A sensational tragedy

The story of a sensational tragedy has been revived by a letter received one day last week by a Gainsborough firm of solicitors from the Home Secretary. Some six months ago a man named Morley was drinking in a public-house in Gainsborough, when he was seized with convulsions, and died immediately. It was rumoured that a white powder had been administered to him by a companion, and a man named Alexander Morgan was arrested on a charge of wilful murder. It was proved that Morgan had purchased strychnine, and was drinking with Morley shortly before the latter’s seizure. Morgan was committed to the assizes, and on Nov. 24 was found by the jury to have administered poison to the deceased man. The verdict being equal only to one of manslaughter, the prisoner was sentenced to 12 years’ penal servitude. His brother has since taken steps to move for a reduction of the sentence, and Mr. Asquith has promised that the prisoner’s case shall be brought under review when he shall have served five years of his sentence.

(Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper, 4th June 1893)

Proposed revision of sentence

Context Note: Alexander Morgan was still in HMP Dartmoor by 1901.

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THE GAINSBOROUGH POISONING CASE.

PROPOSED REVISION OF SENTENCE.

Alexander Morgan, of Gainsborough, who was sentenced to 12 years’ penal servitude at the Lincoln Assizes, in November, by Judge Kennedy, for having poisoned by strychnine his boon companion, Tom Morley, a Hull grocer, who died in terrible agony, has a chance of being released before the expiration of his term of imprisonment. The judge summed up greatly in favour of the prisoner not having been actuated by malice aforethought, and on his being found guilty of manslaughter the sentence of 12 years’ penal servitude was thought a severe one. Petitions were at once set on foot for the remission of the sentence, and the following letter has been received by Messrs. Robbs and Forrest, of Gainsborough, the prisoner’s solicitors, from the Home Office:-

“Whitehall, 17th May, 1893. – Gentlemen, – With reference to your letter of the 15th March last, forwarding a petition from John F. Morgan, Trinity-street, Gainsborough, praying for the reduction of the sentence of 12 years’ penal servitude, passed at the Lincoln Assizes, on the 24th November, 1892, upon his brother, Alexander Morgan, for the manslaughter of Thomas Morley, with a letter from Mr. Henry Stanger, counsel who defended the prisoner, supporting this prayer, I am directed by the Secretary of State to inform you that, after careful consideration of all the circumstances of the case, and communication with the learned judge, he has felt justified in directing that prisoner’s case shall be brought under review when he shall have served five years of his sentence. It must, however, be understood that no pledge or promise is given as to the decision which may be arrived at when that time comes. – I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, E. LEIGH PEMBERTON.”

(Lincolnshire Echo, 26th May 1893)

Guilty of stealing someone’s money

THE STORY OF A SIMPLETON. – At Gainsbro’ County Court, on Saturday, Edward Adcock, a young fellow of independent means, sued a fish dealer, John Morgan, for £29 10s., money confided to defendant’s care by plaintiff in January. Plaintiff and defendant were drinking together, the former being about to voyage to America. At midnight they went to an inn at Gainsbro’. Plaintiff, after paying for drink, retired to bed, giving his money to defendant to take care of, but next morning the latter was non est. Plaintiff saw him at the police station, and he then said his brother had the money. This was denied, and plaintiff had not received his “brass.” The defence was that a woman with whom the men were in company saw plaintiff give defendant his money, and that the latter was drugged and the money taken out of his pocket. The verdict was for plaintiff with costs.

(Leeds Times, 17th October 1885)

Bankrupt

LINCOLNSHIRE.

FAILURE OF A GAINSBRO’ FISH DEALER – The petition has been filed in the Lincoln County Court of Mr. John Morgan, fish dealer, Gainsbro’.

(Sheffield Independent, 17th December 1889)

Using insulting language

GAINSBOROUGH POLICE.

Tuesday. – Before Messrs. W. E. Fox, E. Pearson, S. Kelsey, and R. C. Bacon.

Wm. Thompson was charged with using insulting language to John Edlington Morgan [who was his brother-in-law] on Oct. 21st. – Both parties are fishmongers and have stands in the Gainsborough fish market. – Mr. Tweed appeared for Morgan. – Defendant was fined 40s. and costs 8s. 6d.

(Stamford Mercury, 3rd November 1905)

Bankrupt, 1889

LINCOLNSHIRE.

FAILURE OF A GAINSBOROUGH FISH DEALER. – A petition has been filed in the Lincoln County Court on behalf of Mr. John Morgan, fish dealer, of Gainsborough and late of Grimsby, Mr. G. A. Gamble being the solicitor for the debtor.

(Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 17th December 1889)