npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1862-07-30 (London, England)

WORSHIP-STREET.—ANOTHER SEDUCTION AND ATTEMPTED SUlClDE.—Rebecca East, stated on the police-sheet to be only 15 years of age, was charged before Mr. Leigh with attempting to commit suicide by poison. William Barrett, a gardener, living in Grovestreet, Hackney, said—Yesterday morning I was ieformed by a gentleman while in Victoria-park, that a young girl was in the inclosure in a very excited state. I instantly went in there and saw the prisoner loitering about. On perceiving me approach her she dashed a bottle against the iron railings, and it broke. I asked her to go with me to a medical man, but she refused. Subsequently I took her to Dr. Davey's outside the park, and he gave her an emetic. Cornelius Donovan, a park constable, produced a small phial in fragments labelled " Poison," and said—l picked this up from the spot where the prisoner had been in the enclosure. She told me she had not drank all the contents, or did not take it at all, and that she had been seduced by a person who had brought her from the country, and left her directly afterwards with 17s. In her pocket I found this pocket-book. (Witness produced a pocket-book, in which was written in an excellent hand, "Rebecca Lucenia Evangeline East, born September 1," and containing, among other memorandas, letters from a soldier expressive of strong devotion to some female.) Witness continued—She told me that she had picked up the book. Mr. Stafford (clerk) to the prisoner. It has your name in it ? The young girl, who had not hitherto spoken, made no reply until Bendall, the gaoler, repeated the remark, and then, as also to subsequent questions, she answered almost inaudibly, and with her head bowed forward ; her first words were, " I wrote my name in it." Mr. Leigh—ls it true that you have been seduced ? Prisoner—Yea. Mr. Leigh—What is the name of the person who seduced you, prisoner ? Prisoner—Thomas Leigh. Mr. Leigh—Where did you come from ? Prisoner—Lincolnshire. Mr. Leigh—When ? Prisoner—A fortnight ago. Mr. Leigh—Where ? Prisoner—ln Whitechapel. Mr. Leigh—Where are your parents? Prisoner—My mother lives in Portsmouth. Mr. Leigh—Have you any relatives in Loudon P Prisoner—A sister in Manchester-square. Mr. Leigh—You say that you came from Lincolnshire. Who were you with there The Prisoner gave some name, which sounded like "Mrs. Tudd." Mr. Stafford—Where did yon sleep last in London ? furnished, and a reNo medical evidence was mend was ordered. a ve 0 The prisoner ha but _ry yk tins appearance, with t beto e regular features, mug recent mental ‘ress.
The Sun. — 1862-10-30 (London, England)

ALLEGED MURDER.  Samuel Gardner and Elizabeth Humbler were jointly indicted for the wilful murder of Elizabeth Gardner, in Northumberland-court, Fenchurch-street.  The case was opened by Mr. Poland for the prosecution, who was about to submit to the jury some statements which had been made by the female, when The Chief Baron could not allow such a course. Not a shade of guilt had yet been thrown by the learned counsel on the woman, and he suggested that in her case a verdict of Not Guilty should be taken, and that she should be called as a witness, which would expose her to a crossexamination.  This course was ultimately adopted, and Humbler left the dock, and the case proceeded against Gardner. It will be recollected that the prisoner carried on the business of a sweep in Northumberland-court. Humbler had for some time acted as domestic servant to the prisoner, but it appeared she had been on terms of intimacy with him, which naturally occasioned an ill-feeling between him and his wife. The body of the wife was found with a terrible gash in the throat, and when her death became known Gardner accused Humbler of having murdered his wife, and afterwards placed the knife in his wife's hand to make it appear as if she had committed suicide.  The principal witness examined was the surgeon, who gave it as his opinion that it was utterly impossible for the deceased to have inflicted the wound which caused her death with her own hand. He also said the position of the knife was strong evidence that she did not do so, because if she cut her throat with it she must have done it with the back of the knife. The knife seemed to have been placed in the hand of the deceased after death with the edge backwards.  The witness was subjected to along and minute cross-examination by Mr. Ribton, who defended the accused, with a view to show that it was within the range of possibility that deceased committed suicide; but in this he entirely failed, the surgeon believing that under any circumstances it was impossible for the woman to have inflicted the injury with her own hand.  The case was proceeding when we went to press, and from the number of witnesses to be examined it is expected it will not conclude to-day.
The Sun. — 1862-07-02 (London, England)

