npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1853-11-10 (London, England)

DEATH FROM CHOLERA IN HORSEMONGER-LANE PRlSON.—Yesterday Mr. Carter held an inquest touching the death of Eliza Brooks, alias Lovelace, a prisoner, confined there under remand, who died from malignant Asiatic cholera. Mr. John Keene the governor of the prison, stated that the deceased was about thirty years of age, and an unfortunate female. She was committed by Mr. Combe, one of the magistrates at Southwark Police-court, on the Ist instant, for attempting to commit suicide by casting herself into the River Thames. That was the second time she had been in custody for a similar offence. Elizabeth Harvey identified the body of the deceased, whose real name was Eliza Lovelace but she once lived with a man named Brooks. Witness added :—I heard of her being confined in this gaol last Thursday, and I came and saw her. She then complained of being cold, and that she had no appetite, through the effects of being in the water. I saw her again on Monday, having received a letter from the governor, stating that she was very ill. I then found her in the infirmary. She was then sensible, and she said that she did not think that she should live long. Every kindness was used towards her by the prison authorities. Mr. William Harris, surgeon to the gaol, said the deceased came under my charge on the 4th instant, suffering from diarrhoea. I did not think her weak, nor that there was any cause to expect cholera. It was the second time she had been committed for attempting to commit suicide. I ordered medicine, the attack being at first very slight. On the sth instant she was better, but on the next day she was brought into the infirmary to me, and put to bed. Jane Weston and another female prisoner and the matron attended her. I understood she had purged and vomited a great deal during the preceding night. She had also suffered from cramps in the legs. She made no complaint when unlocked by the turnkey. I saw her in a state of collapse—cold, pulseless, and clammy. The purging was not frequent, but copious, and of a rice colour. The vomiting was incessant, and I reported her to be in great danger. The Coroner—What is your opinion of the cause of death ?—Mr. Harris— Malignant Asiatic cholera. The Coroner—Was she medically treated for that ?—Mr. Harris—Yes ; I gave her brandy and water at frequent intervals. Her thirst was intense. The Coroner—Have you anything to explain as to the origin of the attack ? Mr. Harris—No, I have not. Diarrhcea was not prevalent in the gaol. We, however, have had a few cases, but none exactly cholera. There was a serious case of diarrhcea on the 22d of September last. Ido not attribute it to the state of the prison, which has been recently properly drained. I do not think the disease was 'caused by the locality or diet. I think she died from natural causes. The jury found their verdict, " That the deceased, Eliza Brooks, alias Lovelace, died from malignant Asiatic cholera.
The Sun. — 1853-05-17 (London, England)

CAPITAL CONVICTIONS.—A parliamentary paper just issued contains a return of the number of persons capitally convicted in England and Wales from 1838 to 1852, both years inclusive. The gross number of capital convictions is 998, of which 269 were for murder, of whom 148 were executed, 92 transported for life, 11 received a free pardon, and the rest minor punishments. Ninety-five persons were convicted of attempts to murder, accompanied with injuries dangerous to life ; of these 4 were executed, and 65 transported for life. For shooting and stabbing, 13 ; for rape, &c., 68, of whom 50 were transported for life ; for unnatural crimes, 195, of whom 168 were transported for life, and nearly all the rest for shorter periods ; for burglary, 56, of whom 44 were transported for life ; for burglary with violence, 107, of these 87 were transported for life ; for robbery, 26 ; for robbery with violence, 108 ; for robbery by persons armed, 12, who were all transported for life, of the two former classes 11 and 60 respectively, were transported for life ; for , arson, 1, transported for life ; for ditto of dwelling houses, 28, out of whom 16 were transported for life.; for feloniously rioting, 12, of whom 3 were transported for life ' • for high treason, 9, of whom 7 were transported for life. Of the 998 persons capitally convicted during the above fifteen years, 152 were executed. The sentences of the remainder were commuted as follows : 617 were transported for life ; 79 for fifteen years ; 41 for ten years ; and 19 for seven years ; 4 were imprisoned for three years ; 19 for two years and above one year ; 34 for one year or above six months ; and 11 for six months and under ; 17 received a free pardon ;, 4 committed suicide ; and one died in prison. Tun
The Sun. — 1853-05-17 (London, England)

