My Genealogy Hound

HON. JOHN A. MORTON, deceased, formerly a prominent resident of Hadley, was born in Ware, Mass., March 8, 1804, son of Thomas and Eunice (Gray) Morton. The late Mr. Morton’s parents were natives of Massachusetts. Thomas Morton, who followed agriculture his entire life, died at the age of thirty-two years. His wife became the mother of five children: Thomas; Mary; Caleb; Jonathan; and John A., the subject of this sketch.

John A. Morton at the age of fifteen commenced to learn the trade of a dyer and cloth dresser, an occupation which he subsequently followed for some time. After his marriage he purchased the farm where his son, George W., now resides. It originally comprised but one hundred and twenty-five acres; but he kept adding to it as opportunities offered until it embraced three hundred acres. He was a very successful farmer. His declining years were passed with his children, and he died December 27, 1878. Mr. Morton was prominently identified with public affairs, served as a Selectman in the town of Hadley for several years, and represented his district in the legislature with distinction.

Mr. Morton’s wife became the mother of twelve children, namely: George W.; Elmira S., wife of Henry M. Marsh; Sarah Ann, who died at the age of eighteen years; John A., Jr., who married and is now residing in Iowa; Thomas D., who married Annie Tuttle, and now resides at the old homestead; Horace B., who married Jennie B. Underwood, and resides in Hadley; Hattie, who married Henry L. Cook, and is now dead; Edward C., who married Alice Wilber, and is now residing at the old homestead; Francis, who died in infancy; Clara, who died in 1859, aged ten years; Cyrus, who died at the age of nineteen years; and Jennie W., wife of Henry S. Shipman, a resident of Hadley. The mother died November 14, 1888.

George W. Morton married for his first wife Ellen B. Boynton, of Springfield, and his three children by this union were: Emma R.; Kate F., deceased; and Arthur B. His first wife having died, he wedded for his second wife Dency M. King, of Amherst, who died, leaving four children; namely, Nellie O., Thera S., May L., and Edna B. Mr. Morton was formerly a Whig in politics, and is now a Republican.