npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1888-06-16 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

CONCLUSION.  MRS. DANVERS was quietly consigned to her grave in Kensal-green. The murder of Gayoso was a mystery which was never unravelled, and such measures were taken as led the world to believe that he died of disease of the heart. But in the pocket of the dress worn by Mrs. Danvers on that day, was found a curiously-fashioned instrument, resembling a tiny cimetar, made of gold, which on examination proved to be a more deadly and certain weapon of destruction than a battle-axe wielded by the strongest arm. Not many weeks after the funeral, Rose reached London with her happy and triumphant husband. The estate was now hers beyond dispute, but on learning the true history of the cousins, she settled on-Madame Latude a handsome sum, and her sense of justice could not be satisfied without providing for Trevor in a liberal manner. An annuity sufficient to supply every rational want was secured to him for life.  Mrs. Seyton and her daughter had already established a flourishing business, but Madeline had fallen into a state of melancholy madness, which rendered it necessary to place her where she could be properly taken care of. When Danvers became aware of this, he would not consent that she should be placed in an asylum; he caused a room in his father's house to be fitted up for her accommodation, and performed the penance he considered due to his wrongs against her, by watching over the vagaries of her wandering mind with a patience and tenderness which proved how noble was the nature which had so long strayed from the path of rectitude. And is there not "more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, than ovez ninety and nine just men P" For the few remaining months of her life all that the most devoted care could do to alleviate her settled melancholy, was done by him. One bright day in early autumn she was laid beside the little lad who had been the one joy of her broken life. Three years rolled away, and the venerable father was summoned to join the caravan of death, which gathers its passengers at every flitting moment of time. Serene and resigned, he had but one wish unfulfilled.  His son had recovered his health and spirits; he had taken a stand among men which promised a brilliant future, but the darling wish that lay nearest the father's heart was not yet realised. Amy sat beside his couch, his son bent over him to catch his last words. He held their hands clasped in his own, and a bright smile irradiated his features as he joined them together. Danvers earnestly regarded the bowed head; he whispered— " Shall it ever be, Amy? Can you trust me ?" A faint pressure of the hand replied, and the dying lips murmured— " Thanks, my child—my daughter at last! lam happy; I am now ready to go," and the released spirit sped away to the mansions of light.
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1888-05-26 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

MURDER OF A WARDER.  A prisoner named Jackson, who was confined in Strangeways Gaol, Manchester, on Tuesday, made a determined attempt on the life of the warder in charge of him, and then escaped from the gaol. Jackson, who is described as a powerful and desperate man, and is Well known to the police, was engaged in some buildings abutting on Southall-street, where some repairs were being executed, and was in charge of a warder named Webb. The prisoner seems to have been waiting an opportunity, for when Webb turned round for some purpose Jackson sprang upon him, and struck him a terrible blow on the back of the head with a hammer, the force of which knocked him to the ground insensible. The prisoner then ran up to the roof of the building, and finding a means of exit dropped from the roof into the street outside the gaol, and bolted across some waste land in Cheetwood, and disappeared. His escape becoming known a number of warders set off in pursuit. They ran and' searched in all directions, but the man had had a good start, and had succeeded in finding a hiding place. The injured warder meantime was attended to by the gaol surgeon. He was found to be seriously injured, though his skull was not fractured, as was at first reported. Jackson was wearing the prison dress at the time of his escape, and the police were very soon engaged in scouring the country in search of him. A Manchester correspondent, telegraphing at a late hour on Tuesday night, said: The injuries inflicted upon Warder Webb turned out to be more serious than was supposed, and resulted in his death about three hours after the attack. The convict, when caught, will therefore be charged with murder. Some further particulars have transpired about the affair. The convict's name is John Jackson, alias Edward Graham. He is only 29 years of age, and is supposed to be a native of Nottingham. He is a notorious housebreaker, and was convicted of housebreaking at Eccles at the last Salford Sessions. He is also wanted for offences at Hull, Huddersfield, Oldham, and Bradford. He is a plumber by trade, and was engaged in the Matron's room, in charge of Webb. It is supposed that Webb was looking out of the window when Jackson attacked him, and, having stunned the warder, Jackson exchanged boots with him and got on to the roof of the house, thence passing to the roof of a lower building, and reaching the wall he had only a drop of about ten feet into the street. No one had seen his movements so far, and the street being a very quiet one he ran off unmolested. Shortly afterwards he was seen by two boys going down Red Bank, a denselypopulated part of the city and near the resort of habitual criminals and low lodging-houses. The detective force was at once informed of the escape, and has been engaged searching lodging-houses and other places where it was probable the man would attempt to hide in or get rid of his prison dress. The Governor of the gaol informed the Home Office of the affair.
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1881-02-12 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

