Morgan was born in Warwick, Colony of New South Wales, the fourth son of James Morgan, who later represented Warwick in the Legislative Assembly of Queensland and became the chairman of committees, and his wife Kate (née Barton).

In 1887 he was elected a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for the district of Warwick, and held this seat until 1896.

Morgan's policy of retrenchment made him unpopular, and his alliance with the labour party was seen as questionable by his former associates.

In January 1906, after the death of Sir Hugh Nelson, Morgan was appointed as president of the Queensland Legislative Council and was acting-governor on two occasions.

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