Samuel Morris (soldier)
Samuel Morris was an American soldier in the American Revolutionary War. He is the patriarch of one of Philadelphia's most prominent families.
Biography
Samuel Morris was born in Philadelphia, Province of Pennsylvania. He was the son of Anthony Morris and the former Sarah Powell. His grandfather was Anthony Morris (II).He served several terms in the legislature, and married Rebecca Wistar, daughter of Caspar Wistar (the elder).
In 1776, he was elected "governor" of the social club known as "The State in Schuylkill," and re-elected annually until his death. He was also a founder and president for many years of the "Gloucester fox-hunting club." When the first troop of Philadelphia city cavalry was organized, no fewer than twenty-two members of the club were enrolled in its ranks.
With Morris as its captain, the troop reported for duty in the Continental Army and served through the campaign of 1776–77, seeing action in the battles of Trenton and Princeton, in which latter engagement Samuel's brother Anthony, ensign of the Pennsylvania Associators, was killed. On temporarily relieving the command from duty in January, 1777, Washington returned his "most sincere thanks to the captain," and added that, although the troop was "composed of gentlemen of fortune," its members had "shown a noble example of discipline and subordination." For thus taking part in the Revolution, Captain Morris was disowned by the Quakers, but he continued until his death to wear the dress and use the language of that sect, worshiping with them regularly.
Morris died in Philadelphia, July 7, 1812.
Children
Samuel and Rebecca Morris had ten children:- Samuel Morris he did not marry.
- Sarah Morris she married Richard Wistar, March 14, 1782.
- Benjamin Wistar Morris he married Mary Wells, Nov. 24, 1785.
- Caspar W. Morris, he married Elizabeth Giles Nov. 24, 1795.
- Anthony Morris he married Mary Smith Pemberton May 13, 1790.
- Luke W. Morris he married Elizabeth Morris Buckley March 24, 1791, and Ann Pancoast April 4, 1800.
- Isaac Wistar Morris he married Sarah Paschall December 17, 1795.
- Catharine W. Morris she did not marry.
- Samuel Morris he did not marry.
- Israel Wistar Morris he married Mary Hollingsworth June 12, 1799.