npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
Widnes Examiner. — 1899-07-07 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

SAD CASE OF SUICIDE AT WARRINGTON.  A sad case of suicide occurred on Friday evening last week, when John Hewitt, aged 31 years, of 39, Bridgewater-street. Warrington, committed suicide by hanging. It appears that the deceased had been ailing for the last three months, hut had only relinquishes following his employment during the last three weeks, when a severe attack of influenza had left him somewhat depressed. He witnessed the procession of the scholars in the early part of the morning, end returned home in le,tter spirits than usuai. During the course of the evening his wife had cccaeion to call him, and hearing no response she weut upstairs, and was horrified to find him suspended from a hook in one of the bedrooms. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved widow and her two little children.— The inquest on the body was held in the Parade Room at the Police Station on Menday afternoon tetore Mr Jones, deputy coroner.—Ann Eiewitt, widow, said her husband had complained lately of pains in his chest, back and head, and he had been attended by Dr. McC4rthY• On Friday she was out with him and he drank three bot'les of stout. He had a nap in the after noon, and while 'en was asleep one of the claildren cried and rile gave him a slap on his face because she was afraid he would wake his" daddy." When the deceased came downstairs he inquired" What did you hit him for," and she replied" Because ho was naughty." The deceased then said " You should not have struck him," and premised the lad a ride in the" puffer" in the morning. She subsequently saw her 'husband cutting some rope, but her suspicions were not aroused, as she thought he was preparing something to attach to his fiehing rod. Betemen six and seven o'clock he went upstairs, where he was found later on with the rope round his neck. The end had been fastened to a hook in the wall. She screamed and ran downstairs. She was too horrified to cut the rope. He appeared to be dead. One of the neighbours went upstairs and cut him down. In answer to the Chief Constable, witness said her huebind was not exactly sober when he carne in. He had never to her knowledge expressed in intention to commit suicide.—Jehn Thomas Burnham, a neighbour, tdeposed o cutting the rope. The bode of the deceased was quite warm,and they tried to restore animation but unsuccessfully. When the doctor came be said the man had been dead Some time. The man's feet were abcut 18 inches from the ground.---The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed suicide while of unsound mind.
Widnes Examiner. — 1899-06-30 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

FRODSHAM.  THE SUICIDE IN THE WEAVER CANAL. INQUEST AND VERDICT.  On Friday afternoon Mr. J. C. Bate, coroner held an inquest at the Frodsham Police Station touching the death of Samuel Burkill, labourer, who was found drowned in the Weaver Canal on Thursday morning last week.—Martha Ann Booth stated that she was the wife of William Booth, and resided at Bridge-lane, Frodsham. Deceased was her father,and lv lived with them, ancliwas a general labourer at Messrs. Ashworth's works. He was 47 years of age. He left home on Wednesday night about twenty minutes past five. He was then going fon night duty at the works. She never saw him alive again. The next moraing whea she got uo at seven o'clock she found the deceased had been in the house and left his watch and chain and basket there. She felt upset as her father was not in the house, but thinking he might have gone to ber sister's she went out to look for him. He had been more or less depressed since his wife's death four year's ago. He never told witness that he would take his life. He had not been off work at all. He was quite comfortable with witness and her husband. Some few weeks ago deceased attended the funeral of an old friend.—Eliza Charlesworth said she resided at the Cave, Frodshaen. She was talking to deceased on Thursday last. She knew he had been rather depressed in his mind, and she asked him if he was any better. She knew he had been suffering from influenza. The deceased replied that he " wished he was buried."—George Rogers, in the employ of Messrs. Ashworth, said he knew deceased very well. He saw him on Thursday morning at the works at about 5-45. He knew he had been ill, and he inquired how he was. Deceased replied that he was worse. Ha had threatened to commit su cide in witness's presence. On Thursday morning deceased told witness it would not be long before he was at Overton (i.e. the churchyard).—Joseph Caldwell stated that on Thursday morning he heard Burkhill was missing, and he went along the Weaver Canal with a man named Rou,ghsedge to see if they could find any trace of the deceased. Oa the canel side they found his jacket and cap. They sent word to the police, and then procured a boat hook and commenced to drag the canal. P.C. Price came on the scene, and grappling was resorted to with :he assistance of several others, and the body was recovered.—P.C. Price stationed at Frodsham, gave corroborative evidence. He found the last witness dragging with a boat honk. Witness and Mr. Soden got in a boat and searched the canal, and eventually Mr. Boden recovered the body. The legs were tied together with the piece of rope produced.— The jury returned a verdict that the man committed suicide whilst temporarily insane. . .
Widnes Examiner. — 1899-06-16 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

