Oliver P. Morton was a man of many talents and a man who stood out from others during the Civil War. A local product of Indiana, Morton's skillful leadership, strong and stubborn personality and sometimes ruthless politics made him one of the most notable figures not only at the level of the State but also at the national level. During the Civil War era, issues such as race and slavery, economics and power dominated Indiana politics. The rallying point and the man who stood in the middle of all the problems facing Indiana was Oliver P. Morton. He was responsible for rallying and unifying Hoosiers. Morton prepared Hoosiers to fight in the Union Army. To truly understand Oliver P. Morton's impact on Indiana, the nation, and the Civil War, it is important to understand where he came from, his rise to power, and what he did to stay in power and leave a lasting impact. Oliver Hazard Perry Throck Morton was born in Wayne County, Indiana on August 4, 1823. Morton's last name was Throckmorton but was shortened to Morton by his grandfather. Morton grew up under the care of his grandparents and aunts because his mother and father died when he was very young. As a child, Morton and his older brother attended Professor Hoshour's academy in Centerville. However, none of them completed high school. At the age of 15, Morton dropped out of school to learn the hatter's trade in order to support his family. After 4 years of practicing this profession, Morton was determined to return to school and pursue a legal profession. He enrolled at the University of Miami in 1843 where he studied until 1844. It was in Miami that Morton gained a reputation as the institution's best debater, and it was here that he developed the medium of paper. ..... President Lincoln finally had to do something. Morton was independent and stubborn, he insisted that this was a matter of state sovereignty and that he fully respected his legal rights. To appreciate what Oliver P. Morton did for Indiana and the Civil War effort, one must place his actions in the proper context. . To begin with, we know that Oliver P. Morton was a driven and intelligent man. Although he did not graduate from high school or even college, he was intelligent and an excellent debater. He could talk as he pleased and used his knowledge of law and demeanor to accomplish tasks in Congress. It can be said that growing up in poverty and without a mother or father amplified his drive to succeed and achieve. Morton took his passions and excelled in them. Morton's ascension to the governorship occurred at the perfect time to cement his name and legacy in history..