Scott Morton Who?

William Scott Morton

Architect, artist, craftsman, and decorator all describe that man who is named above, my great great grandfather.

William Scott Morton

The Scott Morton family has scattered around Scotland for many many years. Even today, my cousins aunts, uncles, and most of my extended family on my father's side make multiple appearances in Scotland for various events such as weddings and holidays. 

My great great grandfather, William Scott Morton, was born on March 16 1840 in Carluke, Lanarkshire. He moved a few times throughout his life spending quality time in London and Glasgow. 

Glasgow was really where his career started and where he gained knowledge to start his own business which is exactly what he did! 

While in Glasgow, he took classes at a design school and started an apprenticeship for an architect by the name of James Smith. 

In 1850, the Scott Morton family moved to London. There he and his long life friends from the apprenticeship got married to two sisters. William married Eliza Alexander. 

William became a skilled designer and craftsman's therefore heading his own tapestry and furniture companies. One of the advantages of moving to London was that the stables of his house were turned into his working studio. He was able to create beautiful chairs and fabric designs right from his very own home! 

In terms of Williams death, there is not much that has been recorded. My family members vaguely remember his last resting place to be, "North Merchiston, Edinburgh". After some deep research, I was able to find that he indeed was buried at this location in the St. Michael's Parish graveyard. 

St. Michael's Parish Graveyard 

My family was also uncertain that there is a gravestone that exists however, they have not been to the Parish to check it out. Moreover, the next time I go to Scotland I plan to make a quick stop at St. Michael's Parish to see if I can solve the mystery of William Scott Morton's gravestone! 

St. Michael's Parish

     

These pictures above are some of the creations that William Scott Morton accomplished. On the very left and middle pictures above, are some of his tapestry designs and sketches. To the right are some chairs that he designed and built with his wood working talents!