
Will of James Morris (1780 1873)
Thomas C. Morris, Executor
In the name of God, Amen, I, James Morris of Wicomico County, in the
state of Maryland being inform and weak
in body but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding, considering
the certainty of death and the
uncertainty of the time thereof and being desirous to settle my worldly
affairs and thereby be the better prepared
to leave this world when it shall please God to call me hence, do therefore
make and publish this, my last Will
and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say:
First and principally, I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God,
and my body to the earth to be decently
buried at the discretion of my Executor hereafter named, and after my debts
and funeral charges are paid, I
devise and bequeath as follows:
Item the 1st: I give to my beloved wife Sally Morris one half
of my home farm during her lifetime and all of my
household furniture and one carriage to be disposed of as she may think
best so to do after or at her death and
at her death her one half of the farm to go to Thomas C. Morris and his
heirs forever.
Item the 2nd: I give to my son Thomas C. Morris one half of my
home farm, and also I give to him a tract of land
in Worcester County containing fifty acres called Careys Folly and
also a small lot adjoining containing five
acres called Colliers Lot to him and his heirs forever and also Thomas C.
Morris shall pay unto Levin F. Morris
or his heirs the sum of four hundred dollars at the death of his mother
Sally Morris. The outlines of the Land that
is to be divided is joining William P. Morris, Josiah McGrath, Michael Carey
and John Robinson then with a
straight line until it strikes timbered range and then to the beginning
containing four hundred acres more or less.
Item the 3rd: I give to my son, Samuel J. Morris all the land
that I own adjoining the mills, and one half of the mills
to him and his heirs forever, and if his heirs shall die before they come
of age, his half to go to William P. Morris
and Amanda Pollitt and the land also to the said William P. Morris and Amanda
Pollitt if his heirs shall die
before they come of age and my son, Samuel J. Morris shall pay unto Emmay
Paton the sum of fifty dollars at
my death.
Item the 4th: I give to my son William P. Morris one fourth of
the mills also I give to William P. Morris one tract of
land called Hog Range or a swamp called Justuces Swamp adjoining the lands
of Henry Robinson all of the
land lying on the south side of a road from the corner of John Morriss
New Ground until it strikes a line of a tract
of land called Careys Folly to him and his heirs forever and also William
P. Morris Morris shall pay unto Emmay
Payton the sum of twenty five dollars at my death.
Item the 5th: I give unto my son Jacob Morris one fourth of the
mills to him and his heirs forever and also to pay
unto Emmay Paton the sum of twenty five dollars at my death.
Item the 6th: I give unto my daughter Matilda Hayman all of my
railroad shares, twelve in number to her and her
heirs forever.
Item the 7th: I give unto my son John Morris all of the lands
that he has got in cultivation called the New Ground
at the south end of my home field at this time also one tract of land called
Hopewell Containing seventy nine
acres more or less. Also one tract called Timber Range containing one hundred
and sixty nine acres more or
less, to him and his heirs forever.
Item the 8th: I give unto my daughter Amanda Pollitt one tract
of land called Holefast containing ninety acres that
I bought of Jane Pollitt the deeds will show.
Item the 9th: And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my
son Thomas C. Morris to be sole executive of this
my last Will and Testament. Revoking and annulling all former wills by me
heretofore made, ratifying and
confirming this to be my Last Will and none other. In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and seal
this eighth day of February, Eighteen Hundred and Seventy one. And also
if any of my heirs shall bring in any
account against one of any of my estate it shall cut them out of the legacy
that I have left them.
James Morris (Seal)
Signed, sealed and delivered by James Morris the above named testament
as for his last Will and Testament in
the presents of we, who at his request in his presence and in the presence
of each other have subscribed our
names as witnesses hereto February 8, 1871.
Benjamin H. Parker
Samuel W. Parker
Leven W. Fooks
James Morris died in 1873.
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Index of persons:
James Morris of Wicomico County
Sally Morris, wife
Thomas C. Morris, son and Executor
Samuel J. Morris, son
William P. Morris, son
Jacob Morris, son
Matilda Hayman, daughter
John Morris, son
Amanda Pollitt, daughter
Levin F. Morris [son]
Emmay Paton [Payton] [granddaughter]
Josiah McGrath, neighbor
Michael Carey, neighbor
John Robinson, neighbor
Henry Robinson, neighbor
Jane Pollitt, sold land to James Morris
Benjamin H. Parker, witness
Samuel W. Parker, witness
Leven W. Fooks, witness
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Index of bequests:
home farm, 400 a.
household furniture
one carriage
Careys Folly, 50 a., Worcester County
Colliers Lot, 5 a., Worcester County
the land adjoining the mills
the mills
Hog Range or a swamp called Justuces Swamp
all of the land lying on the south side of a road from the corner of John
Morriss New Ground until it strikes a
line of a tract of land called Careys Folly
twelve railroad shares
New Ground, at the south end of my home field
Hopewell Containing, 79 a.
