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Record #3794
Name :
: Laurence Glenvin GOWLAND (1887 - 1907)


Father
:
Mother
:
BMD and other details
Date of Birth
: 1887

Marriage (1)
:
Marriage (2)
:

Date of Death
: 13 Dec 1907   Notes : Execution by Hanging
Abode (1) : Place of BirthEngland, Yorkshire, North Allerton
Abode (2) : Place of Death / BurialCanada, Turtle Mountain
Sailing Information
Date of Arrival
: 9 Oct 1904
Country
: Canada

Ship
: Southwark

Placement Family
:
Homes / Agencys
Institution (GB)
:

Agency
: Barnardos
NotesA birth registration was found for Laurence Glenvin Gowland: Year of Registration: 1887; Quarter of Registration: Jul-Aug-Sep; District: Leyburn; County: Yorkshire - North Riding; Volume: 9d; Page: 644.

In 1891, Lawrence Gowland, 3 years of age, was residing at 7 Wyther Place, Bramley, Yorkshire, England. Other family members included: Annie Gowland, 4; Charles Gowland, 5; Lily Gowland, 1; Robert Gowland, 35, maltster; and Sarah Gowland, 30. (Source: 1891 Census of England; Class: RG12; Piece: 3673; Folio 12; Page 14; GSU roll: 6098783.)

A death registration was found for Robert Gowland: Estimated Birth Year: abt 1856; Year of Registration: 1894; Quarter of Registration: Jul-Aug-Sep; Age at Death: 38; District: Bramley (1863-1925); County: Yorkshire - West Riding; Volume: 9b; Page: 183.

In 1901, Lawrence Gowland, 12 years of age, was shown as an inmate in the District Leeds Union (Industrial School), Yorkshire, England. (Source: 1901 Census of England; Class: RG13; Piece: 4227; Folio: 74; Page: 2.)

In 1904, L. Gowland, 18, arrived at Quebec, Canada, along with a group of 310 boys en route to Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The Manitoba Free Press, Winnipeg, Thursday, May 23, 1907, reported:

VICIOUS MURDER ON FARM AT KILLARNEY

Miss Georgina Brown Alleged to Have Been Assaulted and Then Brutally Killed by Lawrence Gowland, a Farm Hand Employed by Her Brother--Latter Attempted Suicide by Cutting Throat With a Butcher Knife.

---
Killarney, Man., May 22--A horrible tragedy occurred shortly after noon to-day on the farm of John Brown, about three miles east of town when his sister, Georgina, was murdered, and her supposed murderer Lawrence Gowland, is seriously wounded by his own hand.

When John Brown left his home after dinner to-day to come to Killarney, he left his sister, who keeps house for him, dressing getting ready to to a neighbor and his hired man, Lawrence Gowland, sitting outside the house. As Mr. Brown was driving away Gowland asked him what time he should go to work. Mr. Brown replied about a quarter to two. When he came back about 3 o'clock he found Gowland had not yet taken out the team. On going to look for the man he found him with his throat cut. Thinking his sister had gone to the neighbors he went for her, but not finding her there his suspicions were aroused, and returning with one of his neighbors they discovered her throat cut and dead.

Fought for Her Life.

Indications point to the fact that Gowland had first outraged the girl before committing the deed, for her clothing was literally torn in strips. It is also evidence that she fought for her life as there are gashes on her hands and face other than the fatal wound. Gowland's hands are also badly cut, and the razor used in the dreadful deed was broken, the blade being found on the bureau in the girl's room and the handle down stairs. After committing the deed. Gowland evidently wandered all over the house in search of some instrument to end his own life, for blood stains from his wounded hands were found in every room.

At last securing a butcher knife, it appears he attempted his own life as the knife was found behind the bed on which he was lying when found. He only succeeded in partly severing his wind pipe.

Coroner McKee and Dr. Whyte dressed his wound, and it is quite probable he will recover.

Gowland is said to be a Barnardo boy having spent a year on the farm at Russell, afterwards he worked for a farmer north of Manitou, and has been with Mr. Brown nearly two years. He was considered by those who knew him to be rather intelligent but possessed of a violent temper. An inquest is being held on the body to-night.

Overpowered While Dressing.

the crime was committed in the girl's room upstairs. Gowland had evidently taken off his shoes and noiselessly crept up to the room, overpowering the girl while she was in the act of dressing.

Thos. D. Brown, barrister, of Moosomin, is a brother of the dead girl, and Mrs. A. A. Cunning, of Rosthern, a sister. The deceased was a member of the Methodist church. The family have resided in this district for about ten years. The mother died a few years ago, and the father last winter. Since then the brother and sister have lived together, and were highly respected by all who knew them.


The Manitoba Free Press, Winnipeg, Wednesday, May 29, 1907

MURDERER HAS CONFESSED CRIME

The Full Details Show Cold Blooded and Deliberate Act.

