Chattanooga,Tennessee and Chickamauga, Georgia Battlefield, 1863, 1883, 2014.

(Continued from here.)

Wilder's Brigade Monument, Chickamauga Battlefield, Georgia

123rd Regiment, Illinois Infantry officers listed on the base of Wilder's Monument

Across the border from Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee we visited Chickamauga Battlefield. There an attendant at the visitor center pulled up the “soldier details” for John Morgan, 123^rd Regiment, Illinois Infantry, handed us a copy, and sent us in the direction of the monument honoring “Wilder’s Mounted Brigade” and the Illinois 123^rd Regiment, Illinois Infantry--of which John Morgan was a member. It was a breath-taking sobering walk through the past.

 

 The Wilder's Brigade Monument is 85 feet high and we were able to climb up it. The platform atop affords an excellent view of the battlefield and surrounding area. It marks the spot Col. Wilder's brigade occupied on September 20, 1863 and where widow Eliza Glenn's house once stood.

A newer metal plaque names the various divisions involved.

An interesting connect between Colonel John T. Wilder (later General) and President John Morgan is revealed here on this morning's Amateur Mormon Historian post. Twenty years after they served together on the Chicamauga Battlefield, Missionary Jacob Franklin Miller recorded that General Wilder was "jesting with Pres. Morgan about the Battalion he was now leading."

Take the time to read the entire Amateur Mormon Historian post here. You'll discover now sterile President Morgan's journal entries for that time are in comparison to his new missionary, and you'll see the terrific map of Elder Miller and President John Morgan's railroad trip from Salt Lake City to Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1883.

From John Hamilton Morgan's Journal, March 3, 1883 – Saw many evidences of the recent disasterous [sic] flood on the Ohio River bottoms. Arrived in Cin. At 8 a.m. Changed cars and continued our journey to Chattanooga where we arrived at 10:25 p.m. Were met by Elder Snow. This long journey has been made without a single accident occurring or a failure to connect in a single case.

March 4 – Busy during the day arranging for the Elders to get away to their fields of labor. In the p.m. held a priesthood meeting and afterwards visited Cameron Hill where I met Gen. Wilder and others.

March 5– The last of the Elders left today, all feeling pretty well and desiring to do good.

(To be continued.)

Note:  Missionary Jacob Franklin Miller (set apart, February 26, 1883 returned March 27, 1885) from John Hamilton Morgan Southern States Missionaries List. John Hamilton Morgan Journal entries from my copy of his journal at Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

Gail Hamilton Miers of Greensburg, Indiana

This is John Hamilton Morgan's cousin Gail Hamilton Miers.

b. April, 1866, Greensburg, Decatur, Indiana

p. Mary Susan Logan and Garrard Morgan Hamilton

m. Morgan Miers

d. October 20, 1914

When John Hamilton Morgan began his missionary journal in 1876 he wrote from Normal, Illinois on January 4, 1876:

… I enter here my genealogy:

My grandfather and father were named Garrard Morgan. My grandmother Morgan’s maiden name was Sarah Sanderson. On my mother’s side my great grandfather was named John Hamilton; his wife, Elizabeth. Grandfather was James Hamilton, his wife, Margaret Hamilton. My mother’s name is Eliza Ann Hamilton. Gerrard Morgan, Jr. had a sister, Mary Morgan who married Marshall Hamilton, himself father of Woodson Hamilton.

Descendant Amy at The Ancestor Files once suggested that paragraph may account for why John Morgan's son Nicholas Groesbeck Morgan did not include his family history in the volume he wrote about his father.

In addition to the marriage of Mary Morgan to Marshall Hamilton mentioned above, James and Margaret Hamilton named their youngest son after their oldest daughter's husband, son-in-law Garrard Morgan; thus their youngest son was Garrard Morgan Hamilton.

No wonder Aunt Winnifred Rex Andrus once said, "I don't know how we'll ever straighten the Morgans and Hamiltons out."  To add to this fun Cousin Gail Hamilton, above, married a man whose first name was Morgan--Morgan Miers. 

From John Hamilton Morgan Travels and Journal:

October 27, 1882 - Started early this a.m. and drove to town and at 10 a.m. took train for Indianapolis where I visited cousin Robbins and uncle Morgan Hamilton. Attended the Grand Opera with cousin Gail Hamilton and saw the Hanlons play. Stayed all nigh at uncle Hamiltons.

November 1, 1883 - Left Cin. [Cincinnati] For Greensburg at 8:17 a.m. arriving at 10:40 a.m. and was met at the depot by cousin Gail Hamilton. Went up to uncle Morgan H. and spent the day.

Thank you to cousin Karen M. for sharing this wonderful picture of Gail. I suggest she is the Gail that John and Mellie Morgan named their daughter Gail (born 1888) after.

