Levi Morris – Civil War Pension Application

First of all, I’d like to thank Gopher Records for this incredible service that they offer. It’s not free to ask them to retrieve archived records for you from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), but it’s worth every penny.

Here are details about the Civil War Pension Application packet for our ancestor Levi M. Morris. I am providing this a couple of ways so you can all download this however you prefer, both as a full high resolution PDF, and also as the full set of 82 JPG images in case you’d like to add individual images to your family tree.

The procedural pages and forms are summarized. The affidavits are provided as they were written.

Here are some of the individuals who give statements or who are mentioned in this packet:

• Sarah Morris – Levi’s wife, maiden name Sarah Holmes, daughter of John Holmes and Selah Averitt (Celia Averitt)
• “his father” – referenced in Harvey Edwards and Jane Edwards affidavit – this was Laban Morris, father of Levi Morris
• Roland Morris – Levi’s brother; enlisted with him in Union military service
• Sophia Morris – Roland’s wife, maiden name Sophia Holmes, sister of Sarah Holmes Morris
• Harvey Edwards – Brother-in-law of Levi’s widow Sarah Morris; married to Jane Holmes (daughter of John and Selah Holmes)
• Jane Holmes – Levi’s sister-in-law, sister of Levi’s widow, Sarah; daughter of John and Selah Holmes
• William B. Morris – Levi’s nephew; son of Levi’s second oldest brother, William B. Morris, Sr.
• John Norris – Levi’s nephew; son of Levi’s sister Alpha Morris from her first marriage to John Norris, Sr. (After John Sr’s passing, she married William Holmes, brother of Sarah, Jane, and Sophia Holmes)
• Jethro Nobles – Served with Levi
• William W Galloway – Undertaker who constructed Levi’s coffin and helped prepare him for burial
• John Edwards – Assisted Mr. Galloway with building coffin and preparing Levi for burial
• Joseph Hill – Brought Levi Morris home in a cart the 28 miles from New Bern

Genealogical facts revealed in these pages:

• Date of death for Levi Morris
• Dates of birth and names for each of Levi and Sarah Morris’s children
• Date of death for Levi and Sarah’s daughter, Sarah Morris (wife of James W. Clark)
• Laban Morris was still alive in July 1865
• Description of Levi’s movements in his final weeks
• Description of Levi’s transportation home to Chocowinity just before he died
• Description of Levi’s last days at the home of his father, Laban Morris
• Names of men who performed undertaker duties for family, along with their statements about his condition upon preparation for burial
• Affidavits from several family members and friends describing how he was before the war and how the war left him

I’m only going to share images of select documents below, but the whole pension application PDF and the whole set of individual images for each page are available via these links.

Here is a summary of every page in the Pension Application packet.

Please double-check all pages before you just copy the information from below into your own tree. I did get Google Gemini to help me with these transcriptions — some words were very challenging to make out, but you will want to be satisfied yourself that these are sound and faithful transcriptions.

Page 02: Brief of Claim (Minors)

• Claim Number: 279292
• Soldier: Levi M. Morris, Private, Co. F, 1st N.C. Vol. Inf.
• Minors Listed (last date each is eligible for pension – day before their 16th birthdays)
  • William R. (May 29, 1874)
  • George G. (Sept. 9, 1876)
  • Levi M. (Aug. 2, 1881)
• Pension Rate: $8 per month, plus $2 for each child.
• Commencement: July 8, 1865.
• Agency: Knoxville.
• Administrative Notes: Includes various notes from 1891 regarding fee disputes with the attorney W. H. Wills & Co..

Page 03: Application Cover Jacket

• Application No.: 323,078
• Guardian: William R. Morris, P.O. Box 433, New Berne, N.C.
• Soldier’s Death Details: Levi M. Morris died “near Washington N.C.” on July 8, 1865, of “Ch. Diar” (Chronic Diarrhea).
• Attorney: D. H. Milburn (initial); later W. H. Wills & Co.
• Board of Review Stamp: Nov 21, 1890.

Page 04: Correspondence from W. H. Wills

Washington D.C., June 6 1890

To the Hon. Commis’r of Pensions.

SIR:— I have the honor to request that I may be informed at the earliest date practicable, what further testimony, if any, is necessary to complete the claim mentioned below.

