Charles Morris (1731–1802) Explained

Charles Morris (December 31, 1731  - January 26, 1802) was a surveyor, judge and political figure in Nova Scotia. He represented Kings County from 1761 to 1770 and Sunbury County from 1770 to 1784 in the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia.^[1]

Early years

He was born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, the son of Charles Morris (1711-81) and Mary Read. Morris married Elizabeth Bond Leggett and came to Nova Scotia in 1760. From then until 1781, he assisted his father who held the post of surveyor general for Nova Scotia.

Career

After his father's death in that year, he took over the duties of surveyor general. According to the Book of Negroes, Charles Morris purchased two slaves in 1783.^[2] Morris was also registrar for the Vice-Admiralty Court from 1781 to 1802, registrar of wills and probate from 1792 to 1798 and surrogate general for the Probate Court from 1798 to 1802. He also served as a justice of the peace. Morris was named to the Nova Scotia Council in 1785.

Death

He died in Halifax at the age of 70.

His son Charles Morris (1759-1831) succeeded him as surveyor general.

References

• Chard . Donald F. . Morris, Charles (1731-1802) . 5 .

Notes and References

1. Book: Elliott, Shirley B. . 1984 . The Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia, 1758-1983: a biographical directory . Halifax . Province of Nova Scotia . 251&158 . 0-88871-050-X. . While this source states he served to the end of the assembly in 1785, the county he represented ceased to be a part of Nova Scotia in 1784. Morris continued to be associated with Nova Scotia, not New Brunswick.
2. Amoretta, 50, stout wench. Charles Morris of Halifax, claimant. (Charles Morris). Property of Charles Morris as per Bill of Sale from Elijah Ladson, Charlestown, South Carolina. Solomon, 12, fine boy. Charles Morris of Halifax, claimant. (Charles Morris). Property of Charles Morris as per Bill of Sale from Jeremiah Savage, Charlestown, South Carolina.