Timber Range, 169 a.
Holefast, 90 a.
$100 to Emmay Paton
Total acreage = 793 a. plus land adjoining the mills, the mills, Hog
Range, New Ground and land on south side of
the road.
The above record was found in a secret compartment, one of three,
in the desk of James Morris (1780 - 1873) on 7
August 1985. The desk was in the house of Dorothy C. Morris, 717 South Division
Street, Salisbury, MD. Miss
Morris died on 24 Jul 1985. The desk and its contents were given to Louis
P. Morris, Sr., of Gradyville, PA. On 31
July 1998, Mr. Morris son, L. Paul Morris, Jr., became the owner of
the James Morris desk when Mr. and Mrs.
Louis P. Morris, Sr. moved to a retirement home. L. Paul Morris, Jr. can
be reached at Yonaguska Farm, P. O. Box
201, Gradyville, PA 19039-0201 or paulinho@bellatlantic.net.
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Family Bible of Sarah Martha Riggin and Levin Merrill Morris
King James Version
No publication dateWritten in first dedication page:
This Bible was given to Martha Morris by her beloved husband
[Masonic Symbol]
L. Merrill Morris in the year 1921, 533 S. Division St., Salisbury, MarylandWritten in second dedication page:
Presented to my wife Sarah Martha Morris
by
Levin Merrill Morris, 533 S Div St, Salisbury, Md.Clippings from the Salisbury Advertiser
Newspaper articles and obituaries pasted in frontispiece and on first three pages:
frontispiece, page one, column one.
Millwork Owner,
Merrill Morris, Dies
A funeral service for L. Merrill Morris, 67, owner of Morris Millwork Co. here, will be conducted at his late home at 533 South Division Street tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. by Rev. R. P. Edwards, pastor of the Cheriton, Va., Methodist Church. Burial will be in Parsons Cemetery.
Morris, in ill health for about four years, died late Sunday in his home. He was the son of the late Thomas C. and Eliza C. Morris.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. S. Martha Morris; a daughter, Miss Dorothy C. Morris, and a brother, Upshur W. Morris, all of Salisbury.
Friends may call at the Morris home tonight.
[handwritten at bottom: a mistake he was 68 yrs died Sept 1 - 1946]CARD OF THANKS
WE wish to thank relatives and friends for their expressions of sympathy and many kindnesses during the recent death of our husband and father. L. Merrill Morris. Also for floral tributes and use of cars.
Wife and daughter, Dorothy.SURPRISE PARTY IS
GIVEN MERRILL MORRIS [handwritten in: 1941]
A surprise birthday party was given L. Merrill Morris on his 63rd birthday by Morris Millwork and Company employees last night.
His brother, Robert Morris was master of ceremonies assisted by Chief William Chatham and James Chatham. Those present were: Levin Powelll, Edgar Purnell, Joseph Smith, Walter Timmons, Leonard Timmons, Chester Littleton and son, Ernest Smullen, Frank Jones, Zed Wells, Oscar Smith, and Fred Fooks, Mrs. Robert Morris and daughter Rebecca, Mrs. James Chatham and Mrs. Frank Jones.DEATHS and
FUNERALS
[handwritten in: died Sept. 20 - 1952]
Miss Mary C. Riggin
Miss Mary Catherine Riggin, 77, daughter of the late John W. and Martha Wimbrow Riggiin of Salisbury, died last night in her home, 637 S. Division St., after a prolonged illness.
She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Martha Morris and Mrs. Annie Godfrey, both of Salisbury; a brother, William T. Riggin of Philadelphia; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Service Schedule
Miss Mary C. Riggin. Tomorrow, 1 p.m. in the late home at 637 S. Division St., with Dr. R. P. Edwards of Richmond, Va., officiating. Burial, Parsons Cemetery. Friends call tonight [illegible]frontispiece, page one, column two.
J. Edgar Harvey,
Attorney.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
This is to give notice that the subscribers has obtained from the Orphan's Court for Wicomico County, Maryland, letters of administration on the personal estate of
L. MERRILL MORRIS
late of said County, deceased. All persons having claims against the deceased are hereby warned to exhibit same with the vouchers thereof legally authenticated to the subscribers on before
March 1st 1947
Or they may otherwise by be excluded from all benefit of said estate.
