npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1859-08-22 (London, England)

SUPPOSED SUICIDE IN THE SEI? PENTINE.  Last Saturday night an investigation took place before Mr. Langham, deputy-coroner for Westminster, at the Board Room of the Workhouse, St. George's, Hanover-square, on view of the body of the unknown woman who was found floating on the Serpentine on Wednesday evenin g last, and removed while still breathing to the Receiving-house of the Royal Humane Society, where she died from the effects of drowning at 10 o'clock the folloiving morning. The body of the deceased has since been identified by her relations as Emma Williams, a seamstress, 20 years of age, in the employment of a Mrs. Roland, 68, Great Titchfield-street, Marylehone. As it appeared from the evidence of various witnesses, the case was an extremely melancholy one, and a married sister, who was present at the inquiry, suffered great distress of mind, and frequently burst into paroxysms of grief. The deceased was an orphan, of a naturally cheerful disposition, steady, and respectable; but, as her relations were poor, she was compelled to get her livving as a seamstress, and toiled constantly at her needle from 12 to 16 hours daily with her late employer for the past five years. She_ earned, upon an average, from 10s. to 12s. per week, from which she had to pay her brother-in-law, with whom she boarded and lodged at 30, University-street, 7s. per week. Recently she complained very much of her eyes, and occasionally had been somewhat depressed in spirits in consequence of their weakness, and at times told her sister that if they should fail her, as she feared they would, she could not tell what she should do for a living, as she then would be prevented from following her occupation, and had no one in the wide world to depend upon, and, according to the statement of her sister, she worked very hard to keep herself respectable. About an hour and a half previous to the time she was found in the Serpentine she left her work in her usual good health and spirits, and about three minutes before the supposed rash act she was seen by a young man named Bollinot, walking rapidly across the bridge of the Serpentine from the direction of Kensington. It was very dark and foggy at the time, and in consequence he lost sight of her almost immediately she passed him, but believed she jumped into the river from one of the bridge parapets, as his attention and that of others near the scene was firs t attracted by a loud splash. Verdict, " Deceased died from the effects of drowning, but how she got into the water there was not , sufficient evidence to show."
The Sun. — 1859-09-21 (London, England)

FRANCE.  PARIS, TUESDAY.  The Constitutionnel has a very interesting account of the new bridge across the Rhine which is to unite Strasbourg with Kehl. It will be finished at the end of 1860, and will prove of immense advantage in the communication by railway between France and Germany. _ _  The Siecle has lately had some admirable observations upon cellular imprisonment, which it condemns as the cause of madness, of suicide, and of future crime. It points out the horrors of the penitentiary system of the prison Mazas as a terrible aggravation of the punishment to be inflicted which demands prompt reform.  The paragraph relating to the press in the Moniteur has made the impression that was to be expected, and is spoken of with disappiontment and disapprobation, and qualified as harsh and even brutal. This is what one hears out of doors. The papers are much more reserved in their expressions of opinion. The Debats, Univers, and Gazette de France reproduce the paragraph without comment. The Constitutionnel and Patric do the same, not having as yet, it is to be presumed, received license or order for laudatory remark. The Pays, their brother in the bonds of Government, says that the note in the Moniteur refutes recent rumours of " pretended amelioration, and, by reestablishing the true principles of this important question, gives a new pledge to public stability and security." In speaking thus, the Journal de Empire, of course, only does its duty as a zealous hireling.  BouisE, Sept. 20.—The market was heavy at tthe opening, but somewhat recovered as the day wore on. Threes, after having been done at 68f. 60c., rallied to 68f. 85c. Mobilier varied from 765 f. to 785 f. ; Austrian, 535 f. to 540 f. ; Lombard, 552 f. 50c. to 555 f. ; Orleans, 1,370 f. to 1,375 f. ; Lyons, 873 f. 75c. to 875 f. The following were the last quotations :41 per Cents. .... 95 Credit Foncier 670 Do. end month .. 95 Belgian 4i ... 3 per Cents 6B 75 Piedmontese (5) .. 85 Do. end month 6B 90 Roman B4 75 Bank Shares 2BOO Austrian Cridit Mobilier .. 782 50 Spanish Threes Do. Account ..... 790 Home Debt 44i
The Sun. — 1859-09-21 (London, England)

