Wayne County Biographies



Part of the Indiana Biographies Project



J. L. Morrisson

J. L. Morrisson was born in Richmond, Ind., Oct. 10, 1817, a son of Robert and Jane (Price) Morrisson, natives of Orange County, N. C, his father born Oct. 19, 1786, and his mother in 1787. His ancestors were originally from Scotland, the date of their immigration to the United States not being known. His grandfather, James Morrisson, grew to manhood in Pennsylvania, and married Hannah, daughter of William and Catharine White, of Omega County, N. C. They had a family of nine children — James, Catharine, William, Mary, Ruth, Robert, Hannah, Deborah and Simon. Robert and James came to Indiana in 1810; the latter was killed by lightning. They first settled in Newport, Wayne County, purchasing a small farm on Middle Fork of Whitewater River, eight miles north of the city.

In 1815 Robert Morrisson removed to the present site of the city of Richmond and opened a store on what is now the corner of Main street and Ft. Wayne avenue, afterward removing to the corner of Main and Fifth streets. He also established a store in Liberty, Ind. He established a tannery in Richmond, which he subsequently sold to Daniel P. Wiggins. He was instrumental in having the National road piked through the county, after it had been turned over to the State. He was President and Superintendent of the road and did much to increase the value of property. Robert Morrisson was a man of public spirit and contributed largely to all enterprises tending to the elevation of mankind and society.





One of the noblest achievements of his life was the establishing of the Morrisson Library. He was Legislative Director of the First State Bank of Indiana. He died in 1865 after having contributed largely of his means toward the suppression of the Rebellion and for the comfort of the soldiers. His wife died Aug. 17, 1849. They had a family of three children — Hannah. Jonathan and James L., the latter being the only one now living. He received a common-school education, always residing in or near Richmond. He devoted thirteen years to farming with his father. He has been identified with many of the improvements of the city and is an ardent supporter of all that pertains to the interests of Richmond. He was one of the organizers of the Richmond National Bank and was one of the Directors. At the same time he had an interest in the Citizens' Bank. Since 1875 he has lived retired from active business pursuits.

He was married March 30, 1842, to Lydia C., daughter of Samuel Shute. They have lived on the corner of Ninth and North A streets since 1855. They have two children — Robert, now in the wholesale drug business in Chicago, Ill., and Elizabeth J., wife of Elgar G. Hibbard, of Richmond. Mr. and Mrs. Morrisson are members of the Society of the Hicksite Friends.

Source:
History of Wayne County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884. Volume 2