1823-1942
CONTRIBUTED BY
Dorothy V Morton of Wintersville, OHIO
R.D. #1 Colliers, WVa
The land bordered on Morton Road
Morton School (#3 Brooke County School) was on Morton Road.
Coming from Fermanagh County, Ireland in 1765, the three Morton brothers, John, Edward and Thomas were first in Cumberland County (now Fulton) Pennsylvania. In 1783, they came over to Beallsville, Washington County, Pa., where they settled and farmed.
In the early 1800's the railroad was selling virgin land which it had acquired during the construction of the railroad across the country.
Joseph (1776-1848) bought land for three of his sons, John, Thomas and Joseph (1796-1869)
In 1823, they came to Brooke County, VA ( now WV) cleared the land and established farms. They built log houses and a log school house. There were no free schools at that t ime. A scholar would go around to the farms to determine how many pupils ( perhaps 20-25 at $1.50 per pupil). He then would open school and take his meals and stay at the homes of each pupil. The home that served the best meals, had the best feather beds, and the prettiest young ladies was where he took room and board.
The pioneers were as strong in simple faith as stout in heart. The Bible as truly their book of life. Prayer and Bible reading was carried on faithfully in the home. The settlers were drawn together for safety and a chance for public worship was eagerly seized.
OLD ST. JOHN'S CHURCH 1793 was formed as a result. The church was rebuilt in 1849. The bricks were hand baked. Joseph Morton (1796-1869) was one of the builders. His memorial stone stands to the right of the front door.
BACK HOME FOR A VISIT
FROM AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CYRUS MORTON
Joseph (1796-1869) and his wife Ruth McIlvaine Morton, had their farm at the fork of the road leading to Colliers, WV. Ruth had no clock with which to tell time; she told time by the sun. Joseph and Ruth raised three sons, (John, Rezin and Cyrus) and two daughters. John Morton (1825-1902) married Harriet Marsh, a sister of George Atkinson Marsh. They bought a farm adjoining the farm of Joseph. A farm home was built (on Morton Road) which is still standing. Joseph and Ruth's third son Cyrus went west in 1856. He went in search of land and found some in Omaha, Nebraska. His line thrives there today.
Cyrus would return home for a visit occasionally. Joseph raised sheep and had wool to sell. He was elderly and his son Rezin was running the farm. Cyrus and Rezin decided to greet their father in a clever manner.
Rezin came to his father and told him a man had come up from Steubenville, Ohio. He wants to look at the wool fleeces and is interested in buying. Joseph instructed Rezin to bring up some apples from the cellar. He then go the key to the wool house and the three of them set out to examine the wool. Cyrus had his hat pulled down over his face. He inquired about the quality, how thoroughly washed, etc. All the while being very serious and business-like. They talked a while and finally Cyrus said he didn't believe it was what he was looking for an they returned to the house.
Rezin said, "Father, have you ever seen this man?" Joseph looked closely and said, "I do believe it is Cyrus!"
A Happy Reunion and visit followed.
HAULING THE HARVEST TO MARKET
FROM THE HAY BOOK OF REZIN MC ILVAIN MORTON
Following the death of his father, Rezin (1828-1901) took over the Morton Farm in Brooke County, WV, Rezin farmed extensively, played an active roll in the Church and community. He served as squire of Brooke County. He and his wife, Mary Jane Morton ( from Washington County, PA) raised a family of two sons and three daughters.
Many times Rezin would have a wagon load of produce (pumpkins, etc) to take to market. His young son, James would go with his father.
Often they would take produce to Steubenville, Ohio There was no bridge at that time (1870); only ferry boats to take wagons, horses, people across the Ohio River. Rezin would drive the team and wagon full of produce onto the ferry boat and it would take them a cross the river to Steubenville. They then would drive off the ferry and up Market Street to the Market Square (on Third Street where farmers sold produce). Rezin would fins a booth, set up for the day, and they would sell their wagon load of produce. They would return home to the farm in the afternoon or evening before dark.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The literacy meeting was an important event of this generation - both for entertainment and enlightenment, The men would speak and debate on many varied topics, such as:
"Who is Happier, a Married Man or a Single Man?"
