Bucks County PA Archives Biographies.....Morris, Richard H.
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joe Patterson, Patricia Bastik & Susan Walters Dec 2009

Source: History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania; edited by 
J.H. Battle; A. Warner & Co.; 1887
Bristol Township


RICHARD H. MORRIS right-of-way agent for the Pennsylvania 
railroad company, P.O. Bristol, is one of the Morris family 
whose ancestors came from Wales in 1683, as detailed in the 
history of the Morris family in Falls township.  His father 
was Richard Morris, a native of Saratoga county, N. Y., who 
died in Bristol in 1849, aged 54.  His mother was Maria 
Dorrance, a native of Windham county, Conn., who died in 
1885, in her 80th year.  Richard Morris came to Philadelphia 
prior to 1830, and in company with David Dorrance built part 
of the Delaware division of the Pennsylvania canal; part of 
the Philadelphia and Trenton railroad, and also the Delaware 
breakwater.  Richard H. was his only child, and was born in 
Philadelphia, January 19, 1840.  In 1842 the family removed 
to Bristol, and when of suitable age young Richard attended 
the well-known Tennent school, which was built on the site 
of the old log college founded by Rev. William Tennent, near 
Hartsville, this county.  In 1856 Mr. Morris engaged in 
mercantile business in New York City, but on the outbreak of 
the rebellion at once gave up his business, enlisting in 
April, 1861, as a private in company C, 9th regiment, N. Y. 
V., the well-known "Hawkins" Zouaves.  By successive 
promotions he was placed in command of company K, and also 
of a battery.  He also did some naval service.  He remained 
in the service until June, 1863, when he returned to New 
York, engaging again in business there, and also in 
Philadelphia, and becoming a partner in the firm of Isaac 
Hough & Morris, in the West India trade, in connection with 
which he traveled extensively.  In 1875 he abandoned the 
West India trade and engaged in railroad business, becoming 
connected in 1882 with the Pennsylvania railroad.  He is 
married to Alice L., daughter of Professor Lardner Van Uxem, 
state geologist of New York.  They have five sons:  Richard, 
now at Lehigh University; Lardner V.; Archibald D.; Armand 
V.; and Sidney.  Mr. Morris is a member of the Loyal Legion 
of the United States, composed exclusively of commissioned 
officers of the army or navy who have absolutely clear 
records.  He also organized H. Clay Beatty Post, G. A. R., 
of Bristol, and was its first commander.