npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1874-12-11 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

CRANBORNE. THE "SERE AND CERTAIN" CONTROVERSY.—The following letter to the Salisbury Journal is the rejoinder to the letter we quoted last week As the Rev. Mr. Gedge the Vicar have chosen to deny the truth of the statement that the words "sure and certain" were omitted in the burial service performed over the remains of the late Thomas Parsons, we the undersigned beg to ask you to do us, the Dissenters of Cranborne, that justice which we claim. There was a mixed gathering of Wesieyans, Primitive Methodists, and Church People, who out of respect to the late Thomas Parsons, followed his mortal remains to Cmnborne Churchyard. Mr. Applegate, curate, conducted the servioe, and at the grave the words "sure and certain " were positively omitted. When the service was over some of us went to the parish clerk, Mr. Manoah Adams, and said to him it was CI pity the whole of the Burial Service had not been read over the poor man. He replied, "Oh, then you heard it." We said, "Did you ever hear it before?" lie replied, "No, never, only in the case of suicide. Mr. Gedge says that the Vicar gave a full explanation to the aggrieved parties; if so, it is only known to himself. Neither the Vicar or either of his curates has entered the dwelling of the poor widow to apologise or to give her a word of comfort. Mr. Hogers says that next day a deputation was sent to the funeral of a poor man. This, too, rests entirely with him as no Dissenter in this place knows. anything of the deputation sent; two of tut did go to hear if the words were omitted over the poor Dila from the workhouse, but not as a deputation from the Dissenters. We have never aceused Mr. Applegate of wilfully omitting the words— we leave this to your readers. if, as Mr. Cadge says, our sin arises from ignorance and want of better teaching, we reply, "Where ignorance is bliss 'tin folly to be wise." And we remain, Sir, Your obedient servants, ANN PlitioNl(widow)
Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1874-05-29 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

REMARKABLE SUICIDE.  A remarkable and somewhat romantic suicide is reported by the American papers as having taken place on the let instant, at New Orleans. The prevailing opinion is tbitt the death was accidental, but it is known to the friends of the family to have been &suicide. Last winter, says the report of the occurrence, a beautiful and highly accomplished young girl removed to this city from 'Natchez. Her parents were in moderate circumstances. She entered heartily into the social gaieties o: the season, and at the termination ,thereof found she had won two lovers. One of them was a young clerk —handsome, gay, and facinating the other a merchant of extensive means, but some years older than his rivaL Society generally believed that the young man had won the maiden's heart, but her good sence prevailed over her sense of romance, and she accepted the hand of the merchant. A few days ago they were married. Arnow, the guests present at the ceremony was the rejected lover, He was in excellent spirits, and never shown to better advantage. The guests having departed, the bride retired, and the groom and a few friends gathered in the supper-room to drink ti parting toast. Just as the champagne cork popped and flew to the ceiling the young limn entered, approached thegrootn, and without an angry or a warning word felled him to the floor. The friends interfered and prevented an immediate encounter. The groom, much excited, insisted upon a prompt settlement. The house was searceed high and low for weapons, and nothing but an old pair of rusty foils found. The buttons were broken from them, the men placed in position, and in a moment more engaged in mortal combat. The young loan was the better swordsman, and by a quick, sudden pass disarmed his opponent,' threw him on his hack, and was in the act of thrusting his foil through the struggling nian*s throat, when the door flew open and the bride, clad in her night dress, rushed in, threw herself between the combatants, and begged her husband's life from his rival's hands. The young man, with an oath, threw his foil upon the floor, and rushed from the house. The next morning he was found in his room with a bullet through his brain. The facts, through the influence of the parties engaged, were suppressed, and the shooting pronounced accidental.
Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1877-05-18 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

