npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1846-08-28 (London, England)

ROMANTIC ADVENTURE.  Paris is the place for romantic adventures. One night, some months ago, a young officer of a cavalry regiment was returning to his barracks late at night, when he saw on one of the bridges a young woman of considerable beauty, but clad in the mean garments of a workwoman, preparing to pinnge into the river. He seized her, and threatened to take her to the station-house. She supplicated, however, so earnestly to be left alone, that the officer consented to release her; first, however, exacting a solemn promise that she would not repeat her attempt. She hurried away; but the young soldier deemed it right to follow her. Luckily it was that he did so; for no sooner did she believe herself free from observation than the unhappy girl plunged into the river. The officer was close upon her, and, with some difficulty, and not without danger, succeeded in dragging her to land. This time he insisted upon accompanying her home. With extreme reluctance, the would-be suicide led him to a miserable lodging in the most wretched part of the town. Knocking at the door, art old woman appeared, to whom the officer related what had happened. " Ah, madam," she cried, "it was for that, then, you borrowed my clothes!" and she went on to relate to the young officer that the pretended unknown was no other than the daughter of a nobleman of the highest rank, and that she had that night come to borrow the dress in which she appeared, in order, as she said, to avoid discovery in a love adventure. In proof of the truth of the story, the old woman pointed to the young lady's dress which she had left on assuming her coarse attire. This naturally excited the young man's curiosity to the highest pitch. He insisted on accompanying the young lady to her father, to whom he related all that had taken place. Warm thanks were, of course, heaped upon him, and he was invited to the house, at which he subsequently became a constant visitor. An intimacy sprang up between him and the young lady, which ripened into affection, and the affection resulted in a marriage, celebrated a few days ago. This tale is true, strange as it may appear. It has, of course, created an immense sensation in the higher circles of Parisian society; and at present it is said that all young unmarried ladies are bent on attempting to commit suicide at midnight, in the hope of being saved by a handsome officer of hussars. It is so romantic ; and whatever is romantic has immense popularity in Paris.
The Sun. — 1846-12-22 (London, England)

THE LATE SUPPOSED MURDER  AND SUICIDE.  LATEST PARTICULARS. Throughout the whole of yesterday the police were engaged in endeavouring to find out the names of the unfortunate child and woman, whose bodies K ere discovered near Waterloo-bridge, but without success. No letter or anything else was found upon the deceased likely to lead to their identity. A notice was last evening sent to every police-station in the metrorolitan and City districts, with a request that the police on their several beats would make inquiries of the inhabitants as to whether they had missed any persons answering to the de:cription of the woman and child. Persons were engaged yesterday afternoon in the neighbourhood of Belvedere and Commercial-roads, Lambeth, inquiring of the wharfingers whether they had seen the woman and child upon their wharfs the preceding day, or if they had heard a splash in the water, such as would be caused if the unfortunate creature had procipitated herself into the river. Up to six o'clock last night they had been unsuccessful in their inquiries. The clothing of both having been washed, it was found that the child had on a white lace cap and a light-coloured hood, a chocolate and blue coloured woollen turnover, a pair of worsted leggings, end two frocks. It is believed to be not more than 10 or 12 months old. It was au exceedingly fine child, and had cut two of its upper teeth. The. woman bad on a speckled straw bonnet, trimmed with black crape, Adelaideboots, black worsted stockings, a dark silk and cotton shawl, with bunches of flowers on it, and a pair of dark jean stays. She had no weddingring on her finger, and the only thing found in her pocket was a small box. key. Her age was apparently from 26 to 30 years. She was of tniddle stature, and had dark brown hair. It was found, upon examininc, the bodies, that neither of the deceased had a single bruise upon their persons, proving that they could not: have fallen from any great height. The appearances of. the bodies are such as to lead to the supposition that  ley had not been in the water wore talian 12 or 18 hours ; but from what part of the river they went in it is impossible to tell, as it is quite possible that they 'might have been forced along with the tide Er some miles. The ligature which bound the two together was what is termed laycord ; it was passed three times rcund their bodies, and fastened to the bonnet and cap strings of the woman. The police who have seen the woman declare that she was not known to them, and they are of opinion that she did net belong to the neighbourhood of Lambeth.
The Sun. — 1846-12-22 (London, England)

