Sumner County Biographies
"Portrait and Biographical Album of Sumner County"
Chapman Bros., Chicago, 1890
ELI W. MORRIS. Although it has been but
a few years since the above-named gentleman located in Harmon Township, he and
his estimable wife have already established themselves among the most highly respected residents
of the county, and have many warm friends therein
who thoroughly appreciate their noble qualities of
heart and mind. The father of Mr. Morris was
christened Lorenzo D., and was born in West Virginia. His mother bore the maiden name of Mary
Witt, and Tennessee was her native State. After
the marriage of this couple they settled in Greene
County. Ill., where four children were born to
them, of whom our subject is the youngest. The
death of the mother took place in March, 1842, and
the father survived until June, 1887.
The natal day of our subject was March 5,
1841, and he grew to manhood in his native county,
acquiring a good education in the common schools
and a practical training from his worthy father.
Upon reaching man's estate he engaged in farming
in Macoupin County, and after tilling the soil there
a year took his departure for the Pacific Coast, and
in California carried on the dairy business three
years. He then returned to the Mississippi Valley
and again entered upon a farmer's life in Macoupin
County, Ill., continuing so employed there until
September, 1883, when he went to Arkansas and
engaged in the cattle business. He prosecuted that
business until May, 1887, and then settled in Harmon Township, where he now owns one hundred
and sixty acres of land lying on section 28. The
estate is thoroughly and intelligently cultivated
and bears all needful buildings, which have been
erected in a substantial manner and with due regard to their convenient location and attractive
appearance. The whole estate has an appearance
of order and thrift which plainly indicates to a
passer-by that its owner is a thorough farmer and a
man of good taste and good judgment. The internal arrangements of the dwelling, and the neatness
and good cheer that abound within, as plainly
mark the housewifely qualities and refinement of
the lady who presides within its walls.
The wife of Mr. Morris is a native of Macoupin
County, Ill., where their marriage took place February 13, 1870. The bride bore the maiden name
of Arabella T. Bates and her natal day was February 3, 1853. She is the eldest of two children born
to F. M. and Tabitha M. (Davis) Bates, the latter
of whom died in Kentucky and the former during
the war, in which he was an officer of the Confederate army. Seven bright children make up the
jewels of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, and they bear the
names respectively of Leon L., Nevada B., Paul F.,
Ethel B., Mary M., Jennie L. and Marvel E.
Mr. Morris belongs to the Farmers' Alliance,
and both he and Mrs. Morris are members in good
standing of the Baptist Church. Mr. Morris possesses the pleasant and affable manners which combined with his intelligence and good principles
would naturally win friends, and it is not strange
that even in his short residence in this county he
is so well and favorably known.
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This website created Oct. 29, 2011 by Sheryl McClure.
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