Jacob Morton

Jacob Morton
Born(1761-07-08)July 8, 1761
New York, New York
DiedDecember 3, 1836(1836-12-03) (aged 75)
New York, New York
NationalityAmerican
EducationThe College of New Jersey
Occupation(s)Militia officer, lawyer and businessman
TitleCommanding officer of the New York First Division
SuccessorCharles W. Sandford
RelativesGeorge Clark Morton
Signature

Major-General Jacob Morton (1761–1836) was an American military officer, lawyer, and businessman.

Biography

Morton was born in New York City on July 8, 1761.[1][a] He studied law at The College of New Jersey, today Princeton University; however, Morton never practiced law.

Morton was the marshal for the First inauguration of George Washington. When it was found that no bible was available, Morton retrieved the Lodge Bible from St. John's Lodge where he was the Worshipful Master. In 1800, Morton was a Federalist candidate in New York's 2nd congressional district, narrowly losing to state assemblyman Samuel L. Mitchill by less than 100 votes.[4]

Morton served as New York City Comptroller from 1807 to 1808. Morton was also later clerk for the New York City Common Council.

Morton was an active Freemason, and was the Grand Master of Grand Lodge of New York from 1801–04.[5] The Grand Lodge of New York established an award named for Morton, known as the "Jacob Morton Award", given to Masons or Masonic Organizations that have demonstrated exceptional voluntary service to their community.[6] In 1796, Jacob Morton was listed as the presiding officer of Ancient Encampment, Knights Templar (New York City), in its first published list of officers. He remained in that office until 1810, when all traces of the encampment were lost. In 1815, the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of New York was created. On August 16, 1823, the Grand Encampment issued a warrant to Morton Encampment No. 4 (now Morton Commandery No. 4), which was named in honor of General Morton.[7]

Morton was promoted to brigadier-general in 1804. The Brigade he commanded was known as "Morton's Brigade of Artillery," which was the precursor for the Seventh Regiment of New York.[8]

As Major-General, Morton led the New York Militia during the War of 1812.[9]

He died in New York City on December 3, 1836.[1][10]

Notes

  1. ^ Some sources give his birth year as 1762.[2][3]

References

  1. ^ a b Johnson, Rossiter; Brown, John Howard, eds. (1904). The Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans. Vol. VII. Boston: The Biographical Society. Retrieved May 19, 2022 – via Internet Archive.
  2. ^ Herring, James (June 19, 1841). "Biography of the Late Major General Morton". New-York Military Magazine. Vol. I, no. 2. p. 17. Retrieved May 19, 2022 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ Clark, Emmons (1890). History of the Seventh Regiment of New York, 1806-1889. Vol. I. New York. p. 250. Retrieved May 19, 2022 – via Google Books.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. ^ "A New Nation Votes". elections.lib.tufts.edu. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
  5. ^ Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York. May 1921. p. 254. Retrieved May 19, 2022 – via Google Books.
  6. ^ "Awards Committee". Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York. Retrieved May 19, 2022.
  7. ^ Historical Reminiscences of Morton Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar. 1891. pp. 21–23. Retrieved May 19, 2022 – via Google Books.
  8. ^ Clark, Emmons (1864). History of the Second company of the Seventh regiment. Retrieved November 13, 2011 – via Google Books.
  9. ^ Daniel D. Tompkins (1898). Public papers of Daniel d. Tompkins, governor of New York, 1807-1817, volume 1. Retrieved November 13, 2011 – via Google Books.
  10. ^ "Death of General Morton". The Augusta Chronicle. December 17, 1836. p. 1. Retrieved May 19, 2022 – via NewspaperArchive.