npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The North Cumberland Reformer. — 1895-09-14 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

THE SUICIDE OFF EDEN BRIDGE.  The body of the man Joseph Curran, who committed suicide by jumping off Eden Bridge, on the night of Atigust 31st was found on the south side of Eden near Caldew Foot, on Sunday morning between 8 and 9 o'clock. An inquest was held at the Police Office at 4 o'clock before Mr E. Westmorland, deputy-coroner.— Sarah Jane Curran, widow of the deceased, identified the body as that of her husband, Joseph Curran, a grocer's porter, 35 years of age. Up till Friday, August 23rd, he was in the employ of Mr Bushby ; on that date she was obliged to leave him on account of excessive drinking, and went with their five children to her mother in Robson's Court, Bridge Street. She heard that he went to her brother's at Glasgow. On the Wednesday he called at her mother's for the key of his house, which she gave him. At twenty minutes to twelve on the Saturday night he called. They were in bed. Her mother told him he could not see witness, and he went quietly away. She did not see him again alive. She had never heard him threaten to commit suicide.—Georga Wright, an upholsterer, Willow Holme, said that about ten minutes to twelve he and James Baxter, Milbourne Street, were going over Eden Bridge on the east side in company with Mr Constable of Etterby Street. About midway deceased passed them, and crossed over in front of them, and got up on the wall. Baxter pulled him down, and asked him what he was going to do. He said he was going to drown himself. They had some talk with him, when he suddenly made another attempt, and fell. He then ran across to the other side, sprang on the wall, and fell over. They heard the splash, and could see him struggling in the water. They went down to the water side, but he had disappeared, and they gave information to the police.—Robert Brown, Front Duke Street, labourer, deposed to finding the body abont 100 yards above Caldew Foot. It was in water three feet deep. He dragged the body out, and then went for the police, who brought a stretcher and recovered it..—The jury having expressed a wish to learn the cause of the delay in putting the drags to work, Inspector Eckford was called. He explained that the boat was kept at the Waterworks solely for police purposes. 'When wanted on this occasion, it was found that it had been taken away, and was recovered near the screening chambers very much damaged. The matter would be investigated by the Watch Committee at their next meeting.—The jury, by a majority of twelve to one, returned a verdict of Suicide by drowning while suffering from temporary insanity," and added the recommendation that there should be full investigation into the cause why the boat was not in the boat-house, and into the questions of who had charge of it, and who was responsible for the damages.—The Coroner said that something above his fee would be awarded to the man Brown.
The North Cumberland Reformer. — 1895-02-09 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

SAD SUICIDE IN CARLISLE. On Monday morning a painful case of suicide occurred in Water Street, Carlisle. William Davidson (56). a platelayer employed at the Citadel Station, residing at 10 Water Street with a son and married daughter, went to bed as usual on Sunday night. Next morning his son, who slept with him, woke about live o'clock and found his father was up. He went to his work, however, but later on a neighbour going to the water closet found the door fast. The assistance of I'. C. Hind was obtained and he got the door open with some difficulty. Davidson was found inside with his throat cut, the head almost being severed from the body. The inquest was held at the Wrestlers' Arms, Currock Street, in the afternoon before Mr J. If. Brown, city coroner, and evidence was given by the son. Thomas Davidson, P. C. Hind, and William Forster. The knife with which the deed was done was produced, and was a large pocket knife with a curved blade, such as gardeners sometimes use for pruning. A singular fact in connection with the affair is that deceased had a dislike to carrying the knife and kept it in a drawer, and it had been given him to keep it out of the way of some one whom it was feared would make use of it in the way Davidson had done. No cause could be assigned for the rash act, except that deceased had heen rather low spirited for a few days. The jury returned a verdict of " Suicide whilst of unsound mind."  SUDDEN DEATH IN CARLISLE STATION A painful case of sudden death took place in the Citadel Station on Saturday. It appears that a young married lvoman named Mary Ann King, wife of Joseph King, labourer, 97 New Street, Crewe, who has been for some time in indifferent health, came to Carlisle on a visit to her mother, Mrs Anderson, 54 South Street, for a few weeks to recruit. On the way she was affected with sickness and vomiting, but appeared to make light of it, and in the intervals conversed cheerfully and attended to the nine months old baby she had with her. On arrival at Carlisle her travelling companion, Miss Emma Foster, a nurse who was on her way from London to fulfil an engagement, got out. As she was pressed for time, and as Mrs King seemed to be quite recovered, she left her in the carriage. A porter named Long went. to the compartment, and looking in saw that Mrs King was not well. He took her basket and she stepped out unaided with the baby in her arms, but immediately fell backwards and died instantly. Dr. Fairlie was summoned, and was soon in attendance, but found life extinct. The inquest was held on Monday at the Police Office before Mr J. H. Brown, city coroner. Evidence baying been given bearing out the above facts. Dr. Fairlie stated that. his examination of deceased had led him to the conclusion that she had suffered from valvular disease of the heart. The sickness spoken of in the train was due to natural causes, and had nothing to do with the fatal result,which was due to disease of the heart. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence
The North Cumberland Reformer. — 1895-08-03 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

