rd Number of that News- paper, published on Feb. 11th, 1775, appeared the following: —
"Extract of a Letter from Kent County in Delaware.
" With regard to political matters, the people have begun to change their sentiments, concluding in their more deliberate moments, that such violent measures, as have been pursued, will not heal, but on the contrary, widen the breach. Man}^ who have kept their sentiments to themselves, begin to whisper their dislike of the proceedings gone into. I believe the Friendly Address, and other performances of the moderate stamp, have done much good, in opening the blind eyes of many, and when people come to taste feelingly of the hardships which a suspen- sion of trade will occasion, they will all change sides, nay, I believe, if the King's Standard were now erected, nine out of ten would repair to it.
" The people have not, till lately, considered the consequences of a Civil War with so brave and powerful a nation as that of Great Britain ; the heat and rage of party, had not given them leisure to reflect on the devastation and havock it would occasion, and if our rashness should yet bring us on, Quere, if such reflec- tions as these would not arise with many ? I have seen this land blest with peace and plenty, under the happiest Government in the world ; every branch of business flourishing, men secured in their liberty and property, a trade open to foreign parts of the world, which occasioned a ready sale for our produce. I have been in possession of a wife, and many children, some of whom are numbered among the slain, and others far separated ; I have lived in a happy harmonious neighborhood, where the violence of party, and the appellations of Whig and Tory were unknown. Who could think that a three penny duty on tea could occasion all these difficulties, when only a refusal to purchase the article, would have kept us free ?"
Great was the excitement produced by the publication of this letter, which had not abated two months later. In Chris-
304 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
topher Marshall's diary, we find the following entry under date of:
April 29, 1775. "This day, about noon, Jabez Fisher came by persuasion to the Coffee House, and there declared in the presence of a great concourse of people, that it was Robert Holliday of Duck Creek, that wrote and sent that letter to him, which he has caused to be published in the Pennsylvania Ledger, No. 3, and no other person, upon which the people with some reluctancy let him go."
The matter was now brought under the notice of the Com- mittee of Inspection for Kent County, in Delaware, and Chris- topher Marshall makes the following entry, dated :
May 17, 1775. '' In P. Journal No. 1693, is (a) copy of Robert Holliday's Recantation and acknowledgement of his misconduct, the which was accepted by their Committee in Kent County."
The following is from the " Pennsylvania Journal" No. 1693, for May 17, 1775:—
" Extract from the proceedings of the Committee of Inspection for Kent County, on Delaivare.
"Dover, Tuesday, May 2, 1775. P. M.
"The Committee met by adjournment, when the following Letter was laid before them, by the President of the Committee of Correspondence for said County :
"'I acknowledge to have w^ote a piece (and did not sign it), since said to be an extract of a letter from Kent County, on Delaware, published in Humphrey's Ledger, No. 3, it was not dated from any place; and is something altered from the original. I folded it up, and directed the same to Joshua Fisher and Sons. I had no intention to have it published, and further let them know, the author thought best it should not be published, nor did I think they would; — I am sincerely sorry I ever wrote it, as also for its being published, and hope I may be excused, foi: this my first breach in this way, and I intend it shall be the last.
"'Robert Holliday. " ' May 2, 1775.
"'■To the Committee of Correspondence
"'For Kent County on Delaivare.'"
FOURTH GENERATION. 305
" Resolved unanimously, That this be not satisfactory, and that Mr. Holliday be required to attend the Committee at their next meeting, on Tuesday, the 9th inst, then to give further satisfac- tion for the gross misrepresentation of the people of this county, by said letter, from which an extract was published in Hum- phrey's "Ledger."
" Tuesday, May 9, 1775. P. M.
" The Committee met according to adjournment — when Mr. Holliday appeared, and offered to make the necessar}^ concessions for his conduct.
"On motion, Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to draw up Mr. Holliday's concessions in writing.
" This being done, Mr. Holliday waited on the Committee with his concessions, drawn up in the form of an address, as follows : —
" ' To the Committee of Insjyedion for Kent County, on Delaware.
"'Gentlemen: — With sorrow and contrition, for my weak- ness and folly, I confess myself the author of the letter, from which an extract was published in the 3d number of Humphrey's Ledger, said to be from Kent County, on Delaware ; but, at the same time, do declare it was published without m}^ consent, and not without some alterations.
" ' I am now convinced, the political sentiments therein con- tained, were founded on the grossest error ; more especially that malignant insinuation, that " if the King's Standard were erected, nine out of ten would repair to it " could not have been suggested, but from the deepest infatuation. True indeed it is, the people of this county have ever shown a zealous attachment to his Majesty's person and government, and whenever he raised his Standard in a just cause, were ready to flock to it ; but let the severe account I now render to an injured' people, witness to the world, that none are more ready to oppose Tyranny, or to be first in the cause of Liberty, than the inhabitants of Kent County.
" ' Conscious that I can tender no satisfaction adequate to the injury done my Country, I can only beg forgiveness of my coun- trymen, upon those principles of humanity, which may induce them to consider the frailty of human nature, — and I do profess
306 GENEALOGY OF THE MORKIS FAMILY.
and promise, that I will never again oppose those laudable meas- ures, necessarily adoj^ted by my countrymen, for the preservation of American Freedom ; but will co-operate with them, to the utmost of my abilities, in their virtuous struggle for Liberty, so far as is consistent with my religious principles.
" ' Robert Holliday.' " ' May 9, 1775.' "
" Voted as satisfactory
" Published by order of the Committee
"Thomas Nixon, Junior Clerk."
Robert and Phoebe (Morris) Holliday had issue: —
100. John Holliday, b. llmo. 20, 1753; d. young.
101. Susannah Holliday, b. 2mo. 29, 1756; d. 3mo. 15, 1815 ; m. 29 Feb.,
1775, George Wilson.
102. James Holliday, b. 6mo. 13, 1758 ; d. ; m. Amelia Jones.
103. Robert Holliday, b. 9mo. 27, 1760 ; d. 12mo. 3, 1767.
104. INIaky Holliday, b. 9mo. 21, 1763 ; d. 7mo. 1, 1766.
35. James Morris^ (James,^ Anthony,^ Anthony^), a son of James and Margaret (Cook) Morris, was b. 6th mo. 14th, 1723; d. June 16, 1786 ; m. March 6, 1750, Ann Tilton, b. Jan. 4, 1730 ; d. May 25, 1762 ; dau. of John and Ann Tilton. This marriage was considered irregular, by the "Friends" of the Duck Creek Monthly Meeting, and James Morris was charged with transgres- sion in marriage, at the monthly meeting held 6th mo. 19th, 1751, having married " one not a Friend," and " marrying out of the unity of Friends." In the following year, at a monthly meeting, held 8th mo. 17th, 1752, James Morris made acknowledgment of his error, and it was received, as " satisfactory " to the meeting. He appears to have continued in the Society of Friends, until he was complained against, in 1779, for "Keeping negroes in Slavery," after which he was "testified against" in 1780. James Morris was commissioned a Justice of the Peace of Kent County, Nov. 1, 1764."=' He has left a memorandum in his Note Book, that his "Framed Dwelling House at the Cross Roads of Duck
*Vide Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. ix., p. 657.
FOURTH GENERATION. 307
Greek was built by William Beaebam and Jolin Walston Carps, 1767."
James and Ann (Tilton) Morris bad issue : —
105. James Morris, b. Feb. 24, 1752 ; d. 2mo. 16, 1825 ; in. May 1(3, 1774,
Elizabeth Berry.
106. Mary Morris, b. July 28, 1756 ; d. 5mo. 23, 1835; m. March 10, 1774,
Isaac Griffin.
107. Margaret Morris, b. May 18, 1759 ; d. lOmo. 8, 1828 ; m. 3nio. 5,
1783, Henry Peterson.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF JAIMES MORRIS.^
James Morris, tbe Elder of Duck Creek, bundred, Co. of Kent upon Delaware. Will dated 2d May, 1783. He gives to son James Morris, all tbose tracts of land now in his tenure, lying on Main Duck Creek known as " The Improvement," and " Morris's Rambles," containing 500 acres of land and marsh, also a tract of land and marsh in Duck Creek known as " Long Point," also testator's present dwelling bouse and a part of a lot of ground adjoining, charged nevertheless with tbe sum of £150, which son James is to pay daughter Mary Grifhn.
He gives to daughter Mar}^ Griffin, the tract of land and marsh whereon Moses Thompson lives (except a lot of six acres), also a moiety of lands in New Castle Co., bought of Alexander Chance and Thomas Brown, also part of lot of ground at Duck Creek Cross Roads.
He gives to son James, a tract of land and small plantation in tenure of tbe testator, being a part of the "Morris's Rambles," also six acres of salt marsh. Son James is however to pay yearly, for ten years, to daughter Margaret, the sum of £12 for her separate use, free from tbe will of her present or any future husband. At the expiration of ten years, son James is to expend £600 in furnishing for daughter Margaret, such lands and Tenements as she shall approve of, which shall be duly conveyed to her, she shall enjoy tbe rents and profits coming therefrom during her lifetime, and after her decease, the property shall remain in trust for her child or children; grandchildren to inherit in equal shares. In the event of no children or grandchildren surviving
308 GENEALOGY OF THE MOKEIS FAMILY.
her, the right to such purchased property, shall, by the convey- ance become vested in son James Morris and daughter Mary Griffin, share and share alike. He gives to Robert Holliday and Frederick Fisher, in trust for daughter Margaret, for life, remain- der to her children, a part of his lot at the Cross Road. In default of her leaving issue, said land to become property of son James and daughter Mary. He also gives daughter Margaret, a moiety of the lands in New Castle Count}^ which he bought of Alexander Chance and Thomas Brown. He directs son James, to pay all just debts, and to maintain his "two negroes Joseph and William, if they, or either of them, through misfortune or other- wise become poor, and want support."
He further wills that his " negroes William, Daniel, Charles, and Abraham, be set free and absolutely manumitted " immedi- ately after his decease. Sole Executor, son James Morris.
(Signed) James Morris, [l. s.]
Witnesses :
Robert Holliday. Thomas Tiltox. Ezekiel Needham.
Proved 2d Aug., 1786.
Thomas Rodney', Regr.
36. William Morris,* (William,^ Anthony,^ Anthony') a son of AVilliam Morris of Trenton and his first wife Sarah Dury ; b. in Island of Barbados 8th mo. 18th, 1719; m. 10th mo. 5, 1752, Rebecca Peters, widow {nee Richardson).
William Morris'' was an Attorney-at-Law by profession, but was at one time engaged in mercantile pursuits. The following advertisement appeared in the " Pennsylva- nia Gazette" for Nov. 6th, 1746: — /^^//rr/i/j ^
"To be sold by AVilliam Morris, Jun., /
at his store in Trenton, opposite to John
Jenkins, good rum by the hogshead, and salt by the hundred bushels, or less Cjuantity, at the Philadelphia prices, and freight up from thence."
FOURTH GENERATION. 309
William Morris, Jr., in a deposition, dated Nov. 1751, is described as "Attorney-at Law," practising in the Courts.
Advertisements in the "Pennsylvania Gazette," show that he was engaged in real estate transactions, both alone, and in part- nership with his father. The following is from the " Pennsylvania Gazette," June 8th, 1749 :—
" To be Sold.
"A Tract of 441 acres good land upon Salem Creek, near the town ; also another lot of 40 acres, in Maidenhead upon Assan- CUNK* Creek, within five miles of Trenton. Any person inclining to purchase, may be further informed, by applying to William Morris, jun, of Trenton."
It is recorded in the Minutes of the Chesterfield Monthl}^ Meeting, on 5th mo. 7th, 1752, that "William Morris, Jr. requests a Certificate to Wilmington Monthly Meeting, on account of marriage with a friend of that meeting." The Certificate was granted 6th mo. 4th, 1752, and William Morris, Jr., was in due time, married at Wihnington Monthly Meeting, 10th mo. 5th, 1752, to Rebecca (Richardson) Peters, widow of Capt. Joseph Peters. It is a curious coincidence, that on the same day that this marriage took place in Wilmington, the elder William Mor- ris had his request presented at the Chesterfield Monthly Meeting, for a Certificate to the Monthly Meeting at Philadelphia, " on account of marriage." His signature is upon the Marriage Cer- tificate of his son.
William Morris* does not appear to have returned to Trenton, but we find a complaint was made by the Friends of Wilmington to the Chesterfield Monthly Meeting, that he had not produced his certificate, and for neglecting to comply with the request of the " Friends of Chesterfield Meeting," in 1756, that he would apply to that meeting for a certificate, he was disowned from being a member of that Religious Society.
Rebecca (Richardson) Peters, the eighth child of John and Ann Richardson, was born at the family residence on Christiana
* Now known as Stoney Brook, which is a translation of the Indian Name ; the latter is derived from achsun softened into asm)), stone, and the locative unk, with the euphonic and connective c — stoney place.
310 GENEALOGY OF THE MOKRIS FAMILY.
Creek 6th mo. 22nd, 1717. She was married first, to Joseph Peters, son of Thomas Peters of Philadelphia, 2nd mo. 13th, 1741 (marriage certificate recorded in Book of Marriages of Newark (now Kennett) Monthly Meeting). He was a seafaring man, and went to Wilmington, by certificate of removal from Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, 6th mo. 29th, 1740, and was disowned by New- ark Monthly Meeting 10th mo. 3rd, 1748, for arming a merchant vessel. The following is a copy of the Minute recording the fact:
''Whereas Joseph Peters was educated among Friends, but not having a true regard to the principal of Truth in himself, he has so far erred from our antient, peaceable and suffering principall, as to put Guns on Board his Vessel, in order to defend his prop- erty, for which he has been Divers times Laboured with, in order to bring him to a sense of his said error, but the Labours of Love proving ineffectual, he continues to justifie his practice therein, therefore, for the clearing of Truth, we hereby signifie that we have no Unity with him in said practice, by declaring him to be no member of our Religious Society, untill he shall come to a sense of his said error, & make Friends Satisfaction, which we desire he may attain unto —
" Given forth from our Monthly Meeting
of Newark, held at Senter, this 3rd day of lOmo 1748.
"Signed by Thomas Carleton, Clk. for this time."
Captain Joseph Peters carried on a mercantile business in Wilmington. The date of his death is not known, but he was alive 2d mo. 11th, 1746, when he advertised as follows in the " Pennsylvania Gazette : " —
"Lately imported from London in the Ship "Caroline," Capt. Mesnard, and sold by Joseph Peters of Wimington by wholesale or retail, very reasonable for ready money or short credit." (Here follows a long list of great variety).
As before stated, Rebecca, his widow, ^
married, secondly, William Morris, Jr., ^^^-^-^ f^g^^ but she had no children by either mar- riage. She died in Wilmington, 11th mo. 23d, 1773, aged 56 years 5 mos. and 1 day.
HfiMi/.
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF WILLIAM MORRlS' AND REBECCA ( RICHARDSON > PETERS, 1752
FOURTH GENERATION. 311
38. Sarah Morris' (William,^ Anthony ,2 Anthony^) a dau. of William and Sarah (Dury) Morris, b. in Barbados 7th mo. 9th, 1722; d. 1746; m. 8th mo., 1745, Joseph Richardson, a son of John and Ann Richardson.
JOSEPH RICHARDSON.
Joseph Richardson, the second child of John and Ann Richardson, was born at the family residence on Christiana Creek, 10th mo. 6th, 1706. In 1745, he married Sarah Morris, daughter of William Morris of Trenton, N. J. She died about a year after their marriage, and soon after the birth of their
daughter Sarah. Joseph Rich- ^y/^/^A^/^*^^ ardson never married again. In
^ I his younger days, in connection
with his father's business, he acquired a knowledge of mercantile affairs, making frequent voyages to the West Indies, in charge of the cargo. His father, during his absence on one of the voyages, built a house for him, at the place mentioned in his will as "Snug Harbour," about half a mile further up the Christiana Creek than his own resi- dence. Upon Joseph's return, he declined living in it, expressing, at the same time, his determination to settle in Philadelphia. The house had then progressed so far as to be roofed in, but it was never finished, and until recent times, it was known in the neighborhood, as "Richardson's folly" or "Folly House." The Phila. Wilmington, & Bait. Railroad now passes over its site.
Joseph Richardson carried out his intention of settling in Philadelphia, and as a merchant there, acquired a large fortune by successful industry. He built the house which until recently, stood at No. 256 and 258 South 2nd St. in Philadelphia. It stood back a considerable distance from 2nd Street with an office and side yard, and fronting on 2nd Street, in its original condi- tion. In that house he died 11th mo. 17th, 1770. His Will, which was proved Jan 17, 1771, was not signed, but the hand- writing was testified to, by Nicholas Wain, as being that of Joseph Richardson.
312 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
On the 22ncl Nov., 1770, the following obituary notice appeared in " The Philadelphia Gazette : "
" On Saturday morning last died Joseph Richardson, Esq., an eminent Merchant of this City, in the 64th year of his age, a Gentleman whose private virtues, and public spirit, justly claimed the friendship, esteem and Confidence of his Fellow Citizens, and others. He served for several years as a Representative in the Assembly of this Province, with Steadiness, Integrity and Advantage to his Country. He filled several other Offices of Trust with Assiduity and Reputation, and devoted a great deal of his time to the settling of Disputes and Controversies among his Neighbours and others, a conduct truly Praise-worthy and for which he deserves the highest encomiums. His unexpected Death is deeply mourned and Lamented by his Family and Friends, and his loss as a very useful Member of Society, regretted by his Countrymen, who demonstrated their Respect for his Memory, by attending his Funeral in great numbers to the Quakers' Burying Ground in this City, where he was interred on Monday."
Joseph and Sarah (Morris) Richardson had issue : —
108. Saeah Richardson, b. 8mo. 11, 1746 ; d. Imo. 13, 1825 ; m. 5m6. 22, 1771, Nicholas "Wain.
40. Anthony Morris,^ ("William,^ Anthony,- Anthony,^) a son of William Morris and his first wife Sarah Dury, was b. in Bar- bados 8th mo. 31st, 1727; d. 3rd mo. 10th, 1804 at Slabtown (now " Jacksonville "), near Copenny Meeting (now " Old Springfield ") in Burlington County, N. J. ; m. 10th mo., 1746, at Little Egg Harbour Monthly INIeeting House, Sarah Cramer or Cranmer, dau. of Stephen Cranmer. Sarah Cranmer was b. 9th mo. 20th, 1726 ; d. 5th mo. 26th, 1805, at Old Springfield, N. J., " aged 78 years 8 mos. and 6 days."
Anthon)^ Morris* probably came from Barbados when a child, his parents having removed to Trenton, N. J., in 1730. There is a tradition that he ^vas brought to this country by a sea captain, and was handsomely dressed.
Anthony Morris,* was connected with the Burlington Monthly Meeting in 1745, and from it, received a certificate of removal, dated 12th mo. 3rd, 1745, which he produced at Little Egg Har- bour Monthly Meeting 1st mo. 13th, 1745/6. It may be inferred.
FOURTH GENERATION. 313
that he remained there for some years after his marriage, as the next record states, that he received a certificate of removal from the Monthly Meeting at Little Egg Harbour, 3rd mo. 14th, 1754, which he produced at Burlington, 5th mo. 6th, 1754. On 4th mo. 4th, 1763, he received for himself, his wife and children, a certifi- cate of removal from the Burlington Monthly Meeting, recom- mending them as having "been attenders of meeting on first days, and orderly in their conversation." This certificate was read and received, at Evesham, 7th mo. 7th, 1763. At some time, they must have returned to Burlington, as we find that on 7th mo. 6th, 1801, Anthony Morris and wife, received a certificate, from the Monthly Meeting at Burlington, to the Monthly Meeting at Mt. Holly.
Anthony and Sarah (Cranmer) Morris had a family of fourteen children. Some of them remained in New Jersey, but a large contingent travelled westward, seeking homes in Western Penn- sylvania, Ohio, and Iowa.
Anthony and Sarah (Cranmer) Morris had issue: —
109. Stephen Morris, b. 2mo. 20, 1747; cl. lOmo. 1, 1818; m. lOmo. or
llmo., 1770, Bathsheba Jess.
110. Mary Morris, b. lOmo. 24, 1748; d. 9mo. 4, 1819; m. Abraham
Eakestraw.
111. Hannah Morris, b. 3mo. 3, 1750; d. young.
112. Sarah Morris, b. 3mo. 24, 1751 ; probably d. young.
113. John Morris, b. 2mo. 5, 1753 ; d. ; m. .
114. Hannah Morris, b. 2mo. 9, 1755 ; d. ; m. July 25, 1774, Samuel
Eockhill.
115. Esther Morris, b. llmo 29, 1757 ; d. num., 1826.
116. Alice Morris, b. 7mo. 4, 1758 ; d. in infancy.
117. George Morris, b. 8mo. 20, 1760 ; d. ; m. .
118. Alice Morris, b. 4mo. 14, 1762 ; probably d. young.
119. Anthony Morris, b. 4mo. 15, 1764 ; d. in infancy.
120. Joseph Morris, b. 2mo. 5, 1767; d. 3mo. 17, 1825; m. Rachel Zelley.
121. Elizabeth Morris, b. llmo. 23, 1770 ; d. ; m. Levi Pitman.
122. Anthony Morris, Jr., b. 4mo. 18, 1773; d. 5mo. 19, 1826; m. 5mo.,
1797, Hannah French.
