Lewis Morris
Lewis Morris was born in Morrisania, New York, in 1726. The preserved documents of this family trace their genealogy back to Rhice Fitzgerald. Rhys or Rhice Fitzgerald was a Cambrian chieftain who carried his military operations and conquests into Ireland during the reign of Henry II. By his courage and success, he obtained the name of Maur Rhice. Once the penultimate Fitzgerald is gone, it becomes the name of Morris. In tracing genealogy, we find names better changed than this. Genealogy and the origin of names is an amusing study,if you have leisure, try it.Lewis was the son of Judge Morris of the same Christian name who retained possession of the paternal estate formerly purchased by his grandfather, Richard Morris, who was a leader under Cromwell and came from Barbados in 1663 and purchased a tract of land near Harlem on York Island. He left an only son, Lewis, who was Chief Justice of New York and subsequently governor of New Jersey.
Lewis entered Yale College at sixteen after his preparatory studies. From the President, Dr. Clap, he imbibed a relish for moral and religious principles and became a good scholar. In 1746, he graduated and returned to his estate, and became extensively engaged in agriculture. At that period, the Colonies were free, prosperous, and happy. The mother country had not discovered the philosopher's stone of taxing her distant children to support royalty. They were left to pursue their course to enjoy the fruit of their labors and repose in peace. In this delightful retirement, Mr. Morris continued to improve his farm and mind. By his suavity of manners, moral rectitude, and honorable course, he gained the confidence and esteem of all who made his acquaintance.
In 1767, an Act was passed by Parliament compelling the people of that Province to furnish the British soldiers quartered among them with provisions. By this order, the burden fell upon certain portions of the inhabitants exclusively, not pro rota upon the whole. It was a direct invasion of personal rights experienced by the citizens of New York and its vicinity. This measure brought Mr. Morris out. He publicly proclaimed it unconstitutional and tyrannical and contributed mainly to influencing the legislature to veto it. Might triumphed over rights and enforced the contribution of the citizens. The Statute of Henry VIII doomed the disobedient to England for trial. Next, they passed the Boston Port Bill.
Mr. Morris became a prominent leader, a bold and substantial Whig, instead too highly charged for the conciliatory Congress 1774. The time came on apace when the people required just such a man and, in April 1775, elected him to the Continental Congress.
Soon after he took his seat in Congress, Mr. Morris was placed upon a committee of which the illustrious Washington was chairman to devise measures to obtain the munitions of war.
In 1776, Morris again took his seat in Congress and became one of the ardent supporters of Liberty. He resigned in 1777 and died in January of 1798.