CAPITA —CONVICTIONS.--A parliamentary paper just issued contains a return of the number of persons capitally convicted in England and Wales from 1838 to 1852, both years inclusive. The gross number of capital convictions is 998, of which 269 were for murder, of whom 148 were executed, 92 transported for life, 11 received a free pardon, and the rest minor punishments. Ninety-five persons were convicted of attempts to murder, accompanied with injuries dangerous to life ; of these 4 were executed, and 65 transported for life. For shooting and stabbing, 13 ; for rape, &c., 68, of whom 50 were transported for life ; for unnatural crimes, 195, of whom 168 were transported for life, and nearly all the rest for shorter periods ; for burglary, 56, of whom 44 were transported for life ; for burglary with violence, 107, of these 87 were transported for life ; for robbery, 26 ; for robbery with violence, 108 ; for robbery by persons armed, 12, who were all transported for life, of the two former classes 11 and 60 respectively, were transported for life ; for arson, 1, transported for life ; for ditto of dwelling houses, 28, out of whom 16 were transported for life • for feloniously rioting, 12, of whom 3 were transported for life ; for high treason, 9, of whom 7 were transported for life. Of the 998 person's capitally convicted during the above fifteen years, 152 were executed. The sentences of the remainder were commuted as follows : 617 were transported for life ; 79 for fifteen years ; 41 for ten years ; and 19 for seven years • 4 were imprisoned for three years ; 19 for two years and above one year ; 34 for one year or above six months ; and 11 for six months and under ; 17 received a free pardon ; 4 committed suicide ; and one died in prison.
The Sun. — 1853-05-17 (London, England)

MELANCHOLY SUICIDE BY A CLERGYMAN.—Great consternation was created at Horncastle in consequence of a report that the Rev. J. T. Clark, the respected vicar of the parish, had.committed suicide. The rumour upon inquiry unhappily proved too true, It appeared that the rev, gentleman had been for some time past suffering from a desponding state of mind, for which no rational cause could be assigned. Upon the recommendation of his medical attendants, he was advised by his friends to try the effects of change of air and scene, and consequently he had been absent from his parish for several weeks. On Saturday morning he returned home, and in the course of the afternoon he shot himself. This distressing affair has naturally created a feeling of the most intense excitement in the town and neighbourhood, where the lamented gentleman was highly respected, not only for his extensive learning and clerical abilities, but also for his charitable and benevolent disposition. In him the poor have lost a kind and active friend. He leaves a wife and large family to lament his sad end. The unfortunate gentleman had held the living for not more than five or six years. The Egyptian yacht which was run into in the Channel, and was obliged to put into Southampton about a week since, was docked yesterday at that port to ascertain the damage. She belongs to an uncle of the Paella of Egypt. Her whole framework about the spot where shec was struck was literally twisted with the force of the :anveetz. Had she not been built of iron she must . Her costly and magnificent furniture, such as sofas, chairs, &c., have been taken from her much damaged, and are now in the of r possession M Buchan, the ornamental carver of Southampton, be . repaired. The tassels of the sofas and other article's of furniture are of gold.
The Sun. — 1853-05-17 (London, England)

CAPITAL CONVICTIONS.—A parliamentary paper just issued contains a return of the number of persons capitally convicted in England and Wales from 1838 to 1852, both years inclusive. The gross number of capital convictions is 998, of which 269 were for murder, of whom 148 were executed, 92 transported for life, 11 received a free pardon, and the rest minor punishments. Ninety-five persons were convicted of attempts to murder, accompanied with injuries dangerous to life ; of these 4 were executed, and 65 transported for life. For shooting and stabbing, 13 ; for rape, &c., 68, of whom 50 were transported for life ; for unnatural crimes, 195, of whom 168 were transported for life, and nearly all the rest for shorter periods ; for burglary, 56, of whom 44 were transported for life ; for burglary with violence, 107, of these 87 were transported for life ; for robbery, 26 ; for robbery with violence, 108 ; for robbery by persons armed, 12, who were all transported for life, of the two former classes 11 and 60 respectively, were transported for life ; for arson, 1, transported for life ; for ditto of dwelling houses' 28, out of whom 16 were transported for life ; for feloniously rioting, 12, of whom 3 were transported for life - for high treason, 9, of whom 7 were transported for life. Of the 998 persons capitally convicted during the above fifteen years, 152 were executed. The sentences of the remainder were commuted as follows : 617 were transported for life ; 79 for fifteen years ; 41 for ten years ; and 19 for seven years ; 4 were imprisoned for three years ; 19 for two years and above one year ; 34 for one year or above six months..;. and 11 for six months and under ; 17 received a free pardon ; 4 con-uvitted suicide ; and one dic)d prion4
The Sun. — 1853-07-12 (London, England)