Application for Children’s Pension No. 323,078 Wm R. Morris et al Levi Morris Co. F 1st Reg’t U.S. Vols. P. O. Address Vanceboro N.C.

Very respectfully, W. H. WILLS

Page 05: Admitted Files (Widow Series)

• Certificate No.: 279,292
• Series: Widow
• Soldier: Levi Morris, N.C.
• Stamp: Admitted Files Mar 6 1891

Page 06: Admitted Files (Soldier Series)

• Certificate No.: 297,690
• Series: Soldier
• Soldier: Isaacs, W. M. (Cross-referenced/Mixed File note: this slip appears to belong to a different soldier, Isaacs, but was included in this bundle).

Page 07: Attorney Note

• Content: Contains shorthand notes regarding “Power of Atty” dated March 22, 1890, and evidence filed in July and September 1890.

Page 08: Clerk’s Certificate

• Location: Craven County, North Carolina.
• Details: W. M. Ellison, Justice of the Peace, certifies the Power of Attorney for William R. Morris on March 8, 1890.
• Clerk of Superior Court: W. M. Carpenter certifies Ellison’s signature on March 12, 1890.

Page 09: Power of Attorney Jacket

• Claim of: Wm R. Morris et al for “Childs Pens”.
• Attorney: W. H. Wills & Co., Washington D.C.
• Filed: March 22, 1890.

Page 10: Power of Attorney (Full)

POWER OF ATTORNEY.

Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Wm R. Morris (et al) of Vanceboro Craven Co. in the State of N. C. have made, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint W. H. Wills of Washington D.C. my true and lawful Attorney irrevocable, for me, and in my name, place and stead, hereby annulling and revoking all former Powers of Attorney or authorizations whatever in the premises, to prosecute and complete our claim for childrens Pension No 4 as children of Levi Morris late of Co. F 1st Regt N. C. Vols now on file in the Pension Office at Washington D.C. …

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this [blank] day of [blank], eighteen hundred and eighty [blank].

William R. Morris [SEAL]

In presence of— M. C. [unclear] Jr E A Askins

Page 11: Certificate of Clerk of Superior Court

• Officer: W. M. Carpenter, Clerk of the Superior Court of Craven County.
• Subject: Certifies that W. H. Ellison was a duly authorized Justice of the Peace.
• Date of Certification: September 4, 1890.

Page 12: Filing Jacket Detail

• Claim No: 323,078.
• Claimant: Wm R. Morris et al, children of Levi Morris.
• Service: Co. “F” 1st N.C. Vols.
• Stamp: W. H. Wills, Attorney at Law, Washington D.C.

Page 13: Bureau of Pensions Envelope/Jacket

• Handwritten Note: “Southern Div. Min. Cert. 279,292. Minors of Levi M. Morris. 1 N.C. V. I.”
• Note on Attorney: “Articles filed by Wills & Co.”

Page 14: Minor Children’s Claim Summary

• Died at: Chocowinity, N.C. on July 8, 1865, of “ch diar” (Chronic Diarrhea).
• Attorney: W. H. Wills, Washington D.C.
• Cross-Reference: References Widow’s Original application No. 127,860.

Page 15: Correspondence to Commissioner of Pensions

Washington D.C., July 5th 1890

SIR:— We have the honor to request that we may be informed at the earliest date practicable, what further testimony, if any, is necessary to complete the claim mentioned below.

Claimant: John D. [unclear] (Note: This appears to be a form for a different soldier, Co. F 1st Reg’t Mass Inf, likely misfiled or used as a template scrap).

Very respectfully, W. H. WILLS & CO.

Page 16: Inquiry on Claim Status

• Date: March 19, 1890.
• Claimant: Wm R. Morris et al for children of Levi Morris.
• Attorney: W. H. Wills, Solicitor of Claims.

Page 17: “Completed Files” Order Sheet

• Subject: Compliance with Order No. 151 for Wm R. Morris et al.
• Certification: W. H. Wills certifies on July 3, 1890, that he is of the opinion the case is complete.

