George W. Morris

As printed in 1906

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The Morris family is of English extraction. The great-grandfather was born there, emigrated to America and settled first in Pennsylvania, where the grandfather was born. John Morris moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia and then to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1802. where he secured a section of land in Walnut township, becoming possessed of 1,000 acres of land in the course of time. He was one of the earliest and best known pioneers in this section and reared a large family, whose descendants are now among the county’s best citizens.

James Morris, our subject's father, was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and here grew to manhood. He bought and cleared a tract of 160 acres and later at different times added several hundred more acres to his first purchase. He died April 22, 1896, on the homestead in Walnut township, now occupied by his son. Thomas J. Morris. For many years he was a justice of the peace and also served as township trustee, being a Democrat in politics. He married Mary Davis, who was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and was a daughter of the early pioneer, William Davis. Mrs. Morris died January 7, 1904. Of the nine children born to James Morris and wife, seven are now fixing, Thomas J., a resident of Circleville; George W., the subject of this sketch; James M., a hardware merchant of Circleville; Mrs. Lydia Stein, of Circleville township; Mrs. Ella Stein, of Jackson township; Mrs. Alice

Blacker, of Chillicothe; and Mrs. Clara Campbell. of Circleville. Those deceased are John and Jane.

George W. Morris was reared and educated in Pickaway County and became a practical farmer, following agricultural pursuits here for many years. He then spent some three years in the milling business. He became well known as one of die substantial, reliable citizens of the county and in November, 1905, he was elected to the office of county treasurer. The duties of this responsible office he has filled until the present, with an efficiency which has met with the approval of the public, irrespective of party.

Mr. Morris was married to Stella Ritt, who is a daughter of the late Benjamin Ritt, of Pickaway County. They have one son, James B., who fills the position of assistant county treasurer.

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Mr. Morris belongs to a family which has in it some notable examples of longevity. His father was one of a family of 15 children, of whom one still survives in venerable age — Mrs. Melinda Lincoln, a resident of Illinois. Another aunt of our subject, Mrs. Charlotte Caldwell, died June 2. 1906. in Circleville, having almost reached her 92nd birthday.

xED C. BETTS, one of the most progressive, energetic and popular young farmers of Deer Creek township. was born April 19, 1877. on the farm upon which he now resides, and is a son of George and Mary (Phillips) Bett- and grandson of John W. and Harriet (Gorciy) Betts. The early history of the Betts family may be found in the sketch of George Betts, appearing elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Betts was reared on his father’s farm

As printed in History of Pickaway County, Ohio and representative citizens (1906). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.