Bridlington and Quay Gazette. — 1899-11-24 (Bridlington, Humberside, England)

SAD SUICIDE AT THE QUAY.  On Monday afternoon a painful impression was created in Marshall-avenue by the news that a workman employed in & new house which was being painted by Mr. C. Bailey, had committed suicide by hanging himself. This was discovered by Mr. Bailey's son, about three o'clock, and the body, which proved to be that of Mr. James Wilson. of No. 6, Queen'sterrace, was removed to the New Inn, so as to avoid a shock to his family, who had already become anxious about him, as hia had not been home as usual to dinner. The facts of the case are detailed in the evidence given before Mr. Luke White the coroner at the inquest which was held at the New Inn, on Tuesday afternoon. Mr. W. Hardwick was foreman of the jury, who first had a formal view of the body. Harriet 'Wilson, who lives at No. 5, Queens-terrace, liilderthorpe, said the deceased James Wilson was her husband. He was 42 years of age. She last saw him alive at eight o'clock en Monday morning when he was going to work. He was in the employ of Mr. Charles Bailey. Deceased seemed about the same as usual, but had been suffering from depression with pains ia the head for the last six months. He had never threatened to do away with himself. He had a fall on his head—fell from the top of a staircase when in Goole many years ago, and he had often complained of pains in the head since. Mr. Charles Bailey, painter and decorator, Quay Road, said deceased was in his employ an.l had been so for some seven or eight years. On Monday he was engag_ed in painting a new house in Marshall Avenue. He came to the workshop at eight o'clock and left to go there with his " bass " and tools. Since Whitsuatide be had looked depressed and was apparently harassed in his mind. When instructions were given to him he seemed dense, and did not seem to comprehend what was said to him, but was all right when at work. He said "Shall I go on with my old job, master ? " Witness said " Yes " and he left.—By the Jury:: Witness could only date the depression from Whitsuntide, and was not aware that his father's death had anything to do with it. Mr. Charles Bailey. jun.' said that on Monday he went to the house, whore he expected to find deceased working, about three o'clock. Witness went at the request of his father, [who was recalled, and stated that Mrs. Wilson came and asked where her husband was. He told her and said he would send his son to see if he was there, and he did so.] Witness continued: When he got to the top of the house he saw a rope over one of the doors, and felt very timid. He fetched a workman who tried to open the door, and in doing so the body of the deceased fell to the floor. They sent for a police constable, and then entered the room. Witness did not see the deceased but heard the body fall, and he felt sure the deceased was dead. P.C. David Butler said he went to a house in Marshall Avenue, at 3-20 p.m., and on going upstairs he found the deceased with a rope (produced) round his neck and the other end over the top of the door. He was on his knees with his back leaning against the door. The rope was fastened by the door being closed, and there was a pair of steps near it. He was quite dead, the body being cold. Witness searched the body, and attached to the watch was a piece of sandpaper bearing the words, "Get my body open'd," Apparently written hurriedly. * Mr. Bailey at once identified the writing as that of the deceased. The Coroner said if the jury were satisfied that the deceased came to his death by hanging, the only other question was as to his state of mind at the time he hung himself. With regard to that the Coroner said he thought the evidence of Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Bailey was conclusive, as both spoke concerning the deceased being troubled in his mind. The Jury at once returned a verdict of suicide daring temporary (inanity. The Jury gave their fees to the widow and family, and Mr. ?Salley end his son handed over to the foreman the sums allowed them.