Page 18: Widow’s Application Jacket (Sarah A. Morris)

• Claim No: 127,860.
• Claimant: Sarah A. Morris, Beaufort Co, N.C., Widow of Levi M. Morris.
• Status Stamp: ABANDONED.
• Note: Received June 7, 1864. (Note: This date seems to be an error on the form as Levi died in 1865; it likely should read 1866 or later).

Page 19: Internal Pension Office Notes

• Note (1870): Mention of circular sent to claimant.
• Note (Jan 9/72): “Letter to claimant as to whether she wishes to prosecute claim further & P.O. address & whether remarried.”

Page 20: Declaration for Pension of Children

State of North Carolina, County of Craven On this 10th day of October A.D. 1890… personally appeared Wm. R. Morris, Geo. G. Morris and Levi M. Morris, residents of Vanceboro, County of Craven… who being duly sworn… make the following declaration:

That they are the legitimate children of Levi Morris who enlisted under the name of Levi Morris at [blank] in Co. F 1st N.C. Vols on the [blank] day of [blank] 1862… who died July 8th 1865 at Chocowinity, Beaufort Co. from Chronic diarrhoea and results… that he left a widow surviving who died Nov. 1, 1870.

Children’s Birth Dates listed:

• Wm R. Morris born May 30th 1858
• Geo. G. born Sept 10th 1860
• Levi M. born Aug 3rd 1865

That the mother was married under the name of Sallie Holmes to Levi Morris.

Signatures: William R. Morris, George G. Morris, Levi M. Morris. Witnesses: W. M. Carpenter, Jos. P. Harrison.

Page 21: Witness Testimony to Declaration

• Witnesses: E. H. Anderson and F. H. Gaskins, both residents of Vanceboro, N.C.
• Summary: These witnesses certify that they are well acquainted with Wm R. Morris, Geo G. Morris, and Levi M. Morris and believe them to be the identical persons they represent themselves to be.
• Certification: Sworn before W. M. Carpenter on October 10, 1890.

Page 22: Admitted Files Slip

• Certificate No: 279,292.
• Series: Widow (referencing the original claim structure).
• Soldier: Levi Morris.
• Stamp: Admitted Files May 7, 1891.

Page 23: Attorney Shorthand Notes

• Content: Mentions Vermilya (attorney).
• Key Reference: “aff. Roland Morris May 24/89.” (Note: This is an early reference to the affidavit of Levi’s brother).
• Final Note: “Case admitted Dec. 15, 1890.”

Page 24: Fee Dispute Letter from W. H. Wills & Co.

Washington, D.C., January 2, 1891.

Sir,— In re the minor children of Levi M. Morris; William R., George G., and Levi M., claimants… We would respectfully call attention to the fact that a fee of only $10 is certified. We filed duplicate Articles of Agreement for a fee of $25… on June 11, 1890, and request that the same be approved.

Page 25: Correspondence Jacket

• Content: Identifies the case as Minors of Levi M. Morris, Certificate No. 279,292.

Page 26: Power of Attorney (April 1889)

POWER OF ATTORNEY.

Know all men by these Presents, That I, Levi M. Morris, one of children & heirs at law of Levi M. Morris, late Private of Co. F, 1st Reg’t N.C. Infantry Vols., residing at New Berne in the State of North Carolina, have made, constituted and appointed… JAS. H. VERMILYA & CO., of Washington, D. C., my true and lawful Attorneys… to prosecute my claim for Arrears of Pension now on file… No. 323,078.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this 13th day of April, 1889. L. M. Morris

Page 27: Clerk’s Certification (April 1889)

• Clerk: Geo. Green, Clerk of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
• Summary: Certifies that Levi M. Morris (the son) personally appeared and signed the Power of Attorney in Craven County on April 13, 1889.

Page 28: Relinquishment of Attorney

• Signatory: W. El Clarke, Attorney.
• Summary: Clarke relinquishes his authority as attorney in the claim of Levi M. Morris (No. 323,078) to Jas. H. Vermilya & Co.

Page 29: Relinquishment Jacket

• Summary: Identifies the document as a “Relinquishment of Attorney of Record” for the claim of Levi M. Morris.

Page 30: Letter from the Bureau of Pensions

Washington, D.C., JANUARY 28, 1891.

