Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], George Washington Morgan Autograph, Ms2010-047, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The George Washington Morgan Autograph was obtained Special Collections prior to 2009.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the George Washington Morgan Autograph commenced and was completed in June 2010.

Biographical Note

George Washington Morgan was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1820. At the age of sixteen, Morgan left Washington College where he was studying to enlist for Houston in the War for Texan Independence. He entered as a lieutenant and was quickly appointed to captain. After his service, Morgan enrolled in the United States Military Academy. He stayed only two years, however, and began studying law under his future partner, J. K. Miller, in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Morgan was admitted to the bar and became the prosecutor for Knox County. Morgan held his position until he resigned to enlist as colonel of the 2nd Ohio Volunteers in the U.S.-Mexico War. At only twenty-seven years old, Morgan was commissioned Colonel of the 15th United States Infantry. Morgan was wounded at the battles of Contreras and Churubusco, and was named brigadier-general for his "gallant and meritorious conduct."

In 1848, Morgan returned to civilian life in Mount Vernon, Ohio, where he farmed and practiced law. President Pierce appointed him consul at Marseilles in 1856, and he became minister to Lisbon two years later. Morgan resigned this post to take up arms for the Union in the American Civil War. He was appointed brigadier-general and given command of the 7th Division of Buell's Army of the Ohio, then a division in the Vicksburg campaign, and finally the XIII Corps. After battling illness and discontent with the policy of using African American troops, Morgan resigned from the service in 1863.

Morgan was elected to Congress in 1866, serving until he was unseated in 1868. He was elected the following year, and served until 1873. After leaving Congress, Morgan returned to his law practice in Mount Vernon. Morgan was married to Sarah H. Hall and fathered two daughters. He died in Fortress Monroe, Virginia, in 1893.

Scope and Content

The collection contains the signature of George Washington Morgan. Morgan signed his name, "G. W. Morgan", on a list of subscribers' names and requested 2000 copies of an item. Included in this collection is a brief biography of Morgan. Signatures of three other people are included in the collection. One signature appears to belong to Abram O. Miller, but the other two are unidentified.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by material type.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Local/Regional History and Appalachian South

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the George Washington Morgan Autograph by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).