THE LATE SUPPOSED MURDER  AND SUICIDE.  LATEST PARTICULARS.  Throughout the whole of yesterday the police were engaged in endeavouring to find out the names of the unfortunate child and woman, whose bodies were discovered near Waterloo-bridge, but without success. No letter or anything else was found upon the deceased likely to lead to their identity. A notice was last evening sent to every police-station in the metropolitan and City districts, with a request that the police on their several beats would make inquiries of the inhabitants as to whether they had missed any persons answering to the description of the woman and child. Persons were engaged yesterday afternoon -in the neighbourhood of Belvedere and Commercial-roads, Lambeth, inquiring of the wharfingers whether they had seen the woman -and child upon their wharfs the preceding day, or if they had heard a splash in the water, such as would be caused if the unfortunate creature had precipitated herself into the river. Up to six o'clock last night they had bee' unsuccessful in their inquiries.- The clothing of both having been washed, it was found that the child had on a white lace cap and a light-coloured hood, a chocolate and blue coloured woollen turnover, a pair of worsted leggings, and two frocks. It is believed to be not more than 10 or 12 months old. It was an exceedingly fine child, and had cut two of its upper teeth. The woman had on a speckled straw bonnet, trimmed with black crap, Adelaide boots, black worsted stockings, a dark silk and cotton shawl, with bunches of flowers on it, and a pair of dark jean stays. She bad no wedding= apparently and ring on her finger, and the only thing found in her ipocketfrom 26watos ansmyaelalrbso. box She was ll Her age eras stature, s at had dark brown hair. It was found, upon examining the bodies, that neither 'of the deceased had a single bruise upon their persons, proving that they could not have fallen from any great height. The appearances of the bodies are such as to lead to the supposition that they had not been in the water more than 12 or 18 hours ; but from what part of the river they went in it is impossible to tell, as it is quite possible that they might have been forced along with the tide for some miles. The ligature which bound the two together was , what is termed laycord ; it was passed three times round their bodies, and fastened to the bonnet and cap strings of the woman. The police who have seen the woman declare that she was not known to them, and they are of opint • 'on that she did not belong to the neighbourhood of Lambeth.  MILITARY Courtn-
The Sun. — 1846-09-19 (London, England)

TREATMENT OF THE POOR •IN ST. PANCRAS WORKHOUSE.—MEETING OF THE VESTRY. A meeting of the vestry of St. Pancras took 'place on Wednesday, at the Vestry-rooms, Gordon-square, at which a long and stormy discussion ensued concerning the recent charges made before a coroner's jury (in the case of Mary Ann Jones, the pauper, who committed suicide) against the authorities of St. Pancras Workhouse, and as to the general treatment of the poor therein, Mr. Churchwarden Wagstaff was ie the chair, and the foreman of the jury referred to and several ratepayers were present to watch the proceedings. The first business was to levy a rate for the relief of the poor for the ensuing half-year, and an elevenpenny rate having been proposed, and the various estimates read, Mr. Lewis called the attention of the vestry to the recent charges made in the public press a ith reference to the treatment of the poor in their workhouse— ' charges which, if true, reflected not only discredit upon those who had the management of the workhouse, but upon the vestry, and indeed the entire parish. He learned that the board of directors were instituting an investigation into the treatment of the poor in the women's " shed."---(Cries of " There is no shed.") He thought the men's oakum room equally demanded investigation.—(Cries of " Hear, hear.") One case would suffice—it was that of John Mackenzie. This poor young man was of weak intellect. He wes a pianoforte maker by tra,le, and had ben occasionally an inmate of the workhouse for the less, three years ; he was out the last time for three or four months, but whenever he returned to the workhouse, although he had never com • mitted the slightest offence, he was consigned to the oakum room, and made the companion of vagabonds. Mackenale's master and other gentlemen were at that moment present in the vestry-room, and could speak to the excellence of his character. The poor fellow's mind had become so affected by the position in which he was. placed, that he had written to Mr. Elsart, his master, to say that unless removed from the oakum shed he would destroy himself. Was this, lie would ask, proper treatment in such a case? He (Mr. Lewis) also understood they put the poor in a dirty cellar or black hole. Mr. GOODWIN (a director)—The black hole is as clean as this room. Is is a clean whitewashed kitchen. Mr. DOUGLAS said he would be bound to say that there was some strong reason for Mackenzie being sent to the oakum room. Mr. LEWIS moved a resolution &tiling upon the directors to make an inquiry into the case of John Mackenzie. Under what circumstances he came into the oakum shed, how long and why he is still detained there. The motion having been seconded, Mr. MANN said he considered the inquiry should be made general, and that an individual case should not be selected. A full and fair explanation to the ratepayers and the public was demanded. The CHAIRMAN said the board of directors were at the present time pursuing an inquiry into the whole management of the house.
The Sun. — 1846-05-09 (London, England)