MESSRS. W. H. WILLS & CO.,

Sirs:— In reply to your letter… asking why $25 was not paid to you on issue of December 15, 1890, in the case of minors of LEVI M. MORRIS… you are informed that such fee-agreements are not found among the papers. You will please, therefore, transmit Office-letter or card acknowledging receipt of the same.

Green B. Raum, Commissioner.

Page 31: Bureau of Pensions Rejection Letter

• Date: September 22, 1890.
• From: Commissioner Green B. Raum to W. H. Wills, Esq.
• Summary: The Bureau returns articles of agreement because they could not find a pending pension application in the name of the claimants mentioned in those specific documents.

Page 32: Filing Jacket

• Claimants: Wm. R. Morris et al., minors of Levi M. Morris.
• Service: Co. F, 1st N.C. Union Volunteers.

Page 33: Attorney Response on Fee Dispute

• Date: February 7, 1891.
• Details: W. H. Wills & Co. explains that they refiled fee agreements on October 13, 1890, after the Bureau previously returned them in September.

Page 34: Transmittal of Duplicates

• Date: April 3, 1891.
• Details: W. H. Wills & Co. submits duplicate Articles of Agreement for their fee as requested by the Bureau.

Page 35: Notice of Pension Issue

• Date: December 15, 1890.
• Certificate No: 279,292.
• Beneficiaries: William R., George G., and Levi M. Morris.
• Rates: $8 per month from July 8, 1865, plus an additional $2 per month for each child starting July 25, 1866.
• Addresses: William R. and Levi M. are in Vanceboro, while George G. is in New Berne.

Page 36: Attorney Inquiry

• Date: January 7, 1891.
• Summary: Attorneys argue for a $25 fee instead of $10, noting this is not a “continuing pension” (it’s a one-time arrears payment) and once paid, there will be no money left to cover their fee.

Page 37: Telegram Instructions

• Date: January 8, 1891.
• Details: The Pension Agent at Knoxville is instructed via telegraph to hold $25 on account for the attorney’s fee until further notice.

Page 38: Widow’s Pension Summary Card

• Claimant: Sarah A. Morris (listed as deceased).
• Marriage Date: December 12, 1852.
• Widow’s Death: November 1, 1870.
• Rejection Reason: Formally rejected on November 24, 1890, because the claimant (Sarah) died, leaving children who were under sixteen at the time of her death.
• Enlistment: June 1, 1864.
• Discharge: June 27, 1865.

Page 39: Declaration for Obtaining a Widow’s Army Pension

State of North Carolina, County of Beaufort On this 30th day of May A.D. 1866… personally appeared Sarah A. Morris, a resident of Washington, County of Beaufort… aged 31 years… That she is the widow of Levi M. Morris, who was a Private in Company “F” commanded by L. A. Bigger in the 1st Regiment of N.C. Vols… who died in Beaufort County, N.C. on or about July 8th 1865.

The further declares that she was married to the said Levi M. Morris on the 25th day of November 1857… that she has remained a widow ever since… that she has four children aged as follows: 12, 7, 5, & 1 years respectively.

Signatures: Sarah A. (her x mark) Morris.

Witnesses: Also personally appeared John Edwards and Caroline Tumble, residents of Washington, N.C.… they know they have been married they being eye witnesses to the marriage ceremony.

Page 40: Certification of Justice of the Peace

• Date: June 1, 1866.
• Details: Wm. S. Cordon, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Beaufort County, certifies that Thomas D. Smaw was an acting Justice of the Peace at the time of signing the affidavits on the previous page.

Page 41: Original Pension of Minor Children (Summary)

• Certificate No: 279,292.
• Claimants: William R. Morris, George G. Morris, and Levi M. Morris.
• Soldier: Levi M. Morris, Private, Co. F, 1st N.C. Union Volunteers.
• Key Dates:
  • Commencing: July 8, 1865.
  • Widow’s Death: Nov. 1, 1870.
• Children’s Vital Stats:
  • William R.: Born May 30, 1858; Sixteen on May 29, 1874.
  • George G.: Born Sept. 10, 1860; Sixteen on Sept. 9, 1876.
  • Levi M.: Born Aug. 3, 1865; Sixteen on Aug. 2, 1881.