DEPLORABLE SUICIDE OF A GENTLEMAN.  Yesterday morning an inquiry was held by Mr. W. Payne, coroner for the city of London, at the New Puncheon Tavern, Bloomfield-street, Finsbury-circus, touching the death of Mr. Thos. Lock, aged 62, who committed suicide on Friday last, under peculiarly distressing circumstances.  Mr. F. Lock, the son of the deceased, said that his father resided at No. 1, Bell-square, Finsbury .circus, of which house he had formerly been the owner. About 18 months since he had the misfortune to lose those premises, which preyed greatly upon his spirits, and shortly afterwards his wife died, when his mind became so much affected that he was deprived of a lucrative situation which he held in the City. He then separated himself from his family and took lodgings in his old Louse, where he seemed so distracted at the prospect of poverty that his friends called in two door, IA physicians, who, however, declined to certify to his insanity, but recommended that precautions should be taken against b,_ destroying himself. That, however, could not be done Itvaekreennoptlatcoe and medical assistehuoectually, for on Friday last, upon witness calling at the the found him, as he thought, standing at his room struck to find upon taking hold of his hand w_ itness was horrorbeing it cold, and that deceased was quite dead, rope.lie suspended„m from the beam of the door-way by a short " immediately cut down Dr. Elwin said ante- procured, b some hours before.lit that de a theth 'far :en eda sr eodf deceased e a havesed blame for his unfortunate death, as being a free agent he was able to order thee,ll to keep away froth him. The Coroner remarked on the distressing nature of the case, and the jury returner a 'verdict of Suicide while iii a Mate of =send Wad,  gi
The Sun. — 1862-05-29 (London, England)

POLICE-THIS DAY.  BOW-STREET, THIS DAY;  A respectably-dressed mechanic, named Shane, was placed at the bar before Mr. Hall, charged with stealing lead from Hungerford Market. _ .  Sergeant Holmes, 3 F, said about six o'clock last evening he saw the prisoner in Tavistock-street, and from his manner of walking he suspected that he had stolen property about him. He watched him to a marine storedealer's in Sheffield-street, Clare-market. He then saw him take two of the pieces of lead from his trousers pocket, and afterwards three other pieces from a basket by his side. He then told prisoner he was a police-sergeant, and that he must satisfy him as to how he became possessed of the lead. He said it was given to him by a man in Hungerford.market ; that it was the first time he bad done such a thing, and he begged to be let go. The lead weighed about 441 b.  The son of the prisoner's employer said he had been in the employ of his father for a number of years, and he was always considered an honest man. Mr. Hall said it was very painful to see a person like the prisoner charged with theft. The prisoner said one of the men engaged on the work gave him the lead as he had lost his hammer. Remanded.  Two young men, named 13anzey and 'Williams, were charged with having stolen property in their possession.  Police-constable Lambert of the E division, said last night he met the two prisoners in Hampshire Hog-yard, St. Giles's. The prisoner Benzey was carrying a bag containing five pair of socks, one coat, one cloak, two shirts, one silk handkerchief with a picture of the Exhibition upon it, and one cap. All the articles were quite new, the socks having a shop mark upon then. He asked them if the articles belonged to them, and they replied "Yes, and that they were going home." He asked them where they resided, and Benzey told him, n. 11, George-street. Before he knew what was in the bag, ie asked them what it contained, when Benzey said " Wishing." He told them he must see what that was, when cn putting his hand into the bag he pulled out the socks with the ticket on them. He told them he believed the pro?erty was stolen. When they got to the station they sail they had found the pro. perty, and intended giving it to the police. Mr. Hall said it was extremely improbable that the property in the bag had been picked up. Remanded for a week.  James Hammont, a blacksmith, was charged with indecently exposing himself in tle enclosure in St. James'spark. The park-keeper said the offence was committed yesterday a lernoon, and in one of the most frequented parts of the park. Police-constable, A 1, said the prisoner attempted to commit suicide this morning in the cell by strangling himself. The prisoner denied the offence. Mr. Hall said the public were under deep obligations to the two witnesses who had given their evidence. It was seldom that a case of this kind c)uld be brought home to the person who was guilty of it ; tut where it was, he would always inflict the severest puxishment the law allowed. He then sentenced the prisoner to the House of Correction for three months with hard ]abcur.
The Sun. — 1862-06-04 (London, England)

