David Anthony Again?

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:58 am

Fall River Globe, Aug. 5, 1892:

"A LITTLE “QUEER”

"Morse’s Family Said to Have Developed
Symptoms of Insanity.

John V. Morse is not well known here. His parents lived in the house at the foot of Cherry street which David Anthony purchased, and his brother built the stone house on Hanover street. Joseph Morse, a carriage maker, who married his cousin, and who is employed by Peck & White, is a relative, and the family is an old one here.

Little can be learned concerning Mr. Morse's career in the west. It is generally understood that he was in the cattle business and that he is well-to-do. A story in circulation last night, was to the effect that he had some 80 head of western horses which recently were landed here and that he has been engaged in disposing of them. He was always made welcome at Mr. Borden's house and was on intimate terms with every member of the family. He is called a genial, pleasant man by his acquaintances.

It is also reported that some members of the family have developed symptoms of insanity in the past, and some at least are known to old residents as having always been considered a little 'queer'."

So David Anthony knew Anthony Morse, or maybe not? Anthony Morse died in 1878, but he did survive his two wives. And John Vinnicum Morse had no living brother who stayed in Fall River- maybe this means Anthony Morse's brother? That would be Gardner Morse whose son Joseph married Mary Louisa, John V.'s sister. Joseph & Mary Loiusa lived on Maple Street, in 1880.

Nancie · Post by **Nancie** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 7:11 pm

Very interesting Kat, and didn't Gardener have some connection to the farm in Swansea as well?

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 2:52 am

There were *Gardners* in Swansea- they had a lot of land. That was their last name.
Emma lived with Preston Gardner in Providence- he was a cousin I believe.

It's funny, but the newer members wanted to know if Lizzie had a boyfriend, and here is the main one we've been exposed to and they don't notice?

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 9:31 am

The insanity part is interesting too. Perhaps they are referring to Sarah.

Uncle John always struck me as eccentric but never insane.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 7:54 pm

In romantic fiction of Regency England, a term for horses was cattle.
Is it possible that the slang was true in Fall River, 1890's- that when they talked of "cattle", they meant horses, especially Morse?