FRANCE.  PARIS, TUESDAY.  The Constitutionnel has a very interesting account of the new bridge across the Rhine which is to unite Strasbourg with Kehl. It will be finished at the end of 1860, and will prove of immense advantage in the communication by railway between France and Germany.  The Siecle has lately had some admirable observations upon cellular imprisonment, which it condemns as the cause of madness, of suicide, and of future crime. It points out the horrors of the penitentiary system of the prison Matas as a terrible aggravation of the punishment to be inflicted which demands prompt reform. The paragraph relating to the press in the Moniteur has made the impression that was to be expected, and is spoken of with disappiontment and disapprobation, and qualified as harsh and even brutal. This is what one hears out of doors. The papers are much more reserved in their expressions of opinion. The Debats, Univers, and Gazette de France reproduce the paragraph without comment. The Constitutionnel and Patrie do the same, not having as yet, it is to be presumed, received license or order for laudatory remark. The Pays, their brother in the bonds of Government, says that the note in the Moniteur refutes recent rumours of " pretended amelioration, and, by reestablishing the true principles of this important question, gives a new pledge to public stability and security." In speaking thus, the Journal de l'Entpire, of course, only does its duty as a zealous hireling. BOURSE, Sept. 20.—The market was heavy at the opening, but somewhat recovered as the day wore on. Threes, after having been done at 68f. 60e., rallied to 68f. 85c. Mobilier varied from 765 f. to 785 f. ; Austrian, 535 f. to 540 f. ; Lombard, 552 f. 50c. to 555 f. ; Orleans, 1,370 f. to 1,375 f. ; Lyons, 873 f. 75c. to 875 f. The following were the last quotations :41 per Cents. 95 Credit Foncier.... 670 Do. end month 95 I Belgian 41 . — 3 per Cents 6B 75 Piedmontese (5) .. 85 Do. end month 6B 90 Roman B4 75 Bank Shares 2BOO Austrian  Credit Mobilier .. 782 50 Spanish Threes Do. Account 790 Home Debt 44*
The Sun. — 1859-02-11 (London, England)

THE SUICIDE OF A FOREIGNER AT  CHELTENHAM.  Tjie attempt made upon his own life by Baron de Chastellain, at the Eight Bells, Commercial Hotel, on Thursday last, the particulars of which have already appeared in The Sun, has terminated fatally, and an inquest has been held on the body. The evidence then taken corroborates in every particular the account previously given of the melancholy event. Deceased shot himself in the chest with a pistol while lying in bed. Mr. Peter Skeolan, photographic artist, stated that deceased had made proposals to him for the hand of his daughter, but on account of his (the Baron's) affairs being in an unsettled state he refused his consent, and ultimately forbade any intimacy whatever, although he admitted he had allowed the deceased and his daughter to correspond with each other. Deceased had before attempted suicide by poison. Mr. Peter Paul Skeolan, jun., said he saw the deceased after he shot himself, and asked him the reason he did it. He replied because he had no position and could not live as a gentleman. Letters written by the deceased before he shot himself were produced and read. They were as follows :  "Miss MARY JANE SKEOLAN,—Circumstances are such, dearest Mary Jane, that I cannot open quite my heart as I could wish. You may perhaps, take several things as reproach, but I will not have - the, slightest reproach to make to you. All that I have to say is, that I have loved yin immensely. lam unfortunate, Mary, but don't forget me or my memory. I have weeped tears of blood for you. I will watch over you; I will protect you against every wave. I shall give you great pain, but forgive me. I had a beautiful dream : I did pray to God, and ask him to help me, and not to forsake .me. I had a vision. I saw our blessed Virgin, with the Holy Child Jesus in her arms. He said to me, Thou hast suffered enough, coma to me.' I said, How can I come without committing a crime ?' He said, If thou wilt come and art anxious to come to me, you know the way, thy sins are forgiven thee.' And I said, I shall do so.' In those hours when you hare nothing to pre-occupy you, think of me, dearest angel. If it is true that our soul has the power to appear to those most beloved on earth I shall do so to you ; do not be frightened, and I shall see you as a friend .—
The Sun. — 1859-10-20 (London, England)

