The Glasgow Chronicle. — 1847-10-27 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

FRIGHTFUL MURDER AT BIRMINGHAM OF FOUR CHILDREN BY THEIR MOTHER. On Saturday one of the most dreadful murders which has ever taken taken place in this country was committed in Cheapaide, Birmingham, under the following circumstances:—lt appears that about a month ago a widow, -named Ann Wilkes, opened a small shop in Cheapside,for the sale of cigars and small wares. She was a person of very agreeable manners, about 40 years of age, and had evidently, in the early part of her life, moved ins respectable sphere When her husband died she was left with four children, three boys and a girL On Saturday it was remarked by the neighbours that the shutters were not taken down as usual in the morning. AMr Edwards, living close by, feeling very uneasy at this circumstance, determined, about 11 o'clock, to ascertain the cause why the place remained unopened. Having procured a ladder, be placed it against the window of the first floor, which was unfastened, and entered the room. He found no person there, but being urged by the crowd outside to proceed further intolhe house, he did so, am d advanced a few steps up a dark narrow staircase, at the top of which he beheld a horrifying sight. Mrs Wilkes was lying in a pool of blood, and at her side lay her eldest child, both of their throats cut from ear to ear. On looking further into the room he discovered by e glimmering light (for the room WM darkened) the bodies of the three other children, weltering iu their blood. Terrified at the sight, he ran to the window, and cried out "My God! they are all murdered !" A police-constable, who was passing at the time, mounted the ladder, and got into the room te the assistance of Mr Edwards. Both proceeded to the spot where Mrs Wilkes lay, and discovered thet she was breathing. They immediately turned their attention to her, raised her up, and with the assistance of Mr Archer, surgeon, of Digbeth, bandaged the wound. After recovering a little she made many attempts to take off the bandage, but was prevented from doing so, and in a short - wag removed in a cart to the Queen's Hospital. Dr Cox, Dean ot the Faculty, was immediately sent for, and within ten minutes' time was in attendance upon the unfortunate woman, and bound up the wound with all possible speed. It was found that the injuries which she had sustained were of a very serious character, and although none of the principal arteries had been out, yet the windpipe was divided in such a manner as to leave it exceedingly doubtful whether the unfortunate woman will recover. After she had been in the hospital a few hours, she appeared to be quite cmscious, and evidently in much agony. During the time the wound was being dressed she seemed inclinei to speak, but all attempts to do so were unavailing. Unhappily it was found that the life of the four children was totally extinct. Their names are John Henry Wilkes, aged 12; Mary Jane Wilkes, aged 8; William Charles Wilkes; aged 6; and Frederick George Wilkes, aged 4. Information was imxnediately forwarded to the police, and Mr Superintendent Stevens proceeded to the spot, tuid placed constables in possession of the house, at the same time taking the pre-caution to place a padlock upon the door leading to the apartment in which the awful crime was perpetrated. In the room where the murdered family were found t razors were discovered, apparently new. No reason can be assigned at present for the commission of the deed. At half-past " 'night the unfortunate airman •  time Bands  . severio'clock on Saturday was still alive.