Background
Morgan was born at Llangelynnin, Merionethshire, the younger son of the local curate.
Morgan was born at Llangelynnin, Merionethshire, the younger son of the local curate.
He studied at Jesus College, Oxford, from 1704 to 1708, and is thought to have been influenced by Edward Lhuyd, the antiquary, whilst he was there.
He was ordained in 1709 and spent a year as curate of Llandegfan, Anglesey. From 1710 to 1713, he was curate of Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire, before becoming curate (1713) and then vicar (1728) of Matching, Essex, a position he held until his death in February 1733 or 1734. This led to his commonly being known as John Morgan Matchin.
He was buried in the parish church in Matching.