All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment.
Given under my hand and seal this 9th day of September, 1946.
DOROTHY C. MORRIS,
Administratrix.
533 So. Division St.,
Salisbury, Md.
Test: J. Asbury Holloway,
Register of Wills.
Sept. 11-18-25, Oct. 2.Active at 95
[photo of Leah Martha Wimbrow Riggin]
Although a recent birthday party anniversary closed her ninety-fifth year, Mrs. Martha Riggin of 521 South Division Street, a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, continues her sewing and actively engages in other household activities. She quilts and crochets easily. She was widowed 25 years ago by the death of her husband, John Wesley Riggin.
John Riggin and Will Riggin, Philadelphia, two of her six children, are twins. Nutter M. Riggin, another son, lives in Autobon, N.J., and three daughters, Miss Mary Riggin, Mrs. W. G. Godfrey, and Mrs. Merrill Morris are Salisburians. She has six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.frontispiece, page one, column three.
Gas Kills Man
Christmas Eve
Wife is Overcome
After Finding Him
The death of John Wesley Riggin, 78, of 404 South Division St., on Christmas Eve was attributed to "accidental death by gas poisoning."
When his wife, Mrs. Emma Sermon Riggin, 74, returned home shortly after 5 p.m. she found her husband lying unconscious on the kitchen floor. Two gas jets were open.
After calling for help, she lost consciousness.
The fire department ambulance took them to the hospital. Mr. Riggin, a retired carpenter, could not be revived.
Mrs. Riggin was still in the hospital today and her condition was described as "good."
Reports of Dr. Charles T. Fisher, acting deputy medical examiner, and City Police, were that death was accidental.
Police said that Mr. Riggin had an attack of nausea in the kitchen and in falling struck to stove, turning on the two burners.
Mr. Riggin was a member of the Bethesda Methodist Church. He was the son of the late John Wesley and Martha Wimbrow Riggin of Wicomico County.
Besides his wife, he leaves three sisters, Mrs. Annie Godfrey, Miss Mary Riggin and Mrs. Martha Morris of Salisbury, and a twin brother, William T. Riggin of Philadelphia. Another brother, Nutter M. Riggin, lives in Autobon, N.J. Funeral arrangements have not been completed.
MRS. RIGGIN, ONE OF
CITY'S OLDEST, DIES
Mrs. Martha Riggin, one of Salisbury's oldest citizens, active until about 18 months ago, died last night at the age of 97 at her home, 521 South Division St. Her husband was the late John Wesley Riggin and she is survived by their six children.
Her sons and daughters are: William T. Riggin, Philadelphia; John W. Riggin, Salisbury; N. M. Riggin, Autobon, N.J.; Miss Mary Riggin, Mrs. L. Merrill Morris, and
Mrs. Annie Godfrey, all of Salisbury. Mrs. Barclay [handwritten in: Blanche] Riggin of Philadelphia is a daughter-in-law.
Five grandchildren who survive are: Mrs. Clyde Smith, Herman Riggin, Mrs. George Walker of Philadelphia, Miss Dorothy Morris of Salisbury and George Riggin of Audobon, N.J.
Six great-grandchildren survive.
Funeral services will be held at her home at 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon with the Rev. Irvin Collins and the Rev. Mr. Holland officiating. Internment will be in Parsons Cemetery.frontispiece, page two, column one.
ELOISE RIGGIN
Miss Eloise Riggin, 18 year old daughter of Mr. And Mrs. John W. Riggin, South Division Street, died this morning at 6:30 o'clock, at the Peninsula General Hospital after an illness of six months. Death was attributed to heart trouble and to typhoid, from which Miss Riggin had been suffering for many weeks.
Poor health caused Miss Riggin to leave Temple University, in Philadelphia, during the spring. She had been a student there not quite a year. During the previous year she attended Southern College in Petersburg, Va., but left there to take up work at Temple.
She was well known in Salisbury, having spent most of her live here. Friends in all parts of the city will hear of her death with deepest grief.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.FUNERAL SERVICES
FOR MISS RIGGIN
Funeral services for Miss Eloise Riggin, who died Wednesday morning after a critical illness of many weeks, will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from Bethesda Methodist Protestant Church.