THE MURDER THROUGH JEALOUSY. In our 10th page will be found an account of a dreadful murder and suicide from jealousy. It would seem that a witness has been found who saw the murder. A domestic servant, residing at S. Stradbrook I toad, was on an errand, when she observed the two men standing face to face, apparently in altercation. The tallest (Bullock) suddenly drew a revolver and tired straight at the head of Clements, who fell. Bullock then turned the weapon to his own head, fired, and also fell. It transpired that Miss Muir broke off the engagement with Bullock in February last, assigning no reason. She had then received the attentions of Clements. The effect on Bullock was the greatest mental agony. He mould not sleep, declared the singing of two pet birds would drive him mad, and was afraid to shave himself lest he might do himself some injury. That he was insane is inferred from several instances of hereditary insanity in his family. His half-brother committed suicide a short time ago. It seems that previous to the murder he sent to Clements, threatening his life. When he met his victim the latter was on his way to visit Miss Muir, who is the daughter of a well-known engineer. She was, however, at Cream Hall, visiting his family, and awaiting the coming of her lover, when a friend brought the tidings of his death. On I lements were found some love verses, believed to be in Dillcick's handwriting. In these the lady was passionately addressed. The reverse of the MS., however, contained a note to her, froni which it is inferred that the writer was rebuked for writing, for he expresses his sorrow that he had offended her. The photographs prove Miss Muir to he a lady of considerable personal attractions. From further inquiries it seems to be almost certain that Bullock met Clements accidentally, while the former was hanging about, intending, it is believed, to waylay Miss Muir, and destroy her, for Miss Muir was at Cream Hall when the murder took place, and would pass the scene of the murder on her way home. On the night of the murder Bullock stopped an hour later than usual at his office, and was observed to be in unusually high spirits at the time. Another witness has come forward, Mrs. Blane, a laundress, who saw the shots fired. She s rites that Bullock was facing Clements. and they were talking when Bullock tired. He fired twice at his victim, both shots entering his temple. Bullock was but Zi years of age, being six years the junior of Clements, and he wa-s greatly inferior in social position, being but a clerk at an accountant's office, while Clements Lelonged to a wealthy
Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1877-03-23 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

CLEVER VICTIM.  The detectives of Paris have just been made the victims of a rather clever trick. Two of them were walking their rounds in the neighbourhood of the Bastille Column, when they observed a pair of suspicious looking individuals prowling about the street, and accosting all or most of the solitary passers-by. For some time the overtures which they seemed to be making were productive of no result, but after a while a young man of naive and innocent appearance, who had been addressed, entered into a more prolonged parley than the others had done. It was not very long before he was seen to march off with his two new friends towards a fifth-rate cabaret, into which the police agents quietly followed the trio. Within its hospitable walls the three mysterious citizens were found seated amicably together, and already commencing a game of cards with the greasy pack belonging to the establishment. The young man was soon steadily engaged in losing his money, and was being led on by Lis companions with all the skill which practised swindlers a,re alone able. to display. He had just lost stake when the detectives, who had heard every word that passed, intrum:4 ,actively on the scene. There was an attempt on the par, of the sharpers to bolt to the door but they were seized in time, ai;fl held fast by the three other men, while their pockets Iv ae emptied. The cesof which the • brought tolight not only the five-f ranel, the last victim had just been relieved, hut is whole collection of other articles —watches, chains, purses, and mftey —which were promptly confiscated. The next step was to conduct the criminals to the police office, and as it was impossible for the same persons to keep hold of the captives MA carry the booty, the confiscated articles were entrusted to the late victim and future prosecutor. In this order the procession set forth from the 'stay/liner It had not, however, proceeded far before the innocent young man carrying the evidences of guilt was found to he missing. He had 'fallen out on the march," and notwithstanding all enquires made for him has not been beard of since.  AN A SIERICAN despatch states that a young man walked deliberately into the rapids above Niagara on the sth inst., and was swept over the falls. Nothing was known of him. Iti a supposed to have been a ease of suicide. THE betting on the boat race in the London clubs was quoted at 7 to 4, and in some eases 2 to 1 on Oxford. These o(kls are by no means phantom bets, but a large amount of money has already been laid out on the (lark blues. At a select committee on Tramways on Monday the Hon. T. Hawley, M.P., thought they had sufficient e‘idence to fcrm ground-work for future legislation. Mr. Cawley, M.P., thought that if inv( store were stimulated by Parliament it would lead to the establishment of a much better class of engine.
Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1877-06-29 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