THE CRANMER FAMILY.
At a very early date, some of the Cranmers settled in Ocean and Burlington counties, N. J., and in the year 1729, there was an addition to the first colony of Cranmers ; this was Stephen
314 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Cranmer and his wife Sarah, who brought their certificate to the Friends' Meeting of Little Egg Harbour, and settled at Bass River.
They are said to have come from the same place as the other Cranmers.
The Cranmers of New Jersey, claim to be descendants of Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who, for his devotion to Protestantism, was burned at the stake, by order of Queen Mary, at Smithfield, England, May 20th, 1556. It is thought, the Cranmers may be right in claiming descent from Archbishop Cranmer, for many of the Jersey Cranmers are said to possess a striking resemblance to the portrait of the Archbishop.
43. Israel Morris' (William,^ Anthony,- Anthony^) a son of William Morris and Sarah Dury was b. in Trenton, N. J., 2nd mo. 13th, 1738; d. in Harford Co., Md, 4th mo. 3rd, 1818; m. (1st) at Philadelphia Monthly Meeting 2nd mo. 19th, 1761, Phoebe Brown (b. 1735), dau. of William and Susanna (Church- man) Brown of Philadelphia; m. (2ndly) Sarah Bond (dau.
of Joshua Bond and Ann Partridge), who d. Dec. 29, 1811, "in a quiet resigned state of mind " in the seventieth year of her age.
Much of the early married life of Israel Morris^ was spent in Philadelphia, Pa., all his children by his first wife having been born in that city.
From the Records at Trenton, we learn that on June 24, 1765, John Hingston of Mil- combe, parish of Blackawton nigh the fort of Dartmouth, Co. Devon, England, yeoman, gave a Letter of Attorney to John Hunt of the City of London, Merchant and Israel Morris of Pennsyl- vania, authorizing them to look after his interests in the land and houses at Timber Creek, and elsewhere in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which he claimed as the heir of David Hingston, deceased.*
From the Records in Philadelphia, we find that "Israel Morris
*Vide Liber W., folio 374, Office of Sec. of State, Trenton, N. J.
FOURTH GENERATION. 315
(son of William Morris) of the City of Philadelphia, Gentleman," on 6th December, 1774, gave a Letter of Attorney to William Brown, of Philadelphia, Merchant, and Abel Evans, of same place, empowering them to dispose of his lands in America, and also to dispose of his share in lands in America, which he held with John Hurst, Thomas Hurst, Charles Hurst and John Barron.
Israel Morris mentions in the letter, that he and John Barron were administrators non cum, of the Estate of William Penn, Junior, and this Letter of Attorney also empowered William Brown and Abel Evans, to act for Israel Morris, and conjointly with John Barron, in disposing of Stepney Manor, the accounts to be filed in Register of Wills Court at Newcastle.*
This Letter of Attorney, was "Inrolled" 13th Jan., 1775. It was probably given, preparatory to the departure of Israel Morris for Great Britain, as we know, that during the Revolutionary War, Israel Morris was in England, but being prevented from returning to America, as he desired, he sought the good offices of Dr. John Fothergill, who wrote a letter on his behalf, to the Earl of Dartmouth. This letter is preserved amongst the " Man- uscripts of the Earl of Dartmouth," f and is thus described : —
" Dr. John Fothergill to Lord Dartmouth.
" 1776 — AVrites on behalf Israel Morris, the son of a Magis- trate in New Jersey, who desires leave to return to America, and has been refused, because he would not acknowledge the sove- reignty of the British Legislature over America. He declares he is friendly to the King, and does not intend to be active in the present circumstances. The treatment appears to Dr. Fothergill ungenerous and impolitic. Asks Lord Dartmouth to appoint an interview with Morris.
" Autograph Letter signed 3 quarto pages, endorsed Dr. Foth- ergill, 1776."
Israel Morris must have succeeded in returning to America, as we find that in 1778 he began to sell the Real Estate left by his father, who died 11th mo. 6th, 1776.
*Vicle Exemp. Eecords, Vol. iv., p. 634, Office of Recorder of Deeds, Phila. iVide "The Manuscripts of the Earl of Dartmouth, Vol., ii.— American papers," London, 1895, p. 430.
316 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
On the 1st June, 1778, "Israel Morris of Trenton in Co. of Hunterdon, in New Jersey, Gentleman, son and heir of William Morris, late of Trenton aforesaid Esquire, deceased," conveyed to "John Rejmolds of Trenton aforesaid, Paper Maker," for the consideration of £350, proclamation money of New Jersey, "a certain Lot or piece of ground situate on the east side of King Street in Trenton aforesaid, — Beginning at a corner of ground now or late of Thomas Smith, thence running northerly along Street to an Alley, thence easterly, along the said alley two hundred and four feet four inches, to other ground, whereof this was part, belonging to the said Israel Morris, thence south four degrees East by said Morris' ground, to the said ground of Thomas Smith, thence westerly, along the same to the place of beginning, (It being part of a larger lot or piece of ground which William Trent, by Indenture, bearing date the Sixteenth day of April, 1745, for the consideration mentioned — granted unto the said William Morris, deceased), together in all and singular Buildings and Improvements."* Signed by Israel Morris — Witnessed by Archa. Reynolds and Robt. Paisley.
On the 23rd Sept., 1778, Israel Morris, of Trenton, in Co. of Hunterdon, for the consideration of £1400 current Money, con- veyed to John Reynolds of Trenton, Paper Maker, 3 parcels or lots of ground, situated in Trenton, near to the Quaker's Bury- ing Ground, reserving however 20 feet square of the ground of North-east corner of the first lot, adjoining land of William Tucker, and the Quaker Burying Ground," for the use of burying the negroes "belonging, or that should belong, to the families of William Morris and Mary Dury." Signed — Israel Morris ; wit- nessed by George Ely and Parry Hall, f
On the 28th May, 1779, John Reynolds and Catharine his wife, for the consideration of £2325, current money of N. J. conveyed the self-same lots, with the same reservation, to Josej^h Milnor ( Vide Liber AL, folio 115).
It was not until Oct. 3, 1782, that the Will of William Morris of Trenton was probated, and Israel Morris his son qualified himself as sole Executor. Soon afterwards, Israel Morris granted a deed of confirmation of title for the last named purchase made
* Vide Liber AL, p. 77. Office of Sec. of State, Trenton, N. J. t Vide Liber AL, folio 112. Office Sec. State, Trenton, N. J.
Pji,ijR|ij,.w^i ip.-i Hi, . lui -.11- mmmimmmmmmmmm^
y ^mra.'Aj ^£^rnu ia-Ax^Ai j'! /fi^a,^r^ C^^^J t,f^<^^^ «A- jOiTSfe^ ^ /<r»Ky '/.' ^ /""
7
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•^/^W-c "
,7vt / ', . Crc<,c/
ENTRIES IN FAMILY BIBLE OF ISRAEL MORRIS'
FOURTH GENERATION. 317
by Joseph Milnor. It commences thus: "Israel Morris, County of Harford in the State of ]\Iaryland, gentleman, Executor of the last Will and Testament of William Morris, late of the County of Hunterdon, in the State of New Jersey, Esquire, Deceased, of the one part, and Joseph Milnor, of the sd County of Hunterdon, in the State of New Jersey, Merchant, of the other part," &c., signed 5th Oct., 1782.
It is evident, that by this date (1782), Israel Morris had removed his residence to Harford County, Maryland. And there, probably, he married his second wife Sarah Bond. He acquired, and settled upon, a large farm two miles south of Bel Air. He bought many negroes, whom he set free at a certain age, thereby, greatly impairing his fortune. After his decease, his son William B. Morris continued to occupy the old home- stead, until his death in 1854.
Dr. Geo. W. Archer states that information respecting Israel Morris during his residence in Harford County " is very meagre." In the Ledger of AVm. Wilson, Dr. Archer finds entries of pur- chases and payments made by Israel Morris from 1785-1807. William Wilson's store was within a few rods of the present Village of Emmorton, on land now owned and resided on, by one of his grandsons — other grandchildren living near, one of whom is Henry C. Wilson.
On Feb. 1, 1814, Buckler Bond, William Wilson and Israel Morris, were assessed for one-half acre lot in Bel Air (the county seat of Harford Co.), whereon stood a one-story house, 14 x 12 ft. A deed of May, 1814, (only three months later), shows that Buck- ler Bond, William Wilson and William Morris, conveyed this lot to Rev. Benj. Richardson, for $120. It would thus seem probable, (as Dr. Archer suggests), that Israel Morris had, meanwhile, con- veyed his part to his son William Morris. The Buckler Bond mentioned above, was a brother of Israel Morris' second wife, Sarah Bond, and the William Wilson, referred to above, had married a sister named Pamella Bond. Sarah (Bond) Morris had also two other brothers, William Bond and James Bond.
William Bond, brother to Sarah (Bond) Morris (second wife of Israel Morris), in his Will made 1787, proved 1788, leaves " to my sister Sarah Morris £7.10." "To Susanna Morris £7.10." " To my nephew William Bond Morris £100 when he is 21 years of age." Legacies to several of the Bonds.
318 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
We cannot conclude this brief sketch of the life of Israel ]\Iorris/ without quoting a letter, written to him by Nichs. Brewer, in 1811:—
" AxNAPOLis, June 24, 1811. "Friend Morris,
"Thy letter of the 17th Inst was duly received by the last mail covering twenty-three dollars, stating it to be a debt due to my father, for which I thank thee, and consider it under all circumstances, as a remarkable instance of correctness and honesty, in these daj^s of wickedness and depravity. It has been said, that the noblest work of God, is an honest man. Such I shall hold thee hereafter, as this has been a voluntary payment, when the claim was not known to exist. I am mj'self the Ad- ministrator of my father.
"Yours with sentiments of high respect,
" Your obd. Servt.,
"Mr. Israel Morris, "Nichs. Brewer.
"Bush or Harford,
"Harford County."
Israel Morris by first wife (Phcebe) had issue : —
123. Rebecca Morrls, b. 12mo. 29, 1762 ; d. 6mo. 11, 1763.
124. SusAXNA Morris, b. lOmo. 14, 1764 ; d. in Harford, Co. ; m. 5mo.
30, 1798.
125. Sarah Morris, b. 8mo. 1, 1766; living 9mo. 9, 1812, date of her
father's will.
126. GuLiELiiA ]\IoRRis, b. 2mo. 14, 1770 ; d. 8mo. 5, 1771.
127. PHffiBE Morris, b. 8mo. 2, 1771 ; d. 9mo. 21, 1800 ; m. 3mo. 7, 1797,
"William Wilson.
Israel Morris by his second wife (Sarah) had issue : —
128. William Bond Morris, b. 2mo. 8, 1781 ; d. April 4, 1854 ; m. 1807,
Susanna INIorris.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF ISRAEL :M0RRIS.*
Israel Morris, of Harford Count}", in the State of Marjdand, son of William Morris, late of Trenton, in the State of New Jersey. Will dated 9th day of 9th month, 1812. He directs that his body be buried by the side of his late wife, Sarah Morris, in
A CHEST OF DRAWERS WHICH BELONGED TO ISRAEL MORRIS^ (son of william morris^)
FOUKTH GENERATIOX. 319
son AVilliam's plantation. As his son William Morris is other- wise provided for, he gives him in addition thereto, his clock and watch. To daughter Sarah Morris he gives one-half of the residue of his estate, the other half being given to his grandchildren Susanna and Asahel Wilson, children of daughter Phoebe Wilson. Executors : son William Morris and daughter Sarah IMorris.
(Signed) Israel Morris, [l. s.]
Witnesses :
William Magness. A. C. Clendinen. Benjamin Magness.
Will proved 16th day of June, 1818. Thos. S. Bond, Reg. Wills, H. Co.
Recorded, Uher S. R. No. 1, Folio 162. Office of Register of Wills, Harford Co., Md.
FIFTH GENERATION.
48. Samuel Morris^ (Captain), (Anthony/ Anthony,^ An- thony,^ Anthony 0, the eldest son and second child of Anthony Morris^ and his first wife Sarah Powell, was b. in Philadelphia, 4th mo. 24th, 1734 ; d. July 7, 1812, aged 78 years 2 months and 10 days ; m. at Christ Church, Philadelphia, during the incum- bency of Rev. Robert Jenney, Dec. 11, 1755, Rebecca Wistar, dau. of Caspar and Katharine (Jansen) Wistar.*
Samuel Morris* was stjded " Junior," to distinguish him from his uncle Samuel Morris " Senr.," and his cousin Samuel Cad- walader Morris, both of whom, at the time of the Revolution, were Members of the
Board of War. On /C // // /7 /?
the 8th day of Jan., QJ ^^^^^^^_^ J/^^J^ 1750, Samuel Morris, >-^ / /
Jr., was apprenticed
to Isaac Greenleafe, a merchant of Philadelphia, for the full term of four years, five months and two weeks. At the same time, an agreement was entered into between Anthony Morris, (the father of Samuel), and Isaac Greenleafe, that the latter, in consideration thereof, should be allowed the full rent of the Dwelling House he then lived in, for the term of three years from the date of the instrument, besides the time he had already lived in the said house. During the apprenticeship of Samuel Morris*, his master, Isaac Greenleafe, married, (12th mo., 6th, 1753), as his second wife, Catharine Wistar a daughter of Caspar Wistar. Catharine Wistar had a sister Rebecca Wistar, and probably the "young apprentice" thus had opportunities of meeting her, and becoming acquainted with her, for on the 11th of Dec, 1755, he followed his master's example, and married Rebecca Wistar at Christ Church, Philadelphia. After their mar- riage, this couple probably occupied the house which is referred
^Vlde Records of Christ Church, Philadelphia.
(320)
'/mruf
No. 48
x/^nic
FIFTH GENERATION. 321
to in the " Agreement" accompanying the Indenture of Appren- ticeship, as being occupied by Isaac Greenleafe, as his term of residence, had by that time expired. ' It is supposed, that this is the house (rrnd in 2nd Street (old No. 65) which was occupied by Samuel Morris during the remainder of his life, and is still standing (1898) in fairly good preservation. It is now divided into stores, and rented to various tenants. It is an interesting fact, that this property on 2nd Street, is at the Western boundary, and the old " Morris Mansion," on Front Street (now No. 118), is at the Eastern boundary, of the ground purchased by Anthony Morris," (the " Immigrant "), in 1687, and both houses are still in the possession of his descendants.
When he was about thirty years of age, Samuel Morris became the possessor of a piece of land, which had formerly belonged to his grandfather, Samuel Powell, as we find recorded in a Deed, bearing date Feb. 28, 1764.
By this Deed, Anthony Morris and Elizabeth his wife, " for natural love and affection, conveyed to Samuel Morris, a lot of ground on the South side of Dock Street, and East of Pear Street 88 feet broad, extending 140 feet Southward, its western boundary being in a line with the back end of St. Paul's Churchyard. This piece of ground, was " a part of a certain great lot of land, which Samuel Powel the Elder, late of Philadelphia, House Car- penter," by Indenture, dated 27th Jan., 1741/2, granted to his daughter Sarah Morris, (first wife of Anthony Morris*).*
Samuel Morris* was an excellent horseman, and a keen sports- man, delighting in the chase, and all health-giving out-door sports. In 1763, we find his name upon the roll of the " Society of Fort St. David's," although it is probable, that he had joined the club some years before. The members of this Society, were principally Welshmen of the Order of Ancient Britons. Their "fort" was a rude timber shanty, but roomy and convenient, erected on a broad high rock, on the East bank of the River, near to the Falls of Schuylkill. The delight of the St. Davidians, was to make war upon the blue cat fish, for which the Schuylkill was then celebrated, as the Wissahickon is now. The members and invited guests, resorted there for recreation and amusement,
'^Yide Deed Book I., Vol. ii., pages 148 and 150.
322 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
the fishing being excellent, which it continued to be, until the improvements in the river began. For beautiful and romantic scenery, there was no place in the vicinity of Philadelphia, which could in the least compare with " Fort St. David's," or, as it was afterwards called, "The Falls of Schuylkill."
About the same time that this " Society " was founded, in 1732, another celebrated Fishing Club, styled the " Colony in Schuyl- kill," * was founded. It assumed to itself, uncontrolled power over the fields and waters within its own jurisdiction, and has been' called " Imperium in Imperio, a republic of Andorra in the heart of Penn's Kingdom." It had its Governor, Assembly, Council, Sheriff, Coroner, and citizens, with all the powers of a real government. Of this club, Samuel Morris, Jr., became a member, on May 1, 1748. Governor Stretch, the first Governor of the Colony, was still in office, and continued to preside, until Oct. 12, 1765, when, in consequence of advanced age, it was necessary to appoint a Lieut. Governor, and to this post, Luke Morris^ was elected, but, upon the death of Governor Stretch, Luke Morris retired from office, and the " Honorable Samuel Morris" (his nephew), was elected Governor of the Colony, and was unanimously re-elected annually, for 46 years, until his death, having been an active and valuable member for 64 years. It is still the custom, at all meetings at the old Fish House, for the members to drink, standing, to "the memory of our late worthy Governor Morris," after they have drunk, to " the memory of Washington and Lincoln."
Samuel Morris-^ was also. President of the Gloucester Fox Hunting Club, from its organization on 29th Oct., 1766, until his death. Being in independent circumstances, he could freely indulge in the pleasures of the chase, and Jacob Hiltzheimer, in his diary, makes several references to his fox-hunting proclivities. Under date of Dec. 23, 1765, Hiltzheimer writes, that after breakfasting at 5 o'clock at Mrs. Gray's, with Samuel Morris and others, they " set out for Darby Fox Hunting," the hunters being thirty in number. By 11 o'clock, they had killed three foxes ! In 1767, Hiltzheimer writes, " Set out from Jonathan Humphrey's to a fox hunt, with the following gentlemen : Samuel Morris, An- thony Morris," etc., etc.
The " Colony of Schuylkill" became " The State in Schuylkill," Oct. 14, 1782.
FIFTH GEXERATIOX. 323
Samuel Morris^ was one of the subscribers to the Non-Impor- tation Resolutions, Oct. 25,1765 — the first "Pledge of Honor" before the Declaration of Independence.*
About the year 1774, the dispute with Great Britain on the subject of taxing the Colonies, became the all-absorbing topic, and Samuel Morris^ and several of his fox-hunting friends, were in unison with the popular feeling, even to preparing for resistance. The first Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia, Sept., 1774, and when the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse was organized by the Association of 26 gentlemen, on Nov. 17, 1774, not less than 22 members of the Gloucester Fox Hunting Club, were enrolled in its ranks. " They were all men of substantial means, who had something at stake in the fate of their country, and who needed not pay, to keep them in the field. Some of them, were representatives of the elite, and others, afterwards attained such prominence in public affairs as to shed lustre on the organization."
At this time, the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse adopted the following uniform :
"A dark brown short coat, faced and lined with white, white vest and breeches, high-top boots, round black hat, a buck's tail; housings brown, edged with white, and the letters L. H. marked upon them. Arms — a carbine, a pair of pistols, and holsters, with flounce of brown cloth trimmed with white, a horseman's sword, and white belts for the sword and carbine." But, as yet, they had not provided themselves with a flag. The Officers first chosen, were: Captain, Abraham INIarkoe; First Lieutenant, Andrew Allen; Second Lieutenant, Samuel Morris; Cornet, James Mease.
Rear Admiral Preble, in his "History of the Flags of the United States," informs us, that "The earliest known instance of the thirteen stripes being used upon an American banner, is found upon a standard, presented to the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse in 1775, by Captain Abraham Markoe, which is now in the possession of the troop, and displayed at its anniversary dinners. As General Washington, when en route to take command of the army at Cambridge, accompanied by Gen-
*Vkle Fac-simile of Non-Importation Resolutions, in Independence Hall, Philadelphia.
324 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
erals Lee and Schuyler, was escorted by this troop of Light Horse from Philadelphia, June 21, 1775, to New York, he was doubtless, familiar with the sight of this standard, and it is possible, that it may have suggested to him, the striped union flag at Cambridge six months later."*
" Flag of the free heart's hope and home !
By angel hands to valor given ; Thy stars have lit the welkin dome ;
And all thy hues were born in heaven. Forever float that standard sheet !
Where breathes the foe but falls before us, AVith Freedom's soil beneath our feet,
And Freedom's banner streaming o'er us? "
''Drake."
Captain Markoe resigned his commission in 1775, an edict of Christian VIIL, King of Denmark, dated Oct. 4, 1775, forbidding his subjects to engage in the war against Great Britain, under penalty of confiscation of their propert3^ He presented a stand- ard to the troop, before his resignation, and it was their first standard ; this fixes the date of the manufacture in 1775, and prior to the Union flag raising at Cambridge. For this reason, this flag is considered a relic of priceless value by the troop ; and, as, from its increasing age, the standard required careful preservation, in 1872 the City Troop had a handsome frame and case made for its safe keeping. The frame is of black walnut, in the form of a screen, in which, is set the case, made of two sheets of "plate glass between which the flag is placed."
Upon Captain Markoe's relinquishing the command of the Troop of Philadelphia Light Horse, Samuel Morris' was unani- mously elected its Captain.