SUICIDE OF A CITY MERCHANT. At St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, on Wednesday, Mr. Langlinm held an inquest on the body of Arthur Stewait Wortley (61), & scribed as a City merchant, who committed suicide at 14, St. Mary Axe.—Mr. Arthur Stewart Wortley, a commission ageut, identified the body as that of his father, who, he said, had been greatly depressed of late. He had no financial troubles, but had become somewhat intemperate in his habits. On two occasions he had threatened to commit suicide.—Artbur Slade,a clerk employed byMessrs.Alexander Lawrie,of 14, St. Mary Axe, said the deceased was in the employ of .the firm, who were West Indian merchants. On Saturday week the witness heard the sound of a revolver shot in the deceased's room. On going there he found the deceased silting in a chair with a pistol shot wound in his head. He wee still living, and asked the witness to send for Dr. Blewitt. Mr. John Turner, another clerk in the employ of the firm, said the deceased was indebted to the firm. He had failed in business, and had threatened to shoot himself on account of his reduced circumstances. A police.-constable said he found a letter which the deceased had written to Messrs. Lawrie as follows : "Dear sirs,—Your conduct towards me has shown me plainly your intention to oust me from the Calcutta businesa,whicli I have personally conducted for the past seventeen years, and you are doing the same on the starving process. It is impossible for me to live under this tyranny, and I hope you will be able to make some allowance to my family out of the Calcutta business.—A. S. WoRTLEr." Mr. Robert Scott, a journalist, a friend of the deceased, said he had recently received a letter from him in which the following passages appeared: " I have put matters fairly before my people, and asked for a proposal. lam starving and dying. I fear that what may happen will lie at their door. I hope that times are better with you than with me."—The medical evidence showed death to have resulted from a bullet having entered the brain.—The jury returned a verdiet of "Suicide during temporary insanity."
The North Cumberland Reformer. — 1895-06-08 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

SUICIDE'S FXTB,AORDINARY  LETTER.  The deputy coroner for Birmingham (Mr. J. Ansell) on Tuesday morning held an inquest at the Victoria Courts on the body of George Bayliss (49), a japanner, who lived at 55, Stafford Street, and who had committed suicide. Deceased's nephew, who lives at West Bromwich, described his uncle as a man of sober habits, healthy, and cheerful. He bad, however, been short of work, and during the last four years had not been occupied twelve months. He had helped deceased with frequent gifts of money. On Wednesday, the 27th May, in consequence of a letter which he had received, witness came to Birmingham and saw the deceased. He was thou unconscious. At this point the Coroner read the letter, which was as follows :—" Pilgrim's Retreat, 55, Stafford Street. My dear Will,—When I was brought into this world forty-nine years ago I was not asked to come that I remember, and I don't see why I should consult anyone when or how I should leave it. I tried to go nap on the Friday in the Christmas week,and on the Monday after I came from Luton, but I had bad hands—in other words I did not got enough stuff ; but I think I shall land this time, as I have got the ace, king, queen, " and ten of trumps, fled the Stee of spades. If I don't get nap with them it will be a bad job. lam tired of lounging about, and I will not have any more of it. What I have gone through this last four years is enough for rue. There are thousands that have gone through more, but if they like it let them have it. I won't. I think no more about death than I do about killing a fly. I think when you snuff it, it is like a game of crib. When you get into the sixty-one hole the game is over. They can bring it in how they like—(The Coroner to the jury: I suppose that is you gentlemen)—about ; whether I fell in the sea or the cut, I don't care if 1 am Tut under by moonlight or sunlight; in fact, the doctors can have me to play with, and what they don't want they can send to the sewage farm. might help to grow something. They Bay that the farm ain't a paying very well, so every little helps. I thank you for what you have done for me, and believe me, I would have done the same for you; but I hope you will have good luck, and never want it. lam glad I saw Alf on Sunday. It was like as though it was to be. I should have liked to have seen your aunt, but it would not have made matters any better. Tell her that I wih her well; and I hope she will remember the old saying that blood is thicker than water. I suppose this time to-morrow I shall be in the back-yard at the Law Courts. I never have been in; it might be a treat. My love to Ally and Nelley, and all of you. I will now wish you all good - bye, and hope you will have the best of luck. I am, your
The North Cumberland Reformer. — 1895-03-30 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