Killarney, May 28.--Lawrence Gowland who murdered Miss Georgina Brown after attempting a criminal assault and then unsuccessfully tired to commit suicide has confessed. The accused if recover, and a preliminary hearing will be held to-day at 4:20 o'clock.

A Horrible Crime

Fuller details of the crime, gradually coming to light, indicate a diabolical, deliberately planned murder, almost too gruesome and horrible to believe, and much too terrible to set out with any degree of particularity. Gowland had apparently given indications of his evil intentions toward the girl as on the day of the tragedy, before leaving for town, John Brown, asked his sister if she was afraid of Gowland and received the reply that she was not, whereupon he started for the town, some three miles away. How long after the departure of his employer before Gowland put his diabolical plans in motion, may never ben known. His first movement was to proceed to his room and lay his Sunday clothes out on the bed, with a view apparently to escaping in them.

Taking his razor in his hand he proceeded to the room where his victim was dressing. Forcing the door, he seized his victim from behind and a life and death struggle commenced. That the girl sold her life dearly is fully evidenced by the terrible condition of prisoner's body and the many cuts on his hands and arms.

The body of the unfortunate girl was also horribly mutilated, either during the desperate struggle or after the girl was too far gone to defend herself.

As an indication of the cold blooded character of the prisoner, two blood marked cigarette stubs were found on the window sill, where they had been placed by Gowland after his horrible deed. Curtains of the windows also bore bloody prints of hands, Gowland having evidently peered out several times to see if anyone was approaching.

The country is terribly worked up as a result of the tragedy and all strangeers are looked upon by many of the farmers and townspeople with fear and suspicion.


The Manitoba Morning Free Press on May 23, 1907, reported the confession:

Killarney, Man., May 29--Lawrence Gowland, the self-confessed murderer of Georgina Brown, received his preliminary hearing before Police Magistrate Thomas Shannon this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock.

...

Owing to the weak condition of the prisoner the trial was held in a room of Mrs. Sommerville's private hospital. Only the witnesses and press reporters were admitted to the room.

...

Constable McFarlane also swore he was present on the evening of May 27, when Gowland made this confession and that it was reduced to writing in his presence and signed by the prisoner. This was produced by him adn read by the clerk and was as follows:

"Last Wednesday I was ploughing for oats. About twelve o'clock I came in to dinner and went out and sat on the veranda and John went out to feed the pigs. Georgina called me an English brat. Jack was just going to town. When Jack was away about ten minutes past one, I had my boots and stockings off. I took my razor with me. Georgina was standing at the south window on the floor. I went in and took hold of her and started wrestling with her. She got me down and took the razor from me. I got the razor back and cut her throat with it while she was wrestling with me. The razor broke and I lost it and could not find it. I wanted then to find a razor to cut my own throat but could not find one. I went down stairs to find Jack's razor but I could not. I got the butcher knife, took it upstairs and laid it on the bed. I then went into the room above the kitchen and made a cigarette, went into my own room and commenced cutting my own throat and then went and laid down on my bed and finished cutting my throat, then I put the knife on the floor next the wall [sic]. I could see Jack coming when I cut my own throat. He was about a mile away, coming home. I was sorry after I cut Georgina's throat and I thought I would cut my throat then. I ravished Georgina."

Manitoba Free Press, Winnipeg, Wednesday, July 6, 1907, reported:

"Killarney Murder Suspect Shows Remarkable Self-possession in Winnipeg.

Lawrence Gowland, the Killarney man who confessed that he killed Georgina Brown some time ago, arrived in Winnipeg last night in charge of Governor Atkins for incarceration until the Morden fall assizes. Except for a red mark about three inches long, across his throat, there was nothing in Gowland's appearance to connect him with the horrible tragedy. He walked inconspicuously by Governor Atkins' side, and it was not until he was about to step into a hack on Higgins avenue, that people found out who he was and began to crowd around. Here the essential difference between this thick-set unintelligent looking man, and others of his type became apparent. The ordinary man woul dhave shown some signs of embarrassment, if not of shame, under the cynosure of so many eyes. It was not so with Gowland however, and whatever shame he may have felt at first had quite evidently turned to self-justification through the knowledge that every man's hand was against him, and the contempt he felt for the morbid curiosity of the people. This contempt was evident in the sarcastic smile with which he viewed the crowd. He was the embodiment of self-confidence as he walked along.

He was removed to the Provincial jail, where he was handed over for safe custody until his trial."

Manitoba Free Press, Winnipeg, Wednesday, October 23, 1907, reported:

GOWLAND TO HANG FOR BRUTAL MURDER

Found Guilty of Murder of Georgina Brown by Assize Jury at Morden.

EXECUTION DECEMBER 13

Few Witnesses for Crown Called, But Prisoner Offered No Defence.

