The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1877-01-15
ANNE W00DWORTI'S FATE.
ANOTHER REAL LIFE TRAGEDY OF
RURAL NEW ENGLAND.
Forbidden to MarryA singular Compact
What MIR. Woodw orth saw from the GAR
ret Stnirs-The Letter that Wasn't Read.

ret Stnirs-The Letter that Wnsu't Read.
NORWICH, Conn, Jan. 13.-Miss Anne
Woodwork respected and wealthy resident
Of this place, committed suicide last evening
by hanging herself IN the attic Of her house. Her
death was attended and preceded by peculiar
circumstances.
She was about forty years old, and almost from
childhood her life had been one OF retirement
and loneliness. Her mother died when she was
less than ten years old, and she was left an only
child, to the care OF her father, MIR. Joshua
Woodwork. At that time, aud for many years
thereafter. Mr.. Woodwork lived In a little, low,
onc-story house on pleasant, tree-bo idered
street about a mile from the centre OF Norwich.
his dwelling was surrounded by the smooth,
fertile acres OF large farm. aud the barns and
other outbuildings were capacious and hand.
some. and evidently the belongings Of pros
porous ani c reful owner. The shabby house
contrasted queefly with ts surroundings, but
Mr.. woodworth, who always practised the
severest economy notwithstanding his ample
means. was satisfied with it. He lived with his
child titled hls farm unaided; Miss Anne, as
soon IA she became old and strong enough, did
all the work of the household.
She grew INTO a tall and beautiful gir and Wa
sought by many suitors. 10 all Of them, for
many wear. she turne Dc T ear either being
distnclined to marry or Withheld hy the ohjec-
tions OF her father VINO wished her 60 remain at
home with him. 70 one ~ her Hdmirers, II "
said. sNc gave her cirt, and tor a long time he
was a frequent visitor at the house. Her father
bitterly opposed the match. though the Young
man was OF good famil, and every way eligible.
lie at length forD ide the lover - enter hs house.
and made his daughter close prisoner Sne
seldom appeared III puDlic save 10 company with
her tatuer
Ths stern d.srosition 81 the latter. together
with the restraints put upon her, produced In
her mind morbid fances; she accused him Of
designing to marry Again. Parent aud daughter
and the peace OF the household was destroyed.
. lnftts nay al "A AL
agreement, the substance of which was that
neither should marry
relations Were far from confidential Miss
Woodwork was charitable and generous, and
| the properly that she inherited from her mother
enabled her to sauNy her Oeneyoi-nt Impulses;
| Her father objected TO her aims giving, and
| often drove petitioners from his door.
About six years ago lie was induced by his
daughter to build "a more suitable house-a
| lafge. handsome, two-story dwelling. a few rods
| from his old nome. Ihe mousse was provided
| with ever, rurtl ctmfurt ana convenience; but
| not hall the large rooms could be used by SO
sm II "A fanny.
Within The pas, wear or two Mis-. Woodwork
| grew more gloomy ana eccentric In her ways.
Wnie her fitner was In the fields she and
brooded over her sorrows and Disappointing MT
| the great, solitary house. A few DAYS ago sue
| expressed wish TO attend the funeral OF a
neighbor, and her father accOmpaniedsher. she
returned home more melancholy ana nervous
| than ever. hile ousied In household affairs, she
would often start up and hurry TO tile window
| at any sudden noise Ia the street.
| Ca Friday morning sne rose very early. She
WIS NUlic anu axis ittus cue went hbout ner
| work with more than ordinary carefulness and
| cleaned and busted the house from roof to Gel.
| lar After dinner. which was late, about 3
| o'clock. MT. Moodworth sat down by the IRE
aud his Il ughter. after removing the dishes aud
| cleaning the room, retired to her chamber.
A few minutes later there was the sound Of a
| heavy fall. but Mr. oodwOrtn WIS not disturb
| ed he thought his daughter was arranging the
| furniture IN the rooms above. After while he
| listened. aud hearing nothing, went up stairs.
| Miss Woodwork was not IN her room, and he
| Sc rched for her IN vein through every apart
ment OF the second floor Then he went up the
| garret stairs. Before he had reached the middle
| step he saw her body slowly swinging IN front OF
him. She was suspended by the neck oy a ma
| white cord. scarcely larger ana stronger than a
piece uf twine. II was attached TO the rlfter. A
| cushioned arm chair lay overturned on the hOOr
| Mr.. Woodworth quicN,y cut down the body.
| but us daughter was dead. In her chamber, upon
| her bed, was found u con plete suit OF clothes,
| which bad been lald out with cnar cteristic
| anu ucafuc-s. lhe uuderSarments, white and
| spOtless, were IN perfect order. iout-pige let
| ter, closely written, was found linned IN the
| MIRROR, but MIR. Woodwork. who was nearly
| distracted Dy bis loss, stefnly refused TO allow
| any QUE, even the Coroner, To read Its entire
| contents, saving: No one shall ever read u at
| unless am obngcd u snow H."
Ihe last clause Of TINS letter enjoncd her
| ftther to bury her respectfully, yerv rcspectably,
| but without display OF any kiud. II went on;
This IL the last time that shall }, u, but
| pay that sA.l ne Ia heaven. You Will nud my
burial cl thes aid CUT Oh my bed IN my room. q od
~. ANNE NOupNOkrn
| An inquest was held too y, but the jury were
not allowed 10 read the mysterious letter.
A singular fact ia connection With this suicide
| is that anou-e on the same street, not dozen
| rods from Mr. WOOdwor.h's residence, wiihin a
| lew years has been the scene VI tHO suicides
| and one attempted suicide.