Did you know…that Joseph W. Morgan had two sons (William J. and Joseph J.) and one daughter (Lorraine).Both boys followed in their father’s foot-steps and were appointed Fire Chief.William J. Morgan (eldest son) was appointed Olivette Fire Chief in 1956 and Joseph J. Morgan (youngest son) was named Clayton Fire Chief in 1970.
Chief William J. Morgan
Chief Joseph J. Morgan
Did you know…that Joseph W. Morgan’s granddaughter (Elizabeth Morgan Shapard) married Charles B. Shapard who was the grandson of Robert J. Kratky.Mr. Kratky was a prominent St. Louis attorney and served as the Chaplin of the American Legion Post 45.Robert J. Kratky and Mayor Becker gave the eulogy at Fire Chief Joseph W. Morgan’s March 23, 1943 funeral.The connection was first discovered at a local Clayton fire when Fire Chief Joseph J. Morgan (youngest son of Joseph W.) met Gloria Kratky Shapard (only child of Robert J. Kratky and mother of Charles B) and recognized the Kratky name.The families have been very close ever since.
Attorney Robert J. Kratky
Mayor William D. Becker
Did you know…in 1933 Morgan was one of four district chiefs demoted by the Democratic Regime of Mayor Dickmann because of his Republican Party affiliation.Given his dissatisfaction with St. Louis politics, he hedged his career as a fireman by graduating from Logan Chiropractic College.
Did you know…his firemen knew him as “smoke eater Joe”.A veteran of thousands of fires (big & small), his career spanned almost 30 years.
Did you know…his fraternal affiliations were Masonic Order and American Legion.
Did you know…Chief Morgan and other firemen that have lost their lives in the line of duty are recognized at these sites to name just a few.