OPINION: Looking for Morrisite descendants

We are seeking to contact Utah residents who are descendants of Morrisites.

The Morrisites were followers of Joseph Morris, many of whom settled across the state in the 1860s. The group broke away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, rejecting some tenants of that religion at the time. Morris, who thought he was a prophet, had predicted the second coming of Jesus, repeatedly, in 1862 when he and his flock of some 300 followers were holed up in Kingston Fort, near present day South Weber, Utah. Morris and several others were killed when the Utah Territorial Militia attempted to free two men who wanted to leave the sect and who were being held in the fort against their will.

The story is complex. That’s part of the reason for the “reunion,” which will take place August 3 (note the change of date), in Soda Springs, Idaho. We want to put Morrisite descendants in touch with each other so they can learn more about their mutual history. It is especially appropriate during the Sesquicentennial of Idaho Territory.

Morrisite descendants can find out more by emailing [email protected].

Rick Just,

Executive director,

Presto Preservation Association

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