EXTRAORDINARY OUTRAGE  AND SUICIDE.  TILBURY FORT, TIIITRSDAY.—For several days past the inhabitants of this quiet neighbourhood have been greatly excited by the following most extraordinary occurrence : In the cnurse of Wednesday, as a young female named Caroline Brooks, aged eighteen. living at Hendon-on-the Hill, was walking from that place to Mucking, she was accosted by a man, who said to her, "I want one word with you, and no more." She replied, "that she did not wish to hold any conversation with him," and added that there was a policeman behind her He then observed, " Say not a word—if you do, you are dead." She then screamed for assistance, when ie seized her and put a handkerchief into her mouth, and so held it. He then threw her to the ground, and contrived to keep her down, during which time he loaded a pistol with ball, and declared if she again attempted to scream, be would shoot her. A horse and cart approaching, however, at this period, he allowed her too get up; and, holding the pistol before her face, said, You can go and give any information you like about me ; but if you tell that man (pointing to the driver of the cart), you are dead, for lam watching you." As the cart passed, he took a purse out of his pocket, and put it before her face. lie said he should be dead in five minutes ; and then, taking her hand, remarked that he was sorry he had given her so much trouble. She was afraid to call to the driver; but, on freeing herself from her assailant, she ran to a neighbouring house, and the police were apprised of the attack.  Two constables, named Cracknell and Hammond, immediate:y went in pursuit of him towards West Tilbury, and when within four yards of him, Cracknell observed to his comrade, "That is the man ;" and, ere they could seize lam, be raised the pistol, and shot himself through the head. He died in about a quarter of an hour, and on being searched, a pocket-book was found in his coat pocket, in which was tha following writing in pencil:-.-" Quos Deus salt perdere prices dementat. Acta est alea." Gunpowder, percussion caps, and bullets, were also found upon him, and a picture of John Tawell, the murderer, under the lining of his hat. He was identified to be John Biloby, formerly of the 46th Regiment, twenty. seven years of age, and living 'in Tanstreet, Horslydown. He left his house on Friday week, and was met by a sergeant of the 46th, near this place, on Wednesday morning. He appeared much excited and said he was in search of a sergeant of that regiment, who once had charge of him, to shoot him. Knowing that he had attempted to destroy himself on several occasions, and believing his mind to be impaired, tile sergeant did not heed his threat, merely telling him that the sergeant was in Ireland. He was respectably connected, and gained his livelihood by teaching music. A coroner's jury found " That he shot hiniself while in an unsound state of mind."
The Sun. — 1846-10-16 (London, England)

