The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-05-02

moved to Quincy Illinois, where Mr..
Morton graduated from Illinois college,
class of 1S43. He Immediately began
the study Of law at Quincy in the
office of O. H. Browning, afterwards
Secretary of the Interior. and was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1874; located in
Mount Pleasant, Henry county, Iowa,
and entered upon the practice of his
profession
In 1876 he was elected a member of
the house of representatives of the first
legislature of the state of Iowa, and was
speaker pro tenn, and served in the ses-
siOns of 1S46-47. In 1S4S he was elected
district attorney and in 1850 was elected
to the state senate But after serving
one session resigned; was editor of the
Mount Pleasant Observer for about two
years. In the fall of 1851 he returned to
Quincy, purchased a half interest in the
Quincy Whig and edited. that paper un-
Ill the spring of 1861, when he sold out.
and was inclined to look upon his nine
years of editorial experience as time
wasted. believing that only practical
printers are capable of profitably man
aging a printing office.
In 1861 he removed to Topeka, and was
appointed clerk of the United States
circuit and district courts, serving un-
til the fall of 1863, when on the death of
Judge Archibald Williams and the ap-
pointment of Judge Delehay. he was, to
use his own expression, invited out,
circumstance which may be accounted
for by the fact that he was anti-Lane-"
secretary Of the Kansas senates and at
the close of the session resumed the prac-
tice of law at Topeka as a junior mem
ber of the firm of Martin and Morton,
ex-Judge and Senator John Martin be-
ing the senior member.
In 1866 he was elected probate judge of
Shawnee county, and was chief clerk of
the house of representatives of 1S66-7-S.
In 1868 he was elected judge of the Third
judicial district without opposition; re
elected in the same manner in 1872 and
70 and in 1880 was again reelected by
a good majority over a worthy and pop
ular opponent Owing to a failing
health he resigned in 1882 after a con
tinuous service of IA years Since re-
tiring from the bench he followed the
practice of law, forming a partnership
in 1883 with Mr.. Mason @. Clark under
whom he also associated his son, Chas.
H. Morton, then recently admitted to the
bar.
Judge Morton was married October 10,
1916, to Miss Mary f. Wyman Of Quincy,
III who died in 1854 leaving one child,
a daughter April 4. 1867. he married
Mrs. Clara Ottinger of Topeka, who is
the mother Of Charles Morton.
Judge Morton's legal attainments
were of the highest order being supple
mented by an honest. unbiased judg-
lnent, and an acutely analytical mind.
His arguments to the court, and address
es to the jury were received with a pro-
found respect
his qualities as a judge and his person
ality. in 1879, said:
THE judge is a man of great COM
mon sense, has a thorough legal educa-
ton, and with these combined with a
clear and solid Judgment He is justly
regarded as one of the ablest jurists
that ever presided in a Kansas court
and would honor any judicial position.
His written opinion are models of clear
statement and sound logic, couched in
terse plain Saxon; his instructions to the
jury are in simple language but are ex
ceedingly lucid and easy to be under
stood; his manner upon the bench is
courteous and obliging to all; he is held
in the highest esteem by his brother
judges throughout the state, and is gen
uinely popular with the people and
members Of the bar in his own district.
t4The fairness, fmpartiality and justice
of his opinions and judicial decisions are
not disputed and on or off the bench. as
lawyer, judge or citizen, the square
manhood of his character has never
been questioned"
In person Judge Morton was tall. of
commanding presence and good address.
He was kind and indulgent to his fam
lily, always considerate Of the feelings
Of others, social in his disposition, and
always frank. candid. hearty and man
" abhoring mean act either in public
or private life, and in manner and habit
was one Of natures gentlemen