The Rev. R. L. Shipley, D.D., of Newark, N.J., will officiate, assisted by the Rev. F. R. Holland. Internment will be in Parsons Cemetery.John Wesley Riggin
Mr. John Wesley Riggin for many years one of the best know residents of Wicomico County, died at his home on South Division St., Jan 8, after a st [illegible] paralysis. He had been in failing health for some time up until Dec 27 and was able to walk, about, when he was stricken with paralysis and never regained consciousness. Deceased was 68 years of age and had been a member of the M. P. Church for more than 40 years. He was a good and kind husband and one of the most devoted fathers to his children by most every one who knew him he had been a hard worker and a good and honest man. He is survived by a widow and seven children, Messes Wm. T., Nutter and Chas. H. Riggin, of Phila., Mrs. Woodland Godfrey, of Cape Charles, Va., Mrs. Merrill Morris, Mr. John W. Riggin, and Miss Mary Riggin of this city.
Funeral services were held at his home Sunday afternoon conducted by Rev. Warner of the M. P. church and assisted by Rev. Martindale [illegible] took place in the family burial ground in Parsons Cemetery.frontispiece, page two, column two.
Sudden Death of Mr. Thos.
C. Morris
Friends and relatives were shocked to learn of the sudden death of Mr. Thomas C. Morris on Friday evening about seven o'clock at his home in this city. He had been failing in health for several months, yet he seemed better apparently and had returned to his post of duty at the L. W. Gunby Co. hardware store. On Wednesday he complained of feeling worse and remained at home the two days following and after eating a light supper Friday evening he returned to his arm chair when death overtook him and his life went out without a struggle. Mr. Morris is the last member of a well known family of nineteen of Nutters District. He was the son of the late Jas. And Sally Morris and was born December 28, 1836, being 72 years of age and was reared on a farm near Fruitland.
For several years Mr. Morris lived on a farm near Salisbury. After leaving the farm he came to Salisbury and formed a partnership with Mr. Benjamin H. Parker, under the name of Parker and Morris, and for several years they conducted a grocery business on South Division Street. His first wife was Miss Lizzie Fooks and by this union two sons survive, H. Louis Morris of Chester, Pa, and T. Preston Morris of this city. His second wife was Miss Eliza C. Williams, daughter of the late Luther Williams, there being five children by this union, Mrs. Wm. J. Thomas, of Chester, Pa, L. Merrill, Upshur W., Robert E. and Miss Alice C. Morris, all of this city. Deceased was an elder of the Wicomico Presbyterian Church, having served for nearly half a century filling the place of his father in his declining years.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at three o'clock at the Presbyterian Church and internment made in the church yard. His cheerful and gentle disposition had won for him a host of friends who feel his loss with deep regret and extend their sympathy to the bereaved family.FUNERAL SERVICES TODAY
Miss Alice C. Morris, aged 31 years, a well known and highly esteemed young lady, died at Chester Hospital yesterday afternoon following an illness of brief duration. The young lady was taken ill Monday night, complaining of a severe headache and on Thursday morning, her condition becoming alarming, she was removed to the hospital. She sank rapidly until death relieved her of suffering yesterday.
Deceased is survived by one sister and five brothers, Mrs. William Thomas, of Cartertown, Thomas P., H. Louis, L. M., Upshur and Robert Morris.
The funeral will occur this afternoon, services to be conducted at the home of her brother, Councilman H. Louis Morris, 312 West Seventh street. The internment will be made at Saulsbury, Md., Sunday afternoon.frontispiece, page two, column three
H. LOUIS MORRIS,
LOCAL BUILDER,
DIES AT AGE OF 59
Complications Set in Fol-
lowing Operation in Hos-
pital
Former Chester Council-
man and Prominent in
Masonic Circles
H. Louis Morris, a prominent contractor, and builder of Chester died at 6 o'clock last night at the Taylor Hospital as the result of complications which set in following an operation. Mr. Morris would have celebrated his fifty-ninth birthday today.
The deceased, who has been a resident of Chester for the past forty years, is survived by his widow, Mrs. Georgie Hilghman Morris, three sons, Howard F. Morris, Howard I. Morris and A. Gilbert Morris and one daughter, Miss Grace A. Morris. He is also survived by three brothers and one sister.
Mr. Morris during his life in Chester took a prominent part in many activities of public interest. He was a member of the last select council under the old city government.
Mr. Morris was engaged in the contracting business for thirty years and during that time supervised some of the largest enterprises in the county. The Franklin school, Horace Mann school and many buildings of the Viscose Company of Marcus Hook were erected by him.
Mr. Morris was active in many lodges and organizations. He held membership in the Chester Lodge, No. 236, F. and A. M.; Chester Chapter, No. 258, R. A. M.; Chester Commandery, No. 66, Knights Templar; the Philadelphia Consistory, Lu Lu Temple , A.A. O. N. M. S., and the Shrine Club of Delaware County. He was a very active member of the Chester Masonic Association and was a leader in the erection of the Masonic Temple at Ninth and Welsh streets.
