Jacob Morton

Major-General Jacob Morton (1756–1837) was an American military officer, lawyer, and businessman.

Jacob Morton
NationalityAmerican
OccupationMilitia officer, lawyer and businessman
TitleCommanding officer of the New York First Division
SuccessorCharles W. Sandford
RelativesGeorge Clark Morton

Biography

Morton was born in 1756. He studied law at The College of New Jersey, the predecessor of 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.

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.[1] 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. 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.[2]

Morton as 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.[3]

As Major-General, Morton led the New York Militia during the War of 1812.[4]

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References
  1. Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, May 1921, p. 254.
  2. Historical Reminiscences of Morton Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar {New York: Morton Commandery No. 4, 1891) p. 21-23.
  3. History of the Second company of the Seventh regiment. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
  4. Daniel D. Tompkins. Public papers of Daniel d. Tompkins, governor of New York, 1807-1817, volume 1. Retrieved 2011-11-13.
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