The Sun. — 1844-11-09 (London, England)

SUICIDE AT KILMARNOCK. (From the Birmingham Advertiser.) In our last page, under the head of " Scotland, hare given full particulars of the determined suic two persons unknown at the place where they coma the fatal act of self-destruction. There being good son to suppose that the parties were from this neigh] hood, we made every possible inquiry on the subject discovered on Monday tact that they were in all p bility old inhabitants of Birmingham. tinder then curnstances we felt it our duty to prosecute the lug further, and are now enabled to lay the following, ticulars before our readers  The deceased, Mr. Joseph Barker, was 61 yes age, his wife was somewhat younger. They re: previous to leaving Birmingham, at No. 54, Vit• street. Mr. Barker was born at Preston, in Lancet from which town he married for his second wif partner of his romantic, but melancholy exit. resided in Manchester, London, Malta, and several of the continent, being at one time most extens engaged in business as a foreign merchant. A burning of Moscow he estimated his loss at 500,0 from that time his fortunes were reversed. His wife died on board a ship. His only child, a sor whose memory he appeared to dote, also died wh. years of age. Six years ago he entered the servl Mr. Samuel Kempson, tioor-cloth manufacturer, Cc tution- hill, where he remained as chief clerk and tray until May last, when he entered into partnership wit' James Archer, who had also been with Mr. Kern and the firm was opened in Summer-lane, as J Archer and Co., table-cloth manufacturers. In arrangements there was nothing to disturb the nimity of his proverbially even temper. Ile appear( excellent terms with all around him ; and when, months ago, be left home, as he alleged to his pat on a visit to Manchester, there was nothing to Ind the fearful resolve to which subsequent circumstt lead us to suppose he had made up Ins mind. On leaving their house they told the servant girl were going to see a relation at a distance, and ghoul bock in eight or nine days. When he parted from Archer, he shook hands heartily; saying, " God you, Archer;" and it was observed by Mr. Archer he turned away and seemed affected. It was after% found that he had, previous to his departure, called discharged every tradesman's bill against the firm. was supposed that he had about 40/. on him whe left Birmingham. In a pecuniary point of view t was not, as we can ascertain, any embarrassment, we have met with no satisfactory solution to the mys of their self-destruction.  Mr. Barker was of most gentlemanly habits and r ners, speaking fluently the Italian, French, and Ger languages; and of kindly disposition, creating regard. love in those with whom he was associated in bus] and in private life. Mrs. Barker was a woman of n amiability and suavity of manner, highly accomplis and a proficient in music. • The gold watch found on Arr. Barker was an fashioned family relic, and the knife was a present i a young and esteemed friend, in Mr. Kempson's emi The description of the knife led to the identity of unhappy deceased. On seeing the account in the Lot papers, Mr. Archer sent his fureMan over to Kilmarn to identify the parties. The body of Mr. Barker alone disinterred, and was immediately recognise, the foreman.