He was the first Grand Tall Cedar of the Penn Forest, No. 21, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and also took a leading part in the founding of the Chester unit. He was connected with the Keystone Masonic Club, P. O. S. of A., Modern Woodmen of America and the Theodore Hyatt Council, I. O. A.
The funeral will be held from his late home Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Rev. Francis M. Taitt, pastor of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, will conduct the services. Chester Lodge, F. and A. M., will conduct services at the grave.Nutter M. Riggin
AUDOBON, N.J. - Nutter M. Riggin, 78, formerly of Salisbury, died at his home here Saturday after a long illness.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Irene Riggin; a daughter, Mrs. George Walker of Philadelphia, two grandchildren, Joan and George Walker, Jr.; one brother, William T. Riggin, Philadelphia and three sisters, Miss Mary Riggin, Mrs. Martha Morris, and Mrs. Annie Godfrey, all of Salisbury.
Funeral will be held Wednesday, 2 p.m., in the Oaklynn Funeral Home. Internment will be in a local cemetery.page three, column one.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2 - Card of Thanks
We wish to thank our friends, relatives and neighbors for cards, flowers and many acts of kindness during the recent illness and bereavement of our sister, Mary C. Riggin
The Riggin FamilyMrs. W. G. Godfrey
Mrs. Annie Riggin Godfrey, 71, died last night in Peninsula General Hospital after a long illness.
Her husband was the late Woodland G. Godfrey. She was the daughter of the late John W. and Martha Wimbrow Riggin.
Mrs. Godfrey owned and operated a Texaco filling station on South Division St. She was a member of St. Andrew's Methodist Church.
She is survived by a brother William T. Riggin of Philadelphia and a sister, Mrs. Martha Morris of Salisbury. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held in the Hill and Johnson Funeral Home Wednesday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Elmer L. Bennett, pastor of St. Andrew's Methodist Church, officiating. Internment will be in Parsons Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home tomorrow after 7:30 p.m.William T. Riggin
LANSDOWNE, Pa. - William T. Riggin, 86, died yesterday in the University of Pennsylvania Hospital where he had been a patient for four weeks.
He was [t]he husband of the late Mrs. Martha Bussells Riggin and son of the late John W. and Martha L. Riggin of Salisbury.
He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Beulah Smith, a son, Herman Riggin, of Philadelphia three grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Martha Morris of Salisbury.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. in the Oliver Blair Funeral Home in Philadelphia. Internment will be in the Fernwood Cemetery in Lansdowne, Pa.page three, column two.
Mrs. W. T. Riggin
[handwritten in: ~~~ Feb. 17 - 1962]
Word has been received here of the death yesterday in her home in Philadelphia of Mrs. Martha Riggin, 86, wife of W. T. Riggin, both former Salisburians.
Mrs. Riggin was a daughter of the late Gillis and Charlotte Bussells of Salisbury.
Surviving are her husband and two children, Mrs. Clyde Smith and Herman Riggin, all of Philadelphia.
A funeral service will be held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Oliver Blair Funeral Home in Philadelphia. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in East Landsdowne, Pa.Notice To Creditors
Harvey & Cropper
Attorneys
This is to give notice that the subscribers has obtained from the Orphan's Court for Wicomico County, Maryland, letters of testamentary on the personal estate of
ANNIE M. GODFREY
late of said County, deceased.
All persons having claims against the deceased are hereby warned to exhibit same with the vouchers thereof legally authenticated to the subscribers on before
June 1st 1958
Or they may otherwise by be excluded from all benefit of said estate.
All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment.
Given under my hand and seal this 8th day of November, 1957.
DOROTHY C. MORRIS,
Executrix.
717 So. Division St.,
Salisbury, Md.
Test: J. Asbury Holloway,
Register of Wills.
11-13, 11-20, 11-27, 12-4page three, column three.
Mrs. L. M. Morris
Mrs. Martha Riggin Morris, 75, wife of the late L. Merrill Morris of Salisbury, former owner of the Morris Millwork Co., and daughter of the late John w. and Martha Wimbrow Riggin, died late Saturday in her home, 717 S. Division St., after an illness of several months.
After her husband's death several years ago, Mrs. Morris operated the business in partnership with her daughter, Miss Dorothy C. Morris, who, with several nieces and nephews, survives her.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. tomorrow from the Hill and Johnson Funeral Home by the Rev. Dr. Howard M. Amoss, pastor of the Bethesda Methodist Church. Burial will be in Parsons Cemetery.
