The name ‘Morris’ originates from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. It is a derivative from the personal name ‘Maurice’, intorduced to britain by the Normans. (from the Latin name ‘Mauritius’, a derivative of ‘Maurus’), this was borne by several minor early Christian saints, including a 3rd Century. Swiss martyr. Compiled information from Historical and Private archive’s has confirmed that the surname ‘Morris’ was the name of an extensive and powerful family in Colonial North America, who played a leading part in the emergence of the nation. They were decended from Richard Morris (died in 1672), who had fought in Cromwell’s army and then bacame a merchant in Barbados. His son Lewis (1671-1746) established the ‘manor’ of Morrisiana in New York State. His grandson, Lewis (1726-1798), 3rd owner of that manor, was a signatory of the Declaration of Independance. Two other grandsons, Richard and Gouverneur, were also key figures in thr Revolution, their half brother Staats Morris (1728-1800) was a general in the British Army and governor of Quebec.Another signatory of the Declaration, Robert Morris (1734-1806), emigrated to America…
Coat of arms: Azure a cross e…