The Morgan Family of Fishing River in Ray and Clay Counties, Missouri

Direct Line Chart to Joseph Eugene Morgan Family
green denotes direct line

•	Hugh Morgan Father of James Morgan from Wales.

•

James Morgan and Rachel Jack
James was born in 1724 in Glamorganshire, Wales, the son of Hugh Morgan. James came from Wales before the Revolutionary War. He settled first in Maryland, and afterwards moved to North Carolina, about 1780. He married Rachel Jack McReaden in Elkton, Maryland. Rachel was born between 1720-1730 in Ireland. On the voyage to America, Rachel's ship was boarded by pirates. Their provisions were taken and they lived several days on a small allowance of bread and water. She came first to Maryland and married a Mr. McReaden, who died leaving her with a daughter, Peggy. James died before Feb. 3, 1784 in Salisbury, Rowan County, NC, while building a chimney. Rachel died about 1810 in Rowan County, NC, believed to be age 85.

Their children:
• Peggy, daughter from Rachel's first marriage. Peggy married John Phillips of Pennsylvania.
• James Morgan (our line), born April 1760 in Maryland. His children were James, Hugh, Charles, Rachel, Polly, Kathryn, Jennie, Lucinda, Nancy, Robert, Ben and Nathan Russell.
• Robert Morgan, married Rebecca Case (Cox). Their children were Rachel, Margaret, Moses, Greene and others.
• Hugh Morgan, born 1754 in Maryland, married Elizabeth Poole. Their children were Jacob, Nathan, Hugh II, Robert, Rachel and Betsy. After Elizabeth died, Hugh married Miss Vinney of Mechlenberg and moved to Tennessee where he died.
• Nathan Morgan, born 1756 in Elton, Cecil Co., Maryland, married first to Naomi Poole (Van Poole?), daughter of Jacob Poole. Naomi was born Oct. 13, 1760. She had a sister named Hannah. Nathan and Naomi married on Jan. 2, 1779 in Salisbury, NC. Nathan died Oct. 16, 1842 and is buried in Morgan Cemetery/Gold Hill, Rowan County, NC. Military Service: 1779 Volunteered; 1780 Reenlisted. Naomi died Mar. 26, 1851 and is buried in Rowan Co., NC. Their children were: James (born Aug. 2 or 3, 1780 in Rowan Co.; married Sarah Park on Aug. 30, 1804; died Apr. 7, 1847 in Mississippi), a child (born Dec. 4, 1782 that died an infant), Nathan Jr. (born Mar. 22, 1785), Elizabeth (born July 16, 1787), David (born Oct. 1, 1789), Rachel (born Oct. 1792), John (born Oct. 27 or Dec. 31, 1794), Hugh (born Aug. 1, 1796), and Henry (born 1798).
• Enoch Morgan, born May 1761 in Cecil County, Maryland, married first to Jane Ross. Jane was born in 1758 in NC, the daughter of Nicholson Ross and Elizabeth Conger (daughter of John Conger of Rowan Co.). Enoch died Dec. 1826. Their children were: Elizabeth Hannah, Rachel, Lavinia, Lena, James Wiley (born bet. 1787-1790 in NC), Nichelson Ross (born Aug. 10, 1789 in Cabarrus Co., NC), Enoch Jr. (born June 19, 1792), John Wilson (born 1799), McCamie or McKemie Washington (born 1801 in Cabarrus Co., NC), and Jane Harris (born 1806).
• Jane Morgan, born June 16, 1763, married Samuel Bellah of Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

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James Robert Morgan
James was born April 1760 in Maryland. He married Martha Parks, then Rebecca Crosser. He enlisted at age 16 years and was at the surrender of Cornwallis. He was a Captain in the War of 1812. He died circa 1814. According to Nicholson Morgan's 1853 notebook, James lived in Rowan County on the Yadkin, was a justice of the peace and Major in the Militia.

