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Historic Morris Family Burial Crypt to be Repaired
Fundraising now underway to cover expenses
 | | The Morris Family Burial Crypt as it appeared in 1900 (top) and today |
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A special meeting was attended by officers of the Admiral John L. Worden Camp 150 of the not-for-profit historical preservation group, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the Philipstown Town Board, on June 28, 2006 at the Philipstown Town Hall. The attendees discussed plans to repair the Morris Family stone burial crypt, located above the Mountain Avenue cemetery near Cedar Street, Cold Spring.
The meeting reviewed a restoration plan and fund-raising strategy for the final resting place of William H. Morris, a Civil War general, and members of his historic family. Since its construction in the 1860s, it has suffered structural and environmental damage.
The Morris family is one of the most celebrated of Cold Spring. George Pope Morris, father of William, owned the estate "Undercliff" at the base of Bull Hill, along Morris Avenue. He was a popular poet, author and editor, and was made famous by his poem "Woodsman, Spare That Tree" and his periodical "The Home Journal." His wife, Mary Worthing Hopkins Morris, was a direct descendant of the Honorable Stephen Hopkins, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and governor of Rhode Island.
During the Civil War, William H. Morris was made a Brevet Major General for bravery at the Battle of the Wilderness, where he was seriously wounded in action. Both William and his parents, along with ten other relatives, are interred within the tomb.
A recent meeting with stone mason Mario Gregorio determined an estimate of $3,900 for repairing the crypt, including stabilizing the stone foundation and vaulted roof, and protecting it from further weather damage. The repairs are set to begin in September 2006.
In addition, an ornate fence that once surrounded the tomb is targeted to be replaced with future funding, after the important structural repairs are made to the crypt.
The Philipstown Town Board supports The Admiral John L. Worden Camp 150 in soliciting funds for these repairs. The Philipstown Masonic Lodge has also pledged its assistance in the Camp's effort, as General W. H.Morris was a member of the Philipstown Masonic Lodge #236 F. & A.M.
Town Councilwoman Betty Budney is the Camp's local contact for the fundraiser. Donations may be sent to: Councilwoman Betty Budney, 15 Church Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516; or Camp Commander Matthew Hereford, 18 Secor Street #B, Nelsonville, NY 10516.
Please make checks payable to: The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Donations are tax deductible.
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