Mount Morris, New York History   History Notable Mount Morris Natives Francis Bellamy (1855-1932), author of the Pledge of Allegiance was born in Mount Morris, NY. on May 18, 1855. With his father, the Rev. David Bellamy, who was the Baptist minister, and his mother, Lucy, he lived in Mt. Morris for about 5 years. His father then accepted a position as minister of the First Baptist Church in Rome, NY. and they moved to that community. Click HERE to read more about Francis Bellamy. Admiral Joseph Strauss (1861-1948) was born on November 16, 1861 in Mount Morris, NY. He was commissioned Ensign 1 July 1887 and began a distinguished career as specialist in ordnance in June 1893 when he reported to the Bureau of Ordnance in Washington, DC. During the Spanish-American War he served in Lancaster blockading the Cuban coast, then returned to the Bureau of Ordnance. Click HERE to read more about Joseph Strauss. TOP Legends are made in Mount Morris. Come share the greatness with us!