- MAJOR WILLIAM H. MORGAN, who is engaged in farming and stock
raising on section 9,
- town of Milton, was born in Danvers, Essex County, Mass.,
on the 31st day of March, 1831, and is a son of Isaac P. and
Rebecca G. (GLADDEN) MORGAN, a sketch of whose lives may be found
on another page of this work. When a lad of thirteen years the
family removed to Lowell, Mass., and in the schools of that city
he completed his education. In his early years he learned the
painter's trade, which he followed for a time in Adrian, Mich.,
engaging in the same occupation at various other places until
the breaking out of the Civil War.
- When the President issued his call for 75,000 volunteers
to serve three years, acting upon his
- patriotic impulse and love of country, he responded to the
call and enlisted in the 7th Wisconsin Regiment, as a member
of Company B. The regiment was mustered into the United States
service in the month of May, 1861, and was then drilled and prepared
for war, and ordered to the front.
- Mr. MORGAN took part in the various battles and skirmishes
until the 28th day of August, 1862,
- at the battle of Gainesville, where he was wounded. Being
left on the field he was taken prisoner by the Rebels, but was
subsequently paroled. After lying in the Queen Street Hospital
at Alexandria, Va. for several months, he had sufficiently recovered
his health to again enter into active service and rejoined the
command at Belles Plaines, Va., where the 7th Wisconsin was in
winter quarters. With the regiment he marched against Fredericksburg,
and later met the enemy on the battlefield at Gettysburg, where
occurred one of the hardest fought battles of the entire war.
On account of the wound which he had previously received, he
was then sent with his regiment to Virginia and transferred to
the Veteran Reserve Corps, composed of disabled soldiers who
did garrison duty at Washing, D.C. For some time he held the
rank of Orderly Sergeant, when he was assigned to Company C,
23d Regiment Reserve Corps, and commissioned Second Lieutenant,
the commission being given and signed by Abraham Lincoln. He
remained in Washington until 1864, when he was ordered to report
to Col. Green, Provost Marshal of Wisconsin Headquarters, at
Madison, whence he was sent to Nashville, Tenn., in charge of
some prisoners of war. On his return he was assigned to Company
A, 23d Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps and placed in command of
the patrol guard. Later he was sent to Ft. Snelling, Minn., and
was there during the Indian massacre which occurred. In a short
time, not being able to perform the duties of that post, he was
sent to Milwaukee where he had command of Company A of the 23d
Regiment and afterwards acted as Post Adjutant, but subsequently
was placed in command of the camp. He was afterwards sent home
to await further orders, and on the 10th day of June, 1866, was
mustered out of service by a special order from the War Department,
having served for the long period of five years. He was a true
and loyal soldier, ever faithful to his duty, and was always
found in the front rank until ill health, consequent upon the
wound received, made it necessary for him to perform lighter
labors.
- Previous to the close of the War, Major MORGAN had purchased
a farm of 150 acres on
- section 9, in the town of Milton, and on the cessation of
hostilities turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which
he has since followed. He also raises a good grade of stock,
and is recognized as one of the leading farmers of the community.
He further completed his arrangements for a home by his union
with Miss Lena H. MAASS, the wedding ceremony being performed
on the 27th day of January, 1865. The lady is a native of Germany,
but came to America with her parents during early childhood.
To Mr. and Mrs. MORGAN has been born one child, Benjamin F. He
was a young man of great promise, with, seemingly the brightest
possible future before him, but on just completing his school
life, he was taken sick with the measles and died on the 26th
day of April, 1887. He was a great favorite with his schoolmates
and teachers and the pride and joy of his parents. None knew
him but to love him, and the life, cut down in the pride of its
young manhood, was mourned by all. Socially Mr. MORGAN is a member
of the Masonic Fraternity and the G.A.R. post of Milton. He has
held various township offices of trust, including three terms
as Supervisor, and has devoted much of his time and attention
to the advancement of the best interests of the community. He
was affiliated with the Republican party since its organization,
and as a citizen none stand higher in the community than Major
MORGAN.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 640-641.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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