Oliver P. Morton: True Leadership in the Civil War

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Oliver P. Morton was a man of many talents and a man who stood out above the rest during the Civil War. A local product from Indiana, Morton who displayed a skillful leadership, a strong and stubborn personality, and sometimes ruthless policies made him one of the most prominent figures not only on the state level but also on the national level. At the time of the Civil War issues such as race and slavery, economics and power dominated Indiana politics. The rallying point and the man that stood in the middle of all the issues Indiana was facing was Oliver P. Morton. He was responsible for rallying and unifying the Hoosiers. Morton prepared the Hoosiers to fight in the Union Army. To truly understand Oliver P. Morton’s impact on Indiana, the nation, and the Civil War it is important to understand where he came from, his rise to power, and what he did to stay in power and leave a lasting impact. Oliver Hazard Perry Throck Morton was born in Wayne County Indiana on August 4th, 1823. Morton’s family name was Throckmorton but was shortened to Morton by his grandfather. Morton grew up under the care of his grandparents and aunts because his mother and father died while he was very young. As a child Morton and his older brother attended the academy of Prof. Hoshour, at Centerville. However, neither of them finished High School. At the age of 15 Morton dropped out of school to learn the hatter’s trade to help support his family. After 4 years working this profession Morton was determined to go back to school and pursue a legal profession. He enrolled at Miami University in 1843 where he studied until 1844. It was at Miami that Morton earned the reputation of being the best debater in the institution, and it was here that, he developed t... ... middle of paper ... ... President Lincoln eventually had to do something. Morton was independent and stubborn he insisted that it was a matter of state sovereignty and that he was well within his legal rights. To appreciate what Oliver P. Morton did for Indiana and the Civil War effort one needs to take his actions into the proper context. To start we know that Oliver P. Morton was driven and smart man. Although he did not graduate high school or even college he was intelligent and an excellent debater. He could talk his way into things and used his law background and demeanor to accomplish tasks in congress. One can argue that growing up poor and without a mother and father made his drive to succeed and become accomplished was amplified. Morton took his passions and excelled at them. Morton’s rise to Governor happened at the perfect time to cement his name and legacy in history.

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