"Other holidays repose upon the past. Arbor Day proposed for the future."- J Sterling Morton
Father of Arbor Day
J. Sterling Morton (1832 - 1902) came to the Nebraska Territory in 1854 and spent a winter in Bellevue before moving to Nebraska City. While in Nebraska, he was an editor, farmer, and worked in politics.
Morton served as Secretary of the Territory from April 1858 - May 1861 while serving as Acting Governor from December 1858 - May 1859.
President Grover Cleveland also appointed him Secretary of Agriculture in 1893.
Morton was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 1975 - 76.
Other Resources:
Julius Sterling Morton - manuscript finding aid
(A short column discussing a reminiscence of Morton)
Earth Day, Arbor Day and Morton
"Was J. Sterling Morton a Racist?"
"Would Morton sacrifice his mother for political gain?"
Morton's War on Christmas Trees
