Robert Page Waller Morris, whose career spanned the latter half of the 19th century, began his academic pursuits at the College of William and Mary, Virginia. He graduated as valedictorian from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in 1872. In 1869, he was initiated into Alpha Tau Omega, making him one of the earliest members of the fraternity.
Following his graduation, Morris engaged in an academic career. He held positions as an assistant professor at VMI and a mathematics professor at the Texas Military Institute.
In 1876, Morris joined the faculty of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, later known as Texas A&M University. He was the professor of mathematics and the 1st Commandant of the Corp of Cadets. As Commandant, he played a key role in the formation of the Corps of Cadets, creating the initial set of regulations which were strongly influenced by his own experience at VMI. Morris also styled the A&M cadet uniform after the uniform of VMI.
Around 1880, Morris shifted his focus to the legal and political fields. He practiced law in Lynchburg, Virginia, and Duluth, Minnesota, eventually serving as a municipal judge and district judge in Duluth.
Morris's political career culminated in his election as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives for Minnesota's 6th congressional district. He served in the Fifty-fifth, Fifty-sixth, and Fifty-seventh Congresses, from March 4, 1897, to March 3, 1903.
After his congressional service, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Morris as a U.S. Judge for the District of Minnesota, a position he held from 1903 until 1923.
He passed away on December 16, 1924 at the age of 71.
Robert Page Waller Morris, whose career spanned the latter half of the 19th century, began his academic pursuits at the College of William and Mary, Virginia. He graduated as valedictorian from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in 1872. In 1869, he was initiated into Alpha Tau Omega, making him one of the earliest members of the fraternity.
Following his graduation, Morris engaged in an academic career. He held positions as an assistant professor at VMI and a mathematics professor at the Texas Military Institute.
In 1876, Morris joined the faculty of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, later known as Texas A&M University. He was the professor of mathematics and the 1st Commandant of the Corp of Cadets. As Commandant, he played a key role in the formation of the Corps of Cadets, creating the initial set of regulations which were strongly influenced by his own experience at VMI. Morris also styled the A&M cadet uniform after the uniform of VMI.
Around 1880, Morris shifted his focus to the legal and political fields. He practiced law in Lynchburg, Virginia, and Duluth, Minnesota, eventually serving as a municipal judge and district judge in Duluth.
Morris's political career culminated in his election as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives for Minnesota's 6th congressional district. He served in the Fifty-fifth, Fifty-sixth, and Fifty-seventh Congresses, from March 4, 1897, to March 3, 1903.
After his congressional service, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Morris as a U.S. Judge for the District of Minnesota, a position he held from 1903 until 1923.
He passed away on December 16, 1924 at the age of 71.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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