Morris County, Kansas
Encyclopedia
Morris County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Kansas
. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 5,923. The largest city and county seat
is Council Grove
.
The county was established on ancient grounds of the Kaw
American Indian tribe. Settlers and the Kaw lived in increasingly uneasy relationship as settlers encroached on native lands.
Council Grove, established by European Americans in 1825, was an important supply station on the Santa Fe Trail
. The town was also the site of an encampment by John C. Fremont
in 1845 and in 1849 the Overland Mail
established a supply headquarters there.
The county was originally organized as Wise County in 1855. The county was named for Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise
. When Wise presided over the hanging of abolitionist John Brown
at Harpers Ferry in 1859, the county was renamed Morris, abolition supporters renamed the county in honor of Thomas Morris
, a former United States Senator from Ohio
who was an opponent of slavery.
In 1851, the Methodist Church established an Indian Mission at Morris County. Thirty Kaw boys lived and studied until 1854 when the tribe was removed to Oklahoma
.
Between 1877 and 1879, Benjamin "Pap" Singleton, a former slave who escaped to freedom in 1846, staked out a settlement in Morris County for freedmen known as "Exodusters
". Thousands of families migrated from the post-Reconstruction South
to seek more opportunities and better living conditions in the Midwest.
In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka
to Herington
. This main line connected Topeka
, Valencia, Willard
, Maple Hill
, Vera, Paxico
, McFarland
, Alma
, Volland, Alta Vista
, Dwight
, White City
, Latimer
, Herington
. The Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway was foreclosed in 1891 and taken over by Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, which shut down in 1980 and reorganized as Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad
, merged in 1988 with Missouri Pacific Railroad
, merged in 1997 with Union Pacific Railroad
. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Rock Island".
In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City
) to Superior, Nebraska
. This branch line connected Strong City
, Neva, Rockland, Diamond Springs, Burdick
, Lost Springs
, Jacobs, Hope
, Navarre
, Enterprise
, Abilene
, Talmage
, Manchester
, Longford
, Oak Hill
, Miltonvale
, Aurora
, Huscher
, Concordia
, Kackley
, Courtland
, Webber
, Superior
. At some point, the line from Neva to Lost Springs
was pulled but the right of way has not been abandoned. This branch line was originally called "Strong City and Superior line" but later the name was shortened to the "Strong City line". In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
merged with Burlington Northern Railroad
and renamed to the current BNSF Railway
.
, Delavan, Council Grove
.
, county until 1992, when voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30% food sales requirement.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 6,104 people, 2,539 households, and 1,777 families residing in the county. The population density
was 9 people per square mile (3/km²). There were 3,160 housing units at an average density of 4 per square mile (2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.49% White
, 0.34% Black
or African American
, 0.33% Native American
, 0.23% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 0.70% from other races
, and 0.88% from two or more races. 2.23% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 2,539 households out of which 30.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.70% were married couples
living together, 6.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.00% were non-families. 28.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.20% under the age of 18, 5.60% from 18 to 24, 23.90% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 21.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,163, and the median income for a family was $39,717. Males had a median income of $28,912 versus $21,239 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $18,491. About 6.70% of families and 9.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.40% of those under age 18 and 13.30% of those age 65 or over.
. The cities of Council Grove
and Herington
are considered governmentally independent and are excluded from the census figures for the townships. In the following table, the population center is the largest city (or cities) included in that township's population total, if it is of a significant size.
District Office In Neighboring County
USA
Maps
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 5,923. The largest city and county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Council Grove
Council Grove, Kansas
Council Grove is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. It was named after an agreement between European Americans and the Osage Nation about allowing settlers' wagon trains to pass through the area and proceed to the West. Pioneers gathered at a grove of trees so that wagons could band...
.
19th century
Kaw (tribe)
The Kaw Nation are an American Indian people of the central Midwestern United States. The tribe known as Kaw have also been known as the "People of the South wind", "People of water", Kansa, Kaza, Kosa, and Kasa. Their tribal language is Kansa, classified as a Siouan language.The toponym "Kansas"...
