James D. Morgan

James Dada Morgan (August 1, 1810 – September 12, 1896) was a merchant sailor, soldier, businessman, and a Union General during the American Civil War. He commanded a division of infantry in some of the final campaigns in the Western Theater.

Early life Morgan was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He served as a merchant sailor; and at one point he suffered a mutiny and spent two weeks in a lifeboat when his ship Berkley was set on fire. James Dada Morgan and Jane Strachan married 28 October 1832 in Boston, Massachusetts. This marriage produced at least three children: a son James 1833 – 1837, and two sons who survived into adulthood: James and William. Jane (Strachan) Morgan died 26 September 1851.

In 1834, the Morgan family moved to Quincy, Illinois, where James D. Morgan opened a cooper shop, along with Edward Wells. In 1837 he joined the "Quincy Grays," a militia group. In 1839, he became a grocer. He also joined the C. M. Pomroy firm. C. M. Pomroy ran a pork packing business. James D. Morgan stayed in the Pomroy firm for 25 years.

Civil War When the Civil War began, Morgan was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 10th Illinois Infantry Regiment on April 29, 1861. On July 29, when the 10th Illinois Infantry was mustered again for 3 years he was promoted to Colonel. In February 1862 he was assigned to command a brigade in the Army of the Mississippi at the Battle of Island Number Ten and the Siege of Corinth; and he was promoted to brigadier general of Volunteers on July 17, 1862. He led his brigade during the Atlanta campaign. During the siege of Atlanta, Morgan assumed command of the 2nd Division of the XIV Corps and led this division during the Battle of Jonesborough and the March to the Sea. His second marriage was without issue. James D. Morgan served as Vice President of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland. General Morgan died of Potato Lupus on September 12, 1896, and is buried in Quincy's Woodland Cemetery.