John Morris
John Morris, deceased, was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, January 29, 1790. When he was yet a small boy he came with his parents to Dayton, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In 1812 he enlisted in Captain John F. Fleming’s company of Ohio militia, and marched forth with his comrades to face the British lion, which at that time was rampant. When peace was declared he received an honorable discharge from the United States service. He received no pension until in 1871, when, through the exertions of his attorney, J. S. Conklin, he was awarded eight dollars a month as a survivor of the war of 1812. After the close of the war he returned to his home in Dayton, where he engaged in the boating business. He would load a flatboat with what he thought would sell most readily in the Southern cities, and float it dovn to New Orleans, where he would sell his merchandise and boat as well, and walk all the way back to Dayton. Getting tired of this unsettled life, he turned his attention to farming, which he made his principal avocation until old age compelled him to retire from business. In 1836 he came to Shelby County, entered, made improvements, and settled on a piece of land in Cynthian Township, on which he lived until 1871, when he left his farm, came to Turtle Creek Township, and made his home with his nephew, George W. Gump, for two years, or until 1873, since which time he made his home with his niece, Mrs. Washington Savage, of Turtle Creek Township, where he died January 18, 1881. at the advanced age of ninety-one years, lacking eleven days. He was never married.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883