Background
James D. Morgan was born on August 1, 1810, at Boston, Massachusetts, the son of James Morgan, sea captain and trader, and Martha Patch.
James D. Morgan was born on August 1, 1810, at Boston, Massachusetts, the son of James Morgan, sea captain and trader, and Martha Patch.
Morgan attended the common-schools in his native city until he was sixteen years of age.
He served as a merchant sailor; and at one point he suffered a mutiny and spent two weeks in a lifeboat when his ship USS Berkley was set on fire.
He made his way back to Boston, and in the year 1834 went to Quincy, Illinois, where, for some twenty-seven years, he engaged in mercantile pursuits. Incidentally, he became interested in local military affairs, and helped organize the Quincy Grays and, later, the Quincy Riflemen. With the latter organization, he saw military service in Hancock County, Illinois, during the Mormon difficulties of 1844 - 1845, which ended with the death of the "Prophet, " Joseph Smith, and a movement of the Mormon settlers to Utah.
Morgan entered the Mexican War as captain of the 16t Illinois Volunteer Infantry (June 18, 1846), was promoted major for conspicuous gallantry at the battle of Buena Vista, and was mustered out of the volunteer service on June 17, 1847.
Returning to Quincy, he reentered business, in which he continued to engage until the outbreak of the Civil War, when, April 29, 1861, though suffering from a fractured leg, he assumed the duties of lieutenant-colonel of the 10th Illinois Infantry, becoming colonel on July 29 following. With his regiment he was mustered into federal service for three years. He participated in the engagement at Island Number Ten, where he commanded the 16t Brigade, 4th Division of Pope's army.
For meritorious services at New Madrid, Missouri, and in the capture of Corinth, Mississippi, where again he commanded a brigade, he was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, July 17, 1862. He took an active part in the Atlanta campaign and accompanied General Sherman in his march to the sea and through the Carolinas, being brevetted, March 19, 1865, major-general of volunteers for gallantry at Bentonville, North Carolina, where he contributed largely to saving the left wing of Sherman's army. He also distinguished himself at Buzzard's Roost Gap, March 9, 1864.
He was mustered out of the military service, August 24, 1865, and, returning to Quincy, became identified as a banker with many important corporations and institutions. He served as treasurer of the Illinois Soldiers and Sailors Home from its incorporation in 1887, and as vice-president of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland. He died on September 12, 1896, at his home in Quincy, and there his interment took place.
Early in life James D. Morgan was married to Jane Strachan of Boston, by whom he had two sons. His wife died in 1855, and on June 14, 1869, he married Harriet Evans.