Friends may call tonight from 7:30 p.m. to 9 at the funeral home.Upshur Morris,
Businessman, Dies
Upshur William Morris, 84, native Salisburian and business executive, died Saturday in Deer's Head State Hospital. Ill since last December, Mr. Morris had been a patient at Deer's Head for the past 11 days. His home was at 216 Morris Drive.
He was born in Salisbury, a son of the late Thomas Covington and Eliza Williams Morris.
Mr. Morris had been associated with his brothers, Robert and Merrill, in the Morris Millworks. After dissolution of the partnership, Mr. Morris operated the U. W. Morris Lumber Co. on Kendall St. Upshur St. in Salisbury was named after him.
About 1940, Mr. Morris turned to real estate activity and built the Cru-Mor Apartments on N. Division St., considered one of the first major apartment buildings in Salisbury. During the past ten years, he developed Magnolia Terrace at Coulbourne's Pond and also built an apartment house in Ocean City.
Former memberships included the Salisbury Rotary Club and Wicomico Presbyterian Church.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Myrtle Lee Vick Morris; a daughter, Mrs. Ruth Morris Adshead, and a grandson, Grayson Winterbottom IV, both of Cambridge; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Hill Funeral Home. The Rev. Frank R. Mood, pastor of Milford's Bible Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Internment will be in Parsons Cemetery.page four, column one.
J. EDGAR HARVEY
Attorney at Law
Salisbury, Md.
Notice To
Creditors
This is to give notice that the subscribers has obtained from the Orphan's Court for Wicomico County, Maryland, letters of Testamentary on the personal estate of
SARAH M. MORRIS,
also known as S. Martha Morris,
late of said County, deceased.
All persons having claims against the deceased are hereby warned to exhibit same with the vouchers thereof legally authenticated to the subscribers on before
May 1st 1960
Or they may otherwise by be excluded from all benefit of said estate.
All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment.
Given under my hand and seal this 7th day of October, A.D. 1959.
DOROTHY C. MORRIS,
Executrix.
717 So. Division St.,
Salisbury, Md.
Test: J. Asbury Holloway,
Register of Wills.
10-10, 10-17, 10-24, 10-31Mrs. John Riggin
Mrs. Emma Riggin, 85, died yesterday in the John B. Parsons Home for the Aged after a long illness.
Born in Worcester County, she was the daughter of the late John W. and Sarah Sturgis Sirman. She was the wife of the late John W. Riggin of Salisbury.
She is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Leander Shockley of Hebron, Mrs. Carl Twilley of Salisbury, Mrs. Kinser Dryden of Baltimore, and [Mrs.] Lawrence Sistane in Florida.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow from the home. The Rev. Howard A. Amoss, pastor of Bethesda Methodist Church, will officiate. Internment will be in Parsons Cemetery. Friends may call at the home tomorrow from 1 to 2 p.m.page four, column two.
Mrs. R. E. Morris
[handwritten in: 4/20/70]
Mrs. Bessie M. Morris, 84, 401 S. Division died Saturday in Spring Hill Sanitarium.
She was the widow of Robert E. Morris, a local business man, who died in 1945.
Born in Wicomico County, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Drucilla Chatham.
Her only child, Mrs. Floyd Hill, Fort Wayne, Ind., survives along with a grandson, Robert M. Hastings; three step-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Marshall Mitchell, Salisbury.
Mrs. Morris was a member of the St. Andrew's United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, in Hill Funeral Home. Friends may call an hour before the service. Burial will be in Parsons Cemetery.
The Rev. Chester Wilcox, pastor of St. Andrew's, will officiate.DEATHS and
FUNERALS
[handwritten in: Feb 23 - 77]
Mrs. Floyd Hill
Mrs. Rebecca Morris Hill, 57, of Russell Ave., died suddenly at home Wednesday of an apparent heart attack.
Since her return to Salisbury in 1976, she had been making her home with an aunt, Mrs. Ida Mitchell. Mrs. Hill had lived for a number of years in ft. Wayne, Ind. , and in Mexico.
Born in Salisbury, she was a daughter of the late Robert E. and Bessie Chatham Morris. Her husband, Floyd Hill, died in 1975. Mrs. Hill was a graduate of the Chiropodist School of Temple University in Philadelphia.
Her only immediate survivor is a son, Merrill Robert Hastings of Dyer, Inc.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Hill-baker-Bounds Funeral Home. The Rev. Howard L. Gordy Jr. Of Trinity United Methodist Church will officiate. Internment will be in Parsons Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday.
page four, column three.
