MORRIS

FOREBEARS Morris was the name of an extensive and powerful family in colonial North America, whose members played a leading part in the emergence of the nation. They were descended from Richard Morris (d. 1672), who fought in Oliver Cromwell's army and then became a merchant in Barbados. His son Lewis (1671–1746) established the “manor” of Morrisania in NY. His grandson, Lewis (1726–98), third owner of that manor, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Two other grandsons, Richard and Gouverneur, were also key figures in the Revolution. Their half-brother Staats Morris (1728–1800) was a general in the British army who was appointed governor of Quebec. Another signer of the Declaration, Robert Morris (1734–1806), had emigrated to America from Liverpool at the age of 13. He became known as the “Financier of the Revolution” and was the founder of the Bank of North America. Despite his reputation, he was personally ruined by unwise (or unfortunate) speculation.