SUICIDE AT EARLESTOWN.  On Sunday morning the body of William Henry Laminas, 47 years of age, of 7, Rathbone-s!rset, &alestowm. a machine man employed at the Viaduct Works, was taken from the Sankey Canal. About half past nine a canal ranger named Joseph Prime, found a cap and vest on the towing path, near Bridge's farm, and judging the owner must be in the water, he informed P.C. Schofield. who, with Sergeant Banks, dragged the canal, and at 11.50 brought the body of Lammas to the surface,and it was conveyed home. It appears Lammas had been drinking during the week and had absented himself from his work. About 7.45 on Sunday morning h? left home,and waa not seen again until his dead body was taken from the canal.  The inquest was held at the Town Hall, on Tuesday afternoon by Mr. A. Brighouse. . _ . . . _  Mary Lariirnas said the deceased was her husband,and was 37 years of age. She last saw him alive at 7-45 on Sunday morning when he gave one of the children threepence and went out saying he was going for a walk. Re bad been away from his work a week, drinking, but she had no suspicion that he intended taking his life. Joseph Prime,a canal ranger employed on the Sankey Canal,said that about half-past nine on Sunday morning -be found a cap and vest on the towing path. The cap was on the vest, and in the cap was a penny, a piece of tobacco and a knife. He took the articles to the police and informed them of the circumstances under which they had been Lund. P.C. Schofield said about 10 o'clock on Sunday morning, the previous witness brought a cap and vest to his house, and he and Sergeant Banks dragged the canal, and found the body of the deceased about 11-50,  A verdict of "suicide whilst of unsound mind" was returned.
Widnes Examiner. — 1899-06-16 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

TWO ATTEMPTED SUICIDES AT ST. HELENS.  At the St. Helens Police Court, on Tuesday,b4ore Mr. W. J. Thompson and Lieutenant-Colonel M.'Tear, Lionel , Swift, aged twenty-one, of 43, Clyde-streeet, was brought up on remand charged with attempted suicide. —Chief Constable Wood stated that between tcn and eleven o'clock on the evening of Monday, the sth inst., the prisoner, his father, and sister were in the kitchen, preparing for bed, when the prisoner went into the back kitchen. Shartly after the father heard a noise, and on turning round saw his son standing in the doorway with a knife in his band. He drew the knife across his throat cut it, and made it bleed. Sergeant Stewart was sent for, and prisoner said "I am tired of living : I wish they had let me finish it." He was brought before the magistrates last Tuesday, and remanded for a week. Swift now promised he would never do it again. His father was in court, and agreed to look after him.—On this condition the bench discharged prisoner. Sarah Boardman, a widow, of 85, Lyon-street, was also chargel with attempted suicide.—Chief Constable Wood said that from what he was told. Constable Wilkes went to the house of prisoner at a quarter to nine on Tuesday morning, and charged her with having attempted to commit suicide on Monday night by throwing h(reelf into a dam of water at the Ravenhead Sandbeds. She said, "I didn't know what I was doing; I had some words with my daughter." He brought her to the Town Hall, where, on her removal to the cell, she said, "I threw myself into the water through a bit of trouble with my daughter. A man named Sharrack pulled me out of the water, or I should have drowned ; nothing could have saved me."—Evidence wee given by Wilkes.—Prisoner said she did not intmd to take away her life. She had nine children, and was going to be married again in Auzust ; and on the prospective husband promising to take charge of her, ehe was diecharged.
Widnes Examiner. — 1899-06-16 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