MELANCHOLY SUICIDE FROM CHARING-CROSS BRIDGE. —Last night Mr. Higgs, the coroner for the Duchy of Lancaster, held a brief inquiry at .the Spotted Dog, in the Strand, on the body of Theresa Swifthorne, aged 21, who committed suicide under the following circumstances :—The evidence proved that the friends of the unfortunate woman were highly respectable, but that for some time past, in spite of their entreaties; she had led a most abandoned life, frequenting the company of private soldiers and drummer-boys. On Thursday night last she was in the company of a drummer named Thomas Watkins, of the Coldstream Guards, at the White Lion public-house near Charing-cross. She there complained of being without money, when the drummer gave her a shilling, which she expended in gin. After that she asked the drummer to see her home across the water. They proceeded together on to Charing-cross Bridge, when the deceased to off her shawl and gave it to her companion, saying that she was only going to the rails for some purpose. He, therefore, went on, and finding that she remained longer than he expected, he looked round, and found her standing on the buttresses of the bridge, and holding on to one of the iron rods. He ran forward to save her, but she instantly fell into the water and disappeared. The drummer, in answer to the Coroner, said that his belief was that she had mounted the bridge merely to frighten him, bvt the thunderstorm set in, and a flash of lightning caused her to let go her hold, and she was in consequence drowned. Elizabeth Fox, of 3, Earl-street, Seven-dials, proved that the deceased had been in a very melancholy state for some time, and on the afternoon of Thursday last she took off her veil, placed it on her head, and inquired if she (deceased) was dead whether she would wear it. This and other evidence being conclusive, the jury returned a verdict that deceased destroyed her own life whilst in a state of temporary insanity, produced by intoxicating drinks.
The Sun. — 1853-07-12 (London, England)

MELANCHOLY SUICIDE FROM CHARING-CROSS BRIDGE. —Last night Mr. Higgs, the coroner for the Duchy of Lancaster, held a brief inquiry at the Spotted Dog, in the Strand, on the body of Theresa Swifthorne, aged 21, who committed suicide under the following circumstances :—The evidence proved that the friends of the unfortunate woman were highly respectable, but that for some time past, in spite of their entreaties, she had led a most abandoned life, frequenting the company of private soldiers and drummer-boys. On Thursday night last she was in the company of a drummer named Thomas Watkins, of the Coldstream Guards, at the White Lion public-house near Charing-cross. She there complained of being without money, when the drummer gave her a shilling, which she expended in gin. After that she asked the drummer to see her home across the water. They proceeded together on to Charing-cross Bridge, when the deceased took off her shawl and gave it to her companion, saying that she was only going to the rails for some purpose. lie, therefore, went on, and finding that she remained longer than he expected, he looked round, and found her standing on the buttresses of the bridge, and holding on to one of the iron rods. He ran forward to save her, but she instantly fell into the water and disappeared. The drummer, in answer to the Coroner, said that his belief was that she had mounted the bridge merely to frighten him, bet the thunderstorm set in, and a flash of lightning caused her dnicemsd,ropwron sastreientc, onsseevqeutie. of 3, been in a very melancholy state proved to let go her hold, and sEhaerlw tEhlai zt atbheet hd e Fos,eeas for some time, and on the afternoon of Thursday last she took off her veil, placed it on her head, and inquired if she (deceased) was dead whether she would wear it. This and other evidence being conclusive, the jury returned a verdict that deceased destroyed her own life whilst in a state of temporary insanity, produced by intoxicating drinks.
The Sun. — 1853-10-27 (London, England)

