Moses Morris^[1]

1836 - 1936  (99 years)

• Name	Moses Morris
  Nickname	Michael
  Birth	22 May 1836	Lobsens (now Lobzenica), Poland   [2]
  Gender	Male
  Immigration	09 Nov 1866	San Francisco, California   [3]
  	According to Moses Morris' obituary in the San Francisco Chronicle, this was the day he arrived in San Francisco, California.
  Occupation	1880	Modesto, California   [4]
  	Saloon Keeper
  	Age: 43
  Occupation	1900	San Francisco, California   [5]
  	Landlord
  	Age: 64
  Residence	1900	San Francisco, California   [5]
  	Age: 64
  	Address: 123 Fell Street San Francisco, California 94102 United States
  Occupation	21 Jan 1906	1123 Market Street, San Francisco, California   [6]
  	Moses and his son Isidor are the proprietors of Morris Bargain House.
  Residence	26 Mar 1916	San Francisco, California   [7]
  	Age: 81
  	Address: 3339 24th Street San Francisco, California 94110 United States
  Residence	1920	San Francisco, California   [8]
  	Age: 83
  	Address: 1148 Guerrero Street San Francisco, California 94110 United States
  Residence	09 Feb 1936	San Francisco, California   [3]
  	Age: 99
  	Address: 357 Fifteenth Avenue San Francisco, California 94118 United States
  Record ID Number	MH:I98
  Death	09 Feb 1936	357 Fifteenth Avenue, San Francisco, California   [3, 9]
  Person ID	I98	Walsh - Wilson Family Tree | Craig
  Last Modified	25 Apr 2009

  
  

  Father	Michael Morris,   b. Jun 1809, Lobsens (now Lobzenica), Poland d. 12 Oct 1881, San Francisco, California (Age ~ 72 years)
  Mother	Esther Morris,   b. Jun 1804, Lobsens (now Lobzenica), Poland d. 28 Jan 1883, Stockton, California (Age ~ 78 years)
  Documents		Kevy Morris Obituary - San Francisco Examiner - 25 Sep 1920 - Page 4, Column 8 "In this city September 24 1920, Kevy Morris, beloved husband of the late Yetta Morris, loving father of I.F., M.E. Morris, Mrs. Max King, Mrs. R. Sahlinger, Flora Morris, and the late Jack and Rose Isaacs, beloved brother of Moses and Herman Morris, Mrs. S. Levy, and the late Joe Morris, a native of Germany aged 83 years. [...] Interment Salem Cemetery. Officers and members of California Lodge No. 163, I.O.B.P. are hereby notified to attend the funeral of our late brother, K. Morris."
  Headstones		Gravestone of Michael Morris and Esther Morris Photograph from the www.findagrave.com website. Taken by Dave Jones, 4 Feb 2007
  		Gravestone of Michael and Esther Morris Salem Memorial Park and Garden, Colma, California - Block 1A Plot: Block 1A
  Family ID	F35	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Sarah Dumka,   b. 1836, Lobsens (now Lobzenica), Poland d. 28 Jan 1916, San Francisco, California (Age 80 years)
  Marriage	Abt 1862  [10]
  Children	+ 1. Eva Morris,   b. 25 Jan 1870, California d. 17 Oct 1964, San Francisco, California (Age 94 years) + 2. Isidor Morris,   b. 14 Dec 1874, California d. 11 Feb 1962, Oakland, California (Age 87 years)   3. Samuel Morris,   b. 15 Apr 1877, California d. 02 Mar 1950, San Francisco, California (Age 72 years)
  Documents		"Pair Married Fifty Years to Celebrate - Mr. and Mrs. Moses Morris, who were married half a century ago in Germany, and celebrate their golden wedding anniversary today." - San Francisco Call, 31 Mar 1912 - Page 22, Column 5 "Mr. and Mrs. Moses Morris of 3339 Twenty-fourth Street will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary today with a reception to their friends. They were married 50 years ago in Germany. After coming to the United States in 1866 Morris engaged in business at Stockton, but shortly afterward moved with his wife to Modesto, where he was in business for 35 years. At present he conducts a store in Mission Street. Three children and three grandchildren will join the couple today in observing their half-century of marital happiness. The children are: Mrs. L. Rehfeld of 808 Guerrero Street and Sam and Isa Morris, who are in business with their father."
  Headstones		Sarah and Moses Morris Grave - Salem Memorial Park, Colma, California
  Family ID	F505778151	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	21 Jun 2008

  
  

• Photos

  The Morris Family Reunion - 1916 This appears to be the photograph that was used (with some editing) to illustrate the reunion article in the 26 Mar 1916 issue of the San Francisco Chronicle

  
  