Page 42: Declaration for Pension (July 1884)

State of North Carolina, County of Craven On this 25th day of July A.D. 1884… personally appeared Wm R. Morris, Guardian of Levi M. Morris, and Wm R. Morris and George G. Morris, all children of Levi M. Morris, dec’d…

That they are the legitimate children of Levi Morris, who enlisted… in Co. F, 1st N.C. (Union) Vols… who died near Washington N.C. July 8th 1865, the 11th day after his discharge, of Chronic Diarrhea…

That he left a widow surviving named Sarah Morris who died Nov 1st 1870…

The Children and their Birth Dates:

• Sarah W. Clark born October 4th 1853 (Note: She died near Stonewall, N.C. Sept 6th 1881).
• William R. Morris born May 30th 1858.
• Geo G. Morris born Sept 10th 1860.
• Levi M. born Aug 3rd 1865.

That the mother was married under the name of Sarah Holmes near Washington N.C. to Levi M. Morris in 1852.

Page 43: Witness Affidavit (Roland Morris)

Also personally appeared Roland Morris, residing at near Grantsboro N.C. and Jas F. Heath, residing at near Newbern N.C.… they were present and saw Wm R. Morris, Guardian of Levi M. Morris, Wm R. Morris & Geo G. Morris… sign the foregoing declaration.

Signatures: Roland Morris, Jas F. Heath. Date: July 25, 1884.

Page 44: General Affidavit of Justice of the Peace

• Justice: W. H. Ellison, age 68, of Vanceboro.
• Summary: Ellison certifies that the claimants (William, George, and Levi M.) personally appeared before him and that their signatures are genuine.
• Date: September 6, 1890.

Page 45: Certification of Affidavit

• Clerk: W. M. Carpenter, Clerk of Superior Court, Craven County.
• Summary: Carpenter certifies that W. H. Ellison was a duly commissioned Justice of the Peace.
• Date: September 8, 1890.

Page 46: Bureau of Pensions Inquiry

• To: William Rule, U.S. Pension Agent, Knoxville, Tenn.
• Inquiry: Requests to know what amount was withheld for attorney fees in the case of the Minors of Levi M. Morris.
• Date: May 13, 1891.

Page 47: Response from Knoxville Agency

• Agent: Wm Rule.
• Summary: Confirms that a fee of $25 was withheld in the case of the Minors of Levi M. Morris.
• Date: May 19, 1891.

Page 48: Adjutant General’s Service Record

Adjutant General’s Office, June 23, 1866 It appears from the Rolls on file in this Office, that Levi Morris was enrolled on the 1st day of June 1864, at Washington N.C. in Co. F, 1 Regiment of N.C. Volunteers, to serve 3 years… and mustered into service as a Corpl [Corporal] on the 19 day of Sept 1864…

On the Muster Roll of Co. F… dated 29 June 1865, he is reported Levi M. Morris Private, mustered out with his Co. 27 June 1865.

Note: “No record of death on file in this Office”.

Page 49: Request for Evidence of Death

• Subject: Request to the Adjutant General to furnish official evidence of the enrollment, service, and cause of death of Levi M. Morris.
• Note: Reports Levi died July 8, 1865.
• Date: June 19, 1866.

Page 51: War Department, Adjutant General’s Office

• Date: February 16, 1886.
• Subject: Levi M. Morris, Private, Co. F, 1st N.C. Volunteers.
• Summary: The office reports that records furnish no evidence of the alleged disability (Chronic Diarrhea) because regimental hospital records are not on file.

Page 52: Pension Office Request for Medical History

• Date: October 10, 1885.
• Details: Requests full report of service and hospital treatment for Levi M. Morris, who was disabled by “Chronic diarrhea” while serving in Co. F, 1st N.C. Inf.

Page 53: Surgeon General’s Office Report

• Date: February 13, 1886.
• Summary: Respectfully returned to the Adjutant General stating there are no hospital records for the 1st N.C. Inf. on file to prove treatment.

Page 54: Bureau of Pensions Medical History Inquiry

• Date: July 26, 1890.
• Medical Record Details: Shows Levi Morris, Pvt. Co. F 1st N.C. Vol., was treated from June 13 to June 21, 1865, for “Chronic Diarrhoea” and again from June 21 to July 3, 1865. He was returned to duty just 5 days before his recorded death.