Hamilton P. Fox, Esq.
P. O. Box 212
Salisbury, Maryland 21801
STATE OF MARYLAND
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
AND
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS
ESTATE NO. 8211
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF Rebecca Morris Hill, 1105 Russell Ave., Salisbury, Md.
This is to give notice that the undersigned, Robert Merrill Hastings whose address is 9234 Prairie Avenue, Highland, Indiana 46322 was, on February 28, 1977, appointed
personal representative of the estate of Rebecca Morris Hill who died on February 23, 1977 with a will.
All persons having any objections to such an appointment(or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file the same with the Register of Wills of Wicomico county on or before September 1, 1977.
All persons having claims against the decedent must present their claims to the undersigned, or file the same with the said Register of Wills on or before September 1, 1977.
Any claim not so filed on or before such date or any extension thereof provided by law, shall be unenforceable thereafter.
Robert Merrill Hastings
Personal Representative
s A. Liloise Lambertson
Register of Wills
Wicomico County,
Maryland
True Copy, Test:
3-7, 3-14, 3-21At end of Old Testament:
This certifies
that Levin Merrill Morris
of Chester, Pa.
And Sarah Martha Riggin
of Salisbury, Md.
Were united by me in the bonds of Holy Matrimony
At Salisbury, Md. On the Twenty fourth day of
April in the year of our Lord 1907
In the Presence of
Upshur Morris
Annie M. Riggin
Signed
Rev. Wilson F. Beale
of the Presbyterian Church
Salisbury, Md.Next page: Marriages
Levin Merrill Morris and
Sarah Martha Riggin was married
in the year of our Lord April 24th
Nine-teen Hundred & seven - 1907Next page: Births
Dorothy Catherine Morris was born
in the year of our Lord Sept 6th
Nineteen Hundred & eight - 1908Next Page: Deaths
Levin Merrill Morris departed from this
life September 1st 1946Sarah Martha Morris departed from
this life September 19, 1959next page: Memorandum
blanknext page: Family Temperance Pledge
blankbackpiece, inner, column one.
SOUTH SALISBURY FIRE
BURNS MILL AND HOME.
Wood Working Plant of U. W. Morris
& Bro. Totally Destroyed And
Residence of Mr. Chatham
Damaged By Flames.
A disastrous fire, totally destroying the wood working mill and lumber yard owned by Messrs. U. W. Morris & Bro., occurred last Saturday afternoon. The residence of Mr. John Chatham, situated near the mill, was also destroyed. Mr. Chatham was able to save most of his furniture and his loss amounted to about $600.00, covered by insurance. The loss to Morris Brothers will aggregate about $5000.00, upon which there was insurance amounting to about $2000.00.
The fire started from a hot box in the main line shaft which ran under the floor of the mill. When the fire was discovered the blaze was breaking through the entire length of the shaft boxing and while the employees made almost superhuman efforts to extinguish the flames, the blaze made rapid headway and soon enveloped the entire building. They then turned their efforts to saving a smaller building filled with manufactured lumber ready for shipment and this building with its contents was saved.
Although the fire department worked hard to save the surrounding buildings so much time elapsed between the time the alarm was sent in and the arrival of the apparatus that they fire was beyond control when the firemen were ready to go to work. In the first place the fire engine horses were being used to work on the streets when the alarm was sounded and considerable time was taken up in driving them to city hall and hitching them to the engine. When the department did arrive on the scene it was found that there were no fire plugs within reasonable distance and it was necessary to attach the hose to the plug in the lumber yards of the Jackson Brothers Company and run under several railroad tracks. This also consumed a great deal of time and in the meantime the flames were rapidly gaining headway.
It is largely due to the citizens who formed bucket brigades and the fact that there was scarcely any wind that the fire was confined to the two buildings which were destroyed.
Morris Brothers express their thanks to all those who so willingly assisted in the work of extinguishing the flames and to Jackson Brothers Company for use of the water.backpiece, inner, column two.
NORMAL SCHOOL
WILL RECEIVE
INDOOR FLAG
Junior Order Of United Ameri-
can Mechanics To Present
Auditorium Gift
PLAN CEREMONIALS
FOR FEBRUARY 22
Program Will Be Private Affair,
Attended By State Councillor
And Invited Guests
Preparations are being made by the Wicomico County Association of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics for elaborate ceremonials which will accompany the presentation of a handsome flag and pedestal to the Salisbury State Normal School on February 22.
The flag will be placed in the main auditorium of the building. It will be made of silk, 5 x 8 feet in size and raised from a stalwart base of oak.
