Reginald Birchall

John Reginald Birchall (aka Lord Frederick A. Somerset) (25 May 1866 – 14 November 1890) was a British conman who was convicted of killing one of his victims in Canada.

Born into a wealthy family in Lancashire, England, Birchall entered Lincoln College, Oxford in 1885.

While at Lincoln, where he founded the Black and Tan Club, Birchall spent his time partying and incurring debt.

His plan was to take the money, place bets in the Derby horse race, and pay back the investors with his winnings.

At this point, Birchall took Frederick Benwell, the son of the biggest potential investor, to Ontario to view the farm.

However, on February 20, Birchall telegraphed Benwell's father in England, saying that his son had agreed to the investment and he should immediately wire over £500.