Thomas Morton
Thomas Morton (1781-1832) of Leith
1781 Born in Leith, son of Hugh Morton, shipwright and brother of Samuel Morton
1818 He invented the patent slip as a cheaper alternative to a dry dock for ship repair. It consisted of an inclined plane, which extended well into the water and wooden cradle onto which a ship was floated. The ship was then attached to the cradle and hauled out of the water up the slip. This had advantages compared with the use of a dry dock.
1822 The first Morton-type slip was built at Bo'ness
1824 Brought an action against Barclay for infringement of his patent
1832 Morton died; his business was carried on by S. and H. Morton
1842 NOTICE is hereby given, that, on the 22nd December 1834, the late Thomas Morton, formerly Ship Builder in Leith, and his executors and representatives, ceased to have any interest in the company or concern carrying on business under the firm of London, Leith, Edinburgh, and Glasgow Shipping Company; and that, on the 2nd April 1839, Samuel Morton, Agricultural Implement Manufacturer, Leith Walk, Edinburgh, residing at Harmony-hall, Melrose, Roxburgshire, also ceased to have any interest in the said company or concern. Signed Samuel Morton, executor and representative of Thomas Morton[1]
In 1912, Hawthorns and Co acquired the shipyard of Thomas Morton and Co which lay adjacent to the yard of Ramage and Ferguson.
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Edinburgh Gazette 13 May 1842
- Biography in Dictionary of National Biography