James R. Morris

Who was James R. Morris?

James Remley Morris was a U.S. Representative from Ohio, son of Joseph Morris.

Born in Rogersville, Pennsylvania, Morris attended the public schools. He moved with his parents to Waynesburg, Ohio, in 1829. He moved to Woodsfield, Ohio the next year. He served two years' apprenticeship at the printing trade in 1833 and 1834. He studied under private tutor until 1839. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1843 and commenced practice at Woodsfield. He was appointed county treasurer to fill the unexpired term of his father, who had been elected to Congress. He was editor and manager of the Spirit of Democracy 1844-1848. He served as member of the State house of representatives in 1848. He served as member of the Ohio State Board of Equalization in 1859.

Morris was elected as a Democrat to the Thirty-seventh and Thirty-eighth Congresses. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1864 to the Thirty-ninth Congress. He resumed the practice of his profession at Woodsfield. He served as judge of the probate court 1872-1877. Postmaster 1886-1889. He died in Woodsfield, Ohio, December 24, 1899. He was interred in Morris Cemetery, near Woodsfield.