American Indian tribe. Settlers and the Kaw lived in increasingly uneasy relationship as settlers encroached on native lands.
Council Grove, established by European Americans in 1825, was an important supply station on the Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe Trail
The Santa Fe Trail was a 19th-century transportation route through central North America that connected Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. Pioneered in 1822 by William Becknell, it served as a vital commercial and military highway until the introduction of the railroad to Santa Fe in 1880...
. The town was also the site of an encampment by John C. Fremont
John C. Frémont
John Charles Frémont , was an American military officer, explorer, and the first candidate of the anti-slavery Republican Party for the office of President of the United States. During the 1840s, that era's penny press accorded Frémont the sobriquet The Pathfinder...
in 1845 and in 1849 the Overland Mail
Overland Mail
Overland Mail is a Universal movie serial. It was edited into a film version called The Indian Raiders in 1956.-Cast:* Lon Chaney, Jr. as Jim Lane* Helen Parrish as Barbara Gilbert* Noah Beery, Jr. as Sierra Pete...
established a supply headquarters there.
The county was originally organized as Wise County in 1855. The county was named for Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise
Henry A. Wise
Henry Alexander Wise was an American politician and governor of Virginia, as well as a general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.-Early life:...
. When Wise presided over the hanging of abolitionist John Brown
John Brown (abolitionist)
John Brown was an American revolutionary abolitionist, who in the 1850s advocated and practiced armed insurrection as a means to abolish slavery in the United States. He led the Pottawatomie Massacre during which five men were killed, in 1856 in Bleeding Kansas, and made his name in the...
at Harpers Ferry in 1859, the county was renamed Morris, abolition supporters renamed the county in honor of Thomas Morris
Thomas Morris (Ohio politician)
Thomas Morris was a Democratic politician from Ohio. He served in the United States Senate.Born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Morris enlisted as a Ranger to fight the Indians in 1793. He settled in western Ohio two years later. He began practicing law in Bethel, Ohio in 1804...
, a former United States Senator from Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
who was an opponent of slavery.
In 1851, the Methodist Church established an Indian Mission at Morris County. Thirty Kaw boys lived and studied until 1854 when the tribe was removed to Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
.
Between 1877 and 1879, Benjamin "Pap" Singleton, a former slave who escaped to freedom in 1846, staked out a settlement in Morris County for freedmen known as "Exodusters
Exodusters
Exodusters was a name given to African Americans who fled the Southern United States for Kansas in 1879 and 1880. After the end of Reconstruction, racial oppression and rumors of the reinstitution of slavery led many freedmen to seek a new place to live....
". Thousands of families migrated from the post-Reconstruction South
South
South is a noun, adjective, or adverb indicating direction or geography.South is one of the four cardinal directions or compass points. It is the opposite of north and is perpendicular to east and west.By convention, the bottom side of a map is south....
to seek more opportunities and better living conditions in the Midwest.
In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka
Topeka, Kansas
Topeka |Kansa]]: Tó Pee Kuh) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. It is situated along the Kansas River in the central part of Shawnee County, located in northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was...
to Herington
Herington, Kansas
Herington is a city in Dickinson and Morris counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. Named after its founder, Monroe Davis Herington. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,526.-19th century:...
. This main line connected Topeka
Topeka, Kansas
Topeka |Kansa]]: Tó Pee Kuh) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. It is situated along the Kansas River in the central part of Shawnee County, located in northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was...
, Valencia, Willard
Willard, Kansas
Willard is a city in Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. The population was 86 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, Maple Hill
Maple Hill, Kansas
Maple Hill is a city in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, United States. The population was 469 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, Vera, Paxico
Paxico, Kansas
Paxico is a city in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, United States. The population was 211 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, McFarland
McFarland, Kansas
McFarland is a city in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, United States. The population was 271 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, Alma
Alma, Kansas
Alma is a city in and the county seat of Wabaunsee County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 832. Alma is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, Volland, Alta Vista
Alta Vista, Kansas
Alta Vista is a city in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, United States. The population was 442 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, Dwight
Dwight, Kansas
Dwight is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 272.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through Dwight to Herington...
