Gideon Morris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gideon Morris
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Morris' tombstone in Morristown, Tennessee
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| Born | c. 1756 |
| Died | April 1798 |
| Resting place | Morris Cemetery, Morristown, Tennessee |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Settler |
| Known for | Founding Morristown, Tennessee |
| Spouse(s) | Jenette Blythe (1748–1828) |
Gideon Morris (born around 1756, died April 1798) was an important early American settler. He was a pioneer who moved across the Appalachian Mountains. He was part of the Watauga Association, a group of early settlers. Morris is best known for starting the city of Morristown, Tennessee.
The Life of Gideon Morris
Gideon Morris was born in Randolph County, North Carolina around the year 1756.
Moving West
Records from North Carolina show that Morris moved to the Watauga Settlement. He moved with some of his brothers and sisters. In 1775, Morris signed the Watauga Petition. This petition asked for Watauga to become part of North Carolina. Records also state that Morris was part of an expedition. This group went on a trip against Native American groups in the fall of 1775.
In 1778, Gideon Morris went to court. He swore an oath to be loyal to the new American government. The State of North Carolina gave land to Morris. This land was in Washington, Greene, and Hawkins counties.
Founding Morristown
Morris likely settled on parts of these land grants. This happened either in 1787 or 1791. His land was in what became Jefferson County. Today, it is in Hamblen County. The settlement Morris started has always been called Morristown.
No other records show land grants in that area to anyone else. Only Gideon and his family received land there. Jefferson County has a record of Morris's will. This record shows property given to his son, John Morris, in 1817. It was for a 400-acre piece of land. Gideon had received this land from North Carolina. This was likely only a part of his original land. Morris lived on this land until he died in 1798.
Morris is buried in Morris Cemetery in Morristown, Tennessee. A Tennessee state historical marker is near the cemetery. It honors the people who founded the town.
Gideon Morris's Legacy
Morris's settlement of Morristown became part of the new state of Tennessee in 1796. The town officially became a city in 1855. Morristown then became the main town of the new Hamblen County in 1870.