LONG ONICHEL.  DEATH BY STRATZ-UTA—TIO-7.:4;17171-dity Mr. \V. Atkinson, coroner, held an inquest at the house of Selwood, Long Crichel, on the body of Arthur William Selwood, who was found dead on Thursday morning in a field belonging to Mr. Keil, his master. The only witness was the hey is father, William Se'wood, who stated he was shepherd to Mr. Charles Kail ; his son was 13 years old and worked under hint as shepherd's boy. He last saw him alive on the previous morning about half-past 10 in the fold at Mr. Kail's. They were sheep shearing in the barn. He told his son to go and let out the lambs. Deceased asked him if he could have the dog. He replied that he could and was to lead it in a string. D.iceased then asked him when he should turn the lambs into the, vetches, and he replied at 12 o'clock, awl let him have his watch to see the time. Deceased then went off. Witness next saw him about half-past IL Ile was in one of Mr. Kail's fields. Witness first saw the dog and thought his sun was laid down asleep, but on getting close to him he saw he was not, and then thought he was ill. Ile was sitting on the ground with his head leaning forward, with the string (produced) round his neck. It was quite slack behind but tight in front as he leaned forward. Witness cut it; the other end was fastened round the sail of the hurdle. There were marks under his feet on the ground where he had struggled a little. He was quite dead. Witness laid him down and went for assistance, and the deceased was brought home. Witness had no cause to suppose his son would commit suicide. Ile hail a fit before he was seven years old. Witness had no quarrel with the deceased, nor had any of his family that he was aware of. Deceased had said to his younger brother he (the brother) should go up on the top of the down sheep keeping instead of him. Ihe jury returned as their verdict that the deceased was found strangled by a piece of string fastened to a hurdle, but whether the same was accidental or intentional there was no evidence to show.
Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1877-02-16 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

YETMINSTER. ESCAPED PIZIsoNER.  On Thursday morning a prisoner named Jacob Duglar„ aged 40, awaiting Lk trial on a charge of having stolen, several weeks ago, same cloth, the property of Mr. T. Hawkins, of Fore-street, Taunton, male. his escape from Taunton county gal. At the October sessions for the county he was sentenced to a period of imprisonment for having perpetrated a number of shop robberies at Yeovil, and on the day he was liberated, after completing his sentence, he perpetrated the theft for which he was also to take hi trial. A few weeks since he attempted to commit suicide in his cell, and on this charge he was also committed for trial. On Thursday morning, about eight o'clock, Buglar and a number of other prisoners, who were patients of the prism hospital, were being conducted to the chapel, in charge of a warder, when he managed unobserved to drop oat of the ranks. He was not missed until after prayers, when a search, which proved furtile, was commenced. A linen sheet and a plank weie found close to a part of the boundary-wall at the rear of the prison, and it is conjected that by the means of these he was enabled to scale the wall and so effect his escape. He was if terwarl; seen heating a hasty flight in the dtreetion of Sherford, and sonic warders were sent off in pursuit. &near is a native of Yetrninster, Dorset, and it is thought probable that he will make for that place via Yeovil, it he does is it in the meantime destroy himself. No doubt he anticipated being sentenced to a long spell of penal servitude, as he has proved himself an incorrigible law-breaker ; and this !nay have supplied the motive for the attempt on his own life, and induced hint, when he found he was to closely watched, to effect his deadly purpose, to try and escape front prison. Duglar is the only prisoner during the last 21 years who has succeeded in getting away. He was traced to within about two miles of Chard, where it is supposed he branched off into the road leading to Ihninster. As he was awaiting his trial he was allowed to wear his own clothes. The escaped prisoner was captured onSaturila morning by Police Constable Serley, at Bitcoutbe, where he had added to his other offences by stealing a shirt, He WM brought to the Sherborne station and locked up in a cell, and n 3londay tif ternoon was taken back to Taunton Data. lie say, he escaped by i:iielaug over a plank.
Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1877-06-01 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

