Morris Family in Green Springs, 1820, 1831-32, 1862-1863

Morris Family in Green Springs, 1820, 1831-32, 1862-1863

[Hallie, Q. Brown, ed., Homespun Heroines and Other Women of Distinction (Xenia, Ohio: 1926), pp. 50-51:]

[themes:

1. Western emigration

2. family/society overlap—kinship networks]

It was about the 1st of April, in the year 1820, that an emigrating party started from Green Springs, Virginia, to the state of Kentucky. It consisted of Col. Richard Morris, his six children and their mother. There were twenty other families, making a total of 100 persons. Their route was overland, being undertaken in wagons and carriages. The spring season being unusually early the journey was a very pleasant one. Their way lay through the charming, rolling land of Virginia, now fording a muddy, dashing brook, and again riding over some mountain spur.

…

One month was thus spent, the parting reaching its destination the first of May. The settled on a farm consisting of three thousand acres, which was situated six miles below the city of Louisville.

The parents of the Morris children died shortly after their arrival, leaving them under an executor's care, who was to educate them and see that the estate was equally divided among them. The agreement was not kept. The children received no education at his hands and were defrauded of thirty thousand dollars. They were thus thrown upon their own responsibilities, and let it be known that each attained honorable manhood and womanhood.

…the second child, Hannah…. was born in the year, 1810, and consequently was ten years old when the family removed to Kentucky. Her home was with her eldest brother, Shelton Morris, until her marriage to Mr. McDonald….

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[Some associated properties in Green Springs National Historic Landmark District: Green Springs, Hawkwood, Westend]

[Richmond Enquirer, October 21, 1831]

[Themes:

1. agriculture—crop types, livestock types

2. slavery—presence of overseer]

GREEN SPRINGS LAND FOR SALE

BY virtue of the authority vested in me, by the will of William Morris, deceased, will be sold to the highest bidder, at the late residence of the said William Morris, in the county of Louisa, near the Green Springs, on the 24^th November next, if fair, if not, the next fair day, a tract of land, of about 1500 acres, being a part of the land on which William Morris resided, a large portion of which is land of superior quality, and would make a most desirable residence. The land will be divided to suit purchasers. Those disposed to purchase, are invited to view the land before the day of sale, which will be shown them either by my brother, Jos W. Morris, or by Mr. B[au?]gham, the Overseer, residing on the place.

At the same time and place, will be sold all the tock of horses, cows, sheep and hogs, plantation utensils, household and kitchen furniture, the crop of corn, fodder, &c.

On the third Monday in December next, at Goochland Court-house, I shall sell to the highest bidder, a tract of land, lying in Goochland county, called Southall’s, containing 400 acres, adjoining the land of Stephen Woodson, and others.

Terms—The lands will be sold on a credit of one, two, and three years, the purchasers giving bond with approved security, and a deed of trust on the land, to secure the payment as they fall due.—For the personal property, a credit of twelve months will be given for all sums over $20, the purchaser giving bond with approved security; for all sums of $20 and under, cash will be required. JNO MORRIS,

Ex’or of William Morris, dec’d.

The Charlottesville Advocate is requested to insert the above, once a week [until?] day of sale, and send the account to the Whig office for collection.

Oct. 14 [, 1831]. 45—w3[?]*

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[Richmond Enquirer, June 15, 1832:]

[Themes:

1. agriculture—Green Springs as distinct and prized soils-zone, crop types, improved-unimproved ratio

2. social/group/neighborhood identity and action]

GREEN SPRING LAND FOR SALE.—Will be sold, to the highest bidder, at Louisa Court House, on the second Monday in July next, (that being Louisa Court day,) on a credit of one, two and three years, a TRACT OF LAND, containing 1355 Acres. It is situated in Louisa county, in what is well known as the Green Spring neighborhood, which is, without doubt, the best faming land below the Ridge: It is particularly adapted to the growth of wheat and grass; is as healthy as any part of Virginia, and affords as good society as can be found in the country. About 300 Acres of the land is cleared, the balance is in woods, a large portion of which is Tobacco Land, of superior quality. The Land is well watered, and in all respects most desirable. It will be divided to suit purchasers, if required. Those disposed to purchasers, are invited to view the land before the day of sale, which will be shown by my brother, Joseph W. Morris.

JNO. MORRIS.

Executor of Wm. Morris, dec’d.

May 29 [, 1832]. 6—wtds

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[Richmond Daily Dispatch, January 9, 1863]

[Themes:

1. Civil War—civilian roles]

The army Committee of the young men’s Christian Association and Ladies’ soldiers’

Aid Society acknowledge the receipt of the following contributions and supplies for the month of December [1862]:

…

R C [sic?] Morris, of Louisa, [$]30.

…

Contributions or supplies for the men in the field, as well as those in the hospitals, are earnestly solicited, and may be forwarded to WP Munford, Chairman, or either of the Superintendents of the Army Depot Y M C A. Roger Martin, Sup’t Richmond, Jan’y, 1863.

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[Richmond Daily Dispatch, March 8, 1863:]

[Themes:

1. education]

Wanted—A teacher of Latin, French, and Music, in a private family, for a good salary or board. A young or middle aged man preferred. A lady, teaching all the branches, might be accepted. Music not indispensable. Address Richard O Morris, Trevilian’s Depot, Louisa, or “Box 1,168,” Richmond PO.

Mh9—ecd2w

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[Richmond Daily Dispatch, December 2, 1863:]

[Themes:

1. Civil War—civilian roles]

The Army Committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association and Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society acknowledge the receipt of the following contributions and supplies for the month of November, viz:

…R Q [sic?] Morris, Louisa, for shoes, [$]100….

Shirts and drawers, shoes and socks, will be thankfully received and judiciously appropriated. Cotton and linen rags are also much needed in the hospitals. Contributions and supplies should be forwarded to Roger Martin, Sup’t, or to Wm. P. Munford, Chairman Army Committee, Y. M. C. A.