Buckner Stith Morris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Buckner Stith Morris
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| 2nd Mayor of Chicago | |
| In office 1838–1839 |
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| Preceded by | William B. Ogden |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Wright Raymond |
| Lake County Circuit Court Judge | |
| In office 1853–1855 |
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| Chicago Alderman from the 6th Ward | |
| In office 1844 |
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| Preceded by | George W. Dole/ J. Marback |
| Succeeded by | James H. Rees |
| In office 1839–1840 Serving with Michael Diversey
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| Preceded by | George W. Dole/ Grant Goodrich |
| Succeeded by | R.J. Hamilton/ William B. Ogden |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 19, 1800 Augusta, Kentucky |
| Died | December 16, 1879 (aged 79) Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Whig, American |
| Spouses |
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| Residences | Chicago, Illinois |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
Buckner Stith Morris (born August 19, 1800 – died December 16, 1879) was an important figure in early Chicago history. He served as the second Mayor of Chicago, Illinois, from 1838 to 1839. He was a member of the Whig Party.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Buckner Stith Morris was born in Augusta, Kentucky. In 1832, he married Evelina Barker in Kentucky. Two years later, in 1834, the couple moved to Chicago.
Morris quickly started his career in Chicago. He opened a law practice with J. Young Scammon. He also helped create the Chicago Lyceum. This was the city's first literary society, a place for people to discuss books and ideas. By 1835, Morris had a new law partner, Edward Casey.
Public Service in Chicago
Morris was elected Mayor of Chicago in 1838. His term lasted until 1839. After being mayor, he continued to serve the city.
He was elected as an Alderman for the 6th Ward. He served from 1839 to 1840. He was elected again in 1844 but resigned during that term. In 1852, he ran for Illinois Secretary of State but did not win. From 1853 to 1855, he served as a judge for the Lake County Circuit Court.
Family Life
Morris faced personal loss during his life. His first wife, Evelina Barker, passed away in 1847. He then married Eliza Stephenson in 1850. Sadly, Eliza also died in 1855. Buckner Stith Morris himself passed away in Chicago in 1879.
During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Morris was known for speaking out against the conflict. He seemed to agree with a group called the "Copperheads." This group wanted peace and opposed the war.
In 1864, Morris was held for questioning. This was because of his suspected involvement in a plan. The plan was to help prisoners of war escape from Camp Douglas in Chicago. Camp Douglas held soldiers from the Confederacy.
Morris was held for nine months. However, a military court later cleared him of any wrongdoing. Because he was held, he could not manage his business. This caused him to lose most of his money and property. His family was very upset about how he was treated. Because of this, they refused to give his personal papers to the Chicago Historical Society when asked.
Other Interests
Buckner Stith Morris was also a member of Chicago's oldest Freemason Lodge. This was the Oriental Lodge #33. You can learn more about it at Oriental Lodge # 33.
See also
