MONONGALIA COUNTY INFIRMARY,  CHARLES B. MORRIS,

The History of West Virginia, Old and New
Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc.,
Chicago and New York, Volume II,
pg. 435

    BIO: MONONGALIA COUNTY INFIRMARY,  CHARLES B. MORRIS,
    Monongalia County


    MONONGALIA COUNTY INFIRMARY.  Something should be said in this history
of the facilities provided by one of West Virginia's most progressive 
counties in the care of its infirm poor.  For a number of years the county
rented a farm and home for this purpose, but in 1917 bought a property of
1461/2 acres two miles north of Morgantown. During 1919-20 construction was
under way, and the modernly appointed infirmary was opened April 17, 1921, the
total cost of grounds and buildings being about $200,000. There are at present
only about twenty-five inmates of the home, but the county made generous
provision for all conveniences, and 120 persons could be accommodated.  There
is a well equipped hospital on the third floor, a chapel on the second floor, 
and the farm is with a view to making the institution largely self sustaining. 
A barn has been provided,specially arranged for dairy purposes. 
    The superintendent is Mr. Charles B. Morris.  He was the first appointed
superintendent in 1912, and filled that post for seven years, while the 
institution was at Cassville.  For a year he resumed his private business, and
then was returned to the superintendency when the county bought the present
farm.  He is a thoroughly practical man, well qualified for the post, and Mrs.
Morris, the matron, had special training for her responsibilities under her
father, the late Josephus A. Ramsey, who for seven years was superintendent of
the county's poor.  She assisted her father four years, he mother being
matron.
    Mr. Morris was born in the Clay District of Monongalia County July 31, 
1881, son of David F. and Mary Mazella (Berry) Morris.  The father was born on
the farm where he is still living. Charles B. Morris grew up in that part of
the county, was educated there, and on December 12, 1905, married Lillian
Ramsey.  She was born in Cass District, and her father was also a native of
that district, where he died at the age of sixty-nine.  Her mother, Anna
Elizabeth Waters, now living at Morgantown was born at Flickersville in
Grant District of Monongalia County, where her father, Nelson Waters, 
operated one of the early mills.  Mr. and Mrs. Morris since their marriage
have been engaged in farming and have given nearly ten years to the duties of
the County Infirmary.  Mr. Morris is affiliated with the Masonic Order,
Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. He and Mrs. Morris have two
children, Mary Elizabeth and John Franklin