Edwin D. Morgan

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1st Chair of the Republican National Committee 5th Chair of the Republican National Committee
Edwin D. Morgan

In office
1856 – 1864 1872 – 1876
Preceded by	Position established (1856) William Claflin (1872)
Succeeded by	Henry J. Raymond (1864) Zachariah Chandler (1876)
Born	February 8, 1811 Washington, Massachusetts
Died	February 14, 1883 New York City, New York

Edwin Dennison Morgan (February 8, 1811 – February 14, 1883) was Governor of New York from 1859 to 1862 and served in the United States Senate from 1863 to 1869. He was the first and longest serving chairman of the Republican National Committee.

Morgan was born in Washington, Massachusetts on 8 February 1811. He began his business career as a grocer in Hartford, Connecticut. He became a partner with his uncle and served on the city council. In 1836 he relocated to New York City and became a successful wholesaler, broker, and banker. He was a city alderman, state senator (1850 -1853), and state commissioner of immigration.

Because of his wealth, Morgan became highly influential in Republican politics of his time and twice served as chairman of the Republican National Committee. Known for generous contributions to charities and causes, he contributed large sums to the Union Theological Seminary.

Edwin Morgan was a cousin to Morgan G. Bulkeley, a governor of Connecticut.

Morgan died in New York City on 14 February 1883.

Preceded by: John A. King	Governor of New York 1859–1863	Succeeded by: Horatio Seymour
Preceded by: Preston King	United States Senator from New York 1863–1869	Succeeded by: Reuben E. Fenton
Preceded by: (none)	Chairman of the Republican National Committee 1856–1864	Succeeded by: Marcus L. Ward
Preceded by: William Claflin	Chairman of the Republican National Committee 1876–1879	Succeeded by: Zachariah Chandler