DETERMINED SUICIDE IN "SYNAGOGUE WELL."  HEREDITARY FELO DE SE.  Another startling case of suicide to-ik place at Froe.sham, about 10 o'clock on Saturiav night, when Joseph Garner, brick- setter, of Cnurch-str,,et, Frodsham, drowned himself in the now too well known "Synagogue Well," which is situatei on the Castle Park premis.s. Sad to relate this is the f•-iurth member of the same family who has met his deathlia a similar manner, the grandfather, father, and uncle of the last victim all having been" found drowne-2i." __  On Tuesday, Mr. J. C. Bate, coroner, held an inquest at the Frod-tham Sessions douse, on the bpdy of Joseph Garner. Mr. George Maddock was foreman of the jury. Dizabeth Garner, Church-street, said deceased was her son, aged 48 years. He was a bricklayer. The last time she saw him alive was at about five minutes past ten on Saturday night. He came into the honse and threw his cost and cap on a chair, and went out muttering something.  John Fletcher, grocer's assistant, Church-street, said a few minutes past ten he was coming across the Town fields in the direction of Frodshain. He met Garner corning alonz the footpath. Garner spoke to him and asked witness VI go with him and see him drown himself so that he could tell his mother. Witness nen tried to persuade Garner to go home, and got hold of him. Garner, however, put up his fist and knocked witness over a low hedge. Witness then hurried t ) the village and told Constable Wam.Y„. Constable Wagg said he went to the Synagogue Well with the last witness. He found the deceased in the w€ll. His head was but two inches from the top of the water. Deceased was standing in an upright position. He took him out and found that his ankles were tied together with his 'kerchief. He tried artificial respiration for about three-cparters of an hour, a': the end of which time Dr. Selby appeared and pronounced life extinct. He searched deceased's clothing bit found nothing but an old pipe.  After a few minutes deliberation the jury brought in a verdict of " Suicide whilst teniporarily insane." A portion of the jury wer, in f tvour of recommendin,g that a requisition be addressed to the owner of the properitv suggesting that the well be fenced off. The Coroner, however, observed that if it had been the accidental drowning of a child or something of that nature such a sugge3tion would be useful; but inasmu as the erection of a fence woald not prevent a grownman committing suicide he did not see the utilits of it. 'roe auggestion was n-,t pressed.
Widnes Examiner. — 1899-08-18 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

THE SUICIDE OF A ST. HELENS GIRL.  On Saturday, Mr. S. Brighouse, county coroner, held an inquest at St. Helens Town Hall on the body of Margaret Ann Lundy,23 years of age, a domestic servant in the employ of Mr. J. Broonthead, of Regent's-road, who was found drowned in the canal, near Raves-street on Thursday night. Annie Cattera.ll, of 140, Back Liverpool-road,said she was with the girl Lundy on Thursday. Lundy told her that she had had "some words"witis her :young man, and intended to do away with herself. She afterwards stated, however, that she did n.)t mean it. —Maggie Fairhurst, of 86, Eidon.street, said she saw the deceased about a quarter-past tenon Thuisday night Lundy then said that if anybody would give her a knife she would cat her threat.—Peter Dwney,a young man, of 109, Napier-street, a collier, said be was courting the deceased, who stayed at his sister's house on the Tuesday night and at his father's house on Wednesday night. He had no quarrel with her, and there was no unpleasanttiess between them.—The Coroner Then if she told her friends that she had quarreled with you, is it imagination?—Witness : Yes.—The Coroner : Well, you know what it means: I cannot imagine anyone taking away her life for your sake. Why don't you own up to it P—A Juror : It seems very strange.— Witness, continuing, said deceased had made arrangements to come back to the house on Sunday.—Peter Clarke,a youth ,poke to hearing screams from the direction of the canal, and giving information to Constable Gloave, who said he recovered the body.—Mr. Broomhead, at whose house deceased had been engaged as domestic rervant, said she was a good girl, but highly sensitive and basily excited.—The jury returned a veralict of "Suicide whilst of unsound mind," and the Coroner said he did not think any blame attached to Dewney after they had heard that the girl was of a highly-4trung temperament. It would not be fair for the puhlic to think that he was either legally or morally responsible for the sad affair.
Widnes Examiner. — 1899-04-07 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

