Bill Perkins Morgan (1849-unknown)

Bill Perkins Morgan, "Texas Tears"

Bill Perkins Morgan was the son of Melinda Perkins Morgan. According to Josephine Golson in Bailey’s Light, Cato Morgan had married a woman from a neighboring stockman. J. H. Polley purchased the woman and her son so that the family would not be separated. Perhaps this son is Bill. Golson lists Bill as one of the enslaved persons that was freed by Mr. Polley. She writes that five children were born to Cato and Melinda, but only lists four—Alex, Bill, Celia, and Elizabeth. Perhaps there was another child that died.

Bill doesn’t show up in the 1870 census. Perhaps he had already married and left the family home.

His quilt square is “Texas Tears.”

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This biographical selection is from The Enslaved People of J. H. Polley Plantation, Whitehall, Sutherland Springs, Texas 1836-1865. The collection is the work of independent scholar, Dr. Melinda Creech. Dr. Creech compiled and presents a biographical sketch of each of the enslaved along with a unique historic Texas quilt for each individual since photos of the 28 enslaved are not available. The collection is available to view in person at the Sutherland Springs Historical Museum.