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY.  Yesterday Earl De Grey end Ripon presided at the anniversary meeting of the above society, held at the Hanover-square Rooms. A large number of ladies attended the meeting, and among the gentlemen on the platform were—Sir W. Fraser, Sit-W. Stirling, M. de Chateauneuf, and M. de Cesceau (who attended as a deputation from France), Mr. M. Gore, Mr. T. E. Baker, &c. The chairman stated that he had great pleasure in introducing to the meeting two gentlemen who had attended at the express direction of the Emperor of the French. M. de Chateauneuf then read an address congratulating the Royal Humane Society upon its success during the past century, and thanking it for the aid it had rendered in the establishment of a similar society in France. There were several societies in France for the saving of life, and during the last nine years 3,100 persons had been saved on its coasts from shipwrecks and different sea accidents, 4,500 from accidents on river; 790 from fire, and more than 1,000 from other accidents. These societies had received the direct sanction of the Emperor of the French Government. After a few words from M. de Cesceau, who handed in a diploma and medal of the French society, the chairman said, he rejoiced to hear that a society similar to their own had been formed in France, and that they bade the deputation a hearty welcome to England. He thought they did great honour to this society in coming such a distance to be present at their meeting. He regretted that his Grace the Duke of Argyll, the president, was not present, but he should feel great pleasure in handing to him the medal and diploma. Mr. young, the secretary, then read the report, xt ra e t s D whichn g the oe l followingpasear 221 cases of are a few brief immersion, attended with risk to the lives of 270 e persons, had been brought under the notice of the society, and of these 222 were successfully treated, the remaining 48 having been past recovery, of which 23 were cases of attempted suicide. During the same period the society conferred as rewards of gallantry to whose who risked their lives to save the lives of their fellow-creatures 23 honorary silver medals, 77 honorary breeze medals, 2 vellum and 57 parchment testimonials, besides 81 pecuniary rewards. In the past 12 months 369,139 persons had bathed in the Serpentine River without one fatal accident having occurred, notwithstanding that there had been as many as 52 casualties, including 11 other persons saved from committing suicide through the watchfulness and prompt exertions of the society's boatmen. From the 19th of January to the sth of March, 50 k s eters and sliders who had been immersed by breaking through the ice in the parks and Kensington - d gar ens were recucd by the society's men without a si • ngle fatal accident; besides which numerous cases of severe cuts and bruises, occasioned by falls, had received surgical treatment at the receiving-house and marquees in the parks.o
The Sun. — 1862-06-04 (London, England)