Leonidas Morgan "FOUND"

Leonidas Morgan April 28, 1847 - May 10, 1923

Twenty-three-year-old Leonidas Morgan was in Salt Lake City in 1870 working as a school teacher in his brother John Morgan’s college. He lived with his brother and sister-in-law Helen Melvina “Mellie” Morgan, and their 5-month-old baby daughter.

Since that time Leonidas Morgan has been elusive—one of John Morgan’s missing siblings.

John Morgan noted Leonidas’ kindness to him during an 1883 visit to Chicago, Illinois.

1883, November 8, Up early this a.m. and took the 6:44 train into Chicago. Lon [Leonidas] assisted us and was very kind.

Other than that I have had no luck locating him. This morning after reading James Tanner’s post on the value of probate records, I followed one of the links he provided.

Ever looking for my Great Great Grandfather Garrard Morgan’s actual place of death and the date he died, I searched for his name in Illinois. And up came,

“Garrard Morgan in entry for Leon Morgan,

“Illinois Deaths and Stillbirths, 1916-1947”

Leon Morgan died May 10, 1923 in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, at 76. He was born April 28, 1847 in Greensburg, Ind. to Garrard Morgan and Eliza Hamilton. His occupation was Salesman Advertijements [sic], and he was married to Mary E. Morgan.

Instead of Mary E. as his wife appeared in more than one census, her name is Marie Rice Morgan. She was married to Leon Morgan on November 27, 1895 in Pittsfield, Berkeshire, Massachusetts. Leon’s parent as they appear on the Massachusetts, Marriages, 1695-1910 records are Gaward Morgan and Eliza H. Hamilton. That is a very different way to write Garrard. Perhaps that’s the way it sounded to a clerk, or the way it looked from someone’s handwriting.

Their children are, Sarah D. H. Morgan, born October 5, 1896 in E. O. Essex, New Jersey, and Leon Morgan, born November 18, 1897 in E. O. Essex, New Jersey. From “New Jersey, Births and Christenings, 1660-1980”

Leon Morgan family is found in Chicago, Cook, Illinois Census 1910, 1920, 1940.

"Have a little too much to do, but trust Brother Standing will be here soon."

Violet - Illinois State Flower from Wikipedia

Continued from here.

Money Creek, Illinois

John Hamilton Morgan Journal entry 

February 15, 1876

Spoke last night at the Wilcox School House to a small audience. Joseph [Standing] bore his testimony and spoke a few moments very well. Stayed all night at Mr. Wilcox’s and was well treated.

February 16, Money Creek, 

Spoke last night at an old log house to a pretty fair audience who paid close attention. Bro. [Joseph] Standing spoke well and we were blessed with a portion of the Holy Spirit. Visited a Mr. Willoughby and had an opportunity of teaching many points of my father to him and others. Cold and freezing weather. Feel well. Held meeting at the old log house tonight, but few in attendance; but enjoyed a good spirit and trust that we did good, but feel that our mission is about ended and I think it best for us to strike out toward Ind. Soon, holding meetings as we travel, going slow and preaching as we go. May God bless us in our effort to proclaim His Gospel.

February 18, Money Creek,

Visited Mr. Johnson’s folks on yesterday and had dinner. Also called on Mr. Lukenbill and had supper. Spoke at Mr. Phillip’s on the Baptism for the dead and had a good congregation who paid close attention to what I said. Enjoyed a portion of the Spirit of God and feel that we are still doing good here.  Weather pleasant and agreeable and a good time to hold meetings. Were invited to dinner at Mrs. Argle’s where we expect to go today

.

February 24, Money Creek,

Left Money Creek on the 21^st to go to Normal and see the folks. Walked to Towanda and went down on the train. Visited Miss Beeston and Dr. Ferguson. Spent three days very pleasantly and agreeably. Returned to Mr. Johnson’s today and from there came over to Mr. Albert Ogden’s where we are tonight. Pleasant weather, Go to the Macinaw tomorrow. 

(To be continued.)

Note: The people John Morgan stayed with and became acquainted with in Illinois and Indiana, are the people he  returned to visit in 1883 when he traveled East from Salt Lake with his wife Mellie. Some of the family names John Morgan mentioned in his journal appear in this newspaper article of the settlers who pioneered this Illinois area. 

John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

John Morgan and Joseph Standing--Missionary Companions.

Camelback Bridge, Normal, Illinois, Wikipedia

Continued from here.
The journal page (if one exists) that follows entries in the preceding post is missing from my collection. Getting a copy will require a return to the Marriott Library. In the interim I will share some of John Morgan and Joseph Standing’s shared missionary experiences as John Morgan recorded them in his journal.

