My Genealogy Hound

CHESTER C. MORTON. In all Cass County there is perhaps no home more beautiful than that of Mr. Morton. This rural abode is pleasantly situated in Wayne Township, and has all the accessories which can enhance the comforts and heighten the pleasures of life. The homestead comprises four hundred acres of land, of which two hundred and fifty have been placed under excellent cultivation. The residence, a commodious structure and comfortably furnished, was erected in 1866 at a cost of 14,000 and contains all the modern conveniences.

The owner of this pleasant home is a member of a family represented early in the history of Massachusetts, whither people by the name of Morton emigrated as early as 1620 and settled in Salem. Among the descendants of those sturdy pioneers may be mentioned the names of Hon. Levi P. Morton, formerly Vice-President of the United States; Hon. Marcus Morton, ex-Governor of Massachusetts; and J. Sterling Morton, of Nebraska. The grandfather of our subject, Ambrose Morton, was born in 1756 and served with valor during the entire period of the Revolutionary War. He followed farming pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 8th of January, 1832. His wife was Sarah Tollman, a member of an old Puritan family, and they became the parents of six children, all of whom are now deceased.

The father of our subject, Ambrose Morton, was a native of Stoughton, Mass., born August 12, 1788, while his mother was Sarah Cotton, who was born in Vermont April 2, 1796, being the daughter of Willard and Mercy A. (Gallup) Cotton, natives respectively of Vermont and Connecticut. The parents of our subject were married in Jamesville, Onondaga County, N. Y., August 16, 1818, and for a time resided in what was then the township of Pompey, later Lafayette Township. In 1836 they sold their farm with a view to coming to Michigan, but instead of doing so, bought a farm in Onondaga Township, Onondaga County, where they lived for twelve years. Finally they removed to Skaneateles Township, of the same county, where the father died April 8, 1863. The mother survived him many years, passing away February 23, 1879. They were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are now living. At one time they were Universalists in their religious belief, but at a revival conducted by Dr. Newman they were converted to the Methodist Church. Politically, Mr. Morton was at first a Democrat, but in later life became an advocate of the principles of the Free Soil party. A man of patriotic nature, he served with valor in the War of 1812.

In the township of Pompey Onondaga County, N. Y., the subject of this sketch was born February 18, 1822. He was reared to manhood upon the home farm, receiving his education in the common schools and in Onondaga Academy. At the age of twenty years he commenced to teach school, and followed that profession for a time. In 1844 he came to Michigan and worked at such occupations as were open to him. For two months he was employed as a clerk in Constantine, Mich., and as soon as the season opened he engaged to work at accounts in the mill, but after having a hemorrhage of the lungs, he resigned his position. In 1847 he took up eighty acres where he now lives. The land was wholly unimproved and consisted of timbered openings. Mr. Morton at once began the work of improving the place and during the first year he resided there he planted twenty acres to wheat. For a series of winters he engaged in furnishing ties for the Michigan Central Railroad, which was then being built through Cass County.

In his farming operations, Mr. Morton started with wheat and corn and engaged in raising pigs. During the late war he seeded the land to clover and also for a time raised sheep. Later he engaged in wheat-raising, and afterward devoted his attention principally to cattle and horses. During the past few years he has divided his attention equally among sheep, swine and cattle. Socially, he has been identified with the Patrons of Industry and the Farmers’ Alliance, and has served as Treasurer of the County Alliance, and was the first presiding officer in the subordinate lodge of the Patrons of Industry. Always taking a deep interest in educational matters, he served with efficiency as a member of the School Board and as Superintendent of the township schools. In politics a Democrat for many years, he has lately identified himself with the People’s party, which he aided in organizing. For ten years or more he has filled the office of Justice of the Peace. He was active in the organization of the Agricultural Society at Dowagiac and has held official positions in both the county and city societies.

January 11, 1849, Mr. Morton married Miss Mary Ludlow, who was born in Ohio, September 30, 1830. Her parents, Micajah and Juliana (Barney) Ludlow, were natives of New York State and became early settlers of the Western Reserve, Ohio, whence in 1837 they removed to Michigan and settled in Wayne Township, Cass County. Mrs. Morton was educated in the common schools of Ohio and in the district schools of Michigan, the nearest school being six or seven miles from her home for a number of years. Of the seven children born of this union, five are now living, as follows: Marcus L., who was born January 30, 1850, married Parmelia Kelly, and with his wife and nine children resides in Van Buren County; Julia M., who was born September 29, 1855, is the wife of E. M. Ludlow, of Harvey, Ill., and the mother of five children; Carson D., who was born September 24, 1859, married Mary G. McEwen, and with his wife and child lives in Harvey, Ill.; Edith May, who was born October 2, 1861, married Seneca E. Gage, of Dowagiac, and they have two children; Mary E., born April 1, 1864, is the wife of S. P. Ball, of Wayne Township, and they are the parents of two children.