Samuel Kaboo Morris

Samuel Kaboo Morris (1873-1893) was a Liberian prince from the Kru Tribe. He was converted to evangelical Christianity around the age of 14 - a short time after a ‘blinding light’ released him from his ropes.
Around the age of 18 he left Liberia for USA to achieve an education and arrived at Taylor University in December 1891. He died from complications of a respiratory infection in 1893. A residence hall at Taylor University bears his name.

His life has been the subject of 5 novels, over 12 biographies, a 1954 film and a 1988 documentary.

He was born in Liberia in 1973, He was a prince of the Kru tribe. Aged 14 his tribe was attacked by the Grebos. He was captured and used as a ‘pawn’. His father was forced to pay each month to ensure his safety. When he had no more money the Grebos began to daily tortured his son with a poisonous, thorny vine he used as a whip.
One night there was a flash of light and a voice telling Kaboo to flee. His ropes fell off and his sick body gained strength. The bright light guided him through the night.
(Read his incredible story based on his own account).

Having escaped he came to a coffee plantation owned by a former slave who was a Christian. He worked there with another boy from his village. He began to attend church where he was taught by missionaries. On hearing of Paul’s conversion where he encountered a blinding light he converted to Christianity. he was baptised and took the name Samuel Morris -the name of one of the missionaries. He wanted to go
to America and was encouraged to meet Stephen Merritt, a Christian teacher in New York.

After waiting at the docks he eventually found a passage to N.Y. in exchange fro work. He was initially abused on the 5 month journey but he won them round. They saw him praying even during dangerous storms Many of the crew were converted.

In N.Y. he found Stephen Merritt.and he lodged with him. The Samuel Morris Missionary Society was formed to to collect funds to send Kaboo to Taylor University.
he encouraged many people in their faith. Students often asked to pray with him

Newspapers wrote about the boy from Africa who was charging Fort Wayne with the electric power of God.

His desire was to return to Africa as a a missionary but late in 1892 he suffered a case of pneumonia which would eventually end his life. He died on 12th May 1893 aged just 20.
Students acted as pallbearers at his funeral. many felt led to go to Africa as missionaries in his place.

HIs body initially was buried in the ‘Negro’ section of the cemetery but was moved to the centre of the cemetery, linking blacks and whites in death like he did in life.

Famous Christian Mystic
Apostle of Simple faith
Exponent of the Spirit filled life
(Read the rest of the memorial placed at his gravesite)