LAMBETH.—Marj Ann Smith, a decent looking young womam, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by throwing herself into the Surrey Canal. A. policeman, named Friar, who was on duty in the Old Kent-road, saw her struggling in the water at about 10 o'clock on the previous Saturday night and pulled her out. He conveyed her to the William the Fourth public-house, where restoratives were applied, and afterwards to the Camberwell workhouse. It appeared that the poor girl, who was a servant, had been induced by a fortune teller to give her some clothes, and that being afterwards seized with remorse, she had gone out and made the attempt to drown herself. On the recommendation of the master of the workhouse, who gave her a good character, and in consequence of her own manifest penitence, Mr. Elliott was induced to discharge the prisoner. James Goldsmith was charged with stealing a sovereign, the property of Mr. G. V. Wright. Mrs. Wright said that about three weeks ago the prisoner called at her husband's house, No. 9, The Grove, Clapham-road, and representing himself as a dissenting minister, said he was endeavouring to sell a little cutlery and stationery for a most distressed family of children, whose father was dead and whose mother was in the hospital. She consented to purchase a couple of shillings' worth of pens, and took a sovereign from her purse, intending to send for change, but the prisoner volunteered to procure it for her. She entrusted him with the sovereign, and never saw him again until that day, when she met him in the Borough, and gave him into custody. When she charged the prisoner with the offence, he stoutly denied it, but subsequently admitted he was the man, and offered to pay her the 18s. if she accompanied him to his residence in Fleece-yard. The prisoner said that immediately after he had received the change he met some old acquaintances, and was induced to spend a portion of the money with them. He hoped, however, his worship would permit him to arrange the matter by getting the lady her 18s. Mr. Elliott would allow no such thing, and remanded the prisoner.
The Sun. — 1853-10-27 (London, England)

LAMBETH.—Mary Ann Smith, a decent looking young womam, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by throwing herself into the Surrey Canal. A policeman, named Friar, who was on duty in the Old Kent-road, saw her struggling in the water at about 10 o'clock on the previous Saturday night and pulled her out. He conveyed her to the William the Fourth public-house, where restoratives were applied, and afterwards to the Camberwell workhouse. It appeared that the poor girl, who was a servant, had been induced by a fortune teller to give her some clothes, and that being afterwards seized with remorse, she bad gone out and made the attempt to drown herself. On the recommendation of the master of the workhouse, who gave her a good character, and in consequence of her own mani, fest penitence, Mr. Elliott was induced to discharge the prisoner. James Goldsmith was charged with stealing a sovereign, the property of Mr. G. V. Wright. Mrs. Wright said that about three weeks ago the prisoner called at her husband's house, No. 9, The Grove, Clapham-road, and representing himself as a dissenting minister, said he was endeavouring to sell a little cutlery and stationery for a most distressed family of children, whose father was dead and whose mother was in the hospital. She consented to purchase a couple of shillings' worth of pens, and took a sovereign from her purse, intending to send for change, but the prisoner volunteered to procure it for her. She entrusted him with the sovereign, and never saw him again until that day, when she met him in the Borough, and gave him into custody. When she charged the prisoner with the offence, he stoutly denied it, but subsequently admitted he was the man, and offered to pay her the 18s. if she accompanied him to his residence in Fleece-yard. The prisoner said that immediately after he had received the change he met some old acquaintances, and was induced to spend a portion of the money with them. He hoped, however, his worship would permit him to arrange the matter by getting the lady her 18s. Mr. Elliott would allow no such thing, and remanded the prisoner.
The Sun. — 1853-03-23 (London, England)

