The young man eventually known as “Mad Dog” Morgan had an early life richer in folklore than documented fact. Legend has him born in 1831 at Applin. He preferred a solitary nomadic existence, living off the land and spending time with horses.
Morgan had a remarkable ability to approach and mount unfamiliar horses. He roamed from home territory across the Murray into Victoria, using various aliases: John Smith, Sydney Bill, and Bill the Native. He was also known as Moran.
His career was handicapped by his appearance—tall and lithe, with eagle-like eyes, a hooked nose, and luxurious locks of deep brown hair. Not an easy man to overlook.
Source: An Explorer’s Guide to Northeast Victoria – Chris McLaughlin Researched and written by Fiona Beckett