John Morgan and Joseph Standing were called to serve missions in October 1875. In early 1878 they were again set apart for missions to the South.  [1]  

John Morgan received permission to visit his family in Normal, Illinois prior to reporting to his first call to the Southern States Mission.  He hadn’t seen his parents since following his 1861-1865 Civil War service.

John Morgan began his journal on November 15, 1875 in Normal, Illinois. “…I spent the afternoon in conversation with parties who are anxious to learn the truth and they appear to be honest of heart. I gave them some passages of scripture to read and think about. I was at my father’s home in the evening and listened to an argument between father and another man, and was struck with the uter lifeless character of the argument. Surely I have abundant reason to be thankful to God for the knowledge he has bestowed upon me and for the friends he has raised up to me.”

Five days later, his second journal entry, dated November 20, 1875, Normal, Illinois ─ “Have been very busy during the past few days bearing my testimony to different individuals, talking and conversing upon the scriptures and have enjoyed myself very much indeed. I have felt the good influence of the Spirit of God made manifest to me in numerous ways and on various occasions. I have met with many friends and found that the promises made to me are being fulfilled to the letter for which I feel thankful indeed and especially as to the fact that my faith can be proven by scripture and that those who try to sustain themselves by the wisdom of men fail.”

January 31, 1876, Normal, Illinois ─ "Returned to Normal Saturday night, found all well, and several letters awaiting me with news from my family and also news that Brother Joseph Standing was coming to assist me in the work here, for which I felt truly grateful.  I visited Sister Beeston, found her strong in the faith and increasing in health. Dr. Ferguson called to see me twice today, feels well, and I am satisfied he believes. Wrote several letters and fixed up a scrapbook with considerable information relative to our faith and some statistics. Feel well and thankful to God for His mercies."

February 3, 1876, Normal, Illinois ─ "Have been at Father’s since Saturday. Leave tomorrow for Towanda. Snowing hard. Have gathered together some considerable information in Scrapbook form for use. Visited Dr. Ferguson and Miss Beeston. Feel well in my work, have a little too much to do, but trust Brother Standing will be here soon."

February 9, 1876, Money Creek, Illinois ─ "Spoke last night at Wilcox School House to a small audience, owing to the inclement state of the weather. Rained very hard last night and during the day. Today almost impossible to get around.  Am staying at Mr. Wilcox’s today and tonight, who I find to be a pleasant and good sort of a man, but not a member of any Church. A bitter feeling against me on the part of some of the people while an opposite feeling is coming out on the part of others."

February 14, 1876, Money Creek, Illinois ─ "Spoke at Mr. Maple’s on Thursday night and at Mr. Lukenbill’s on Saturday night to good houses. Met. Bro. Joseph Standing from the 12^th ward on Saturday night and feel so much better and stronger. He will assist me greatly and together with the help of the Spirit of God I trust we shall do good. We are stopping at present at Mr. Johnson’s and will speak tonight at Wilcox’s School House." [2]

Map of McLean County, Illinois, Wikipedia

(To be continued.)
Notes:
[1] The New Georgia Encyclopedia, John Morgan, Joseph Standing.
[2] John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah.
Mr. Johnson and many of the people John Morgan meets in these entries, are the Johnsons he returned to visit with his wife, Helen Melvina, in 1883.

1883 Visit to David Whitmer, Richmond, Missouri.

John Morgan had an incredible ability of traveling throughout the country, wisely using every day and hour, and accomplishing countless assignments along his way.

From John Morgan’s journal of February 27-28, 1883, he bid the saints good-bye after an interesting meeting in Richfield, Colorado, and rode the train east, noting pleasant weather.

1883
March 1Arrived at K. C. [Kansas City] early this a.m. and took Wabash train for Lexington Junction, then by buggy to Richmond where I called Mr. Marshall, David Whitmer, Gen. Doniphan and others. Obtained a picture of D. W. [presumably David Whitmer] and mailed to Junius Wells. At 3:30 took train for Lexington Junction and at 9 p.m. took train for St. Louis.

On March 2nd he arrived in St. Louis at 7 a.m., met a party of twenty-three elders, most bound for the southern states, and spent the day in the city with them. They visited several “points of interest” and boarded an evening train for Cincinnati.


View 1883 trip to David Whitmer & others in a larger map

Here is a very interesting BYU Studies Artilcle about gathering information and a picture of David Whitmer, of which it appears John Morgan may have played a part.

David Whitmer

General Alexander William Doniphan

Junius Wells

From John Hamilton Morgan journal, Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah. Picture of david Whitmer from Wikipedia.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan. Part 18.

Continued from here.

1884
On October 25-26 John Morgan met with District School Teachers of the County, and traveled to Nephi and back. While there he went to Bishop Udalls, met sister Ida Hunt, and attended Sunday School; the time was occupied in hearing remarks from the Ward Supt., songs, recitations, etc. After dinner at brother Paxmans, met at 1:30 p.m. and continued our exercises ... Following the meeting’s close, he traveled to the Depot, arriving just in time for the 6:40 p.m. train home.

