BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Pages 597-598.


EDMUND G. MORGAN was one of the most useful and enterprising citizens
that Bellaire ever had. He was born in Winchester, Va., in 1823. His
parents were both Virginians. After his father's death the family
moved to Wheeling, W. Va. Remaining there but a few years he crossed
the river and settled in St. Clairsville, Ohio, about the year 1834.
Here he received his schooling and studied law, but prefering business,
went into the drug trade, then into the dry goods business with his
father-in-law, R. E. Carothers. Being satisfied that St. Clairsville
was not as promising a location for business as some of its sister
towns, he came to Bellaire in 1858, and established the first wholesale
grocery in Bellaire. The next enterprise toward which he turned his
attention, was the coal business. In connection with his father-in-law
he purchased a tract of land adjoining the city and opened a coal bank.
This business is still conducted by his son, George E. Morgan. Mr.
Morgan immediately identified himself with every enterprise, which
promised in any way to benefit the city in which he lived. He was
largely interested in, and was president of, the Belmont Glass company
and Goblet company. At the time of the organization of the B., L. &
C. R. R., Mr. Morgan was one of the most active in securing its existence,
and shortly after its completion, was elected preside,nt of the same,
which office he held for several years. He was also one of the organizers
of the Bellaire Street R. R. He was a member of the city council for
several terms, also of the school board. He lived to do much good, and
dying, left a name unbesmirched by any mean actions. Not a church member,
yet one of the most liberal contributors to churches and charitable
Institutions of Bellaire. Mr. Morgan was a Mason and a democrat. George
E., son of above, soon after his father's death, took charge of the coal
business, and still owns it. Is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and
is a democrat. He is one of Bellaire's leading citizens and an
enterprising young man.