Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-02-27

ness and seemed to be in his usual health.
About $50 o'clock this morning, however,
Major Morgan grew very I'll and began to
sink rapidly. An hour later he was dead.
For over fifty years he had been promi-
nently. and actively identified with the busi-
ness life of Washington. and had been for
long part of this time a leading factor in
its public affairs, and his death removes
another of those whose history Is a part
of that Of the national capital
His Long and Active Career.
Major Morgan was a native OF Alex
andria. where he was born November 2.
1921. the town at that time being included
in the District of Columbia His parents
were Quakers. and when his father died.
in 1892 he was adopted by an uncle resid-
ing near Brookville, in Montgomery county,
Nd. with whom he remained for four years,
attending school during the winter and
working on tho farm the rest of the year.
When he was fifteen years old he became
an apprentice of DR.. Flodoardo Howard,
who was then engaged in business in
Washington as druggist, and remained
with him for some years, eventually buy
ing out the business and becoming itS sole
proprietor. The confinement of the bust
ness, however, injured Mr.. Morgan's health
and he relinquished 1t, afterward engaging
in various commercial pursuits. In 1877 he
was elected member Of the common coun-
Gil of this city, and in 1851 member of the
board of aldermen, serving in that capacity
until 1861.
He was the first agent here of the line
of steamers now known as the Norfolk and
Washington Steamboat Company, and was
substantially interested in the steamboat
and shipping trade Of Baltimore, Charles
ton. Mobile and New Orleans as well. He
was director of the old Bank Of the Me-
tropolis. which is now the National Metro
politan Bank, and during the war he was
agent of the quartermaster's department
transportation by water. At this time
Mr.. Morgan had amaSsed q fine COM
potency and he resided at Oak Lawn, the
handsome property situated between Boun-
10Th street. and for many years he dis
pensed lavish hospitality to his friends
on this estate He was active in pro-
noting the best interests Of Washington
pOrtunity that offered to improve its ad-
vantages. In March. 1878, he was ap-
pointed president Of the board Of fire com
missioners of the District. In February,
ls's, he was appointed major and superin-
tendent Of the metropolitan police. He
brought to this difficult position knowl-
edge of men and judicIous discrimina-
ton which resulted in great improvement
In the force under his charge. and mate
rally reduced the cost of his department
While holding this position he was ap-
pointed a commissioner of The District of
Columbia by President Hayes and served
one one term, after which he retired to private
life.
Leader in Religious Work.
In religious work Major Morgan was as
active as he was in public matters. He
became a member Of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church in 1910. and was foremost
In all movements looking to the advance
ment Of the Christian religion. He was
largely instrumental IN forming the Wash
ington Grove Camp Meeting Association.
and was for long time its president. He
was also once president Of the Young
Mems Christian Association, and was fore.
most in the charitable organizations which
were formed from time to time In Wash
1ngton. Major Morgan married early in
life Miss Caroline Waugh, niece of Bishop
Waugh of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mrs. Morgan died several years ago. Those
who survive him are ike daughters and
two sons. who are Mrs. Parker, wife of
Major Parker Of the army, the secretary
of the National Soldiers Home of this
city: Mrs. P. 3. Leach Of Chicago, Mrs.
Samuel W. StinemetZ Of this city, Miss
Carrie Morgan, Mr.. Thomas p. Morgan,
jr., and Mr.. a. 3. Morgan.
The arrangements for the funeral have
not been completed.
Regret at the Commissioners, Office.
The death of ex-Commfssioner Thomas 8
- AAOi San was cause Oh deep regret to
the old clerks at the District building who
had served under him and held him in high
regard. He was appointed Commissioner
by President Hayes, December 16, 1879. as
the successor of Commissioner Phelps. and
was succeeded by Commissioner James F.
Edmonds March s, 1S83 He was an oblie-
ing and popular official, and was highly
esteemed by the clerks under him. 1t was
during his term that the Attorney General
gave an opinion that each new appointee
as Commissioner was entitled to q full
term of three years.
The Commissioners will take appronriat te
action the day Of the funeral, and the Office
will probably be closed.
Was Popular With tho Police,
While holding the office Of chief of police.
Maj. Morgan vas universally liked by the
men under him. He was thoroughly ac-
Quainted with all branches of the police
service. and was sociable with the men.
While he spent some time In his office
every day, and was always willing to re-
ceive those who called, he was also active
in the service, end went about the city and
locked after the officers to see that they
did their duty. In doing this he was al
ways familiar with what was going on In
the department. and knew Of the haunts
of those who Eeeded watching as well as
did the members of the detective force.
Wien he was made Commissioner he was
missed by the members of the force with
whom he had been associated for several
years, but as the promotion was well de-
served the men maoo no complaint De-
tective German is the only officer at head
quarters now who served there during the
time that Maj. Morgan had charge Of the
doparfmont