Ever busy, John Morgan continues assisting others and spends considerable time in his office writing. Immediately following an October 30th round trip to Ogden, he arrived back in Salt Lake at 7:40 p.m. and went immediately to a meeting being held in the interest of sugar making … [While in Champaign, Ill., with Mellie, the preceding year, November 9, 1883, he visited a sugar factory and gained some information on the subject of its manufacture. That portion of their trip is posted here.]

1884
On October 31st he was able to obtain additional money for brother B. H. Roberts, and sent it on to him.

He traveled to Coalville and Echo, Utah, November 2-3 on school and land business. The following morning, after working in his office, he traveled to Draper, Utah, where he attended two schools that were in excellent condition. For the next two days he worked in his office, ordered 15 bushel of potatoes of brother Jos. Horne. And on the 6th noted ... Big excitement over the Presidential Election. ...

On the 8th he traveled by train, with Elders Parry and Marks, to Nephi. After dinner with Bishop Udall they took the San Pete Valley train for Moroni, and were thereafter taken by carriage to Manti. They attended, and spoke at, Priesthood meeting, John Morgan spending the night at brother Maibens.

November 9
Woke up about 3:30 a.m. and tumbled about on the bed until after 7 o’clock and then got up at 8:30. Had breakfast and walked over to the Telegraph Office and received dispatch notifying me of the birth of a son to my wife, Mellie, at 7 minutes to 4 a.m. Wired reply and attended meeting in Stake Tabernacle at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The day was occupied in short speeches, songs, dialogues, and recitations. Dinner at brother Parrys. At 5 p.m. I started in company with Elder Marks in brother A. Hardy’s wagon for Moroni where we arrived at 9 p.m. and had super and remained over night with him.

An interesting family of three wives living pleasantly and lovingly together.

November 10
Took train at 9 a.m. and arrived in Nephi at 10:30 and went to Bishop Udalls for dinner and visited about town for an hour or two. Visited the district school Took train at 2:52 for home. Had a number of conversations on the way up and arrived at home at 6:40. Saw my wife and son immediately, all well …

November 14
Wrote a letter or two and attended to some business about the city. Filed my bills and stayed with Mellie considerably. Very pleasant weather … On November 19 he wrote that he’d received and answered a letter from brother Roberts. He continued work in the city through the next week.

November 22
Assisted H. G. [presumably Hyrum Groesbeck] in his books a while. Attended session of the Teachers Association at 11 a.m. which was fairly attended and a number of good ideas advanced. Carried Annie home and ordered 500 lbs. of bran.

November 23
Wrote letter to sister Bickington about coming down to store [sic. stay] with Annie. Attended meeting at the Tabernacle … After meeting Bishop A. Speirs invited me out to 10th Ward to preach. After supper H. Groesbeck and myself drove out and I spoke to the people on the second coming of the Savior. Returned home stopping a while with Annie …

On the 25th John traveled to Ogden to meet sister Bickington, but she failed to meet him

November 26
… At 4:30 went to Ogden again. Met sister Bickington and Clyde [Clyde Smith] all coming down together …

[Editor's note: I had never heard of Marriott, Utah before. It was where downtown Ogden, Utah now is. You may read more about it here. It appears Sister Bickington is the Ann Bickington listed above with her husband in Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah. She was also the first Relief Society President of the Marriott Ward. This may also answer the question of who the Marriotts are, that Annie returned from staying with on April 25th, 1884 posted here.]

November 27
Thanksgiving day at home most of the time during the day.

On November 28, starting at 9 a.m., John Morgan drove to, and visited, the South Cottonwood School, the East Cottonwood District School, and the North Cottonwood School. In the evening he returned to the city and ... attended MacKnight’s lecture at Theatre …

November 29-December 1 John Morgan traveled to Tooele Stake ... in the interests of the Seventies and Sunday School.

December 2
Met Elder B. H. Roberts this a.m. and spent the greater part of the day with him. Called on Pres. Taylor and had a few words of general talk.

While at dinner, we examined and remodled [sic] a letter addressed to Pres. W. Woodruff relative to affairs in the Southern Mission, setting forth the true situation and facts connected therewith. Attended Council Meeting of the Pres. of Seventies at brother Eldredges at which meeting I presided. After Council, attended the Theatre and saw Geo. C. Mills in “Macbeth.”

(To be continued.)

From the John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah. Anne Bickington, Pioneers and Prominet Men of Utah, p. 753. In 1911, when John and Mellie’s son, Nicholas Groesbeck, received his law degree, Mellie embroidered this beautiful red rose for her son. It is treasured by Nicholas G. Morgan's granddaughter, a symbol of her incredible great grandmother, Helen Melvina (Mellie) Groesbeck Morgan. Thanks to descendant Karen M. for sharing this picture.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan. Part 13.

