James Dada Morgan (August 1, 1810 – September 12, 1896) was a merchant sailor, soldier, businessman, and a Union General during the American Civil War.

He served as a merchant sailor; and at one point he suffered a mutiny and spent two weeks in a lifeboat when his ship Berkley was set on fire.

When the Mexican–American War erupted Morgan's unit became company G of the 1st Regiment of Illinois Volunteers and joined General Zachary Taylor in northern Mexico.

[6] When the Civil War began, Morgan was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 10th Illinois Infantry Regiment on April 29, 1861.

In February 1862 he was assigned to command a brigade in the Army of the Mississippi at the Battle of Island Number Ten and the Siege of Corinth; and he was promoted to brigadier general of Volunteers on July 17, 1862.

He commanded a brigade in George Thomas's Center Wing, but during the Stones River Campaign the division he belonged to was left behind to guard Nashville.

During the Chattanooga Campaign he assumed command of a brigade in Jefferson C. Davis's division of the XIV Corps and was lightly engaged at the Battle of Missionary Ridge.

Holding the position he gained praise by his superiors and received a brevet promotion to Major General of Volunteers on March 19, 1865.