Morgan family

The Morgan family is an American family and banking dynasty, which became prominent in the U.S. and throughout the world in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Members of the family amassed an immense fortune over the generations, primarily through the work of Junius Spencer (J. S.) Morgan (1813–1890) and John Pierpont (J. P.) Morgan Sr. (1837–1913).

Morgan family members dominated the banking industry during their time. J. P. Morgan was the de facto leader of this dynasty, having been the most prominent businessman in America at the turn of the century. He revolutionized numerous industries, including the electricity, railroad and steel industries. Through his business methods, he was highly successful in asserting his power as one of the most influential businessmen in America. Historians describe the Morgan family and its web of partners as being part of the large American banking empire known as the House of Morgan.

It is difficult to place an exact beginning and end date on the dynasty. However, many scholars equate the death of J. P. Morgan with the end of the banking dynasty. In The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance, author Ron Chernow chronicles the lives of the Morgans, which he described as "encrusted with legend... ripe with mystery, [and] exposed to such bitter polemics".