VISIT TO THE CLAIMANT—was paid on Wednesday by Lord Rivers and Mr. Guilford Onslow, by permission of the Home Secretary, at Dartmoor prison During the interview the convict attempted to dwelt upon the exceptional hardships of his treatment, but was reminded by the warder in attendance that that was a forbidden subject. He seemed much disheartened at the hopeless failure of any efforts to obtain an amelioration of his condition ; but Mr. Onslow and Lord Rivers both admitted that he was apparently in better health than they had previously known him to be. _  We have now the shortest staff for a bayonet of any army in the world, and theorists say that it is of no consequence, as the bayonet will never again be used, but occasions will continue to occur in which hand-tohand fighting will take place. It does not, therefore, seem wise to sacrifice altogether the cold steel for the bullet. It is inevitable that the former will come into play at the storming of field works or houses, the capture of bridges, &c. Besides, the British soldier likes to close with his adversary, and it seems a pity to balk so laudable a desire._ _  At a recent meeting of the society for promoting legislation to control and cure habitual drunkards, it was estimated that the loss sustained by the nation through the drunkenness was 270 millions sterling per annum. Dr. Holthouse stated the results of hi asylum for inebriates at Balham. He said that of 23 patients six had been completely cured, ten had proved incurable, four were partially cured, two were still under treatment, and one had (lied. It must be confessed that these figures are not encouraging. A " partial " cure can hardly be considered a cure at all. Dr. Cameron's Bill to establish inebriate asylums was explained by its author at the meeting, but was by no means unanimously approved. A distressing suicide, arising out of the closing of the Connterslip Sugar Refinery, Bristol, took place on Saturday morning, when William Gould, for some years foreman in Messrs. Finzel's employ, committed self-destruction in a most determined manner. The unfortunate man, who had since the closing of the works given way to fits of despondency, apparently, after inflicting wounds in his throat with two table knives, went to the cupboard for a rope, walked to the coal-cellar, and, with extraordinary determination, finding that there was not sufficient space to suspend himself, he had knelt down, and thus tightened the rope sufficiently to produce strangulation. Deceased was about 411 years of age, and leaves a widow and three or four children.
Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1877-04-06 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

COUNTY PRISON.  Mr. E. V. WiLtiams read the gaol report :  As the new Prison Act is to come into use on the Ist of April, IS7S, the Governor is requested to call for tenders for meat, coal, groceries, dze., for nine months up to the 31'St March, IS7S, instead of six months as heretofore. Prisoners in custody —males, 77; females, 13; total, 90. In Infirmary—males, 3; females, 0; total, 3. Number of prisoners committed this quarter, 119; same quarter last year, 116; increase, 63. This increase is chiefly attributable to the commitments of 11 naval prisoners, and 22 seaman belonging to the merchant service.. No corporal punishments have taken place in the prison for any offence whatever during this quarter. Recommitments this quarter, 47; corresponding quarter last year, 49 ; decrease, 2. Disbursements this quarter, .4:783 S. 6d. ; same quarter last year. £775 19s. 3d. ; increase, .C 7 9s. 3d. Maintenance cost per head same quarter last year, Is. 3d. A male prisoner, who was received on remand for attempting to commit suicide, died the day following his reception, in the male infirmary. The verdict of the jury at the inquest was "That the deceased came by his death by his own hands, while in a state of temporary insanity." The conduct of the officers in their several departments has been satisfactory. In consequence of the alterations directed by the letter of the Secretary of State, dated 15th March, 1877, as to the taking of prisoners' photographs, the number will be less in future. The photographer is Prepared to take the requisite number from the 12th May next (when the quarter terminates) to the 31st March, IS7$, for £lO. Resolved, "That the above tender be accepted." A sum not exceeding .1:1 10s. was allowed to No. 22 (Charles Fenian), whose term of imprisonment will shortly expire, to enable him to return home. His conduct has been good. The report was received and adopted.
Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1877-06-15 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