On 30th June, 1775, the Assembly appointed a "Committee of Safet}^" to call forth the troops, to pay and supply them, to provide for defense of the Province against insurrection or inva- sion, to promote the manufacture of saltpetre, and to draAV on the Treasurer for its expenditure. This Committee had twenty- five members; it met on 3rd July (1775), and organized, by
* Vide Hist, of Flags of the United States of America, by Geo. Henry Preble, Rear Admiral U. S. N., 1882, p. 251.
FIFTH GENERATION. 325
electing Benj. Franklin president, and appointing William Jewett clerk.
''Resolved, that John Dickinson, George Gray, Henry Wynkoop, Anthony Wayne, Benjamin Bartholomew, George Ross, Michael Swoope, John Montgomery, Edward Biddle, William Edmunds, Bernard Dougherty, Samuel Hunter, William Thompson, Thomas Willing, Benjamin Franklin, Daniel Roberdeau, John Cadwala- der, Andrew Allen, Owen Biddle, Francis Johnson, Richard Reiley, Samuel Morris, Jr., Robert Morris, Thomas Wharton jun., and Robert White, Gentlemen, be a committee of Safety," etc.*
At its first meeting, (July 3, 1775), the Committee of Safety resolved, that Mr. Samuel Morris,^ join'd with two others "do provide patterns of Musketts, Bayonetts, Cartridge Boxes & Knapsacks, to be sent to the different Countys."t
Captain Samuel Morris served as a member of the Committee of Safety, from 30th June, 1775, until Oct. 10, 1775, and from Oct. 20, 1775, to July 22, 1776. The Committee of Safety was continued as the Council of Safety, to which he was also elected July 24, 1776, but declined the appointment.^
It was resolved by the Committee of Safety, 22nd Jan., 1776, Phila. : §
" That Mr. Samuel Morris of this Board {i. e. Junior), Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. McNeal and Capt. Joy, be a Committee to Sur- vey the Jersey shore, from Billingsport to Newtown Creek, to determine what posts it may be necessary to fortify, against the attempts of an enemy who may endeavour to land, to make an estimate of the expense thereof, and to report to this Board by this day week."
The report was duly presented to the Committee of Safety, 1st Feb., 1776.
Captain Samuel Morris not only interested himself in the equipment of the Army, and the organization, and drilling of his own troop of horse, but was energetic in completing the Naval Defenses of the City, and an effectual blocking of the channel of the Delaware River, to prevent an attack upon the City from
*Col. Records, Vol. x., p. 280.
tFide Col. Records, Vol. x., p. 282.
XVide Penna. Archives, 2iid Series, Vol. iii., pp. 682—1-5.
I Vide Col. Records, Vol. x., p. 464.
326 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
the River. How his efforts were appreciated by the Committee of Safety, will be seen by the following minute, Philada. 19th July, 1776 : *
" The Committee taking into consideration the extraordinary trouble of Mr. Samuel Morris, Jun'r., in attending and directing the Building of Chevaux de Frize, procuring loggs, and other publick services out of Doors, are of Opinion he is entitled to Receive one hundred and fift}'- pounds."
"By order of the Board, an order was drawn on John Nixon, Esq'r and others, the Committee of Accounts, for the above sum of £150, in favour of Mr. Morris for the purpose aforesaid."
As the Hessians had embarked from Staten Island, early in October, 1776, and were expected soon to visit the State of Pennsylvania, the Council of Safety, on Oct. 14, 1776, ordered a letter to be sent to " Sam'l Morris, Junr., Esq'r., requesting him to send up the Ammunition Sloop, & supply himself with a shallop in her stead, to assist in making the Chevaux de Frize at Billingsport."t
In 1776, Captain Samuel Morris was elected a Representative for the City of Philadelphia, in the Provincial Assembly of Pennsylvania. Reference is made to the election of Assembly- men, by Christopher Marshall, in his Diary, as follows : " Novem- ber 5th — Went past nine to the State House, being appointed one of the judges to superintend and conduct the Election, as is usual. Continued there, till near two next morning, when all matters in general were conducted with great harmony, and concord in the house; two or three small buffetings, I heard about the door in the street, but soon went over. Upon casting up the Votes, they turned out thus :
"For Joseph Parker, 682; for George Clymer, 413; for Robert Morris, 410; for Samuel Morris, Jr., 407; for John Bayard, 397; for Michael Shubart, 393. These six were the elected members."
Captain Samuel Morris on this occasion was a Member of the Assembly, from 28th Nov., 1776, to Feb. 21, 1777.t
Captain Samuel Morris, was again elected, to represent the City of Philadelphia, in the General Assembly of the Common-
*Vide Col. Rec, Vol. x., p. 650.
t Vide Colon. Records, Vol. x., p. 753.
tVide Journal of the Assembly of Penna., 1st year of Independence, p. 97.
FIFTH GENERATION. 327
wealth of Pennsylvania, in 1781, '82, and '83, during which years he also served on the "Committee of Grievances."*
Christopher Marshall, in his Diary, has left us many valuable memoranda of Philadelphia life, in Revolutionary days. Under date, Sept. 4, 1776, he writes:
"Yesterday, high words passed at the Coffee House, William Allen, Jr. declaring, that he would shed his blood, in opposition to Independency, and Col. John Bayard in the support of Inde- pendency. Allen's behaviour was such, that William Bradford immediately complained to Samuel Morris, Jr. (i. e. Captain Samuel Morris) as a Member of the Committee of Safety, of the abuse offered by Allen to the Public."
When the Revolutionary War broke out, the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse, composed of the flower of the City, with Samuel Morris, Jr., as its Captain, offered its services to the Gov- ernment, and through the campaign of 1776-7 it served as Washington's Body Guard. Several troopers were with the Army, at Head-C|uarters at Morristown, in November, 1776, and upon the report of General Howe's advance towards Philadelphia, the entire command with Captain Morris, joined General Wash- ington at Trenton, on the 3rd of December, marched with him to Princeton, and covering the retreat five days later, was the last to cross to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware. Christo- pher Marshall well describes the state of alarm existing at this time in Philadelphia:
" Dec. 2, 1776. This City alarmed with the news of Howe's army's being at Brunswick, proceeding for this place. Drums beat : a martial appearance : the shops shut : and all business, except preparing to disappoint our enemies, laid aside. I went to (the) Coffee House; then to children's; then home;' then back to the Coffee House, and other parts of the City ; then home ; dined there. Our people then began to pack up some things, wearing and bedding, to send to the place. After dinner, I went to (the) State House ; conversed with Jacobs, Speaker of Assembly, with Robert Whitehill, J. Dickinson, Gen. Mifflin, &c. To (the)
*Vlde Minutes of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania, pp. 500, 504, etc.
328 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Coffee House ; then home, drank tea ; tlien down town. Accounts brought that General Lee was near our Army with ten thousand men. Various, but great, appearances of our people's zeal. Came home near nine ; then went down again as far as the children's. Some gondolas gone up for Trenton, and some companies marched."
" Dec. 3rd. One gondola just gone past for Trenton ; some troops in motion ; after dinner * * * (the) Light Horse and some of the Militia went out of town. Numbers of families loading wagons with their furniture, &c., taking them out of town.
" Dec. 8th. News brought of Gen. Howe's intentions of bring- ing his army by land through the Jerse3^s, to this City " (viz. Philadelphia).
On Christmas night, 1776, through the snow and the sleet the Troop of Light Horse crossed the Delaware with Washington, and marched with him and Greene to the historic spot on which the battle of Trenton was fought.
At the battle of Trenton the members of the Philadelphia Light Horse distinguished themselves by their bravery.* They were the more admired for their conduct, as it was the first time they had ever been in action. In connection with the Battle, is related an anecdote of Captain Samuel Morris, the commander, which though it discovers his inexperience of war, does honor to his humanity. "In advancing through the town, he came up to the Lieutenant who had commanded the picket guard. He lay mortall}'- wounded and weltering in his blood, in the great road. The Captain was touched with the sight, and called General Greene, to know if anything could be done for him. The Gen- eral bade the Captain push on, and not notice him. The Captain was as much agitated with the order, as he was affected by the scene before him, and it was not until after the fortunate events of the morning were over, that he was convinced that his sympathy for a bleeding enemy was ill-timed. "f
After the Battle, the Troop returned with the Commander-in- Chief, to the Pennsylvania side of the River, carrying with them,
*Vide Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. xii., pp. 767 and 773. ■\Vide Hazard's Register of Penna., Vol. ii., p. 155; Historical Collections of New Jersey, p. 295.
FIFTH GENERATION. 329
the trophies of the Victory. Christopher Marshall thus refers to it under elate :
Dec. 27, 1776, ''News brought this day of our troops under Gen. Washington's attacking Trenton yesterday morning, having beat the enemy, and drove them out of town ; and that this day, were landed in this Province, from thence, 918 Hessians; one Colonel, two Lieut. Colonels, three Majors, Four Captains, Eight Lieutenants, Twelve Ensigns, Two Surgeon's mates, 99 Sergeants, 25 Drummers, 9 Musicians, 5 Servants, 745 privates ; 1000 stand of arms, and 6 brass field pieces, 12 six & four j^ounders, 3 standards &c, with all the ammunition for the six brass field pieces."
On Dec. 30, 1776, the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse again crossed the river through floating ice, and marched with Washington and his army to Trenton, where was fought the Battle of Assunpink Creek ; and it is a fact of historical interest, that this Battle as well as the Battle of Trenton, (Dec. 26th), was fought upon ground, which, nearly half a century before, had been owned by William Morris,^ a great uncle of Capt. Samuel Morris.
After the Battle on the Creek, Washington conceived the dar- ing scheme of turning the British left flank, and making a dash for Princeton, but it was necessary to avoid suspicion that the American Camp was deserted, by keeping the camp fires burning, and on the night of January 2nd, the Troop was entrusted with the duty of renewing the camp fires, in the rear of the Army. The Troop especially distinguished itself the next morning, Jan. 3, 1777, at Princeton, and was with Washington, in the front, when he drove the Enemy over fields and fences, and saved the day.
At the Battle of Princeton, Captain Morris' brother, Major Anthony Morris, was killed, with General Mercer. Lossing in his " Field Book of the American Revolution," states that " The loss of the Americans in this engagement* was about thirty, among whom, besides General Mercer, were Colonels Haslett, and Potter, Major Morris, Captains Shippen, Fleming and Neal, — all officers of much promise."
For the next three weeks, the Troop was at Head-quarters at Morristown, and the campaign being over, it was permitted to
*I. e. the skirmish preceding the Battle of Princeton.
330 GENEALOGY OF THE MOERIS FAMILY.
return to Philadelphia, having been the only Cavahy employed in the Campaign.
The following is a list of the members of the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse in the campaign of 76 and '77 : —
1. Samuel Morris, captain, 14. George Fullerton,
2. James Budclen, 2d lieutenant, 15. Thomas Peters, 8. John Dunlap, cornet, 16. William Pollard,
4. Thomas Leipner, 1st sergeant, 17. James Caldwell,
5. William Hall, 2nd do., 18. AVillam Tod,
6. Samuel Penrose, 3d do., and Q,. M., 19. Samuel Caldw^ell,
7. Samuel Howel, Jr., 1st corporal, 20. Benj. Randolph,
8. James Hunter, 2d do., 21. John Lardner,
9. Levi Hollingsw^orth, 22. Alexander Nesbit,
10. George Campbell, 23. Thomas Leaming,
11. John Mease, 24. Jonathan Penrose,
12. Blair McClenachan, 25. George Graff,
13. John Donnaldson, 26. Francis Nichols.
" These twenty-six gentlemen were the only effective members; they served in the camj^aigns in 1776 to the spring of 1777; were in the battles of Trenton and Princeton; took a number of pris- oners, and returned home with an honourable discharge from General Washington."*
In discharging the Company, on Jan 23, 1777, at Morristown, Gen. Washington, in a letter to Capt. Morris, expressed himself in warmest terms, and whilst returning his " most sincere thanks to Capt. Morris and his Troop, added, that although it was "com- posed of gentlemen of fortune, it had shown a noble example of discipline and subordination," and also, a " spirit and bravery which will ever do honor to them." The company had served at its own expense during the war, and has since maintained perpetual succession. It is the oldest military organization in Pennsylvania and in the United States, and is now known, as the "First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry." The Standard of the Troop made in 1775, and presented by Capt. Abraham Mar- koe, as above stated, was carried by the Company during the Campaigns of the Revolutionary contest, and is therefore a prec-
* Vide " Papers from The Archives of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry." Edit. 1840, p. 10.
^. ^ ,/;,,„-, ^ <yffy^ i^^-^^^-e^ c^-^^^^-
.._, ^ .^<^- --^^ ^-^^-^ ---^ -^'^'^ "^"^ ^-.p^--^
PHILADELPHIA TROOP OF LIGHT HORSE LETTER OF DISCHARGE FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON, 23rd JAN., 1777
FIFTH GENERATION. 331
ious relic, and heirloom of the struggle for Independence ; and well it deserves the honor,
" For never, where brave Morris led, Has Markoe's silken banner waved Its rich escutcheon o'er the head Of recreant, vulgar, or depraved."
The letter of discharge referred to above, is in the possession of Mr. Elliston P. Morris. The following is a copy of it :
Letter of Discharge from General Washington.
"The Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse, under the command of Captain Morris, having performed their Tour of duty, are dis- charged for the present —
"I take this Opportunity of returning my most sincere thanks to the Captain and to the Gentlemen who compose the Troop, for the many essential Services which they have rendered to their Country, and to me personally, during the Course of this severe Campaign. Tho' composed of Gentlemen of Fortune, they have shewn a noble Example of discipline and subordination, and in several Actions have shown a Spirit of Bravery, which will ever do Honor to them, and will ever be gratefully remem- bered by me.
"Given at Head-Quarters, at Morris Town, this 23d Jany, 1777."
" Go. Washington."
On the 19th of October, 1893, the "Trenton Battle Monu- ment " was dedicated. It is erected upon the spot where the first American gun was fired, and by its statues and the inscriptions upon it, commemorates the valuable services rendered by the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse at the Battle of Trenton.
In the course of the Dedication Exercises, the bronze statue of Blair McClenachan, a soldier of the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse, placed on the East side of the doorway of the monument, was unveiled by Captain Joseph Lapsley Wilson, commanding officer of the Troop. In front of the platform, the old silken standard carried by the Troop in the Battle of Trenton, had been placed, and attracted great attention on this occasion.
332 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
The bronze trooper is placed at the base of the Column and inscribed beneath, are General Washington's own words as con- tained in the Letter of Discharge to the Troop, which has been already referred to.
Upon accepting this statue, the Honorable John Taylor remarked :
"The mutations of the centuries, or the Artillery of the heavens, may rend and scatter this commemorative column, but the memory of Washington and his devoted band at Trenton, will live on forever. Of all the organizations that participated in the battle of Trenton, yours is the only one which has been held together intact, and your presence here to-day will be noted the world over. It is more than one hundred and sixteen years since your command entered this towm, one cold, sleety morning in December, looking for the enemy, and you found him right here at the fork of these roads. It is recorded, that your depleted army was exposed to severe privations during the operations immediately preceding this attack. I know not of the measure of your sufferings, but it is enough for me to know, that you were here at such a time, battling for the inalienable rights of my bewildered countrymen. It was the crisis of the Rev- olution. The King's troops had beaten us everywhere; gloom and despondency overspread a cause despaired of, but a superior and loftier patriotism surged in the breast of your great Com- mander, and he resolved in desperation to strike offensivel3^ It did not assume the dignity of a great battle, but for dramatic intensity, has never been approached in the annals of revolu- tionary warfare ; crossing a river of ice, on a tempestuous night in December, with wet firelocks and bleeding feet, marching and fighting for a surer national footing. It was a blow that eventu- ally gave effect to the undying declaration of July 4, a declara- tion that reflected the conscience of the enlightened universe, and riddled an ancient monarchy, with the bulleted vigour of its virtue and logic — a declaration heralding a cause, that went forth an armed and tattered hope, and returned a peaceful, respected, well-dressed fact. Trenton led a drooping and dis- cordant people to redemption, and it said to the world's oppressed : ' Come hither westward, and we'll found an empire of Freedom.' And lo ! this continent of thrift and intelligence.
FIFTH GENERATION. 333
with its twenty million peaceful, sovereign homes. In contem- plating its grandeur, let us accord to the men who were with Washington, at Trenton, the most enviable heights of fame."
Not long after the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, the fol- lowing letter was written by
James Read to Samuel Morris, 1777.''' " Dear Sir,
" As you have much at Heart the Happiness of this Country, and have taken a very active Part in the glorious opposition the United States are giving to the King and Parliament of Great Britain, who have long been devising schemes for our Ruin, and are in actual Rebellion against the natural Rights of Mankind, I take the freedom to suggest to you that, the more effectually to main- tain the present prevailing Zeal of this and other Counties distant from the City, it will be proper at all times to spread among us, as much as possible, all the Resolves and Orders which the Con- gress, or our Honourable Council of Safety publish in the City, and I cannot but, with Sorrow, observe that we hardly ever see any of them. I know of but two copies of the Resolves relating to the Continental currency, made so long since as the first (I think) of this month, that have reach'd thus far in the country ; so that our inhabitants are ignorant of them. I have seen but one of the letters of the Council relative to the kind treatment of the Hessians — and that was shown me by a Gentleman from Lancas- ter, who, when he left Reading, took it away with him. As the Country are generally irritated against them, I fear that some of them who desert and come this way, (as 4 of the Waldeckers did last week), may be maltreated.
" I should heartily be pleased to see the Crisis published in the German Language, and distributed with several other valua- ble pieces which have been publish'd in Phila. They would be of use to prevent the Evil Influence which the Arts of our intes- tine Enemies might otherwise have. Too, too many vile False- hoods are circulated among the Farmers. Our Committee are come to a solemn Determination, to punish ever}' offender of
*Vide Penna. Archives, Vol. v., page 204.
334 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
what Rank soever he ma}^ be, and without any regard to his Connections, which latter Consideration, has hitherto prevented some Enquiries.
"I wish we had a Post-rider to come weekly from the City; the service it would be of to the Public, would very fully answer the Expence.
" I am obliged to write this in great haste, or I should mention some other matters worthy of Consideration, which I will not fail to write about in a few Days. I heartily wish you a pleasant
•'"""'^y- "I am Sir,
" Your obedient hble Servt,
"James Read.
"Reading, January 28, 1777
" Directed
"To Samuel Morris, Esquire, Captain of Light Horse."
By the following Warrant, Samuel Morris^ was appointed a Member of the Navy Board, March 13th, 1777:—
" The Supreme Executive Council of the Common Wealth of "Pennsylvania:
"To Andrew Caldwell, Joseph Blewer, Joseph Marsh, Manuel Eyre, Robert Ritchie, Paul Cox, Samuel Massey, William Brad- ford, Thomas Fitz Simmons, Samuel Morris, Junr., and Thomas Barclay, Esquires, send Greeting:
" Whereas, the Civil department of the Common Wealth requires great attention, and will for some time employ this Council, to discharge the duties thereof; and as it is also of great importance that a due attention be still paid to the War which we are engaged in, And confiding in your Abilities and integrity, we do api3oint you a Navy Board, hereby giving to you, or any three of you, full power and authorit}^ to do and perform all matters and things relating to the Navy of this State ;
"Subject, nevertheless, to the directions and examinations of this Council, from time to time, as we ma}^ judge expedient, and
FIFTH GENERATION. 335
saving to ourselves, alwaj'S, the power of appointing Officers, agreeable to the Frame of Government of this Common Wealth. This Commission to continue in force, until revok'd by this, or a future Supreme Executive Council.
"Dated at Philadelphia, this thirteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy -seven.
"(Signed) Tho. Wharton, June., Pres't.
"Attest :
Ty. ^Iatlack, Sec'v-"*
Captain Samuel Morris, as heir-at-law of his brother Major Anthony Morris, deceased, became possessed of "the Mansion House, Brewery, j\[alt House and Lot (and Brewing utensils) on Second Street and Moravian Alley," which had been left to said Anthony ]\Iorris,* by his grandfather Anthony ]\Iorris^ under certain conditions, which conditions had been complied with. Captain Samuel ^Morris entered into partnership with his brother Thomas Morris, on 14th Ajjril, 1777, for the carrying on of the said Brewing business, from the 1st of July following — the articles of co-partnership were to continue for seven years, but they were dissolved by mutual consent, and all accounts concerning it were closed, 1st July, 1779.
The good fortune which attended the American Arms at the commencement of 1777, deserted them for a wdiile, and when Philadelphia w^as threatened by the advance of the British troops, it became necessary to transfer the Seat of the State Government to Lancaster, to which city, or to places in its vicinity, the mem- bers of the Assembly and the Council removed. Many of the families of officers engaged in the field, were also removed to the same neighborhood.
Capt. Samuel Morris, located his family in or near to, the City of Reading, Berks Co. Hiltzheimer, in his Diary, states, that on Oct. 18, 1777, he "rode into Reading and dined at Samuel Morris's with Hall the printer."
In the next month, Capt. Samuel j\Iorris wrote the following
*Penna. Archives, 2ncl Series, Vol. i., p. 95.
336 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
interesting letter to his sister Sarah Buckley, and her husband, who were then in the West Indies : —
" Reading (in Berk's County) November 19, 1777.