TRAGIC SUICIDE NEAR WARRINGTON.  Mr. F. A. Jones, deputy coroner, held an inquest at the Eagle and Chili, Rixton, on Tuesday afternoon, OR the body of Elizabeth Ball, aged eighteen years,dauglater of a publican of Lougtoa, Staffordshire, who had fer the past three weeks been in service at the Eagle and Child, and who committed suicide by jumping into the Ship Canal on Sunday.—An uncle of the deceased identified the body, and said that on Saturday afternoen he came to visit his niece. Sae me:, him at the station, and appeared then to be in good spirits. Shortly after wards, however, she complained of being unwell, and went to bed. He did not again see her alive. She had left home on two occasions because of unpleasantness, but he knew of no reasen why she should commit suicide.— Mrs. S stnnah Alieney, wife of the tenant of the Eagle and Child. Rixton, said deceased had been in her employ for three weeks, and always appeared to like her place. She only appeared despondent when she spoke of home. She had mentioned that some timh age she had injured herself by falling from a chair, and she sometimes suffered great pain in consequence. —A labourer on the Ship Canal camel Marsham stated that he was going te his work at Rixt)n at ten minutee past seven on Sunday morning. When near Warburtora Bridge he heard a dog barking furiously. It kept running to and fro near the canal. He went to see weat was the matter and found a woman's hat and fur boa on the bank, and looking into the canal he was jut in time to see a woman sinking. He shouted to a passing steamer and a boat was put out. The canal was dragged, and four hours later the body was receverad.—The jury returaFd a v.irdict of " Suicide during temporary insanity," and expressed the opinion that the insanity was caused by the sufferings in consequence el the injarg she had received.  A
Widnes Examiner. — 1899-05-26 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

DETERMINED SUICIDE OE A HAIRDR,I4.ISSER AT FRODSIIAII.  Oa Well:midst. eyoning Frodshana was thrown into a state of great ex Atement through the sensational suicide Of a young man, Wal'r Brat!, age i 19, son of Mr. Francis Britt, coal iivrch,arit, o N.ovri, Frodshim, who for som time has b-4en employed by Mr. Daniel Lip:rot% Abbey-street. Accington, as a hairdresser, and who c3rnmitt.d th raso ()a Wldne3d ay ni:zht atrial; 7.30 by jumping into th W,tr Canal, near BAsa's Lock.  ne fo'bwinz evidence hi; b3ea gleaned by our r3presentative  The father states that his son hes for some time been strange in his manner and recently wrote him a letter stating " he did not thick he woald live long a 3 there was ncehing in this w orld to live for." The father had egelied eaeouragingiy toiling him to keep no heart, and a iubsequent letter from his son stated that he was " now going on well and comfort eb!e."—elrs. Sarah Ellen Widders, wife of \lr. Alfred W, tiers, sister, says her brother came home on Whit-Monday about 1 p.m. for a ho'iday and then appeared in his usual health aed spirits. He remained at herno until the Tuesday when he left Fro isham by the 11 10 a in. train tu go to Accrington. He cline home again at? p m. on Wednes lay night and she said to him " What are you doing here again," H 9 replied "Re has been ge tin on to me (meaning his master) and cursing me lye 'use I did not return sooner." He then took his watch and handkerchiefs out of his pocket and said he would "g o and drown himself, as he could net stand it any longer "and went straight out of the house. She then went to the front door, but could see nothing of him She asked a youth named Rskin D ivies if he had seen Walter, and he replied " yes, he has just gone down the street." She went down the street ro his tatnPr's house to see if he had gone there, but could not find him. A. anort tines afterwards she heard he was dr owned.—Elsvard Boils a, lock-k_eper, at the Fradshem Locks, states that about 7.15 p.m. on Wednesday, he saw the deceased g Arm past his hotve along the Weaver Canal bank, and when he got to the bridge, about 300 yards past the house, Brett whistled twice. On look.ne round, he sew Brett near the Canal Bridge. Bratt, on seeing him look, at once dived into the canal. Bole e ran up to the spot and saw Bratt's coat and cap on the bank, and called Walter twice, but could not see anything. ifs then ran back to the lonk-house and gat a boat hook, and a "life hook," and with the assistance of Allen Lovett, and his son-in-law, the body WAS reeovered. Information of the occurrence was then given to the police and doctor. On Pollee Constable Price arriving on the scene artificial means oft respiration were resorted to, but although kept up tor aborit an hour were unavailing. Dr. Bennie then appearing pronounced life extinct and the exertions were discontinued. On searching the drowned man's clothes the police officer discovered a note in the j telt it po iket bidding his parents, and brothers and sisters good-bre. —The case has been reporiesi to the Coroner and doubtless the inquest will be held to-day (Friday).
Widnes Examiner. — 1884-12-27 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

