James M. Morris
Although he has not yet completed the ascent of the sunny side of the hill of life, this gentleman has risen to a position of considerable prominence in Madison County, being the Postmaster at Lilly Chapel. He is very popular with the people, intelligent and cordial, and has an assured place in the community.
The Rev. James K. Morris, the father of our subject, was born in Fayette County this State, near Washington C. H., in 1817, of which county his mother, who bore the maiden name of Phœbe Horny, was also a native. After their marriage, the parents continued to reside in their native place for several years, the father teaching school for fourteen years after establishing a home of his own. On removing to Vermilion County, Ill., they remained there but a twelve-month, and then returning to Fayette County, made their home in that vicinity until 1857, when they took up their abode in this county, residing in Range Township for five years. Mr. and Mrs. Morris at the end of that time removed to Paint Township, and after a year went to Union Township, and two years later became identified with the residents of Franklin County. Remaining there three years, however, they again established a home in Fairfield Township, this county, where the father of our subject was engaged in farming for several years, and then returning to Franklin County, resided there for the three succeeding years. After this they again went to Fairfield Township, the father here departing this life in September, 1886; the mother is still surviving. Mr. Morris was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church for some forty years, and was greatly beloved in the various charges over which he was placed.
Of the parental family of twelve children, James M., of this sketch, was the third in order of birth. He was born in Fayette County, September 14, 1847, and received a fair education in the common schools. He remained under the parental roof until reaching his twentieth year, when he started out in life on his own account, working out for two years. At the end of that time, our subject took a six-months' course in the schools at London, and then worked land on shares for two years. He later farmed on his own account in Madison County, until the spring of 1891, when he disposed of his farm land, and, removing to Lilly Chapel, engaged in the mercantile business, in which line of trade he was more than ordinarily successful.
Mr. Morris was appointed to his present position in July, 1891, and in addition to that responsible office, has served his fellow-townsmen as Township Trustee for seven years, and has done efficient service in other local positions. He is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and is looked upon as one of the most public-spirited men in his community. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which body they are earnest workers.
March 28, 1873, Miss Margaret J., daughter of Thomas Cullumber, and our subject were united in marriage. Her father is one of the old settlers of Fairfield Township, and served during the late war as a member of Company K, First Ohio Cavalry. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Susan Lilly, was born in Virginia, and departed this life in Fairfield Township, in 1870. Mrs. Morris, who was born in the above-named township, June 25, 1849, was the fifth in order of birth of her parents' family of eight children. By her union with our subject, she has become the mother of three children, namely: Frank O., George W., and Harley, who died when an infant. Socially our subject is a member of Gilroy Lodge No. 695, I. O. O. F.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]