Morristown Mayors -Drury Morris

Drury Morris was an ante bellum mayor of Morristown, and was one of the leading town citizens of his day. He was the grandson of pioneer settler Gideon Morris, and the son of John Morris. He was a prominent property owner in the town years before it was incorporated in 1855, and he owned a large brick storehouse on Main Street where he ran a successful store. This business at one time was Morris, Jackson and Sawyers, but it had various partners over the years. The store stood at Jackson and Main Streets where the power company office stands today. He was mayor in 1857.

Drury Morris was born, probably at Morristown, in 1823. He married first, Susan E. Carmichael ( 1830 - 1874.)

Their children were:

1. Jehu Morris (b. 1852 - died Feb. 10, 1896) Died of a heart attack. Sometimes called John.
2. James T. Morris (b. 1853 - died August 20, 1880 ) Town Marshal of Morristown, killed in the line of duty while attempting to make an arrest. Died of gunshot wound to the head. Buried at Morris Cemetery.
3. Daniel C. Morris (b. c1856 - d. Jan. 28, 1930) married Pat Doak.
4. Mollie E. Morris (b. 1857 - d. June, 19, 1878) died of consumption.
5. Eleanor P. Morris (b. c1860-63 -d.Oct. 19, 1937) married John C. Mathes.
6. George (died in infancy, possibly 1860-61)
7. Susan D. Morris (b. 1872- d. June 9, 1878) died of bronchitis.
8. possibly Daniel G. Morris (1849-1855)

Drury Morris married a second time, to Eva Carmichael. According to Cora Brook's book, they had one son, Charles Morris.

Morris was a prominent member of the First Baptist Church of Morristown, and was instrumental in moving the congregation from its old building on Cumberland Street to it present location on Main Street. Drury Morris died on December 19, 1876.

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