Benton Harbor in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Morton Cemetery

Photographed By Kathy Garman, August 7, 2021

1. Morton Cemetery Marker

Inscription. On April 13, 1836 Eleazar Morton (1786-1864) purchased land here for $1,000. Before long, he set aside a family cemetery plot. Other families asked to purchase adjacent plots. The cemetery grew, and in 1884, Eleazar’s son Henry C. and surveyor Ross Shinn formally registered a plat of Morton Cemetery. In 1902, Henry’s son, J. Stanley Morton, and his wife, Carrie, sold Morton Cemetery to the City of Benton Harbor for one dollar, with the provision that prior deeds and receipts for plots be honored. City founders and military veterans are buried here. Those who fought in the Civil War include members of the locally organized 12th and 17th Infantry and four men who served in the 102nd United States Colored Troops, a regiment of African Americans that was recruited as the First Michigan Colored Infantry.

Erected 2016 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L1285.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is April 13, 1836.

Location. 42° 7.131′ N, 86° 26.471′ W. Marker is in Benton Harbor, Michigan, in Berrien County. Marker is on Territorial Road

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east of Benton Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Territorial Road, Benton Harbor MI 49022, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Morton House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Israelite House of David / Mary's City of David (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Historic District of Mary's City of David (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Fruit Belt (approx. 1½ miles away); Benton Harbor Fruit Market (approx. 1½ miles away); Boatbuilding Industry (approx. 2 miles away); St. Joseph Maritime Heritage (approx. 2.1 miles away); Shipbuilding in the Twin Cities (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Benton Harbor.

Morton Cemetery and Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Garman, August 7, 2021

2. Morton Cemetery and Historical Marker

Memorial Marker for the Morton Family image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kathy Garman, August 7, 2021

3. Memorial Marker for the Morton Family

The plaque reads: "This lot contains the remains of members of the Morton Family, representing four generations, descendants of George Morton, who arrived at Plymouth, Mass. on the (third ship) "Ann" in 1623."

Grave Marker of Charles Van Horn image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Garman, August 7, 2021

4. Grave Marker of Charles Van Horn

A member of the 12th Infantry who fought during the US Civil War (mentioned on the Historical Marker).

Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. This page has been viewed 216 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 17, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.