David Morgan (frontiersman) facts for kids

David Morgan (born May 12, 1721 – died May 19, 1813) was an important soldier, pioneer, and frontiersman. He helped settle the land that is now West Virginia. Some people called him "The Great Indian Fighter."

David was born in Delaware. His father, Morgan Morgan, is thought to be the first white settler in West Virginia. David was said to be a friend of famous figures like George Washington and Patrick Henry.

In 1746, David helped George Washington survey land for Lord Fairfax. This survey helped create the border between Maryland and Pennsylvania. Later, Washington hired David to survey his own land near the Ohio River.

Early Life and Settlements

David Morgan was involved in many important events. He fought in the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War.

Founding Morgantown

In 1767, David and his younger brother, Zackquill Morgan, helped settle the area that became Morgantown, West Virginia. This is where West Virginia University is located today. David lived there for two years. He then moved to Pennsylvania before returning to Morgantown in 1772. He helped build Fort Morgan there.

Other Settlements and Forts

In 1745, David built a log cabin at Bunker Hill, West Virginia. This cabin later became the Morgan-Gold House. In 1772, he moved to Marion County, West Virginia.

David also helped build and live at Prickett's Fort State Park. He protected the fort from Native Americans and British soldiers. While living near Fairmont, West Virginia, David founded the community of Pettyjohn. This community had its own ferry, salt works, and trading post. David was a brave and smart person who fought for his family and country.

David Morgan is the great-great-great-grandfather of West Virginia Governor Ephraim F. Morgan and Congressman William S. Morgan.

Military Service

David Morgan was a dedicated soldier. He fought in two major wars that shaped early America.

French and Indian War

During the French and Indian War, David fought with the 1st Virginia Regiment. He served under Captain Charles Lewis. He was also a defender at Fort Necessity.

David served under General Edward Braddock during a difficult march to Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh). There, he received a famous scar on his left cheek while fighting the French. David also took part in the Forbes Expedition, which successfully captured Fort Duquesne.

He fought in other battles too, like the Battle of Jumonville Glen and the Battle of the Wilderness. David also helped track and fight French soldiers and Native Americans in different areas of the frontier.

American Revolution

David served in the American Revolutionary War from about 1775 until the war ended. He first served under his brother, Zackquill Morgan. Later, he was a private in Captain William Haymond's company of the Virginia Militia. He also fought with the 10th Virginia Regiment.

David became a Captain in the 5th Company, 8th Lancaster Battalion. He and his family were very loyal to George Washington and the American cause. David fought in many battles, including the Saratoga, the Siege of Fort Laurens, and the Battle of Cowpens. He also fought in skirmishes against Native Americans at Prickett's Fort State Park. He ended his service as a Captain.

Family

David Morgan married Sarah Stevens in 1745. They had eight children together:

• Morgan 'Mod' Morgan (born 1746, died 1826)
• James Morgan (born 1748, died 1840)
• Evan Thomas Morgan (born 1753, died 1850)
• Mary Elizabeth Morgan (born 1755, died 1798)
• Zackquill Morgan (born 1758, died 1834) - not the same as his uncle, Colonel Zackquill Morgan
• Stephen Morgan (born 1761, died 1850)
• Sarah Morgan (born 1765, died 1791)
• Catherine Morgan (born 1769, died 1848)