In the course of the compilation of the history of Wallowa and Union counties, it is now our pleasant privilege to give in brief outline the career of the well known and enterprising stockman, whose name is at the head of this article: and it is with pleasure that we embrace the opportunity, since we are assured that he is a man that is fitted in every way to be thus represented in his county’s history, having labored here for a number of years in the good work of developing the country and in prosecuting substantial industries, as farming and stock raising, while also he has displayed personal characteristics that have won for him the respect and admiration of all who are acquainted with him.
Mr. Morgan is one of the younger citizens of the county, being born on December 28, 1879, in Linn county, Oregon, to Seth and Margaret (Hamilton) Morgan, natives of Illinois. The father came to the Willamette valley with his parents in 1847, being thus one of the earliest white settlers and pioneers of the region. He proved himself to be made of the true metal of the pioneer and frontiersman and wrought with faithfulness in the occupations incident to such a life for years. He was occupied in packing through this section of the country in the early sixties, and was well known for his courage, ability, sound wisdom, and fearless bravery in all times of danger as well as in arduous undertakings. He was well known all over the state of Oregon and, in fact, throughout the entire northwest in the early camps. It is a matter of regret that more detail of such an interesting career was not given that we might embody it in the history. Mr. Morgan is now living in quiet retirement in the Dalles, enjoying the portion that good industry and skill gave him. Our subject received his early educational training in his native place and when he had arrived at the age of eighteen he stepped forth into the sea of activity for himself. Two years after this time he started to farm for him in Umatilla county and for three years he was numbered with the prosperous agriculturists, in that county. Then he went to the vicinity of the Dalles and engaged in the stock business. Desiring to be more on the frontiers where he could handle stock to better advantage, he came with a brother to Wallowa County and purchased his present place in the vicinity of Fruita. The first purchase was one-half section, and to this he has added from time to time until he owns alone six hundred and eighty acres. Mr. Morgan has given his attention principally to raising stock and is counted one of the sagacious and progressive citizens of the county, having achieved a good success in his endeavors. Although still a young man, Mr. Morgan has made a record in which he may well take pardonable pride.
On November 27, 1894, Mr. Morgan married Miss Ettie B., daughter of Levi P. and Laureandia A. Smith, the wedding occurring in Pendleton, Oregon. Mrs. Morgan was born in North Salem, Indiana, on January 28, 1871. Her father was a prosperous farmer of Indiana and came west in 1878, settling as a pioneer in Umatilla County. Mr. And Mrs. Morgan are members of the Christian church and are striving to exemplify the faith that they hold by practice in daily life, being highly esteemed and confided in by all.