The Morton Treestone
Photos by Amy Stouffer, Arbor Day Farm
There is a particular treestone that every
municipal arborist should visit—that of the Morton family plot in Nebraska City, Nebraska. It was commissioned
and erected by J. Sterling Morton for his wife Caroline.
This towering 20-foot treestone is bursting with touching symbolism, made even more poignant by the Morton
family's connection to trees (J. Sterling Morton founded
Arbor Day).
The top of Caroline Morton's treestone is broken, referring to a life cut short (she died in 1881 at the age of
47 after succumbing to rheumatism). At the base of the
tree are an artist's palette, pencils, and brushes, which
refer to Caroline's passion for the arts and painting.
Beside the palette are embroidery items that represent
that interest of hers. Around the trunk is a sheet of
music engraved with "Rock of Ages." Near this are ferns
and a tipped-over vase of lilies.
High on the treestone is a cavity serving as an opening
for a bird's nest. Inside, the carved nest contains three
young birds, their mother, and a fourth smaller bird
tucked under her wing. This scene is a touching representation of the four sons Mrs. Morton left behind.
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