The Descendants of John Heywood of Concord, Massachusetts

Page 488

ELLIS W. MORSE, an able young financier of Binghamton, N.Y., Treasurer of the Binghamton Wagon Company, was born at Eaton, Madison County, N.Y., February 27, 1865, son of Walter and Celeste (Davis) Morse. His grandfather was Ellis Morse, who was born in Massachusetts and reared in the town of Eaton, N.Y., where he was a farmer and cattle-dealer. The Morse family were originally from England, the earliest records of them in America dating back to 1635, in which year four of that name are said to have come to Massachusetts. Joseph, the founder of the family in Madison County, went there in 1796, nearly one hundred years ago, when the county was still untenanted save by the wild game and animals which abound in the forests, the only inhabitants being the Indians of the Six Nations, who were friendly visitors around the Morse fireside.

Walter Morse was a pioneer in the business of manufacturing engines, and was one of the well-known firm of Wood, Tabor & Morse, having the most extensive trade in that part of the country. He was born at Eaton, February 25, 1835, this town having been founded by his father, who encouraged and started local industries. Mrs. Walter Morse was born at Eaton, a daughter of Richard Davis, who was a millwirght and builder at that place. The family were members of the congregational church. The brothers of Walter Morse have all been distinguished men in their several walks through life. They are: George E., the founder and President of the seminary at Eaton; Gardner, a wealthy and public-spirited man of Eaton - has been Treasurer and Judge of the county; Henry, who won his rank of Major-General ont he battlefield; Alfred, the brave youngsoldier whose life was given for his country at Cedar Creek; and Hartwell, a prominent banker of Binghamton, N.Y.

The education of Ellis W. Morse was obtained in the schools of Eaton and at the academy at Hamilton, N.Y. When his course of study was finished, he took charge of the correspondence department of his father's office, and remained with him for eight years. Coming to Binghamton in 1891, he ably filled the position of book-keeper for the Binghamton Wagon Company, and at the annual meeting in January, 1892, was elected Treasurer. The works are located on Abbott Street, near the Delaware & Hudson Railway, having excellent switching facilities. The company was organized and incorporated in 1888, with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. The officers are: George A. Kent, President; R. D. Woodford, Superintendent and Vice-President; Herbert Longendyke, Secretary; and Ellis W. Morse, Treasurer. The main building is two hundred by sixty-five feet, five stories high, with basement; middle section, four stories and basement; and divided into different departments, manufacturing pleasure vehicles, and also business wagons. A high grade of work is turned out, being entirely completed in the manufactory from the raw material to the finish. The business is wholesaling only, giving employment, on an average, to one hundred and twenty-five skilled workmen. It is one of the most lucrative manufacturing plants in the city, the works having been run continuously since the opening.

On February 13, 1889, Mr. Morse married Miss Eva L., daughter of Benjamin and Martha L. Whipple. Mrs. Morse is a native of Eaton, Madison County, N.Y., and is a most estimable and charming lady. The family are members of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Morse discharges the responsible duties of his position with signal ability, and has won the highest confidence and esteem of all connected with the company.