His children:
• James - born circa 1792, moved to Bedford County, Tennessee.
• Hugh - possibly had a son John.
• Charles - born circa 1795
• Ben - born circa 1803, moved to Bedford County, Tennessee.
• Rachel - married Lum Arnold
• Kathryn - born circa 1797, married Jesse Arnold, moved to Bedford County, Tennessee.
• Jennie - married Thomas Wallace, moved to California.
• Polly
• Nancy
• Lucinda
• Robert
• Nathan Russell (our line)

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Nathan Russell Morgan
Nathan was born November 20, 1803 in Rowan County, North Carolina. His father was born in North Carolina and his mother was born in New Jersey. He married Anne Massengill in Ray County, Missouri on October 26, 1837. Anne was born on March 20, 1817 in Tennessee, the daughter of Blake and Mary Massengill of Humphreys County, Tennesse. Nathan and Anne are believed to be buried in the historic Salem Church Cemetery, northeast of Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Nathan was in the Missouri census of Ray County during the years 1840, 1850, and 1880. Living with them on the family farm in 1880 were their son, Robbert (sic); a grand son, Robbert Hix (sic), age 17, born in Missouri, and two granddaughters, Lavitha Heddricks (sic), age 19, and Ann Morgan, age 6, both born in Missouri.

Their children:
• Martha E. - born 1837 in Missouri. She married James Hicks, who was born in South Carolina. Martha died December 17, 1878 at Big Creek in the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory and is buried in Martin Cemetery, Nowata, Oklahoma. Their children are William Thomas, James Madison, Mary Ann Catherine, Robert Russell and John Albert.
• Malinda Katherine - born 1839 in Missouri. She married Jerimiah Hedrick, who was born in Tennessee. Their children are Lavitha, Dealie Ann, Ike, Frances, Minnie, Newt and Dora.
• James Robert (our line)
• Lucinda Jane - born December 3, 1845 in Missouri. She married Thomas Crammer Dickey. Lucinda died October 23, 1930. Their children are Puss Boen, Sallie Elizabeth, Carrie Parlee, Mary Helen, Lotie Jane Maud, Myrtle J., Estella Ann and Lenore.
• Mary Polly
• Missouri Eveline
• Sarah
• Rachel Helen
• Thomas Wesley - born 1850 in Missouri. He was a farmer in Fishing River Township.
• Benjamin Franklin - born 1853 in Missouri. Married Susan A., born 1863. She and her parents were born in Missouri. Frank was a farmer in Fishing River Township. A nephew, Charl McFadden, born 1875 in Missouri, lived with them during 1880, as well as Frank's brother, Wesley.
• Frances Ellen -

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James Robert Morgan
James was born 1842 in Missouri. He died July 25, 1920. James was first married to Elizabeth Dickey. Elizabeth was born in 1846 and died in 1876. She is also buried in the Salem Church Cemetery.

Their children:
• Anna (Sallie Anna?) - was born June 22, 1874 in Ray County. She was a school teacher at the Wyman School in Excelsior Springs. Anna died July 12, 1950 at the John Lee residence on 10 Hwy. in Excelsior Springs, although her residence was listed as 216 W. Excelsior. She is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery.
• John
• Dora Jane

James then married Dorothy L. Ferguson. Dorothy was born in 1850 in Missouri. She died February 26, 1922. Both are buried in the Salem Church Cemetery. James was considered to be a pioneer resident of the community.

