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Levi P. Morton (1824–1920) was an American politician who served as a representative from New York, the 22nd vice president of the United States, and later the 31st governor of New York. Morton held a variety of odd jobs, including as a teacher, clerk, and merchant, before unsuccessfully running for the 45th Congress in 1876. He ran again, successfully, in 1879, serving until 1881, when he was made Minister to France. Four years after returning from Europe, Morton became Benjamin Harrison's running mate in the 1888 election. After Harrison's election the two were frequently at odds, and when the incumbent ran for a second term, he chose Whitelaw Reid over Morton. Morton, meanwhile, was elected Governor of New York in 1895, serving for two years before becoming a real estate investor.Photograph: Brady–Handy, restoration: Adam Cuerden