Penistone, Stocksbridge and Hoyland Express, etc. — 1908-05-09 (Penistone, South Yorkshire, England)

DARFIELD MINER'S SUICIDE. HIS LAST REQUEST. SARAN AND JOE TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL  The tragic end of Noah Shepherd, aged 47 years. miner, in lodgings at 2, Thomas st., Darfield, caused quite a sensation, when it became known that he had hung himself. The inquest was held in the Wesleyan schoolroom. Darfield, on Thursday, by Mr. D. Wightman. Esta Ashton, widow of the late Joseph Ashton, blacksmith, of Chesterfield, stated I she had been a widow for 15 or 16 years. Deceased had lived with her about 26 years, and she occasionally kept other lodgers; she had to depend upon them for her living. : Deceased had been depressed some six or seven years, but more so since he had an accident in the pit, 12 weeks ago, when he crushed his foot. There had been insanity and suicide in his family. Be had had more drink of late than usual. Witness denied that she was going to leave deceased, adding, "The house belongs to me." There had been n 3 quarrel between them, and she had not heard him threaten to take his own life. Witness, continuing, said she went to Batley Car, Dewsbury, on Saturday, to spend a few days with her son-in-law, leaving deceased in the house alone. When she returned on Tuesday night, about 7 o'clock, she found Shepherd lying on the sofa. He was neither drunk nor sober; be was "market fresh." She (Mrs. Ashton) saw the rope hung from the ceiling, and was going to mention it to the police. Deceased asked for some money to get beer with, but she (witness) refused, and commenced to get him a drink of tea , ready. Mrs. Ashton then stated that she , went out shopping, and when she returned,' about 20 minutes later, she found both doors locked, and the blinds drawn. She then reported the matter to the police. In answer to the Coroner, witness said she had deceased insured for Is. per week. The Coroner: Did he leave any letter, or anything 1 Mrs. Ashton: I found this letter afterwards, lying on the house table. It was not addressed to anyone in particular, and read: "Good-bye, .Sarah, for ever, and follow me to the grave. There has been a lot of lies about you, and I hope you and Joe will follow me to the churchyard. Good-bye." The Coroner: Who is Sarah I—A. neighbour where Shejherd used to go visiting. Has he been courting her?—No. She is a married woman. '  Police-constable Smith said lie had only known deceased about one week. At 10-15 P.m. on Tuesday night a Mrs. Todd called him to No. 2, Thomas street, and in consequence of what was told him he entered the house by the kitchen window, the doors being fastened. When he got inside he found deceased hung by a piece of rope, which had been brought through the ceiling, having first been fastened to the bedpost in the back bedroom. .  Was there any attempt to resuscitate him —Yes, sir; I tried artificial respiration. He has been a hard drinker, Sergeantf— Yes( sir, and was reported last week only. A verdict of "Hung himself whilst temporarily insane," was returned. The following were on the jury: Messrs. F. Panton (foreman), Geo. Ward. J. Bedford, W. Willis, T. H. Stephenson, J. Hind, J. Halmshaw, Hbt. Cooper, W. H. Bircher, P. White, A. Harrison, and A. Avill.