The subject of this sketch, sheriff of the county of Renfrew, was born in the county of 1 Renfrew, Scotland, March 4, 1818. His father, James Morris, senior, was a merchant in the city of Glasgow before coming to Canada; and his grandfather was from the county of Ayr. His mother was Mary Wright, also Scotch. James as educated at the high school in Glasgow; came to this country with his parents in 1830, and they settled on land in the township of McNab, where our subject farmed until 1853. There he buried his mother in 1858, and his father in 1862.
Prior to 1853, Mr. Morris had been reeve of the township of MacNab for four or five years; that year was warden of the united counties of Lanark and Renfrew, and in the same year was appointed registrar of the county of Renfrew, holding that office for thirteen years. Since 1866, he has been sheriff of the county; is faithful in every efficient trust, and has an excellent reputation. He has been returning officer for the county since 1854: was Captain of the first company, first battalion of Renfrew militia, and was superintendent of education for the township of McNab for a number of years. Few citizens of the county have made themselves mote useful.
Mr. Morris belongs to the Presbyterian church, and so fast as we can learn, has always maintained a good moral character. He has the fullest confidence of the people of the county.
In 1858, he married Miss Jane Young, daughter of James Young, of McNab, and of seven children, of whom she is the mother, all are living but one daughter.