Lewis Morris, New York

Lewis Morris was born in New York in 1726 to his father, Judge Lewis Morris and his mother, Catharine (Staats) Morris. After graduating from Yale University, Morris was involved both in his farm property in New York as well as the Provincial legislature right before and during the conflict with Britain. Morris was a wealthy man himself but was against the overarching presence of Britain in the affairs of the Colonies. His influence in New York politics led to him being sent to the Second Continental Congress in 1775. His tasks in congress involved the committee of the defence of New York, provisioning colonial forces, and Indian Affairs.1.
Of significance, Morris was involved in the negotiations with Indians at Fort Pitt in late 1775, convincing the Indians to join the colonists against Britain. During the war Morris had his hands full. He was a general in the New York militia and was also tied to his duties in Congress. It was in 1777 that he left Congress, passing his seat on to his half brother in order to focus his efforts on New York. He wanted to influence the people that the cause for independence was worth the fight, willing to put himself and his property at risk. He was also a judge in the county of Worcester in 1777 and was also a member of the board of regents of the University of the State of New York. He died in 1798.
What was remarkable about Morris was his self-martyring personality and deep feelings of patriotism. Morris was living a prosperous life with friends and family and the role of Britain within the Colonies presented only a minor disruption to his lifestyle. However, his involvement in the conflict against Britain could cost him everything he had gained. Regardless, Morris’ love for his country trumped any individual priorities. Even though his one thousand acre property was destroyed and his family displaced, the people of New York eventually sided with the Colonists’ cause, leading to Independence. 2.

1 “Signers of the Declaration of Independence-Lewis Morris.” “USHistory.Org.” . 4 July 1995. 9 October 2007.
2 “Lewis Morris, 1726-1798.” “Long Island Genealogy.” . 1998. 9 October 2007.