CELEBRATION OF EARL GR OS, VENOR'S MAJORITY. Chester was on Tuesday wholly given to festivity to celebrate the coming. of age of Earl Grosvenor, eldest son of the Marquis and Marchioness of Westminster. The bells of the cathedral and other churches rang forth merry peals, bands pat ailed the streets, and all was hilarity and mirth. Two thousand tickets, value seven shillings each, available either in silver coin or meat and drink, were distributed among the citizens as a gift from the Noble Marquis, to enable them to " make merry and be glad" on this auspicious occasion; and various social parties assembled at the different hotels and inns to enjoy a good dinner, and to drink long life and happiness to the respected heir of the Noble House of Eaton. About twelve o'clock the boys of the Blue Coat Hospital, preceded by their excellent juvenile band, marched with their elegant banner and new flags prepared for this festivity, to Eaton Park, where a scene of universal rejoicing presented itself. In front of the splendid mansion of Eaton Hall mall marquees were erected, in which an immense body of the tenants of the Noble Marquis, their labourers, and dependents, were feasted with a most substantial dinner of good old English cheer, with potations of the choicest juice of the "barley brec;" and most heartily did the assembled throng do justice to the bounty of Lord Westminster, and most resolutely did they cheer the bumper toast to the health of the Earl Grosvenor. The festivities at Eaton Hall were continued on Wednesday and Thursday, when the females resident on the estates of the Marquis, and others to whom his kindness on this occasion has been extended, were regaled with tea and other entertainments; and the children of the various schools which are supported by the liberality of the Grosvenor family had also the happiness of partaking in the universe joy. The Marquis and Marchioness of Westminster, the Earl Grosvenor, Lady Elizabeth Grosvenor, the Honourable Mr. Lawley, and other members of the family circle, honoured the festivities with their presence; and a great number of the neighbouring gentry and of the most influential citizens of Chester were spectators of the joyous scene. At five o'clock in the afternoon about two hundred of the principal gentry and tradesmen of the city and neighbourhood sat down to a banquet at the Royal Hotel. In the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, Mr. Thomas Dixon discharged the duties of the chair. The greatest conviviality animated the party, and the toast of the evening, to the health and happiness of Earl Grosvenor, was drunk in wines of the choicest vintage, and with prolonged and hearty cheers. About nine o'clock there was a magnificent display of fireworks on the Roodee (for which a liberal subscription bad been raised amongst obitsililrentted, towers and walls of the ancient city, einairance presented a most singular and interesting apileb 'd afroodinththe eexchhibesitticornceox.criatendt. general admiration.— ri ge  SUICIDE of A
The Sun. — 1846-09-17 (London, England)

GUILDHALL. ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.—James ling, a labouring man, about the middle age and blind of an eye, was placed at the bar before Mr. Alderman Gibbs, charged with attempting to commit suicide by hanging himself. It appeared from the statements or several witnesses that about twelve o'clock last night the daughter of the prisoner ran into a coffee-shop in Buckley-court, Shoe-lane, and gave an alarm that her father, whose lodgings were in the same court, had cut his throat. The keeper of the coffee-shop (Mr. Thomas Perry), accompanied by one of his lodgers, hastened immediately with the child to the spot, and found the pri-oner, not, indeed, with his throat cut, but with a handkerchief tied round his neck, with the proper running knot for strangulation by suspension, and other handkerchiefs added, to give it the necessary length. He was in the act of finally adjusting this halter when Mr. Perry interfered. A policeman arrived soon afterwards, and the prisoner was given into custody. When called on by the magistrate to explain his conduct, he said that ho had for some time been saving a little money to provide for the expenses of his wife's confinement, which was expected shortly to take place, but that unfortunately he got drunk last night abd was robbed of all his money, end in consequence had determined to make away with himself. Be was now sorry for the attempt upon his life. Mr. Alderman GIBBS desired him to be taken care of until Friday, to which day he remanded him. James Baxter, a bookbinder, in Bridgewater-square, was charged by police-constable No.. 142 (City) with stabbing his (the prisoner's) wife in twop lock yesterday laces. The policeman stated that, about five o'c eveallJe, ile OW a cr.olvd cgeocted Dridgeivatvrger., , • •  Shaw's, made from Cashmere wool, bringing the menu- r
The Sun. — 1846-10-03 (London, England)