THE STOTTRBRIDGE OBSERVER.  by the side of the door with something in his hand by the side of his trousers. Prisoner said "don't go yet" He told him he should go, and was getting off the step when he received a blow on the bead and fell. His cap was knocked off. He stooped down to pick it up. He told him he was no man to serve a fellow like that. Prisoner then struck him again on the head. He asked him to let him have Hs hat. Mrs. Law shouted "let the man have his hat and go about his business," He then stood up. Prisoner was making another blow at him. He put his arm up to save the blow and the blow cut his arm. He thought at the time it was a sword, Prisoner then caught hold of him by the collar. He could not tell how many blows he received, but had two cuts on ' the left sue of his head, one on the right and one on the crown, one on the arm, and several bruses on the body. He cried out murder when he got away and went home. Cross-examined: The struggle lasted about five minutes. Did not strike prisoner. James Dock, skin worker, said he recollected the 28th ult. Heard a disturbance near the Vauxhall. He saw the two men struggling on the ground. \"‘ Law was on the top of prosecutor. He heard one shout murder. Mrs. Law was standing by and she told him to go and fetch the police as there would be murder done by one or other. He went to the , police-station and Police sergeant Herman accompanied him back to the place again and found that both men had gone away. He went into the Vauxhall Inn, and prismiericame in a short time after wards and said to the police "Am I to be served like this in my own house, I will shew you the weapon that I keep for protecting myself in my own house," and shewed him a large knife, which had blood on it. The policeman asked him if he hit the man with that, and he said he had, and should use it again. John McDonald, labourer, residing in Stourbriclge, said he was passing along Foster Street and heard a disturbance near the Vauxhall Inn. He went to see:who it was, and saw Law and Gibbons standing up honing each oth.tr. He saw Law strike Gibbons twice with something about as long as his arm He could not say what kind of weapon it was. Police-sergeant Herman said from information received he went to the Vauxall Inn about 7 o'clock. He went into the  house and prisoner cull° in Bhortly afterwards and told him what had happened. He said the man came and asked for a bottle of ginger beer. He stood against the counter and he looked drowsy. as if going to sleep. He told him he had better drink up and The man began to quarrel with him, and he said he would put him out. He said he would  pull his b-liver out if he attempted. He told his wife to fetch a policeman and his wife went out  of the house. As-he was still abusive he put him out and when he got outside the door he knocked his wife down. lie said he did not know the
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1874-09-12 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

MURDEROUS 01:1TRA01:1 AND ROBBERY.—On Wednesday at the Dudley Police Court, David Crew (20), assistant calliery manager, Shaw Road; William Mills (18), miner. Crots Street Tipton; and Thomas Leach (21), roller Shaw Road, were charged with having violently assanlteil Philip Lyons, of Essex Street, Birmingham, a travelling watch dealer, and stolen from him Ohs, and a gold and a silver watch. Illidge (from Mr. Stokes's office)wato heti the case for the prisonere. Chief-Superintendent Burton asked torn remand, as two of the prisoners had only just been apprehended, and one had surrendered that morning. He proposed to offer enough evidence to justify the remand.—The prosecutor, who appeared in the box with a great scarf round his neck, gave his evidence in • low tone of voice, declaring that his throat was so injured that he could scarcely speak, and was unable te swallow. Hs deposed that he sold the watch to David Crew, on Monday night, at a public house at Netherton. He then remarked that it was late, and Crew volunteered to go home with him it he would wait a little longer. This prosecutor consented to do, and later the three prisoners and he all started towards Dudley. When near the coke hearths. Mills seized him by the neck from behind and threw him. Prosecutor rolled over, bringing Mills with him. Leach then interfered, and held proseentor's hand whilst Mills again seized Lyons by the throat. Prosecutor called oat to Crew for help, saying he should be killed. To this the young man replied, "Can't you (meaning Lyons; give him a punch on the head ?" Prosecutor replied that he could not, as he was on the ground. Just then he called out' Thieves" and " Murder" and the three young men ran off loose direction, whilst he, after gathering up hi, bag, ran off in another. He shortly discovered that he had lost the two watches and the in mey, and asked • passenger to show him the police station. By Mr. Barradale : What I have said was all that passed on the flsor. Crew did not interfere with me —Mr. Midge applied for a remand for a week, and this was , granted. Bail was granted, but not until Thursday, to enable the police to make enquiries. CUTTING AND WoUNDiNG.—At the Marne Court, Joseph ,1 Brooks (33), blacksmith Cromwell Street, and Robert 1 Taylor (40), Prospect Row, blacksmith, were charged with cutting and wounding Edward Carter, • night watchman.—Chief-Superintendent Burton said the prisoners had been apprehended on suspicion. Early that morn. Mg the injured man was found on a private railway nest Baptist End, with his head frightfully injured, slid bruises on his face and body. He was insensible, and at that moment was believed to be dying. The prisoners had been quarrelling with the injured man in a pnblic-house, at Netherton, on Tuesday night, and blows had been given.—The prisoners were remanded until Thursday. The injured man Carter died late on Thurstay niga. after lingerieg sixteen hours from the time he was dies covered.
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1874-09-05 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

