Biography of Charles Elmer Morton
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CHARLES ELMER MORTON
Born: April 28, 1913, Campbell County, LaFollette (RFD #3), TN
Married: Mary Elisabeth Craig, October 6, 1936
Died: September 3, 1964, St. Petersburg, Florida
It is my pleasure to write about my father, Charles Elmer Morton, who unfortunately did not live past his 51st birthday. Although he did not live long enough to meet my husband, or greet my children as they were born, I know in my heart that this kind, gentle man was watching from above and is very proud of his family on earth. He now has three great grandsons, although they will not carry on the Morton name.
My father was the light of my life, although his light was distinguished when I was only 16 years of age. I caused every gray hair in his head and probably caused him to lose his teeth, as well. He was gentle, quiet, kind and loving (although not often shown) to his children. He could knock my block off without raising his voice (the belt was the trick), and I deserved it all. I tested his resolve many times over my short life with him, however never once did I ever doubt that he loved us tremendously. Dad especially loved his mother and had a son's respect for his father. He was successful in his business life (which consumed most of his time), although it placed him in an awkard position at times due to the fact that both his sisters worked for the same company. Dad was certainly not a saint for no man is, however, I can't remember ever hearing my father speak one unkind word about anyone.
I am my father's daughter in many respects -- I like being at home and having all my family close, and having some personal space; love to eat; get seriously nostalgic when I pass by a farm on vacations, and love to watch a good fight on t.v. One of the greatest memories I have of my father is when we were driving to Knoxville, TN each summer. Dad would sing, "The Old Rugged Cross" along with my mom, my sister, Betty, and myself. It was a side of Dad that was not obvious most times of the year. Somehow I think driving home to Tennessee was a return to his roots. To this day, that song brings tears to my eyes.
At Dad's funeral, there were about 10 very old women sitting in the front row. They looked to me as if they came from the Old Country due to their clothing. Each wore scarves over their heads and they were all crying. One lady came up to me and said that during the war when rationing was in full force, they would go to my father, who oversaw a grocery department in Florida, and tell him they had no coupons for butter, or eggs or whatever their need might be. They told me that Dad would go in the back and bring them eggs, butter, etc. and just give it to them. He paid for their goods out of his own ration book. Had I ever heard this story before? Absolutely not as Dad was not one to brag of himself. It was a complete and total shock to me and as a 16 year old teenager who had probably just lost her brain, I realized that I hardly knew this man who was my father. Later, after I was married and the mother of three daughters, I had this strong desire to know more about my Dad. I wrote to his cousin, Nell Albright, and asked her about my dad as a young man. She was most kind in answering my letters. The following I share from letters she wrote to me.
Wager Morton's book says, "He (Charles) attended church and Sunday School at the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church; a tireless worker in carrying out farm chores; tactful in dealing with others in new situations; he chose a business life."
"I never in my life saw him do or say anything that would hurt another person. I never saw him mistreat his sisters or brother, mother or father. I never saw him be a "show off." He was always mild mannered."
"Charles dated very nice girls. Gladys Gass was the Methodist minister's daughter and Grace Willoughby was our doctor's daughter (Dr. James Willoughby). When we moved to Halls, I believe he dated Vivian King, your mother's friend, and then he dated and married your mother."
"I don't believe Charles sang in the choir. There wasn't much opportunity in our small church, and his father took a great hand - serving as Sunday School Superintendent. Charles probably felt his services could be used to back his father by taking responsibility on the farm."
"I am sure Charles had a concern for the poor and that he did many things to help them. His father was a civic worker and could always be counted on when there was a job at church or school. He would be there with his team of horses."
"Alva Hatmaker Bridges, a cousin who lived close to Charles, said, "He was as nice as anybody could be. He went to Sunday School and Church."
"Cora Brock Trent said: "Yes, Charles was a very nice boy. Worth (her husband) used to cut Charles' hair."
I'm sure I could have written this in a more elaborate style, but this comes from my heart. My father-in-law has been my "dad" longer than my own dad, but no one could ever replace this giant of a gentle man.
Nina Morton Tomasieski
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