John Alfred Gell - Murder in Moston, Manchester

[eiggam]

John Alfred Gell murdered a Mrs Mary Miller in 1888 in Moston, Manchester, for which he was consequently put to death by hanging.I am interested in finding out more about his victim Mary Miller as I believe she is a long lost relative. From what I can gather she was his landlady, aged about 46, and they had been having an affair. Anyone out there have any more info on this lady for me e.g. Scottish/English, background, children etc etc. Any information would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance. Eiggam.

[WilmaM]

First step would be to have a look for her on the 1881 census. It's free on familysearch.
That should give you her birthplace, age and all the other members of the household.

Maybe he was lodging there then too...

[grannysrock]

hi there
I had a look in the scotsman and it seems Mary died after coming to the defence of her daughter Isabella Miller who Gell attacked first. The Scotsman said Mary was 42 , but newspapers aren't always accurate ...

Sally

[Currie]

Hello eiggam,

This case was covered in great detail and at great length in the Manchester Times.

I’ve tried to dig out any info that may be useful. I’ll be shutting down for the night shortly. These are the bits in the order they cropped up.

Daughter was Isabella Miller, age 21.
They were living at No. 6 St. Mary’s Road.
Mrs. Miller separated from her husband 12 years before, since supported by dressmaking and letting rooms to lodgers, one was Lizzie Nevins the other was Gell.
Daughter Isabella was employed at a photographic establishment in Manchester.
The victim had resided in Moston for a considerable time.
Daughter was employed at M. Sauvy’s (?) establishment in King St. until recently, since then assisting mother.
Mrs. Miller buried in the Southern Cemetery.
Daughter was called Bell. (nickname)
Victim’s husband was Edward Miller of 68 Duke St., Old Trafford, a general agent, separated 9 years. He said his wife was 42.
At the time of the murder there was a baby asleep on the sofa.
Until July daughter was living with father at Old Trafford.
Miss Miller’s baby died the day the murderer was sentenced.

Someone said she was about 45, I’m not sure whether I saw age 46 mentioned.

Hope that’s useful,
Alan

[WilmaM]

I had time to look properly for them on the familysearch census
this looks likely:
1881
Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability
Mary MILLER Head W Female 38 Ireland Lodging House Keeper
Catherine R. MILLER Daur Female 15 Ireland
Annie GLOSTER Boarder M Female 19 Hereford, Hereford, England Waitress
Marshall J. DARKE Boarder W Male 32 Australia Seaman
Thomas SMITH Boarder M Male 43 Rowley, Stafford, England Brickmaker
Agnes SMITH Boarder M Female 33 Ireland
Source Information:
Dwelling 16 Clare St
Census Place Liverpool, Lancashire, England
Family History Library Film 1341869
Public Records Office Reference RG11
Piece / Folio 3630 / 19
Page Number 33

[eiggam]

Hi Folks - First of all thanks to one and all for taking the time out and gathering information for me on Mr Gell/Mrs Millar.
After reading same, I am now certain that this is not the Mrs Mary Millar I have been searching for over the last while.
Again thanks to you all for your efforts - much appreciated. I will keep searching in the Lancashire area and see what I can come up with.

[Currie]

Hello eiggam,

My contribution wasn’t much of a burden. It was a bit like reading a good book.

She probably lived a long and happy life, hopefully. We’re a ruthless bunch us genealogists. In this sort of situation we’re probably never really sure whether to be happy or disappointed that the poor victim wasn’t one of our relatives, especially if they’re a brick wall of long standing.

The best of luck with your pursuit.

Alan

[joette]

Alan I know exactly what you mean.
I was so excited & my Mum horrified when I found out my GGrandfather had been to Prison.Eventually I was able to track down newspaper report about the incident & it explained a lot about family dynamics & solved a couple of mysteries.