New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-05-27
JOHN A. NORRIS DEAD.
HIS CAREER AS a LOTTERY MAN AND on |
THE TURF.

John A. Morris widely known through his con-
nection with lotteries the turf and as the owner
Of Morris Park in Westchester County, died on MS
ranch near Kerrvllle Tex, at o'clock last even
ing. His wife and his son. Alfred Hennen MOTIFS
left New-York Friday, but cannot reach the
ranch before Tuesday. Mr.. Morris's other son.
David Hennen Morris left this city Saturday tax
ing with him Or. Hemuth. Mr. Morris was pas
sionaely fond of horses and visiting his rancn
to look at two promising colts when he was seized
with apoplexy. He stricken on Friday morn
ing and remained unconscious until his death.
John A. Morris was born in Jersey city on July
90 1896 He OF Francis MOTIFS VINO
acquired big fortune an owner OF teiegiaph
patents and lottery franchises. Mr.. Morris was
graduate of Harvard College. and a resident or
Throgs Neck. in Westchester County. where the
original Francis Morrls's house is located
He married In London. England on sep
TENDER o. 1851, to Miss Cora Hennen. Of Newton
leans His children are Alfred Hennen, Frances
Isabella and David Hennen Morris.
II was largely a lottery magnate that John
A. Morris got prominence. His father' FRANCIS
Morris was associated with lotteries for many
years before his death. He received MS hrst
charter for a legalzed lottery from Chancellor
Dickinson OF Maryland in the early hfties, ana
was one OF the foremost OF the organizers or the
numerous lotteries that have caused SO Inuch
trouble all over the country. Maryland revoked
the lottery charters issued in that state ana the
lottery people were forced to select another state
for their headquarters. At the close OF the war
OF the Rebellion Louisiana was Invaded ana IN the
confusion incidental to reconstruction days the
Louisiana Lottery received charter from the
State 50 that the headquarters OF the lottery men
was firmly established at New-Oreans.
In 1870 John A. Morris began his career as
manager ana director OF the affairs of the Louisi-
ana Lottery. Charles Howard was the president
but John A. Morris the brains Of the concern.
~ no ont al q
navieateI the concern with marvellous ingenuity.
Stat. Legislatures courts Congresses and the Cabl-
net AT Washington were manipulated Win s"'h
astuteness and diplomacy that In spite OF the pull
pit press adverse court decisions ana acts OF Ton
ross the Louisiana Lottery lived ont the time al
lowed by the charter granted In Louisiana, ana
after being forced ont Of this country by the Anti
Lottery laws ana other legislation, made Its head
quarters In Puerto Coriez. Honduras. under the
name ~ the Honduras Lottery. His death removes
the last Of the chief men Of tho Louisiana Lottery
The death OF Mr. Morris may revive the eNtenSlN"
litigation that grew ont OF the many transactions
in regard to the ownership OF the Louisiana fran
chlsc.
John A. Morris had 4 varied and extensive expert
cncc as a turfman His father raced successfully IN
the early sixties. and the Barhariiy all scarlet
was frequently carried to victory by Ruthless. Re-
garIless. Remorseoss and other horses. J'hh ~
Morris accompanied Richard Ten Brock TO Eng
lanI Wn'N irlpr Itl'r'SH. ''"''N "''' '''' '
..., ,o~s.s t,,a1.t England He acquired love
-, a., ,.,,ls - IA. English
Tor racing. ana StNIi'l 'i' i"'N"''' Va "
turfnen closely HIS experiences In England proved
,.,,..,, >, biz, g., i,,er v.ars II taught him n
s7v' ~ , Us 80 ,fi.r his return 10 this couu-
49, Vh,o h1s f,ther lied he determined 10 race
-. ',,rct 4, Great tract OF land I'm
W.s,chcs..r c,un,y r.. decided 20 build a rac-track
nrI b,,,fBlrg- that would combine tho best features
OF IN. Ercl an and American racecourses ITO" wei
he succ,c led Morris Park with its maSnlh'cNt
clubhouse and granlstand IL witness
~. MOTIFS st"D', Mn M oV ,,r st,rc - success
- fiorAn vas me n''s". ~, ~, 90 ,,a r,rcnas.l
-, ~ v5h.re nr..ilng On an enormous scale was
y. -. ~ 1..,.s T., aIti.tor ,o IN. Texas estah-
!" ur ..'Y", 81 hr.etiry arm Al Middle
hug ia va. maintained lew years ago
Mr.. Morris leased a stock iarIn IN fNs.h'l'' 49,