, White City
White City, Kansas
White City is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 618.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through White City to Herington...
, Latimer
Latimer, Kansas
Latimer is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 20.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through Latimer to Herington...
, Herington
Herington, Kansas
Herington is a city in Dickinson and Morris counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. Named after its founder, Monroe Davis Herington. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,526.-19th century:...
. The Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway was foreclosed in 1891 and taken over by Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway, which shut down in 1980 and reorganized as Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad
Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad
-OKT I:The Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas Railroad , was originally created on May 29, 1980 after the demise of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad on March 31, 1980...
, merged in 1988 with Missouri Pacific Railroad
Missouri Pacific Railroad
The Missouri Pacific Railroad , also known as the MoPac, was one of the first railroads in the United States west of the Mississippi River. MoPac was a Class I railroad growing from dozens of predecessors and mergers, including the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway , Texas and Pacific...
, merged in 1997 with Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
. Most locals still refer to this railroad as the "Rock Island".
In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
built a branch line from Neva (3 miles west of Strong City
Strong City, Kansas
Strong City is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 485.-19th century:...
) to Superior, Nebraska
Superior, Nebraska
Superior is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,957.Superior bills itself as the "Victorian Capital of Nebraska", and holds an annual Victorian Festival...
. This branch line connected Strong City
Strong City, Kansas
Strong City is a city in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 485.-19th century:...
, Neva, Rockland, Diamond Springs, Burdick
Burdick, Kansas
Burdick is an unincorporated community in southwestern Morris County, Kansas, United States. It lies along local roads south-southwest of the city of Council Grove, the county seat of Morris County. Its elevation is 1,453 feet , and it is located at...
, Lost Springs
Lost Springs, Kansas
Lost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
, Jacobs, Hope
Hope, Kansas
Hope is a city in southern Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 368. The motto of Hope is "There Will Always Be Hope In Kansas", which is also the name of a song.-History:...
, Navarre
Navarre, Kansas
Navarre is a small unincorporated community in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. The post office was established February 7, 1884, and discontinued September 3, 1971.-History:...
, Enterprise
Enterprise, Kansas
Enterprise is a city in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 855.-History:On January 10, 1883, the Enterprise Town Company, capital $50,000, was organized. The following officers were elected: V. P. Wilson, president; John Johntz, vice-president;...
, Abilene
Abilene, Kansas
Abilene is a city in and the county seat of Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 6,844.-History:...
, Talmage
Talmage, Kansas
Talmage is a small unincorporated community in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. The post office was established December 22, 1887.-History:...
, Manchester
Manchester, Kansas
Manchester is a city in Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 95.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Manchester to Superior, Nebraska...
, Longford
Longford, Kansas
Longford is a city in Clay County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 79.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Longford to Superior, Nebraska...
, Oak Hill
Oak Hill, Kansas
Oak Hill is a city in Clay County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 24.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Oak Hill to Superior, Nebraska...
, Miltonvale
Miltonvale, Kansas
Miltonvale is a city in Cloud County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 539.-History:Miltonvale was founded on December 1, 1881.From 1909 to 1972, it was the home of Miltonvale Wesleyan College....
, Aurora
Aurora, Kansas
Aurora is a city in Cloud County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 60.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Aurora to Superior, Nebraska...
, Huscher
Huscher, Kansas
Huscher is an unincorporated rural area in Cloud County, Kansas, United States.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Huscher to Superior, Nebraska. In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with Burlington Northern Railroad...
, Concordia
Concordia, Kansas
Concordia is a city in and the county seat of Cloud County, Kansas, United States. Located on the Republican River in the Smoky Hills region of the Great Plains, Concordia was founded in 1871 and is an economic and cultural center in north-central Kansas...
