Author: Peter Andrew Lubbers
Grave Detail – Interred at Elmont Cemetery in Elmont, NY. Headstone has been replaced recently, unknown when. Marriage – Hannah Smith 6 FEB 1789 Children – Jesse Barto 1789-1832 Josiah Smith Barto 1790-1865 Philetus Barto 1792-1852 Elkanah Barto 1794-1880 Mary Barto 1796-1822 Israel Barto 1797-1826 Reuben Barto 1801-1866 Obadiah Barto 1803-1881 Jane Barto 1805-1858 Peter Coleman Bartow 1808-1858 Sara Ann Barto 1809-1867 Hannah Barto 1811-1851 Juliana Barto 1813-1813 Biography – Morris Barto was born 18 AUG 1758 on Long Island, NY. He was one of 11 children of Francis and Mary Barto. Morris enlisted at the age of 18 on 21 Nov 1776 in the Continental Army and served 6 ½ years in the 4th New York Regiment of the New York Line. The 4th Regiment merged with the 2nd Regiment in 1781. Four of his brothers joined the fight for freedom as well! They all served in the same or another New York Regiment for various times. None as long as Morris. Through muster rolls and historical accounts of the Regiment’s movements, we know where Morris and his fellow Patriots served their time: 14 Jun - 17 Oct 1777 - Saratoga Campaign 5 Sep 1777- Camped near Landen’s Ferry 1 Sep 1777 - 2 Jun 1778 - Camped at Valley Forge, PA 28 Jun 1778 - Battle of Monmouth, NJ 22 Jul 1778 - Camped near North Castle, NY 6 Aug - 4 Sep - Camped at White Plains, NY 7 Oct 1778 - Camped at Peekskill, NY 6 Jan - 7 Mar 1779 - Camped at Fort Plank, NY; Promoted to Corporal Transferred to Capt. Theodosius Fowler's Company 22 Nov 1779 - Camped near Pompton, NJ 27 Jan - 4 May 1780 - Camped near Morristown, NJ 5 Jul 1780 - Camped near West Point, NY 1781 4th Regiment merged with 2nd Regiment of New York Forces. 1 Jul 1781 - Camped at Fort Herkimer. Muster rolls after this do not state the unit’s location. 28 Sep - 19 Oct 1781 Siege of Yorktown, VA Jan 1782 - Reduced in rank to private. Last muster rolls available dated 21 May 1783. 8 Jun 1783 - Furloughed. 15 Nov 1783 - Unit disbanded. After the war, Morris returned home to Huntington, Long Island, NY. He helped repair the family farm and eventually was appointed as the Overseer of Highways for the town of Huntington. Morris married Hannah Smith in 1789 and had 13 children. Morris was devoted to his church, The First Presbyterian Church of Babylon. He remained very active and played a critical role in the early years of the church. Morris lived to the ripe old age of 80. He passed away on 6 FEB 1839 and was buried in the Elmont Cemetery (now Beth David) on Long Island, NY.