Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Morrison, David ************************************************ 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 7, 2008, 2:49 am Author: Past and Present Will County IL; 1907 DAVID MORRISON. On the roll of Will county's honored dead appears the name of David Morrison, who through a long period was identified with the agricultural life of this section of the state, and by his upright Christian life and his honorable business methods he won the esteem of all with whom he came in contact, so that his death, which occurred on the 1st of January, 1895, was the occasion of deep regret not only in his immediate household but to many friends and acquaintances. Mr. Morrison was born in Monaghan county, Ireland, April 15, 1831. He lived on a farm until he had reached the age of twenty years, during which time he had acquired a good education in the common schools. He also received training for a business life and then emigrated to America with his father, his mother having died on the Emerald isle. Following his arrival in this country he worked in a mercantile establishment for four years, but on account of poor health was then obliged to seek other employment. For two years he was attendant in an insane asylum in New Jersey and it was during his employment in that institution that he met the lady whom he afterward made his wife. In 1857 he continued his journey westward, locating in Carroll county, Illinois. He was employed on a farm for one year at fifteen dollars per month, during which time his wife was engaged in teaching at sixteen dollars per month. Thus it was that they gained their start in life. Mr. Morrison then rented a tract of land and began farming for himself, working in the fields and cultivating his crops through the summer seasons, while in the winter months he engaged in teaching. In 1863 he arrived in Will county, settling on a farm of forty acres, which he had purchased from the Illinois Central Railroad Company. Through his industry and energy and the assistance of his estimable wife, he prospered in his undertakings, adding to his landed possessions from time to time until at the time of his death he was the owner of two hundred and eighty-three acres of well improved and valuable land. He possessed excellent business ability and sound judgment and was a man who was highly respected wherever known. Mr. Morrison was a republican in his political views and affiliations and was active in the work of the party. He served as supervisor for two terms, was also assessor and school director, while for nineteen years he filled the office of justice of the peace, and in the discharge of his official duties he was prompt and faithful to the trust reposed in him. He was a member and one of the organizers of the West Peotone Methodist Episcopal church, of which he served as treasurer for a long period. For thirteen years prior to his demise he was in ill health but he always bore his affliction with great fortitude. After his death his son was elected to every position which he held, both in church and township relations. Mr. Morrison is still survived by his widow, to whom he was married in 1857, she bearing the maiden name of Matilda Duncan. Her birth occurred in County Antrim, Ireland, February 6, 1835, a daughter of Andrew and Nancy (Galispie) Duncan, both of whom were natives of the Emerald isle but were of Scotch descent. They emigrated to America in 1847, settling on a farm in Pennsylvania, where the father passed away in 1876, when he had reached the venerable age of ninety-six years, while the mother died in the Keystone state, at the age of eighty-eight. Four years ago Mrs. Morrison purchased a double lot in Peotone, where she erected a beautiful residence, of her own design. She is a lady of exceptional intelligence and culture and is fond of reading, keeping in touch with the writers of both modern and ancient history, and she takes great delight in companionship with people of intelligence and learning. Like her husband she is prominent in public service, having for nine years been president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Will county, while for eleven years she served as president of the West Peotone Woman's Christian Temperance Union. For fifteen years she held the office of secretary of the Bible Society, succeeding her husband to the position, which is now held by her son. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which she takes a very active and helpful part. She is a sincere Christian woman and is proud of the fact that her sons have all followed the parents example in that they are all identified with the church. By her marriage she has become the mother of three sons and one daughter. William A. wedded Esther Mason, by whom he has five children. He is now acting as foreman of the Dempster Manufacturing Company, makers of windmills and pumps at Beatrice, Nebraska. George A. wedded Bessie Gilkerson, by whom he has four children. She is a daughter of David Gilkerson, one of the pioneers of Will county, and the young couple now make their home on a part of his mother's farm. David H. first wedded Carrie Barton, a daughter of James Barton, a pioneer resident of Peotone township. After her death he wedded Ruth Crawford, a daughter of Ralph Crawford. She died in September, 1906, leaving two children. This son also makes his home on a part of his mother's farm. Mary E. is now the wife of James Fletcher, a merchant of Peotone. She has become the mother of two children. 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/morrison2616nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 6.2 Kb