George Morgan was born in Chatham, NY in Columbia County on July 16, 1816.[1] He moved to the City of Poughkeepsie, NY at the age of 48 in 1864, where he purchased the Gregory House, a hotel which he later renamed the Morgan House, and the College Hill property for $33,500.[2]
"He also bought the Swift farm. In looking over his farm he discovered several natural springs, and concluded by excavating the ground and damming it a lake could be formed, and to-day “Morgan Lake,” situated in the suburbs furnishes the city with pure spring water ice. It might appropriately by styled a sparkling monument to his memory."[3]
On February 21, 1866, George Morgan submitted a proposal on using his lake for the supply of water to Mayor George Innis and the Common Council.[4]
"In 1869 Mr. Morgan was chosen by the people as mayor of the city of Poughkeepsie, being the first Democrat ever called to that position; and at the general election in November of that year he was elected a member of the New York State Senate from the Eleventh District, including Dutchess County, defeating his Republican opponent, Jonathan Rider, by a majority of 187. The same district two years before had elected a Republican by over 700 majority."[5]
George Morgan also played a crucial role in securing Dutchess County as the location for the Hudson River Hospital for the Insane; known today as the Hudson River Psychiatric Center.[6] He passed away on September 21, 1879 at the age of 63. He is buried in the Pine Plains Cemetery along with his first wife and the son they had, and his second wife and the two sons they had.[7]
[1] Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Dutchess and Putnam, New York, Containing Biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and many of the early settled families. (Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co. 1897) 132.
[2] Commemorative Biographical Record. (Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co. 1897) 132-133.
[3] Commemorative Biographical Record. (Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co. 1897) 132-133.
[4] Duane A. Biever, Old Poughkeepsie New York 1865. (North Country Books Inc. 1997) 170-171.
[5] Commemorative Biographical Record. (Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co. 1897) 133.
[6] Commemorative Biographical Record. (Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co. 1897) 133.
7 Commemorative Biographical Record. (Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co. 1897) 133.
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