Darlington & Richmond Herald. — 1873-09-27 (Darlington, Durham, England)

THE ALBERT HILL MURDER.  THE YOUTHFUL DAYS OF THE MURDERED WOMAN.  Our Seaham Harbour correspondent gives an account cf a painful scene in the family life of the murdered woman, in her childhood's days. It appears that in 1864 her parents kept a lodging - house, in Galgate, opposite the Pig Market, in Barnard Castle, and Addison. a man of low stature, was employed at the King's Head, Barnard Castle. Martha Jane, the eldest daughter, was then a girl about thirteen years of age, and was looked upon as a fine, clean girl, with other excellent qualities. In June, 1864, a change of management after the death of the hostess took place at the above inn, which induced little Addison (as he was termed) to seek employment at Bishop Auckland, and for many years afterwards he was seen driving an omnibus to and from the railway station at Bishop Auckland. He 1 ft his wife and family in charge of the lodging-house at Barnard Castle, and also a step son, a servant with a medical gentleman of the same place. Addison had not been more than one month at his new place when a matter of grave importance reached his ears regarding the moral conduct of his wife and a fellow lodger. After repeate 1 information regarding the alleged misconduct of his wife, be decided upon paying an unexpected visit to Barnard Castle, in order to ascertain for himself as to the truthfulness of those astounding assertions. But it would appear that he had been in conversation with an inhabitant of Barnard Castle about the matter, and to whom he divulged his intentions. This person, no doubt to prevent a scene, made it his business to acquaint Mrs. Addison of her husband's intentions, which resulted in the lodger packing up his goods to leave the place. He had no sooner left the house than Addison walked in, and, to his satisfaction. found that the alleged favourite lodger was not there. He naturally came to the conclusion that the report was a fabrication from beginning to end. The lodger, who was a blacksmith, had not left the town, hut had merely gone across the street to the Three Horse Shoes, where he imbibed to such an extent as to give him sufficient courage to make a visit to his old lodgings, well knowing that the master of the house was present. On entering the house, he put off his cap and hoots, and said, "You little -, if you are not jealous, I will make you jealous." A scene of a serious nature took place. Our correspondent, who was then a policeman at that place, was called upon by Martha Jane (the murdered woman), who was broken-hearted. Fearing that some tragedy would take place, he went, accompanied by Police-constable Mark Hallimond, now a Sergeant at Wolsingham, and got the two infuriated men separated. Two hours afterwards, at one o'clock in the morning, Sergt. in company with our correspondent, found Mrs. A.ddison sitting, having a sheet round her, near the gas works, with Martha Jane entreating her to return and ask her father's forgiveness. She said that she never would, and carried out her determination. Four days afterwards Mr. Addison brought his effects under the hammer of Mr. Lax, auctioneer, of that place. Martha Jane during the sale gave way to violent fits of grief. Addison and his family removed to Bishop Auckland, where the father has since been.