EXTRAORDINARY CASE.  On Saturday morning last, the coroner, Mr. Rutter, received information that a man had been found drowned at Mode Wheel, on the river Irwell, in the township of Pendlebury, in the borough of Salford. On going to take the inquest in the afternoon, the body appeared to be that of a man about 50 or GO years of age. From the evidence it appeared that a man named Yates, employed at the Mode Wheel Works, discovered the body in a nearly erect position at halfpast six that morning, in the sluice leading from the river Irwell. With the assistance of a man named James Moyles, he got the body out of the water, and conveyed it to the Swan Inn, Pendlebury, where it lay until Satutdar night. Mary Gorten, who keeps a beer-shop near the Swan Inn, stated that on Friday afternoon this man came to her house, and remained from three o'clock until five. He appeared perfectly sober. During the time he remained he asked for a glass of beer and a pipe of tobacco, and had four glasses in all, for which he paid 6d. Before leaving, he inquired of her at what time the gates of the lodge leading to Mode Wheel were closed for the night. She inquired whether he was going to Manchester, when he replied, " No, to Throstle Nest." The witness said " he appeared to be upset in his mind," and she had no further conversation with im. He was a stranger to her before this. 'One of the jury remarked, that if it was the person he supposed, he knew him well. His name was Henry Stokes; but though he was known by this name he was not a man, and his proper name was Harriet Stokes. She had assumed the name and garb of a man for a great number of years, and had served an apprenticeship as a bricksetter, afterwards working as a journeyman, and then for several years in business, having constructed many of the warehouses, chapels, and dwelling-houses in the neighbourhood of Manchester, the last work being the erection of a factory chimney for Mr. Simpson.  The Coroner then directed two women to examine the body .who came back tittering, saying it was true ; it was the body of a woman. Harriet Taylor, who lives in the neighbourhood, said she knew Stokes well. He was a bricksetter. The proper name was Hairiet Stokes, but he went by the name of Harry Stokes. Some years ago Stokes married a woman in Manchester. They lived together as man and wife, and kept a beershop, in Quay-street, Manchester. Several of the jury recollected the case, and that ballads were composed and sung in the streets on its being known that the supposed man was a  woman. The verdict was " Found drowned. Supposed suicide." Since the inquest we have ascertained from inquiries that it is stated that about 25 years ago this woman was married to a female, who made complaint that her husband was not a man, and left her in consequence.
The Sun. — 1859-10-20 (London, England)

