Who We Are
The Morse Society, Reorganized 1973 is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Oregon. We research and preserve information of genealogical and historical significance to and for MORSES around the world. Our work is inclusive of all variant spellings of the surname, including Morse, Mors, Morss, and Moss, regardless of country of origin.
We specialize in building Morse family lines through research and
DNA testing. Our Research Team assists and supports members with their family history research and has significant experience with surmounting brick walls. Each of our five primary progenitor lines has a Shepherd who serves as the point of contact for that line, conducting research and maintaining the line's genealogical database.
For those who do not know their progenitor, we work with you to gather as much reliable information as possible to link the new branch to our existing databases - or we preserve the family information for future clarification. Since we are an all-volunteer organization, our ability to conduct exhaustive searches for unknown ancestors is limited. If someone cannot be linked to their immigrant ancestor, their information is entered into our 'fragments' database so the family information is preserved. In many cases, additional information arises at a later date that bridges gaps and allows for definitive linkage.
Our DNA project strives to establish the DNA patterns of our five primary Original Settlers, and results can provide clues that further break down genealogical brick walls. We also collect and catalog high-resolution digital images of family gravestones, and we host a Biennial Conference in even-numbered years for sharing information with our members.
Membership is open to all who share an interest in the goals of the Society.
Our Progenitors
Our families came to North America from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Russia, Holland, Norway, and other far-flung places. Some brought the surname with them and some changed their names after arriving. Clans settled in Canada, New England, the mid-Atlantic, and the Southeastern states. Some came as free men while others arrived as indentured servants, but all came to start a new life in the new world. No matter where your Morse or Moss family came from or where they put down roots, your family is part of our family.
To date, we have identified over 150 original settlers with a Morse/Moss surname, as well as current and pre-immigrant lines in the UK, Canada and Australia. Our extensive databases focus on five primary New England progenitor lines: Anthony Morse of Newbury, MA (1635), William Morse of Newbury, MA (1635), Samuel Morse of Dedham, MA (1635), Joseph Morse of Ipswich, MA (1635), and John Moss of New Haven, CT (1639).
The Morse Society Logo
The Morse Society logo depicted on this website is based on the armorial crest that is attributed to the Morse/Moss families. We ask that this original variation not be utilized as a family crest, as our original border specifically represents Morse/Moss families with variant spellings who bear the same arms.
According to W. Cecil Wade's 1898 publication The Symbolisms of Heraldry, here are the meanings of the Morse armorial bearings: Argent background & silver highlights represent peace and sincerity; sanguine represents patience in battle; black represents consistency. Battle axe represents execution of military duty; cannon balls represent those who have dared their terrors in sieges and battles.
More Information
Operating Year:
January 2013 - December 2013
Contacting Us
To contact our Research Coordinator, Key Volunteers or Officers, simply click on the individual's name in the list above. Inquiries should be directed as follows:
DNA: DNA Program Coordinator
Genealogy: Research Coordinator
Membership: Secretary
Online Store: Secretary
Morse Society Management: President
Website: Webmaster