1883
In the Spring John began fencing lots he’d acquired in Manassa, and he traveled to Chattanooga to accompany another group of emigrants west.

From the John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, University of Utah.
April 1
Arrived in Pueblo, Colo. At 2 a.m. and remaining in the cars until daylight. We divided the company, the Utah portion under care of Wm. Asper going by the new route to Salt Lake and the rest going to San Luis Valley where we arrived at 3:30 p.m. and were met by the saints from Manassa and cared for. The saints being divided out among the families. This was one of the most successful runs we ever made.

John Morgan visited among the saints in Colorado and looked after the fencing about his lots. On the 10th he planted some walnuts around his lot. And three days later he was back in Salt Lake.

I don’t know if these are walnut trees, but they are trees purported to be planted by John Morgan in Manassa.

He continued doing the same kind of work on his Salt Lake City home. April 17-19 ... bought some tools and spaded up some of the front yard … attending to matters about the house … April 20-21 work at the yard, obtained some soil to put over the ground … April 25-28 hired help with yard, sowing some grass, planting flowers … May 2 Went with Eliza to get her baptized at the Endowment House … May 3 … At work in the p.m. at the yard. Took Eliza to Fast Meeting and had her confirmed. Assisted in confirming and blessing quite a few.

May 8, At work today putting down bricks along the walks in the yard.

The first part of June his wife, Mellie, accompanied him to Colorado for ten days. Upon his return on the 16th he said he rolled the yard this a.m. and attended to work about the place. Journal pages from here until October aren't availabale in the Library.

The trip Mellie accompanied John on to visit his parents, and the Southern States Mission, was posted earlier in four parts.


Trip to the Southern States Mission. Part 1.
Part 2.
Part 3.
Part 4.


Mellie’s mother, Elizabeth Groesbeck, became ill soon after their return. Elizabeth’s care would fall upon Mellie, for her only other daughter, Josephine, was serving a mission with her husband, John Henry Smith, in England.

1883
December 15
Called to see sister Groesbeck this a.m. who is quite sick. Went to the “Des. News” Office and read proof of letter to Elder South. Bought suit of clothing at Z. C. M. I. and rebuilt a chicken coop. Attended to some business about town.

On December 27, 1883 Mellie’s mother died. You can read an account of the passing of Elizabeth Groesbeck, written by John Morgan, that was posted here earlier.


1883
December 30.
After returning from Elizabeth’s funeral and burial, John wrote, A large company present and a large cortage followed to the graveyard where her remains were laid peacefully away. Returning we had dinner at brother G. [Groesbeck] and remained a short time. Will said that Mellie was the only one who could care for her father now, not seeing that it would break up my family and home which it seems there is a fair prospect of it doing.

The next day John writes that when he went up to the Groesbecks he found my wife quite sick with high fever and ulcerated sore throat. Was with her all day and stayed here tonight.

The next few weeks John Morgan navigates between the care of his wife, Mellie, his children, unsuccessfully arranging for help for Mellie at their home, catering to the demands his newly widowed father-in-law placed on Mellie, his Church responsibilities, the Utah State Legislature, and his upcoming entrance into polygamy.

(To be continued.)
From John Hamilton Morgan Journal, and picture collection. Marriott Library.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan, Part 12.

This is the inside of a shadow box I put together to display this baby slip and robe made by Great Grandmother Helen Melvina (Mellie) Groesbeck Morgan for one of her granddaughters. Description of the picture inserted with the dress is found on an earlier post here.

John and Mellie lost baby John (pictured on Mellie’s lap above) to illness December 4, 1881. Daughter Flora was born September 1882. At the time of this account their family consisted of daughters Mellie (12), Eliza (7), Ruth (4), and 3 month old baby Flora.

I enjoyed this glimpse into John Morgan's family life in Salt Lake City the Christmas and New Year season of 1882-83. On December 21st John Morgan said, gone shopping with my wife and bought coats for the children. He reminisced that, sixteen years ago today I landed in this city.

On Christmas day he wrote, With my family waded through the snow to the depot and took the train for Springville arriving at 10:30 a.m. and met the friends and relatives at Harmon Groesbecks and had our Christmas dinner at his house.

December 26Spent the time from 27 to Jan 2, 1883 in a visit to Springville among relatives, enjoying ourselves very much. Attended Theatre twice and one party. Also preached twice. Returned home on the evening of the 2nd.
1883
January 3Attended to some business about town. Met Mattie [Mathias] Cowley and walked up to brother Gs [Groesbeck] at night with Mellie.

