Born John Fuller, Morgan was nicknamed ‘‘Mad Dog’’ as he was known for his erratic behaviour and often violent mood swings.
He was regarded in his time as ‘‘the most bloodthirsty ruffian that ever took to the bush in Australia’’.
After he killed a trooper in July 1864, the NSW Government put a £1000 bounty on Morgan’s head.
He was shot and killed after holding up Peechelba Station in Victoria on April 9, 1865.
As part of his post mortem and inquest it was decided to remove Morgan’s head to send to Professsor Halford at the University of Melbourne to create a death mask. The length of the trip meant an overnight stay in the Cobb and Co stop at Seymour’s Royal Hotel.
Legend has it that Morgan’s head was placed on the bar during their stay before continuing to Melbourne.
Twisted History managing director Deb Robinson said a tour and paranormal investigation was conducted in the hotel.
‘‘We use paranormal equipment to look for activity and got some interesting things happening in room eight of the hotel when the name Morgan was received from a spirit box,’’ she said.
‘‘The death mask caused a bit of a stir in the hotel at 6.30 on a Saturday night, as I’m sure it would have all those years ago.’’
26°C