Michael Ryan Morgan facts for kids

Michael Ryan Morgan (born January 18, 1833 – died September 16, 1911) was an important Canadian-American soldier. He served during the American Civil War, a major conflict in American history.

Michael Ryan Morgan's Early Life and Training

Michael Ryan Morgan was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which is in Canada, on January 18, 1833. When he was older, he was chosen to attend the U.S. Military Academy. This famous school trains future officers for the United States Army. Morgan graduated from West Point in 1854.

Starting His Military Career

After graduating, Morgan joined the artillery. This part of the army uses large guns, like cannons. He worked on "garrison duty," which means he was stationed at military forts to protect them. Before the Civil War, he served in various parts of the country.

Service During the American Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Michael Ryan Morgan played a key role. He worked in the "subsistence department." This department was very important because it was in charge of making sure soldiers had enough food and supplies. Imagine trying to feed thousands of soldiers every day!

Leading Supply Efforts

In May and June of 1864, Morgan became the chief commissary for the X Corps. This was a large group of Union Army soldiers. His job was to manage all their food and supplies. After that, he worked for the armies fighting near Richmond, Virginia. These armies were led by the famous Gen. U.S. Grant. Grant later became a U.S. President.

For his excellent work in these campaigns, Morgan was given a special honor. He received the "brevet" rank of brigadier-general in the regular army. A brevet rank is like a temporary promotion given for bravery or good service. It shows that he was highly respected for his efforts.

After the War and Retirement

After the Civil War ended, Michael Ryan Morgan continued his career in the army. He stayed in the commissary department, still helping to manage supplies. He held the rank of major for a while. Later, he became the commissary-general for different army departments. This meant he was in charge of all supplies for large parts of the army.

In 1894, he was promoted to a full Brigadier General. He retired from the army in 1897 after many years of service. Michael Ryan Morgan passed away on September 16, 1911. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Saint Paul, Minnesota.