Morgan family of Stratford-upon-Avon

Admin History

John Morgan (1830-1908) was born in Bristol, moving to Stratford in 1859 when, leasing no. 11 High Street, from Richard Lapworth, also a bookseller and publisher, he was described a `printer and bookseller'. This business was carried on there, and later at no. 10, until sold in 1932 by his daughters to the Midland Educational Company.

As well as undertaking private printing, John Morgan was the editor and publisher of the Stratford-upon-Avon Chronicle which was produced from 1861 to 1885. The printing business was supplemented by the sale of books and stationery, as well as a lending library.

John Morgan had thirteen children from two marriages. His second son Ralph Walter Kibler Morgan (1880-1957), was articled to an auctioneer in Leamington Spa, after which he set up in business in Stratford-upon-Avon, first at 11 Chapel Street, subsequently in Ely Street. He served as both town councillor and alderman but always refused to accept the office of mayor.