William Judson Morris, a fisherman and farmer of De Soto was born on a farm in Canada, eighty miles west of Buffalo, N.Y. on January 21, 1836. He is the son of Thomas and Jane (Underhill) Morris. Thomas and Jane had ten children. William was the eighth child born to them. William's father Thomas died in 1845, William was 11 years old. William's mother married a Mr. Hazelton after his father Thomas died. At the age of ten William left home and went to live among strangers. When he passed his twenty-fourth birthday he came to the United States, locating first in Washington County, Michigen. Two years later he came to Vernon County and obtained possession of forty acres of wild land. He cleared and improved it then sold it to his brother Abram to good advantage. He then purchased eighty acres a mile south of the other place and remained on it until 1890, when he sold it and obtained possession of his present property. On his land he raised grains and tobacco. In his spare time in the fall and winter William does considerable fishing adding a snug sum to his income. In political matters he is a staunch believer in the principles of the Republican Party, but never aspired to nor held office. In 1861 married Cynthia Burgs, nine children born to then seven whom survive.
William Judson Morris is a highly respected citizen of the community. From a small start he has risen to a position of prominence and influence.
William J. Morris is a highly respected citizen of the community. From a small start, he has risen to a position of prominence and influence.

CHILDREN; Samuel James, Charles Edgar, Cora Jane, Abraham, Irma Mae, Stanley Earl, and Alberta (Myrtle).

SPOUSE; Cynthia Elizabeth Burgs

SIBLINGS; Abraham, Edward, Charles, Alvinia

PHOTOS OF WILLIAM & CYNTHIA GIVEN TO CINDY
BY LINDA BREEM.