Page 55: Witness Presence Inquiry

• Date: July 26, 1890.
• Names Listed: Jethro Nobles, William M. Lewis, and Roland Morris.
• Summary: The War Department confirms these men were present and mustered out with the company on June 27, 1865.

Page 56: General Affidavit of Jethro Nobles and William M. Lewis

State of North Carolina, County of Beaufort On this 21st day of June A.D. 1890… personally appeared Jethro Nobles, age 50… and William M. Lewis, whose Post Office address is Washington N.C.

“I knew Levi Morris well for many years. I knew him when he contracted chronic diarrhea while in the army near Newbern N.C.—expressly at Camp [unclear]. He was sent to the Hospital and afterwards discharged unfit for service and died a few days thereafter…”

William M. Lewis further states: “I have heard the affidavit of Jethro Nobles read. I am personally acquainted with all the circumstances… all the statements as made by him are true of my own knowledge.”

Page 57: Clerk’s Certification for Nobles and Lewis

• Clerk: G. Wilkens, Clerk of Superior Court, Beaufort County.
• Date: July 1890 (exact day not filled).
• Summary: Certifies that the witnesses are reputable and their signatures genuine.

Page 58: Affidavit of Roland Morris (Brother)

Pension Claim 323,078 In the matter of Levi M. Morris… Personally appeared before me… Roland Morris, who being duly sworn… says that he lives in Pamlico County… that his age is 59 years, that he was a private in Co. F, 1st Regt. N.C. Infantry and that he enlisted on the same day with his brother Levi M. Morris…

“…that he served with his said brother who died of chronic diarrhoea in July 1865 about the 4th day of said month. That he was treated for said disease 1st at Morehead City… that in June 1865 he came with the regiment to New Berne N.C. and went to the hospital and stayed there until a short time before his death, when he went to his home about 28 miles from New Berne in Beaufort County, where he was carried in a cart, only living two or three days at home.“

“That prior to going into service the said Levi M. Morris was sound and well and perfectly strong… That Levi M. Morris was married to Sarah Holmes and affiant was present at the marriage…”

Page 59: Affidavit of Roland Morris (Continued)

“…marriage of said parties at Chocowinity 3 miles of Washington in December 1852 and that said wife is dead leaving heirs Sarah Clark, now dead leaving one child John Henry Clark, William R. Morris, George G. Morris, Levi M. Morris all of whom were minors.”

“Levi M. Morris the soldier was never married before, nor was his widow ever remarried again. All of said children are now of age except Levi M. Morris.”

Signature: Roland Morris. Sworn: May 22, 1886 before R. B. Lehman, Clerk of U.S. District Court.

Page 60: Filing Jacket for Roland Morris Affidavit

• Date Stamp: May 24, 1889 (Received by Pension Office).
• Attorney: J. H. Vermilya & Co.

Page 61: General Affidavit of Roland Morris

State of North Carolina, County of Pamlico In the matter of Childs Pens #323,078— William R. Morris et al Children Levi Morris “F” 1 NC Vols ON THIS 3rd day of Sept A. D., 1890 personally appeared before me, a Clerk Superior Court… Roland Morris, age 61 years, whose Post Office address is Grantsboro, NC, Pamlico County.

“…That he was a member of same Co. and Regiment as above named soldier— and that on or about the 27th day of June 1865 his Regiment was ordered to Newberne NC. And while on route to said place— the said soldier— Levi Morris contracted Chronic Diarrhea on account of the extreme heat— bad water and surely cooked food— and being more or less affected with same disease for some time before that date.

That he was sent to Hospital at Newbern NC and discharged with balance of command on June 27, 1865— and was sent to his home in Chocowinity, Beaufort County NC and was very sick when they started with him from effects of said Chronic Diarrhea.”

Page 62: Certification for Roland Morris

• Clerk: Festus Miller, Clerk of the Superior Court for Pamlico County.
• Summary: Certifies that Roland Morris is a reputable person and that the signature is genuine.
• Date: September 8, 1890.

