If the bullet did not do its job George might have lived a few more years. In fact if he were still alive today, he would be singing Happy Birthday to me, Happy birthday to me.. But he wouldn't be singing too loud. It is probably hard to sing when you are 158 years old... today.
George Horace Morgan was a miltary man, as was his father, and several previous ancestors.
George Horace Morgan was a miltary man, as was his father, and several previous ancestors.
Pictured here's is his dad, George Nelson Morgan. He was born along the St lawrence and by the age of 13 was serving with the British during the 1837 rebellion in Canada. (George Horace's grandfather fought in the War of 1812 and his Great Grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War)
G Nelson would later move to the St. Catherines area of Ontario, get married, have two kids, teach music and when his son G Horace was only one he moved the family to the US.
When the Civil War started G Nelson joined up with a unit as a private, and over the next 5 years would be in at least 20 battles. He would end the war as a Brig. General, one of 8 Canadian generals in the war, dispite lesser numbers found elsewhere on the net today.
In another blog I will tell you about another Canadian that served in his unit, and would earn the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. But for now I will leave G Nelson Morgan by noting that there is a street today in the city of Minneapolis that carries his name.
G Nelson would later move to the St. Catherines area of Ontario, get married, have two kids, teach music and when his son G Horace was only one he moved the family to the US.
When the Civil War started G Nelson joined up with a unit as a private, and over the next 5 years would be in at least 20 battles. He would end the war as a Brig. General, one of 8 Canadian generals in the war, dispite lesser numbers found elsewhere on the net today.
In another blog I will tell you about another Canadian that served in his unit, and would earn the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. But for now I will leave G Nelson Morgan by noting that there is a street today in the city of Minneapolis that carries his name.
George Horace Morgan began a lengthy military career with his appointment in 1876 as a student at the famous US Military Academy at West Point, and is pictured here in his uniform whilst studying there. By the time his military career ended he would have served in the Indian uprisings, in Cuba and the Philipines and also in WW1. During that period of time he would receive many awards of valor and be wounded twice in battle.
After graduation from West Point Morgan was commissioned and then assigned to the 3rd US Cavalry. He would be part of one of the several companies called out to capture some natives in mid 1862.
They had been responsible for killing four police officers, including the chief from a place called San Carlos Arizona. The white residents were demanding military action, so some of the 3rd Cavalry responded. The natives were followed to a place along the East Clear Creek and a four hour battle ensued that would later become known as the Battle at Big Dry Wash.
While leading his troops in battle Morgan was shot in the arm. It blasted through and entered his body near his heart. He lay there chilled and in horrible pain and thought he was dying. Later the medical authorities did what they could for him, but they refused to remove the bullet. It was too close to the heart and thought the risk was to great to attempt removal. So it stayed there, and he managed to survive the battle, the Indian Uprisings, further service in the Spanish American War, the Phillipines and even WW 1. He would retire with the rank of full Colonel.
After graduation from West Point Morgan was commissioned and then assigned to the 3rd US Cavalry. He would be part of one of the several companies called out to capture some natives in mid 1862.
They had been responsible for killing four police officers, including the chief from a place called San Carlos Arizona. The white residents were demanding military action, so some of the 3rd Cavalry responded. The natives were followed to a place along the East Clear Creek and a four hour battle ensued that would later become known as the Battle at Big Dry Wash.
While leading his troops in battle Morgan was shot in the arm. It blasted through and entered his body near his heart. He lay there chilled and in horrible pain and thought he was dying. Later the medical authorities did what they could for him, but they refused to remove the bullet. It was too close to the heart and thought the risk was to great to attempt removal. So it stayed there, and he managed to survive the battle, the Indian Uprisings, further service in the Spanish American War, the Phillipines and even WW 1. He would retire with the rank of full Colonel.
In 1892, almost ten years to the day after the battle, Morgan and three others were awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery.
This monument near the battle sight in Arizon reminds the reader of the great battle so many years earlier.
In September 2008 the US Government opened up a new army camp in Bosnia and Herzegovina and named it camp Morgan in honour of Canadian born Colonel George Horace Morgan.
A few years after retirement Morgan took ill and was being treated at the Walter Reid Hospital. The family tells me that he was a someone stubborn old fellow, being a Colonel and all. When the nurses tried to help him he would often try to get along without them. On his final day of life, he had to get up to go to the bathroom. He refused to call for help, stumbled out of the bed, fell and dislodged the bullet that was shot into him over 65 years earleir. He died on the spot.
Family have many keepsakes of this hero. Two of these are held with family in Nova Scotia. When I visited a few years back I was shown the two items. Very rare and most colourful Navajo blankets.
And no... they wouldn't let me have one. hehe
Bart
This monument near the battle sight in Arizon reminds the reader of the great battle so many years earlier.
In September 2008 the US Government opened up a new army camp in Bosnia and Herzegovina and named it camp Morgan in honour of Canadian born Colonel George Horace Morgan.
A few years after retirement Morgan took ill and was being treated at the Walter Reid Hospital. The family tells me that he was a someone stubborn old fellow, being a Colonel and all. When the nurses tried to help him he would often try to get along without them. On his final day of life, he had to get up to go to the bathroom. He refused to call for help, stumbled out of the bed, fell and dislodged the bullet that was shot into him over 65 years earleir. He died on the spot.
Family have many keepsakes of this hero. Two of these are held with family in Nova Scotia. When I visited a few years back I was shown the two items. Very rare and most colourful Navajo blankets.
And no... they wouldn't let me have one. hehe
Bart
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