War governor; born in
Saulsbury,
Wayne co., Ind., Aug. 4, 1823: was educated at the Miami University, and admitted to the bar in 1847.
In 1852 he was appointed judge of the Fifth Judicial District of
Indiana, and was elected lieutenant-governor in 1860.
He became governor in 1861, and in that office, during the whole
Civil War, performed services of inestimable value.
He issued his first war message, April 25, 1861, and from that time he labored incessantly for the salvation of the republic.
In 1867 he was elected
United States Senator.
He was appointed minister to
England in
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September, 1870, but declined the office.
Governor Morton did more than any other man in the
State to thwart the disloyal plans of the secret association in aid of the enemies of the government known as the “Order of the Golden circle” or “Sons of liberty.”
He died in
Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 1, 1877.