RUNCOZN.  Wifliam Ashbrook, landlord of this Millstone Inn, Millstreet, Runcorn, committed suic;de in a very determined manner on Fiiday night last week. Far a fortnight previous Ashbrook had acted somewhat strangely; he appeared to be brooding about some matter, and showed a groat disinclination to converse with the members of his own family. On Friday night the members of the Tontine Club, of which he was the secretary, had to meet at his home to receive their dividend, but at 7 o'clock, before the time fixed for their arrival, he left the house. As he did nut return the box in which he kept the "club money" was broken open, and it was discovered that there was between £ll and £l2 short. Ashbrook could not be found and about ten o'clock his stepdaughter, Ann Ellis, went to a drawer to fetch some tobacco, when she came across the following letter:—" December 19th, 1881. Dear wife, Amen! I write these few lines to say , that I cannot meet the club members as I have used their , money and I am in debt. Yon must put my children in the workhouse. You have been a good wife to me and I have been I think a good husband to you, but we must part. I have male my peace with God. I hope he will forgive me for what I have done. You will lied my body in Anderton's tub. God bless you and my children, and I remain your affectionate husband, W. Ashbrook." John Ellis, brother.inltw, landlord of the Forester's Arms, Canal-street, and several other persons at once commenced a search. They obtained access to Andertou's yard, but there was nothing whatever suspicious about therein tub. About eleven o'clock however, his dead body was found lying in a pool of blood in Andetton's pig stye, and Dr. Robinson and the police were sent for. In his throat were five wounds, no doubt inflicted by a small open penknife, which WAS found on the floor beneath him. His clothes were very wet, and it is thought that he had endeavoured to drown himself in the fain tub, but had failed, and retired to the pig sty. An inquest on the body WO9 held at the Police Court on Monday, before Mr. T. J. Ridgway, the coroner. Evidence bearing out the above narrative was given by Ann Ellis, John Elps, and P.C. Disley, and the jury, of which Mr. W. Handley was foreman, returned a verdict that the deceased committed suicide whilst of unsound mind.
Widnes Examiner. — 1884-08-02 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

DISAPPOINTED LOVE AND SUICIDE.—The West Kent coroner, on Monday, held an inquest, at Ladywell, on the body of John Avery, aged 23, a gentleman residing at Blythe-vale, Catford.—Al fred Avery, a student, said the deceased had been depressed in spirits through his having broken off his engagement with his young lady about three weeks ago. He had no other troubles with the exception of his mother's illness, which had also affected him, his nature being very sensitive to trouble. Witness last saw him alive on Friday night, when after kissing his mother, he went out. The letter produced, dated July 19th, was in the deceased's handwriting. It was as follows:—" Dear Thomas and Fred. and Kate,—l know you will blame me for doing this bloody deed, but then you don't know what trouble is until it comes upon you. It is all very well for one to say that lam a fool for doing this. Only wait till trouble visits him, and he will see. I leave you, Fred., my watch and chain, and I trust you will not break the sad news to mother until compelled to. Take my advice, and never have anything to do with girls, or else you will lay yourself open to have four heart broken, like mine, Fred. I hope that you, Tom, and Kate will forgive me for what I have done, and that mother will recover. I shall die in peace, but it's hard lines.—Your loving brother, JACK"—Thomas Avery, residing with his mother and brothers, stated that he went out into the fields to look for his brother, who remained out all Friday night. A dog found the body in a field near the house. His brother was lying on his back, quite dead, with his left hand, in which was a revolver, across his breast.— The jury returned a verdict "That the deceased departed this life by shooting himself in the mouth, at the same time labouring under temporary mental, derangement."