Morris, Lewis, 1671–1746, American colonial official

Morris, Lewis, 1671–1746, American colonial official, first lord of the manor of Morrisania in New York. The son of Richard Morris (d. 1672; see Morris Morris, family of prominent American landowners and statesmen.

Richard Morris, d. 1672, left England after serving in Oliver Cromwell's army, became a merchant in Barbados, and emigrated to New York City when it was known, under the Dutch, as New
..... Click the link for more information. , family), he was born in that part of Westchester co. that is now part of the Bronx, New York City. He inherited large properties in New York and New Jersey, and in 1697 his New York estate was patented as the manor of Morrisania. In 1702, Morris traveled to England to help bring about the fall of proprietary government in New Jersey. He became a bitter opponent of the arbitrary rule of Lord Cornbury, who was governor of both New York and New Jersey, and aided in securing his removal (1708). In 1715 he was made chief justice of New York, but a subsequent struggle with Gov. William Cosby resulted in his removal (1733). Upon the separation (1738) of New Jersey from New York, Morris became the first governor of New Jersey, serving until his death. His stern administration was marked by much opposition and quarreling.

Morris, Lewis, 1726–98, American political leader

Morris, Lewis, 1726–98, American political leader, signer of the Declaration of Independence, b. Morrisania, N.Y. (now part of the Bronx); elder half brother of Gouverneur Morris. A wealthy landowner and third lord of the manor of Morrisania after 1762, he was prominent among the opponents of British policies and was influential in promoting the provincial convention of New York (1775) and in the Continental Congress (1775–77). After the war he restored his estate at Morrisania, which had been burned and plundered by the British. He continued to be prominent in New York affairs.

Morris, Lewis, 1698–1762, American colonial landowner

Morris, Lewis, 1698–1762: see under Morris, family.