History of Bucks County, Pa Volume 3 by William H. Davis
Names and Page # Index

JOHN M. MORGAN. The Morgan family, of Walsh lineage, has been represented in America through several generations. The great-grandfather of John M. MORGAN was a native of Wales, and came to this state with a colony whose members sought the advantages of the new world and settled in Pennsylvania. He was a consistent member of the Friends’ meeting. Most of his descendants have followed the occupation of farming, living quiet but useful lives.

David MORGAN grandfather of John M. MORGAN, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and after arriving at years of maturity wedded Sarah KINDERDINE, whose birth occurred in Horsham township, Montgomery county. Her ancestors were among the pioneer settlers of that locality, removing thence from the parish of Horsham in England. The first of the name in America belonged to the Friends’ meeting, and the congregation of that society which was organized in his locality he called by the name of Horsham, and eventually the township took the same name. To David and Sarah (KINDERDINE) MORGAN were born the following children: Enoch; David; Margaret, who became the wife of John Conard MORGAN, a farmer; Isaker; and Edward.

Enoch MORGAN, son of David MORGAN, was born and reared in Horsham township, Montgomery county, and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Later he learned the tailor's trade, which he followed for a number of years, and then resumed farming, He possessed considerable mechanical genius being able to construct any device which he saw. Because of his ability in this direction he kept everything about his place in excellent repair, including the buildings and farm machinery. He spent the greater part of his life as an agriculturist, and his loyalty to duty and honesty in business transactions made him a valued resident of his community. He voted with the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. He always affiliated with the Friends' meeting, and died in that faith in 1876. In early manhood he wedded Ann SPENCER, whose death occurred in 1863. She was a daughter of James SPENCER, one of the early settlers and prominent farmers of Montgomery county, of German lineage, in whose family were four children: Ann, who became Mrs. MORGAN; George; Ruth; and John. To Enoch and Ann MORGAN were born three children: Lydia, the wife of John MAXWELL; John M; and Tacy.

John M. MORGAN was born in Horsham township, August 16, 1845, reared to farm life, and remained under the parental roof until twelve years of age, when he started out u pon an independent business career. He is a self-made man, having since that time depended entirely upon his own resources for a livelihood. He first found employment on a farm in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he remained with one man until sixteen years of age. He then enlisted in 1861, in response to the country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion in its incipiency. He joined the Fourth Pennsylvania Reserves for three years or during the war, and went to the front under command of Isaiah KIMBLE and Colonel COOK. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and he soon went to the front to battle for the Union. The first engagement in which he participated was the second battle of Bull Run, and he afterward took part in a second battle of Fredericksburg, and the engagements at Gaines' Mill and Malvern Hill. He was then transferred to the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, under command of Colonel J. A. GALLAHER, and participated in the battles of Fair Oaks, Antietam, the second day's fight in the Wilderness, Gettysburg and Spottsylvania. At the last named place the regiment was dismounted. He there sustained a wound caused by a minie ball which plowed its way through the instep of his left foot. Unwilling to leave his command he remained with his company, but took cold in his wound and was then forced to go to the hospital on the 16th of June, 1864. He remained there for four months, and in order to save his life submitted to the amputation of his foot, which was taken off above the ankle. As soon as able, however, he joined the Invalid Corps, and continued in the service with an independent battalion, going to Harper's Ferry, Virginia, and on to other points in the south. He continued in active duty until after the close of the war, and then returned to York, Pennsylvania. being mustered out and receiving his honorable discharge on the 17th of May, 1865. He was a courageous soldier, always found at his post of duty, whether it called him to the lonely picket line or to the midst of the fire. The government recognized his valuable services and his sacrifices,, and granted him a pension.

Following his return home, where he remained for a few months, Mr. MORGAN went on a prospecting tour to Los Angeles, California, where he was given a mail route. He continued in the strict service of the government for thirteen months, and then again came to Pennsylvania. Here he did some trading, and after his marriage, which occurred in 1868, he settled in Horsham township , where he remained for a year and a half. He then moved to Plumstead township, where he spent one year, and afterward went to Jamison where he engaged in the operation of the Small farm for one season. Later he conducted another farm for two years, and in 1874 removed to the six acre lot whereon he yet resides. Here he has since operated his land and has attended to other business interests. In 1881 he conducted a mail route between Hatboro and Lahaska, being thus engaged for six months. He has engaged in dealing in horses and he has filled public positions. In 1888 Mr. MORGAN was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of constable, and collected the delinquent taxes, serving in all in that capacity for fourteen years. In 1893 he went upon a man's bond for the mail service, and when the man abandoned the route Mr. MORGAN began carrying the mail for that term and was a successful bidder for the next term. He has since remained in the position, which he has capably filled for twelve years, carrying the mail from Bridge Valley to Rushland, making two trips daily For this he receives four hundred dollars annually. He is a man of determination, temperate in habits. industrious and energetic, and deserves credit for what he has accomplished.

Mr. MORGAN wedded Miss Sarah JACKSON. who was born in Horsham township in 1852. Her parents were Charles and Rachel (GORDON) JACKSON. Her father is a farm laborer, and he and his wife are affiliated with the Friends' meeting. Their children are Job S.; George, Mary A., who died at the age of sixteen years; and Sarah E. To Mr. and Mrs. MORGAN were born eight children: John. who has been an invalid from childhood; Viola, the wife of T. BELGER; Charles K, a farmer; Tacey, the wife of F. MARTINDALE; Oliver J. a laborer; William, a farmer; Fannie O., the wife of William KIRK; and Carrie. Mrs. MORGAN died December 18, 1898, and since that time Mr. MORGAN has employed a housekeeper to manage his household affairs. An honored veteran of the civil war, and handicapped by the loss of his foot, he has displayed marked energy and enterprise in his business career, making the most of his opportunities, and winning for himself an honorable name by reason of what he has accomplished and because of his unfaltering perseverance.