The podcast explores the life of William Morgan, his abduction after writing an exposé on the Masonic order, and the different accounts of his fate. It discusses the criticism of Masonry and details the Masonic degrees. The chapter also analyzes the writings of someone who described the men involved in Morgan's abduction and explores the initial public rejection of the facts. The podcast also explores the erection of a monument to Morgan, Thurlough Weed's involvement, and the political implications. Lastly, the hosts address a listener's correction, responsible pet ownership, and promote their social media channels.
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Quick takeaways
The publication of William Morgan's manuscript exposed the benign ceremonies and messages of honor and fraternity practiced by the Masonic lodge.
The abduction of William Morgan caused public outrage, revealing the Masons' protection of each other and hindering legal justice.
Deep dives
The Life of William Morgan and His Abduction
In this podcast episode, the life of William Morgan and his decision to write an exposé of the Masonic order are discussed. Morgan was abducted in 1826 and never seen again, sparking immediate criticism of the Freemasons and volunteer investigators seeking to uncover the truth. His publishing partner, Colonel Miller, published Morgan's incomplete manuscript, which exposed the opening ceremonies, initiation rituals, and symbols of the Masonic lodge. The book, however, did not reveal any shocking secrets, mostly containing benign ceremonies and messages of honor and fraternity. Despite numerous confessions and speculations about Morgan's fate, there has never been a conclusive resolution to his case.
Reactions and Fallout from Morgan's Disappearance
The abduction and disappearance of William Morgan caused a rupture among the Freemasons and led to public outrage and speculations. The Masons protected each other and hindered legal efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. Multiple accounts and confessions came to light years later, revealing details of the plot and the involvement of various individuals. However, some confessions were inconsistent, and the remains found in 1881 did not provide a conclusive revelation. The lack of resolution and differing opinions on Morgan's character have led to ongoing debates and interpretations surrounding this infamous case.
Views on Masonry and Zealous Actions
Different perspectives emerged regarding the Masonic order and the events surrounding William Morgan. Some authors and politicians criticized Masonry as an institution that had lost its value and had become corrupt and immoral. They believed that secrecy and separation from society were inherently problematic. Others, however, blamed Morgan for his actions, questioning his character and motives. The controversy surrounding the case heightened political divisions, with some people advocating for anti-Masonic stances in their politics. The fervor and zeal of those involved in the abduction and subsequent events highlight the escalating tensions and emotions of the time.
Lack of Resolution and Ongoing Speculations
Despite various accounts, confessions, and investigations, the William Morgan case has remained unresolved with no definitive evidence or closure. The discovery of remains in 1881 added more questions than answers. Speculations continue regarding the extent of the plot and the identities of those involved in Morgan's abduction and possible murder. Different theories exist, ranging from a sinister and well-organized conspiracy to an overzealous act fueled by passion and secrecy. The lack of concrete evidence and the passage of time have led to continued discussions and interpretations surrounding this infamous incident.
When William Morgan's manuscript "Illustrations of Masonry" was finally published, it was really kind of boring. So why were people so eager to suppress it, and what truly happened to him after his abduction?
Research:
“An Old Story Revived.” New York Times. July 9, 1881. https://www.newspapers.com/image/20379152/?terms=%22william%20morgan%22&match=1
“Another Morgan Story.” New York Times. July 22, 1881. https://www.newspapers.com/image/20381332/?terms=%22william%20morgan%22&match=1
“Black Rock – Thursday Evening, October 5.” Black Rock Gazette. Oct. 5, 1826. https://www.newspapers.com/image/254877445/?terms=%22william%20morgan%22&match=1
“Captain Morgan.” The Evening Post. Nov. 14, 1862. https://www.newspapers.com/image/40603708/?terms=%22william%20morgan%22&match=1
“Captain William Morgan.” Black Rock Gazette. Nov. 9, 1826. https://www.newspapers.com/image/254877491/?terms=%22william%20morgan%22&match=1
“A Good Enough Morgan Again.” The Evening Gazette. June 24, 1881. https://www.newspapers.com/image/10020603/?terms=%22william%20morgan%22&match=1
Greene, Samuel D. “The Broken Seal: Or, Personal Reminiscenses of the Morgan Abduction and Murder.” Ezra A. Cook & Company. 1873. Accessed online: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=dw4AAAAAYAAJ&rdid=book-dw4AAAAAYAAJ&rdot=1
Morgan, William. “Illustrations of Masonry.” Chicago. Ezra A. Cook Publications. 1827. (Digital copy.)
“The Morgan Monument.” New York Times. Sept. 15, 1882. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1882/09/15/102787325.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
Pritchard, Samuel. “Masonry Dissected.” London. Charles Corbett. 1730. Digital copy: https://archive.org/details/MasonryDissected/page/n3/mode/2up
“Proclamation by DeWitt Clinton.” Black Rock Gazette. Nov. 16, 1826. https://www.newspapers.com/image/254877503/?terms=%22william%20morgan%22&match=1
“The reported discovery of the remains of William Morgan … “ Brooklyn Daily Eagle. June 27, 1881. https://www.newspapers.com/image/50402459/?terms=%22william%20morgan%22&match=1
Riley, Kathleen L. “Lockport: Historic Jewel of the Erie Canal.” Arcadia Publishing. 2005.
Ross, Peter. “A Standard History of Freemasonry in the State of New York: Including Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery and Scottish Rite Bodies, Volume 1.” Lewis Publishing Company. 1899. Accessed online: https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=-GciAAAAMAAJ
“To the Public.” Black Rock Gazette. Oct. 12, 1826. https://www.newspapers.com/image/254877456/?terms=%22william%20morgan%22&match=1
“William Morgan’s Bones.” New York Times. June 22, 1881. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1881/06/22/98562253.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0
“The masonic fraternity and others … “ Poughkeepsie Journal. August 23, 1826. https://www.newspapers.com/image/114416277/?terms=%22william%20morgan%22&match=1