Marcus Morton - Definition and Overview

Marcus Morton (February 19, 1784 - 1864) was a two-term Governor of Massachusetts, born in East Freetown, Massachusetts. He also served a portion of an unexpired, vacated term in 1825.

Governor Morton graduated from Brown University in 1804, and furthered his studies in Litchfield, Connecticut in the field of law. He was admitted to the bar in Taunton in 1807. He received his LL. D. from Brown in 1826, and again from Harvard University in 1840. Among his public offices were U.S. Representative, clerk of the Massachusetts Senate, member of the Massachusetts Executive Council, Lieutenant Governor, and a judicial appointment.

Morton removed to Taunton, where he died in 1864 and was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. His home in Taunton later became the original building of Morton Hospital and Medical Center. The Morton House in Taunton was demolished in the 1960s during hospital expansion. The Morton House of East Freetown was moved to Newport, Rhode Island sometime during the 20th century.