Thomas Jefferson Morgan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Jefferson Morgan
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Commissioner of Indian Affairs | |
| In office 1889–1893 |
|
| President | Benjamin Harrison |
| Vice President | Levi P. Morton |
| Preceded by | John H. Oberly |
| Succeeded by | Daniel M. Browning |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 17, 1839 Franklin, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | July 13, 1902 (aged 62) Ossining, New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Franklin College |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States (Union) |
| Branch | United States Army (Union Army) |
| Years of service | 1861 1862 – 1865 |
| Rank | Colonel Bvt. Brigadier General |
| Unit | 7th Indiana Infantry Regiment |
| Commands | 14th United States Colored Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Thomas Jefferson Morgan was an important American leader. He was a general during the American Civil War. He also worked to improve education for many people. He helped lead the National Education Association. Later, he became the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. This role focused on helping Native American communities.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Thomas Jefferson Morgan was born in Franklin, Indiana, in 1839. After college, he joined the army for a short time. He then worked as a teacher.
Joining the Union Army
In 1862, Thomas joined the Union Army again. He became a leader in the 14th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. This was a special group of soldiers. He was promoted to Colonel in 1864. He led a brigade, which is a large group of soldiers. He fought in important battles like the Atlanta campaign and the Battle of Nashville. He became a Brigadier General in 1865. He left the army soon after the war ended.
Work After the War
After the war, Morgan studied at the Rochester Theological Seminary. In 1869, he became a Baptist minister. He worked as a pastor in Brownville, Nebraska.
A Career in Education
In 1872, he became the principal of the Nebraska State Normal School. He also held similar jobs at other schools. These included the Potsdam Normal School and the Rhode Island State Normal School.
Helping Native American Education
When Benjamin Harrison became president, Morgan was chosen for an important job. He became the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1889. His main goal was to improve education for Native American children. He believed that good education would help them succeed in society. He had experience with the National Education Association. He often went to their meetings and was even a vice president.
Morgan also spoke out for Chinese immigrants in the United States. He protested against laws that were unfair to them. He left his role as Commissioner in 1893. He then became a secretary for the Home Mission society. He also helped start a fraternity chapter at Franklin College. Thomas Jefferson Morgan passed away in 1902. He was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester, New York.
Images for kids
-
Thomas Jefferson Morgan's signature