Page 63: General Affidavit of Harvey Edwards and Jane Edwards

State of North Carolina, County of Beaufort ON THIS [blank] day of [blank] A. D., 1890… personally appeared Harvey Edwards, age 64 years… and Jane Edwards, age 60, whose Post Office address is Chocowinity, NC.

“That they were well acquainted with the above named soldier— and present at the house and at his bed side when he died from Chronic Diarrhea— on or about July 8— 1865.

They further state that said soldier was brought to his father’s house in said village of Chocowinity, NC a few days prior to his death— having just received his discharge from the service— And being well acquainted and interested in him they went to his room often to see him. And knew of their own personal knowledge— that he had Chronic Diarrhea when brought home & died from results of same.

The said affiant Jane Edwards— further avers that she sit up with & helped to nurse said soldier from the time he was brought home until his death and that he had frequent discharges of bloody mucus with terrible pains and cramps and finally died from weakness and exhaustion caused by said disease.”

Page 64: Certification for Harvey and Jane Edwards

• Clerk: G. Wilkens, Clerk of Superior Court for Beaufort County.
• Summary: Certifies the reputation of Harvey and Jane Edwards.
• Date: September 13, 1890.

Page 65: General Affidavit of William W. Galloway and John Edwards

State of North Carolina, County of Beaufort ON THIS [blank] day of [blank] A. D., 1890… personally appeared Wm W. Galloway, age 66 years… and John Edwards, age 65, whose Post Office address is Chocowinity, NC.

“That they are well acquainted with family of said deceased soldier— and remember when he was brought home from the army in summer of July 1865— That the affiant Wm W. Galloway was in the undertaking business at that time and was called on by family of soldier to prepare him for burial & make his coffin— and that said affiant John Edwards assisted him in making said coffin and other until necessary.

That in packing his remains they found him— very thin and emaciated— and from all indications and surroundings were at that time satisfied— that he had died from disease of the bowels.

…They know he was buried near where he died— in early part of July 1865 & only a very short time after he got home.”

Page 66: Certification for Galloway and Edwards

• Clerk: G. Wilkens, Clerk of Superior Court, Beaufort County.
• Date: September 13, 1890.

Page 67: General Affidavit of Sophia Morris

State of North Carolina, County of Pamlico ON THIS 3rd day of Sept A. D., 1890… personally appeared Sophia Morris, age 52 years, whose Post Office address is Grantsboro, NC.

“That she was present at the house of her father in Chocowinity, Beaufort County NC in last of June or 1st part of July 1865— when her brother— above named soldier was brought home— by a neighbor— Mr. Joseph Hill— and at that time the said Levi Morris was very bad with Chronic Diarrhea and died from the effects of said Chronic Diarrhea on 8th day of July 1865— within a few days after he was brought home.

That she knows this from personal knowledge and observation— and because she was, at that time— an inmate of same house with soldier & present at his death.”

Page 68: Certification for Sophia Morris

• Clerk: Festus Miller, Clerk of the Superior Court for Pamlico County.
• Date: September 8, 1890.

Page 69: Joint Affidavit of Roland and Sophia Morris

State of North Carolina, Pamlico County In the matter of W. R. Morris et als Children of Levi Morris… On this 25th day of June AD 1890 personally appeared before me… Roland Morris and Sophia Morris aged respectively 60 & 52…

“…That we were well and personally acquainted with Sally Morris widow of Levi Morris who died on or about the 1st day of Nov. 1870, know the above to be true from the fact that the said Sally Morris died at our house.

We also certify that we were present at the birth of Levi M. Morris and that he was born on the 2nd day of August 1865. We also certify that we know the above to be true from the fact that I the said Roland Morris went after and carried the midwife on that occasion…“

Page 70: Joint Affidavit (Continued)

“…and the said Sophia Morris states that she attended on the mother at the birth of the said Levi M. Morris.”

Signatures: Roland Morris, Sophia Morris. Sworn: June 25, 1890 before Festus Miller, Clerk Superior Court.

Page 71: General Affidavit of William B. Morris and Sarah Anderson

State of North Carolina, County of Craven ON THIS 23rd day of June A. D., 1890 personally appeared before me… William B. Morris, age 56 years, whose Post Office address is Vanceboro, NC and Sarah Anderson, age 54 years, whose Post Office address is Vanceboro, NC.

