Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1884-09-11

BENJAMIN 5. Morgan is lineal descen-
dent of David Morgan, who with his brother
Zackwell, made settlement on the ground
where the town of Margantown is now loca-
| ted away back in the year II, being the first
successful settlement ever made on West
Virginia soil. There are many romantic
and interesting stories related of the des-
perate bravery and thrilling adventures of
these old Morgans with the Indians, which
the readers of the Register would read with
delight, but they are not pertinent or ma
terial ut this time as b. 5. Morgan and his
friends claim nothing for him on account of
illustrious parentsge or ancestry. His claim
to the sufTrages Of the people is based solely
on personal merit and fitness for the Office.
And il was on account of his eminent quail
fications that the Democracy was induced to
set aside so good an officer as Mr.. Butcher.
Benjamin S. Morgan is the second son OF
Smallwood G.. Morgan, farmer Of limited
means residing in grant district, this county.
His childhood days were spent like those of
most farmers boys, in assisting his father
Oh the farm. BY his inherent energy and
industry his early education, acquired in
the public schools, fitted him at the age Of
of sixteen for teaching, and at that age, with
ardor and enthusiasm, he began that pro-
fession with the intention Of making 1t his
life work. By teaching he procured some
means of his own, and, with the laudible in
tention Of further fitting himself for useful
ness in his profession of teaching as well as
of satisfying his desire for knowledge he en-
tered the State University at Morgantown.
He was obliged several times to leave his
classes in the University and to go out and
teach in the public schools to procure the
means necessary to defray his expenses, but
he had the staying qualities and surmount-
ing all these difficulties he conquered the
classical and military courses, and graduated
with distinction in June 1878. His record
as student in the University was first-class,
as will be abundantly testified to by the pro-
fessors and teachers in charge Of the Uni
yersity during his attendance. His deport-
ment has always been of the highest order
| OF his department and scholarship his
teachers spoke in the highest terms. And
about the time of his graduation from the
University, the then President, who was g
Republican, remarked that Ben Morgan
would surely 90 TO heaven unless excluded
by reason Of his being Democrat"
Mr. Morgan was distinguished while II
college as a fluent and elegant writer and
speaker as we'll as q thorough and pains
taking student. As teacher Mr. Morgan
has no superior in Monongalia county and
believe but few, if any, in the State,
In May 1878, just before he graduated h'
was elected principal Of the Morgantowr
Graded School, which position he filled &C
ceptsbly and creditably for three years. lr
the spring Of 1881 he resigned the position
and was elected Superintendent of Schools
for Monongalia county over avery respecta
bile Republican competitor BY majority o
over two hundred. This in q county that i
Republican by over 800 majority is a rec
ommendation that few young Democrats cal
boast. and speaks well for his qualification
and fitness for office in connection Will
nublic schools. Mr. Morgan's sdministra
ton of the schools Of Monongalia count
has been eminently successful. His worl
was so progressive and popular that in l6S
be was reelected without opposition. AN
other testimonial from Republicans OF hl
capability and fitness. In the mean Tim
MI Morgan was laboring not only for tn
advancement Of education and the puoii
school system. but was fitting himself fc
other and higher duties. With this burde
of school work upon his shoulders ne 100
, up and completed the entire course OF STUD
taught in the law school of The University
} and was admitted TO practice law IN u
courts of this State in 1882. 60 that NJ
Morgan is practical school teacher. SUI
cessful school superintendent, finisnt
classical and scientific scholar, polishe
gentleman, and has achieved 8 first ella