Parsons, Col. William and Shiach, W. S.  "An Illustrated History of Umatilla
County and of Morrow County." Spokane, WA: W. H. Lever, 1902. p. 499.

THOMAS MORGAN

	One of the earliest pioneers to the west, well and favorably known
throughout the entire county, the man whose name appears above is one of its
most substantial business and professional men and prominent citizens.
	He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, on July 9, 1842, being the son of
Daniel and Rachel (Woodside) Morgan, the former being a native of Ohio and the
latter of Illinois. When but four years of age he was taken by his parents
across the plains to Benton county, this state. His mother and baby sister died
while they were on the way. In 1850 his father died, our subject being eight
years of age and the oldest child of the family. The burdens of life rested
awkwardly on his tender years, but the sturdy lad did well and eight years later
started for himself. He first worked for wages on a farm and then carried the
mail from Corvallis to Oakland, a distance of ninety miles, making the trip on
horseback. After one year in this work he operated as a liveryman for some time.
In 1863 he went to the mines in Idaho City, remaining for a few months,
subsequent to which he returned to the valley and engaged again with the stage
company for one year and then went to freighting from The Dalles to Boise Basin,
Idaho, continuing  this for six months. He then engaged with The Dalles and
Canyon City Stage Company for one year, at the expiration of which time he went
to Albany, Oregon, and drove for the Oregon and California Stage Company for a
time, then went into business for himself, in Eugene. One year later he sold out
and returned to staging again for one year, and then bought sheep and drove them
to California, continuing at this business for one year, when he again went into
business in Eugene, continuing until the spring of 1871, when he sold and came
to Umatilla county, and settled on Rhea creek, ten miles southwest from Heppner.
Here he gave his whole attention to the cultivation of his farm and stock
raising until 1881, when he sold out and bought a squatter's right, where he now
lives, securing title by pre-emption right, and adding by purchase until he has
a fine estate of four hundred and forty acres. Mr. Morgan has always taken an
active interest in political matters and has been almost constantly in public
office since coming to this county, having been school director in Heppner for
eleven years, constable two years, city marshal, councilman seven years, and
mayor for four years, thus demonstrating the unbounded confidence reposed in his
ability and integrity by his fellows. It can be truthfully said that in all his
long service he has never betrayed a trust or slighted a duty, while his fine
ability and sterling worth have been manifested to all and his service has been
with wisdom and faithfulness.
	Mr. Morgan and Miss Mary E., daughter of Elijah and Catherine (Milliorn)
Rhea, were married on December 1, 1869, in Eugene, this state. To them have been
born the following children: Seth M., engaged in the stock business on Willow
creek; Katie, wife of E. G. Slocum, of this county; Thomas J., married and in
the stock business on Little Butter creek; John C. and Clara M., twins.  Mrs.
Morgan died on June 20, 1892, her remains being buried in the city cemetery. Mr.
Morgan is affiliated with the I. O. O. F., Willow Lodge, No. 66, of Heppner. He
is engaged at the present time in operating a large feed establishment in
Heppner, and also in practicing as a veterinary surgeon, doing the bulk of the
work in his profession in the count. His residence is on Morgan street, and he
is well known to all the leading stockmen of this part of the country and has
the confidence of all who may have the pleasure of his acquaintance.


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Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in September 2009 by Diana Smith.
Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned
above.