John Morton (1711-1781)

He was born in Northern Ireland at Ballynocker, Dawsons Bridge (Castledawson), Co. Londonderry and came to New York via Charleston, South Carolina, as an officer in the Commissary Department of the British Army. He he sold his commission in 1761 to go into business, trading in flax, flax-seed and linen between his native Northern Ireland and New York. His pre-revolutionary success saw him take his place among the city's wealthiest merchants and he lived in 3-story house on Water Street with its own wharf and storehouses. In 1775, the self-described, "self-sacrificing patriot" liquidated most of his capital that he deposited in the loan office to aid the colonies in their war for independence. When the British occupied New York he fled with his family to Elizabethtown, Springfield and eventually Basking Ridge. The family supported Washington's troops in the nearby encampment and established an army hospital on their land while providing housing for the medical staff. On several occasions, George Washington and his chiefs of staff were entertained at the Morton's table. In 1760, at New York, he married Maria, sister of John Kemper, supplier to General Washington and the Continental Army. They were the parents of six children (listed).