DOUBLE EXECUTION AT LIVERPOOL.  On Monday momiag, Henry Flanagan aul Mary Williams, who were sentenced to death for murder at the recent Liverpool Assizes, were executed at Kirkdale Gaol. In the case of Williams strong efforts had been made to obtain a reprieve, it being alleged on her behalf that she was not aware that the pistol which she fired at Manning was loaded, and that she merely intended to frighten him, a quarrel having taken place between Manning and her sister. A reprieve, however, was refused. The case of Flanagan was much more savage in character. He was a shoemaker, and lived with his aunt. After a drinking bout he first attempted to outrage, and afterwards brutally murdered her, at the same time robbing her of all her money. . • " •  Both prisoners were Roman Catholics, and listened to the Administrations of the gaol chaplain with considerable interest. Upon the fatal morning they rose at half pai ve, after having spent a sleepless night, and at half-past six attended divine service in the chapel, where the Communion was administered, the prisoners oonfessed, and received absolution, the woman still asserting her innocence. Shortly before eight o'clock the culprits were brought out from the "reception room," and taken up to the scaffold, supported by warders and followed by the chaplain, who recited the service. The man appeared dejected and even stupefied, and with the exception of one last despairing glance around, he took no notice of anything and- did not speak. His arms were already pinioned, and his legs were now secured by means of a strap, and the white cap was drawn over his face. The executioner then adjusted the noose and he stood waiting his fate. The woman was treated in the same way, a female warder being present by her side. During the operation of preparation- which seemed to those looking on to be terribly long, although actually only a few moments were occupied—she recited various prayers and the creed. She also protested her innocence, saying it was her husband who fired the pistol. Before the bolt was drawn she said "God pardon me for my bygone sins," and at the last moment she shook hands with the female warder, saying, "Good bye, God bless you all." The drop was then let go, and the unhappy couple fell about five feet. The jerk consequent upon such a fall was apparently such as to produce instantaoetnis dislocation of the neck, fir the bodies of the sufferers --of which, however, only the legs from the knees downwards could be seen, owing to the construction I,f the scaffold—seemed to become quiet after a few slight convulsive movements. They remained suspended for some time, and an inquest was subsequently held. The last double execution at Kirkdale was in April, 1873, and in September of the same year four convicts were hanged at the Maine place. The last occasion upon which a woman was hanged was in 1843, when Betty Eccles, whose crime created considerable excitement. suffered the extreme sentence of the law.
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1870-04-23 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