, Kackley
Kackley, Kansas
Kackley is an unincorporated rural area in Republic County, Kansas, United States.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Kackley to Superior, Nebraska. In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with Burlington Northern...
, Courtland
Courtland, Kansas
Courtland is a city in Republic County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 285.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Courtland to Superior, Nebraska...
, Webber
Webber, Kansas
Webber is a city in Jewell County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 25.-History:In 1887, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built a branch line from Neva through Webber to Superior, Nebraska...
, Superior
Superior, Nebraska
Superior is a city in Nuckolls County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,957.Superior bills itself as the "Victorian Capital of Nebraska", and holds an annual Victorian Festival...
. At some point, the line from Neva to Lost Springs
Lost Springs, Kansas
Lost Springs is a city in Marion County, Kansas, United States. It was named for the old lost spring near the city. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 70.-19th century:...
was pulled but the right of way has not been abandoned. This branch line was originally called "Strong City and Superior line" but later the name was shortened to the "Strong City line". In 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
merged with Burlington Northern Railroad
Burlington Northern Railroad
The Burlington Northern Railroad was a United States-based railroad company formed from a merger of four major U.S. railroads. Burlington Northern operated between 1970 and 1996....
and renamed to the current BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
The BNSF Railway is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. It is one of seven North American Class I railroads and the second largest freight railroad network in North America, second only to the Union Pacific Railroad, its primary...
.
20th century
The National Old Trails Road, also known as the Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, was established in 1912, and was routed through HeringtonHerington, Kansas
Herington is a city in Dickinson and Morris counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. Named after its founder, Monroe Davis Herington. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,526.-19th century:...
, Delavan, Council Grove
Council Grove, Kansas
Council Grove is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. It was named after an agreement between European Americans and the Osage Nation about allowing settlers' wagon trains to pass through the area and proceed to the West. Pioneers gathered at a grove of trees so that wagons could band...
.
Law and government
Following amendment to the Kansas Constitution in 1986, the county remained a prohibition, or "dry"Dry county
A dry county is a county in the United States whose government forbids the sale of alcoholic beverages. Some prohibit off-premises sale, some prohibit on-premises sale, and some prohibit both. Hundreds of dry counties exist across the United States, almost all of them in the South...
, county until 1992, when voters approved the sale of alcoholic liquor by the individual drink with a 30% food sales requirement.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 702.84 square miles (1,820.3 km²), of which 697.38 square miles (1,806.2 km²) (or 99.22%) is land and 5.46 square miles (14.1 km²) (or 0.78%) is water.Adjacent counties
- Geary CountyGeary County, KansasGeary County is a county located in Northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 34,362. Its county seat and most populous city is Junction City. The county is named in honor of Governor John W. Geary...
(north) - Wabaunsee CountyWabaunsee County, KansasWabaunsee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 7,053. Its county seat is Alma. It is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area...
(northeast) - Lyon CountyLyon County, KansasLyon County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. The county was named for General Nathaniel Lyon, who was killed at the Battle of Wilson's Creek in the Civil War. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 33,690. Emporia is the largest city and county seat...
(southeast) - Chase CountyChase County, KansasChase County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 2,790. Its county seat and most populous city is Cottonwood Falls. Chase County is part of the Emporia Micropolitan Statistical Area.The county has been the subject...
(south) - Marion CountyMarion County, KansasMarion County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 12,660. The county seat is Marion...
(southwest) - Dickinson CountyDickinson County, KansasDickinson County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 19,754. Its county seat and most populous city is Abilene. It was named in honor of Daniel S. Dickinson.-19th century:In 1887, Mr. Herington successfully got...
(west)
Demographics
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 6,104 people, 2,539 households, and 1,777 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 9 people per square mile (3/km²). There were 3,160 housing units at an average density of 4 per square mile (2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.49% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.34% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.33% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.23% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.70% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.88% from two or more races. 2.23% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 2,539 households out of which 30.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.70% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.00% were non-families. 28.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.20% under the age of 18, 5.60% from 18 to 24, 23.90% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 21.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,163, and the median income for a family was $39,717. Males had a median income of $28,912 versus $21,239 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $18,491. About 6.70% of families and 9.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.40% of those under age 18 and 13.30% of those age 65 or over.
