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Judge Robert Graves Morrow

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Judge Robert Graves Morrow

Birth
Niles, Berrien County, Michigan, USA
Death
31 Jul 1931 (aged 69)
Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA
Burial
Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA Add to Map
Plot
Rose Chamber, Section D, Tier 5, Niches 1 and 2
Memorial ID
View Source
Son of Colonel Henry Andrew Morrow & Isabelle Graves Morrow.
Married Zoe Elizabeth Robie Perrine on 21 December 1910 in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

MORROW, ROBERT GRAVES, Jurist—A distinguished figure at the Oregon bar for nearly half a century and judge of the Circuit Court of Multnomah County for twenty-three years, Robert Graves Morrow was the dean of the State judiciary at the time of his death and one of the best-loved men of his profession.

Judge Morrow was born at Niles, Michigan, on December 11, 1861, a son of General Henry A. and Isabella (Graves) Morrow. His father, who was born at Warrenton, Virginia, on July 10, 1829, was educated at Rittenhouse Academy, Washington, District of Columbia, and at the age of seventeen enlisted in the army and served one year during the Mexican War. Later he served as a page in the United States Senate where he became a warm friend of Senator Lewis Cass. Upon the advice of the Senator, he later removed to Michigan and in 1853 began the practice of law in Detroit. Here he became judge of the recorder's court, a court of the highest criminal jurisdiction. He went into the Civil War as colonel of the 24th Michigan Infantry, afterwards commanded the famous Iron Brigade, and was four times brevetted for his distinguished services. Following the war he was commissioned in the regular army with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1879 he was promoted to a colonelcy and assigned to Vancouver Barracks, Washington, where he was in command until 1884, when transferred to Fort Sidney, Nebraska. General Morrow married, on December 11, 1860, Isabella Graves, daughter of William and Sarah (Sutherland) Graves, of Niles, Michigan. They became the parents of five sons and one daughter: 1. Robert Graves Morrow, of this review. 2. Colonel Henry M. Morrow, of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. Colonel William M. Morrow, of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. Colonel Frank J. Morrow, of New York. 5. Malcomb McK. Morrow, of Columbus, Ohio. 6. Isabel Sutherland, wife of Colonel J. J. Boniface of El Paso, Texas.

Judge Morrow received his early education in western army posts and the public schools of Niles, Michigan. In 1879 he entered the University of Michigan, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1883. His father meanwhile was stationed at Vancouver Barracks, and in August, 1883, Judge Morrow came to Portland, entering the office of Hon. George H. Williams, where he read law. He was admitted to practice in October, 1885, beginning his long and distinguished career in his profession. In 1892 Judge Morrow was appointed reporter of the Supreme Court of Oregon, and served in this capacity for sixteen years. During that period he edited and published twenty-seven volumes of "Oregon Reports," volumes 23 to 49 inclusive, and thus acquired an extensive and accurate knowledge of the law as declared and construed by the Supreme Court of the State.

In June, 1908, he was elected circuit judge of Multnomah County by a margin of 2,500 votes over the late Thomas O'Day and in 1912 was reelected by a majority of 25,000. Judge Morrow served continuously on the bench until his death, a period of twenty-three years. The merit of his services fully justified the confidence reposed in him at his election and his able administration of the duties of his high office won him honor and unqualified respect. During his incumbency, he presided over many notable criminal trials of various kinds and so carefully did he safeguard the rights of accusor and accused alike that no criminal decision of his was ever reversed. Judge Morrow also determined several important constitutional questions with uniform correctness. In addition to being the oldest member of the county judiciary in point of service he enjoyed at his death the distinction of having presided over the trial which involved the greatest sum of money of any case ever tried in an Oregon court and also the longest case ever heard in this State. In one of these, the jury deliberated longer upon its verdict than in any other case recorded in the United States, and the judgment then rendered was satisfied without appeal.

Judge Morrow was not only highly respected for his utter impartiality and clarity of vision but also for the soundness of judgment upon the bench. His constant support of worthy projects in the public interest and unfailing regard for the welfare of the State brought him equally the respect and affection of Oregon people. During the World War he devoted most of his leisure hours to patriotic service, rendering valuable aid to the various subscription campaigns and inspiring the people of the State to greater efforts in their country's cause. Judge Morrow was affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he was a member of all higher bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including the 32d degree of the Consistory, and he was a member of the Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was affiliated, in addition, with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, the Artisans, and the Improved Order of Red Men; was a past commander and recorder of the Military Loyal Legion, a member of Delta Upsilon Society, and honorary member of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity; was a life member of the Multnomah Club, and a member of the University Club, the Multnomah Country Club and the Oregon State Bar Association. He was a welcome companion in any circle, and his friendship was cherished by all those who were privileged to claim him as a friend.

