There is little information on Joshua Morse, residing in Newfane, Vermont, who is largely responsible for these papers. The historic record is complicated by the fact that the name Joshua Morse of Newfane, Vermont, was used by other individuals who were likely related to the Joshua Morse of these papers.
Joshua Morse was born on November 20, 1777, in Princeton, Worcester, Massachusetts and died at Newfane, Vermont on September 12, 1859. He married Sarah (or Sally) Phillips at Easton, Massachusetts on August 12, 1798. To this union were born another Joshua Morse on September 3, 1801, David (June 18, 1807-1811), and Elijah (January 23, 1823-March 31, 1906).
Joshua Morse was appointed the legal guardian of Samuel W. Phillips and Mary W. Phillips in May 1831 after the death of their father Samuel Phillips. Samuel Phillips was born about 1791 and married Mary Phillips about 1822. Mary Phillips was born about 1801 in Marlboro, Windham County, Vermont. Samuel Wright Phillips was born July 6, 1821; the date of his death is not established. Mary Wright Phillips was born about 1823 in Marlboro, Windham County, Vermont. She married Abel S. Ward in June 1844 and died Feb 16, 1851. Samuel W. Phillips and Mary W. Phillips are likely Joshua Morse's nephew and niece.
From the guide to the Joshua Morse Papers MS 276., 1790-1849, (Mortimer Rare Book Room)
