Person Record

Metadata

Name

Morton, J.F. (Joseph Francis), Dr.

Born

1899

Birthplace

Bracebridge, Ontario

Deceased

1974

Deceased

Southampton (Saugeen Memorial Hospital)

Father

James Morton

Spouse

Elizabeth MacAuley (married 1924) (1900-1984)

Children

Patirck
Donald
Christine (Mrs. Bruce Paterson of Kenora)
Mary

Relationships

Sister: Ann (Mrs. James Heffel of Regina)

Education

Dr. Morton completed his elementary and secondary education in Port Elgin
before attending the Royal College of Dental Surgeons, from which he graduated in 1919.

Occupation

Dr. J.F. Morton was a dentist in Southampton (1919-1971); served on the Southampton Town Council (1935-1941); was the reeve of Southampton (1955-1957); Warden of Bruce County in 1957; news correspondent to the Sun Times (1945-1969); chairman of the Library Board (13 years); and life-long member of Bruce County Historical Society. In WWII he served in the Canadian Army Dental Corps, beginning as a Lieutenant and ending as a Major. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion; the board of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church; and the past president of the Southampton Liberal Association.

Dr. Joseph Francis Morton was one of the founding members of the Bruce County Museum & Archives. Together with the Bruce County Women's Institute, he visited many of the farms and households in Bruce County asking for donations that would tell the story of the early settlers. Morton also obtained permission from the federal and provincial governments for archaeological digs related to the early Indian occupation in Bruce County. Morton (then reeve of Southampton) was the chairman of the first Museum Committee (Feb. 9, 1955). He also organized the procurement of an official tartan for Bruce County in recognition of the Scottish families who had settled in Bruce County. It was first shown in Southampton on July 1, 1965. Morton also assisted and encouraged addition of the Log School to the museum grounds, which was officially opened on August 5, 1967.

He was also active in local sports, especially baseball.

Places

J.F. Morton moved from Bracebridge to Southampton with his family in 1891 and then to Port Elgin where he attended school. In 1919 he set up a dental practise in Southampton where he remained for the rest of his life.