"Dear Sister & Brother: —
" Being just now informed of a Vessel from Egg Harbour intending for St. Eustatia, I embrace the opportunity, of advising of the health of myself, and of the rest of my Family. Have lived here now near 12 months, having removed from Philada., last winter when it was expected Gen. Howe would have soon been in Philada., and tho he was disappointed at that time, he has since succeeded & took possession thereof the 26th Sept. last with his Army. His bounds are very small, extending from the mouth of Schuylkill as far as Peak's place on the Wissahickon Road, &, so across to Delaware, wch is all the land he now occupies, except Province Island, & so down to the mouth of Darby Creek, his Fleet not being higher up than Billinsport. The Cheveaux de Frize (so called), sunk in the River, with some fortifications at Red Bank, etc., & the Gallies hath hitherto prevented their nearer approach to the City. 'Tis very seldom we can hear from our Friends there with certainty, but by the last accounts, they were generally well, all our relations continuing there, except Aunt Shoemaker's Family, & Brother Issy at his place in the Jerseys. He has been ill this Fall, with the Nervous Fever, but believe he is recovered. I have heard so lately, but have not seen him these many months. The Northern army under General Bourgoyne have lately submitted to Gen. Gates by convention, and are to be sent to England from Boston, at which place I expect they are arrived by this time. Enclosed is the pticulars of their numbers lost since their arrival on this side of the lakes ; if as much can be done with Gen. Howe this winter, a Peace, I hope & believe, will be the consequence next year.
"Brother Tommy lives in the old Mansion. Am told the Inhabitants are much distressed for Provisions & Fire Wood, (the poorer sort especially), the Fences within their lines being already entirely burnt. Shall be glad to hear from you, 'tis a long time since I had that pleasure, dont know how to advise you to direct to me, whether here or elsewhere, but hope to continue here this
FIFTH GENERATION. 337
winter. I remain with much love to you both, and Family, in which mine joyns, " Your affect Brother
" Saml Morris, Junr.
" Have not time to copy this
" Linnens, calicoes. Silk Hanclkfs, Linnen Do, Stripes, checks, blankets. Cloth &c &c are in demand and would afford a consid- erable profitt, so would Coffee, Cocoa, Tea, Salt, &c., could they be gottin."*
Whilst Captain Samuel Morris' family still resided in the City of Reading, the youngest child Israel AVistar Morris was born on Feb. 27, 1778.
Captain Samuel Morris, however, continued on Service with his troop, took part in the battles of Brandywine and German- town, camped at Valley Forge, and served in the military operations in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, until the British evacuated the City, in June of 1778. For the next two years, the troop was employed in various services under Congress, and the State Authorities, and in June, 1780, at the request of the Commander in Chief, it was again at Trenton, but the Enemy having left the State of New Jersey, it returned home, having received another letter of thanks from General Washington.
Mr. Israel Morris informs us, that he frequently heard from his Aunt Sarah Wistar, that Captain Samuel INIorris continued with General Washington throughout the Revolutionary period, and the General and Captain were on such intimate terms, that a knife and fork, a plate and chair were always placed in readiness at the General's table, for his friend Captain Morris, as no one knew exactly when the latter would return from exe- cuting some confidential missiom for his chief
The Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse was always in readi- ness, when called upon to perform duty. In 1780, Captain Samuel Morris received the following instructions from the Presi- dent of the State ; —
" Instructions to Capt. Samuel Morris, 1780.
" gjjj^ " Philada., June 9, 1780.
"The very critical situation of Gen. Washington's Army, destitute of Horses to remove his Artillery and valuable stores,
*The original letter is in the possession of Mr. Howard Edwards.
338 GENEALOGY OF THE MOERIS F.^MILY.
has made it necessary to send forward without delay, a Number of Horses, which can not be obtained, otherwise, than by taking them from the disaffected. Accordingly, orders have been issued to seize them ; but as it is probable many will attempt to get them out of Town, we have thought it necessary to direct a Patrole of Light Horse, on each Road leading out of Town, viz., at Frank- fort Bridge, on the Germantown Road, the Wissahickon Road, the Middle & Lower Ferrys, on Schuylkill, the Moyamensing, Pass- yunk, & Gloucester Point Roads, whose duty it will be to stop all persons leading Horses, or whom they shall have reason to believe are taking Horses out of Town, to avoid Seizure, securing the Horses, & delivering them at the Forage Yard in Walnut Street, with the Name of Person to whom they are said to belong. The Patroles may come in by 1 o'clock, by which time, it is presumed, the business will be finished.
" I am. Sir
" Your obed. H'ble servt.
" Jos. Reed, President.
" Indorsed To Sam. Morris, Esq., Commanding the Light Horse."
The following is the reply of Captain Morris, in which we find reference to his greatest enemy, the Gout: — .
"Samuel Morris Jux., to President Reed, 1780.
"Dear Sir "June 9,1780.
"I shall give orders for Twenty of the Troop, properly officered, to be ready to-morrow morning, agreeable to your orders just Received. Be so good as to order us some ammunition, &c., as the troop are entirely without. I have not been out of my Chamber these ten days, being confined with the Gout, otherwise should have Waited on you, on the Receipt of your orders of this
*Vide Penna. Archives, Vol. viii., p. 300.
FIFTH GENERATION. 339
morning, & now take this oppt'y to inform yon, that they shall also be Comply 'd with. " I am. Sir
" With great Respect
"Your most obed't
"H'ble Serv't,
" Saml Morris, Jun. "Friday Evening June 9, 1780."
Directed
" His Excellency, Joseph Reed Esq. President of the State of Pennsylvania." *
A few days later, President Reed wrote the following : —
"To Captain Samuel Morris. "Sir
"One of the delegates in Congress has just informed me, that there has been a movement of the eneni}^, and some appearances of their retiring from Elizabeth-Town. Under these circum- stances, I think it best to postpone the March of the troop, till we have further advices; but would have every thing kept in readiness, to go off at a moment's warning. " I am. Sir,
" Your obedient humble servant,
"Joseph Reed, "President of the State of Pennsylvania.f
"Philadelphia, June 24, 1780."
The following are some of the letters which came to Captain Samuel Morris, from the President and his Secretary in 1781 : —
" Secy. Matlack to Capt. Sam. Morris, 1781. " Sir,
" I am directed by his Excellency the President to request, that you will immediately order twenty of the Light Horse to
*Vide Penna. Archives, Vol. viii., p. 308.
t Vide Papers from Archives of First City Troop, Edition 1840, p. 10.
338
GENEALOGY OF THE MOREIS F.AMILY.
has made it necessary to send forward without delay, a Number of Horses, which can not be obtained, otherwise, than by taking them from the disaffected. Accordingly, orders have been issued to seize them; but as it is probable man}" will attemj^t to get them out of Town, we have thought it necessary to direct a Patrole of Light Horse, on each Road leading out of Town, viz., at Frank- fort Bridge, on the Germantown Road, the AVissahickon Road, the Middle & Lower Ferrys, on Schuylkill, the Moyamensing, Pass- yunk, & Gloucester Point Roads, whose duty it will be to stop all persons leading Horses, or whom the}^ shall have reason to believe are taking Horses out of Town, to avoid Seizure, securing the Horses, & delivering them at the Forage Yard in AValnut Street, with the Name of Person to whom the}" are said to belong. The Patroles may come in by 1 o'clock, by which time, it is presumed, the business will be finished.
" I am, Sir
" Your obed. H'ble servt.
Jos. Reed, President.
"Indorsed To Sam. Morris, Esq., Commanding the Light Horse."
The following is the reply of Captain Morris, in which we find reference to his greatest enemy, the Gout: —
"Samuel Morris Jun., to President Reed, 1780.
Dear Sir
"June 9,1780.
"I shall give orders for Twenty of the Troop, properly ofiicered, to be ready to-morrow morning, agreeable to your orders just Received. Be so good as to order us some ammunition, &c., as the troop are entirely without. I have not been out of my Chamber these ten days, being confined with the Gout, otherwise should have AVaited on you, on the Receipt of your orders of this
* Vide Penna. Archives, Vol.
p. 300.
FIFTH GENEEATION.
339
morning, & now take this oppt'y to inform you, that they shall also be Comply 'd with. " I am. Sir
" With great Respect
"Your most obed't
"H'ble Serv't,
" Saml Morris, Jun. "Friday Evening June 9, 1780."
Directed
" His Excellency, Joseph Reed Esq. President of the State of Pennsylvania." *
A few days later. President Reed wrote the following : —
"To Captain Samuel Morris. "Sir
"One of the delegates in Congress has just informed me, that there has been a movement of the enemy, and some appearances of their retiring from Elizabeth-Town. Under these circum- stances, I think it best to postpone the March of the troop, till we have further advices; but would have every thing kept in readiness, to go off at a moment's warning. " I am. Sir,
" Your obedient humble servant,
"Joseph Reed,
"President of the State of Pennsylvania.f
" Philadelphia, June 24, 1780."
The following are some of the letters which came to Captain Samuel Morris, from the President and his Secretary in 1781 : —
" Sir,
Secy. Matlack to Capt. Sam. Morris, 1781.
" I am directed by his Excellency the President to request, that you will immediately order twenty of the Light Horse to
*Vide Penna. Archives, Vol. viii., p. 308.
t Vide Papers from Archives of First City Troop, Edition 1840, p. 10.
340 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
parade at his House, at four o'clock this afternoon, ready to march immediately into New Jersey, and to order the remainder of the corps to parade and march to-morrow morning. " I am with great respect,
" Your most obed Servt. " Friday, Jan. 5, 1781. " T. M.*
" To Cap. Samuel Morris of the Light Horse."
"Pres. Reed to Capt. Sam. Morris, of the Light Horse, 1781. " Sir,
" By a Resolve of Congress of the 12th inst. the Militia Cavalry are required to be sent forward with every Degree of Dispatch, without waiting for the March of the Militia Infantry required by Congress from this State. You will therefore be pleased to report to me the State of the Troop of this City, as soon as possible, agreeable to my former Desire, the Country Troops have already reported, u j ^^^ g-^,
"Directed " Your Obed. Hble Serv.f
" Capt. S. Morris."
" Pres. Reed to Capt. Sam Morris of the Light Horse, 1781. " Sir,
" The advices received, are of so serious a Nature to this City, That I think it advisable the Troop of Light Horse should be in Readiness to move upon the shortest Notice. It is hoped there- fore that no Member of the Troop will leave the City on any private Business, & it will be expected, that every one not actu- ally disabled by Sickness, will attend this interesting Call. " I am Sir
" Your obed. Hble. Servt.
" J. Reed, Prest.| " Capt. Morris Commandt. of the Troop of Light Horse." " Indorsed
"Sept. 20,1781."
*Vide Penna. Archives, Vol. viii., p. 699. fVide Penna. Archives, Vol. ix., p. 221. t Vide Penna. Archives, Vol, ix., p. 415.
FIFTH GENEKATION. 341
Captain Samuel Morris became Justice of the Peace for the Wahiut St. Ward, Jan. 5, 1779, and was a Member of the Penn- sj'lvania Assembly from 1781 to 1783. Having in early life been apprenticed to Isaac Greenleafe as a Merchant, he had received a training for mercantile pursuits, and was therefore prepared after the Revolution, to enter into active business life, by becoming a partner in the firm — Meicker & Morris, Sugar Refiners.
In the year 1786, being conscious of his advancing years and increasing feebleness, Captain Morris determined to send in his resignation as a member of the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse. It was received by the members with much regret, and he was put upon the Honorary Roll. The following is his letter of resignation : —
" Gentlemen, " Philadelphia, April 11, 1786.
" This being the day appointed for a new choice of Officers, I take the opportunity of returning you my sincere thanks for the honour you have done me for ten years past, in choosing me to the command of the Philadelphia Troop, and at the same time of resigning my place as a member thereof, not owing to any want of respect for the Troop, but to my bodily infirmities, which are such, as to put it out of my power, with propriety, to continue longer in your respectable Corps. I shall ever retain the highest esteem for the gentlemen of the Troop, and am with great respect
" Their Best Friend and
" Very humble Servt.
" Saml. Morris.
"To the Gentlemen of the Philadelphia Troop of Light Horse."
Jacob Hiltzheimer writes in his Diary, under date July 28, 1787, that he " Visited Captain Samuel Morris, who has been confined to his house for five weeks with a bad cut in his right hand." And on Sept. 1, 1796, he writes " Took a ride along the banks of Schuylkill, and afterwards dined at Warner's Fish House with Samuel Morris," &c.
342 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
As the " Testimony " of the Society of Friends is " against all wars and fightings, and against entering into military engage- ments of any kind," it is not surprising that the gallant Captain Samuel Morris should be " disowned " by the Society, for violating its principles, when he took up the Sword in defence of his coun- try, during the Revolutionary War. Nevertheless, he continued till his death, to wear the dress, and use the language of the " Friends," worshipping with them, regularly in their meetings.
The following are a few interesting extracts, from some of the letters of Samuel Morris,^ written to his family who remained in Philadelphia, whilst he was staying at Long Branch, N. J., where he had gone early in the summer of 1793. He remained there during the fall and prevalence of the yellow fever.
" First-day morning, Sept. 8, 1793.
" I have written you sundry letters from hence, and pointed out different ways for you to write to me, by some of which, I hope it will not be much longer before I receive accounts of your health, which at present seems to be all I can think of. Caspar's letter of 3d day I received on 4th day noon, and the pleasure it gave me to hear of your health generally, was much dampened by the information of Benny's sickness, but that he was quite clever that morning — I sincerely hope he is getting better of it. Is Benny worse, or some other of my children or friends sick ? I fear the worst, and can safely say, I have not enjoyed any pleasure since I left home — where is Benny — where his family — where is Kitty — that is the only letter since I left home, and accounts in the country are dismal, and the people are afraid to take in any from the city, lest they should be infected — dont omit any opportunity of writing."
" September 15, 1793.
"Dear Caspar. — Isaac came here last evening from New York, by whom I received thy letter of 2d day — by sundry of thine to him, since confirmed my apprehension of the situation of some of my dear children, and from the violence of the dis- order, I am fearful of their fate, lest they should be no more — pray each of you that are free from the disorder, make use of every possible precaution to avoid, if possible, the infection — I
FIFTH GENERATION. 343
feel for your situation, and am sometimes almost tempted imme- diately to set off for home — my thoughts are constantly about you — my friends here say, do not go, what service can you ren- der, and most probably if you go, you will take the disorder and render them no service — never was anxiety greater than mine for you — that my sick children may recover, and they will con- tinue so, is the sincere desire and earnest prayer of your affec- tionate father — what has become of the brewhouse people — do Mosley and Dinah continue with you, and how are they — remem- ber me to them — I cannot conclude, without again requesting, you will all be particularly attentive to every possible method to pre- vent taking the infection, and have the best and immediate medical assistance, if any of you should be poorly, servants as well as yourselves."
" First-day afternoon, Sep. 15, 1793.
" Dear Caspar. — I, this morning, wrote to you all by Mr. Rile}^, but seem to be so full of anxiety about you all, and de- sirous of giving advice how to conduct at this alarming time, and tho. I have, in two letters, recommended you shutting up the house and going in the country — as you had not done so on 5th day last and Samm}^ then ill, you could not do so then, and am fearful for him, lest he may not recover, and that thyself, and Sister Kitty, with the family, may from your attention to him, be also taken ill — I say, I want to advise you, and do not know how, but think it will not be prudent to go any great distance from town, lest you may unfortunately have taken the infection, and not be able to procure proper advice, — and if you wish me to come home, say so, and I will come at all hazards, for affection as well as duty I owe my children, will induce me to come and render them any assistance in my power to give them ; and that all of you may enjoy happiness, in this world and the world to come, is the sincere prayer of your affectionate father."
"4th day night 8 o'clock Sept. 23, 1793.
"Luke this evening brought me the melancholy intelligence of the death of my poor Sam, at the same time, 'tis a great comfort, to find that Benny, is spared to us this time, and I hope there is no danger of a relapse, — pray be careful to run no unnec- essary risks, any of you. By Kitty's letter to Isaac, begun on
344 GENEALOGY OP THE MORRIS FAMILY.
first day, and finished on 2d da}^ morning, reed this day, by way of New York, I was apprehensive of Caspar being sick, as he did not write, nor she mention his name, — my apprehensions, are now confirmed — tho Benny's letter does not allow it to be fever, yet I suspect it is. I pray God for his recovery, and that there may be no more deaths in my family at this time, but wish sin- cerely, we may all be prepared to meet the awful messenger, whenever he comes. I have no doubt you all feel for me, — my anxiety is very great indeed, on your account, and to be requested by you not to come to town, as Benny's letter to Luke is particu- lar in that respect, as such a time as this, when a Parents advice and assistance seem peculiarly necessary, appears a great diffi- culty in my mind. I scarcely know how to stay from you, but I hope you all have a comforter far superior to an earthly father, to whose care and protection, I sincerely recommend you, and that you may be in the enjoyment of it, is the earnest prayer, and wish of your affectionate father — "
"6th day Oct. 4th, 1793.
"I have omitted no opportunity of writing to you, but great was my disappointment, and my anxiety about your health, much more so on the arrival of the Post yesterday afternoon at Eatentown from Brunswick — and not a line from one of you, — tho, Benny promised to write by that opportunity if you were well, — my conclusion is very natural, that you are not well as you have been, and of course my anxiety and apprehensions on your account will continue, till I hear from you, either contra- dicting or confirming them. The Lord, in his infinite goodness, avert from you and all of us any more sickness, or distress at this time, and we all meet again in health, is my sincere desire. But from present prospects, and the latest accounts, vid New York, it is not likely to be very soon, unless I return during the continuance of the sickness ; your repeated requests to me not to come home only have prevented it during your illness, and when you were recovering, it was not so necessary. Caspar's letter of 7th day last, via New York, advising of your continu- ing nicely, and that my dear Kitty was that morning down stairs at breakfast, — and in a fair way, and assuring also of the health of the other members of my family, and relations, both in and out of town, gave me inexpressible pleasure, and I was truly thankful for
FIFTH GENERATION. 345
it, to the Father of all goodness. M}^ dear love to you all, Chil- dren and Grand Children. You must, when you have opportu- nity, advise your brothers and sisters that are out of town, of your hearing from me, and of my prayers for you all ; remember me particularly to Uncle and Aunt Luke, 1 expect they may think it extraordinary, my being so long from home, and while you were sick — you can give them the reason of my stay here — being at your request. Remember me to the family at the Sugar house."
" First-day afternoon, Oct. 13, 1793.
"Benny's letter of 1st via Brunswick, reed 5th day last — also of 8th — but such is the vicissitude of human affairs, that we receive by the same hands so different accounts of the situation and health of our friends — altered in the course of a day or two, as I never before experienced. Last evening I received letters from Isaac, giving the most flattering accounts of the disorder, decreasing in the city, that gave us better spirits than we have had for some time, for which I was truly thankful, but this daj'' at noon, Jessy returned to us with most melancholy accounts indeed — that the deaths last 4 or 5 days were between 300 and 400 — these accounts, tho. anxious to hear from you, are very distressing, and we wish to be advised from our friends, of their true situation, wdiich bad as they are, are not so bad, as people in the country make them appear. Great satisfaction indeed, some of your letters afforded me, to find, that kind Providence still affords his protection to my dear children, and their connections generally. But it was much allayed by advice, in some of them, of my dear Kitty's relapse — the same hand, that has hitherto supported her, and the rest of you, I pray to continue His kind- ness and protection to you all, and restore her again to health, — and those who are well, to keep them so, — that we may again meet each other, and rejoice together, for His having spared us, when so many others have been deprived of their nearest connec- tions. Could I be of any service to any of you, in the time of sickness by my presence, or would it alleviate your pain, — I would come home to your assistance, but I have acquiesced hitherto, with 3'our desire to stay abroad, till it should please kind Provi- dence to cause an abatement of the disorder in the city, — at present the prosj^ect of returning soon, is a ver}' gloomy one — as I have no certain way of writing at this time. That you will
346 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
soon receive this, or any letter to any of you in particular, — I request you will advise, when opportunity offers, your absent brothers and sisters, of your hearing from me, and my continued wishes and prayers, for their welfare both here and hereafter."
"Oct. 24, 1793.
"Yesterday Sammy Hugg arrived, and brought us a letter from Luke, the accounts so very different, as to dampen my joy very much — two from Caspar to Luke, one without date, and says, my children that were sick, were then on the mend, which through permission of kind Providence, I sincerely hope con- tinues to be the case, — my thoughts and prayers are hourly for the continuance of the protection of the Father of all mercies to you and j'ours, — and should He, in his wisdom, see meet to separate us from our nearest, and dearest connections, that we may be resigned to His dispensation, — and happy will it be for us, if we can truly say — Thy will, and not ours, be done, 0 Lord, — I trust in His goodness that I may yet be permitted once more to return to you."
In the year 1811, the old Castle of the State in Schuylkill, which had by this time been transferred to Rambo's Rock, had been condemned as unworthy of repair, and Governor Morris and Mess. Wharton and Lewis, were appointed a Committee, to superintend the erection of a new and more commodious Castle, and the " History " of the Fishing Company informs us that :
" On the 25tli of March, 1812, the Company assembled at the Castle grounds, and assisted Mr. Samuel Knight, the Master builder, and his workmen, in raising the frame of the new build- ing. The arduous task was completed by twelve o'clock, when the usual refreshments composing a good luncheon, was enjoyed by the industrious laborers, and at three o'clock, about sixty persons partook of the excellent dinner provided for the import- ant occasion."
" Much to the regret of the Company, the venerable Governor was unable to attend, by reason of indisposition."
