OKLAHOMA CITY — On Wednesday, February 26, at 5:30 p.m., author Michael J. Hightower will have a book discussion and signing at the Oklahoma History Center for his newest book, “Justice for All: Dick T. Morgan, Frontier Lawyer & Common Man’s Congressman.” David and Kenyon Morgan, Dick T. Morgan’s great-grandsons, will also speak briefly and be available to sign copies of the book.
“Justice for All” is Hightower’s captivating account of Dick T. Morgan, an unsung American pioneer and founding architect of Oklahoma’s legal landscape. Morgan played a pivotal role in Oklahoma’s history from 1889 until he died in 1920.
His book, “Morgan’s Manual to Homestead Laws,” sold 20,000 copies and became a lifeline for settlers by guiding them through the complexities of land ownership in a new and uncertain frontier. For an extra quarter, those who bought the book could also purchase a map to help find and file a claim. Copies of “Justice for All” come with a 24 by 28-inch color reproduction of the land claim maps that guided settlers.
Morgan spent years providing legal guidance, advocating for settlers and laying the foundation for modern land and credit policies that still impact us today. His influence didn’t stop at the state level. He was the first U.S. Representative elected after statehood to represent Oklahoma City and surrounding rural areas. Morgan is credited with helping create the Federal Reserve System, Federal Trade Commission and Federal Farm Credit System.
For David and Kenyon Morgan, Dick T. Morgan’s great-grandsons, this book is more than just history — it’s personal. They grew up hearing their great-grandfather’s name but knew little about the man behind the legacy. In their retirement, their journey to unravel the mystery of their great-grandfather led them and author Michael Hightower across Oklahoma and even out of state to Indiana, where Dick T. Morgan was born, and Washington, D.C., where Morgan lived. This helped them piece together a forgotten history that deserves to be told. “Justice for All” brings a forgotten chapter of American history back to life.
The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Copies of “Justice for All” will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.
The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.