Dennis H. Morse, one of the leading attorneys of Jefferson county and a prominent citizen of Oskaloosa, is a native of New York State, born at Syracuse, Oswego county, Sept. 30, 1837. He received a good education in his native county, and then began the study of law at Fulton, Oswego county, being admitted to the bar at Syracuse in 1859. He was associated with Horace Greeley and other prominent professional men while following his profession in New York. Mr. Morse was present in the court room when the famous case of Littlejohn vs. Greeley was tried, Mr. Littlejohn suing Greeley for libel. For five years, from 1862, he lived in Missouri, but followed his professional work in both that state and Kansas. He first came to Kansas in 1865, but remained through but one term of court. For five years Mr. Morse resided in Kansas City, but since his first case in Jefferson county he has never missed a term of court there.

Since becoming a resident of Oskaloosa, Mr. Morse has become recognized as one of the leading lawyers and progressive men of Jefferson county. He has ever been a student of his profession, keeps in touch with the great strides made in court procedure and the practice of law. He is the author of a text book which is of value to men of the profession. Fraternally, Mr. Morse is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In December, 1863, he married Hannah King, at Prairie City, Ill. They have one son, William J., a graduate of the University of Kansas, now practicing law in Kansas City, Mo.