EXIRAORDINARY CASE.  .0.  On Saturday morning last, the coroner, Mr. Rutter, received information that a man had been found drowned at Mode Wheel, on the river Irwell, in the township of Pendlebury, in the borough of Salford. On going to take the inquest in the afternoon,' the body appeared to be that of a man about 50 or GO years of age. From the evidence it appeared that a man named Yates, employed at the Mode Wheel Works, discovered the body in a nearly erect position at halfpast six that morning, in the sluice leading from the ricer Irwell. With the assistance of a man named James Moyles, he got the body out of the water, and, conveyed it to the bwan Inn, Pendlebury, where it lay until Saturday night. Mary Gorton, who keeps a beer-shop near the Swan Inn, stated that on Friday afternoon this man came to her house, and remained from three o'clock until five. He appeared perfectly sober. During the time he remained he asked for a glass of beer and a pipe of tobacco, and had four glasses in all, for which he paid 6d. Before-leaving, he inquired of her at what time the gates of the lodge leading to Mode Wheel were closed for the night. She inquired whether he was going to Manchester, when he replied, " No, to Throstle Nast." The witness said "he appeared to be upset in his mind," and she had no fiirther 'conversation with him. He was a stranger to her before this. One of the jury remarked, that if it was the person he supposed, he knew him well. His name was Henry Stokes; but though he was known by this name he was not a man, and his proper name was Harriet Stokes. She had assumed the name and garb of a man for a great number of years, and had served an apprenticeship as a bricksetter, afterwards working as a journeyman, and then for several years in business, having constructed many of the warehouses, chapels, and dwelling-houses in the neighbourhood of Manchester, the last work. being the erection of a factory chimney for Mr. Simpson. The Coroner then directed two women to examine the body, who came back tittering, saying it was true ; it was the body of a woman. Harriet Taylor, who lives in the neighbourhood, said she knew Stokes well. He was a bricksetter. The proper name was Harriet Stokes, but he went by the name of Harry Stokes. Some years ago Stokes married a woman in Manchester. They lived together as man and wife, and kept a beershop, in Quay-street, Manchester. Several of the jury recollected the case, and that ballads were composed and sung in the streets on its being known that the supposed man was a woman. The verdict was "Found drowned. Supposed suicide." Since the inquest we have ascertained froin inquiries that it is stated that about 25 years ago this woman was married to a female, who made complaint that her husband was not a man, and left her in consequence.
The Sun. — 1859-06-22 (London, England)

HEALTH OF LONDON .DU.RING THE WEEK.  (From the Report of the Registrar General.) The deaths in London, which have shown a continual decrease during the last seven weeks, declined to 913 in the week that ended last Saturday. In the ten years 1849-58, the average number of deaths in the weeks corresponding with last week was 973 ; but as the deaths returned for last week occurred in an increased population, they can only be compared with the average raised in proportion to the increase, namely, with 1,070. ,The fact that the deaths of last week were less by 157 than the number that would have occurred if the average, rate of mortality had prevailed, is a proof of a comparatively satisfactory state of the public health. Diarrhoea exhibits an increase; the deaths from this complaint, which were 6 in each of the two previous weeks; having been 20 last week. Besides these, two deaths from cholera are returned as follows :—" On June 13, at Weitzell, Cottage, ICensall-road, Chelsea, a boy, aged 5 months, choleraic diarrhoea (3 days) ;" and " on June 15,at 47, WelLsstreet, Marylebone, a dealer in fried fish, aged 39 years, choleraic diarrhoea (4 days)." Smallpox was fatal in 14 cases, scarlatina in 43, and diphtheria in 13. In addition to the three cases mentioned in the last report as having been fatal in the same house, a fourth child is returned as having died last week at 46, William-street, Kensington, from scarlatina and diptheria : all the deaths in this family hare occurred within 10 days. Four children and 2 adults have died last week from syphilitic disease ; 3 persons from intemperance, besides 4 who are returned as having died from delirium tremens; 4 infants from cyanosis ; 2 deaths were by murder, 7by suicide.
The Sun. — 1859-06-22 (London, England)

HEALTH OF LONDON DURING THE  WEEK.  (From the Report of the Registrar General.)  The deaths in London, which haVe ,shown dontinual decrease during the last seven weeks, der dined to 913 in the week that ended last Saturday. In the ten years 1849-58, the average number Of deaths in the weeks corresponding with last week was 973 ; but as the deaths returned for last week occurred in an increased population, they can only be compared with the average raised in proportion to the increase, namely, with 1,070. The fact that the deaths of last week were less by 157 than the number that would have occurred if the average rate of mortality had prevailed, is a proof of a comparatively satisfactory state of the public health. Diarrhoea exhibits an increase ; the deaths from this complaint, which were 6 in each of the two previous weeks, having been 20 last week. Besides these, two deaths from cholera are returned as follows :—" On June 13, at Weitzell Cottage, Kensall-road, Chelsea, a boy, aged 5 months, choleraic diarrhoea (3 days) ;" and " on June 15, at 47; Wellsstreet, Marylebone, a dealer in fried fish, aged 39 years, choleraic diarrhoea (4 days)." Small-pox was fatal in 14 cases, scarlatina in 43, and diphtheria in 13. In addition to the three cases mentioned in the last report as having been fatal in the same house, a fourth child is returned as having died last week at 46, William-street, Kensington, from scarlatina and diptheria : all the deaths in this family have occurred within 10 days. Four children and 2 adults have died last week from syphilitic disease ; 3 persons from intemperance, besides 4 whO are returned as having died from delirium tremens; 4 infants from cyanosis; 2 deaths were by murder, 7by suicide.
The Sun. — 1859-04-12 (London, England)

