One of the old pioneer families of Macoupin County is
worthily represented in the person of Henry Morrison, a well-known farmer,
residing on his brother Joseph's farm of 160 acres in section 24, Hilyard
township. Mr. Morrison was born in this township, October 29, 1847, and is a
son of Henry and Martha (Taylor) Morrison.
Henry Morrison, the
father, was born in County Derry, Ireland, July 7, 1808, and with his
brother James came to America in 1845. They remained a year in Genesee
County, New York, and then removed to Alton, Illinois, in the vicinity of
which town Henry Morrison rented a farm. In the spring of 1847 he came to
Macoupin County and settled in Hilyard township, where he lived until his
death, March 6, 1899, at the age of 90 years, eight months and 29 days. He
left a large estate, all of which he had accumulated by his own industry.
From the date of the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for the presidency, he
was identified with the Republican party. He was a man who contributed much
to the developing and civilizing of this locality, urging the building of
churches and schools, the improvement of the highways and the raising of
good stock. He married Martha Taylor, who was also a native of County Derry,
Ireland, who now resides with a son. They had these children: George, of
Hilyard township; Joseph; Henry; Mrs. Margaret Howell, of St. Clair County,
Missouri; Mrs. Martha Ellen Calloway, of Hilyard township; Rebecca, who
lives with her mother; Samuel, who died in 1864, aged five years; and
Robert, who died July 6, 1903, aged 41 years, leaving a widow and five
children.
Mr. Morrison owns a farm of 120 acres in section 18,
Gillespie township, and another of 40 acres in section 13, Hilyard township.
He carries on general farming and stock raising, and has met with deserved
success.
On Thanksgiving Day, 1885, Mr. Morrison was married to
Esther Cline, who was born in Montgomery County, Illinois, and is a daughter
of William and Sarah Cline. Eight children have been born to them: Nellie
May, Harry, Earl, Bessie, Lawrence, Fern, Craige and Franklin Edgar.
In political sentiment, Mr. Morrison is, like his father, a stanch
supporter of the Republican party. He has taken an active interest in
township matters and has had much responsibility thrust upon him in the way
of its development. He served as township supervisor for five terms, and
received the nomination for a sixth term. His public service increased the
general esteem in which he has long been held by his fellow citizens.
Fraternally he is a Master Mason, belonging to Plainview Lodge, No. 461.
Extracted 2018 May 07 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 199-200.
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