New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-09-03
BISHOP THOMAS A. MORRIS.

The Rev. Thomas A. Morris, d. d. for many
years the Senior Bishop OF the Methodist Episcopal
Church country, died at his residence in Spring
field Ohio, yesterday n0on at the Of 30 years and
months He in broken health, beside suffering
the nrmties OF old age for long time, and some years
ago retired from the active labors the Epscopacy.
He was very widely known and much esteemed and
venerated IN the Methodist communion at the west; aud
the record of his long, dgelt, and fruitful work in
the Church has brought him reputation reverence. and
the East also, where he was less known person
ally. He present at the General Conference which
was held In Brooklyn in May 1872 but took active
part In the proceedings.
Thomas A. Morris was born on the west side OF tho
Kanawha River in Kanawha County, in Western
Virginia, April 49, 1874. Reared In rural district OF
new country amid agricultural pursuits he said Of him.
self that he early Injured to tolls and perIls, and
that this experience OF service to him in every
relation of after life Most OF his early impressions
and views Of Metnodism derived from his friend
David Young, who presiding elder OF the Musk
ingum District, which included North Western Virginia.
In July. 1918, he impressed by Mr. Youngs
preaching at a campmeeting that after he joined
a small country class trial. His long struggle
with his sense of sin, until Christmas Day Of that
year he reached conviction that he had obtained
pardon. He baptized by Mr.. Young at one
Of the latter's quarterly meetings, and his nrss
license preach, dated April 1914, written
and signed by Mr. Young who employed him as junior
preacher q circuit. At the age of % Mr.. Youngs
Junior preacher admitted trial by the Ohio Con-
ference and his tinerant ministry in the West which
was very extensive and successful, lasted until 1884,
During years Of his regular ministry he
suffered greatly from Ill health, being afflicted with
complication Of diseases, and 1uay suffering from
paralysis Of the left hand foot and eye The life which
he so largely led in the open air and the constant eIer
else on horseback at length restored his health He was
ordained as deacon by Bishop George, and aterward
as an elder by Bishop Roberts, and he preached with
power and effect the three States Of Ohio Kentucky.
and Tennessee. In he appointed the first editor
OF The Western Christian Advocate, which started at
Cincinnati the al OF May in that year He filled the
position with credit until 1885, when he was chosen o
Bishop by the General Conference. In the degree
OF ID b. was conferred upon him by McKendree College,
Illinois He discharged the duties OF his bshopric with
laborious ndehty with singular ability aud marked sue
cess antiSlavery controversy and concerning
questions or secession and the war for the Union no
did much to mold opinion in the Church In the unhap-
pest OF the great struggle he serene and con-
dent and wrote follows at the time OF greatest trials
g I am decidedly hopeful his to our country believe
that the rebellion will be entirely conquered. the law
yindcated confidence ana social order restored thas
shall have stronger government, greater and BET
abroad, with increasing tide OF prosperity; aud, n
nay that Gospel Of the Grace OF God will have less
obstruction aud Will operate more effectively hereafter
Bishop Morris was the author of several works. About
1851 he published u volume of essays, biographical
sketches and notes OF travel. This book contained
biographical and historical sketches OF the Western
ministry He published q volume OF sermons which Was
very widely circulated. and valued for the practical
and torcbe character OF the dscourses the ougvngs
of q weLbaanced and wetrained mind. written III .
pure and vigorous style. As preacher. Bishop Morris
was very acceptable and impressive His sermons were
~ s;yis and exhibited che fruits Of wholesome mind
| TRANQUIL pety and sound Judgment He was popular
%h 's Seeen and In HIS
gifts helped 10 sustain the zeal OF the meet
Sh sna re soS SDd aud
lofty and intellectual brow, .......