Joseph Morrison was born in Massachusetts, but grew up in New York, where he married Sarah Hendy (Handy) in 1810. In 1825, he and his extended family relocated to Michigan. He became one of the early land owners in Pontiac Township, purchasing property just east of Pontiac village. Morrison became active in the anti-slavery movement from 1838 onward. He brought abolitionist lecturers to Pontiac, raised revenue for The Signal of Liberty, and may have sheltered freedom seekers on his farm outside Pontiac. In 1864, however, the Morrisons relocated to Ionia, where they remained with his family until their deaths.

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Acknowledgements   

Primary research by Carol Bacak-Egbo (Oakland County Parks)

Additional contributions by Leslie Pielack, Birmingham Museum