According to tentative plans the Association will assemble at the Court house in the city and march in a body to the school. The services will be held in doors at 7:30 in the evening and will be attended only by members of the Order and visiting Juniors from adjoining counties, and especially invited guests.
The State Councillor will probably be present for the occasion and there will be prominent speakers from out of town. The program has not been announced, as yet.
The Wicomico Association is composed of 5 local lodges. They are Surprise Council, of Salisbury, Parsonsburg Council, of Parsonsburg, Wicomico Council, of Pittsville, Stonewall Council, of Powellville, and White Haven Council, White Haven. There are about 700 members in all.
Surprise Council has a membership of 160, including Dr. R. L. Shipley among the number.
It has been the custom of the Junior Order to present all newly erected public schools and churches with a flag.
The Wicomico Association was organized over a year ago and has been steadily growing ever since. The officers elected elected at a session held here last week are, president, A. Percy White, 1st vice president, L. Merrill Morris, 2nd vice president, George Causey, recording secretary, Joshua White, treasurer, Walter Farlow.
A modern orphans home at Tiffin, Ohio, is being conducted by the Junior Order of American Mechanics and ground has been broken a larger home in South Carolina.backpiece, inner, column three.
AUTO AND MOTORCYCLE
COLLIDE IN SALISBURY
Accident Happened Sunday Afternoon
At "Five Points."
TWO MEN ON MOTORCYCLE SE-
VERELY INJURED.
James Chatham Had Ankle Broken
And Foot Mashed - Merrill Morris
Sustained A Broken Wrist And Ser-
ious Internal Injuries
In a collision between an automobile and a motorcycle at "Five Points" this city, late Sunday afternoon, two men were seriously and painfully injured and the machines were badly damaged.
The automobile driven by H. C. Hudson, was proceeding up North Division street, at a very moderate speed, it is said by onlookers, when at the intersection of North Division and East Church streets, his car was crashed into by a motorcycle on which was ridding Merrill Morris and James Chatham, who were returning from a trip to Ocean City.
It is stated that the drivers of both machines had sounded the usual alarms for corners, and that Hudson had his car in second gear, showing that he was proceeding at a moderate rate of speed. The force of the collision, however, was great, as the big car passed partly over the motorcycle and two riders and had to be jacked up to release the two men. It was soon found that Morris and Chatham were seriously injured, and that Morris was unconscious. He had sustained a broken wrist and internal injuries. Chatham sustained a fractured ankle and badly crushed foot. An ambulance was speedily summoned and the two men hurried tot the hospital. It was a long time before Morris regained consciousness. Both men are quite seriously injured and it will be several weeks, perhaps, before they fully recover.
The cause of the accident seems to be hard to fix, as conflicting stories are told by persons who saw the accident.backpiece, outer, column one.
Death of a Young Man
The quotation, "In the midst of life we are in death," seems never so true as when some dear friend , in the bloom and vigor of life, is stricken down and dies.
The grim monster is no respector of persons. He enters the peasant's hovel and the monarch's palace indiscriminately -- Every second records a death.
Homes are darkened and hearts are saddened, and yet the world moves on in its busy bustling way, as if a human was nothing but a drop in the Ocean of life that is lost amid its vast surroundings.
At his home in Nutter's two weeks ago last Tuesday, Mr. Levin Riggins, a young man in the morning of life, full of expectations and possibilities, was stricken down with typhoid fever, which worked with such rapidity the young man lived but a few days.
Mr. Riggin was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and for several years he was a leader in the Sunday school at Union M. P. Church. His remains were interred in the family burying ground.
The death of Mr. Riggin has cast a gloom over his many friends in this vicinity. He will be remembered as a kind and loving friend and a consistent christian gentleman. We extend our heart-felt sympathy to the family and friends of our departed friend in their deep sorrow, praying that they may be sustained by the presence of the Almighty Friend, who has said, "When thou passeth through the rivers they shall not overflow thee," and who likewise declared that "all things work together for him that love God.
A FRIENDbackpiece, outer, column two.
Obituary
It is with a sad heart that I send you the intelligence of the death of James L. Riggin of Long Ridge, who died on the 18th inst. For two weeks before his death he had suffered with the typhoid fever. He bore his affliction with christian fortitude, ever ready to receive the summons from his master, he patiently awaited the end. He was a licensed exhorter of the Methodist Protestant Church and delighted in fulfilling the duties which his position demanded of him.
He leaves father, mother, three sisters and four brothers to mourn his loss. They are comforted by the assurance that their loss is his gain.
A FRIEND
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