My Genealogy Hound

JOHN M. MORGAN, who for many years has engaged in the blacksmith trade at Odessa, is a well known citizen of the county and is highly respected by all. He was born in Schuyler County, October 13, 1836, and is a son of William and Jane (Mitchell) Morgan, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Schuyler County, N. Y. The Morgans were originally from Scotland, the great-grandfather emigrating from that country and locating in Connecticut, where he spent the remainder of his life. His son William, the grandfather of our subject, removed to New Jersey, and later to Schuyler County, N. Y. At the time of the removal of the family to this county, the father of our subject was but six years old, and here he grew to manhood. For many years he was engaged in farming, but later in life was the village blacksmith. He was quite prominent in official circles, and was well and favorably known throughout the county.

The subject of this sketch was third in a family of five children, of whom three are now living. He remained at home until after attaining his majority, assisting in the farm work and attending the common schools of Odessa, as opportunity was afforded him. At the age of twenty-two he entered the blacksmith-shop where his father and an elder brother were also engaged.

January 1, 1857, Mr. Morgan married Jane Davis, of Odessa, a daughter of Isaiah Davis, of that place. Their married life lasted but a little more than five months, Mrs. Morgan being called to the better world June 9, 1857. January 1, 1863, Mr. Morgan married Jane Smith, also of Odessa, and the daughter of Thomas L. Smith. After his second marriage he took charge of the old shop where his father and brother had worked, and there continued until the fall of 1894, when he was compelled to retire on account of ill health.

Mr. Morgan has been a life-long Republican, and has held a number of local offices, being Collector of his town two terms. In 1879 he became a Master Mason, and has filled most of the chairs in his lodge. Several years prior to becoming a Mason he was initiated into the Odd Fellows’ order. To him and his wife was born one son, John M., named for his father. Mrs. Morgan is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for a number of years has greatly assisted in the church music, being leader of the choir the greater part of the time. While not boasting of much of this world’s goods, our subject has a nice property in the pleasant little village of Odessa. He is an honored citizen and at his trade has no superior.