BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Pages 598-599.


EZEKIEL C. MORRIS - The most popular hotel man in Bellaire, Ohio, is
Ezekiel C. Morris.  Mr. Morris was born in Marion county, W.Va., January
28, 1828. He is the son of Richard and Susannah (Stull) Morris, both
natives of Virginia. Richard was the son of Zadoc Morris, a native of
Delaware, who came to Virginia at an early date, locating near Cassville.
Here he remained until his death, which occurred in his ninetieth year,
about 1840. He was a farmer by occupation. Richard Morris was born in
1784, in the state of Delaware, coming to Virginia with his parents. He
obtained but a limited education; and gave his attention to farming,
which he followed all his days, dying in 1872. He was the father of
twelve children, eleven of whom are still living. The mother died in
1859. Ezekiel was educated in Virginia, after leaving school he served
an apprenticeship of four years as a tanner, under ex-Governor Pierpont.
Until the year 1854 Mr. Morris was engaged in the tanner's trade, the
last three years of his connection with it he was in business for
himself. He sold his tan-yard and purchased the Mannington House, at
Mannington, W. Va. He operated this hotel for about two years and a
half, then went back to his old trade, taking charge of a tannery
for a short time at Shinnston, Harrison county. During the war he
was proprietor of a hotel at Cameron, W. Va., and in 1864 came to
Bellaire, purchasing what is now known as the Globe Hotel. Mr. Morris
is a man eminently fitted for his business, being a born hotel-keeper,
he has improved his house in Bellaire until it is now considered one
of the best hotels in eastern Ohio. In 1852 he married Caroline
Bruneau, a native of Virginia. They have had two daughters: Alice L.
and Mary O. Mr. and, Mrs. Morris always give of their means for the
advancement of any and all deserving charitable enterprises, and ate
among the most popular residents of Bellaire. Mr. Morris is an ardent
republican, and was formerly a Whig. He is a member of the Masonic order.