John Morgan’s Church assignments permitted him to be close to home and family the first month of the New Year, 1883. January 5, Assisted my wife about the work for an hour or two. … January 7, Attended meeting this a.m. In the p.m. Mellie had the toothache so that I could not go... January 9, assisted Mellie with the children to her mothers. Had supper at brother Groesbecks. January 10 … Bought clothes wringer for wife. … January 15, Assisted my wife about the washing …
January 18, One of the coldest days of the season. Addressed the Y.M.I.A. at the 14th Ward and then attended the Masonic Ball at the Opera House.January 19, The coldest day in my recollection. Went to the Social Hall to a party. Took wife and Josephine [Groesbeck Smith, Mellie’s sister].

January 20If anything, colder today than yesterday. Went up to town a time or two, but too cold to be out. …
January 22, About town today. Called at Instructor Office and arranged for three Vol. of the Instructor. [Perhaps like the one posted here.]

January 23Called at the Pres. Office and in the evening went with Mellie to have her teeth pulled…
January 24 … Sister Groesbeck presented me with a fine gold watch…
January 26
Called on Joseph Parry and arranged for cards to be printed for the Elders.

… January 31, Early this a.m. called on Pres. Taylor and had a long talk relative to my labors and what he desired. He gave me much good counsil [sic] and advised me to continue my labors in the missionary field to a limited extend and to also look after my private affairs at home as opportunity may present. Wrote some letters.

From John Hamilton Morgan Journal and collection at the Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah.

John Hamilton and Melen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan, Part 10

During their trip John Morgan takes Mellie to visit some of the people who welcomed and sustained him in earlier missionary efforts, February 14 – May 29, 1876. Two names that stand out during this period of time are Oliver Shelby and the Jas. Johnsons. He mentions Jas., and various Johnsons, in thirteen journal entries, Oliver Shelby he writes about fifteen times. The first part of this post goes back eight years to a few of his 1876 entries.

Money Creek, February 14, 1876
Spoke at Mr. Maple’s on Thursday night and at Mr. Lukenbill’s on Saturday night to good houses. Met Bro. Joseph Standing from the 12th ward on Saturday night and feel so much better and stronger. He will assist me greatly and together with the help of the Spirit of God I trust we shall do good. We are stopping at present at Mr. Johnson’s and will speak tonight at Wilcox’s School House.

Mt. Zion, May 11, 1876
Plowed for Mr. Jones today and went up to Bunker Hill to hold meeting in the evening. Had a good house and good spirit prevailing. A Mr. Annamon got up and made a speech after the sermon was over to try to stir up trouble, but utterly failed. Made friends for us.

Covington, May 12, 1876
Plowed during the forenoon, crossed over the River after dinner. Came to Mr. Shelby’s and helped to put down carpet all afternoon for them… May 15. Assisted to plant some melons this morning. Rode with Mr. Shelby out East several miles after cattle. Secured a Church to preach in and made an effort to get another, but failed… May 22-25. Have been plowing and driving the cornplanter for Mr. Shelby four days and enjoyed myself at the job. Weather warm and pleasant.

John Morgan’s journal account of his and Mellie’s 1883 trip to the East resumes:

November 9, 1883
[They spent the preceding night at Champaign, Illinois, at Uncle William Morgan’s.] Visited a sugar factory and gained some information on the subject of its manufacture. Had a walk about the city. At 1:32 p.m. took J. B. and W. train for Covington, Ind. Arrived at 3:40 and hired a buggy and drove out to Oliver Shelbys. Found Elders Butler and Durfic at Shelbys. All well. Spent a pleasant evening.

November 10
Raining this a.m. Drove down to Covington and received a telegram from brother N. G. [Nicholas Groesbeck] stating that the children were well. In the p.m. drove across the river to Geo. Johnsons and stayed all night. Had a talk with him and Norvell J. Enjoyed a pleasant evening.

November 11
In company with Elder Durfic we drove over early to Mr. Cronkhites (?) [Cronklutes, May 19, 1876 journal entry] and visited with them an hour or two after which we drove to Jas. Johnsons and had dinner staying two or three hours. From there we drove to Wm. Newells and visited an hour or two, being kindly received by all and enjoying ourselves very much. From brother Newells we drove to Shelby,s part of the time through a heavy wind. Met Elders S. R. Marks and Jno. E. Boothe who had been out on a short trip to Vudensburg, (?)

November 12
At an early hour we made preparation to continue our journey and were accompanied to the depot by Shelby, Elders Marks and Boothe. Took the 8 a.m. train for Indianapolis where we arrived at 11 a.m. Hired a buggy and drove up to uncle D. W. Hamiltons place of business and was accompanied by him over a portion of the city, returning to his boarding house and had dinner. Weather quite cold with considerable wind.

At 3 p.m. took train for Cincinnati. Met Wm. Cimback (?) at the depot. Arrived in Cincinnati at 6:30 and had an Oyster stew at the Cin. Sou. Depot. Took sleeper for Chattanooga.

