Morris Schaff facts for kids

Morris Schaff.

Morris Schaff (born 1840, died 1929) was an American writer and soldier. He came from Etna Township, Ohio. Morris Schaff wrote many books about the American Civil War, also known as the U.S. Civil War. He also wrote about the history of his hometowns, Etna and Kirkersville, in Licking County, Ohio.

Morris Schaff's Early Life

Morris Schaff was born on December 28, 1840. His parents were John and Charlotte Schaff. They lived on a farm in Etna Township, Ohio.

From 1849 to 1858, Morris lived in Kirkersville, Ohio. A congressman named Samuel S. Cox helped him get into the United States Military Academy. This famous school is often called West Point.

Schaff graduated from West Point in June 1862. He became a Second Lieutenant in the Army. He was very good at his studies and military training at West Point.

A Soldier's Journey

Morris Schaff fought in many important battles during the U.S. Civil War. These included the Rappahannock Campaign and the Richmond Campaign. He served under famous generals like Major General Gouverneur Warren and General Joseph Hooker. He also worked with General George Meade and General Ulysses S. Grant.

His experiences during the war were very important. They helped him write his books and articles later in life. Schaff left the Army on December 31, 1871. He later became known as General Schaff. This was because he was made a Brigadier General in the Massachusetts Militia in 1880.

Life After the Army

In 1868, Morris Schaff married Alice Page Schaff. They moved to Massachusetts. There, he became the Superintendent of the Berkshire Glass Works for 11 years.

After that, he worked for the public for 26 years. He was part of the State Gas and Electric Light Commission of Massachusetts. Morris Schaff started writing books later in his life. His first book was published in 1905. He passed away in Southboro, Massachusetts, on October 19, 1929.

What Morris Schaff Wrote

Morris Schaff wrote several books, mostly about history. Here are some of his well-known works:

• Etna and Kirkersville (1905)
• The Spirit of Old West Point 1858-1862 (1907)
• Sunset of the Confederacy (1912)
• Battle of the Wilderness (1910)
• Jefferson Davis: His Life and Personality (1922)