Jacob Francis Morgan

Company E, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry

Great-grandfather of the late Kirby R. Morgan

Jacob Francis Morgan was born March 14, 1836 in Delaware County, Ohio to Jacob and Mary Morgan. On November 23, 1861 he enlisted and was mustered in as a Private in Company E, 1st Wisconsin Cavalry.

This regiment was organized at Camp Fremont, Ripon, and Camp Harvey, Kenosha, in the summer and fall of 1861, 600 men having been enrolled at the former place up to the time of the change of location in November. It was mustered in March 8, 1862, and left the state on the 17th for Benton barracks, St. Louis, for equipment.

On April 28, 1862 it moved to Cape Girardeau, thence to Bloomfield, where companies were detached to various points in Missouri and Arkansas for scout and train guard duty. The companies were in several engagements, frequently with superior forces, and were generally successful.

Private Morgan received a disability discharge on May 25, 1862. His time in the service obviously affected Jacob greatly. It is recalled that in his old age Jacob would often fall asleep in a rocking chair, hugging a rifle or shotgun. The children were to keep away from him until he relaxed and then someone would retrieve the weapon.

Jacob was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) in South Dakota after the war, and a GAR flag holder decorates his grave. He died October 28, 1906 at Troy, Day County, South Dakota and was buried on October 30th in the Conde Cemetery in Spink County, South Dakota.

The wife of Jacob F. Morgan was Mary Jane Burr, born July 21, 1845 or 1846, died June 13, 1918 in Seattle, Washington. She was buried in the Washelli Cemetery in Seattle.