  Documents » Slide Show		1880 United States Census - Moses Morris and Family in Modesto, California The 1880 census report shows Moses Morris (age 44, a saloonkeeper) living with his wife Sarah (age 41, a housekeeper), and his children Eva (age 11), Isidor (age 5), and Samuel (age 3). The report shows Moses and Sarah born in Bromberg, Germany (now Bydgoszcz, Poland). According to Google Earth, it is 57km from Bydgoszcz to Lobzenica, Poland. These seem to be the right people as the ages and names all agree with later census reports.
  		1900 United States Census - Moses Morris and Family The 1900 census shows Moses Morris (born May 1836 and a landlord) living with his wife Sarah (born Jan 1837). They have been married for 38 years, and entered the US in 1865. Moses is naturalised. Their children are Isidor (born Dec 1875, a shoe salesman) and Samuel (born Apr 1877, a furniture salesman). They are living at 123 Fell Street, San Francisco.
  		1910 United States Census - Moses Morris and Family The 1910 census shows Moses Morris (age 74, married for 47 years, a merchant - clothing), living with his wife Sarah (age 73), and sons Isidor (age 35) and Samuel (age 32). In San Francisco Assembly District 35. Roll: T624_98; Page: 9B; Enumeration Distric: 128; Image 690.
  		1920 United States Census - Lesser Rehfeld Family with Moses and Samuel Morris The 1920 census shows Lesser - sometimes Lester - Rehfeld (age 53, a salesman) living with his wife Eva (age 50) and daughters Rosella (age 25) and Florence (age 21), both stenographers. Also in the house is Moses Morris (age 83, his father-in-law) and Samuel (age 40, his son-in-law). Living at 1148 Guerrero Street, San Francisco.
  		1930 United States Census - Lesser Rehfeld and Family The 1930 census shows Lesser (Lester) Rehfeld (age 63, a salesmen of baker's ? supplies), living with his wife Eva (age 50), and daughter Rosella (age 30, a stenographer). Also present is Lesser's father-in-law Moses Morris, age 94. Family is at 1148 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, California. Roll: 199; Page 5A; Enumeration District: 126: Image: 554.0
  		"Family Group of 70 Years and Upward Meets in Oakland" - San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar 1916 "Four brothers and a sister greet each other at family party." The story of the Morris reunion, where the "baby," Hermann Morris, was 70 years old. Copy sent to me by David A. Jones.
  		Moses Morris Obituary - 9 Feb 1936 Moses Morris died three months before his 100th birthday. He came to San Francisco seventy years ago, was a pioneer merchant, and smoked as many as four cigars a day in his nineties.
  		"Dies On Eve Of 100th Year" - San Francisco Chronicle, 9 Feb 1936 Moses Morris died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lesser Rehfeld (357 Fifteenth Avenue, San Francisco). Moses said, on his 99th birthday, "You are never old until you wish to die." He passed away in his sleep. Mr. Morris arrived in San Francisco on 9 Nov 1866 and was a "prominent figure in the city's business life. He was the oldest surving member of Hope Lodge, B'nai B'rith, of Stockton. He served in the German cavalry in 1859. Survived by his daughter, two sons (Samuel and Isa Morris), and three grandchildren.
  		"Stolen Goods Recovered" - Article from San Francisco Call newspaper, 21 Jan 1906 Moses Morris and his son Isidor Morris, the proprietors of Morris Bargain House at 1123 Market Street, are arrested for allegedly fencing stolen goods -- including 22 1/2 sides of bacon. Less than three months later the earthquake would hit San Francisco.
  		Moses Morris Obituary - The Modesto Bee Moses Morris' obituary was printed on the first page of The Modesto Bee, 11 Feb 1936
  		Obituary of Sarah [Dumka] Morris - San Francisco Chronicle - 29 Jan 1916 - Page 6, Column 8 "In this city, January 28, Sara, dearly beloved wife of Moses Morris, devoted mother of Isidore and Samuel Morris and Mrs. Eva Rehfeld, and grandmother of Rosella and Flossie Rehfeld ans Sylvia Morris, a native of Lobsen, Prussia, Germany, aged 79 years. (Modesto, Cal. papers please copy.) [...] Interment Salem Cemetery by automobile."
  		"Pair Married Fifty Years to Celebrate - Mr. and Mrs. Moses Morris, who were married half a century ago in Germany, and celebrate their golden wedding anniversary today." - San Francisco Call, 31 Mar 1912 - Page 22, Column 5 "Mr. and Mrs. Moses Morris of 3339 Twenty-fourth Street will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary today with a reception to their friends. They were married 50 years ago in Germany. After coming to the United States in 1866 Morris engaged in business at Stockton, but shortly afterward moved with his wife to Modesto, where he was in business for 35 years. At present he conducts a store in Mission Street. Three children and three grandchildren will join the couple today in observing their half-century of marital happiness. The children are: Mrs. L. Rehfeld of 808 Guerrero Street and Sam and Isa Morris, who are in business with their father."
  		"Young Morris Still Able to Drink Plenty" - 16 May 1933 "Moses Morris, 97, isn't as good a man as he used to be. His years are beginning to tell on him. Time was when he could drink anything - whisky, cognac, beer, or wine. He has softened up. Now he qualifies the 'anything.' 'Yes, sir,' said the youngest 97 year old man in San Francisco yesterday. 'I drink anything as long as it has a kick to it.' Mr. Morris, who lives at 357 Fifteenth Avenue, is one of the senior B'nai B'rith lodge members of San Francisco. He joined Hope Lodge, No. 126, at Stockton back in 1869. In 1914 they held the golden jubilee of the lodge up at Stockton. Mr. Morris was the only surviving charter member present. Now the children of those who were present at the jubilee and have passed on, ask him to tell about it. He comes downtown whenever he feels like it, 'hasn't been beaten since the Civil War at pinochle,' and is planning to save his pennies for a trip around the world when he is 110. When he gets old he plans to stay home and take it easy, but now --- 'I hate to stick around the house! Don't you?' quoth he."
  		"Moses Morris, 'City's Youngest Old Man,' Dies" - 11 Feb 1936 "'Pinochle Champion' Passes 3 Months Before 100th Birthday - Three months short of 100 years, Moses Morris, 'San Francisco's youngest old man,' died yesterday after a week's illness. He was active until his death, read without glasses, and enjoyed the movies. Three years ago he boasted that he 'hadn't been beaten in pinochle since the Civil War.' He ate and drank as his taste dictated and never worried about his age. "Retired at 90 - Born in Germany in 1836, he came to California at 30, was active in business in Modesto and Stockton. There, he was a charter member of the B'nai B'rith Lodge. He retired from business in San Francisco at 90, not out of personal desire but to satisfy the requests of his sons. "Funeral Today - He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Lesser Rehfeld, 357 Fifteenth Avenue, with whom he made his home, two sons, Isadore and Samuel Morris; three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. today at Halsted-Dierks & Co. parlors. Intermet will be follow at Salem Cemetery."
  		"His Philosophy at 93 Is 'Don't Worry'" "A philosophy of not worrying about anything, even to how to live to be 93, is ascribed as the secret of his longevity and strength by Moses Morris of 1143 Guerrero Street, who on Wednesday will celebrate his 93rd birthday. He declared yesterday that he has always eaten and drunk whatever he wished, and that is the key to his age. He does not use glasses for reading, he said. Three children and several grandchildren will assist him in the celebration."
  		Moses Morris Obituary - 11 Feb 1936 - Page 3 "Moses Morris, 99, Dies in Sleep - SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 11 - Three months before his 100th birthday, Moses Morris, retired San Joaquin Valley and San Francisco business man, died last night in his sleep, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L. Rehfeld, 357 15th Avenue. "Morris was born in Germany in 1836. At the age of 30 he came to California and settled in Modesto and later in Stockton, where he was active in fraternal affairs. He later moved to San Francisco, where he was active in business until he reached the age of 90. "He is survived by his daughter, two sons, Isadore and Samuel Morris; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held today at 10 a.m. from Halsted-Dierks & Company."
  		Moses Morris - 91st Birthday is Celebrated - 24 May 1927 "Twenty-five friends and relatives of Moses Morris, pioneer San Franciscan and retired clothing merchant, celebrated his ninety-first birthday Saturday night by giving him a surprise party. "They gathered at his home, 1148 Guerrero Street, to the complete surprise of the venerable citizen, and he participated in their merry evening. Among those at the party were his two sons and one daughter. "Morris served in the cavalry of the German Army in 1859. He arrived in San Francisco on November 9, 1866, and until his retirement he was a prominent figure in the city's business life."

