Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1897-08-13 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

MOURNFUL TRAGEDY AT BARROW FORD. SUICIDE OF MR. JAMES AITKEN.  INQUEST AND FUNERAL.  A great sensation was created in the townships of Barrowford and Nelson on Monday, when it was made known that Mr. James Aitken, the well known manufacturer, of Spriug Grove, Barrowford, had committed suicide early that ;morning by cutting his throat. It appears that the unfortunate gentleman, who was widely known and respected in this vicinity, had been suffering from nervous depression for a little over four years, and. for over a month he had been unable to obtain sleep. Under these terrible conditions his mind became deranged and prompted him to end his sufferings in the manner stated. Mr. Aitken 's life has been an industrious one, and he has worked himself up from the ranks into a responsible position as an employer of labour. He was born in the neighbourhood of Colne, his father being a farm labourer, and at an early age he went to Blackburn. He was a very studious youth, and coming to Barrowford at 18 years of age, he gained employment at Coins Station as coal salesman. Whyn about 23 years old he was appointed agent for the executors of Colonel Hargreaves, which proved the starting point of his success, haying since acquired wharves in different parts of the country—at Blackburn, Church, Nelson, and other places. About 22 years ago he built Spring Grove, which is situated in Barrowford Old Lane, and is the house in which his tragic death took place. Attached to this residence is a very prosperous dairy farm, which he carried on up to the time of his death. About live years ago he took over the mill of Mr. John Barrowelough, known as Albert Mills, and containing 1500 looms. This, however, did not exhaust the range of his business versatility, for he was also connected with the company of Altham Brick and Tile Co., Huncoat (though this connection he afterwards broke) and the Burnley Brick and Tile Co., while four years ago he pur-1 chased some brickworks at Nelson from Mr. John' Stanworth, Nelson, floating the concern into a limited liability company, and being one of the directors up to the time of his death. Mr. Aitken did not publicly identify himself with politics, though his convictions were those of a thorough Liberal. In 1886 he succeeded Mr. Thomas Barrowclough on the School Board, occupying the position for three years. His public connection, however, has existed more in relation to religious matters and temperance reform than otherwise. For over thirty years lie had been a local preacher in connection with the Wesleyan denomination, and in fact his name was on the plan up to his death. He was one of the best supporters of his church, and in him the Wesleyan denomination has lost a strong stay. Be was also prominently associated with the Barrowford United Temperance Society, and was a thorough-going temperance advocate. In addition to a large circle of friends, he leaves a wife and four children—two sons and two daughters--to mourn his loss, his wife, whom he married 24 years ago, being originally a Miss Leyland, granddaughter of the late Mr. Robert Berry, cotton manufacturer.