William Morgan (abolitionist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Morgan
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Morgan in a detail from a painting at the National Portrait Gallery
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| Born | 1815 England
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| Died | c. 1890 (aged 74–75) |
William Morgan (born in 1815, died around 1890) was an important person in the fight against slavery in Britain. He was a key member of the Birmingham Anti-Slavery Society. This group helped end slavery in the British Empire.
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Who Was William Morgan?
William Morgan was born in England in 1815. He became a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. He worked in the city of Birmingham. Morgan was very active in social movements. He especially worked to end slavery.
Fighting Against Slavery
Morgan was a strong supporter of the abolitionist movement. This movement wanted to make slavery illegal. He was a leading member of the Birmingham Anti-Slavery Society. This group worked hard to stop slavery in the British Empire.
In 1838, slavery was officially ended in the British Empire. To celebrate this big event, a party was held in Birmingham. William Morgan helped organize it. He sent out invitations and information to local Sunday Schools.
Working with Joseph Sturge
Morgan also helped start the local Baptist Union. Around 1835, the Birmingham Anti-Slavery Society became active again. Morgan served as its secretary.
He worked closely with another famous abolitionist, Joseph Sturge. Morgan was a secretary at the 1840 Anti-Slavery Convention. This important meeting was organized by Sturge. Morgan and Sturge continued to work together through the 1850s.
Morgan's Later Work
Later in his career, William Morgan became the Town clerk in Birmingham. This was an important job in the local government. He also gave many books to the Birmingham Library.
In 1866, a group called the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society sent Morgan to Jamaica. This trip showed his continued dedication to fighting for freedom and equality.
Morgan's Family Life
William Morgan was the third son of a minister named Reverend Thomas Morgan. On March 6, 1841, he married Henrietta Barnard. She was from a town called Nailsworth in Gloucestershire.