On December 21, 1910, Judge Morrow married Mrs. Zoe (Robie) Perrine, of Portland, a daughter of Captain A. H. and Martha (Craig) Robie, of Fort Lapwai, Idaho. Her father, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, came west with Governor Stevens in 1856 and was appointed quartermaster at The Dalles. Later he settled at Boise, Idaho, where he became extensively interested in various lumber enterprises operating in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, and also in cattle holdings in Oregon and California. In later life he was universally regarded as the outstanding citizen of Boise, and at his death on July 26, 1878, all business in the city was suspended for three days in tribute to his memory.

Mrs. Morrow's maternal grandfather, Colonel William Craig, was also a prominent figure in the pioneer days of the West. He was an officer in the British Army who came to America and in June, 1846, located at Fort Lapwai, Idaho, then in the Oregon Territory. There he established the farm known as the Oregon Donation Farm, which was long a famous waypoint between Mexico and Canada. The site has since been marked by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Colonel Craig took a prominent part in Indian affairs, serving as a mediator on several occasions between the Indians and the Government and attesting their treaties. Craig Mountain was named in his honor, and his friend, Joaquin Miller, often said that it was Colonel Craig who enjoyed the distinction of having given Idaho its name. Mrs. Morrow, who survives her husband, continues her residence in Portland.

Judge Morrow died at his home in Portland on July 31, 1931. He was sixty-nine years old and his death came as a severe shock to the members of the profession which he had so long adorned and particularly to those who had been associated with him in his work on the bench through the years. In wider circles of the State as a whole, however, his loss was also keenly felt and truly mourned. Speaking for the bench and bar of Oregon, Presiding Judge Ekwall said:

In the death of Judge Morrow, the State suffers a great loss. He was the dean of the Oregon bench and was loved by all who knew him. We all looked upon him as the sage of Multnomah County.

To this tribute may be added the following editorial comment which appeared in the "News-Telegram" of Portland:

The community is saddened by the sudden death of Judge Morrow, who was thought to be recovering from an illness which has kept him off the bench for several months. With twenty-three years of continuous service, Judge Morrow was the dean of Multnomah County judges.

Son of an army officer, Robert Graves Morrow passed his childhood in an atmosphere of military discipline and this may have helped to give him the precision and clarity of mind that gave authority to his judicial decisions.

Genial, kindly—graciously endowed with the gift of winning and making friends—Judge Morrow held a favored place in the life and love of Portland.

"Encyclopedia of American Biography," Vol. 1, Winfield Scott Downs, ed., New York, American Historical Society, 1934, Pages 408-412.
Son of Colonel Henry Andrew Morrow & Isabelle Graves Morrow.
Married Zoe Elizabeth Robie Perrine on 21 December 1910 in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

MORROW, ROBERT GRAVES, Jurist—A distinguished figure at the Oregon bar for nearly half a century and judge of the Circuit Court of Multnomah County for twenty-three years, Robert Graves Morrow was the dean of the State judiciary at the time of his death and one of the best-loved men of his profession.

Judge Morrow was born at Niles, Michigan, on December 11, 1861, a son of General Henry A. and Isabella (Graves) Morrow. His father, who was born at Warrenton, Virginia, on July 10, 1829, was educated at Rittenhouse Academy, Washington, District of Columbia, and at the age of seventeen enlisted in the army and served one year during the Mexican War. Later he served as a page in the United States Senate where he became a warm friend of Senator Lewis Cass. Upon the advice of the Senator, he later removed to Michigan and in 1853 began the practice of law in Detroit. Here he became judge of the recorder's court, a court of the highest criminal jurisdiction. He went into the Civil War as colonel of the 24th Michigan Infantry, afterwards commanded the famous Iron Brigade, and was four times brevetted for his distinguished services. Following the war he was commissioned in the regular army with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1879 he was promoted to a colonelcy and assigned to Vancouver Barracks, Washington, where he was in command until 1884, when transferred to Fort Sidney, Nebraska. General Morrow married, on December 11, 1860, Isabella Graves, daughter of William and Sarah (Sutherland) Graves, of Niles, Michigan. They became the parents of five sons and one daughter: 1. Robert Graves Morrow, of this review. 2. Colonel Henry M. Morrow, of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. Colonel William M. Morrow, of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. Colonel Frank J. Morrow, of New York. 5. Malcomb McK. Morrow, of Columbus, Ohio. 6. Isabel Sutherland, wife of Colonel J. J. Boniface of El Paso, Texas.

Judge Morrow received his early education in western army posts and the public schools of Niles, Michigan. In 1879 he entered the University of Michigan, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1883. His father meanwhile was stationed at Vancouver Barracks, and in August, 1883, Judge Morrow came to Portland, entering the office of Hon. George H. Williams, where he read law. He was admitted to practice in October, 1885, beginning his long and distinguished career in his profession. In 1892 Judge Morrow was appointed reporter of the Supreme Court of Oregon, and served in this capacity for sixteen years. During that period he edited and published twenty-seven volumes of "Oregon Reports," volumes 23 to 49 inclusive, and thus acquired an extensive and accurate knowledge of the law as declared and construed by the Supreme Court of the State.