“…That we were well acquainted with Sally Morris widow of the late Levi Morris—who died on or about the 1st day of November 1870—and were present when she was buried.

Affiants further state that they know the ages of William R. Morris and George G. Morris—William R. being 32 and George G. 29 years old—and further state that we were present when they were born.”

Page 72: Certification for William B. Morris and Sarah Anderson

• Justice: W. H. Ellison, Justice of the Peace.
• Clerk: W. M. Carpenter, Clerk of Superior Court, Craven County.
• Date: September 13, 1890.

Page 73: General Affidavit of John Norris (Nephew)

State of North Carolina, County of Beaufort ON THIS 21st day of June A. D., 1890… personally appeared John Norris, age 55 years…

“I knew Levi Morris. His wife Sallie Morris was left then surviving four children—Sarah W., William R., George G., and Levi M. Morris. At the birth of Sarah W. I went for the midwife. It was in fall of 1853 but I can not state the exact date. That midwife is now dead.”

Page 74: Certification for John Norris

• Clerk: G. Wilkens, Clerk of Superior Court, Beaufort County.
• Date: July 1890.

Page 75: General Affidavit of Jane Edwards

State of North Carolina, County of Craven …On this the 28th day of June 1890 personally appeared before me… Jane Edwards, age 59 years, whose post office adress Chocowinity, Beaufort County, NC.

“…i knew Sally Morris the widder of Levi Morris there four children and i further state that John Norris is correct in the birth of Sarah W. Morris was born October the 4th 1853. i was sent fore soon after the birth and went to that call and knew the to child well…”

Page 76: Certification for Jane Edwards

• Justice: W. H. Ellison, Justice of the Peace.

Page 77: General Affidavit regarding Family Bible

State of North Carolina, County of Craven ON THIS 6th day of Sept A. D., 1890… personally appeared W. H. Ellison, age 68 years…

“That he has made a careful examination of the family Bible lately belonging to said soldier—and finds it was printed by the firm of [blank] of City of [blank] in State of [blank]—and that from its present appearance—he is satisfied that it has been in possession & use of said soldier & family for period of time given.

That on one of the pages set apart for recording Births, Deaths &c he finds following records under head of births:

• ‘William R. Morris son of Levi Morris & Sally his wife was born May 30, 1858’
• ‘George G. Morris the son of Levi Morris & Sally his wife was born September 10, 1860’
• ‘Levi M. Morris son of Levi Morris & Sally his wife was born August 3, 1865’

…and he hereby certifies that the writing is old in appearance & different in shades & a credit made at time shown.”

Page 78: Certification for W. H. Ellison

• Clerk: W. M. Carpenter, Clerk of Superior Court, Craven County.
• Date: September 13, 1890.

Page 79: Joint Affidavit of William B. Morris and Jane Edwards

State of North Carolina, County of Craven ON THIS 4th day of Sept A. D., 1890… personally appeared William B. Morris, age 56… and Jane Edwards, age 60…

“…That they knew said soldier and his wife prior to their marriage and from time they were youths—and know from their own personal knowledge that neither of them were married prior to their marriage.

That they lived neighbors and knew of the birth of the children…

• William R. Morris—born May 30, 1858
• George G. Morris—” Sept 10, 1860
• Levi M. Morris—” Aug 3, 1865

The last child being born just about one month after death of its father (soldier). …their knowledge is gained from being intimate friends & neighbors with the parents & children.”

Page 80: Certification for William B. Morris and Jane Edwards

• Clerk: W. M. Carpenter, Clerk of Superior Court, Craven County.
• Date: September 13, 1890.

Page 81: Marriage Certification from Register of Deeds

I M. F. Williamson Register of Deeds for Beaufort County do hereby certify That Levi Morris & Sallie Holmes were married Dec 12th 1852 by Rev. Benj. B. Albritton as recorded in Registers Office of Beaufort County.

Witness my hand and Seal of Office This 21st day of June 1890.

M. F. Williamson, Reg. of Deeds

Page 82: Filing Jacket

• Case Name: W. R. Morris et al childn Levi Morris.
• Attorney Stamp: W. H. Wills, Attorney at Law, Washington, D.C..