JONAH MORLAN. contractor, Fairfield, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, where he was born May 16. 1827. His father, whose name was Jonah Morlan, was of Scotch ancestry, and was born in Virginia.
He was married in Ohio to Emily Armstrong, who was of Welsh origin, and who was born in Wilmington, Del. They were both reared under the influences of Quaker parents, and were, perhaps. the first of their families to break over the rites and customs of that sect. They had nine children, Jonah Morlan, Jr., being the youngest of the family.
The father died in Columbiana County, Ohio, about 1830, and the mother in same county in 1863.
Three brothers and one sister of the family came to Wayne County, Ill., in 1843. The sister, Deborah McNeely, and James A. Morlan removed from here to Morgan County, Ill., many years ago, and the latter is now a Baptist minister in Jacksonville, Ill.
Jonah Morlan was married, April 18, 1850, to Naomi S. Johnson, of White County. She was born May 10, 1829. In 1861.
Mr. Morlan was mustered into the United States Military service as Second Lieutenant of Company G, Fortieth Regiment. He took a prominent part in the battle of Shiloh, in which exactly two-thirds of his company were either killed or wounded. In consideration of meritorious conduct in that battle, he was promoted to the position of First Lieutenant, and soon after to the Captaincy of the company. He was on board the "Robert Campbell", which burned near Milliken's Bend, above Vicksburg, and there saved his life and the life of his wounded Colonel, Hicks, by swimming a distance of 150 yards, to the shore. In February, 1964, he was appointed by Lincoln to able . the office of Assistant Quartermaster with the rank of Captain, in which capacity he served until the close of the war.
After returning form the ranks, he engaged in merchandising in White County, Ill., and removed to Wayne County in 1881, and is now a resident of Fairfield. They have a family of four children -
Mr. and Mrs. Morlan and daughters are members of the Christian Church.
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