John Thomas was born in either Allegheny County (most likely) or Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, the only child of Joseph and Eliza Forsyth Morrison. Joseph was born in Ireland but nothing is known of his family. Eliza was born in County Down, Ireland the daughter of John and Elizabeth McKinley Forsyth. John Thomas married a Forsythe, but she had no known relationship to John's mother Eliza Forsyth. The Morrison family migrated from Pennsylvania to Wapello County, Iowa in 1854. Joseph died between 20 June 1860 and 26 June 1861 and Eliza died 10 June 1866, both in Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa. The graves for Joseph and Eliza have not been found.

J. T. Morrison

J. T. Morrison was born in Pennsylvania, October 21, 1852, and died at his home in Bunch, Iowa, March 7th, 1914, aged 61 years, 4 months and 26 days.

He came to Iowa with his parents when three years of age and has resided here most of the time since. He was married to Nancy R. Forsyth(e) April 2, 1871. To this union were born 10 children 9 of whom are living and were present at the funeral, Tenny, John, May Collins, William, Perry, Thanie, Lacy, Luther and Guy.

He made confession of his faith in the Pleasant Hill Christian church and lived in that faith until his death. Bro. Morrison was a good man in his family. He thought more of his children and their interests than of his own. He was a loyal friend, constant in his support and friendship.

He was an Elder of the Pleasant Hill church and served faithfully and efficiently as long as he lived here. He believed in the church as the best of all societies and was always ready to support the church both with time and money. He was a man wise in counsel, and his judgment and advice was good and helpful.

He will be sadly missed in the community, but most of all in the home where no one can take his place. He shall not return to us, but we shall go to him. He died as he desired, without pain and quickly. We believe he was ready and also that he is with Christ which is far better. Let us also be ready, for no man knoweth the day nor the hour. Let us live for the eternal, not for things temporal. The funeral service was held at Pleasant Hill Christian church March 9th, conducted by E. A. Hastings of Floris and the I.O.O.F. lodge had charge of the body. An unusual large crowd was present to show their respect and sorrow. Members of I.O.O.F. from Bunch, Ash Grove, Drakesville and Bloomfield were present. Interment in Glassbourner cemetery.

Copied from obituary appearing in March 19, 1914 Davis County Republican newspaper, last page.