Incorporated cities
Name and population (2004 estimate):- Council GroveCouncil Grove, KansasCouncil Grove is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. It was named after an agreement between European Americans and the Osage Nation about allowing settlers' wagon trains to pass through the area and proceed to the West. Pioneers gathered at a grove of trees so that wagons could band...
, 2,253 - White CityWhite City, KansasWhite City is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 618.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through White City to Herington...
, 492 - DwightDwight, KansasDwight is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 272.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through Dwight to Herington...
, 328 - WilseyWilsey, KansasWilsey is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 153.-History:An agricultural-based community, Wilsey was named after pioneer John D. Wilsey. In the early 1880s, the Missouri Pacific Railroad was built through the county, at which time Wilsey...
, 189 - DunlapDunlap, KansasDunlap is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 30.-History:In 1878, Benjamin "Pap" Singleton chose Dunlap as the site for his second Singleton Colony, a community of freedmen who had migrated from Tennessee, because of land available under...
, 81 - ParkervilleParkerville, KansasParkerville is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 59.-Geography:Parkerville is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 73...
, 72 - LatimerLatimer, KansasLatimer is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 20.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through Latimer to Herington...
, 21 - Less than 1 km² (0.386102158592535 sq mi) of HeringtonHerington, KansasHerington is a city in Dickinson and Morris counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. Named after its founder, Monroe Davis Herington. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,526.-19th century:...
(pop. 2,469) is within the county border with the majority of the city in Dickinson CountyDickinson County, KansasDickinson County is a county located in Central Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 19,754. Its county seat and most populous city is Abilene. It was named in honor of Daniel S. Dickinson.-19th century:In 1887, Mr. Herington successfully got...
.
Unincorporated community
- BurdickBurdick, KansasBurdick is an unincorporated community in southwestern Morris County, Kansas, United States. It lies along local roads south-southwest of the city of Council Grove, the county seat of Morris County. Its elevation is 1,453 feet , and it is located at...
- Delavan
- Skiddy, the unincorporated hamlet of Skiddy lies less than one mile south of the Geary County line in north central Morris County.
Townships
Morris County is divided into eleven townshipsCivil township
A civil township is a widely used unit of local government in the United States, subordinate to, and geographic divisions of, a county. Specific responsibilities and the degree of autonomy vary based on each state. Civil townships are distinct from survey townships, but in states that have both,...
. The cities of Council Grove
Council Grove, Kansas
Council Grove is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. It was named after an agreement between European Americans and the Osage Nation about allowing settlers' wagon trains to pass through the area and proceed to the West. Pioneers gathered at a grove of trees so that wagons could band...
and Herington
Herington, Kansas
Herington is a city in Dickinson and Morris counties in the U.S. state of Kansas. Named after its founder, Monroe Davis Herington. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,526.-19th century:...
are considered governmentally independent and are excluded from the census figures for the townships. In the following table, the population center is the largest city (or cities) included in that township's population total, if it is of a significant size.