Morden, Man., Oct. 22--The jury empanelled to try Lawrence Gowland, charged with the murder of Georgina Brown at Killarney, brought in a verdict of guilty. Judge Phippen sentenced the prisoner to be hanged on December 13.

When the assize court opened this orning the grand jury brought in two true bills: King vs. Gowland, murder and King vs. Hood, assault. A petit jury was empanelled and the Gowland trial commenced. There was no counsel for the defence, his lordship intimated that the crown was, apparently, too poor to pay $50, but asked the prisoner to defend himself. John Brown, of Killarney, brother of the murdered girl, Georgina Brown, was the first witness. He gave an account of events leading up to the discovery of the dead body of his sister on May 22 last. He told of his return to his home and of the finding of the unconscious body of Gowland and the dead body of his sister, Georgina Brown, and corroborated his former evidence. He saw the prisoner in the hospital at Killarney on May 28 in the presence of Constable McFarlane. Gowland made a voluntary statement to the witness and said he was sorry he had killed the girl. Further confession was ruled out of order by his lordship on the ground that it was not made under proper circumstances. He was examined by R. B. Graham, counsel for the prosecution.

Mrs. Rebecca Henus said she had known the prisoner for two years, and knew the deceased well. Mr. Brown called at her house at the time of the murder she went with him to his house and saw Gowland lying on the bed in his room. The she went to Miss Brown's room and saw deceased with her throat cut.

Gowland was asked at the conclusion of the examination of this witness, if he wished to ask any questions, but he invariably replied no.

Coroner McKee Examined.

Dr. McKee stated that he was coroner and practiced in Killarney. In consequence of a report he received he visited the home of John Brown. On entering the house he saw blood on the kitchen floor and stairs. At the head of the stair there was a curtain, which he pulled aside, and went in and saw the accused lying on the bed, bleeding from wounds in his throat. He felt his pulse and then went into the adjoining room and found the body of Georgina Brown.

His examination showed her throat cut from ear to ear, all the large blood vessels being severed. Death was due to the loss of blood from a wound in the neck. There was considerable blood around the room. He found the blade of a razor which was produced and identified. Various articles of blood-stained clothing of the deceased were then produced for identification by the witness. He found a slight congestion of the brain and discoloration of the scalp which might have been caused by a fall. He said the accused had assaulted the deceased. He then recounted the confession of the accused which was made in the presence of himself and Constable McFarlane when accused was sufficiently recover to permit of warrant being read.

His lordship--"How long would a woman live after such a cut?"

Dr. McKee--"She would be dead in five minutes."

Dr. Whyte of Killarney endorsed the evidence given by Dr. McKee. He could not say as to the prisoner's mental condition.

Norah Edwards, a nurse, testified that the prisoner was under her care for about 30 hours. He had made statements during the periods of delirium, but his lordship would not allow them as evidence.

Constable McFarlane, of the mounted police, corroborated the evidence given by Dr. McKee regarding the prisoner's confession.

Henry Eggleton, a farmer, said he lived about three-fourths of a mile from Brown's. He and his wife went to Brown's house after the murder, but he gave no new evidence. J. C. Downie, chief turnkey of the provincial jail, at Winnipeg, produced a letter written by the accused to his mother. The prisoner was visibly affected during the reading of this letter.

Made No Defence.

This concluded the evidence and his lordship then charged the jury and gave Gowland an opportunity to make a defence but he remained silent. Mr. Graham then addressed the jury. In recounting the evidence he said that the wealth of the English language hardly held words to express the horrible loathing of this crime. He confidently expected them to say that the prisoner murdered Georgina Brown. His lordship, after asking Gowland if he wished to address the jury and receiving a negative reply then addressed the jury. He said, it was their duty to determine whether the prisoner was guilty of the crime on the evidence they had heard. There was no suggestion that any other person had committed the crime and he saw nothing in this case as a matter of law which would justify the verdict of manslaughter.

Verdict of Guilty.

The jury then retired for seven minutes, but were recalled by his lordship who reminded them that the fact that Gowland had pleaded guilty at the beginning of the trial was not to be taken into account in their decision. After a deliberation of a few more minutes, the jury returned a verdict of guilty. His lordship then delivered the usual sentence of death, recommending the prisoner to spend the remainder of his days in penitence. The prison was found guilty o murder under circumstances too horrible for thought, and he would sentence him to hang on December 13. The evidence would be forwarded to the secretary of state but he could give the prisoner no hope of mercy. His lordship was overcome by emotion during his charge, but the prisoner had regained his composure and left the court with a firm step.


Manitoba Morning Free Press, Thursday December 7, 1907.

GOWLAND UNCONCERNED

Discusses His Fate Without Regret--Steps Being Taken to Secure Reprieve.

