Individual Details

FindAGrave #17979287 - Buried Boucher Cemetery, Lawrence Co, MO
Jordan A. Morriss was born in Barren County, Kentucky, Dec. 19, 1811, and died in Lawrence County, Missouri, Sep. 7, 1859.
He married Mary Ann Button about 1836. Their oldest child, Eliza Martin Morriss was born Oct 1, 1837 in Kentucky. The Jordan A. Morriss household was recorded in the 1840 census of Barren County, Kentucky. Based on the ages and birth places of their children, the family migrated to Missouri about 1850 and settled in Lawrence County. Burrell L Morriss (Burl, Burwell,)1809-1870, was also registered in the 1840 Barren County census and was living in Lawrence County, Missouri in 1850. These two men are presumed brothers, along with Lewis Morriss and Carter C. Morriss, also found in Barren County, Kentucky. Their father most likely was Jesse Morris, ca. 1775-ca 1850, in Barren County, Kentucky. Evidence indicates that the Morriss family originally came to Kentucky from Virginia.
Jordan (based on spellings found in documents, probably pronounced jerden) and Mary Ann were parents of 12 children. After Eliza Martin their children and birth dates are as follows: James William, Mar. 2, 1839; Eveline, 1840; Nancy Elizabeth, Aug. 30, 1841; Virginia Sapho, Oct. 31, 1842; Sidney Lewis, May 23, 1844; Adeline Button, Jan. 22, 1846; Mary Neal, 1847; Malinda Burrell, Dec.24, 1848; Ellen Drucilla, Feb. 15, 1851; and twins, John Jasper and Isaac Newton, Mar. 31, 1853.
After Mary Ann's death, Jordan married on Nov. 25, 1855, Emaline Mulkey (Jan. 1, 1828-May 20, 1917). She was the widow of Silas Evans and they were parents of one son, Ambrose Evans. Jordan and Emaline had three children: Olney, 1857; Artilla J, 1859; and Elvira E., Apr.,1860.
Jordan Morriss died without a will and his estate was entered into probate in September, 1859. His widow, Emaline, waived her right to administer the estate, and the court appointed Nathan Spillman to fulfill this responsibility. Nathan Spillman attested to the names of the heirs, naming each of the children as above with the exception of Elvira, because she was born after Jordan's death. The estate, including personal and real property, was inventoried and a sale conducted. Items mentioned in the inventory included a long list of farming tools and implements, cattle and horses, sheep, oxen, timber and pine planks, saddle and bridle, grain, a shot gun, a wagon and a set of blacksmith tools valued at $50. One could conclude from examining this list of property that Jordan Morris was a farmer and a blacksmith. The list of buyers included many names found in the census records who were neighbors and/or relatives. The list of creditors included an account with Andrew Brown of Sarcoxie, who had sold the family groceries and household supplies from January through August, 1859, amounting to $39.39. Tuition was paid to D. M. Mayhew for four scholars for the 1858-59 school year. 120 acres of Jordan's real estate was appraised and sold to his son, James William Morris, in December, 1865. Over time all accounts were paid and the remainder of the estate was distributed to the heirs.

Birth	19 Dec 1811	Allen County, Kentucky
Marriage	Abt 1836	Barren County, Kentucky - Mary Ann Button
Death	17 Sep 1859	Lawrence County, Missouri

Spouse	Mary Ann Button (1817 - 1854)
Child	Mary Neal Morris (1847 - 1947)