e. b. morgan was operator of the morgan store with his brothers. he made his wealth with trade and shipping from aurora on cayuga lake and the erie canal. it was a busy port in the mid-19th century and local entrepreneurs created national businesses. morgan had far-reaching ventures: he was an early investor in "the new york times" and american express, the latter founded by his good friend henry wells. he served as a director on wells' express mail and banking company, wells fargo & company, founded to serve california. morgan's former home, the e. b. morgan house, a lakefront mansion designed by new york city architect joseph c. davis, which is also in the historic district, has recently been renovated as a luxury bed and breakfast.