The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-09
school and how many believed in ChrIst as

school and how many believed in Christ as
the Savior of the world
Through his influence the chapel was
built for the poor of the city. In this
building Mr.. Morris gathered his flock to-
gether. He persuaded the rich of the other
churches to prepare for them suppers fes-
rivals and Christmas trees. Little children
were taught by him and his wife. Men
who first reviled him afterWard loved him;
those who said they would do him harm be-
came his protectors; children chung to him.
the young sought him and mothers went to
him when in distress.
Seven years ago, when the Gordon Or
phans' Home was built. the people, by COM
mon impulse, asked the County Commits
sioners to make Mrs. Morris matron of the
This was done, and there they have lived,
surrounded by children taken from homes
that were, filled with poverty, often dis
grace, and sometimes with crime: Mrs.
Morris is a teacher of experience gained in
the Indianapolis public schools.
ERNEST, THE EXPLORER.
When his son Ernest was eighteen years
old he launched a canoe on White river at
Indianapolis, his destination being the ever
glades of Florida. At Martinsville his boat
upset, and he was compelled to return
home for another outfit This procured, he
started again, and for more than a year
he explored that swamp, sending reports OF
his discoveries to an indianapolis paper
an exploring expedition. This trip was fol-
lowed by d second and third. His letters
to the New York World attracted attention,
and Erastus Corning, OF Albany, n. Y,
made him his protege, purchasing his col
lections and assisting him in many ways.
After making nine trips to South Amer
lea Ernest Morris was married to Miss
Kfttie Perry, of Indianapolis. For we'd
ding trip Mr.. Morris took his young bride
to Manouse, Brazil a small place LOCO
miles up the Amazon There he left her
for almost a year, while he continued his
travels. After returning from the trip Mr.
Norris made one more voyage to South
home abandoned
his lifes ambition and lived in Indianapolis
until his death, which occurred April 49,
1891.
Alone he had explored the Amazon from
its mouth TO its source, explored it's main
tributaries, Travelled the entire length Of
the Orinoco. and went from Para across
the continent, exploring the Andes of the
part of Brazil, on the Tapajos river. he
FOUND the Munduncu Indians. He was the
nrSt white man to visit one of their viii
lagos. lie remained with them six months
when one night he stole away in a canoe
and made his escape, carrying with him
seven heads that they had preserved by a
process known only to themselves He was
followed by the warriors of the tribe to the
Amazon. escaping them only by hiding
during the day. TWO of these heads are
now in the Smithsonian Institution 1.-TWO
are in Central Park, New York two in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons New
YORK, and the other in London. Their dis
covery was of great interest to scientific
men. His collections of orchids were re-
Der of these rare plants are named for
him. one OF the most beautiful Mr. Morris
named for Henrietta Corning, d daughter
of his benefactor.