THE ATTEMPTED MURDER AT WEM.  On Monday afternoon, Joseph Greene Wilson, the young man who is accused of the dreadful clime of endeavouring to' kill his father by discharging at him two ballets from a revolver, wise brought up before a bench of wag strates at Wem. The excitement in the little town was enormous, and long before the time of hearing the court was crowded alimstwto riff, cation.  --ThTp—r-semer is rather a good-looking young man. of dirk compli xion, and wearing a little moustache; he Re".lll,Cl tO he but little moved hy what was going on. His shoes, on the contrary, who had to give important vidence against hill), aas carried into court in a fainting and app mealy unconscious state, and restorations hail to be administered before she commenced answering the questions put to her. The injured man being still in amnia precarious state, his depositions were taken before a magistrate on Saturday, and were read at this inquiry. ¶J he substance of them a-as that the rerolver found rear to Dr. Wilson alter the sho's had been fired was usually kept inclosed in a bag in a drawer in his bedroom. lie did tr,t hear the first report of the push 1, beteg anleep, but felt a sensation as if of burning aerorn his cheek; he heard the second report, and felt the bullet strike his head. (Ile latter lodged between the skin and the skull, and has been extracted ; the former vile entered at the back of the right eye, and still remains somewhere undiscovered) He said that he and his son a few years ago had had a quarrel, and the youth went off to the far West of America, and was absent about two years. Since his return a few months ago they hail heed upon the most affectionate terms, and be could not suggest any motive for his son's committing such an act. Tne prisoner's sister, who was under examination for a great length of time, said she saw the prisoner coming from towards the dining-room door after the second report. She was comieg down stairs, and the prisoner met her at the bottom and said, "Os, Patty, papa hai shot himself." She went into the dining. rum and found her father on his hands and knees. He held up the pistol and said, "This is what it has been done with." On cross-examination she said that just before she heard the first report she and her brother had been together in a room up stairs. 1-1 demeanour there was very quiet. He had been sitting down reading Martin Cher.fewit. When she saw her brother at the bottom of the stairs he apptared much Agitated and to be in great grief. Since his return from America he had been very reserved in manner, but she believed him to be very affectionate, and he had not had a quarrel with his father since his return. Mr. Gill, a surgeon, living next door to Dr. Wilson, gave evidence as to the nature of the wounds, saying that either of them might yet prove fatal, and that the it.jAred man wan very far from being out of danger. A great deal of other evidence was given, the examination lasting six hours, after which the prisoner was remanded.
The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1870-01-29 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

HOW TO EXTORT A CONFESSION.  A man, named Beekhout, wee recently imprisoned at New York for assassinating a Sir. Bendel', where he pretended Insanity, refused food, and declined to speak. The prPon authorities resorted to a similar method of attesting a con. tension, which Is thus described in a New York paper:— Having good reasons for believing that Buckhont was feigning insanity, the gaol physician, Dr. Schmid, assisted by Dr. Hodgson, proceeded to place the acomed under the influence of chloroform, which is considered an infalliole test in cease of doubtful mental infirmity. A atout cot was stationed in the rear corridor on the first floor of the gal, and the pri. Boner brought from his cell and placed thereon, he offering not the slightest opposition to the measure. When the maturated cloth was first placed over his mouth and n,strils, Thickhout., without speaking or opening his eyen, and fully aware that his game was one of either life or death, etruggled violently to be free, bringing the full furze of his powerful frame into play to such an extent that it require I the united strength of eight men to hold him down. In a few minutes, however, under the influence of the potent drug, he way deprived of consciousn" se, and remained in that state for a brief interval. With the first dawn of returning reaa os Buckhout corn. menced to mutter incoherently, while every breath was suspended and anxious ears inclined to the face of the patient in order to catch his sentences. At length he opened his eyee, from which all the assumed expression of insanity had vanished, and now the momenthad arrived for entrapping the wary patient. Oa being asked by one of the physicians how he felt, Bnckhout ' promptly answered, "I'm sick.' The next question pronounced was, "Do you know Mr. Millard?" (his canner', who was standing by.) The patient replied, "I believe I do, and know him to be a man of veracity and a man of truth." He was then asked if he did not know another person, near him. He said, " Yes ; if hem not my friend and brother, tam a Jerseyman." It was then adroitly asked, 'Do you know this man" (pointing to the gaoler). The reply was, " Yes ; I know Ford." The interrogation was continued :—" Where have you item him ? " To which he answered, "In my cell.'' "What." it was then ventured, "were you in a ' cell ' for?' Buckhont. without hesitation, answered, "for murder." Here the man upon whom perhaps his fearful eituation and involuntary exposure had just flushed upon his memory, buret into tears and solywd, "I want to die today; I did it and will not deny it; I do not want to deny it," (here the wretched man paused, and in a few seconds continued,) "when everything that is worth living for is gone ; when a father is dying, and a man's wife is seduced and ripped from his bosom; when the last thing a man had in the world was false "—here he again stopped and wept fram tically. Resuming in a little time, Buckhout gave utterance to a confession.