The Dewsbury Chronicle, and West Riding Advertiser. — 1895-02-13 (Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, England)

SAD DEATH OF MR. S. C. FENTON.  A DISTRESSING CASE OF SUICIDE.  On Saturday evening and Sunday a wave of sad regret passed over the district. on the receipt of the first intelligence of s. sad event which happened at Dewsbury Moor on Saturday evening. Mr. S. C. Fenton, a blanket manufacturer there, and a gentleman who enjoyed a wide measure of popularity in the district, committed suicide by hanging himself. The deceased gentleman for the past six months or so has suffered much from mental depression. hut such a rash act as that which put a sad period to his life was never for s moment suspected by those who were nearest and dearest to him. . This is rendered additionally distressing by the circumstance that there was no reasonable ground for his fears. Reports which have been published (probably the irresnonsible gossip of many tongues) about a large order for blankets which had been i.eturned to the firm was not so great a financial loss A. one might gather from the reports hinted at. On Saturday afternoon Mr James Fenton, his son, went to a billiard room, which is detached from their dwelling-house, to grease his skates. His father followed, but of course nothing was suspected by the son. who, as soon as he got his skates prepared. went off to the ice. He saw his father come out of the billiard room and lock the door after him Six hours afterwards Mr Fenton was found suspended from the ceiling by a rope. Mr J. Fitton, a friend of deeeaSed's. telephoned for a doctor, and Dr Watts came up immediately; but it was all too lete, the vital spark had fled, and all human efforts were unavailing. s the news of the sad event gained hearers there were universal expressions of regret. AS we have already indicated the deceased gentleman was ene of those individuals in a community who will be sadly missesi. As an employer of labour he commanded the respect of those in his service while the good opinion ente. Mined towards him was not confined to "the Moor" alone. Of a generous disposition. he 'truly "did good by stealth and blushed to make it known." Another evidence of his popularity may be ,gathered from the fact. that he hes been 4neatedly asked to allow himself to be nominated for the Town Council honours. We are certain there could have been no more popular candidate if he had chosen to come out. But Mr Penton was not a man who sought honour or courted office. He was too modest. end retiring, and under no consideration could he be prevaile,d upon to enter municipal life. He was an ex-p-esident of the Dewsbury Moor Conservative Club. in the welfare of which he took a great interest. _ _ _  The deeenserl gentleman is survived by a widow and a fnmily—two sons awl two daughters. with whom the profoundest sympathy is felt in their irreparable loss.  THE INQUEST On the circumstances attendinr the death of Mr. Fenton. was held in the Wool Pack Inn, Dewsbury Moor, on Monday evening. before Major raylor (the coroner). Mr. Tolson was foreman of the jury. James FRNTON (son of deceased) stated that his  fa ih;r—WafT a -blanket -m a.n-n fa cturer and was 47 years of age. About eighteen months ago his father burst a blood vessel at the base of his skull, and bled from the month and nose. He only had one attack. He was at that time attended by Dr. Fitton, Dewsbury. Lately, he had not been what he might term hirnaelf. Fl e had been pretty active up to that time. He was not aware that any instructions or warnings were given to his father that he should take care of himself. Deceased had attended regularly to bnsi,,ess. hut witness took a deal of reponsibility off his father's hand. There was no change that he knew of in his father. The business was going on tolerably satisfactorily. and the manager whom they had was one on whom they could de ...._....... .. . . . ._ _ . pend. Dr. Fitton had attended his father three times lately. His father had been troubled with HORBURY sickness and vomiting. The doctor prescribed