Collection ID:

Collection context

Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains records of business transactions, property investments, personal correspondence, travel diaries and ephemera from the life of Edwin Barber Morgan, as well as his father, Christopher Morgan, and known associates. In addition, it contain extensive material documenting Morgan's life and pursuits, including travel abroad, serving in the military and government, as well as his connection with the New York Times.
Extent:
6 linear feet and 6 boxes
Language:
English

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection contains records of business transactions, property investments, personal correspondence, travel diaries and ephemera from the life of Edwin Barber Morgan, as well as his father, Christopher Morgan, and known associates. In addition, it contain extensive material documenting Morgan's life and pursuits, including travel abroad, serving in the military and government, as well as his connection with the New York Times.

Biographical / Historical:

Edwin Barber Morgan was born in Aurora, New York, the eldest son of Christopher and Nancy (Barber) Morgan. He was a first cousin of Edwin Denison Morgan, governor of New York in 1859-62. The family was descended from James Morgan, a Welshman who came to Massachusetts about 1636 and settled in New London, Connecticut about 1650. Educated in the local schools, Morgan took over his father's mercantile business in 1827.

Edwin Barber Morgan (May 2, 1806 - October 13, 1881) was an entrepreneur and politician from the Finger Lakes region of western New York. He was the first president of Wells Fargo & Company, founder of the United States Express Company, and director of American Express Company. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives from New York and served for three terms.

In the postwar period he became active with colleges. He was a trustee of Cornell University from 1865 until 1874. Working with his friend Henry Wells to found a college for women, he was a charter trustee of Wells College from 1868 until 1881, where he served as president of the board from 1878 onward. He was also a trustee of the Auburn Theological Seminary from 1870 to 1881. He supported the secondary school of Cayuga Lake Academy in Aurora as well.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

There is no restriction on access to the E.B. Morgan Collection for research use. Particularly fragile items may be restricted for preservation purposes.

LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
170 Main St
Aurora, NY 13026, United States
CONTACT: