Abel Morgan was born at Bellecastle, on Morgan's creek, (a branch of Cape Fear River) in North Carolina, and in 1820-21 was a member of the legislature of North Carolina, and a prosperous citizen of New Hanover county. Like Dr. Shackelford, with whom he later served, he lost a considerable fortune as surety for another, in consequence of which he removed from North Carolina, in 1827, to Paducah, Kentucky.

In 1835, finding his wife Zilpha, who, her North Carolina neighbors attested, was "of a very turbulent disposition, intemperate, and always led her husband a disagreeable life," too difficult, he left home, and, as "Thomas Smith" joined a company of Texan Volunteers under Captain S. O. Blair; Captain Blair and most of his men having quitted the service of Texas at Bexar, Morgan joined Captain Llewellyn's Company and proceeded with it to Goliad, where, heeding General Houston's admonitions, he enlisted for two years in Captain Westover's company of regulars.

At Goliad he was assigned to duty as a hospital orderly, and was spared as a hospital attendant on March 27th. When the Mexicans retreated from Texas in May, he was sent to Matamoros with their wounded; where he remained until April 5, 1842, on parole. He then returned to his