In June, 1908, he was elected circuit judge of Multnomah County by a margin of 2,500 votes over the late Thomas O'Day and in 1912 was reelected by a majority of 25,000. Judge Morrow served continuously on the bench until his death, a period of twenty-three years. The merit of his services fully justified the confidence reposed in him at his election and his able administration of the duties of his high office won him honor and unqualified respect. During his incumbency, he presided over many notable criminal trials of various kinds and so carefully did he safeguard the rights of accusor and accused alike that no criminal decision of his was ever reversed. Judge Morrow also determined several important constitutional questions with uniform correctness. In addition to being the oldest member of the county judiciary in point of service he enjoyed at his death the distinction of having presided over the trial which involved the greatest sum of money of any case ever tried in an Oregon court and also the longest case ever heard in this State. In one of these, the jury deliberated longer upon its verdict than in any other case recorded in the United States, and the judgment then rendered was satisfied without appeal.

Judge Morrow was not only highly respected for his utter impartiality and clarity of vision but also for the soundness of judgment upon the bench. His constant support of worthy projects in the public interest and unfailing regard for the welfare of the State brought him equally the respect and affection of Oregon people. During the World War he devoted most of his leisure hours to patriotic service, rendering valuable aid to the various subscription campaigns and inspiring the people of the State to greater efforts in their country's cause. Judge Morrow was affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he was a member of all higher bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including the 32d degree of the Consistory, and he was a member of the Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was affiliated, in addition, with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, the Artisans, and the Improved Order of Red Men; was a past commander and recorder of the Military Loyal Legion, a member of Delta Upsilon Society, and honorary member of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity; was a life member of the Multnomah Club, and a member of the University Club, the Multnomah Country Club and the Oregon State Bar Association. He was a welcome companion in any circle, and his friendship was cherished by all those who were privileged to claim him as a friend.

On December 21, 1910, Judge Morrow married Mrs. Zoe (Robie) Perrine, of Portland, a daughter of Captain A. H. and Martha (Craig) Robie, of Fort Lapwai, Idaho. Her father, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, came west with Governor Stevens in 1856 and was appointed quartermaster at The Dalles. Later he settled at Boise, Idaho, where he became extensively interested in various lumber enterprises operating in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, and also in cattle holdings in Oregon and California. In later life he was universally regarded as the outstanding citizen of Boise, and at his death on July 26, 1878, all business in the city was suspended for three days in tribute to his memory.

Mrs. Morrow's maternal grandfather, Colonel William Craig, was also a prominent figure in the pioneer days of the West. He was an officer in the British Army who came to America and in June, 1846, located at Fort Lapwai, Idaho, then in the Oregon Territory. There he established the farm known as the Oregon Donation Farm, which was long a famous waypoint between Mexico and Canada. The site has since been marked by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Colonel Craig took a prominent part in Indian affairs, serving as a mediator on several occasions between the Indians and the Government and attesting their treaties. Craig Mountain was named in his honor, and his friend, Joaquin Miller, often said that it was Colonel Craig who enjoyed the distinction of having given Idaho its name. Mrs. Morrow, who survives her husband, continues her residence in Portland.

Judge Morrow died at his home in Portland on July 31, 1931. He was sixty-nine years old and his death came as a severe shock to the members of the profession which he had so long adorned and particularly to those who had been associated with him in his work on the bench through the years. In wider circles of the State as a whole, however, his loss was also keenly felt and truly mourned. Speaking for the bench and bar of Oregon, Presiding Judge Ekwall said:

In the death of Judge Morrow, the State suffers a great loss. He was the dean of the Oregon bench and was loved by all who knew him. We all looked upon him as the sage of Multnomah County.

To this tribute may be added the following editorial comment which appeared in the "News-Telegram" of Portland:

The community is saddened by the sudden death of Judge Morrow, who was thought to be recovering from an illness which has kept him off the bench for several months. With twenty-three years of continuous service, Judge Morrow was the dean of Multnomah County judges.

Son of an army officer, Robert Graves Morrow passed his childhood in an atmosphere of military discipline and this may have helped to give him the precision and clarity of mind that gave authority to his judicial decisions.

Genial, kindly—graciously endowed with the gift of winning and making friends—Judge Morrow held a favored place in the life and love of Portland.

"Encyclopedia of American Biography," Vol. 1, Winfield Scott Downs, ed., New York, American Historical Society, 1934, Pages 408-412.


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  • Created by: karma
  • Added: Nov 2, 2020
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/217936860/robert_graves-morrow: accessed ), memorial page for Judge Robert Graves Morrow (Dec 1861–31 Jul 1931), Find a Grave Memorial ID 217936860, citing Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Mausoleum, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA; Maintained by karma (contributor 47400120).