AGRICULTURAL WAGES IN OTFORDSHIRE.--Mr. W. Collingridge, farmer at Goding, was summoned to appear at the petty sessions, at Bicester, on Friday last, to show cause why he refused to pay John Freeman, a lad of thirteen, wages amounting to 6s. 6d. It was for three weeks' wages all but one day. The defence was, that the lad had miscouclucted himself by leaving on a Saturday morning. It appeared the complainant that had worked for the defendant for some time ; he left home at about five in the morning, and that ha had not done his work till late at night; that until Mayhe had had threepence per day, and twopence for Sundays, but that his wages were then raised one penny per day ; that on the day he left his place Mr. Collingridge told him he had " a whip in pickle " for him, and that the boy lea in consequence. The magistrates ordered the defendant to pay the boy his wages tor two weeks, 4s. 6d., and to pay the clerk's costs, 9s. 6d. The farmed. r appeared very angry at the decision, and said he shool appeal against the conviction. FATAL CART ACCIDENT,—AB inquest was held last evening before Mr. Payne, at Guy's Hospital, on. the body of Richard Fieldwood, aged 56, a gar that on dener. From the evidence of the witnesses it appeared Tuesday lust the deceased, and a man namerrhompson, were sitting on the shafti of a van as it passed St. Mark's Church, Kennington, when the horse started at the 'noise made by an omnibus. Thompson jumped off to stop the horse, and the deceased followed himi but his foot, unfortunately, caught in the wheel, and he was run over. He died in the above hospital Oa Thursday last. The jury returned a verdict of .Acui. dental death." MELANCHOLY SUICIDE OF ROBERT ScuRnELD, Esq.—On Tuesday evening this gentleman, well knows as a most extensive shipowner and very wealthy inhabi. tant of Sunderland, committed suicide by hanging him. self. Having retired to rest rather earlier than usual, he was discovered in his bed-room, about 10 o'clock,. by Mrs. Scurdeld, who immediately, with great presence of attributed too wieuvuegr: mquiintde daenadd.firTmhneesms,elcatthhiomly devoewunt.is continued depression of spirits arising from the loss of a favourite daughter, who died about two yea [Another statement, however, assigns theataf l ac" ago.—. morbid apprehension of - • t to aand poverty, which, notwithstanding his great wealth, had recently haunted his imagination.]—Durhdm Chronicle. _ _ _
The Sun. — 1846-02-28 (London, England)

BALLANTLNE—He believed that the rupture of vessels in the head or concussioitcausing congestion would injure a person's mind. Such an injury might canse insanity in the case of an elderly person but a younger might regain the full power of his faculties. The prisoner's statement before the magistrate was then read. It added nothing to the evidence already produced. Mr BALLANTI>TE then rose to address the jury. He would not attempt to deal with the facts of the case. He would rather confine himself to the state of the prisoner's mind at the time this act was committed. The Learned Counsel then entered into an analysis of the different degrees of insanity, and contended that from an injury received some seven or eight years ago the prisoner's brain was affected to such a degree that he (although apparently sane enongh on ordinary matters) had this singular morbid delusion, that every action of his late master's, however kind that might be, was distorted into an act of tyranny, and to be revenged accordingly. The Learned Counsel reviewed the whole facts adduced in evidence, and endeavoured from them to carry out the particular line of defence he had laid down. Mrs. Wicks (mother of the prisoner) was then called, and stated that her son had received a severe injury by a fall, which had for a short time the effect of unsettling his understanding. He attempted to commit suicide about two years ago. Mr. Harvey, surgeon, proved that the prisoner had met with an accident, which had considerably injured his head, at the period referred to by the mother. Mr. Baron PARKE then summed up, and The jury retired, but had not returned their verdict when our report left.  THE STUN, LONDON SATURDA  The LORD ADVOCATE presented a petition from Lanarkshire to the same effect.