Person:Zachariah Morris (2)

Much of the research on Zachariah Morris has been published to the Clinton County, Illinois Rootsweb page: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilclint2/bios/clintbio004.htm

Zachariah Morris, a native of Georgia, migrated with his family to the State of Illinois in 1812, and first settled near Lebanon, St. Clair County, where he remained until 1820, when he moved to Irishtown. He remained here until 1830 and removed to East Fork, where he bought and settled on what is known as the Pope land, in section 13. In the same year, in conjuctcion with his brother-in-law, John Rogers, constructed a water-mill on the East Fork. This was the first mill built in the township, as well as the first for many miles around. It contained one run of stone, and run a saw-mill in connection with it. The grist-mill is yet in operation, and is owned and conducted by J. L. Clendenning. Mr. Morris brought up a large family, the name being as follows: James, Salina, John, Mary, Lavina, Rachel, and Joseph, only two of whom are now living, John and Lavina. They live in the township, on section 13, near the old homestead, and are considered among the first citizens of the precinct. The old gentleman, Zachariah, and his wife both died in the same year, 1846.
1881 History of Marion and Clinton Counties, Illinois pages 252 and 253:

He is said to have served in the War of 1812. --seeking documentation.
Stephen P.H. Frakes of Salem, Illinois wrote in an email, "Your ancestor, Zachariah Morris, served in the War of 1812 with my ancestor Airs Conant. Zachariah aided my g-g-great-grandfather Airs after he was wounded. He nursed him back to health."

Here's an odd thing: If he left Georgia in 1812 toward St. Clair Co., Illinois but he served in the war of 1812 how would that work? Would he relocate and leave his wife alone in St. Clair county while he went off to fight in a war before she had a chance to get situated? Perhaps Mr. Frakes was talking about another Zachariah Morris. Maybe it was the War of 1812 that caused him to leave Georgia in the first place. Comments?