Background
Morgan was born in Washington, Massachusetts on February 8, 1811 to Jasper and Catherine Morgan.
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Morgan was born in Washington, Massachusetts on February 8, 1811 to Jasper and Catherine Morgan.
He was the first and longest-serving chairman of the Republican National Committee. He was also a Union Army general during the American Civil War. The family moved to Windsor, Connecticut, where Morgan received his early education.
He began his business career as a grocer in Hartford, Connecticut.
In 1836, he removed to New York City and became a successful wholesaler, broker and banker. Largely through his connections, the firm became the principal agent for Missouri securities.
Nearly two-thirds of the bonds issued by the State of Missouri from 1835-1860, plus a large share of securities of Saint Louis, were sold through the house of Morgan - in all perhaps thirty million dollars worth. All the while the firm maintained its wholesale grocery trade.
He made a name for himself as chairman of the Sanitary Committee during the cholera epidemic of 1848.
Morgan became highly influential in Republican politics of his time and twice served as chairman of the Republican National Committee, 1856 to 1864 and 1872 to 1876. He was Governor of New York from 1859 through 1862, elected in 1858 and 1860. He was appointed major general of volunteers in September 1861 and commanded the Department of New York until he resigned on January 3, 1863, serving simultaneously as governor and head of the military department.
In February 1863, he was elected to the United States. Senate, and served one term until 1869.
In January 1869, he sought re-nomination, but was voted down by the Republican caucus of State legislators who instead nominated Ex-Governor Reuben East. Fenton. In 1876, Morgan ran again for Governor but was defeated by Democrat Lucius Robinson.
In 1881, Morgan was nominated by President Chester A. Arthur as Treasury Secretary and was confirmed by the Senate, but declined the position. Known for generous contributions to charities and causes, he contributed large sums to the Union Theological Seminary.
Edwin Morgan was a cousin of Morgan G. Bulkeley, the Governor of Connecticut from 1889 to 1893.
Morgan died in New York City on February 14, 1883. He was buried at the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford.
In 1849, Morgan was elected as a member of the New York City Board of Assistant Aldermen. He was also a member of the New York State Senate from 1850 to 1853, and State Commissioner of Immigration.