Jones Morgan

Jones Morgan (October 23, 1882 – August 29, 1993) was an American man who claimed to have served as a Buffalo Soldier with the 9th Cavalry Regiment during the Spanish–American War. Contemporary accounts reported that Morgan joined the regiment while underage and served with the unit in Cuba in 1898, where he performed support duties rather than participating in combat.

Morgan was widely reported as the last surviving veteran of the Spanish–American War, but his military service could not be confirmed through surviving official records. His military records were reportedly destroyed in a fire, and the lack of documentation led to continuing uncertainty over his status as a veteran.

Service

Morgan, being an African-American, joined the 9th Cavalry Regiment as a Buffalo Soldier in 1896. Being underage upon his enlistment would later contribute to the argument surrounding the legitimacy of Morgan's claims. Morgan served in a primary maintenance role, tending the horses of the Rough Riders and cooking meals for his fellow soldiers.

Later years

Morgan fell into poverty in his old age, being provided free meals from church charity efforts. By 1986 he was renting a room, surviving on his Social Security pension check.

In the much later years of his life, especially after the death of Nathan E. Cook, who had long been hailed as not only the last surviving veteran of the Spanish–American War but of any American engagement, debate raged over the trustworthiness of Jones Morgan's claim to have served.