Born in Macon, Missouri, Benjamin Clarke Morse (1859-1933) later moved with his family to Marquette, Michigan.  He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1884.  His military career in the U.S. Army Infantry lasted over 40 years, with distinguished tours of duty in the Philippines, Cuba, Vera Cruz, and Panama and as a commandant of cadets at Texas A&M and the University of Illinois.  He retired a brigadier general in 1920.  Morse's first tour of duty was Fort Mackinac in 1884-1890.  In 1890 he married Jessie A. Cable on Mackinac Island, whose father owned the John Jacob Astor House Hotel.

Cadet Jacket of Benjamin C. Morse, West Point Military Academy, 1880-1884

1993.9.11
Gift of B. C. Morse, III, descendent

Officer's Sword of Benjamin C. Morse, ca.1890

Saber used for cavalry and mounted officers of infantry, 1872-pattern.  This pattern was often used by other officers, as evidence by this example.

L40.5 inches
2003.53.1
Gift of William Morse, descendent

On exhibit in Fort Mackinac Officers' Stone Quarters

 Benjamin C. Morse Medals, 1884-1917
Gift of Benjamin Clark Morse, Jr.

Pictured here:
33rd Regiment of Infantry Rifles
1984.606.1
Morse commanded the 33rd from August 1918 to July 1920.

"American Occupation Vera Cruz, Mexico 1914" Campaign Medal
1984.591.1
Morse served at Vera Cruz from October to November 1914.
 

13th Regiment of Infantry
1984.603.1
Morse transferred to the 13th in 1915.

Major Insignia
1984.620.1
Morse held the rank of major from 1907 until 1913.

 "Philippine Insurrection 1899" Campaign Medal
1984.590.1
Morse completed two tours of duty in the Philippines, 1898 and 1899.

Bronze-colored medal eagle used on olive drab and khaki caps from 1902-1923.
1984.595.1

Brigadier General Insignia
1984.596.1
On August 5, 1917 Morse was promoted to Brigadier General of the National Army.  He returned to the rant of Colonel of the Regular Army in 1918, but retired a Brigadier General in 1920.

Colonel Insignia
1984.597.1
Morse was promoted to Lt. Colonel of Infantry in 1913 and full colonel in 1916.

World War I "National Army" Collar Insignia
1984.608.1
Officers in command of the National Army (the drafted forces) of World War I wore these collar insignia, authorized from mid-1917 until 1918.

17th Regiment of Infantry, Regimental Quartermaster
1984.603.1
Morese was assigned to the 17th on January 1, 1899.

23rd Regiment of Infantry
1984.598.1
Morse wore this insignia while stationed at Fort Mackinac.  He served with the 23rd from 1884 until 1890, from 1894 to 1899, and again in 1913.

On exhibit in Fort Mackinac Officers' Stone Quarters.