My Genealogy Hound

J. STANLEY MORTON, Secretary and Treasurer of the Excelsior Gas Company and one of the wealthy and progressive citizens of Benton Harbor, was born in this city on the 16th of September, 1850, and has passed his entire life in the place where he now makes his home. His father, Henry C., was born in the State of New York in 1817, being the son of Eleazer Morton, one of Benton Harbor’s pioneers. Henry C. settled here as early as 1834, and soon became closely connected with the progress of the place, witnessing its development from a tiny hamlet, with primitive surroundings, to a thriving city with all the conveniences of modern life. He was instrumental in projecting and building the Benton Harbor Canal, and likewise contributed of his money and assistance to many other important enterprises. Now at an advanced age, he resides in Benton Harbor, passing the twilight of his honored life somewhat retired from active business cares. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Josephine Stanley, died in 1859, leaving four sons, only one of whom is now living, J. Stanley the subject of this biographical notice.

Our subject passed his boyhood days in Benton Harbor, where he conducted his studies in the common schools prior to the age of fifteen years. He then secured a position as clerk in a general store, where he remained for four years. At the early age of nineteen years he engaged in the drug business, opening a store, which he conducted until 1873, when he disposed of the business.

The enterprise in which Mr. Morton next became interested was that with which his name has for years been inseparably connected. Forming a partnership with John H. Graham, under the firm name of Graham, Morton & Co., he became interested in a steamboat line between Chicago and Benton Harbor. In 1880 the name of the firm was changed to the Graham & Morton Transportation Company, and as such carried on an extensive business, both in passenger and freight traffic, until 1893, when Mr. Morton retired from the company. For several years prior to withdrawing from the business, he had served as Secretary and Treasurer of the company.

After retiring from the transportation company, Mr. Morton, in company with C. M. Edick and J. Stevens, purchased three-fourths of the stock of the Excelsior Gas Company from Peter English, of Benton Harbor. Since that time our subject has held the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the company. For several years he has held the position of Vice-President of the First National Bank of Benton Harbor, and is also President of the Stevens & Morton Lumber Company, and Treasurer of the Alden Canning Company. One of the organizers of the Benton Harbor Improvement Company, he has been prominently connected with this enterprise since its inception, and has officiated as its Secretary for the past two years.

The marriage of Mr. Morton took place June 21, 1871, to Carrie Heath, of Benton Harbor, the daughter of Salmon F. and Julia Heath, residents of this city. The family residence is a substantial structure, located amid beautiful surroundings. In addition to this home Mr. Morton has other extensive and valuable property interests, and is the owner of the tract of land which he has recently platted in city lots, it being known as Morton & Stevens’ Second Addition to Benton Harbor. In his social connections he affiliates with Lake Shore Lodge No. 298, A. F. & A. M. In politics he is a stanch Republican.