NELSON V. TAYLOR. THE VALUE OF A LEG.—This was an action to recover damages for an assault, by which one of plaintiff's legs had been broken.  The damages were laid at 501. Mr. Buchanan, Basinghall-street, for the plaintiff, stated the case, from which it appeared that, on the 13th of December last, plaintiff, who is a bootclof3er, went to the shop of Mr. Cole, bootmaker, in Unionstreet, to whom defendant was foreman, and some dispute having arisen, defendant seized plaintiff by the collar, and threw him with great violence from the shop into the street, by which one of his legs was broken. He was taken to St. Thomas's Hospital, where he was kept for five weeks ; and singe his discharge he had only been able to earn a few shillings a-week, and was still suffering from the injuries sustained. Mr. Lewis, for the defence, called witnesses who contended that it had been a fair stand-up oght, and that the injury was not intentional. Mr. Buchanan in reply, however, pointed out the positive evidence for the plaintiff as to his violent ejectment by the defendant. The jury, after a short consultation, gave a Terdii:t for the plaintiff, damages 51.  REMORSE AND SDlClDE.—Yesterday Mr. Wakley held an inquest at the Bear and Rummer, Mortimer-street, Marylebone, on William Thomas Tucker, a tailor, aged 47. It appeared from the evidence of deceased's widow, who evinced great mental distress, that for the last 22 years deceased led a dissipated wild life until Christmas, when his father died in the workhouse, which deeply affected him, as he was frequently heard to exclaim that if he had spent upon his father the.money he had squandered in drink, he would not have died an inmate of the workhouse. He often said he would not long survive his father, and threatened suicide. He lately purchased a business, which proved a failure, which greatly increased his melancholy. Between one and two o'clock on Sunday morning he returned home the worse for drink, and went to bed. His wife sat up all night watching him, lest he might be smothered in his drink. Upon bringing him a cup of tea at seven o'clock, she found him insensible, and gave the alarm, after which she sent for a friend, who, in consequence of deceased having said to him the day before, " Mr. Pheasant, tomorrow you will hear of my death," concluded he had poisoned himself, and sent fo di r mecal aid, but before Mr. Tucker, the surgeon, could arrived, deceased was a corpse. Mr. Tucker said deceased died from laudanum, which was taken from a phial that was found at his bed side. Verdict, "Insanity.
The Sun. — 1853-03-23 (London, England)

NELSON V. TAYLOR.  THE VALUE OF A LEG.—This was an action to recover damages for an assault, by which one of plaintiff's legs had been broken.  The damages were laid at 501.  Mr. Buchanan, Basinghall-street, for the plaintiff, stated the case, from which it appeared that, on the 13th of December last, plaintiff, who is a bootcloser, went to the shop of Mr. Cole, bootmaker, in Unionstreet, to whom defendant was foreman, and some. dispute having arisen, defendant seized plaintiff by the collar, and threw him with great violence from the shop into the street, by which one of his legs was broken. He was taken to St. Thomas's Hospital, where he was kept for five weeks ; and since his discharge he bad only been able to earn a few shillings a-week, and was still suffering from the injuries sustained. Mr. Lewis, for the defence, called witnesses who contended that it had been a fair stand-up oght, and that the injury was not intentional. Mr. Buchanan in reply, however, pointed out the positive evidence for the plaintiff as to his violent ejectment by the defendant.  The -jury, after a short consultation, gave a verdict for the plaintiff, damages 5/.  REMORSE AND SlllClDE.—Yesterday Mr. Wakley held an inquest at the Bear and Rummer, Mortimer-street, Marylebone, on William Thomas Tucker, a tailor, aged 47. It appeared from the evidence of deceased's widow, who evinced great mental distress, that for the last 22 years deceased led a dissipated wild life until Christmas, d eepl when his father died in the workhouse, which y affected him, as he was frequently heard to exclaim that if he had spent upon his father the money he had squandered in drink, he would not have died an. inmate of the workhouse. He often said he would not long survive his father, and threatened suicide. He lately purchased a business, which proved a, failure,o which greatly increased his melancholy. Betweenr home eantdhetwwooro'clock on Sunday morning he returned wife sat up all nighted drink, and went to bed. watching him, lest he might be smothered in his drink. Upon bringing him a cup of tea at seven o'clock, she found him insensible, and gave theeaularmce n , after edrenweahsiecdh she sent for a friend, who, in consequence having said to him the day before, " Mr. Pheasant, tomorrow you will hear of my death," concluded he had poisoned himself, and sent for medical aid, but before Mr. Tucker, the surgeon, could arrived, deceased was a corpse. Mr. Tucker said deceased died from laudanum, which was taken from a phial that was found at his bed side. Verdict, "Insanity."