Morden, Man., Dec. 6.--Contractor Eggo returned to Winnipeg to-day after superintending the erection of the scaffold for the execution of Lawrence Gowland, the Killarney murderer, on Dec. 13. It is within an enclosure 12 by 14 feet, adjoining the jail. An executioner has been secured, but his name is being kept a secret. Gowland is but little moved by the closeness of his doom. He is always in good spirits, sleeps a great deal, eats heartily and talks freely with his guards on various subjects. He discusses his fate without concern and without expression of regrets. Four clergymen are in constant attendance ad as a result of which Gowland spends considerable time reading chiefly religious books. Effort has been made by some leading citizens opposed to hanging to secure a reprieve but little hope is held out for the condemned man.


The Manitoba Morning Free Press of December 11, 1907, reported:

WAITING TO DIE

Lawrence Gowland Has Nerved Himself to Pay the Bitter Penalty for Murder.

Morden, Man., Dec. 10.--"Lawrence Gowland is prepared for his fate, both mentally and morally." So said Rev. C. W. Finch yesterday. Mr. Finch has been Gowland's constant spiritual adviser ever since his first incarceration and will continue as such until the execution next Friday.

"Gowland has felt his position very keenly since the trial," went on Rev. Mr. Finch. "He has dreaded his fate, naturally enough but he has thought of it so much and so schooled himself to endure it that now he is braced for it and will face the awful moment heroically. He still keenly realizes his position but he does not display nor attempt to display an air of nonchalance. He is truly sorry for his terrible crime, and has prayed earnestly for pardon. He spends much of his time on his knees in prayer.

Gowland's nights are restless, and spent in reading or tossing about on his cot. He sleeps from daylight until noon and sometimes from four o'clock.

He has received very touching letters from his mother and sister, and these have been a great comfort to him.

"I may say, also," remarked Mr. Finch, "that the condemned man could have done without some letters he has received. Some of these although evidently intended as sympathetic are the extreme limit of refined torture to the already remorseful prisoner.

Gowland has proven an excellent prisoner and stands high in the regard of the jail authorities as far as behavior is concerned. Lawrence appears to have been a good boy and a faithful servant up to the time of his terrible crime. It is thought that the crime was the outcome of a fit of ungovernable rage. Meanwhile the time is drawing nigh when the condemned murderer will have to pay for the life he snuffed out by yielding up his own upon the scaffold. He is awaiting the last act in the grim tragedy. Unless his nerve breaks down at the last moment he will march to his death bravely next Friday."

---

The Manitoba Free Press, Winnipeg, on Thursday. August 21, 1913, reported: There has been only one hanging at Morden, when Lawrence Gowland was hanged on Friday, December 13, 1907, for the murder of Miss Georgina Brown, at the municipality of Turtle Mountain on May 22, 1907 
ContributorsCreated : 2008-05-06 15:30:28 / From original database

Last Updated : 2010-11-27 16:15:02 /

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3086 ABRAHAM, Dinah1889ENG, YKS, Hull Jul 1897 : State of California CAN Waifs & Strays  
3089 ABRAHAMS, Milly Esther1889ENG, YKS, Hull Jul 1897 : State of California CAN Waifs & Strays  
5397 ADAMSON, Doris1907ENG, YKS, Hull Mar 1915 : Scandinavian CAN Barnardos  
6852 AGGAS, Clara1891ENG, YKS, Leeds Jul 1902 : New England CAN Barnardos  
6851 AGGAS, Ethel1889ENG, YKS, Leeds Jul 1902 : New England CAN Barnardos  
6780 AGGAS, Herbert1895ENG, YKS, Leeds Apr 1905 : Kensington CAN Barnardos  
6854 AGGAS, John William1893ENG, YKS, Leeds Apr 1905 : Kensington CAN Barnardos  
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3462 ALLINSON, Lancelot1892ENG, YKS, Harwood Dale Jul 1903 : Dominion CAN Barnardos suffolkmawther  
4456 ANDERSON, Ethel Rows1884ENG, YKS, Normanby Aug 1890 : Parisian CAN Maria Rye  
3807 ANDREWS, Vernard Reginald1897ENG, YKS, Kingston Upon Hull Mar 1908 : Dominion CAN Barnardos  
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13293 ANGUS, Jennie Anderson1893ENG, YKS, Ecclesall Bierlow Jul 1905 : Corinthian CAN Quarriers  
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23426 ARUNDEL, Elsie Mary1895ENG, YKS, Doncaster Jun 1907 : Tunisian CAN Mrs. Mooney\'s  
5754 ASHBURNE, Alfred1892ENG, YKS, Dewsbury May 1907 : Carthaginian CAN Middlemore  
23815 ASHER, Thomas1889ENG, YKS, Sheffield Aug 1905 : Dominion CAN Barnardos  
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