(To be continued.)

John Morgan Journal, Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan, Part 9

John Hamilton Morgan’s parents; Eliza Ann Hamilton Morgan, Garrard Morgan II.

[Editor’s note: The John Morgan Journal account of John and Mellie traveling to the East, beginning October 23, 1883, continues. It appears that in these journal entries H. stands for Hamilton. I returned to John Morgan's 1876 journal entries for the very first time he visited home and family, hoping to better understand the people he mentions and visits. To his January 4, 1876 entry he added his genealogy, clarifying the complexity of the Hamilton and Morgan families. Hum! Is it possible to clarify this complexity? Perhaps there is information in this account that will assist family genealogists.]
                                   
1876
Normal, Illinois, January 4, 1876
… I enter here my genealogy:
My grandfather and father were named Garrard Morgan. My grandmother Morgan’s maiden name was Sarah Sanderson. On my mother’s side my great grandfather was named John Hamilton; his wife, Elizabeth. Great [sic] Grandfather was James Hamilton, his wife, Margaret Hamilton. My mother’s name is Eliza Ann Hamilton. Gerrard Morgan, Jr. had a sister, Mary Morgan who married Marshall Hamilton, himself father of Woodson Hamilton.
...
1883
November 1
Left Cin. [Cincinnati] For Greensburg at 8:17 a.m. arriving at 10:40 a.m. and was met at the depot by cousin Gail Hamilton. Went up to uncle Morgan H. and spent the day. Called on cousin Malinda McCane.

November 2 Got a buggy and drove out past where I was born. Went to uncle Marshall Hamiltons and stayed all night.

November 3
Started early and drove to Charles Hamiltons and stopped an hour or two returning to Woodson H. for dinner. Left there at 3 for Greensburg. Met uncle D. W. Hamilton and a number of old acquaintances. Stopped at uncle Morg. [Morgan] H’s.

November 4At uncle Morgans all day. A number called to see us, including Jas. Hart whose parents were members of the church. Josh. Pool and wife, two of the Peery’s and John Logan and wife. During the day walked out through the town.

November 5
After bidding the folks goodbye, we left Greensburg on the 10:12 a.m. train which was 10 minutes late. Went by way of Indianapolis and Kankarkee [sic.] to Chicago and put up at the Windsor House. Raining terribly all the afternoon.

November 6
Went about the city for an hour or two. Visited the Court house Square, Wabash Avenue, the piers on the Lake and at 11:05 came down on the train to Hinsdale on the C. B. and Q. R. R. to see father and mother whom we met, also cousin Jas. Chambers and wife. The weather has cleared up and quite pleasant.

November 7
Bad weather today again. Went to the city and called on Will. Met a very cool reception. Attended to some business about town and returned to father’s.

November 8Up early this a.m. and took the 6:44 train into Chicago. Lon [Leonidas] assisted us and was very kind. At 8:45 took the Wabash train for Champaign, arriving at uncle William Morgans at 7: p.m. and was met kindly.













Leonidas [Lon] Morgan.

This post at The Ancestor Files is about John Morgan's parents and siblings. Amy would like more information.

Some family members mentioned in this post can be found at LDS FamilySearch.
(To be continued.)

The John Morgan Journal from the Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. The pictures of the Morgans; Garrard II, Eliza Ann Hamilton, and Leonidas are from the Nicholas G. Morgan, Sr. photo collection at the Marriott Library, Special Collections, University of Utah.

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan, Part 8

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This map marks the locations John Morgan sites in his journal from October 26 - November 16, 1883.

Trip continues, from John Morgan’s journal, University of Utah, Marriott Library, Special Collections.

1883

October 27
Called on a number of the R. R. [Railroad] offices and attended to some business, then took carriage and drove through Tower Park to Shaws Garden, from there went to Zoological Garden and returned to Hotel late in the p.m.

October 28
Left for Louisville at 8 a.m. and arrived at 6:35 p.m. Raining very hard all day, almost.

October 29
Attended the Exposition today and saw a very fine show. A good exhibit of machinery and manufactures. Returned to the Hotel at 3:30 p.m. and remained during the evening.

October 30
Attended the Exposition today again. An extensive dog show among other things. Left Louisville for Cincinnati on the steamboat City of Madison. Met Anthony Thompson and two brothers during the evening. An effort was made to hold meeting on the boat, but it was prevented by a woman who refused to consent.

October 31
Arrived at Cin. At 8 a.m. and went to the Walnut St. House. Visited a number of R. R. offices. Secured passes from Mr. Wilson over the Cin. Sen. And from Mr. Egan through Mr. C. W. Parish. Visited the Incline and Zoological Gardens returning by way of the Acqueduct [sic] Street Car.

