| Notes |
- History of Otsego Co., NY
page 198
Richard B. MORRIS was born in the town of Milford, Otsego County, April 3, 1811, being the youngest son of Charles and Catherine Morris. His early life was passed on his father's farm, being the same property on which his grandfather settled about 1790, and which is still owned by members of the family. He took for his companion in life, March 1, 1838, Zilpha, daughter of Reuben and Wealthy WESTCOTT. She was born in the town of Milford, Nov. 1, 1820.
The result of this marriage was three sons and three daughters. And, by God's will, the sons alone are left to preserve their father's name and honor for posterity.
The eldest son, Albert, was born in Milford, Jan. 2, 1840, and married Mary J. BIRDSALL, Nov. 5, 1868; they have two children, viz., Burton H., born Nov. 28, 1869, and A. Stanley, born Oct. 28, 1871. The second son, William H., was born in Milford, July 21, 1841, and married Ada ANGELL; they have two children, Susan, born May 21, 1870, and Willard, born June 21, 1872. For twelve years these two sons have carried on a large and extensive flour and feed business in the village of Oneonta, and are among its most prominent citizens. Charles, the third son, was born in Milford, March 10, 1860.
Mr. Morris originally belonged to the old Whig party, but on the formation of the Republican party joined that organization. He held several minor town offices, and in his early life was connected with the New York State militia. He was an active member of the Baptist church for over thirty-five years, having been a deacon for thirty-three years. His grandfather was the leading organizer of the first Baptist church in the town of Milford. All mankind have at one time to end their earthly career and render an account to the Almighty. None was better prepared for this than the subject of this sketch, who passed away Dec. 26, 1877, mourned by his friends and neighbors.
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Oneonta Herald
January 11, 1878
DIED At Milford Centre, Dec. 26, Deacon R. B. MORRIS, in the 67th year of his age. Here he was born April 3d, 1811. Here he lived and died. For thirty-five years he had been a faithful and highly esteemed member of the Baptist church, and for 33 years had served it as deacon. His generosity and activity in obtaining and building up the property owned by the church, his influence and support in all the affairs of Christ's kingdom and regular attendance upon the services of God's house; these and like characteristics with many pleasant incidents of his old friends will gratefully recall. Of the life and character of our departed brother, it is not easy to speak too highly. He was looked upon by the young as the model man of the whole community and was very highly respected by his neighbors and by his friends everywhere. He was a successful farmer, and a man of great energy. Honored and almost idolized by his family, his loss to them is beyond the power of words to express. After a long and painful illness which he bore with christian patience, surrounded by his friends and family, he fell asleep. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." So he lives. He also "lives in Christ" awaiting the glorious resurrection. There may those who knew and loved him here meet both him and his Lord. His Pastor.
I desire in this manner to cordially thank my many friends who have during the illness of my late husband shown numerous courtesies and done much to render our loss the less grievous. Mrs. Zilpha Morris.
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1811 - 1877 (66 years)
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