" On the 18th of June (1812), the Venerable Governor Samuel Morris, attended a numerous meeting at the Castle, of members and visitors, after an indisposition of some continuance ; it was the last meeting he was ever permitted to attend."
FIFTH GENEKATION. 347
Captain Samuel Morris died at his Philadelphia residence, at three o'clock, in the morning of July 7, 1812.* On the 8tli of July, the members of the Troop, of which he had been Captain, attended his funeral from his dwelling house on 2nd Street, near Walnut Street, opposite the Bank of Pennsylvania. They assem- bled, agreeably to orders, without their uniforms, but, wdth crape around the left arm above the elbow. After the burial, it was " resolved " by the Troop : " That in consequence of the eminent services of its late Commander, during the Revolutionary war, and the high respect the Troop entertain for his memory, the members thereof will wear crape on the left arm, above the elbow, thirty days."
Captain Samuel Morris was beloved by his associates, and was familiarly known by the appellation of " Christian Sam." His love for outdoor sports never deserted him, and, when too infirm to ride on horseback, he frequently made his appearance in the midst of his old companions, of the Gloucester Hunt, riding in a chaise, and at such times, the ground Avas so chosen, as to afford him the best possible view of the Sport.
He left the impress of his strong, but gentle personality, upon the organizations with which he was connected, and to this day, he is spoken of by the members of the " Troop," and the " Fish- ing Club," in terms of almost personal affection.
His friends of the Schuylkill Fishing Company sadly mourned his death, and thus record the event, in their " History : "
" On the 7th day of July, 1812, the good old Governor Samuel Morris, usually distinguished by the appellation of ' Christian Samuel,' departed this life in the 78th year of his age, having been a member for fifty-eight years, and for forty-six years the Chief Magistrate of the Colony and State; to which honourable post, he was annually re-elected, with perfect unanimity, respected and beloved by his endeared associates, for the cheerfulness of his disposition, the benevolence of his heart, and the blandness and dignity of his manners. He was ever remarkable for studied courtesy and kindness, to all invited guests."
*An extract from the old family Bible in possession of the Edwards' family says, "He departed life the 7th day of the 7th month called July, 1812, after a short indisposition, apparently free from pain or uneasiness from the preceding sixth day." His daughter C. W. M. states, " My dear Father deceased the 7th of 7th month 1812 at 4 o'clock in the morning, after a few days illness."
348 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
" He uniformly declined, in his latter years, to sit for his l^ortrait, though often solicited by some of his intimate friends. A good bust resemblance of him, in wood, executed by our un- rivalled artist, William Rush, Esquire, from occasional views of the original, unknown to him, was obtained, and now ornaments the Castle." It is placed within, over the front entrance, on an elegant pedestal, presented to the State, by Mr. D. Knight, a Visitor.
" Every stated meeting of the company, attests the estimation in wdiich this good citizen was, and continues to be, held, and his memory revered. After the " Memory of Washington," and the " Memory of Lincoln," which is always drank standing, " The Memory of our late worthy Governor Morris" invariably succeeds.
" His bereaved State decreed an Oration to be delivered, as a just tribute to the manes of their departed beloved associate and friend. A discourse was pronounced accordingly, by a member, (Curtis Clay), to a resj^ectable audience at the Castle, in July, 1812; in which eloquent production, his merits and virtues as a man, in all the relations of civil life, and his eminent services as a soldier in the Revolutionary contest, are full}^, forcibly & justly delineated.
" His highest eulogy as an Officer, is the distinguished appro- bation of the Commander-in-Chief expressed towards himself, and the gallant patriot spirits who promptl}'- rallied under his banner, nobh^ unfurled at the beginning of the War, in the sacred cause of their country, and who bravely fought at the battles of Trenton and Princeton, N. J., and their honourable ' Discharge ' from a tour of arduous duty, speaks volumes of merited applause.
"The original 'Letter of Discharge' is preserved in the Gov- ernor's family, as a precious relic of the distinguished writer, so honourable to the receiver and his Corps.
"Several members of the Fishing Company, following the good example of their esteemed Governor, became members of the troop, and faithfully served their countr}^ under his com- mand.
"In the summer of 1780, the troop, thirty-eight in number again took the field, in consequence of movements of the enemy in Jersey; on their arrival at Trenton, the}^ reported to the Commander-in-Chief, and awaited further orders to march, but
FIFTH GENERATION. 349
events rendering it unnecessary to proceed onwards, his Excel- lency General Washington, in recalling them home, thus addressed them from Head-Quarters:
'"The spirit and alertness which the Philadelphia Light Horse have discovered on this occasion, is such as to deserve my best thanks. I should have been happy in their services, had the enemy continued in the Jerseys; but as they have evacuated this State, and as the necessity is over, which called them out, you will be pleased to return to Philadelphia.'
" In September, 1794, the services of the good old troop were again put in requisition by the general Government, to assist in quelling the whiskey insurrection in western Pennsylvania. Fifty-two in number marched at a short notice, under Captain Dunlap, who with the rank and title of Major, commanded a squadron of Cavalry.
" In April 1799, under the same commander, they again took the field and marched to assist in quelling the rebellion in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
" In both of these remarkable expeditions, some of the troop who had served in the Revolutionary war, and several gentle- men, at those later periods, who had become members of the Fishing Company, practically served the cause of the Union."
The following is an extract from " A Tribute to the memory of Samuel Morris, late Governor of the Association of the State in Schuylkill " by Curtis Clay, which was read before the Asso- ciation July 23rd, 1812:
" And here our attention is irresistibly attracted in the first instance, to the Era of the American Revolution, an Era, in which, men and principles experienced the severest tests. Educated in the habits of a meek and forbearing religion, we find Samuel Morris in these times, exhibiting an example worthy of the greatness of his mind. He revered his religion, and all the doc- trines it inculcated. He acknowledged his obligations and his duties to his God ; but he also felt, that he owed something to his country, something to his family and friends.
" At this period, his country after a series of injuries and contumely, had deemed it necessary to resist the tyranny and encroachments of the Parent .Government by force of arms. * * * Under the blessings of Providence, after encountering hardships
350 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
and privations the most acute, and surmounting perils the most imminent, the independence of an infant nation was achieved.
^:^^^< >1< ^ :^ ^ * ^ ^ :^ ^
"By the zeal, activity and influence of our respected Gov- ernor, a respectable Corps of Cavalry was speedily formed in Philadelphia, who served during the greater part of the war, under his immediate command.
" If panegyric were at all necessary, language would here be unavailing after what has occurred; for the First City Troop of Cavalry of Philadelphia is proudly rewarded by the recorded testimony of the Immortal Washington in favour of its services.
" Few men manifested a warmer solicitude or a more disinter- ested zeal for the public welfare, than he did, and as the public prosperity, in an essential degree, depends upon the fair and general exercise of the right of suffrage, to this object he strenu- ously directed his influence.
"It falls to the lot of but few mortals, to pass a life of nearly fourscore, without receiving the wounds of scandal, or bearing the scars of malice. But such, as far as human frailty permits, was the enviable fortune of our irreproachable Governor. He has raised up for Society, a numerous and respectable family of children. He has bequeathed to them a legacy, more precious than gold, and more honourable than nobility. He has left them the example of a long life of practical virtue. That in all the other relations of social life he was equally exemplary and above censure, let the united approbation and general love of the city pronounce."
The appellation of " Christian Sam," so frequently referred to in these pages, probably had its origin from the following circumstance : —
A strange man, a seaman, who had been washed ashore in a helpless condition and almost destitute of clothing, was taken charge of by Samuel Morris, who clothed him, and cared for him, until he was well enough to resume his nautical duties. Some time after the man had departed on another voyage, a cask of sugar from the "West Indies, directed to " Christian Samuel Morris," was landed at Philadelphia, and for some months it remained undelivered, until it was claimed by Samuel Morris, who received advices, informing him that it had been sent to him, by his sailor friend, the grateful recipient of his bounty and care.
FIFTH GENERATION. 351
At the Centennial Celebration of the foundation of the State
in Schuylkill, May 1, 1832, an Ode prejDared by James N. Barker,
Esq., was recited, from which we extract a stanza in which
allusion is made to Captain Samuel Morris :
"Thou only, State in Schuylkill, thou Not e'en to Time himself might bow. Tho' thou wert changed, thy better fate Changed thee from Colony to STATE ; What time, determined to be free Thv sister Colonies with thee, Unfurled the flag of LIBERTY, When with the bravest of the band For freedom and for native land. Thy MORRIS waved the warrior brand."
Rebecca Wistar, the wife of Captain Samuel Morris, was a daughter of Caspar Wistar and Katherine Johnson (Jansen) his wife. She was highly esteemed, and greatly beloved, as the following obituary notice, in the " Pennsylvania Gazette " for Jan. 26, 1791, abundantly testifies: —
"Died the 22nd instant, Rebecca Morris, wife of Samuel Morris, Esq. Her death has opened every source of grief, which the loss of all that is truly estimable in the wife, the parent, or the friend, ought to occasion to their corresponding relations ; yet admits every consolation which a well-grounded belief ought to give, that her faithful performance of every duty in time, has ensured unto her a glorious reward in eternity."
Samuel and Rebecca (Wistar) Morris had issue : —
129. Samuel Morris, d. voung.
130. Sakah Morris, b. Jan. 19, 1758 ; d. Jan. 7, 1831 ; m. INIarch 14, 1782,
Richard "Wistar.
131. Benjamin Wistar Morris, b. Aug. 14, 1762 ; d. April 24, 1825 ; m.
Nov. 24, 1785, Mary Wells.
132. Caspar Wistar Morris, b. Sept. 12, 1764 ; d. Feb. 27, 1828 ; m. Nov.
24, 1795, Elizabeth Giles.
133. Anthony Morris, b. Feb. 10, 1766 ; d. Nov. 3, 1860 ; m. May 13, 1790,
Mary Smith Pemberton.
134. Luke Wistar Morris, b. June 25, 1768; d. June 4, 1830; m. (1st)
]\Iarch 24, 1791, Elizabeth Morris Buckley; (2dly) April 4, 1800, Ann Pancoast.
135. Isaac Wistar Morris, b. July 19, 1770 ; d. May 8, 1831 ; m. 12mo. 17,
1795, Sarah Paschall.
136. Catharine ^\ . Morris, b. April 22, 1772 ; d. unm. Dec. 10, 1859.
137. Samuel Morris, b. March 4, 1775 ; d. 9mo. 17, 1793, of yellow fever.
138. Israel Wistar Morris, b. Feb. 27, 1778, at Reading, Berks Co., during
the occupation of Philadelphia by the British ; d. Aug. 17, 1870 ; m. 6mo. 12, 1799, Mary HoUingsworth.
All the above children (excepting the last named), were born in Philadelphia.
352 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF SAMUEL MORRIS.
Samuel Morris, of Philadelphia, Gentleman. Will dated 8th day of Jan., 1810.*
Commences by saying " Whereas I feel an equal affection for my children, but having already given as much of real estate, and other property, to my two sons Benjamin W. Morris and Anthony Morris, respectively, as is their respective full portions and shares of all my estate, and hereby, moreover, forgiving and releasing to them, and each of them, all book debts that I now have, or may have, against them, at the time of my decease, I wish them, and those concerned to know, that these are the reasons why I have given my remaining Estate, to my other six children here- inafter named, in manner and form, and in such proportions, as are hereinafter mentioned, and that the same reasons have induced me not to include my said two sons Benjamin and Anthony, or either of them, among my Executors."
He gives his daughter Sarah Wistar, his dinner set of blue and white china, which he values at 150 dollars.
He gives his son Caspar W. Morris, his large silver tankard, which he values at 60 dollars ; To his sons Luke W. Morris and Israel W. Morris, he gives his wearing apparel, valued at 200 dollars, and to Isaac W. Morris his small silver tankard valued at 60 dollars.
To his daughter Catharine W. Morris, he gives one silver pint can, and all his other plate, and all the rest of household and Kitchen furniture, valued at 1000 dollars.
In 1804 he (iid by deed give to Luke W. Morris and Isaac W. Morris, in fee, a certain lot of ground on Taylor's Alley in said City; he now confirms it. Releases all his children from any indebtedness.
Leaves all the rest of his real estate, and remainder of his personal estate, to his six children, — Sarah Wistar, Caspar W. Morris, Luke AV. Morris, Isaac W. Morris, Catharine VV. Morris and Israel W. Morris — share and share alike.
''Vide Will Book 4, p. 152, Philadelphia.
GRANDFATHER'S CLOCK OF CAPT. SAMUEL MORRIS, AT OVERBROOK
FIFTH GENERATION. 353
Executors — his four sons, Caspar W. Morris, Luke W. Morris, Isaac W. Morris, and Israel W. Morris.
(Signed) Saml. Morris.
Witnesses :
Nathl. Holland. Thomas Young.
Proved at Philadelphia 15th July, 1812.
Captain Samuel Morris died possessed of a large quantity of household effects, the inventory of which dated 7mo. 20, 1817, gives their valuation at $2259.88. That this does not include several valuable sets of china, and other articles, which by his will, he left to his children, but which were not to be included in the inventorv.
CAPTAIN SAMUEL MORRIS' PUNCH BOWL AND CLOCK.
At some time prior to 1797, Captain Samuel Morris was pre- sented by the gentlemen of the Gloucester Hunting Club, of which he was president, with an exquisitely painted china Punch Bowl, which has recently come into the possession of his descendant — Mr. Israel W. Morris. With it, came a paper written (probably in 1872) by Miss Hannah Morris, a granddaughter of Captain Samuel Morris, which interestingly describes an imag- inary colloquy, between this Ancient Punch Bowl and the old grandfather's clock, which were often near to one another in the home of their original owner, Captain Samuel Morris. The grandfather's clock is now in the house of Mrs. Wistar Morris, at Overbrook. Permission has kindly been given for the reproduc- tion of the paper referred to : —
" Hush ! and listen to the fine ringing of the Tally-Ho china bowl !
" Very pleased I am, to be brought again into nearness with my old compeer, the clock, — for so long I have been shut up against the low ceiling of the closet in the garret above. Old china around me, it is true, but some of it sadly broken, and none that could hail from my first home 65 south 2nd St., or
354 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
from my later home 56 north 4th St. — until m}-- lady Jane of this present household, thought how nicely I would hold the dried grasses. So now, here, on this high old mantel shelf, in the midst of owls and squirrels, and pine cones, I greatly enjoy the moving scene, and hear the constant time telling voice of the good old clock, which now as truly notes the time, as 80 years ago in Samuel Morris' parlour.
" Occasionally, I see the doors swing open below me, and china dish or plate, bottle, bowl or odd old teapot, handed out for the amusement and delight of the lovers of old time articles. My duty is dry now, not as it was, years ago in the old- 2nd St. house. I cannot give the date of my presentment by Captain Clement, to the Governor of the hunting club, after which, I was called into service for their refreshment. All liked that Issy should make the toddy, whether in me, or in the much older, and finer china bowl, now in keeping of the \adj Catharine M. Brown — but it was always good order, and genial, gentlemanly behaviour, under Governor Morris' sway, and when the clock told 10, all parted in good feeling. And now, it is more than 60 years since with his death, the doors of that long occupied dwell- ing were closed, and I was carried by his daughter Catharine, to her new home on 4th St., and placed bottom upward, on the top shelf of her parlour closet. Here I was never called into use, but passed the years, in quiet companionship with some old silver spoons, the old well used chaflBng dish, the old silver sugar bowl, and Aunt Debby's old white china plate. This last, was often brought into use for shellbarks, and its story told to the young people. Pleasantly asked for by Samuel Morris, it was playfully promised to him, and he did not let her forget her playful affirm- ative. The plate was left in her will, to this much loved Nephew.
" 0 many happy hours the two ladies, Catharine W. Morris and Hannah Elliot spent in mutual enjoyment just outside my closet door. I know it — for the fireplace was near and the sofa close by, and the work tables and writing tables within my hear- ing— and the heart confidence was perfect, each consulting with the other on lesser matters and on more important points, and altogether and entirely agreeing, that in Religion was their happi- ness, and for them the pathway was with Friends, diligent atten- tion to meetings and committees and school associations — and in
FIFTH GENERATION. 355
the twilight of every evening, before the lamps were lighted an entire stillness, very solemn, reigned. I think the spirit of man was hushed, and the spirit of the Most High invoked to bless them, to abide with them and rule over all they had. In these watchings unto prayer, renewed favours, I am sure, were asked with thankfulness for the blessings they did enjoy — and these old ladies loved the company of young people, and when lights were brought in, after they came back from the tea table, the cheerful voices of old and young, joined in noting the passing events of the day — any subject of mental improvement, history, or some- times lighter reading. Washington Irving's works were then new, and gave great delight to all. One piece of pleasantry I heard preparing — it was designed by Hannah Elliot as expres- sive of their union — their united Monograms worked in their hair with a needle on white satin — enclosed by a wreath of the same — to be carefully put away, and referred to, as their Marriage Cer- tificate.
" Hush ! again — The clock is answering. Greatly pleased am I, to renew companionship with my long lost friend, the Tally- Ho bowl. How long I told the time at 65 south 2nd Street is not engraved on my dial, or written on the case. Whether I was removed, or, if some English officer wound me, when the family were sent away, because Samuel Morris was with the First City troop, and Philadelphia was in possession of the British in 1778, I can never tell, but I heard, that Mother and children had a cold and difficult carriage ride to Reading, where they were kindly received, and settled in a house by some of Captain Morris' friends. I have heard them recount the privations of the period, and the eldest daughter, Sally, learned to use the spinning wheel for the comfort of the family. While here, little Issy was born 2nd mo. 27th, 1778. As soon as the w^ar difficulty allowed of it, they all returned to their home. Other sad leavings of the house, was when yellow fever more than once raged so terribly in Phi la. — the hours tolled very solemnly then. Once Kitty, as she was called then, remained in town and was very ill.
" Captain Morris rode every day, holding the reins of his fine horses in his own hands, taking his wife, when she was able, and the weather was fine, with little Issy on his chair, between them. The choice drive then, was round Point Breeze, through the meadows below the City, or Kitty would sometimes ride with
356 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FA.MILY.
her father, both on horseback — she riding ' lady/ a white and very pleasant riding horse, belonging to uncle Israel, whose home was with his brother Samuel. Once they told me with great pleasure, of meeting General Washington, and his stopping for pleasant exchange of greetings. Once a grand day in the house, was on the occasion of General Washington being invited to dinner. I can not record what passed, for an upper room was prepared for the table, the parlour where was my station, was but a reception room on that day.
" True to time, very regular and orderly were the habits of the large household. Dinner at 2, tea at 6, hot supper at 9 — at ten the house closed for the night.
"Time passed on — Sarah and the six brothers married, and Kitty was left alone in the house with her father. Social in his feelings, his table was always free to his friends, and for years it was the habit of his elder married sons with their families, to dine with him, on first days.
"In the year 1812 he died, and I was carried with the other household furniture to 56 N. Fourth Street, from that time the home of his daughter Catherine."
THE WISTAR FAMILY.
Caspar Wistar, the founder of the family in America, was born in Hilsbach, in the Electorate of Heidelberg in Germany, Feb. 3, 1696, being the eldest son of Johannes Caspar Wiister (born 1670 ; died Jan. 15, 1726), and Anna Catharina his wife. Hilsbach is a small town of Baden, a few miles S. S. E. of Heidel- berg. In 1893, its population was 1232, and the house in which Caspar Wister was born, is still standing.* His father held the hereditary office of Electoral Huntsman (Fiirst Jager), to Carl Theodore of Bavaria, the Elector of Baden. The appellation " Herr " appears on the Church Record, prefixed to his name^ and distinguished him from the Bourgeois.
Johannes Caspar and Anna Catharina Wiister were the pro- genitors of the Wistars and Wisters so well known in Philadel- phia. Johannes Caspar Wiister had come from some other part
*Our illustration of this house, is a reproduction of a photograph, kindly loaned by Wm. Eotch Wister, Esq.
FIFTH GENERATION. 357
of Germany, and the family name has long been extinct in Hilsbach. In the " Church Book " of the Evangelical Lutheran Parish of Neckar-Gemiind, and associated villages, the very first entry of a baptism, is that of one of the children of Johannes Caspar Wiister and his wife.
The following is copied from a manuscript given by the Lutheran Minister of Wald Hilsbach to the late Dr. Caspar Wister : —
" From ' Church books ' at Nekargemiind, where all Lutherans from Hilsbach were buried before the existing union.
" Birth Book^
"1. Born 26 February, 1700, Maria Barbara. Parents Hans Caspar Wiister, uxa Anna Catharina.
" 2. Born 22 Feb., 1702, Anna Barbara — parents as above.
"3. Born 26 Dec, 1703, Albertina — parents as above.
" 4. Born 10 June, 1707, Maria Margaretha.
" 5. Born 7 Nov., 1708, Johannes.
" 6. Born 29 January, 1711, Johan Ludwig.
" 7. Born 18 Sept., 1713, George Bernhart.
" Book of Deaths.
" Died in Waldhilsbach 11 Deer., 1711, Albertina Wiister, buried at Gaiberg with a funeral sermon.
" Died in Hilsbach 15 January, 1726, Hans Caspar Wiister — Electoral Huntsman of Hilsbach, aged 55 years less 3 months.
" This is the last entry of any person of the name of Wiister."
