Leonard Morris (sheriff) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Honorable Leonard Morris
Justice of Kanawha County
In office October 6, 1789 – May, 1831
Appointed by	Virginia House of Delegates
Sheriff of Kanawha County
In office 1798–1801
Appointed by	Virginia House of Delegates
Preceded by	Thomas Lewis Jr.
Succeeded by	William Morris
Commissioner of Kanawha County
In office 1794 – May 17, 1831
Personal details
Born	Orange County, Virginia
Died	May 17, 1831 Marmet, West Virginia
Spouses	Margaret Price (m.1770); Margaret Larkin (m.1789)
Occupation	Spy; Pioneer
Military service
Allegiance	Thirteen Colonies
Branch	Virginia Militia
Service years	1774-1789
Unit	Kanawha County Militia
Conflict	Battle of Point Pleasant Revolutionary War

Leonard Morris (1748 – May 17, 1831) was an important early American pioneer, soldier, and lawman. He helped found the city of Charleston, West Virginia in 1788. He was also named a trustee of Charleston when the town became official in 1794. Leonard was part of a well-known family. His brothers included William Morris, Henry Morris, and Captain John Morris. He was also the uncle of US Congressman Calvary Morris and Bishop Thomas Asbury Morris.

Becoming a Leader in Kanawha County

On October 6, 1789, the Virginia House of Delegates chose Leonard Morris to be a Justice for the new Kanawha County. A Justice was like a judge, helping to run the county's court system. He was sworn in at the home of Colonel George Clendenin. Other new Justices, like Thomas Lewis Jr. and Daniel Boone, also joined the court that day.

In 1794, Morris became a Commissioner for Kanawha County. A Commissioner helped manage county affairs. Later, in 1798, he was named Sheriff of Kanawha County. The Sheriff was the chief law enforcement officer.

Serving in Early American Conflicts

Leonard Morris was a soldier who fought in important battles. In 1774, he fought in the Battle of Point Pleasant under Colonel Andrew Lewis (soldier). This battle was part of Lord Dunmore's War, an early conflict in the region.

Fort Morris and Revolutionary War Service

During the Battle of Point Pleasant and throughout the American Revolutionary War, Leonard was in charge of Fort Morris. This fort was also called Kelly's Post. The Morris family, including Leonard, William, and their father William Sr., built Fort Morris in 1774. It was located near the Kanawha River. Leonard also thought it was smart to build another fort further down the river. These forts were ready before Colonel Lewis and Lord Dunmore's men arrived to fight against Chief Cornstalk.

Leonard and five of his brothers joined Colonel Lewis on the march to Point Pleasant. They fought in the battle on October 10, 1774. During the Revolutionary War, Morris worked as a spy. He tracked the movements of opposing forces in Greenbrier and Kanawha counties. He did this with his brother Captain William Morris and his brother-in-law John Jones. He also worked with Lt. John Young, who was part of Captain William Morris's Company.

In 1774, while at Fort Morris, Leonard received ten soldiers from the Governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore. These soldiers stayed to protect the settlers from dangers. During one raid, a maid named Sallie was taken. Morris and twenty men followed, but they could not get her back. This showed the many dangers settlers faced at that time.

Supporting the War Effort

Leonard Morris and William Morris helped supply the military. On August 10, 1789, they provided a lot of food and supplies for Colonel George Clendenin's troops. These supplies supported the Kanawha County Militia Rangers. This group was later renamed Morris' Company of Rangers.

Leonard Morris's farm and his work raising animals were very important for the war effort. From May to September 1791, his brother Captain John Morris, who led the Rangers, sent soldiers to protect Leonard's farm. This protected the land from hostile groups. A report in March 1792 to Virginia's Governor, Henry Lee III, said the Ranger company had "adopted full and effectual measures for the defense of the Western Frontier." This meant they were doing a great job protecting the area.

Life and Legacy

Leonard Morris was born in Culpeper, Virginia. His parents were William Morris and Elizabeth Stapp. Leonard had five children. Three were with his first wife, Margaret Price: Charles, Peter, and Nancy. Two were with his second wife, Margaret Larkin: Hiram and James Madison.

In 1836, Margaret Larkin built a church called Ebenezer Chapel (Marmet, West Virginia) to honor Leonard Morris. Leonard Morris is known as the founder of the city of Marmet, West Virginia. He also founded Lens Creek on the Kanawha River.