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Deborah Morris (1723/24-1793). Printed Will. Belonged to Elizabeth Wistar. Philadelphia, PA. ca. March 16, 1793. 4pp, bifolium. 8” x 13”. Inventory# 20828 $2,750
Partial Transcript: “…then Subject to the payment of 12 pounds per annum, payable thereout annually forever to the overseers of the public schools founded by charter, in the town and county of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania, for the use of the negro school under the care of friends, in the said city…I hope none of my dear relatives will think my donations in favor of the free negro school to large, as it appears to me to be a debt due to the posterity of those whom our predecessors kept in bondage.” Ms. Morris bequeathed to the negro schools the above amount of money after the death of a few of the inheritors mentioned in the will. Biographical Note: Deborah Morris was the daughter of wealthy Philadelphian Anthony Morris: brewer, politician, community leader, mayor, real estate tycoon. Moon's work on the Morris family notes that Deborah was "distinguished for her piety, individuality, and firmness of character ... she was esteemed the antiquarian of the family, and was remarkable for her eccentricities." She lived in a house called the 'Sprite' house, in Mulberry Court off of 6th Street." Apparently, Deborah donating a human skeleton for medical teaching to the Pennsylvania Hospital in 1757 promoted her perception as an eccentric. Printed wills from 18th century Philadelphia are rare, especially those listing such a quantity of superb household furnishings. A Joseph Richardson silver mote spoon owned by DM, cited in her will, recently fetched over $11,000 at auction.
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