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Thanks, David.
Your information fills a lot of gaps in my understanding. I'm new to this genealogy business, but, although I don't have many resources, I find it fascinating. My father left me a couple of boxes of materials on the subject of his family (an interest I never knew he had) and I'm just trying to fill in blanks and perhaps extend the known ancestors a little further back in time.
My father's information on his side of the Morris family left off in its investigation of the Van Ness branch with this passage from a book by one Lucy A. Carhart:
"Dr. ASAHEL MORRIS, son of Captain Amos Morris, was born February 14, 1766, lived with his parents on the farm at Morris Point until his twenty-first year, assisting in the farm work and studying as he had opportunity. He entered Yale College, took a full course of study, and
graduated, 1789. He studied medicine in Hartford, Conn. In 1793, he settled as a physician in a place called " Tiossiock," on the Hoosic river, in the town of Cambridge, Washington County, N. Y. This place was settled by Holland Dutch people. In 1795 Dr. Morris married Catherine Van Ness, daughter of Philip Van Ness, one of the largest land owners in the settlement. His ancestors immigrated from Holland. Philip Van Ness was a liberal, earnest Christian, one of the founders of the Reformed Dutch Church at " Tiossiock," afterwards called " Buskirk's Bridge." At his death he required a promise from his children and their families that they would always support the old church, which promise was faithfully
kept as long as any of his descendants remained in that vicinity. His grandson, Dr. Philip Van Ness Morris, at his death, donated a sum for the perpetual care of the church and cemetery belonging to it. Dr. Asahel Morris settled in Washington County at a time when the Dutch settlers were very suspicious and afraid of strangers from New England ; consequently, he had great difficulties to overcome before he could establish himself, gain medical practice and make a home among them. Catherine Van Ness was attractive and received much attention from wealthy and fashionable young men of Albany, one of whom her parents wished her to marry, so when it was apparent that she favored the suit of the " young Yankee doctor," they were filled with consternation and anxiety for her welfare. A family council was called to consider what should be done. It was decided to send one of their number to Morris Point, East Haven, Conn., to investigate matters and find out the social standing and property, etc., of the Morris family. The early Dutch settlers thought highly of family standing and landed property and silver. After an absence of several weeks, the messenger returned, tired and jaded by his long, lonely ride on horseback through an almost unbroken forest. In answer to the anxious inquiries of friends he curtly told them he had found the Morris family were quite as respectable and of as good standing as the Van Ness family. Other explanations followed with the result that Catherine Van Ness became the wife of Dr. Asahel Morris, February 14, 1795, with a marriage portion of four hundred acres of land, four negro slaves and money to build a house. Dr. Morris gained and always kept the good will and respect of all his wife's family and relatives. His judgment and advice were sought in all matters of importance. Large estates were left for his settlement. He held places of trust in the town and county and was loved and respected wherever his name was known. He was a man of great integrity and honesty, was a careful, prudent and successful physician, and at his death was greatly mourned. His death occurred in July, 1830, caused by taking a malignant disease from a patient whom he had treated and nursed to convalescence. His wife contracted the same disease and died a few days later.
ASAHEL MORRIS CHILDREN:
Philip Van Ness, born Dec. 11, 1795
John, born Dec. 15, 1798, died Feb. 21, 1863
Henry, born Sept 19, 1803, married Caroline A. Smith, May 10, 1830; died Oct. 17, 1881
Catherine L., born Mar. 14, 1805
As you can see, after a brief nod to the influence of Philip Van Ness as a patroon of the upper Hudson River valley, Mrs. Carhart abandons further mention of him, never referring to his wife or parents. It was only through good luck that I found that his wife was Lena (or, variously, Lanah or even Lina) Ten Broek (or Broeck or Brooke). But I never got farther than that on my own.
Thanks again for the help.
--Mike Crothers
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