Sarah's first son, Orson Samuel Gorton, did quite well for himself, securing at least two patents on improvements in wagon springs and wagon gears. One newspaper called them, "one of the greatest improvements on wagons that has been made in the 19th century." Quite an entrepreneur, he had his hand in many investments and was incredibly active in his community.
His obituary from The Courier of Brookfield, NY, August 22, 1923:
"Orson S. Gorton.
On August 16th, Orson S. Gorton passed on to a higher life. He was a lifelong resident of North Brookfield and was born near the village October 19, 1835, on what is called 'The Gorton Lake Farm.' He was of pioneer ancestry, the great-grandson of Captain Samuel Gorton of the fifth generation who settled on a hill a little above Gorton Lake, in 1795, and built a log cabin where the old homestead now stands. Capt. Gorton was a descendant of Samuel Gorton, an associate of Roger Williams in the foundation and government of historic Rhode Island Colony.
Orson Samuel Gorton was the son of Samuel and Sarah Camp Gorton. He was a wagon and carriage manufacturer in earlier years, and was identified with other enterprises. He had large holdings in oil wells in Pennsylvania and after selling out there, he went to Florida and purchased a tract of land and set out an orange grove, which he later sold.
In 1877, he united with the Baptist Church at North Brookfield, and previous to this, he was chorister and organist for 30 years. He was one of the trustees of the church the same length of time. He was a faithful and loyal member, keeping the appointment of the church whenever he could.
His political preferment was for the Republican party. He served several years as one of the inspectors of the election and several times was justice of the peace.
A great lover of birds, Mr. Gorton had a cabinet of mounted birds, collected from all parts of the state, with many rare specimens from the Southland, especially from Florida. Connoisseiurs have pronounced his collection second to none in the state.
Mr. Gorton was twice married, his first wife, Sarah Isabell Warren of East Hartford, Connecticut, died May 10, 1903. Later he married Miss Mary Morris of Cassville, who serving and who has won praise and admiration of everyone for her faithful and untiring care of him. His illness resembled palsy, which gradually wore him out. For the past three years, he had been confined to the bed, requiring constant care.
He was a successful businessman and a good citizen, having the respect and confidence of all whom he came in contact. Besides his wife, he leaves one brother, Oscar M. Gorton, also a half sister, Mrs. Alida Burhyte of N. Brookfield.
Funeral services were held from the home Sunday afternoon, Rev. Seeley York, pastor of the Baptist church, conducting the services. Mr. York, who has been closely associated with the deceased, gave a very comforting address. Mrs. G. A. Hardy of Utica rendered most exquisitely two solos, 'My Father's Land' and 'The House of the Soul.' Many beautiful floral pieces, besides the home flowers from the neighbors' gardens, were tokens that went to show the high esteem in which the deceased was held. A large gathering of relatives and friends was present from Utica, this place and the surrounding villages. C. W. Burhyte, C. W. Talcott, F. E. Hibbard, and C. K. Mason acted as pall bearers."
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| Brookfield Cemetery, Madison County, NY |
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