Morris, Anthony, 1766---1860, , Pennsylvania 1766 1860 Male Merchant merchant, was born at Philadelphia, Pa. , the son of Samuel and Rebecca (Wistar) Morris and a descendant of Anthony Morris, 1654-1721 [q. v. ].
His father was a merchant and captain of the 16t Troop, Philadelphia City Cavalry, during the Revolution.
He studied with private tutors, then attended the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1783.
In 1814 when diplomatic relations were resumed Erving was renamed as minister to Spain and Morris returned to America.
During his sojourn at Madrid he suggested to the United States that East and West Florida could be purchased for a reasonable sum.
Though this suggestion received no attention at the time, it was eventually realized in the Treaty of 1819 by which Spain ceded East and West Florida and the adjacent islands to the United States.
He seems, however, to have taken no part in the negotiations.
About 1830-31 he founded an agricultural school at Bolton Farms in Bristol Township, Bucks County, Pa. , but this venture was not successful.
[J. L. Chamberlain, ed. , Universities and Their Sons: Univ. of Pa. , vol.
II (1902); R. C. Moon, The Morris Family of Phila. , vols.
I and II (1898); H. B. Fuller, The Purchase of Fla. (1906); J. L. M. Curry, "Diplomatic Services of Geo.
Wm. Erving, " Proc.
Massachussets Hist.
Soc. , 2 ser.
V (1890). ]
His wife was Mary Pemberton whom he had married on May 13, 1790.
They had four children.
During the latter part of his life he resided with his daughter at "The Highlands, " near Georgetown, D. C. , where he died.