THE LATE SUICIDE AT OSMINGTON. To the Editor.  feel sure that you will kindly give me room in your paper to correct sonic mistatements that were made by Anna Emma Morley, at the coroner's inquest, held sit Osmington, upon the body of her unfortunate husband, the ac7ount of which inquest, appeared in your last week's issue. She charges me with deceiving her husband, in getting hull from Swan4ea, with being only a wheelwright, with not providing them with a cottage, and with not paying her for work done. I engaged George Morley by letter, agreeing to give him 243. per week and his house and garden, and these were his wages during the whole of the time that he was in my employ, exclusive of overtime; he sometimes making as much as 6s. per week overtime. I also rented a nice cottage and garden of Mr. Thomas Lowman, which they occupied during the time they remained with me. I have always had more carriage painting to do all the time that he was with me than he could accomplish, so that I have had to urge him on to greater quickness, and indeed to get some work done in other ways in order to satisfy my customers, who have complained, with reason, at my keeping their carriages. so long on hand, their detention being entirely Itie to the slowness of the painter. As to my not paying her for work done, I can only state that I paid weekly for any work she did for me. Both the late George Morley and Anna Emma Morley have expressed (before witnesses) their satisfaction at their change in coming here, that his health had been greatly benefitted by the change ; his fellow-workmen can testify that he was happy and contented in his work, awl was unwilling to leave it, but was compelled to do a cooing to the ungovernable temper of his wife, and I don't hesitate to say that unhappiness was entirely due to her temper awl profane tongue. Many are thankful that she is ;-,ome from the village, considering her example in the way of temper and speech, as being calculated to corrupt the minds of any who might listen to her. .
Blandford, Wimborne and Poole Telegram. — 1877-01-12 (Blandford, Dorset, England)

THE LATE INQUEST, AND MEDICAL MEN.  To the Editor.  you kindly permit me in your next impression to draw the attention of the public to the report of a recent Coroner's inquest which appeared in your last issue? The report is certainly remarkable and must have affordel ccnsiderable amusement to your readers, though it casts a sad reflection upon the general intelligence of the community in which we live. It has hitherto been supposed that the raison (rare of the Coroner's court is in all cases of sudden death to ascertain the cause and determine whether any criminality is involved. Now, in the case referred t,), instead of investigating the cause of death, the Deputy-coroner and the jury seem to have been animated by the allabsorbing thought of trying to find a scapegoat in the persons (.f certain medical men who were in no way connected with the case. A worthy juror undertook to read a lecture to the doctor for having violated the laws of humanity, in declining, when summoned, to rush to the rescue of a child who was admitted to be (lead before the messenger was despatched! He also appealed in support of his argument to a case of suicide by hanging, in which I am informed the man who found the woman suspended, instead of instantly cutting her down, rushed wildly in search of medical  Had the child in Tiestion been alive and suffering from the effects f poison, I venture to affirm that there is not a medical man in Weymouth who, if it were in his power, would not have immediately done his utmost to save its threatened life. There is, perhaps. no Class of society which displays more practical philanthropy than medical men, and surely it is not asking too much of the public to credit them with posses...big at least average humanity, and when this is not exhibited to a6sume there is some occult but substantial reason for it. The subject of the recent enquiry involve.? no consideration of humanity, so that the charges of the Coroner and his jury melt into thin air, being " basele,s as the fabric of a vision." Any medical man who, under the suspicions circumstances of this case, volunteered!his services.simply usurped the place of the Coroner, who is a paid official appointed for such investigations. _ - _ _  The whole proceeding affords a good modern illustration of the old saw :  "But man, proud tuan, Dres't in a little brief authority. Most ignarant of what he's most assured, Plays such N.,tastic tricks before high Heaven As make the angels weep." I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,