Kauffmann.
These extracts from the " Church books " were sent to Dr. Caspar Morris by Dr. Caspar Wister with the following remarks : —
" You see that Hans Caspar the father, was born about 1671, and as Caspar his oldest son came to this country in 1717, aged
*From this list of births, that of Caspar Wiister, horn Feb. 3, 1696, is omitted for reasons elsewhere given.
858 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
21 years, he must have been born about 1696, the year in which the Church was burned, with the record of his birth. As to the disappearance of the entire family from the Village of Wald Hilsbach (this village is written Waldhilsbach, but in speaking Hilsbach), Carl Theodore of Bavaria was the Elector of Baden, the province in which Hilsbach stands, and soon after 1726, ceased to reside in Heidelberg, and to be elector, and in conse- quence retired back into Bavaria, taking his household with him, probably including the family of his Jager, particularly as this office would seem to have been hereditary, as Hans Caspar is said to have offered to resign, in favour of his son Caspar, if he would relinquish his intention of going to Anierica.
" John Wister sailed for America, May 1726, bringing a Bible, and silver salt cellers, both of which I have, the property of his father, and in the Bible, is an entry of his Father's death, the date same as the above record.
" Caspar Wister."
The Rhenish provinces had already contributed large con- tingents of emigrants, to the newly founded Province of Penn- sylvania, and young Caspar Wiister, fired with the enthusiasm of the time, resolved to try his fortune in the Western World. But his father was so reluctant to part with him, that he offered to give him the house he lived in, and to resign the office he held, in his favor, if he would abandon his intention. But Caspar was young, and enterprising, and confident in his deter- mination, being full of that " Hope which rules a land for ever green." As the eldest son, he would have inherited his father's appointment as Fiirst Jager, which would have insured him a com- fortable income, but he told his father that he preferred to make his own way in America, (leaving for his sisters that part of the property that would otherwise have come to him), if his father would consent to give him an outfit of clothing, and pay his pas- sage across the Ocean. To this, his father at length agreed, and his son crossed over the " waste of waters," arriving in Philadel- phia, Sept. 16, 1717, "a stranger from afar, unknowing and unknown." Besides the clothes he wore, his fortune consisted of but nine-pence (a "pistareen") in his pocket, and his rifle in his hand. Soon after his arrival, Caspar saw a man gathering apples, in an orchard in Arch Street, between 3d and 4th Streets,
CHURCH AT GAIBERG
FIFTH GENERATION. 359
and on enquiring as to whether he had any employment for a stranger, he told Caspar, that he would be glad of his assistance in gathering the apples, if he would be willing to be paid for his labor in fruit. The terms were readily assented to, and Caspar went to work with a will. By expending his ninepence for bread, and receiving his portion of apples, he supplied himself with food. His first meal in America, thus consisted of bread and apples, which he ate as he sat on the top of an orchard fence, in Arch Street, Philadelphia.*
He had not been long in Philadelphia, before he became famous as a Marksman. One of a party of gentlemen who had agreed to shoot at a mark for a prize, was unable to shoot for himself, but having heard of Caspar Wistar's skill with the rifle, he obtained him as a substitute, and so successful was Caspar's performance, that it gained for his employer, a gold snuff-box.
For a time he was employed by a brass button manufacturer, but shortly after commencing this business, the master met with a severe accident, which confined him to his bed. This had such a discouraging effect upon the enterprising German, that the Button-maker allowed him to bring his work to the bed chamber, and there instructed him in his art. Caspar pursued his labors with such assiduity, that when it was necessary to desist, he would be unable to open his fingers, and was obliged to reverse his clenched hand, to allow the hammer to slip through. By this occupation he amassed £18.00, which his generosity induced him to lend to some German friends, who were engaged in a speculation. These friends thought, that with the aid of a little more mone}^ their scheme w^ould prove a suc- cessful one, but the £18 once lent, was gone forever.
Whilst travelling through New Jersey for the Button-maker, Caspar Wistar had noticed some sand, similar to that used in Germany, for the making of glass, and he determined to make an effort to manufacture glass at that place. Not possessing sufficient means for starting such an establishment, he borrowed money from some wealthy men, who were glad to aid such a
*Many years afterwards, Caspar Wistar's grandson, the celebrated Dr. Caspar Wistar, commemorated this event, by inviting a number of guests to his house, and providing for their refreshment, nothing but bread and apples !
360 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
worthy individual. Thus were started in 1729-30, the glass works near Salem in New Jersey. It has been stated, that these were the first glass works established in America, but we are informed, that efforts were made to manufacture glass at James- town, in Virginia, in 1608 and also in 1683. Penn's letter of 1683, to the Free Society of Traders, alludes to their tannery, saw-mill, and glass-house ; and soon after, at Frankford near the city, a glass-house and pottery were set up by English Friends.*
On 3rd mo. 25th, 1726, Caspar Wistar, " Button-Maker," married Katherine Johnson, (born at Germantown, Sept. 20, 1703; died at Philadelphia, 12th mo. 18th, 1786, aged nearly 84 years), daughter of Dirck and Margaret Jansen (Johnson) of Germantown. t Katherine Johnson being a member of the Society of Friends, their intention of marriage was laid before a meeting held at Abington, and the marriage took place at Friends' Meeting in Germantown. According to the custom of those early times, a person thus marrying, was admitted into membership — a privilege, which Caspar Wistar ever after retained.
After becoming established in America, Caspar Wistar sent to the old country, for his sister Anna Barbara, and his younger brother John. Johannes Caspar Wiister, the father, died Jan. 13, 1726, aged 57 years, and in the following year, John Wiister, emigrated to America.
Caspar Wistar settled his sister and her family, on a large farm which he had purchased in the valley of the Tulpehocken, near Reading, Pennsylvania.
" In Caspar's oath of allegiance to King George, under the date of 1721, his name was incorrectly written by the clerk as
*Scharf & Westcott's "History of Philadelphia," Vol. iii., p. 2298; also " Penna. Mag.," Vol. viii., p. 339.
In 1769, Eichard Wistar (successor to his father, Caspar Wistar), transferred his glass-factory from New Jersey to his house on High Street, above Third, Philadelphia, where he made glass lamps, and bottles and brass buttons, which he said were " clear of duty, which Americans so justly complain of, and at present it seems the duty of Americans to encourage their own manufacturers, more especially, those on which duties have been imposed for the sole purpose of raising revenue."
t There are numerous descendants of Dirck and Margaret Jansen, in Ger- mantown and elsewhere, named Johnson.
HILSBACH WIRTHSCHAFT'
HILSBACH. TOWN HOUSE
HILSBACH SCHOOLHCUSE
FIFTH GENERATION. 361
' Wistar,' and from him are descended those of the family who thus spell their name." (Penna. Mag., Vol. v., p. 384.)
Caspar Wistar evidently spelled his name with the German pronunciation of the e. The original name was spelled Wiister, but from his imperfect knowledge of English, he was under- stood to say Caspar Wistar, and thus it was recorded. When his younger brother, John, arrived in May, 1727, Caspar advised him to adhere to the original spelling, and this shows, at the present time, which are the descendants of the elder, and which of the younger brother, those of the latter, being Wisters. John Wister was b. Nov. 7, 1708 ; d. 31st Jan., 1789 ; m. (1st) 2mo. 9th, 1731, Salome Zimmerman, a German by birth. From these are descended the present families of Chancellor and Twells. Salome Wister having died in 1736, John Wister married (2ndly) 10th of Nov. 1737, Anna Catharina Rubenkam. They had three children who lived to maturity, Daniel, b., 1738-9; Catherine, b. 1742-3, ancestress of Mileses, McKeans, etc., and William, b. 1746 ; d. s. p. Daniel Wister m. Lowery Jones 5mo. 5th, 1760. She was the dau. of Owen Jones, Colonial Treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania, and Susannah Evans his wife. Owen Jones was the son of Jonathan, and Gainor (Owen) Jones. Gainor Owen was dau. of Robert Owen, and Jonathan Jones was son of Dr. Edwd. Jones, who married the dau. of Dr. Thomas Wynne. The sister, Anna Barbara Wiister (dau. of Hans Caspar Wiister) referred to above, was married about 1723 to George Bauer, Councillor of Manheim, Germany; their dau. Anna Katerina Barbara married John Henry Keppele; many members of Philadelphian families — Inghams, Biddies, Williams, etc., are among their descendants. Another sister, Maria, said to have been born about 1690, married in 1711 Captain David Deshler, Aide-de-Camp to the Prince Palatine. Their son David, came to America, and entered the counting house of his uncle John Wister. David Deshler married Mary Le Fevre, descended from two Huguenot families, who left France during the persecutions that followed the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes and settled in Pennsylvania. Among the descendants of David, and Mary (Le Fevre) Deshler are the Lewises, Mortons, Conners, McCul loughs, etc.
The following circumstance indicates Caspar Wistar's consci- entious feelings: A cargo of slaves arriving in the River Dela- ware, he thought it might be advisable to purchase some, to employ
362 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
as laborers in his Glass Works. He consequently saw the Captain of the vessel on the subject, and had selected several negroes suitable for his j)urpose, but as the purchase was not concluded he returned home to dinner. The family soon perceived that something was amiss with him, for he remained silent and thoughtful, without eating, — a very unusual thing for him, as he was accustomed to converse cheerfully at the table. Presently he arose, and left the house, but soon returned, with his usual cheer- fulness, and resuming his seat, he said, ''Now I have done with them,'' and then commenced eating. His mind was now at ease, for he had again seen the Captain of the ship, and declined to purchase any of the negroes.
Caspar Wistar purchased a considerable tract of ground in Northampton, Pennsylvania, which he sold out in small farms to respectable German settlers.
Upon a certain occasion, he was appointed with a number of other individuals, among whom was a minister named Peters, the Secretary of the Governor's council, to attend the negotiation of an Indian treaty, in the interior of the State of Pennsylvania. It being the trout season, they expected to be well provided with their favorite fare, but on arriving at their destined inn, and being summoned to table, were exceedingly disappointed in seeing but one small dish, of inferior trout, with a single good sized one placed on top. The divine hurried to his seat, and sticking his fork into the only desirable trout, transferred it to his own plate. This being secured, with closed eyes and uplifted hands, he said — " Noiv let us pray," and rehearsed the usual form. Whilst he was thus engrossed, his facetious friend (C. W.) being seated near him, quietly removed the coveted fish, and when the aston- ished dignitary opened his eyes to the fact, he was thus pleasantly accosted, " Pastor Peters, men ought to luatch as well as pray I"
Caspar Wistar's dexterity in shooting, must have remained with him until near the close of life. During his last sickness, when riding on horseback along the "Point Road," he shot a deer, but not being able to dismount alone, he returned home, and dispatched his man for the spoil.
Caspar Wistar and his brother John were among the earliest contributors to the Pennsylvania Hospital in 1751, and they both attended the first meeting of the Contributors, which convened at the State House in Philadelphia, to elect the first
FIFTH GENERATION. 363
" Board of Managers " of the Hospital, to serve from Ma}^ 1751, to May, 1752. Caspar Wistar in that year, contributed $200, and his brother John $53.33 to its funds. Their descend- ants have continued to support the institution in the same liberal manner.
Caspar Wistar died of dropsy, March 21, 1752, at his resi- dence, in Market Street, between 2d and 3d Streets. He had previously lived on Front Street, a few doors above the house of Anthony Morris,^ to the signing of whose will, Caspar Wistar was one of the witnesses. This is an interesting fact, inasmuch as it shows, that as early as the year 1721 (date of signing of Anthony Morris' Will), Caspar Wistar and the members of the Morris family, were on intimate terms. Caspar Wistar was an able busi- ness man, and a large buyer of land, not only in Philadelphia, but in most of the counties near Philadelphia. He died pos- sessed of considerable property, consisting especially of real estate, and at his death, he was one of the most wealthy men in the colony.
Caspar Wistar, Senior, left six children — two sons, Richard and Caspar, and four daughters, Sarah Wistar, Rebecca Morris, Margaret Haines, and Katharine Greenleafe, his son Joshua having died in infancy.
It is said, that Katharine (Wistar) Greenleafe was a " Tory," and refusing either to close her shutters, or illuminate her win- dows, upon some occasion of American rejoicing, a mob began firing stones, but the intrepid old lady sat quietly knitting. Some of the stones flew over her head, and struck the case of the clock, leaving in it two marks, which remain till the present day. The clock is now in the possession of Mrs. Wm. H. Miller of Media, Pa., who has among other relics of the Wistar family, the Rifle brought over by the first Caspar Wistar. This weapon is of very curious construction, having but one lock, but two barrels which revolve upon a pin, extending backward from between the barrels into the stock, and they are so placed, that either barrel can be brought axially in front of the lock hammer and flint.
We here present a facsimile of the Signature of Caspar Wiister, as a Witness to the signing of the will of Anthony Morris,^ in 1721.
364 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Caspar and Katharine (Johnson) Wistar had issue : —
(1) EiCHARD WisTAE, b. ill Philadelphia City July 6, 1727, at one hour
56 minutes P. M. He m. (1st) in 1751 Sarah Wyatt ; m. (2nd) 1776, Mary Gilbert, nee Bacon ; R. W. d. in 1781.
(2) MAEGARteT Wistar, b. in Philadelphia, Jan. 26, 1728/9; d. 1793; she
m., 1760, Reuben Haines.
(3) Kathaeine Wistae, b. in Philadelphia, Dec. 14, 1730 ; d. about 1771 ;
she m. 12mo. 6, 1753, Isaac Greenleafe, who was b. about 1715; d. 1771, son of Isaac Greenleafe, of Ipswich, Suffolk, Great Britain.
(4) Joshua Wistar, b. in Philadelphia Nov. 11, 1732 ; d. June, 1734.
(5) Rebecca Wistar, b. Jan. 25, 1735/6 ; d. Jan. 22, 1791, early in the
morning and suddenly ; m. Samuel Morris at Christ Church, Phil- adelphia, Dec. 11, 1755. Their descendants are given in this genealogy.
(6) Sarah Wistar, b. Nov. 8, 1738 ; she d. unm. 1815.
(7) Caspar Wistar, Jr., b. Feb. 3, 1740; d. at Brandywine Farm, Oct. 31,
1811, in his 72nd year; m. Nov. 7, 1765, Mary Franklin of New York, who was b. Feb. 26, 1736 ; d. March 28, 1804. They had seven children, viz. : — Johnson Wistar, b. June 22, 1766.
Thomas Wistar, b. 8mo. 23, 1767 ; d. 7 1814.
Catharine Franklin Wistar, b. 2mo. 27, 1769 ; d. 1823 ; m.
1804, Abraham Sharpies.
Sarah Wistar, b. March 5, 1770 ; d. July 5, 1845 ; m. 1790,
George Pennock. Mary Wistar, b. Feb. 10, 1772 ; d. Nov. 11, 1810. Deborah Wistar, b. Oct. 22, 1775. Samuel Wistar, b. May 7, 1780 ; d. 1812.
ABSTRACT OF CASPAR WISTAR'S WILL.
Caspar Wistar of City and Co., of Phila., Prov. of Penna., Brass-Button-maker. Will dated 13th of Feb., 1752. Gives to ^' dear and loving wife Catharine " his clock, all his household goods, his horse and chaise and £1000. One-half of his working tools and stock of materials for his brass button business, he leaves to his wife, and the other half, to son Richard.
He gives also to son Richard, his plantation and lands in New Jersey, with the Glass house, tools, utensils, household goods, and stock of cattle, provided said Richard pays to said wife yearly, one-third of profits of Glass business, and delivers yearly to son Caspar at Phila. 700 feet of glass and 30 doz. of bottles of various sizes.
To said wife, he gives for life, his messuage and 3J acres of land, with house and barn erected thereon, in Northern Liberties
FIFTH GENERATION. 365
of City, called "Peach Grove;" after death of said wife the 3J acres he gives to son Richard.
To son Richard, also he gives his house and lot on north side of High St., Phila., which he bought of Joseph and Sarah Dur- borow.
To dau. Margaret he gives £400, also one-half part of ground situate on the west side of 2nd St., Phila., between the Church and Latin School, 25 ft. 6 in. x 306 ft., also his plantation of 1300 acres at Macunge in Bucks Co.
To dau. Catharine he gives £1300, also the other half of the land on west side of 2nd St., between the Church and Latin School, also 150 acres of land on Cook Creek, Bucks Co., also 200 acres of land on Lehigh Creek in Bucks Co., and also 127 acres of land in Oley.
To dau. Rebecca, he gives two messuages and lot of ground, on north side of High St., Phila., in breadth on same street 27J feet adjoining a messuage and lot of Edward Warner's, with the privilege of a passage and water course, through a 3 feet alley, also a ground rent of £5, paj^able by Hugh McCullough, out of a messuage and piece of ground, on west side of Front St., Phila., also a tract of land on Indian Coplas Creek, in Bucks Co., containing 1100 acres, also £500.
To dau. Sarah £250, also a messuage and lot of ground on 3rd St., Phila., in breadth 33 feet, also a lot of ground 18 ft. X 60 ft, also two houses and lot of ground, whereon Anthon}^ Deshler now dwells, at corner of High St., and 3rd St., Phila., 30 ft. 8 in. on High St., also three tracts of land, containing 1700 acres, on the forks of the Delaware River in Bucks Co. His wife and his friend David Deshler are appointed guardians of said daughter Sarah.
To son Caspar, he gives his house and lot of ground, in which he now dwells, situate on High St., purchased by him of Obadiah Eldridge and Mary his wife, also ground on Church Alley, also two plantations of 1200 acres of land in Bucks Co., ** where Henr}^ Berky now dwells," with stock of cattle, also tract of land containing 248 acres at Macunge, also 3 acres of land on north side of "Peach Grove," also his house and lot in German- town, between Israel Pemberton's and Paul Cripner's, after wife's decease (she to enjoy it during her life); also to Caspar two lots of ground adjoining the town of York, also £1000 to be invested
366 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
during his minorit}^ — his wife, David Deshler and Hugh Roberts to be guardians of Caspar during his nonage.
To sister JSIaria Barbara Hitner, he gives a piece of plate of the value of £10 ; to nephew Martin Ulmer, he gives £20 ; to the children of his " brother Lodowick Wistar, that are in Ger- many," one hundred guilders each ; to the children of " sister Dorothy Grushorn, that are in German}^" one hundred guilders each ; to the children of " sister Albertina Ulmer that are in Germany," one hundred guilders each. These said sums of one hundred guilders, are to be paid each of the children "severally upon their arrival in Philadelphia."
Residue of his estate is to be divided equally between his wife and children. Executrix and Executors: His "loving wife," brother-in-law Richard Johnson, Kinsman David Deshler, and his son Richard Wistar.
(Signed) Caspar Wistar.
Witnesses :
Jacob Shoemaker, John Wister, Thos. Shoemaker, Paul Isaac Voto.
Proved 28th March, 1752.
Wm. Plumsted, Reg. Gen.
Recorded in Will Book I, page 493, Phila.
49. Deborah Morris^ (Anthony,* Anthony,^ Anthony,^ Anthony,^) a dau. of Anthony Morris* and his first wife, Sarah Powell, was b. 9th mo. 15th, 1736; d. 9th mo. 23rd, 1787, "whilst her husband was returning from St. Petersburgh ; " m. 9th mo. 8th, 1756, John Franklin a Merchant of New York.
Deborah Franklin was remarkable for her devotion to the American Prisoners, who
were in a starving con- (^ ^ , Cv^ -.
dition, on board the Jersey 0-^/^-^7 4/4 t/'T^iyrv4^o\^^ prison hulks, in the har- bor of New York, during the occupation of that city by the British Army. She, and her son Anthony, would venture forth
FIFTH GENERATION. 307
in a small boat, after nightfall, to assist them, and the poor prisoners lowered bags and baskets, to receive whatever .she could bring to relieve their necessities. At length, on the 21st of November, 1780, the British Commandant of the City (Sir Henry Clinton), banished her from New York for her patriotism and kindness to the prisoners on the war ships. The family then removed to Philadelphia, where Deborah Franklin's rela- tives lived. They probably returned to New York, in the course of two or three years, as letters (now in the possession of Miss Helen K. Morton) were written in 1783 from that City, by the daughter Sarah Franklin, to a young lady friend in Philadelphia, which indicate that the family was becoming settled again in the New York Home. Israel Morris, in a letter to his sister Sarah Buckley, dated 1st Oct., 1783, writes, "Sister Franklin with her family expect to return to New York in a few daj^s; she is still very much afflicted with her old disorder (i. e. Rheumatism)." For four years longer, Deborah Franklin continued to live in New York, until on the 23rd of the 9th mo., 1787, she was released from all her sufferings, which had been greatly aggravated by the inhuman conduct of Gov. Clinton in banishing her from New York at such an inclement season. Her daughter Sarah, in one of her letters, refers to the loss she had sustained, in the following words : " Changes in life, my dear, generally cause a change of language, and as I have experienced the greatest of misfortunes, which to the latest hour of my existence will be engraven on my heart, in characters never, never to be effaced ; my pen, which once was all levity, must, if I employ it at all, be consecrated to Melancholy, ah! may thou never feel the smallest part of the anguish I have endured. Thank heaven, thy amiable Mamma, (that word I can not hear, or think of, without the greatest emotion), is still preserved to thee. Be grateful my Dear to Providence for such a treasure, for should it please him to remove her, you can never know the value of the connexion that binds you to each other, until deprived of it."