GENZEOITS.—" John Thomas," said old E "you have served me well for ten years, al reward will now come. The next livery yl will be fitted with silver buttons instead o luttons, and I trust thrit my confidence will found to have been misplaced." A NEW Rule for Play writing.—When that you have got your characters into an inextricable muddle, do not take the troubli them out of it, but simply leave them in it the audience gets double value. It sees piece and then goes home and has the enjoy settling up the situations to its own Stltisinel NOT a Business Man.—Mabel: I'm afrai, have to break off my engagement with Alice : Why F—Mabel : Because I fear he good business man.—Alice: What makes yi that F—Mabel : Well, you see, in his it sent me two hundred kisses, and he never t precaution to register the letter. BEFORE the Ball.—He : I do wish yol burry a little with your dressing, for we E late. She : Hurry ? Why, I have been I as hard as I can for the livit two and a half h  (From MOONSHINE). OUR British bootrnakers have struck, Germans and Americans are all the busk in tho end, of course, more of our trado manently go. Give these foreigners a fc they take—a factory. LADY cricketers were but a nino days' and we fancy that lady foot-bajlers will n much of a stay. A single kicking woman pretty sight. But to .see eleven of them against another eleven ui an aggravation of we would prefer that both. teams should scr: IT is now said that, altar all, Admiral ' not commit suicide, and that someone e buried in his stead. A little artful this, but that the statement is true; ws should be p: think that Admiral Ting's owv craft has eso general destruction. SNORING in an adjoining flat is not a pol offence, at least so a stipendiary has just But we fancy that sontethiug might be do the offending nose if one got the owner ( Chancery."
The Northern News. — 1898-06-11 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

GIRL'S STRANGE SUICIDE.  Some remarkable evidenoe was given at an in- I quest held on Monday night at the Commercial Inn, New-st., Barnsley, on the body of Edith Martin, aged fifteen years, who drowned herself in the Barnsley Canal in the presence of a companion, having first attempted to take her We by drinking a quantity of laudanum.—Eleanor Hemsworth, a girl about sixteen years of age, said she had known deceased for about three years. At about six o'clock on Thursday morning witness saw deceased, when the latter told her she had left her place because it was a hard one, and laughingly said she wished she was dead and out of the way. Deceased talked about a young man named Thompson, who had lived in the locality, and who had drowned himself in the canal a short time before. Deceased said that her sister used to go with Thompson. Witness next saw deceased on Saturday night shortly after nine o'clock near the Public Hall. She asked witness whether she would go with her to a house on the canal side, explaining that she had been sent there by her mistress. Deceased weaned to be merrier than ever witness had seen her before. As they were walkixig down Eldon-et. North deceased asked witness to sing a comic song for her. She did so, and deceased joined in with her, jumping about. They went straight to the bridge and turned on to the canal bank towards Smithy Bridge. On the way deceased only talked about dancing and singing. They went along skipping an( jumping. When they got as far as Smithy Bridge deceased asked witness to get some blossom from the hedge, excusing herself by saying that her boots were new and slippery. Witness gave the blossom to deceased, who asked her to get some more. Witness went down the bank, when she beard a splash and saw her companion in the middle of the canal. She saw deceased sink in about a minute. Witness then went to the police station. When they were going down Eldon-et. North deceased drank from a bottle and threw it away. Witness could not see What the bottle contained, but deceased said it was "sweet nitre," and that she had had some before. —lt WM shown that the bottle, which was afterwards found, had contained laudanum.—The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst temporarily insane."
The Northern News. — 1898-05-07 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