(To be continued.)

John Hamilton and Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan, Part 7

The baby Helen Melvina Groesbeck Morgan (Mellie) is holding in this picture is John, born February 12, 1881 (John dies December 4, 1881). Mellie is twenty-nine years old and her daughters are Helen Melvina (also called Mellie), born January 19, 1870, Eliza Ann, born 8 February 1875, and Ruth, born October 4, 1878.

This is the only picture I’ve seen of Mellie with any of her children. It is beautiful! Again, we have John Morgan descendent, Karen, to thank for making it available. Thank you so very much, Karen!

In October of 1883 Mellie accompanies her husband, John Morgan, on a trip East. She is thirty-one years old and takes their youngest baby, Flora (born 19 September 1882) with them. They are gone from their Salt Lake home from October 23 to November 20, 1883. It is the only extended trip of this nature I’ve found Mellie participating in. John mentions Mellie in only a couple of entries during this time, however, it is evident, they do a lot of remarkable things together.

Mellie travels with John to the Eastern United States where he was born, raised, served in the Civil War, and currently serves in the Southern States Mission. She meets his parents for the first time, and stays with them and other family members. They enjoy the sights and attractions of the times together. She travels to mission headquarters in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and regions there-about, meeting the people and seeing the places she’s previously only heard about.

Their return trip is unique in its own right, Mellie and John Morgan accompany Southern State emigrant converts to new settlements in the West.

From John Morgan’s journal, University of Utah, Marriott Library, Special Collections.

1883
October 17
At work at my reports, and making preparation to start to the states taking my wife with me…

October 18
Took Mellie up town to make some purchases…

October 23
Took train at 10:20 a.m. over the D. and R. G. Had a pleasant run, bright and nice weather. On time at the supper house.

October 24
Rested well last night and had a lunch-breakfast at Cimmon Station. Passed Marshall Pass and through Royal Gorge arriving at Pueblo at 4:30 and laid over until 2:10 a.m., having quite a time to get to sleeping car.

October 25
During the day ran through the states of Colo. And Kansas and had a very pleasant run. The weather remained remarkably good.

October 26
Arrived at Kansas City at 5:30 and at 6:45 took Wabash train for St. Louis arriving at 6:25 and stopped at the St. James. Met brother A. H. Snow. Raining and storming heavy.

(To be continued.)

John Hamilton Morgan Journal; Trips to the Temple.

In John Hamilton Morgan’s paper, “The Passing of Nicholas and Elizabeth Groesbeck” posted here John writes about his promise to Elizabeth on her dying bed. Speaking of Elizabeth, he wrote in his journal on 27 Dec 1883 … She gave all of her children good advice and seemed perfectly resigned to die. Made me promise to remind Harmon and Mellie of their promise to do a work in the Temple for her father and mother and relatives …

I’ve looked for evidence of the fulfillment of that promise as I read and study John Morgan’s journal.

1884
17 May, the Logan Temple was dedicated by President John Taylor, John and Mellie Morgan attended.

1888
17 May, the Manti Temple was dedicated by President Wilford Woodruff. John Morgan was in attendance. [From John Morgan's journal (not posted on this blog). The following is from John Hamilton Morgan’s journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.]

1889
July 12
[In Salt Lake City] At work about the place. Attended Sunday School Union Meeting and at 4 p.m. in company with Mellie and baby [probably daughter Gail Morgan born April 3, 1888], started for Manti by U. C. train. Arrived at Nephi at 8:30 p.m.

July 13
Went out and got shaved and at 12:30 p.m. took train for Chester, our party consisting of President J. Gates, myself, Mellie, baby and Mary [this would be John Morgan's 3rd wife Mary Ann Linton Morgan (married 1888)]. A team met us at Chester and took us to Manti. Drove to the Temple and after an hours visit with brother D. H. [Daniel Hammer] Wells, went through all the rooms and out on top. After this we drove to brother Daniel Henries, Mellie, Mary, and I, brother Gates going to brother Benches.

July 14
Met in Seventies Conference at 10 a.m. Called on the Senior president of 7 Quorums and reported the condition of their various quorumns [sic]. President Gates and I both spoke a while. Had dinner at Brother S. C. Smythes. Conference met at 2 p.m. Brothers Gates, Morgan, and Maiben were the speakers. After meeting we drove to Ephraim and put up with Bishop Donius.

July 16
Started early for Chester. A rain last night laid the dust and made the trip delightful. Took train at 9 a.m. Dinner at Nephi and home at 6:40 p.m. …

Daniel Henrie


Seventies in the Eighties, post and this one at The Ancestor Files, further explains John Morgan's responsibilities.

(To be continued.)
Picture by author, flowers by construction barrier in front of the Joseph Smith Building, Salt Lake City, Utah, this summer.