Joseph L. Morphis facts for kids
Joseph Lewis Morphis (born April 17, 1831 – died July 29, 1913) was an important person from Mississippi. He served his state and country in many ways. He was a U.S. Representative, a state lawmaker, and even a captain in the army during the American Civil War.
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Joseph Morphis: A Life of Service
Joseph Lewis Morphis was born on April 17, 1831, near a town called Pocahontas in McNairy County, Tennessee. As a young person, he went to school and received a basic education. After his schooling, he worked as a farmer.
Early Life and War Service
Joseph Morphis began his public service early. In 1859, he was elected to serve in the state's main law-making group, the Mississippi House of Representatives.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Joseph Morphis joined the Confederate States Army. He became a Captain in August 1861. He served in the army throughout the war, until it ended. In 1863, he moved his family to Pontotoc, Mississippi.
Political Career
After the Civil War, Joseph Morphis continued to be involved in politics.
Helping Rebuild Mississippi
In 1865, he was part of a special meeting called the State constitutional convention. This group helped write new rules for the state of Mississippi after the war. From 1866 to 1868, he again served as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives.
In the U.S. Congress
When Mississippi was allowed to send representatives to the U.S. government again, Joseph Morphis was elected. He became a Republican U.S. Representative for Mississippi. He served in the Forty-first and Forty-second Congresses, from February 23, 1870, to March 3, 1873. He tried to run for re-election in 1872 but was not chosen by his party.
Law Enforcement Role
Later, in 1877, President Hayes chose Joseph Morphis for an important job. He became the United States marshal for the northern part of Mississippi. A U.S. marshal is a federal law enforcement officer. He held this position until 1885.
Later Years
In 1890, Joseph Morphis became a licensed trader. He traded goods with the Osage people on their reservation. He continued this work until 1901. After that, he stopped working and lived in retirement.
Joseph Lewis Morphis passed away on July 29, 1913, in Cleveland, Oklahoma. He was buried in Woodland Cemetery.