ILLLTWHISTLE V. HAYDON BRIDGE,  This, the last fixture of the season, was played on the Red Lion field on Saturday in disagreeable weather. Through some misunderstanding only two of the Haltwhistle team turned out, the remaining places being filled by anyone who would turn out. The game was little more than mudlarking, and resulted in a draw of one each. Mr W. Holden, Halton-lea-gate, officiated as referee.  ALLEGED THEFT or • Hamming —On Monday, an elderly man named Thomas Fisher, who has been engaged in breaking stones near Broom Houses, left his work as usual, placing his hammers behind the stone wall for safety. Next morning, he missed one of them, the largest, and gave informs tion to P.C. Little, Coanwood. Suspicion fell on a young man named Thomas Bell, who had passed when Fisher was leaving, and had gone along with him. As the result of inquiries, P.C. Litee, on Wednesday went to Grey Crag Quarry, near Kellah, in which Bell had been working, and found the hammer. Bell was taken into custody, and conveyed to the Haltwhistle Police Office, where next day he was liberated on bail till the Court day, May 26th. Bell has been working some time in the quarry, but was previously with an uncle at Hainey House.  SUICIDE THROUGH lIIIILUENZ•.—On the 28th April, a man named William Teasdale, labourer, 70 years of age, residing at Carr's Mill, in the parish of Whitfield, committed suicide by drowning himself in Carr's Burn. An inquest was held on the body on Saturday, before Mr H. V. Rutherford, deputy coroner for South Northumberland. Deceased's son, William Teesdale, identified the body. The principal witness was deceased's daughter, who resided with him. She said her father got out of bed about four in the morning, and drew up the blind. He then went to bed again, but got up about six and went out. She rose about half-past, end missing him went out in search of him. She met • • a man who works on the roads, who, together with neighbour woman, went with her to the burn. they found deceased's body in the water face downwards, his back being out of the water. He had suffered from a severe attack of influenza about a mond ago, which had deranged his mind, but had not given any indication that he contemplated suicide. 'rhe jury returned a verdict of "Suicide by drowning while suffering from temporary insanitary."
The Northern News. — 1898-08-20 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

FOUND DROWNED.  On Monday afternoon an inquest was held at the City Police Office, West Walls, before Mr H. B. Lonsdale, acting coroner, on the body of a man named John William Sheckley, aged 23, a labourer at Messrs Can's Works, and residing at C Ferguson's Court, English Street. Deceased had been missing nearly a week, and his body was found floating in the Eden, adjoining the Swifts, about half-past three on Sunday afternoon. It was much decomposed, and had apparently been in the water some time.— James Shockly, postman, Ferguson's Court, identified the body as that of his brother. He last saw him alive at about five minutes to six on the morning of Monday, August Bth. Deceased was in the kitchen, just going out to his work.—By the Coroner: Deceased had not been in any trouble, and was on good terms with the family. He had never threatened to c nurnit suicide. and was always bright and cheerful. Robert Burns, solicitor's clerk, Chiswick Street, stated that on Sunday, the 14th, he was walking round the racecourse about 3-30, when he stw something which looked like a sack floating in the river, at the bend on the Swifts, below the second lifebuoy. He called the attention of a man who was lying on the bank to the object. Witness thought it was a human body, and he stripped and waded into the river. The body was decomposed, there was mud on the face, and it appeared to have been in the water some time. A policeman had been sent for, and two constables came and took charge of the body.—Thomas Little, cabinet maker, Malt Shovel Inn, Rickergate, the man referred to as lying on the bank, corroborated. He had watched the body for about five minutes before last witness spoke to him.—P. C. Armstrong deposed to taking charge of the body, and removing it to the Mortuary at the West Walls. Ile found a watch (produced) on deceased. It had stopped at half-past six.—This was all the evidence, and the Coroner having summoned up, the jury immediately returned • verdict of " Found Drowned."
The Northern News. — 1898-10-29 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

