History:

A Century of Caring

Around the turn of the 20th century, David A. Mathews was a prominent local farmer and businessman in the Morris community.  When his wife became critically ill, Mr. Mathews had no choice but to rush her to a hospital in Chicago. The experience convinced him that Morris should have a hospital of its own in order to allow patients to remain close to their families during times of illness and avoid delays that could mean the difference between life and death.

Mr. Mathews rallied the support of a number of local doctors who also agreed that the Morris community needed a hospital, and through their combined efforts, interest and knowledge, they achieved their vision. On September 7, 1906, the first patient, who was dangerously ill with typhoid fever, was admitted to the new Morris Hospital, located on the third floor of the Collins Building at the corner of Liberty and Jackson Streets in downtown Morris. Converted from an apartment, the first Morris Hospital had eight to 10 beds and an operating room created from the living room of another apartment.

The official papers of incorporation of Morris Hospital, dated December 5, 1906, were received from Springfield, signed and sealed by the then Secretary of State James A. Rose. Without delay, the incorporation papers were filed in the circuit clerk's office, legally creating Morris Hospital.

So much has changed over the past 100 years - including modern, expanded hospital facilities along with incredible technology that helps diagnose and cure disease. Despite modern advances, one thing that has remained the same over all these years is Morris Hospital's commitment to healing and saving lives, just like Mr. Mathews envisioned 100 years ago.

Thousands of physicians, nurses and support staff have dedicated their lives to serving patients at Morris Hospital over the past 100 years.  It's because of these individuals, along with a supportive, caring community, that Morris Hospital continues to prosper.