Zachariah Morgan (1840 - 1894)

Born 11 Nov 1840 in Robeson, North Carolina, United States

Descendants

Died 3 Mar 1894 at age 53 in Wilson Township, Charlevoix, Michigan, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Jessica Rakowicz [send private message]

Biography

Zachariah Morgan is a part of US Black heritage.

Zachariah was born in 1840. He was the son of George Morgan. He passed away in 1894.

Zachariah Morgan was born in North Carolina in 1840, he was the son of George Morgan, he was seven years old when his family moved to Canada to escape the looming threat of slavery in the United States. Despite not being slaves, his family feared their children would be kidnapped and sold into slavery due to their race. His Grandparents had been slaves. In Canada, the Morgans settled in an area that was, at the time, home to many free blacks and had ended slavery, offering them a safer haven - although not perfect.

Morgan's early life was marked by the determination to overcome adversity and the pursuit of education. Although he and his brother, Nicholas, were unable to attend school regularly because they had to work to support their family, they were resourceful. While one brother worked, the other would attend school, sharing what he learned during the day to keep both educated.

In 1868, Zachariah Morgan married Mary, a member of the Nevitt family, which was also of Haitian ancestry. Mary's family had previously moved from Haiti to the United States and then to Canada, similar to the Morgans. The couple left Canada and moved to Michigan, where Zachariah would become a foundational figure in the community.

Zachariah and Mary made a daring move to the northern Michigan area, a place largely untouched by settlement at the time. There, they decided to forge a new life for themselves on the wilderness frontier. Morgan showcased his entrepreneurial spirit by making a living as a logger and an engineer, eventually saving enough to invest in the lucrative lumber industry.

Morgan's legacy in Michigan is significant. In 1870, he was among the first to settle near the Boyne River. He made a wise investment in real estate and contributed to the development of what would become Boyne City. Morgan's vision extended beyond business; he understood the importance of education and was instrumental in organizing Boyne City's first school district, also playing a crucial role in constructing the first schoolhouse in the area.

Zachariah Morgan's contribution to Michigan extends to civic leadership. As one of the elected officials, he helped finance the construction of the first schoolhouse, ensuring that education was accessible to the community he helped build.

Sources

• "Michigan Deaths, 1867-1897," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N3D6-FYW : 18 February 2021), Zachariah Morgan, 03 Mar 1894; citing p 178 rn 522, Wilson Twp, Charlevoix, Michigan, Department of Vital Records, Lansing; FHL microfilm 2,342,775.

• White, George. [1] "Grandson of Slaves Became Founding Father." Detroit Free Press, February 10, 1987, p. 54.

• Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
  Find A Grave: Memorial #58193204 (accessed 27 February 2024)
  Memorial page for Zachariah Morgan (11 Nov 1840-3 Mar 1894), citing Maple Lawn Cemetery, Boyne City, Charlevoix County, Michigan, USA (plot: Lot 290); Maintained by mourninglory (contributor 47048056).