Tenderhearted Billy Neel

There has been tradition over many generations, that William Neel fought in the Revolution under General Daniel Morgan who was the hero of the battle of Cowpens, South Carolina. He was said to have been called “Tenderhearted Bill” giving emphasis to the opposite side of his nature when dealing with the enemy.

A published record of his name in old registers that would clearly establish this has not been found. W. M. C. Neel (the ferry keeper at Neel’s landing) who was a grandson of this William was said to have had the musket ball that wounded him.

In connection with the tradition that William Neel served under General Daniel Morgan, note that one of his sons was named DANIEL Odom Neel and another was named John Richard MORGAN Neel.