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY.  Yesterday Earl De Grey And Ripon presided at the anniversary meeting of the abov© society, held at the Hanover-square Rooms. A large number of ladies attended the meeting, and among the gentlemen on the platform were—Sir W. Fraser, SirW. Stirling, M. de Chateauneuf, and M. de Cesceau (who attended as a deputation from France), Mr. M. Gore, Mr. T. E. Baker, &c. The chairman stated that he had great pleasure in introducing to the meeting two gentlemen who had attended at the express direction of the Emperor of the French. M. de Chateauneuf then read an address congratulating the Royal Humane Society upon its success during the past century, and thanking it for the aid it had rendered in the establishment of a similar society in France. There were several societies in France for the saving of life, and during the last nine years 3,100 persons had been saved on its coasts from shipwrecks and different sea accidents, 4,500 from accidents on rivers, 790 from fire, and more than 1,000 from other accidents. These societies had received the direct sanction of the Emperor of the French Government. After a few words from M. de Cesceau, who handed in a diploma and medal of the French society, the chairman said, he rejoiced to hear tlu a society similar to their own had been formed in France, and that they bade the deputation a hearty welcome to England. lle thought they did great honour to this society in coming such a distance to be present at their meeting. He regretted that his Grace the Duke of Argyll, the president, was not present, but ho should feel great pleasure in handing to him the medal and diploma. Mr. Young, the secretary, then read the report, of which the following are a few brief extracts :—During the past year 221 cases of ir-mersion, attended with risk to the lives of 270 persons, had been brought under the notice of the society, and of these 222 were successfully treated, the remaining 48 having been past recovery, of which 23 were cases of attempted suicide. During the same period the society conferred as rewards of gallantry to whose who risked their lives to save the lives of their fellow-creatures 23 honorary silver medals, 77 honorary bronze medals, 2 vellum and 57 parchment testimonials, besides 81 pecuniary rewards. In the past 12 months 369,139 persons had bathed in the Serpentine River without one fatal accident havingoccurred,notwithstandingthat there had been as many as 52 casualties, including 11 other persons saved from committing suicide through the Watch fulness and prompt exertions of the society's boatmen, sth of March From the 19th of January to the , 50 skaters and sliders who had been immersed by breaking through and Kensingtoa-gardens 6 the ice in tho parks ciety's men without a Si nawleefraetarleasccuceiddenbty; tbeside of severe cuts and bruises, owchcaicshionneudmbeyroufaslls, casesa received surgical treatment at the receiving-house and marquees in the parks.
The Sun. — 1862-06-04 (London, England)

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY.  Yesterday Earl Du Grey and Ripon presided at the anniversary meeting of the above society, held at the Hanover-square Rooms. A large number of ladies attended the meeting, and among the gentlemen on the platform were—Sir W. Fraser, SirW, Stirling, M. de Chateauneuf, and M. de Cesceau (who attended as a deputation from France), Mr. M. Gore, Mr. T. E. Baker, &c. The chairman stated that he had great pleasure in introducing to the meeting two gentlemen who had attended at the express direction of the Emperor of the French. M. de Chateauneuf then read an address congratulating the Royal Humane Society upon its success during the past century, and thanking it for the aid it had rendered in the establishment of a similar society in France. There were several societies in France for the saving of life, and during the last nine years 3,100 persons had been saved on its couts from shipwrecks and different sea accidents, 4,500 from accidents on rivers, 790 from fire, and mere than 1,000 from other accidents. These societies bad received the direct sanction of the Emperor of the French Government. After a few words from M. do Cesceau, who handed in a diploma and medal of the French society, the chairman said, he rejoiced to hear that a society similar to their own had been formed in France, and that they bade the deputation a hearty welcome to England. He thought they did great honour to this the president, w a s Gracenot society in coming such a distance to be present tahtethDeinrkmeeting.He Argyll, h regretted present, but he should feel great pleasure in " handing to him the medal and diploma. Mr. Young, the secretary, then read the report, of which the following are a few brief extracts :—During the past year 221 cases of immersion, attended with risk to the lives of 270 persons, had been brought under the notice of the society, and of these 222 were successfully treated, the remaining 48 having been past recovery, of which 23 were cases of attempted suicide. During the same pericd the society conferred as rewards of gallantry to whose who risked their lives to save the lives of their follow-creatures 23 honorary silver medals, 77 honorary bronze medals, 2 vellum and 57 parchment testimonials, besides 81 pecuniary rewards. In the past 12 months 369,139 persons had bathed in the Serpentine River without one fatal accident having occurred, notwithstanding that there had been as many as 52 casualties, including 11 csiteht o'f' March, ar toelur s other persons saved from committing suicide through the watchfulness and prompt exertions of the soys boatmen.tahnedls9ltihdeorfsJwahnuo ahryadt ohetehn immersed by e breaki and K tensin n threugh the ice in the parks ciety's men without g dens were rescued by the sea• single fatal accident; besides which numerous cases of severe cuts and bruises, occasioned by falls, had r • ecerved surgical treatment at the receiving-house and marquees in the parka."
The Sun. — 1862-04-02 (London, England)