Tradition says, that Congress adjourned to attend the funeral of Deborah Franklin.
The following is a notice of her death, which aj^peared in a New York paper of the time : —
"Last Sunday morning, after a lingering illness, which she
368 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
bore with the most exemplary fortitude, departed this life in the 51st year of her age, Mrs. Deborah Franklin, the truly amiable consort of Mr. John Franklin, INIerchant of this City, and eldest daughter of the late Anthony Morris Esqre of Philadelphia. Her remains were on Tuesday evening attended by a very nume- rous and respectable concourse of citizens, of almost every de- nomination, to the Friends' burying ground, where they were interred, agreeable to the order of the Societ^^
" This benevolent lady, had, prior to the year 1780, long been subject to those asthenic complaints which frequently subdue the most robust, which she bore with a trul}^ Christian patience. On the 21st of November 1780, the British Commandant of this City, no longer able to hear of, or to bear, the daily accounts of her con- tributing with unbounded liberality to the relief of her fellow citizens who were prisoners of war, banished her, without regard to her station or sex, or the inclemency of the season, from the city, by which act of cruelty, she became deprived of the use of her feet. But neither the threats, power, or cruelty of Britons could change her sentiments, relative to the justice of her country's cause, nor deter her from exercising her humanity towards those, whom the fortune of w^ar, brought within the reach of her relief Nor was her benevolence confined merely to those unhappy objects, but extended to all those, w^ithout distinction, with whose distress she was acquainted.
"As she lived greatly beloved, she died much lamented, by those who wish to imitate her virtues. She has left a husband, with seven children, to deplore their irretrievable loss."
John Franklin, the husband of Deborah Morris,* was a large ship owner, and a prominent merchant in New^ York. He was the son of Thomas and Mary P. Franklin, was b. 4th mo. 27th, 1732 ; d. 8th mo. 29th, 1801. After the death of his wdfe Deborah Morris in 1787, he m. (2dly) 5mo. 13th, 1789, Letitia, dau. of Sylvanus Tow^nsend, and widow of Benjamin Underbill. By this wife he had no issue.
John Franklin was a member of the Society of Friends, and during the Revolution, he proved himself a true citizen, disposed to do his full duty to his country. But a few months after he and his wife had been banished from New York, in 1780, he was requested by General AVashington, to act as "Agent
FIFTH GENERATION. 369
for Prisoners" in New York. The following is John Franklin's reply :—
Letter from John Franklin to General Washington.
"Philadelphia, January 4th, 1781.
"General Washington.
"Thy favor of ye 28th ult. I reed last evening. This oppor- tunity happening so soon, that I am not so fully prepared to reply to the contents, as I wish to be. Am much obligd to my Friend Pintard, and happy in that my conduct has gained the favourable opinion of my suffering countrymen, who have been in captivity in New York. My family being sent out, and now settled in this place, Renders my return not so desirable, but being witness to the absolute necessity of an Agent for Prisoners, I have determined, (If there is no one thought of more proper), to accept of thy appointment to that service ; but as I have, (without any other cause that I know of than that of rendering my countrymen small services, whilst in captivity, on their Private account), become so obnoxious to Sir Henry Clinton, tliat I am something doubtful his admit'g my return to the City, for that purpose, which I thought proper to mention that the General might think of it, before I was proposed. If it's agreed to, shall hold myself in readiness to attend thy Orders, and am most respectfully
"Thy Friend &C&C&C
^j^
i/y^
General Washington's answer was as follows : —
"Head Quarters, New Windsor, " 10 Jan. 1781.
" I am pleased to find by your favor of the 4th inst., that you are willing to accept of the agency for the prisoners, provided
370 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Sir Henry Clinton makes no objection to your returning to New York. I shall immediately propose you to him, and will acquaint you with his answer, as soon as I receive it.
" I am Sir " your most obt servt
" G. Washington. " On public service
" To John Frankhn, Esqr.,
"Philadelphia."*
Although no official record can be found accounting for John Franklin's services as "Agent for Prisoners" with Sir Henry Clin- ton, yet in a Philadelphia paper printed at the time, mention is made of the fact, that while John Franklin was away in the service of his country, his family remained in Philadelphia.
Among the lineal descendants of John and Deborah Franklin, are the Townsends, Combes, Leavitts, Coverts, Pobbins, Wrights, Lawrences and Van Bergens, residents of New York or its neighborhood.
John and Deborah (Morris) Franklin had issue: —
139. Sarah Franklin, b. 7mo. 20, 1757; d. 9mo. 16, 1798; m. Ezekiel
Eobbins.
140. Mary Franklin, b. 2mo. 27, 1760 ; d. ; m. Feb. 1785, Nathan
Combes.
141. Thomas Franklin, b. 4mo. 15, 1762 ; d. 4mo. 30,1830; m. (1st) 12mo.
26, 1783, Sarah Polhemus ; m. (2ndly) 6mo. 12, 1793, Mary Haviland.
142. Ph(ebe Franklin, b. 6mo. 13, 1764 ; d. 7mo. 13, 1764.
143. Elizabeth Franklin, b. 9mo. 3, 1765 ; m. William Townsend, son of
Peter Townsend of New York.
144. Anthony Franklin, b. 2mo. 23, 1768; d. 12mo. 1, 1854; m. lOmo. 22,
1789, Lydia Lawrence.
145. Rebecca Franklin, b. 5mo. 1, 1771; d. 5mo. 18, 1822; m. Imo. 7,
1793, John Townsend.
146. Walter Franklin, b. 6mo. 15, 1773 ; d. 9mo. 2, 1856 ; m. Imo. 13,
1795, Letitia Wright.
*The original of this letter is said to be in the possession of Benj. Franklin of Brooklyn— a grandson of Anthony Franklin (son of John Franklin).
FIFTH GENERATION. 371
THE FRANKLIN FAMILY OF NEW YORK.
During the Revolutionary period, few families rendered more valuable services to the Nation, than the wealthy, but modest Franklin Family, of New York. Especial mention may be here made, of Walter and John, sons of Thomas Franklin, who mar- ried at Westbury Meeting House, 1st month 25th, 1703, Mary, daughter of Nathaniel and Martha Pearsall, of Hempsted, L. I. Both of the brothers were wealthy, and highly esteemed citizens.
John Franklin has been already referred to, as the husband of Deborah Morris. Walter Franklin (b. 12mo. 11th, 1728; d. 6th mo. 8th, 1780 ; m. 5mo. 12th, 1774, Mary dau. of Daniel and Sarah [Stringham] Bowne), was a Member of the Committee of One Hundred, having been elected May 1st 1775, by the Free- holders of the Colony of New York, to represent them in all affairs, growing out of the complications then arising between the Colonies, and the mother country. He was also, a Member of the first Provincial Congress of the Province of New York, which met in New York City, May 23rd, 1775. Walter Franklin was senior partner in the firm of Franklin, Robinson & Co., engaged in trade with China and the South Seas. He retired from business, comparatively early in life, with a very large fortune. Mr. W. Roe, in his interesting article on " Old time New York Friends," says, that " Walter Franklin's heart remained free, until he accidentally met a pretty milkmaid, on Long Island. He was riding in his ' chariot,' when he noticed the young woman milking. He stopped, and enquired who owned the farm. She replied graciously, and in ' plain ' language, that her father Daniel Bowne was the owner. Walter thanked her, drove on to the house, and there made himself known to Daniel. While the two were talking, Hannah came in to make tea for the City friend, with the romantic result, that she 'made tea' for him ever after.
"He died June 8, 1780, leaving three young daughters. The Eldest daughter, Mariah, married Gov. de Witt Clinton, the second, Hannah, married George Clinton, his brother, and the youngest married an Englishman, named John Norton. Each received £20,000 by the father's will, an immense sum in those
372 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
days. Walter's widow married Samuel Osgood, first Postmaster General, and from 1803 to 1813, Naval Officer of the Port of New York. The Osgoods owned and occupied the house built by Walter Franklin, 8 and 10 Cherry Street, or 73 Queen (now Pearl) Street, which was rented to General Washington, for his official residence, or "Palace," as they called it, and in which he dwelt, when inaugurated in the "Federal Building," on the site of the Sub-Treasury, at the corner of Nassau and Wall Streets. This building was demolished in 1856, but a picture has been preserved, showing it to have been, for those days, quite "palatial." It is said, to have been completely filled with simple but elegant furniture, and there was an extensive garden attached, much of which, at the junction of Pearl and Cherry Streets was cut off, to form, what is now, Franklin Square. The Franklin house had previously been occupied, for a time, by the presiding officer of the Congress, but was fitted up entirely new, for the use of Gen. and Mrs. Washington."
Those must have been lively times, indeed, when New York became the capital of the Youthful Nation. Sarah Robinson, niece of Mrs. Osgood, wrote to her friend and cousin, Miss Kitty Wistar, at Philadelphia, May 8th, 1789, telling of the arrange- ments made in the Franklin Mansion, for the President and his family : — *
" Great rejoicing in New York, on the arrival of General Washington; an elegant barge decorated with an awning of satin, twelve oarsmen dressed in white frocks and blue ribbons, went down to E. Town (Elizabeth Point), last fourth day (Wednes- day), to bring him up. * * * Previous to his coming. Uncle Walter's house in Cherry Street, was taken for him, and every room furnished in the most elegant manner. Aunt Osgood and Lady Kitty Duer, had the w^hole management of it. I went the morning before the General's arrival, to look at it. The best of
*The Sarah Robinson mentioned in the text, was a daughter of a sister of the owner of the Franklin House, married to Eowland Robinson, a merchant of New York. The Kittj- F. Wistar to whom the letter was addressed, was a daughter of Mary Franklin and Caspar Wistar, of Philadelphia. The Franklin House became the property of Samuel Osgood, the postmaster-general, through his marriage with the widow of the owner, Walter Franklin. Hence arises the "Aunt Osgood " referred to in the letter. This lady was a daughter of the Quaker Daniel Bowne of Long Island.
FIFTH GENERATION. 373
furniture in every room, and the greatest quantity of plate and china I ever saw; the whole of the first and second stories is papered, and the floors covered with the richest kind of Turkey and Wilton carpets. The house did honor to my Aunts and Lady Kitty, they spared no pains nor expense on it. Thou must know, that uncle Osgood and Duer, were appointed to procure a house and furnish it ; accordingly they pitched on their wives, as being likely to do it better. I have not yet done, my dear, Is thee not almost tired? The evening after his Excellency arrived, a general illumination took place, except among ' Friends ' (Quakers), and those styled Anti-Federalists.
" The latter's windows suffered some, thou may imagine. As soon as the General has sworn in, a grand exhibition of fireworks is to be displayed, which, it is expected, is to be to-morrow. There is scarcely anything talked about now, but General Washington and the ' Palace.' "
The latter term was no doubt a republican sarcasm.
From the pleasant gossipy letters of this young lady, and from others that have survived, creased and faded and yellow, in old hair-cloth, brass-nailed trunks in garrets, we may learn much of which history, too dignified for such trivial matters, gives no information. We learn, for instance, that Washington had so frugal a mind, that at the first banquet served to him, he refused to partake of a shad, and ordered it from his table, rebuking the purveyor for extravagance, and himself making his meal on boiled mutton.
" Delicious, festive days, those of the spring and early sum- mer of inauguration year. There is an atmosphere about that era, impossible to emulate now, or even thoroughly conceive, when fetes and balls and receptions kept the town giddy, with what was after all, a decorous and fastidious gayety. Imagine, please, the high caste dames and pretty ' buds ' of yore treading stately minuets, clad in stiff silks and satins and brocades, with swains in uniform, or clad in such garments as light blue French coats, with high collars, large gilt buttons, double-breasted mar- seilles vest (or waistcoat), nankin colored cassimer breeches, shining pumps, big ruffles, and ponderous cravats.
" But they who participated in such festivities were ' world's people,' ' gay folk,' with whom, if not sinful, it was at least inex- pedient for ' Friends ' to affiliate. So there were few Franklins
374 GENEALOGY OF THE MOEEIS FAMILY.
noted in the 'Almanacs de Gotha' of the period, as mingling in 'Society.'"*
Samuel Franklin, brother of Walter and John, was also, in his day, a wealthy and influential citizen. He was the first Di- rector of the Bank, the only one then in the city, now known as the Bank of New York. He left a large family, and his descend- ants are very numerous.
50. Anthony Morris^ (Major) (Anthony,^ Anthony,^ Anthony,^ Anthony^) a son of Anthony Morris* and his first wife Sarah Powell, was b. Oct. 8, 1738 ; killed at the Battle of Princeton, Jan. 3, 1777. In the Will of his grandfather Anthony Morris,^ dated Sept. 29, 1760, he is referred to as his "Grandson Anthony, Brewer," and he is to have the first offer, either of renting, or purchasing the Mansion House and Brewery on 2nd Street, above Arch Street. In the Philadelphia Directory, for 1768, he is entered, as "Morris Anthony, Jr., 2nd St. W. side between Arch and Race St."
From early years, Anthony Morris manifested a great affection for his sister Sarah, who afterwards married William Buckley, a merchant, in business at the Hague Plantation, Demarara. The following is a copy of an autograph letter (now in the possession of Mr. Howard Edwards) written by Anthony Morris, to his future brother-in-law : —
Anthony Morris^ to William Buckley. "Esteemed Friend. "Oct. 30, 1770.
" I have now to acknowledge thy several favours from Eng- land and elsewhere, and particularly the last from St. Eustatia accompanying the china, and to assure thee, that my not writing to thee, has hitherto, been owing to no other cause than the un- certainty of my letter finding thee, (as thy letters frequently intimated thy removing from place to place.) I have now the pleasure to acquaint thee of my sister being re-instated in her health, (which she has enjoyed for some time past) and believe that thee stands as high in her esteem as ever, thy letter enclosed
to me for J. F., have forwarded. ,, ^ , ^
I am, etc., etc.,
"A. Morris, Jr." *Vide " Old time New York Friends," by Wm. J. Eoe.
MAJOR ANTHONY MORRIS
No. 50
FIFTH GENERATION. 375
In the following year, the marriage of Sarah Morris to William Buckley, took place. Soon afterwards, William Buckley made a voyage alone, leaving his wife in Philadelphia, but upon his return, he expressed a wish that she should accompany him upon his leaving again for Demarara.
Her brother Anthony, was, however, so unwilling that she should leave her native city, that he used all his influence against her going, and, among other things, said, that if she would remain in Philadelphia, he would take care of her, but if she would go, he would enter the army. She thought it her duty to go with her husband, and her brother accordingly entered the army.* But his interest in the welfare of his sister and her husband, remained unaffected by her departure. The following is a copy of a letter he wrote to them in the West Indies, at one of the most critical periods of American history: —
Anthony Morris^ to William and Sarah (Morris) Buckley.
"Philadelphia, July 11, 1775. "Dear Brother & Sister.
" I am just now informed of Samuel Mifflin's Schooner going to sail immediately. Have only time to say we are all well. I have enclosed a sermon of Dr. Smith's,t and the Declaration of the Congress, and their second address to the people of Gt. Britain, and for news of the Battle,^ &c refer to the papers which I understand were forwarded to you last week, when Brother Tommy wrote you also. Kiss the children for me, and accept my best wishes for you all & believe me to be
" Your affectionate Brother
"A. Morris, Jr."
Anthony Morris* was one of those who were strongly opposed to taxation by the Mother Country. He and his cousin Anthony C. Morris, as well as other members of the family, subscribed their
* For this incident I am indebted to the MSS. of the late Mr. Anthony S. Morris.
t Rev. William Smith, D. D., First Provost of the Philadelphia College, after- wards merged into the University of Pennsylvania.
X Battle of Lexington, fought April 19, 1775.
376 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
names to the non-importation resolutions of Oct. 25, 1765, and were among the brewers, who refused to purchase English malt. " Cargoes arriving contrary to the second non-importation rule adopted in 1768, caused trouble, but were dealt with according to the agreement. In July, 1769, the " Charmi7ig Polly" arrived from Yarmouth, England, loaded with malt. It was consigned to Amos Strettell, who said he did not knoAV the consignor, and had not heard of the shipment till the vessel arrived. She was sent back, without being discharged; the brewers — Haines and Twells, Isaac Howell, Anthony Morris, Jr., Francis Coade, Anthony C. Morris, Reinard Kreimer, Moore and Pusey— had resolved they would buy none of the malt.'"^
Anthony Morris* was admitted to the Colon}^ in Schuylkill, May 1, 1759, and became a member of the Gloucester Fox Hunt- ing Club in 1766. He signed the Provincial Paper Money of March 21, 1772 (date of note April 3). On Jul}^ 15, 1774, he was appointed one of the Deputies for the City and County of Phila- delphia, to the Provincial Convention held in Philadelphia, Ed- ward Penington and Thomas Mifflin being the two others chosen.f
In accordance with the Will of Anthon}^ Morris,^ his grand- son Anthony Morris,* received the first offer, of purchasing the Second Street Mansion House, Brewery and Malt House, etc., for the sum of £3000. He made the purchase, and on Oct. 25, 1775, the various heirs signed a " Release " to Anthony Morris,* upon receiving their proportionate shares of the purchase money.
On Nov. 2, 1775, Anthony Morris of Southwark, Gentleman, and Elizabeth, his wife, conve^^ed to their son Anthony Morris, Jr., Brewer, " out of natural love and affection, and for his better advancement in life," their one-half part of Messuage, and lot of Ground, bounded Eastward with Front St., southward with Mes- suage and lot of Samuel Morris, westward with Mary Gray's ground, and northward by ground of George Gray, granted by William Morris of Island of Barbadoes, Merchant, to Anthony Morris, ' brewer,' measuring 19 ft. 9 in. on Front Street and 188 ft. long, and also their moiety of lot north of Mulberry Street, 24 x 306 feet, bounded westward with ground of Samuel Morris."|
* Vide " Hist, of Philadelphia," by John Russell Young, Vol. i., p. 314. t Vide Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, VoL iii. X Vide Deed Book 1, Vol. xv., p. 206, Phila.
FIFTH GENERATION. 377
During the campaign of 177G and '7 Anthony Morris served in the Revokitionary Arrny, at one time as Ensign, and later on, as Major, and took an active part in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. In both battles he fought bravely, but he was so severely wounded in the action at Princeton, that he died about three hours afterwards.
The engagement at Princeton, took place on Friday morning, the 3rd of January, 1777, and did not last more than half an hour. General Washington ordered the Pennsylvania Militia to support Mercer, and led in person, two pieces of artillery under Capt. Thomas Moulder, to a position near Clark's house, about a fourth of a mile from the spot where Mercer engaged the enemy. With this force, was the Troop of Philadelphia Light Horse, about 20 in number, commanded by Capt. Samuel Morris.
The death of Major Anthony Morris, Jr., is thus described, in a letter written on the battlefield, near Princeton, by Dr. Jona- than Potts to Mr. Owen Bid die: —
"My D'e Friend:
"Tho' the Acct. I send is a melancholy one (in one respect), yet I have sent an Express, to give you the best information I can collect. Our mutual friend Anthony Morris, died here in three hours after he received his wounds on Friday Morning. They were three in number, one on his chin, one on the knee, and the third and fatal one, on the right temple by a grape shot. Brave man ! he fought and died nobly, deserving a much better fate. General Mercer is dangerously ill, indeed. I have scarcely any hopes of him, the Villains have stabbed him in five different places. The dead on our side, at this place, amount to sixteen, that of the enemy to twenty-three. They have retreated to Brunswick, with the greatest precipitation, and from accounts just come, the Hero AVashington is not far from them: they never have been so shamefully drubbed, and out-generall'd in every respect. I hourly expect to hear of their whole army being cut to pieces, or made prisoners.
"It pains me to inform j^ou, that the morning of the action, I was obliged to fly before the Rascals, or fall into their hands, and leave behind the wounded brethren. Would you believe, that the inhuman monsters rob'd the General, as he lay unable to resist on the Bed, even to the taking of his cravat from his
378 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
neck, insulting him all the time. The number of Prisoners we have taken, I cannot yet find out, but they are numerous. Should be glad to hear from you by the bearer. Is the Re-in- forcement march'd?
" Your most obedient humble serA^ant,
"Jon'x Potts.*
" Dated at the Field of Action, near Princeton,
"Sunday Evening, Jan'y 5th, 1777."
John Morris, Jr., in a letter written at Bristol, two da3^s after the Battle of Princeton, to Thomas AVharton, President of the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, saj^s, "Please to inform my father, that my brother S. C. Morris received no hurt in the battle, but that Antho' Morris received a wound with a bayonet in the neck and a bullet in the leg."
Major Anthony Morris was buried in the Graveyard of the stone Quaker Meeting House, near the battlefield, but his remains were subsequently brought to the Morris Mansion on 2nd Street, above Arch, in Philadelphia, where they were received by his brother Thomas Morris, who resided there. " Then after 21 days from the time of his death, (writes Anthony S. Morris), the coffin was opened, the body being found as fresh as if just dead. Upon examination, the mark of the small bullet was found in his temple."
On Jan. 24, 1777, Major Anthony Morris was buried, (at the request of his relations, without military honors), in the Friends' burying-ground at 4th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia.
