Part of the American History & Genealogy Project

Maria Morgan 1828 ~ 1892

Widely known as Middy Morgan, was born November 22, 1828 in Cork, Ireland, and died in Jersey City, New Jersey, June 1, 1892.

Miss Morgan occupied a unique position among American professional women. She was the daughter of Anthony Morgan, a landed proprietor. In 1865 her father died, and the eldest son succeeding to the entire estate, the other children were left dependent.

Maria and a younger sister went to Rome, Italy, and there, owing to her wonderful horsemanship and knowledge of horses, which she had gained on her father's estates in Ireland, she was engaged by Victor Emmanuel, King of Italy, to select the horses for his Horse Guards and take the supervision of his stables, a position which she filled with credit, and to the entire satisfaction of the King.

After five years spent in this service, she decided to come to the United States, and on her departure, was presented with valuable jewels in recognition of her service. She bore letters of introduction to Horace Greeley, James Gordon Bennett, and Henry J. Raymond, and was immediately employed by the New York Tribune, the Herald, and the Times to write articles and do livestock reporting, also for the Turf, Field and Farm and the Live Stock Reporter.

In addition, she wrote the pedigrees and racing articles for the American Agriculturist. At one time she was in charge of the Pennsylvania Railroad station at Robinvale, New Jersey, and during this time made three trips to Europe; her first on a cattle boat. After her return she wrote a series of articles on the treatment of cattle on ocean steamers, which resulted in the bettering of conditions and more humane treatment.

Women of America

Source: The Part Taken by Women in American History, By Mrs. John A. Logan, Published by The Perry-Nalle Publishing Company, Wilmington, Delaware, 1912.