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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
SHADRACH MORGAN, residing upon section 35, Garfield Township, was born in Wales, in 1823, and is a son of John and Margaret Morgan, both of whom were natives of the same country. The father died in 1855, and the mother a few years later. Shadrach Morgan, the subject of this sketch, came to America, landing in Philadelphia on the 3d of August, 1847. He first located at Minersville, Schuylkill Co., Pa., where he lived a few months, and then went to Danville in the same State, where he lived a year, and was engaged in the iron works. He then went to Luzerne County, Pa., where he remained six weeks and then returned to Schuylkill County, remaining two years more. He then visited his native land, and staid six months, returning again to Schuylkill County, where he lived one and a half years. He then went to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, where for two years and a half he was engaged in the gold mines, meeting with fair success. Returning again to Schuylkill County, he made that his home one and a half years, and then went back to California, residing there nine years, engaged in mining the greater part of the time, with indifferent success. Returning from California Mr. Morgan went to Pennsylvania and staid three months, during which time he was engaged in coal mining. On the 4th of July, 1865, he landed in Mabaska County and located on section 35, Garfield Township, where he still lives, and is the owner of fifty-four acres of land. He has been engaged in mining and farming since coming to this county. Shadrach Morgan was married in 1851 to Hannnah Williams, a native of Wales, and daughter of Iven and Mary (Thomas) Williams. They are the parents of three children: John, born March 22, 1855; Mary Ellen, Nov. 7, 1856; and David, Jan. 20, 1870; they are all living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan are members of the Congregational Church. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M. In politics Mr. Morgan is very liberal. While living in his native country he learned the trade of a stonemason, which he worked at for some years and also followed that trade a portion of the time after coming to America. His first trip to California was made in a sailing vessel, and he was 108 days on the voyage from New York to San Francisco. During the trip they ran short of provisions and for a time were limited to one tablespoonful of rice at one meal and a half biscuit at another. Mr. Morgan is now living a quiet life, respected by all who know him.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy