Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1851-03-06
1G6&Cg gggIUp.
SIGAERS OF THE DECLARATION OF
INDEPEADENCE.
LEWIS NORRIS, OF KEW YORK.


Lewis Morris was born At Morrisania West
chester county, New York. in the year 1875.
Eelng the eldest son. he inherited MS fathers
mauorIal estate. [ar that time the English primo
genLture law prevailed in America and even after
the Revolution, Virginia and some other states
retained It, which placed him in affiuent circum-
stances. At the age Of sixteen years he entered
Yale College, and under the presidency Of the ex-
ceilent Rev Mr.. Capp, he received his education
he graduated with the usual nouors al twenty, and
returned 10 the supervision Of his large estate.
Mr.. Morris was handsome man. and his per
soual appearance, connected with strong intel
lecr. and great wealth. made him popular through
out the Colony When Great Britain oppressed
her children here, he hardly telt the un6iud hand,
yet his sympathy for others was aroused and he
was among the first to risk ease, reputation ana
fortune, by CoaescIng with the patriots Of Nassa-
chusetts and Virginia. His clear perception saw
the end from the beginning. and those deIusiye
hopes which the repeal OF obnoxious acts held
forth, had no power over Lewis Morris Neither
could they influence his patriotism. for lie was
stranger 10 a vaclliatns, Jemporlz.ng spirit He
refused office under the Colonial government, Tor
bis domestic ease and comfort we're paramount TO
the ePhemeral ENJOY Of place. Hence, when
he iors0ok his quiet hearth and engaged n the
partv strife OF the Revolution hazardiug fortune
and friends, no sinister motive could he alleged
tor his actions, and all regarded him as patriot
without selfish alloy. lie looked upon war with
the mother country as inevitable, and 50 boldly
expressed his opinion upon these subjects lsat ie
still rather lukewarm Colony OF Nea York did
not think proper to send him Us a delegate 10 the
Ter eraI Congress Of l774 But the feelings Of
the r. lie changed, and IN April, 1875 Mr. Lewis
was eI-eret member OF the second Congress
thar net N Nav following
Daring the summer Of 1875, Mr.. Morris vas
sent on mission oi pecIhcaton 10 the Indians on
rhe western frontier lie was again elected %
Congress in 1915. and when the question OF Inde-
pealence came up, Ee boldly advocated the meas
ure although II seemed in oPQos4uan 70 all his
worldly interests Like the others Of TIE NeM
York delegation lie was embarrassed by the
;iulldi.y 81 tie Provincial Congress which seem
e unwilling 70 sanction a measure 50 WIDELY
1-t9odeat 10 all reconciliation Wi.h Great Britain
Bot the conviction Of tae fnal necessity Of such
step. had Been long hxed in tie uird ot Air Nor
ris ant he did not Tor moment tateT. He voted
for and signed the Declaration oi Independence.
AM his state afteruard thanked him for MS pat
rlo.5c irmneSs. His family seemed to be imhucd
wIh his own sentiments tor three OF his sons en-
tered the army. served with distinction, and re-
cetved tie appreciation OF Congress
NT Morris FeaEquished his seat in the Nation
a. Council IN t777 BAT he was constantly employ
81 il public sci vice IN MS native State either in
its legislature or military commander, until
tie adoption Of the Constitution. When peace
was restored. he returned 20 his scathed and al
most ruined estate, where he spent the remainder
al MS DAYS in agricultural pursuits. amid that
happy quieto OF domestic lie, y Ajch active and
virtuous career promotes. lie died IN January
I79s IN the seventy-second year Of his age. His
funeral presented large conc0urse Of c!tizens
,,t, rr...- gnourre- rs loss and the military
bUrors due 10 his rank of Maio General. were
rendered. when his body vss committed 10 ..c
sanlly vault.