M. W. Brother James Walter Morgan, the son of the late Moses and Martha Jarrott Morgan, was born in Jackson, Ohio, on January 17, 1880. He graduated from Jackson High School in the Class of 1897. Four years later he was graduated from Wooster College, He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, In 1918 he became a trustee of the college and continued actively there until he was made a trustee emeritus.
M. W. Brother Morgan from his early youth had an abiding interest in his Presbyterian Church and served it with a devotion that may well be emulated, He was an elder and an officer of Portsmouth Presbytery. He was superintendent of the Sunday school and was honored during a church service with a certificate showing an unbroken perfect attendance of thirty-two years.
He was a charter member of Jackson Rotary Club, and was President of the Southeastern Ohio Eistedfod Association, a Welsh musical organization.
He also served on Jackson City Council and was its president for one term during which period many important improvements were made in the city.
His numerous business contacts are a tribute to his ability as an executive. The First National Bank, the Aetna Firebrick Company, Globe Iron Company, the Franklin Fruit Farm all enjoyed the benefit of his business acumen. He was also a member of the United Commercial Travelers.
On October 19,1904, he was wedded to Elizabeth Jane Kithcart, culminating a romance which began in their student days at Wooster College, of which both were graduates. Their golden wedding anniversary was beautifully celebrated last October with many of those present who have been the recipients of the blessings which flow out of the lives of such gracious companionship.
M. W. Brother Morgan received his Entered Apprentice Degree in Rubicon Lodge No. 237, April 27, 1905; Fellow Craft Degree, May 10, 1905; and Master Mason Degree, December 1, 1905. In 1912 he became a Charter Member of Barton Smith Lodge No. 613. In 1914 he dimitted to Trowel Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., Jackson, Ohio, and served as Worshipful Master in 1920.
He was exalted to the Degree of Royal Arch Mason in Fort Meigs Chapter No. 29, R. A. M., March 10, 1910. Dimitted to Trowel Chapter No. 70, R. A. M., and served as High Priest in 1921; He received the Degrees of Royal and Select Master in Toledo Council No. 33, R. & S. M., November 9, 1911. Dimitted to Trowel Council No. 71, R. & S. M., and served as Illustrious Master in 1921.He was Knighted in Toledo Commandery No.7, on December 15, 1911. Dimitted to Jackson Commandery No. 53, K. T., in 1914 and served as Eminent Commander in 1923. And Knight of the York Cross of Honor of Jackson.
He received the Scottish Rite Degrees in Mi-A-Mi Lodge of Perfection, January 21,1913; Northern Light Council, January 22,1913; Fort Industry Chapter Rose Croix, January 23,1913; Toledo Consistory, January 24,1913. He was made an Honorary member of the Supreme Council, 33°, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, September 21, 1932.
He became a member of Zenobia Shrine, A.A.O.N.M.S., in 1912.
He was a Trustee of the Ohio Masonic Home for many years, serving as Vice-President. In the Grand Lodge, he served as District Lecturer for the Twelfth District for three years. He was appointed Senior Grand Deacon in 1925, Grand Orator in 1926, elected Junior Grand Warden in 1927, Senior Grand Warden in 1928, and Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1929. For many years he has served as Chairman of the Committee on Way, Means and Accounts.
Our quiet and unassuming Past Grand Master, Brother James Walter Morgan, greatly respected and universally esteemed, passed into the Great Beyond on May 18, 1955.Funeral services were held, May 21,1955, at the Presbyterian Church in Jackson. Interment was in beautiful Fairmount Cemetery, Section D, Lot 106, Jackson, Ohio.