Morton Freeman Plant

Morton Freeman Plant (August 18, 1851, in Branford, Connecticut – November 4, 1918, in New York City) was an American financier.

He received his early education at Russell's Military School, New Haven, Connecticut, and at the age of 16 entered the employ of the Southern Express, which at that time was owned by his father.

Beside these numerous interests, Plant also owned the Shore Line Electric Railway - at the time one of the largest single trolley systems in the United States - and a number of hotels and summer resorts in various parts of the Union, among them the “Griswold Hotel” less than a mile up the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut from The Branford House and the “Belleview” in Florida.

His country seat, Branford House at Avery Point, Groton, Connecticut, was one of the most perfectly equipped farms in the United States.

Plant was especially distinguished for philanthropic spirit, one of his pet benevolences being to send bright young people to school.

His gifts to this institution included $25,000 towards the purchase of the site; $1,000,000 for the endowment; two dormitories, Plant and Blackstone halls, in memory of his father and mother and costing $60,000 each; and a legacy of $250,000.

He owned the steel schooner “Ingomar,” built by Nat Herreshoff, which entered twenty-two races in one season abroad and won nineteen prizes.