"Should Capital Punishment be Abolished?"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rezin attended the 1876 100 year celebration of the United States of America, in Steubenville, Ohio. His son, James Newkirk Morton was 11 years old.
THE JAMES NEWKIRK MORTON FAMILY
FROM HIS DAY BOOK
Rezin gave his son, James N. Morton (1865-1939) 136 acres when James and Mary Etta Marsh were married (1888). They took up housekeeping in the log house which had been built earlier. In 1905, James had the James N. Morton Farm Home built. The materials for the house were brought by train from Steubenville, Ohio to Colliers, WV. James N. went with horses and wagon to pick up the materials and hauled it to the farm. (The Market Street Bridge was built in 1905). James N. and Mary Etta Marsh Morton raised a family of five boys and four girls. James N. Morton served as Superintendent of Roads for Brooke County, WV.
During this time, the early 1900's the Morton School (#3 Brooke County School) burned down.
James and son, Joseph (1899-1988) dug foundation for a new school building. This was done by using a team of horses.
James N. Morton took over the responsibility of maintaining and buying supplies for the school. James organized a Sunday School at Morton School. He served as Superintendent and played a great role in its operation and success.
All the children of James N. Morton made their homes in Ohio with the exception of Ralph D Morton (1904-1991) who made his home in Weirton, WV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph McIlvaine "Mac" Morton (1867-1953) brother of James N. Morton, continued to live in his father, Rezin;s farm home He farmed 92 acres. James, (Jimmy) and Mac operated a threshing outfit with two neighbors. Dave Carter operated the steam engine. In 1930, Mac married Mary Wright. They farmed until Mac sold the original house and land. Mac and Mary moved to Follansbee, WV where they lived for several years..
THE FIFTIETH
R.D.#1 BROOKE COUNTY, COLLIERS, WV
BY DOROTHY V. MORTON, GRANDDAUGHTER
It was a cold, crisp day - Christmas Day 1938. A blanket of snow covered the ground. AS we approach the farm home of James N. Morton, excitement and chatter till the air. We enter the kitchen door and see childr3n and grandchildren; a brother and two sisters of James N. Morton. All have arrived for a Dinner before the home is opened to neighbors and friends.
The dinner was held in the basement where banquet tables had been erected a day or so before by two sons-in-law, George Sharp and John Brown. It was a marvelous dinner with about 40 people seated. Everyone was outdoing themselves for honors that day. There as a moving grace offered, and then Joseph, a son, offered an original poem honoring his Father and Mother. Two of the daughters, Nettie and Margaret, then took it upon themselves to render humorous duet.......
"I'll give to you a paper of pins
And that's the way our love begins
If you will marry me, me, me
If you will marry me."
After the song, I'm sure Uncle Mac Morton offered a few words. Everyone laughed - everyone ate!
The afternoon presented much delight and good humor. After the dinner, we retired to the parlor for entertainment by the grandchildren. There were Christmas recitations and songs in observance of Christ's Birth as well as "The Fiftieth".
Many friends were received in the afternoon. The home same out with joyful hospitality - rememberances were placed on the table.
Now it was time for the picture-taking session. We put on our coats and went out in the yard. Several cameras were busy for a while snapping pictures of Grandpap and Grandma Morton, the sons and daughters, and the grandchildren.
The grandchildren have since laughed aloud at their picture- strange spindly legs, the strangest attire of hats you eve saw.
It was a day to remember - everyone with nothing, yet everyone with so much which they hadn't come to as yet.
TO
MR. AND MRS. JAMES N. MORTON
ON
THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
1888-1938
Their Golden Wedding Day is here
For Mother and Father Dear;
It was fifty years ago to-day
They promised to love, honor and obey.
How nice, as the years come and go
They they still love each other so.
And many friends they have made on their way
Nothing ill of them they would say.
When the years were troubled and weary
They always kept things bright and cheery.
And we come this Christmas Day
To help them to be glad and gay.
On Sunday evening when the work was done
Together we would come at set of sun.
Father would read from the Bible and Say a Prayer
To teach us children that there's a God up there.
We wish them many more years to-gether
and happiness in all kinds of weather.
If we could be as good as they
The World would be better in many a way.
Composed by: Joseph R. Morton 1930-1988 Wintersville, Ohio