Bio

John Tawell was born in 1784 in Beccles, Norfolk, England. He grew up in a time when society had strict moral standards, especially regarding religion and conduct. His early work experience included being a salesman in Lowestoft before he moved to London to learn the trade of a chemist and druggist.

At the age of 14, Tawell started working in a shop owned by a Quaker widow. This shopkeeper encouraged him to attend monthly Quaker meetings known as "Friends" meetings. Six years later, he became an employee in a drapers shop in Whitechapel, run by another Quaker. When he was 22 years old, Tawell seduced a servant-girl named Mary. After she became pregnant, they married, although this union was frowned upon by the Quaker community.

In 1814, Tawell faced legal trouble when he attempted to forge a £10 note from Smith's Bank. At that time, forgery was a serious crime, and Tawell was sentenced to death. However, the Quaker bank opposed capital punishment. His sentence was changed to 14 years of transportation to Australia.

Upon arrival in Australia in 1820, Tawell was assigned to work on coal ships around the coast, but his skills as a chemist quickly drew attention. He was moved to a convict hospital and later worked as a clerk for Isaac Wood at the Sydney Academy. His good behavior led to his early release and he was granted a "ticket of leave" after just three years.

With his newfound freedom, Tawell opened a chemist shop in Sydney and found considerable success. He married and eventually grew wealthy through his business ventures, including trading whalebone. In 1823, he was able to bring his wife and two children over from England, with their passage paid for by the Crown.

Tawell was well-respected in his community and often dressed in traditional Quaker clothing, which included a wide-brimmed black hat. He even donated the first Friends Meeting House in Sydney, showing his commitment to the Quaker faith despite his past offenses.

In 1831, Tawell and his family returned to London, but their health deteriorated in the polluted city. His wife Mary fell ill and passed away in 1838. Soon after, Tawell began an affair with Sarah Lawrence, the nurse who took care of his wife. Their relationship produced two children, but Tawell's connection with his mistress caused ongoing conflict in his life.

In 1841, Tawell married Sarah Cutforth, a Quaker widow. Despite his previous life and relationships, he continued to lead a Quaker lifestyle. Tawell secretly supported his former mistress Sarah Hart and their children, paying her an allowance. However, as time passed, he began experiencing financial difficulties related to his earlier business interests.

Murder Story

On January 1, 1845, John Tawell visited his mistress, Sarah Hart, at her cottage in Salt Hill. Tawell had recently purchased prussic acid, a lethal poison, from a chemist in London. After spending some time with Sarah, he bought her a drink, possibly spiking it with the poison. Shortly after, Sarah was found by a neighbor, moaning and gasping for breath. Despite attempts to help her, she died before a doctor could arrive.

Meanwhile, Reverend E.T. Champnes, who heard the alarm, quickly suspected Tawell. He rushed to the railway station, but Tawell had already boarded a train for London. A telegram was sent to Paddington Station to alert authorities. Describing Tawell's appearance as a Quaker in a brown coat, the message became historically significant as the first use of the telegraph in a murder arrest.

At Paddington, Sergeant William Williams recognized Tawell. He followed him as he took a bus to the City, where Tawell visited several locations before returning to a coffee house. Officers arrested him the next day. Tawell initially denied knowing Sarah but later admitted he had been involved with her for over two years.

As the trial began, evidence pointed to Tawell's possession of prussic acid on the day of the murder. His defense suggested Sarah could have consumed the poison from apple seeds, but the jury found him guilty after brief deliberation. Tawell was sentenced to death and executed by hanging on March 28, 1845. His case gained attention for its use of telecommunications in law enforcement and demonstrated the dangers of poison.