Edwin D. Morgan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edwin D. Morgan
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| United States Senator from New York |
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| In office March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1869 |
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| Preceded by | Preston King |
| Succeeded by | Reuben E. Fenton |
| 21st Governor of New York | |
| In office January 1, 1859 – December 31, 1862 |
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| Lieutenant | Robert Campbell |
| Preceded by | John Alsop King |
| Succeeded by | Horatio Seymour |
| 1st and 5th Chairman of the Republican National Committee | |
| In office 1856–1864 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Henry J. Raymond |
| In office 1872–1876 |
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| Preceded by | William Claflin |
| Succeeded by | Zachariah Chandler |
| Member of the New York Senate from the 6th district |
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| In office January 1, 1850 – December 31, 1853 |
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| Preceded by | William Samuel Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Erastus Brooks |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Edwin Denison Morgan
February 8, 1811 Washington, Massachusetts |
| Died | February 14, 1883 (aged 72) New York City |
| Political party | Republican |
| Other political affiliations |
Whig |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1863 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands | Department of New York |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Edwin Denison Morgan (February 8, 1811 – February 14, 1883) was an important American politician and businessman. He served as the 21st Governor of New York from 1859 to 1862. Later, he was a U.S. Senator from 1863 to 1869.
Morgan was a key figure in creating the Republican Party. He was also the first and longest-serving chairman of the Republican National Committee. During the American Civil War, he was a Union Army general.
Born in Massachusetts, Morgan grew up in Connecticut. He started his career as a merchant in Hartford. He later moved to New York City and became a very successful businessman. He was involved in wholesale groceries and selling bonds.
As governor during the Civil War, Morgan strongly supported the Union. He was appointed a major general in the Union Army. He commanded the military's Department of New York while still serving as governor. After his time as governor, he was elected to the U.S. Senate.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edwin Denison Morgan was born on February 8, 1811. His parents were Jasper and Catherine Morgan. He was born in Washington, Massachusetts. Later, his family moved to Windsor, Connecticut.
He went to school there and also attended Bacon Academy. This school is in Colchester, Connecticut. Edwin Morgan had several cousins who also became important. These included Morgan G. Bulkeley, who was a Governor of Connecticut.
Starting a Career
Morgan began his business journey in Hartford, Connecticut. He worked as a grocer. He became a partner with his uncle in the business. He also served on the city council in Hartford.
In 1836, Morgan moved to New York City. There, he became a very successful businessman. He worked as a wholesaler, which means he sold goods in large amounts. He also became a broker and banker.
In 1843, he started his own company, E.D. Morgan & Company. This company imported goods. It also became very important in selling bonds, especially for the state of Missouri.
Political Journey
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Morgan began his political career in New York City. In 1849, he was elected to the city's Board of Assistant Aldermen. He became well-known for his work during a cholera outbreak in 1848. He led the Sanitary Committee during this time.
From 1850 to 1853, he was a member of the New York State Senate. He also served as a State Commissioner of Immigration.
Leading the Republican Party
Edwin Morgan became very important in the Republican Party. He helped found the party. He served twice as the chairman of the Republican National Committee. His first term was from 1856 to 1864. His second term was from 1872 to 1876. This made him the longest-serving chairman.
Governor During the Civil War
From 1859 to 1862, Morgan served as Governor of New York. He was elected in 1858 and again in 1860. His time as governor was during the difficult years of the American Civil War.
As governor, Morgan strongly supported the Union effort. In September 1861, he was appointed a major general of volunteers. He commanded the military's Department of New York. He held this military role at the same time he was governor. He resigned from his military command in January 1863.
Serving in the U.S. Senate
In February 1863, Morgan was elected to the United States Senate. He served one term as a senator until 1869. In 1869, he tried to be nominated again for the Senate, but another Republican was chosen instead.
Later, in 1876, Morgan ran for Governor of New York again. However, he was defeated by Lucius Robinson, a Democrat.
In 1881, President Chester A. Arthur nominated Morgan for Treasury Secretary. The Senate approved his nomination. But Morgan decided to decline the position. He said he was too old and not in good health.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1833, Edwin Morgan married Eliza Matilda Waterman. They had several children together.
Morgan was known for being very generous. He gave large amounts of money to charities and good causes. For example, he made significant contributions to the Union Theological Seminary.
Edwin Denison Morgan passed away in New York City on February 14, 1883. He was buried in the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford, Connecticut.