*Dr. Jonathan Potts was the grandson of Thomas Potts, who at the age of nineteen, was married at Germantown by Friends' usage, to Martha Kewrlis (Corlies). John Potts the Doctor's father was born in Germantown, A. D. 1710, and was married April 11, 1734, by Friends' usage, to Euth Savage of Coventry. Dr. Jonathan Potts was originallj' a member of the Society of Friends, and studied medicine in Edinburgh. On returning to America, he commenced practice in Reading, and on 11th April, 1777, received the appointment of Deputy Director General of the Hospital, in the Northern Department of the Continental Army. He was brother to Isaac Potts, who discovered Washing- ton, on his knees, at prayer, in the Encampment of Valley Forge.
FIFTH GENERATION. 379
The following, however, were the " Orders to the City Guard," on that date : —
From Pennsylvania Archives.
" Orders to City Guard, 1777.
" January the 24th, 1777.
" One Capt. 2 Subs. 2 Sergs. 2 Corps. 2 Drumrs. & 50 men from the garrison in the Barracks, to parade at the City Tavern, at two o'clock this afternoon, to escort the funerals of the late Col. Haselett & Capt. Morris. The rest of the Garrison off Duty, to attend with side arms only.
" Coll. Penrose ^
" Coll. Irwin V to attend as bearers."
" Coll. McKey J
Mr. Howard Edwards has kindly furnished the following note, made by his great-grandfather, AVilliam Buckley, in his Family Bible. William Buckley had married Sarah Morris, a sister of Captain Samuel, and Major Anthony Morris :
"Anthony Morris received several wounds at the Battle of Princeton, on the 3rd of January, 1777, viz : — one on the knee, one under the chin, third and fatal one on the right temple, of which he died on the 7th (instant), and was interred in Friends' Burial Ground, at Stony Brook, from whence he was brought, by the returning Militia, to Philadelphia, & was peacefully lain with his ancestors, in the usual Family Ground, though many wished to have paid him military honors, as he died bravely, in a cause which he espoused from principle."
Mr. Howard Edwards adds : "There is a discrepanc}^ in these statements respecting the time of Major Morris' death. The letter says, he died three hours after receiving his wounds, whilst William Buckley's memorandum fixes it, four days afterwards."
Christopher Marshall writes in his diary, under date of Jan, 24,1777:
"Last Evening, came from camp, the Light Infantry of (the) First Battalion of City Militia, also were brought the remains of Ensign Anthony Morris, Junr., who was killed at Princeton, bravelj'- supporting the cause of Liberty and Freedom ; buried
380 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
this afternoon, at Friends' burial ground, in a very heavy shower of rain, and without military honours, it being the request of his relations, to the General, that he should be so interred. This morning came to town, three or four of our field pieces with the train. In the afternoon, also arrived, from twenty to twenty-five of our City Light Horse, being dismissed from camp, with the thanks of Gen. Washington, as part of the Virginians had joined him."*
John Pemberton wrote in his Diary: —
''First montli 4th 1777; this week has been a bloody one. On the 2nd instant, a battle was fought at Trenton, in which many were slain, and lay unburied for several days. The inhabi- tants have generally deserted their dwellings, and the town was much wrecked. On the 3rd was a battle, said to be still more bloody, with numbers slain on both sides, among others, Anthony Morris, son of the present Anthony."
Margaret (Hill) Morris in her private Journal, writes under date of Jan. 4, 1777 — "We hear to-day that Sharp Delaney and A. Morris, and others of the Pennsylvania Militia, are killed." And on Jan. 9 she writes: "The report of poor A. Morris being killed, is confirmed by an officer who was in the battle." On Jan. 14, she writes — "A friend from Trenton tells me, that poor A. Morris died in three hours after he was wounded, and was buried in Friends' Burying Ground, at Stony Brook. Also Captain Shippen was buried by him."
These memoranda by Margaret Morris, and Jonathan Potts' letter written on the field of battle, seem conclusively to settle the question, as to the date of Major Anthony Morris' death.
Mr. Edwards further points out, that "A biographical sketch of the foregoing Anthony Morris, published in the 'Lives of Eminent Philadelphians,' Phila., 1859, states, that he served as * Ensign' in the First City Troop at the Battle of Princeton. He is quoted in Lossing's 'Field Book' as 'Major.' In the. order to the City Guard quoted above, he is styled ' Captain.' "
To complete these references to the military rank of Anthony Morris,^ it may be well to mention that the "Return of Associa- tors in the Philadelphia Battalion of Militia," who have not
*Vide Diary of Christopher Marshall, Philadelphia, 1839-1849, p. 130.
FIFTH GENERATION. 381
joined their respective companies viz: Captain Joseph Cowperth- waite's Company, and Captain Francis C. Hassenclever's Com- pany, " dated Bristol, Dec. 19, 1776," is signed
" Certified. A. Morris, Junr., Ensign." *
The following lines were copied by Mr. Howard Edwards from an old Manuscript: —
"COL. ANTHONY MORRIS WHO FELL AT PRINCETON AT THE BATTLE OF HESSIANS.
" Thus men with men in horrid strife engage, Their visage gloomy — terrible their rage! Great Washington beheld the glorious strife, And nobly shared a brave contempt of life. Sol now retired behind the Western main, The vanquished Brittons mourn their heroes slain. Our noble chief Columbia lost that day In Freedom's cause he bore superior sway. In him there shone a bright and manly flame, The grateful muse records this patriot's fame, Ingenuous, open, generous, brave and free, — These virtues, Morris, all ascribed to thee."
"Anonymous. "
General Mercer, who was killed in the same action as Major Anthony Morris, was buried in Christ Churchyard 14th Jan., 1777. There his dust reposed until 1840, when his countrymen, of the St. Andrew's and Thistle Society, removed his remains to Laurel Hill Cemetery, on 26th Nov., and erected a beautiful marble monument to his memory, near the Chapel. William B. Reed, Esq., pronounced an Eulogium. The pall was borne by Commodores Read, Biddle and Stewart, and Col. Miller. The Troop of City Cavalry, which took part in the Battle of Princeton, composed the guard of honor.
51. Israel Morris^ (Anthony,* Anthony,^ Anthony,^ Anthony,^) a son of Anthony Morris* and his first wife Sarah Powell, was b. 2mo. 6th, 1741 ; d. lOmo. 30th, 1806 ; m. Mary Harrison, who died within a year afterwards.
Vide Penna. Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. xiii., p. 567.
382 GENEALOGY OP THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Israel Morris, Jr., was a great fox-hunter. He and his brothers, Capt. Samuel Morris and Anthony Morris,^ were members of the Gloucester Fox Hunting Club, from its foundation, /? /2 J//
29th Oct., 1766. The ^/^^^^^ i^-€> hounds were in charge of Jonas Cassel, who was so swift of foot and under- stood the Hunt so well, that he was always first at the death, outstripping the horsemen. Israel Morris was elected a member of the Colony in Schuylkill, in 1762. He resided for many years at the house of his brother, Samuel Morris — 65 South 2nd Street, east side. In the Directory for 1795, he is referred to, as " Gent," at that address.
At the Monthly Meeting of Philadelphia Friends, held 3rd mo. 29th, 1799, Israel Morris, Jr., was disowned by the Society, on account of his engaging in military pursuits, and by associating with others, to learn the art of war. But he was afterwards reinstated as a member.
ABSTRACT OF WILL OF ISRAEL MORRIS, JUNR.
Israel Morris, Junr., Philadelphia, Merchant. Will dated 14th July, 1796.*
He gives to his brother Samuel Morris, Merchant, his " one- half share of Plantation called 'Solitude,'" in the District of Southwark, containing 66 acres, also his one-half of a tract of meadow in District of Wicacoa, on the great road leading from Philadelphia City to Gloucester Point, containing 10 acres, also all his property in the United States, as per schedule annexed. He leaves to his "beloved Sister Sarah Buckley," a ground rent of £15 per annum, on a lot on 3rd St. on which St. Paul's Church is built, also £450 in cash.
To his brother Thomas Morris, he leaves all his half share of a house and lot in 2nd St., Philadelphia, in which his (Israel's) nephew Benjamin W. Morris was then living — bounded on the east by 2nd St., on the south by John Mifflin's ground, on the
* Vide Will Book 2, p. 11, Philadelphia.
FIFTH GENERATION. 383
west by his brother Samuel Morris's lot, and on the north by James Hunter's house and ground.
He leaves to Niece Sarah Wistar, wife of Richard Wistar, all his Household Kitchen furniture, and silver plate. He leaves to his "Kinswoman" Abigail Griffitts £100 in cash, in considera- tion of the love and regard he has for her, as well as the friend- ship she manifested for him, while an apprentice with her husband, and his "never to be forgotten friend, William Griffitts." He gives to his cousin James Griffitts, (son of Abigail Griffitts), his silver watch, which had been presented to him by William Griffitts, the father of James. The said watch had belonged to, and was worn by, his grandfather James Griffitts of Swansea, S. Wales. To his nephew Luke W. Morris he leaves his sorrel mare, "Lucy." Residue to brother Samuel Morris, who is sole Ex'or.
(Signed) Israel Morris, Jr.
6 per ct Stock $3173 - 26.
3 per ct do 3145 - 4.
Deferred do 1586- 64.
i7904 j%%
Witnesses :
Abel Holmes, Isaac W. Morris.
A codicil dated 19th Oct., 1806, provides that the bequest to Abigail Griffitts is to fall into the General residue, as she is deceased since making of the Will.
Proved at Philadelphia, Nov. 6, 1806.
52. Sarah Morris^ (Anthony,* Anthony ,^ Anthony,^ Anthony,^) a dau. of Anthony Morris^ and his first wife Sarah Powell, was b. 5th mo. 2nd, 1743; d. 1st mo. 20th, 1830; m. 4th mo. 11th, 1771, William Buckley, son of William and Ruth (Leach) Buckley, b. July 19, 1745; d. Oct. 15, 1816,
Of her early life no record can be found, but in addition to her general education, she appears to have been trained in several of the accomplishments of that day, such as w^ax modelling, shell-work, &c. There is in the possession of her great grandson,
384 GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
Mr. Howard Edwards, an elegant piece of wax and shell work, constructed by her, probably in 1764. It represents Calypso's Grotto, and after 134 years, it is still in wonderfully good preser- vation. It is probably in reference to this shell work, that the following letter was written to her, by her aunt Deborah Morris, during a stay at John Franklin's in New York : —
"Dear Sally, "8 mo 15.
"Notwithstanding I wrote by thy aunt Shoemaker, who sets off tomorrow to see you, as they will go slowly on as possible, our neighbour Slidhorn may reach you before then — tho' they both start on the same day. I hope you are all well, and will be ready to pack up thy alls, and go with them. I long to have my family settled again. When thee returns, should Divine good- ness permit it, I hope it will be for this winter at least. Your wax-work or shell-work, will fail I fear.
"Thy grandparents' love attends you all — mine concludes this in haste. — Kiss the dear children for me
" Thy affect aunt
"D. Morris."
Mr. Howard Edwards (who kindly favors us with the above) writes : " From the reference in the preceding to the wax and shell work, it is thought to have been written about 1764 — as among Sarah Morris' Papers, a bill has been found for instruc- tion given at this time, in this branch of education."
For some time, the affections of Sarah Morris were set upon William Buckley, a son of William and Ruth Buckley, descend- ants of Phineas Buckle}^ a native of London, who became a Trader to the Island of Jamaica, &c., and in this capacity, came to Philadelphia about the year 1713. This Phineas Buckley married Sarah Hugg, granddaughter of Elias Hugg of Glouces- ter Co., New Jersey. At length, Sarah Morris became engaged to William Buckley, who w^as a resident of Philadelphia, but his business as a Merchant, obliged him to make repeated voyages to the West Indies, the first voyage occurring in 1st mo., 1766. Ultimately, upon his return from one of these voyages, he and Sarah Morris were married at the Friends' Meeting House on Pine Street, April 11, 1771. But business calling him away, he
FIFTH GENERATION. 385
was obliged to leave for Eustatia, and Demarara, on the loth of the following June, and he was absent until May, 1772, when he returned to his home, only soon to leave it again upon business ; and this occurred for several years. Truly touching are his wife's expressions of affectionate longing, for his return from these voyages. She thus concludes a letter, written to him April 30, 1774, whilst he was away in the West Indies : —
" What does it signify, if thou couldst amass the wealth of both the Indies, if I am thus to suffer for thy absence ? I often think of a line or two I've read somewhere, speaking of how small a matter is sufficient for us. The poet says: —
" Then pilgrim stay ! Thy cares forego, All earth born cares are wrong — Man wants but little here below, Nor wants that little long."
"Excuse my dwelling so much on thy return, for it's what I ardently long for, more than for hidden treasure, and now my dear, with as much love as is thy due, concludes
" thy loving and affectionate wife
"Parlor fireside, past 6 o'clock and a stormy Ev'g — "
Home was her sphere, and in her home she shone :
" There woman reigns : the mother, daughter, wife, Strew with fresh flowers, the narrow way of life, In the clear heaven of her delightful eye, An angel guard of loves and graces lie ; Around her knees, domestic duties meet, And fireside pleasures, gambol at her feet."
But instead of returning soon, her husband was compelled by business to go to Europe, and visited London and Amsterdam, returning by way of London and Madeira, to the West India Islands. At length, on April 2, 1775, he sailed from St. Eustatia for Philadelphia, where he arrived on the 18th of the same month.
3«b GENEALOGY OF THE MORRIS FAMILY.
We can imagine with what joy, such a loving wife would greet her husband, after so long a separation; and rather than renew it, she determined to brave the perils of the deep, and go~ with her husband to the West Indies. Accordingly on June 6, 1775, they embarked at Gloucester, N. J., for St. Eustatia, taking with them their two daughters — Elizabeth and Sarah, and William Buckley's sister Re- becca. On July 19, 1775, William Buckley embarked from St. Eustatia for Demarara, with Mr. Patterson, his partner, accom- panied by both their families.
On Aug. 5, 1775, they landed at the "Hague" Plantation, in Demarara. During the stay of the Buckleys at the "Hague" Plantation, a son (whom they named Anthony Morris Buckle}''), was born to them, on Dec. 7, 1777 ; about which time, probably, they received the letter from Captain Samuel Morris, which has been alread}^ reproduced. Three years afterwards, William Buckley writes under date of Oct. 16, 1780: "Having sold the second half of Plantation "Hague" for £125,000 to I. C. Van Der Hewell, I removed with all my family to the "Philadelphia" Plantation in Essequibo — Patterson & Buckley's property.
On Aug. 20, 1781, William Buckley removed, with his family, to the Plantation " Saratoga," Laguan Island, Essequibo, a proj)- erty belonging to himself and Mr. Patterson, which they were just beginning to cultivate. Two years later, it was deemed ex- pedient for the two daughters to return to Philadelphia, with their aunt Rebecca Buckley, while their parents remained in the West Indies, with their infant son Anthony, and consequently, on June 19, 1783, the two daughters Elizabeth and Sarah, with their aunt Rebecca Buckley, sailed from Essequibo for Philadelphia, where they arrived in safety on the 14th of July. Upon their arrival, the children took up their abode at Bristoi,-under the roof of Phineas, a brother of William Buckley. Afterwards, they paid visits to Captain Samuel Morris, in Philadelphia, and to some friends at Cooper Hill, near Haddonfield, in New Jersey. Interesting letters from Israel Morris and Rebecca Buckley, are in the possession of the family, describing how the children by their good behaviour, "got into the good graces" of all the friends and relatives they visited. Their anxious mother had prepared
FIFTH GENERATION. 387
for them a long valedictory, containing excellent advice, which she handed to them, on their departure from the West Indies, and she continued to send them letters, breathing the tenderest ex- pressions of concern for their welfare.
About nine months after the children had arrived in Phila- delphia, Deborah Morris wrote the letter to her niece Sarah Buckley, which we have already given, on page 285. It is dated 3d mo. 8th, 1784.
Owing to the depression of trade, consequent upon the dis- tracted financial condition of the Colony, Messrs. Buckley & Patterson were induced to sell their plantations, and return to America, but they probably sold at a great disadvantage, as they failed to bring fortunes home with them, although during years of exile, they labored assiduously to obtain them.
On March 27, 1786, William Buckley with his wife and family, removed to Gloucester, New Jersey, and again on 27th of March, 1787, he removed to Samuel Cooper's Ferry, and entered into partnership with Richard Wells. On May 9, 1793, he removed, with his wife and his son Anthony, (from Gloucester, New Jersey), to Philadelphia, the partnership of Buckley & Wells having been dissolved by mutual consent, on the 1st of April.
The two daughters had been married during the stay of the family in New Jersey — Ehzabeth to Luke W. Morris, and Sarah to Joseph Cooper, who entered into partnership with Richard Wells.
Mr. Howard Edwards states that " at this period William Buckley resided at No. 137* South Front street, east side, between Walnut and Pock, where he opened an office for the transaction of a General Commission business. It was at that time, custom- ary for merchants to occupy the same dwelling, both as a resi- dence and a place of business. Front Street was then the most respectable in the city, and abounded in numerous old-fashioned stately mtvjsions, well built and of ample proportions, and occu- pied by the leading influential families of the Quaker City."
Oct. 15, 1816, fixes the date of a great family affliction — the
*Mr. Edwards writing in 1866, says, "It is now numbered 233. Since William Buckley's time an additional story has been added, and it is now (August, 1866) a Tavern and Boarding House, bearing the name of the ' Keystone.' "
388 GENEALOGY OP THE MORRIS FAMILY.
death of William Buckley, the following memorandum of which was made by his widow, Sarah (Morris) Buckley : —
" My Dear Billy came up stairs on seventh day the 3rd instant, and exchanged this life for a better, the 15th of the same month, — was interred the 19th."
In the " Portfolio " for November, 1816, appeared the following notice : —
" Died William Buckley, a member of the Society of Friends in this City. He was in the strictest sense an upright man, and his numerous friends will not soon forget the softness of his manner, and the hospitality of his heart."
Some years before his death, William Buckley removed from 137 South Front Street, to the " Third Street House " next south of St. Paul's church, and it was the residence, for a number of years afterwards, of the surviving members of his family, and here on the 19th of Jan., 1830, his wife Sarah Buckley departed this life, after an eventful pilgrimage of nearly 87 years.
William and Sarah (Morris) Buckley had issue: —
147. Elizabeth Morris Buckley, b. July 17, 1772; cl. 7mo. 21, 1797,'
m. March 24, 1791, Luke W. Morris.
148. Sarah P. Buckley, b. lOmo. 4, 1773; d. Nov. 18, 1847; m. (1st)
March 14, 1793, Joseph B. Cooper, (he d. Sept. 30, 1793) ; (2ndly) 7mo. 1, 1801, Thomas Howard (b. Jan. 1, 1754; d. April 21, 1815).
149. Anthony Morris Buckley, b. Dec. 7, 1777 ; d. unm. April G, 1845.
'' Buckley."
Buckley is derived from a Township in Cheshire, England.
Also — From the Manor of " Bulkley " in the county Palatine of Chester, England, which is a corruption of ''Bullock-ley" the Bullock's Field or Pasture.
The founder of the Family in America, was Phineas Buckley, a native of the City of London, and trader to the Island of Jamaica, &c., who came in that capacity to Philadelphia, about the year 1713. He married Sarah Hugg, granddaughter of Elias Hugg of Gloucester Co., New Jersey.
Many of his descendants continued to trade with the West Indies as he had done. William Buckley who married Sarah Morris was of the fourth Generation and followed the same pursuits.
rriHE Certificate of Antliony ^Morris and ^Nlary Codington widdow -L of tlieare marriage ye IS*^ x"V 1()9J. Tliis is to Certifie the Truth to all peopele that Anthony Morris of the province of Pensilvanee, and Mary Coddington widow and Relick of Thomas Codington of Rhoad Island having intensions of marriage according to the Desent comeley practice of friends did laye it before ye men and womens meeting of Rhoad Island before whom their marriiige was propounded and then the meeting desired him to wait till ye next monthly meet- ing and Inquirey Being made between the meetings whether the man was cleare from all other women & ye woman cleare from all other men. Soe they appearing the second time before the saied meetings, Theare being Cleare for her children and nothing appearing to hinder their said marriage A meeting of said peopell of God was assembled together, when they took each other, in theare publick house in Newporte in the presence of God and in the presence of according to the Law of God and ye holey men of God in the
of truth, they then promising before God and before us to live faithfully together husband and wife until death separate you they both setting their hands heareunto this eighteenth day of the eleventh month in ye year 169|. And they being published according to the law and custom of this colony God is witness, and we are also wit- nesses to wat you saye where names are here underwritten
ANTHONY MORRIS. MARY MORRIS.
John Easton, Governor, Eliza Stanton,
Danl. Gould, Sarah Heewakd,
Euw. Thurston, Sarah Newbery,
Walter Cj-arke, Hannah Rodman,
Jacob Morr, Mary Beyer,
Joseph Beyer, Mary Cranston,
Giles Slocum, Mary .
Nathanl. Coddington, Katharine Gould,
John Allen, Susana Ross,
William Allen, Eliz. Tilinghast,
Saml. Shakelton, Eliz. Harwood,
John Gould, Deborah Thurston,
Edward Ross, Eliz. Scott,
Saml. Cranston, Sarah Chamberlin,
John Headley, Ann Sandford,
Clark, Katherine Codington,
Ann Newbery, Martha Dyer.
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF ANTHONY MORRIS^ AND MARY CODDINGTON, 11 MO.
9912
9912