Their children:
• James W. (our line)
• Margaret L. - was born Nov 16, 1886 in Missouri. She married Lester White on December 19, 1932. They made their home on the old Morgan farm south of Excelsior Springs. Margaret was educated in the Excelsior Springs schools. She taught school for several years in Ray county and during the World War was employed at the Clay County State Bank. Later she served as bookkeeper and cashier of the Bollinger & Riggs Dry Good Co., of Excelsior Springs. Margaret died March 22, 1935 at the home of her sister, Mrs. Perry J. Bollinger, 742 Magnolia. She had been ill for more than two months. Her condition became critical and she was moved to her sisters home two weeks prior to her death. She was survived by her husband, two sisters, Miss Anna Morgan and Mrs. Bollinger, and one brother, Farris L. Morgan of Ashdown, Arkansas. The Daily Standard dated March 25, 1935 stated, "Mrs. White was a very estimable woman with a wide circle of friends who mourn her passing." Margaret's funeral was conducted by Rev. B.A. Owen. The theme was "A Beautiful Life." Owen stated that Margaret's virtues included quiet simplicity, patience and uncomplaining resignation to the will of God. A quartet composed of Dr. J.L. Rowe, Clarence Synder, Mrs. A.C. Weien and Mrs. P.D. Magnum sang Home of the Soul and Sweet Bye and Bye. Mrs. Magnum sang a solo Goin Home at the end of the service. Pallbearers were: J.A. Lee, O.K. Craven, W.C. Martin, Ronald Bates, J. Paul Jones and George Kern, all relatives of the family. Ladies in charge of flowers were: Mrs. J. Paul Jones, Mrs. Ronald Bates, Miss Minnie Lee and Miss Olene Craven. She is buried at Salem Church Cemetery.
• Farris L.
• Emma
• Blake

•

James W. Morgan
James was born in 1857 and died in 1923. He married Louisa Jane (Jennie) Laffoon on March 11, 1880 at the residence of Alfred Braley. Their wedding attendants were French Boggess and Miss Sallie Crow. Louisa was born August 11, 1859 in Clay County, Missouri to James Madison and Nancy A. (Howell) Laffoon. Jennie died April 11, 1905 in Clay County. Her stone is engraved "In Memoriam Woodmen Circle." The Daily Call dated April 12, 1905 stated, "Two funerals were held at the Baptist Church. Mrs. Morgan whose death was told of in yesterday's Call was buried today with the honor of the Woodmen Circle. About 30 ladies of the camp marched to the church and a large crowd listened to the funeral service by Rev. Kenney.

Their children
• Thomas Nelson George Swan (our line)
• Nellie - born February 9, 1894. She died January 1, 1897. "Song so Sad" is engraved on her stone in Salem Church Cemetery where she is buried next to her parents.
• William C. - born March 19, 1887. His wife was named Pearl. William died March 28, 1913. The Excelsior Springs Daily Journal dated March 28, 1913 stated, "Will Morgan Killed ... Fatal Accident at St. Joseph. Tom Morgan, employed in Bill Sisk's book store, received a telephone message from his brother in Kansas City telling him that another brother, William Morgan, formerly of this city, had been hurt in an accident and died a few hours later in a hospital in that city. William Morgan had been living in Kansas City and only went to St. Joseph a couple of days ago. Particulars of the accident were not learned by The Journal and it is not known what the funeral arrangements are. William Morgan was well known and well liked by many who knew him in this city." Daily Journal dated March 29, 1913 stated, "William Morgan to be Buried at Salem Cemetery Tomorrow. The body of William Morgan was brought from Kansas City this afternoon and the funeral will probably be from the Baptist Church tomorrow afternoon and the body taken to Salem Cemetery for internment. The funeral will probably be conducted by Rev. M.T. Martin, from the Baptist Church." Pearl is buried with William at Salem Cemetery.
• E.V. (Everil?) - known as Uncle Buck
• Harry

Another son may have been James E., born January 30, 1864 and buried at Paradise Cemetery, Paradise, Missouri (near Gosneyville).

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Thomas Nelson George Swan Morgan
Thomas was born January 12, 1892. He married Josephine Godfrey in the year 1915. Josephine was born September 16, 1897. Tom was in the National Guard at Springfield, Missouri. At the end of the war, Thomas related, "All married men were asked to step forward out of lineup. The married men were sent home. All single men were sent to fight with Pontius Vius." Josephine wanted to be in show business. She loved dressing up in men's clothing and posing for pictures. Josephine died May 25 (15?), 1973 and is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Tom died in April 1977 and is buried at Salem Church Cemetery. One of Tom's Bibles, given to him by the Bro. Jerry Clevenger, July 23, 144 reads on a portion of the inside cover: "When you read this blessed book I want you to remember Jerry Clevenger loved you like a brother."

