Samuel Morris (soldier)
Encyclopedia
Samuel Morris was an American soldier in the American Revolutionary War
.
The grandson of Anthony Morris (II)
, he was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
. He often served in the legislature.
He 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 (because the first captain chosen, Abraham Markoe
, was not permitted to fight), 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 troop, 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.
The Reynolds-Morris House
, built in 1787 and purchased in 1817 by Samuel's son, Luke Wistar Morris, still stands in Philadelphia. Designated a National Historic Landmark
in 1967, it is currently operated as a hotel.
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
.
The grandson of Anthony Morris (II)
Anthony Morris (II)
Anthony Morris III was a brewer, merchant, judge, assemblyman, and mayor of Philadelphia.Morris was born in London, England, and immigrated with his family to New Jersey shortly after his birth. From the age of three, he spent his life in Philadelphia, son of Anthony Morris, Jr., one of the city's...
, he was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. He often served in the legislature.
He married Rebecca Wistar, daughter of Caspar Wistar (the elder)
Caspar Wistar (glassmaker)
Caspar Wistar was a German-born glassmaker and landowner in Pennsylvania. He was the grandfather of Caspar Wistar, the physician and anatomist after whom the genus Wisteria is named.-Biography:...
.
In 1776, he was elected "governor" of the social club known as "The State in Schuylkill
Schuylkill Fishing Company
The Schuylkill Fishing Company of Pennsylvania, also known as the State in Schuylkill, was the first angling club in the American Colonies. Still in existence, it claims to be the oldest social club in the English-speaking world...
," 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
First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry
thumb|right|300px|Captain [[Joseph Lapsley Wilson]] of the First City Troop circa 1894The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, also known as the First City Troop, is a unit of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.-History:...
was organized, no fewer than twenty-two members of the club were enrolled in its ranks.
With Morris as its captain (because the first captain chosen, Abraham Markoe
Abraham Markoe
Abraham Markoe , was an American patriot who founded the Philadelphia Light Horse, now known as the First City Troop.-Early life:...
, was not permitted to fight), the troop reported for duty in the Continental army
Continental Army
The Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
and served through the campaign of 1776-77, seeing action in the battles of Trenton
Battle of Trenton
The Battle of Trenton took place on December 26, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, after General George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River north of Trenton, New Jersey. The hazardous crossing in adverse weather made it possible for Washington to lead the main body of the...
and Princeton
Battle of Princeton
The Battle of Princeton was a battle in which General George Washington's revolutionary forces defeated British forces near Princeton, New Jersey....
, in which latter engagement Samuel's brother, Anthony, ensign of the troop, 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
Religious Society of Friends
The Religious Society of Friends, or Friends Church, is a Christian movement which stresses the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Members are known as Friends, or popularly as Quakers. It is made of independent organisations, which have split from one another due to doctrinal differences...
, 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.
The Reynolds-Morris House
Reynolds-Morris House
The Reynolds-Morris House is a historic house in the Washington Square West neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Built in 1786-7 by John and William Reynolds, the 3½-story brick house is significant for its late-18th-century Georgian architecture...
, built in 1787 and purchased in 1817 by Samuel's son, Luke Wistar Morris, still stands in Philadelphia. Designated a National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
in 1967, it is currently operated as a hotel.