SAD SUICIDE TEIROLTGH A LOVE AFFAIR. About half-past nine on Monday morning Waterbailiff Marshall and a man named Haugh, found the body of a young man in the Eden near Riokerby Holme, Police Constable Wilson, Stanwix, was called in and had the body removed to the Crown and Thistle Inn, Stan wiz. It was ascertained to be that of a young man named Ernest Arthur Bell. aged 21. a labourer at Messrs Carr's, who had been missing sinoe the previous Tuesday. An inquest was held at the Inn on Monday by Mr J. B. Lee, Coroner for East Cumberland. From the evidence of deceased's father. Joseph Midgely Bell, who resides at 34 Howe Street, and is an assistant superintendent to the Prudential Insurance Company, It appears that deceased, disliking the restraints of home, left over a year ago, and went to lodge with Mrs Martin, 179 Denton Street. He was connected with the Railway Mission and Salvation Army, and was a total abstainer. He kept all right until he began to keep company with a girl. He gave up the first one and then began to keep company with another. From the latter he received a letter, whicti had evidently upset his mind, and driven him to commit suicide.  Bailiff Marshall stated that in his opinion the body had been in the water three or tour days. It was lying face downwards in about a foot of water, among gravel. The brow and nose were bleeding from bruises evidently caused by the gravel.  Mrs Jessie Martin, with whom deceased had lodged, gave some further particulars as to the letter that caused the mischief. Deceased seemed all right till he got it, shortly after one on Tuesday On reading it he said it was "awful." He went to work as usual, but seemed very dull. He came in at night for his tea. Witness asked him it he was going to the nneeting, and he replied that he did not know. He then went out, and was not seen ao.in alive. The girl who sent the letter called upon her before the letter arrived and told her something which she (witness) repeated to him, expressing her surprise at it. Annie Bradley, Nelson Street, the writer of the letter, volunteered evidence. She admitted writing the letter, she and deceased having had a quarrel about a fortnight ado. She said there was nothing in it that need have caused deceased to do what he had done. She then burst into tears, and had to be taken from the room. _ .  The jury intimated that they had had sufficient evidence, and returned the following verdict :—" That deceased was found drowned, he having drowned himself while not of sound mind in consequence of sudden trouble."
The Northern News. — 1898-11-05 (Carlisle, Cumbria, England)

MERRY MILKMAN."  At the Camberwell Coroner's Court, Mr. (1 P. Wyatt held an inquest on the body of Herbert Arthur Edwin Higgins, aged twenty-one years, a milk-carrier, lately hying at 5, Warndoor-at., Rothertrithe, Who oommitted sude by hanging himself at the rear of Mr. Marshall's dairy, Camberwellgrove, on Wednesday morning last. The following is a oopy of a letter written by deceased, and addressed to the inspector on duty at Camberwell 'aolice-station: "The married life of H.H.' Esq. r have been married fifteen months, and it has been fifteen months' misery, for my wife is no woman to . . . She goes and leaves me night after night, and this time she has been away since Friday, and a wife that goes away like that is no class for me or anybody else; but this time she can stop away, for I don't want to see her again, or her to see me. . . . Before we were married she said things which showed she was no class, and never will be, 843 I pity the next fool that has her. I think this is al will say about her. I could say more, but I won't. I leave my love to darling little daughter and mother and sister. Don't worry over me. This is caused by that beautiful Poll.—H. Higgins. P. 8.—1 was a' once a merry milkman,' but now ruined for life, so here goes, good night. . . . It is now 1.30 a.m., the loop is ready, so down I go, never to move again. . . . Don't let my wife go and see me buried, as it would make her jump for joy to think I have gone and loft her on her own. . . . Mother, I am off to meet my doom; it seems hard to part. With love.—H.H. The jury returned a verdict i of suicide whilst temporarily nsane.