| Township | FIPS | Population center |
Population | Population density /km² (/sq mi) |
Land area km² (sq mi) | Water area km² (sq mi) | Water % | Geographic coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland | 31975 | 94 | 1 (3) | 93 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.03% | 38°44′48"N 96°45′52"W | |
| Overland | 53750 | 60 | 1 (2) | 88 (34) | 0 (0) | 0.01% | 38°48′18"N 96°51′44"W | |
| Township 1 | 71202 | 551 | 2 (4) | 356 (138) | 1 (0) | 0.28% | 38°36′23"N 96°25′34"W | |
| Township 2 | 71206 | 688 | 3 (7) | 270 (104) | 12 (5) | 4.37% | 38°42′42"N 96°30′4"W | |
| Township 3 | 71210 | 503 | 5 (12) | 109 (42) | 0 (0) | 0.06% | 38°49′54"N 96°34′57"W | |
| Township 4 | 71214 | 252 | 2 (4) | 155 (60) | 0 (0) | 0.02% | 38°47′19"N 96°39′17"W | |
| Township 5 | 71218 | 686 | 7 (19) | 93 (36) | 0 (0) | 0.02% | 38°48′24"N 96°45′4"W | |
| Township 6 | 71222 | 111 | 1 (4) | 78 (30) | 0 (0) | 0.18% | 38°44′5"N 96°51′46"W | |
| Township 7 | 71227 | 258 | 2 (4) | 170 (66) | 0 (0) | 0.10% | 38°39′22"N 96°49′44"W | |
| Township 8 | 71232 | 212 | 1 (3) | 186 (72) | 0 (0) | 0.08% | 38°33′56"N 96°48′36"W | |
| Township 9 | 71237 | 368 | 2 (5) | 202 (78) | 0 (0) | 0.08% | 38°38′2"N 96°39′28"W |
Unified school districts
- USD 417, Morris County
- Council GroveCouncil Grove, KansasCouncil Grove is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. It was named after an agreement between European Americans and the Osage Nation about allowing settlers' wagon trains to pass through the area and proceed to the West. Pioneers gathered at a grove of trees so that wagons could band...
, DunlapDunlap, KansasDunlap is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 30.-History:In 1878, Benjamin "Pap" Singleton chose Dunlap as the site for his second Singleton Colony, a community of freedmen who had migrated from Tennessee, because of land available under...
, Rural Areas
- Council Grove
- USD 481, Rural Vista
- White CityWhite City, KansasWhite City is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 618.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through White City to Herington...
, LatimerLatimer, KansasLatimer is a city in Morris County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 20.-History:In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through Latimer to Herington...
, Rural Areas
- White City
District Office In Neighboring County
- USD 397, Centre
- BurdickBurdick, KansasBurdick is an unincorporated community in southwestern Morris County, Kansas, United States. It lies along local roads south-southwest of the city of Council Grove, the county seat of Morris County. Its elevation is 1,453 feet , and it is located at...
, Rural Areas
- Burdick
- USD 284, Chase County
- Rural Areas
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Morris County, KansasNational Register of Historic Places listings in Morris County, KansasThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Morris County, Kansas.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Morris County, Kansas, United States...
Further reading
Kansas- History of the State of Kansas; William G. Cutler; A.T. Andreas Publisher; 1883. (Online HTML eBook)
- Kansas : A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc; 3 Volumes; Frank W. Blackmar; Standard Publishing Co; 944 / 955 / 824 pages; 1912. (Volume1 - Download 54MB PDF eBook), (Volume2 - Download 53MB PDF eBook), (Volume3 - Download 33MB PDF eBook)
USA
- The Story of the Marking of the Santa Fe TrailSanta Fe TrailThe Santa Fe Trail was a 19th-century transportation route through central North America that connected Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico. Pioneered in 1822 by William Becknell, it served as a vital commercial and military highway until the introduction of the railroad to Santa Fe in 1880...
by the Daughters of the American RevolutionDaughters of the American RevolutionThe Daughters of the American Revolution is a lineage-based membership organization for women who are descended from a person involved in United States' independence....
in Kansas and the State of Kansas; Almira Cordry; Crane Co; 164 pages; 1915. (Download 4MB PDF eBook) - The National Old Trails Road To Southern California, Part 1 (LA to KC); Automobile Club Of Southern California; 64 pages; 1916. (Download 6.8MB PDF eBook)
External links
County- Morris County - Official Website
- Morris County - Directory of Public Officials
- Morris County - Information, Skyways
Maps
- Morris County Map, KDOT
- Kansas Highway Map, KDOT
- Kansas Railroad Map, KDOT
- Kansas School District Boundary Map, KSDE