Person:William Morris (123)

In the 1920 census, Will was 32 and had 4 children living at home with him and Flossie, who was 29. Living close by on the same street was one of Flossie's brother. On the other side lived one of her married sisters who would pass away in 2 years.

In the 1930 census, Will is listed as a steam engineer in the saw mill. He was 42 and by now all 8 children were born. By the time of the WWII draft, Will was 54 and worked at the Mower Lumber Company. Eventually he be came foreman. He and Flossie lived in Omar, WV. (Will also registered for the WW I draft, along with his brother Morgan: Webster County, West Virginia; Roll: 1993023.)

Will sent a handwritten letter to his daughter just one month before he died. The letter is dated July (10 or 20), 1962 and he writes of a farmer's concerns: slow rain after a dry spell, growing vegetables, and a recent visit to Hicks Chicken Farm. The 3 hens purchased were for dinner when his daughter and family arrived to visit. Will was obviously happy over the upcoming visit. Letter also indicates that another son and wife were there too.

He sent another letter to this daughter on August 3, 1962. It's believed this was his last letter before his death. This letter is typed by him and was "dictated by Mom" (Flossie). Along with an apple butter recipe, he mentions a visit from the FBI about an unnamed member of the family. Most likely it was about a certain son who, although loved, was often in trouble. The other side of the letter is another recipe and a handwritten note from a daughter-in-law. She mentions excitement about the impending visit and the size of Will and Flossie's garden.

Will claimed the middle initial "A" did not stand for anything; he simply wanted a middle initial and picked that letter. However, census records show his middle initial as "A" at an age where he probably was not old enough to decide. The clincher is his WWII draft card showing his middle name as Augustus. Such tales were natural fodder for Will and/or it is possible he simply did not like the name Augustus and tried to ditch it.

Will had black hair and brown eyes. He called himself the "dark-haired Irishman." He appears to have been the only child with dark hair. There are no known photos of Will where he was not smiling, even when he was unaware of the camera.

Another researcher has proven Will's ancestor did, indeed, come from Ireland. Out of respect for a book in progress, ancestor information is not listed here.

Various documents, letters, photos and certificates on file.