Morgan, G. W. (George Washington), 1820-1893

U.S. representative of Ohio, diplomat, and army officer.

Epithet: formerly US Minister to Portugal

Soldier, lawyer, and politician, from Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

Born to a prominent family in Pennsylvania, George Washington Morgan (1820-1893) fought in the Texas Revolution, Mexican War, Civil War, and served as a Congressman, lawyer, and diplomat.

In 1836, Morgan joined a military company commanded by his brother and traveled to Texas to fight in the Texas Revolution. Upon arriving in Texas, Morgan received a commission as a lieutenant in the Texas army and given command at Galveston. After the revolution, Morgan attended the United States Military Academy, but dropped out; he then studied law and was admitted to the bar in Ohio, where he practiced law until the Mexican War broke out. Morgan served as colonel and brigadier general of the 15th United States Infantry.

Morgan returned to Ohio after the war where he resumed his practice and married Sarah Hall, with whom he had two children.

Morgan served as U. S. consul at Marseilles and minister to Lisbon before the Civil War. During the war, Morgan returned to the army as a brigadier general. In 1863, Morgan resigned due to illness and opposition the use of black troops. A pro-slavery Unionist, Morgan ran for Governor of Ohio in 1865 but was defeated. However, the following year he was elected to Congress, a seat he held until 1873.