Edwin F. Morton, the leading cigar manufacturer of Burlington, was born in Wabasha, Minn., Dec. 7, 1855, the son of Edwin and Sarah A. (Beedle) Morton. His father was a native of Maine, who moved to Minnesota at an early day but returned to Taunton, Mass., to be married. Mr. Morton was engaged in the ice business in Minnesota, but in 1857 came to Kansas and located on a farm which he preëmpted near LeRoy. The country was little settled up at that date and the Morton family were among the pioneer settlers. Mr. Morton was a Republican in politics, one of those brave men who played so prominent a part in admitting Kansas as a free state. He was highly respected in the community where he spent so many years of his life and his loss was felt when he passed away in 1904. Edwin Morton was only a child of fifteen months, when his parents located in the Territory of Kansas. He was reared on what was then the frontier, was sent to the schools which the period afforded and struggled manfully to fit himself for the battle of life. After leaving school he assisted his father until 1886, when he started out in life for himself. In January of that year he located in Burlington, where he began the manufacture of cigars. The business has grown in a most gratifying manner and today Mr. Morton employs sixteen people in his factory, the products of which are sold all over the state. In addition to the factory he owns a large pool room and retail cigar store, located in one of the finest two-story business blocks in the town. Ever since opening his factory Mr. Morton has acted as salesman and has spent a large part of his time on the road. He is regarded as a very successful manufacturer and sells a large amount of goods on the road. He is progressive in his ideas, has an up-to-date factory and attractive retail establishment.

In 1878, Mr. Morton married Hattie M., the daughter of John C. Pierce, who was born in Ohio but moved to Kansas at an early day and engaged in the jewelry business. Mr. Pierce now makes his home at Columbus, Ind. Mr. Morton takes an active part in the life of Burlington, is an ardent worker in the Republican pary[sic] and was elected to the town council and mayor of the town in which position he served four years. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and Mrs. Morton is a member of the Episcopal church.