My Genealogy Hound

JOHN MORSE was born March 28, 1842, in McHenry county, Ill. Has a grocery and restaurant, and one-half interest in the only livery in Jasper. When seven years old he moved with his parents to California, driving through with teams. Remained there one year and returned by water to New York City; then moved to Virginia, and from there back to his old home in McHenry county, Ill. He remained there until he was twelve years of age, and then went to Iowa and farmed until he was sixteen, when he tried to learn the blacksmith’s trade, but gave it up and went back on the farm until the war broke out. He enlisted in the Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry, but was transferred to Company B, Seventh Iowa Infantry, He was wounded at the battle of Belmont, and from the wound and exposure got discharged in April 1862, and returned home. He was married to Miss Lucy Horton April 22, 1862, who was a daughter of R. C. Horton, one of the pioneers of Iowa. Mr. Morse again enlisted, Jan. 1, 1863, in Company H, Fourth Iowa Infantry. He was sent south and joined Grant’s array, but soon after was put on detached duty and sent to Keokuk, Iowa, and from there was transferred to the veteran corps and sent to Springfield, Ill., where he remained until the close of the war. After the war he started a harness shop, and worked at that one year. Moved to Jasper county, Mo., in 1867, and has engaged in several things. He bought and sold stock, and mined some, but is now keeping a grocery store and restaurant. He has six children: Arthur L. and Etha J. (twins), Mary E., John W., Reuben C., and Theodore.