Yesterday I had a nice get-acquainted visit from three descendants of two pioneer Morrison families. Since the Heritage Museum closed, people don’t find us as easily, but we always appreciate hearing from people who grew up in Morrison or folks who are researching family histories or have something to share. Now that we’re primarily online, please post your comments on any page here, or send an email to info AT historicmorrison.org.
We first heard from Jonas Henry Schrock (III) a few months ago, and that historic name got my attention! Yesterday, Jonas and I met for the first time, and he brought along cousins Karl and Mark Smith. The Schrocks and the (Henry*) Smiths are two of Morrison’s handful of early families whose stories are woven into the town’s history and who have many descendants in the area. Mark and Karl’s father, Bill Smith, had visited several years ago to share stories.
Jonas I came to Morrison in 1874 and homesteaded on Mt. Fischer. In 1888, he married Elnora Cleveland, and they began raising a family, ultimately seven children in all. Jonas II, born in 1899, was known as “Joe,” and, of course, was the father of Jonas III. Mary Schrock later married Henry Smith, of the Baker & Smith Garage, a long-time Morrison enterprise on main street where today the Morrison Carworks continues to provide similar services. They are the grandparents of Karl and Mark Smith.
The original Schrocks bought a home in town in 1906 and, as the gentlemen reminded me, sold the mountain property to John Brisben Walker, who later renamed the mountain “Mt. Falcon” and built a tourism empire in nearby Red Rocks.
Jonas Schrock ran, at various times, a meat market, liquor store, and saloon in Morrison. The latter is best remembered, and was the scene of an infamous double murder, the result of a quarrel between patrons in 1889. Jonas was considerably older than Elnora, and when he fell ill and later died, she was forced to sell some of the property to support her family. At this, she was obviously very successful, as her family grew and prospered as part of Morrison’s story. Like so many Morrison pioneer women, Elnora was hardy and capable and did what needed to be done!
More on the Schrock saga, along with the Smith story, will appear here later.
* Morrison’s other Smith heritage is in the Jeremiah-Robert Smith line.
Morrison History 
Is there any more info available as to the “double murder” in Morrison in 1889? Thank you.
There is, indeed! I will try to get to this story soon, since you,ve asked. Can you check back later next week? –Sally
Sure, thanks. Just sounded intriguing, so I will look forward to whatever info you can provide.
My Great Grandfather James Wilson Haworth owned a drug store in Morrison during the 1870s(1875-1880. I know he moved to Pueblo In 1880. Is there any data on the early druggists/? His wife name was Alverda and there was two sons born in Morrison. Thank you
Hello Jeannine,
I am a volunteer researcher with the Foothills Genealogical Society and we are interested n any family history you may want to share about your Hayworths. We have access to the Jeffco Archives, as well as our own collections and would be glad to see if we can find any information for you!
I realize some time has passed since your post, but maybe we can still see what we can find?
Thanks,
Gaye Buzbee Jacobs
James Wilson Haworth along with his wife Alverda Rice and infant daughter Arminta left Springfield Missouri and moved to Morrison in 1875. They sold their drugstore in Springfield and joined.. a wagon train heading west to Colorado. They set up a drugstore in Morrison and lived there until 1880. Two sons were born to them there. Julius Ross Haworth in 1876 and Samuel Elmer Haworth in 1879. Their little daughter Arminta passed away Nov.3 1875. She is likely buried there in Morrison. In 1880 the family moved on to Pueblo Colorado and set up another drugstore. Their daughter Alma was born there in August 1880. Living very close to the Haworths was Alverda,s widowed Mother Henrietta Lewis Rice along with her three children. The whole extended family eventually moved farther west with the wagon trains into Oregon and Idaho where family still reside.
Thank You Jeannine!
We appreciate any information you can share! We are also working with Jefferson County Archives to make sure everyone is mentioned properly. It’s our history and it’s important. You have really helped and please keep in touch!
Gaye
We have a story in our archives about Leona Smith, a telephone operator who warned the people of Morrison and the surrounding area of an impending flood on August 9, 1934. She was awarded a Vail Medal from Mountain States Telephone for her outstanding public service. We are trying to located her or her family to obtain more information. Can you help?
Jody Georgeson, Archivist
The Telecommunications History Group
Hello Jody!
I know this is an older post, but we would still like to help you know more, if possible.
We would love to hear more about anything you know, so we can make sure it gets added to the Jefferson County Archives. I had no idea there is a private museum in Denver – with Allan True’s murals to boot! I am a huge fan of his work.
Please contact me at gayejacobs@yahoo.com if you would like to stay in touch. Thanks!!
Whatever happened to the idea of a small, local museum in Morrison?
I am a descendant (cousin) of Amy Lewis Abbo, who lived in the original home which became the Horton House. She died in the barn on that property. Her brother, Oscar, was accidentally killed by one of John Brisben-Walker’s horses. If anyone has information to share, I would most appreciate being contacted. Our family names are Lewis, Sawyer, and Buzbee.
Gaye Buzbee Jacobs
Hello! I am Mark Smith’s daughter, Shilo Smith. I stumbled upon this article randomly, and enjoyed reading it. Thank you.
Hello Shilo,
I am a descendant of Morrison pioneers and a volunteer researcher with our local Foothills Genealogical Society. We are interested in any stories you may have about your Smith families? My email is gayejacobs@yahoo.com and I would love to hear from you if you would like to share. Thanks!