Richmond in Fort Bend County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
William Morton
Photographed By James Hulse, October 4, 2020
1. William Morton Marker
This marker was dedicated January 27, 2001 on the 150th anniversary of Morton Lodge No. 72 A.F. & A.M. honoring the memory of William Morton, a Masonic brother who was one of the first settlers of Richmond. He acquired this labor of land (177 acres) from the Mexican government. He also acquired a league of land (4428 acres) on the east side of the Brazos River where he was engaged in farming and ranching.
Brother Morton was a skilled brick and stone mason and erected the first Masonic monument in Texas for a brother Mason, Robert Gillespie, a native of Scotland who died in Morton's home in 1825. Morton lived until 1833, when he was lost in a Brazos River flood. His body was never found, but his deeds and his memory will live forever.
Santa Anna's army camped here a few nights before the Battle of San Jacinto. Sometime during their stay several Mexican soldiers attempted to destroy the monument, but were stopped by one of their officers who was a Mason. The monument fell into disrepair for many years and was restored by Morton Lodge in 1936.
Erected 2001 by Morton Lodge.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical date for this entry is January 27, 2001.
Location. 29° 35.144′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. H. Schumacher Oil Works (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Jefferson Smith (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Morton Cemetery Veterans Flag Pole (about 300 feet away); Morton Cemetery (about 300 feet away); Walter Moses Burton (about 300 feet away); Morton Cemetery 1822 (about 400 feet away); John McNabb (about 400 feet away); Site of the Home of Randal Jones (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
Photographed By James Hulse, October 4, 2020
2. William Morton Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, October 4, 2020
3. William Morton Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 224 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
