CASS COUNTY PIONEER PROFILE

This week’s Cass County Pioneer began in medicine but ended in politics. Dr. Simon Joshua Morriss was born in Sylacauga, Alabama on April 5, 1843 and later settled in Cass County, Texas. He was a practicing physician in Cass County and a notable political figure in East Texas during the late 19th century.

He served as a Texas State Senator representing the First Senatorial District, encompassing Bowie, Cass, and Morris Counties, from January 12, 1897, to January 8, 1901. While serving as senator, Morriss was on several committees, including Finance, General Land Office, Education, State Penitentiaries, and State Asylums, of which he was Chairman. His dual roles as a medical professional and legislator underscored his commitment to public service. Dr. Simon Morriss died in Atlanta, April 15, 1891 and is buried in Pine Crest cemetery in Atlanta.