The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-06-18
LOCAL MATTERS.
An Honorcd Citizen Gone.
Sudden Death OF MIR. John b. Morton -Briei
Review of Uuse ful and Christian Life.

The announcement early yesterday morn
ing OF the sudden death OF Mr.. John Il.
Morton, cashier OF the Merchants National
Bank, was shocking intelligence to his large
family and extended circle OF friends and
acquaintance in this city. Mr.. Morton had
been in feeble health fol'a year past, but had
not recently been confined to bis bed.
Thursday be was at the bank attending
TO his duties and seemed in unusual good
spirits. He retired as usual that night, and
his good wife was borrified TO find, upon
attempting TO awake him yesterday morn
ing, that be had died while she fanced him
peacefully sleeping by her side.
John b. Morton was born in Stafford
county, Va, July 4, 1907. When quite
young man he settled In Baltimore, and
was book-keeper in the Merchants Bank OF
that city. From Baltimore he removed to
Richmond aud engaged in the brokerage
business. From 1853 10 1855 be was con.
nected with Mr.. II. Ii. Maury.
At the organization OF the Bank Of the
Commonwealth be was elected cashier,
which position be held until some time du-
ring the war, when he resigned, and was
engaged in business with Thomas Branch IL
Co. until the evacuation. In 1865, when the
National Bank Of Virginia was organized,
be was made cashier. He continued in this
position until the winter Of 1870. when he
resigned to accept the cashiership OF the
Merchants National Bank, the position he
held at the time OF his death. He leaves a
large family TO mourn their loss. His sons all
hold honorable positions OF trust--one in
the National Bank of Virginia, one In the
Planters National Bank, and one in the
Merchants National Bank Of this city, while
bis Youngest son, Darcy Paul Morton,
holds very responsible office in New York
city. His sisterS-Mrs. Nelson Head and
Mrs. Jamson-live the one In Leesburg,
Va, and the other In Lynchburg.
The death of no man has been more wide
ly or sincerely lamented by the people of
Richmond, who held him in deservedly high
regard. For more than thirty years he was
closely identified with our business inter-
ests, and from time to time had held various
prominent and responsible positions.
Mr.. Morton was man OF high character
and sterling worth-one in whom the most
implicit confidence might be safely reposed.
None came into his presence who were not
at once impressed with the manlness
Of his character; and TO know him was to
love him. His intercourse with his fellow.
citizens was at all times characterized by
that courtesy and urbanity which bespeaks
gentle ana generous nature.
He was q Christian OF the nobest type.
His daily walk, both public and private,
illustrated in the clearest manner tie pure
and heavenly principles which he professed.
Always and everywhere he was the same
humble, consistent, and devoted disciple
OF Christ. Religious duties were never
neglected. The industry, fidelity, and
love of system which characterized his
secular also marked and made success
ful his religious life. He was a con-
slant and thoughtful reader OF good books,
and particularly the Bible, which in private
was his almos Onstant companion. He
delighted in ,onversation on Christian
themes, and especially on experimental re-
ligion. He was Methodist, and had been
for long period a member of the Cente-
nary church, in this city. His fellow
Christians bear testimony TO the constancy
and fidelity with which he discharged his
duties as member and officer in that
church. He Wiz be greatly missed there.
His funeral will take place this afternoon
at hali-past 5 O'Clock from Centenary
church. The services will be conducted by
the pastor. Rev. p. A. Peterson, assisted by
Rev. DR.. r. n. Sledd.
The Board OF Directors OF the Merchants
National Bank met yesterday morning and
adopted resolutions of respect TO the men,
ory Of their late cashier.