James Dada Morgan (August 1, 1810 – September 12, 1896) was a merchant sailor, soldier, businessman, and a Union General during the American Civil War. He commanded a division of infantry in some of the final campaigns in the Western Theater. Early life Morgan was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He served as a merchant sailor; and at one point he suffered a mutiny and spent two weeks in a lifeboat when his ship Berkley was set on fire. James Dada Morgan and Jane Strachan married 28 October 1832 in Boston, Massachusetts. This marriage produced at least three children: a son James 1833 – 1837, and two sons who survived into adulthood: James and William. Jane (Strachan) Morgan died 26 September 1851. In 1834, the Morgan family moved to Quincy, Illinois, where James D. Morgan opened a cooper shop, along with Edward Wells. In 1837 he joined the "Quincy Grays," a militia group. In 1839, he became a grocer. He also joined the C. M. Pomroy firm. C. M. Pomroy ran a pork packing business. James D. Morgan stayed in the Pomroy firm for 25 years. Being active in the Quincy Grays Militia, he led a company of mounted riflemen into the Illinois Mormon War. When the Mexican–American War erupted Morgan's unit became company G of the 1st Regiment of Illinois Volunteers and joined General Zachary Taylor in northern Mexico. For his part in the Battle of Buena Vista Morgan was given a brevet promotion to Major. After the war ended he resumed his business in Quincy. Civil War When the Civil War began, Morgan was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 10th Illinois Infantry Regiment on April 29, 1861. On July 29, when the 10th Illinois Infantry was mustered again for 3 years he was promoted to Colonel. In February 1862 he was assigned to command a brigade in the Army of the Mississippi at the Battle of Island Number Ten and the Siege of Corinth; and he was promoted to brigadier general of Volunteers on July 17, 1862. Morgan was transferred to the Army of the Ohio (later the Army of the Cumberland). He commanded a brigade in George Thomas's Center Wing, but during the Stones River Campaign the division he belonged to was left behind to guard Nashville. During the Chickamauga Campaign Morgan was assigned to command the 2nd Division of the Reserve Corps, however his division was again