WORSHIP-STREET.—Thomas M'Carthy, a decent-looking man of 36, was charged with breaking and entering a house. Mr. Thomas Howell, of White's-row, Whitechapel, left home with his wife and brother at three o'clock on Monday, after carefully securing the doors and windows of their apartments, and returned again at a quarter to five. The wife preceded the husband, and on gettnig indoors she was apprised by a widow living in the house that she had just before seen a strange man look in at one of the windows and then enter the passage. This much alarmed her, and while hesitating *hat to do she saw her bedroom door open, and the prisoner thrust out his head, with the evident intention of escaping. She exclaimed, " You scoundrel, what are you doing in my bedroom ?" and grasped him by the collar, but the prisoner tried to force his way past her, and a violent struggle took place between them, the woman retaining her hold of the prisoner till they got into the street, and screaming Stop thief!" as loud as she could. Mr. Howell came up at the moment, and, seeing his wife engaged in such a contest, ran up to secure her assailant. The prisoner, however, shook off Mrs. Howell, and darted down the street, pursued by her husband and his brother, who secured him, brought him back again, and handed, him over to Sergeant Copping ; the prisoner asserting that he was innocent, and declaring he did not know what he was taken for. Mrs. Howell, on examining her bedroom, found the door, which was locked at three o'clock, prised open, the lock broken, and part of the woodwork torn away, and two locks in a chest of drawers broken ; one of the drawers was on the floor, while its contents were thrown about the apartment, and the other drawer was partially drawn out, and its contents, consisting of her husband's and her own wearing apparel, were lifted out and left hanging from it, ready for removal.  Mr. Leigh committed the prisoner for trial.  TILE MURDER AND ATTEMPTED iSUICIDE AT
The Sun. — 1862-10-10 (London, England)

RELIGIOUS MANIA  IN ST. GILES'S WORKHOUSE.  Yesterday Dr. Lankester, the Central Middlesex coroner, held at inquest at the Old King's Arms, Short's-gardens, St. Giles's, on the body of s lunatic inmate of St. Giles's Workhouse, named Robert Russell, aged 38. _  James Rankley, the master of St. Giles's Workhouse, deposed that deceased was brought into the house on the night of last Tuesday week, by the police, who said they found him in the street. He was insane, but not of a violent character. Witness knew nothing more of his antecedents. On Thursday night he was called into the yard and saw deceased standing nearly on the top of a ladder 46 feet high. Witness persuaded him in every possible way to come down, but he remained stationary, saying prayers in a most fervent manner. He then sent up a man to bring him down, but he only went up higher. Witness requested the man to come down. Russell remained at the top of the ladder for half an hour, praying all the time. At length he sprang up three spokes higher, and in a frantic attitude he let go with his hands, gave a spring backwards, and fell violently on the ground. Since his admission to the workhouse he exhibited great religious mania and melancholy. He was not particularly looked after, because he did not threaten to lay violent hands upon himself, or exhibit any appearance of violence. Mr. Bennett, the resident medical officer, stated that he saw him the morning after admission. He appeared to be harmless, and suffering under a delusion that fistula, which he had, must destroy his life, and that his neglect of himself would destroy his soul. He was properly cared for iif every way, and had a warder and a helper to look after him, but who were not instructed to follow him about. He died immediately after his fall, his skull being literally smashed to pieces. A friend of deceased was examined, and said that he saw deceased five weeks ago in the street sane. His only relation, an aunt, lived in Nottinghamshire.  Verdict—Suicide whilst in an unsound state of mind.  THE ALLEGED SED UC7 lON