Son
• Joseph Eugene (our line)

After Josephine died, Tom married Cleta Lola Powell. Cleta was born May 16, 1911 to Solomon Matchett Powell and Nellie Ann Powell. Her father was born June 30, 1869 at Altamont, Mo., died October 12, 1948. Her mother was born December 27, 1874 near Winston, Missouri. Her parents were married April 12, 1894 in Winston. Cleta had two brothers, Cleo N. Powell, born May 6, 1897, and Vincil E. Powell, born March 31, 1905. She makes her home in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

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Joseph Eugene Morgan
Joseph was born February 26, 1920 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Joe graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1938. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He attended Williams Jewell College, Western Illinois University and Central Missouri State University. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta social fraternity. He was a Line Officer Naval Aviator during World War II, serving in the Aleutian Theatre. He married Patria Mae Collins in a secret ceremony on January 11, 1943. They had a family celebrated wedding on May 16, 1943 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Brookside, Kansas City, Missouri. Patria was born December 23, 1923 in Hunter, North Dakota, the daughter of Charles Frank and Gladys (Lattell) Collins. She died September 10, 1978 at the home on Elms Boulevard in Excelsior Springs. She is buried in the Crown Hill Cemetery, Excelsior Springs, Missouri. They had five children, all delivered by Dr. Marshall in Kansas City, except for their youngest, Kevin, who was delivered by the nurse. It was related that Dr. Marshall had an emergency operation to perform when Patty was in labor with Kevin, so he came in her room and said, "Patty, since you're an old hand at this, will you help the nurse delivery the baby?" Joe and Patria moved back to Excelsior Springs from Kansas City in 1962. Joe was publisher of The Town & Country Leader, The Daily Standard, and The Farm Leader, with his son, Patrick, as a partner. They also owned The Richmond Herald for a period of time. Joe bought the Town & Country Leader off the courthouse steps in Liberty, Missouri. It was a successful family operation for many years which employed Patria, Patria's mother, Gladys Collins, son Patrick and his wife, Verna, Verna's father, Bob Zurn, son Kevin and his wife, Sonya, and daughter Molly Roberts. He sold the papers and retired in 1986.

Their children:
• Patrick Joseph
• Shannon Catherine
• Jill Josephine
• Molly Malone
• Kevin Thomas

After Patria's death, Joseph married Judy Hale in 1978. They divorced in 1979. He married Hazel Lee Alspaugh, March 26, 1980, the widow of Kenneth "Dutch" Alspaugh. She was the former Hazel Lee Taylor, born June 1, 1922 in Eldon, Missouri. She and Joe had dated during their college years at William Jewell. Hazel was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, a P.E.O. member, and served on the Liberty Hills Development Corp. board. She was a member of St. Ann's Church in Excelsior Springs and a graduate of William Jewell College, where she earned a degree in psychology. Hazel and Dutch had a daughter, Jane. When Jane married Dick Ewing in Bethesda, Maryland, it was Joe who walked her down the aisle in place of her father. Hazel died October 13, 1985 at Liberty Hospital after a 10-month illness caused by a brain
tumor. She is buried in Liberty, Missouri.

In May 1986, Joe married Shirley McGinness at the Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs. Shirley has two sons from a previous marriage, Steve and Brian McGinness. On May 26, 2011, Joe died of cancer at home at the Oaks Hotel Apartments in Excelsior Springs. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Elks and American Legion. He was the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1979. He was on the board of the Northwest Missouri Press Association and a board member and past president of the Central Missouri Press Association. He helped to establish the Good Samaritan Center of Excelsior Springs in 1986 and served on its board. In 2010, Joe served as the Excelsior Springs Plan Advisory Committee for the Excelsior Springs Comprehensive Plan. The Mass of Christian Burial was held June 1, 2011 at St. Ann Catholic Church; burial in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Shirley survives. She is a member of St. Ann's Church in Excelsior Springs and continues to play an active role in Joe's children's and grandchildren's lives.

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