Daniel Morgan (bushranger)
Daniel Morgan (30 April 1830 – 9 April 1865) was an Australian bushranger. Morgan has been described as "the most bloodthirsty ruffian that ever took to the bush in Australia" and “one of the most determined and bloodthirsty of colonial freebooters”. Many accounts of his activities, particularly in the years after his death, emphasise his brutality and erratic behaviour but Morgan had many sympathisers and informants in the districts where he carried out his activities. He was an expert bushman with superb horse-riding skills, a combination of abilities which enabled him to evade capture by the authorities for a significant period of time.
Daniel Morgan | |
|---|---|
'Morgan the Bushranger', an 1864 woodblock print by Samuel Calvert. | |
| Born | John Owen 30 April 1830 Appin, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 9 April 1865 (aged 34) 'Peechelba' station, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation | Bushranger |
After Morgan killed a police sergeant in June 1864 the Government of New South Wales offered a one thousand pound reward for his apprehension. He was shot and killed in April 1865 after holding up 'Peechelba' Station in Victoria.
Morgan's exploits inspired the 1976 Ozploitation film Mad Dog Morgan, featuring Dennis Hopper in the title role.