Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Morrison, Robert C ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 February 2, 2008, 3:00 am Author: Past & Present Will County, 1907 Robert C. Morrison, whose successful business career as president of the Joliet Bridge & Iron Company had its beginning in an apprenticeship to the stone-cutter's trade, since which time he has gradually progressed until he now stands at the head of an enterprise which figures prominently throughout the west, owes his advancement to the fact that he has thoroughly mastered every task devolving upon him, to the readiness with which he has recognized opportunity and to his adaptation of new conditions evolved in business life to the needs of his present duty. Born in Kirkintolloch, Dumbarton, Scotland, on the 23d of September, 1856, his parents were John and Mary (Sinclair) Morrison, who were also natives of that place, where they were respected as representatives of an industrious population. Both Mr. Morrison's father and grandfather were weavers and operated as manufacturers in a small way in that line until the death of the father, which occurred when his son Robert was but nine years of age, otherwise a different future might have been outlined for him than that of bridge building. Having acquired a fair education in the common school of the locality Robert C. Morrison began learning the trade of a stonecutter in 1872 and after spending two or three years as a journeyman he came to America in 1880, making his way direct to Joliet, where he worked at his trade, principally on bridge work. Thus he was receiving the training which qualified him for the responsibilities which have since devolved upon him in this connection. In 1884 Mr. Morrison began taking contracts for bridge building on his own account and with the progressive strides that have been made in the iron and steel industry he began the construction of the more modern and scientific structures for which the company has gained an enviable international reputation. In 1896 he organized a company which began operating on a small scale but gradually extended the business in scope and volume until the Joliet Bridge & Iron Company is considering a leading factor in bridge construction throughout the western states, having already built some of the finest bridges and structural buildings in the Mississippi valley and the west. The officers of the company are: R. C. Morrison, president and treasurer; John A. McCann, secretary; E. C. H. Arentz, chief engineer; and John Strombeck, assistant engineer. The work is carried on along the most scientific lines, in keeping with the evolution that bridge construction has undergone, and the excellence of the work done has secured to the company many important contracts. Mr. Morrison was married on the 20th of March, 1889, to Miss Catherine Kier, a daughter of James and Ellen Kier, of Joliet township, who were among the most esteemed and prosperous of the Will county pioneers and also came of the same nationality and religious faith as the Morrison family. Mr. Kier also made his start in life as a stone-cutter and becoming interested in the progress and extension of the Joliet Bridge Building Company, he was a substantial supporter of Mr. Morrison in this enterprise as well as a heavy stockholder. He was serving as vice president at the time of his death, which occurred on the 18th of March, 1906, an event which caused deep regret among the old settlers of the county for he was a prominent man in their midst, and friends and neighbors as well as his immediate family deeply regretted his loss. His family numbered six children, three sons and three daughters, including Mrs. Morrison, all of whom were born on the old homestead on the Ridge road in Joliet township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison has been blessed with three children, a son and two daughters, all of whom were born in the present family home at No. 607 Exchange street. The oldest, Raymond Kier, was born in 1890; Helen Sinclair, born in 1892; and Laurene, born in 1897. Mr. Morrison and his family are members of the First Presbyterian church and are much interested in its work and growth. Mr. Morrison is a member of the Commercial Club and the local lodge of Masons. Aside from these interests his business and his home keep him occupied, both of which bear testimony of his careful consideration and the success which he has achieved in industrial and commercial circles is such of which he has every reason to be proud. His name is an honored one in industrial circles and he has advanced along modern lines, well meriting his prosperity. Additional Comments: PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/morrison2419nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 5.3 Kb