Bartholomew County IN Archives Biographies.....Morris, James T. 1863 - 
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 24, 2007, 12:43 pm

Author: B. F. Bowen (1904)

JAMES T. MORRIS.

   Though nature affords excellent opportunities for the carrying on of certain
lines of labor in every locality, there is yet demanded of any man great
industry and diligence if he succeeds in business. Competition makes him put
forth his best efforts and it requires great care to conduct any business
enterprise along profitable lines. This is especially true in farming and from
the time of earliest spring planting until crops are harvested the farmer's life
is a busy one. Even through the winter months he prepares for the labors of the
coming year and thus lays the foundation of his success. James T. Morris is one
of the wideawake and progressive agriculturists of Bartholomew county, his home
being in Rock Creek township. He owns one hundred acres of rich land and has
developed a splendid property. He is one of the native sons of the county, his
birth having occurred in Clifty township on the 16th of February, 1863. He is a
son of John R. and Minerva Morris, who are mentioned on another page of this
work in connection with the life history of W. E. Morris, the county auditor.
Reared to manhood upon the old home farm, Mr. Morris of this review spent the
winter months in attendance on the public schools and through the summer aided
in the cultivation of his father's farm. As a companion and helpmate for the
journey of life he chose Miss Mary A. Thomas and the wedding was celebrated on
the 19th of October, 1887. The lady is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth
(Kelley) Thomas. Her father was born in Franklin county, Indiana, in 1825, but
when young came to Decatur county, where throughout his entire life he was
engaged in agricultural pursuits. In his family were ten children, namely:
Julia; Jane; Thomas; James, who married Lizzie Pierce and is a Baptist minister
in California; Richard, who married Flora Birdsell and is a practicing physician
at Greensburg, Indiana; Ella, who died in childhood; Anna B., deceased; Mrs.
Morris; John O., who married Josephine Gant and is a farmer of Decatur county;
and George, deceased; and William Edgar, a physician at Greensburg. Mr. Thomas
was the owner of two hundred and seventy acres of land, all of which was under
cultivation. He cleared a great amount of land in an early day and shared in the
hardships and difficulties incident to the establishment of a home on the
frontier. He also aided in laying out roads and his labor along many lines was
of direct benefit to the community as well as to himself. He belonged to the
Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Alert Lodge, and his wife held
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. His political support was given to
the Democratic party and for many years he filled the position of justice of the
peace. He was a valued citizen, upright and honorable, and when he passed away
the community mourned the loss of a worthy pioneer. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have
three children: Thomas, who died at the age of eight years; Roscoe, and Mabel.

   Mr. Morris can remember Bartholomew county when it bore little resemblance to
its-present advanced condition. He remained upon the home farm until twenty-five
years of age and during that time assisted in clearing much land. He then
started out in life on his own account and whatever he has achieved is due
directly to his own efforts. His place is well tilled and his fields produce
good crops. He thoroughly understands the best methods of farming and of stock
raising and by close adherence to practical ideas has gained a good living.
Although never an aspirant for political office, Mr. Morris has given an
unfaltering-support to the Republican party and its principles, for his views
are in hearty sympathy with its platform. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias
fraternity at Elizabethtown and his wife is a member of the Baptist church. They
are worthy people, widely and favorably known in the locality where they reside.
Mr. Morris has never known any other home save Bartholomew county and the fact
that many of his warmest friends are numbered among those who have known him
from boyhood is an indication that his career has been straightforward and his
course such as to command public confidence.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY
INDIANA

INCLUDING BIOGRAPHIES OF THE GOVERNORS AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF INDIANA

ILLUSTRATED

1904

B. F. Bowen PUBLISHER


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