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The Morgan family is a true pioneer family of Routt County. Tom Morgan was born in Madison County, Wisconsin, April 22, 1859. His parents were William A. and Mary Prosser Morgan who emigrated from England and Wales to Pennsylvania in 1851. The family migrated to Colorado in 1863 when Tom was just four years old. The first family settlement was on Clear Creek where they lived and farmed until 1873 when they moved to the Cross mountain area where "they found the Indians friendly and carried on a trading business with them". Tom preempted a claim at Cross mountain and for the next 10 years raised cattle. At the time of the Meeker massacre Tom and his older brother Dave were branding cattle near Juniper Springs. When news of the Indian uprising reached the camp Dave and Tom took 200 head of horses to Snake River for safer keeping. It was during this time that Tom was elected sheriff, in 1885 and served through 1887. The posted bond for this office was $5,000.00. He "proved a capable and fearless officer". His brother Joseph was the first sheriff of Routt County in 1877. (see Joseph Morgan) In 1889 he moved to Axial where he homesteaded 160 acres and raised horses and cattle. This was the K ranch. After some years he engaged in merchandising with his brother William on Snake River and then in 1892 he moved to Steamboat Springs and started a livery stable. Tom married Grace Vaughn on May 18, 1892. Two children were born, Thomas P. and Elsie L. Thomas Morgan died in May 1943 at the K ranch at age 84.
Resources:
Obit, Steamboat Pilot, May 13, 1943
Where The Old West Stayed Young, John R. Burroughs
Progressive Men of Western Colorado
Official Bond of Thomas Morgan, Sheriff
Oath of Office, Thomas Morgan
Obit, Dave Morgan, Steamboat Pilot, December 1926
History of Hayden and West Routt County, Vol. II
Bern F. Giannini
Steamboat Pilot, October 5, 1934
© 2004 Joyce Cusick nacpinc@hotmail.com
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