RAMSGATE, MONDAY EVENING. Great excitement was caused this morning in Ramsgate and the neighbourhood by the discovery of the body of a man below the East Cliff, near the residence of Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart., under circumstances of great mystery, but which leave little doubt that a murder of peculiar atrocity has been committed. The body was found naked at the foot of the cliff, with a stab in the left breast reaching to the heart, one arm broken, and the left hand missing, having been cut out from the socket. The hand and a small chopper were subsequently found on the rocks at no great distance from the body, and the coat, waistcoat, and trousers of the deceased were also lying near the spot. The unfortunate deceased is a foreigner, believed to be a German, and has been identified by= the porter at the Royal Oak Hotel, as having been at the house on Sunday morning. He then asked the porter to brush his clothes, which was done, and the deceased soon afterwards went away. The porter remembers that the left hand of the deceased was bandaged at the time, and from this circumstance an impression has been formed in the minds of some persons who have viewed the body, that this was a case, not of murder, but of suicide ; that the deceased, in a fit of frenzy, first chopped off his hand, and then stabbed himself to the heart. The fact of the arm being broken, however, favours the opinion that he fell from the cliff, and a medical gentleman who visited the spot being appealed to, said it was impossible for the deceased to have stabbed himself to the heart and then thrown himself over the cliff. We may add that, up to the time we write, no weapon has been discovered with which the wound in the left breast could have been inflicted. It is to be hoped that the inquiry to take place before the coroner will dispel the mystery with which at present this shocking affair is surrounded.
The Sun. — 1859-04-12 (London, England)

SHOCKING TRAGEDY AT .RAMSGATE  RAMSGATE, MONDAY EVENING. Great excitement was caused this morning in Ramsgate and the neighbourhood by the discovery of the body of a man below the East Cliff, near the residence of Sir Moses Montefiore, Bart., under circumstances of great mystery, but which leave little doubt that a murder of peculiar atrocity has been committed. The body was found naked at the foot of the cliff, with a stab in the left breast reaching to the heart, one arm broken, and the left hand missing, having been cut out from the socket. The hand and a small chopper were subsequently found on the rocks at no great distance from the body, and the coat, waistcoat, and trousers of the deceased. were also lying near the spot. The unfortunate deceased is a foreigner, believed to be a German, and has been identified by the porter at the Royal Oak Hotel, as having been at the house on Sunday morning. He then asked the porter to brush his clothes, which was done, and the deceased soon afterwards went away. The porter remembers that the left hand of the deceased was bandaged at the time, and from this circumstance an impression has been formed in the minds of some persons who have viewed the body, that this was a case, not of murder, but of suicide ; that the deceased, in a fit of frenzy, first chopped off his hand, and then stabbed himself to the heart. The fact of the arm being broken, however, favours the opinion that he fell from the cliff, and a medical gentleman who visited the spot being appealed to, said it was impossible for the deceased to have stabbed himself to the heart and then thrown himself over the cliff. We may add that, up to the time we write, no weapon has been discovered with which the wound in the left breast could have been inflicted. It is to be hoped that the inquiry to take place before the coroner will dispel the mystery with which at present this shocking affair is surrounded  N*