  
  

  Histories

  Ted Gostin's Genealogical Report on Max Z. Konig [King] and the Morris Family of San Francisco - In June 2008 I retained the services of Ted Gostin to help me find out what he could about Max Z. Konig [King], owner of the Los Alamos General Store (Emporium) in the early 1900's, and the arrival of the Morris family from Prussia in the 1860's. This is Ted's preliminary report, dated 5 Sept 2008, with attachments. It is a searchable Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file, 9.32 MB in size. Ted's website is at www.generationspress.com/research.html

  
  

• Sources

  [S4924] San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar 1916 (Reliability: 2). In San Francisco Chronicle, Moses is called Michael. [S4924] San Francisco Chronicle, 09 Feb 1936. [S4924] San Francisco Chronicle, 09 Feb 1936 (Reliability: 2). [S4922] 1880 United States Federal Census (Reliability: 2). Census: Modesto, Stanilaus, California. Roll: T9_84, Family History Film: 1254084; Page: 331-3000; Enumeration District: 94; Image: 0665. [S54] 1900 United States Federal Census, San Francisco, Roll: T623.103; Page 12A; Enumeration District: 144 (Reliability: 2). [S2] San Francisco Call Newspaper, 21 Jan 1906, 40 (Reliability: 3). [S4924] San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar 1916 (Reliability: 2). [S49] 1920 United States Federal Census, San Francisco Assembly District 25, Roll: T:625_134; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 72; Image: 393 (Reliability: 2). [S4898] California Death Index, 09 Feb 1936, State File 12491 (Reliability: 3). Verified at www.vitalsearch-ca.com [S2] San Francisco Call Newspaper, 31 Mar 1912, Page 22, Column 5 (Reliability: 3). Newspaper article in 31 Mar 1912 issue says, "Mr. and Mrs. Morris of 3339 24th Street will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary today [...]. They were married 50 years ago in Germany."