Widnes Examiner. — 1893-09-09 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

LETTERS OF THE SUICIDE. AN OPEN VERDICT.  Mr. J. F. Price, coroner, of the Salford District, held an inquest at the Black-a-Moors Head Hotel, Rivington, on Saturday, upon the body of Thomas Knowles, 45, tailor and woollen draper, of Queenst., and Earle-at., Earlestown, who committed suicide by drowning in " Little" Lodge, belonging to the Liverpool Corporation on the previous Thursday.—Thomas Molyneux, grocer and provision dealer, Market-st.. Earlestown, stated the deceased was his brother-in-law, and was 45 years of age and had always enjoyed good health. He left home on the Friday owing co money troubles. Witness had a conversation with deceased about a month ago, when the latter told him abut his financial difficulties, and he advised him what to do, but he did not follow his advice on any one point. Had dersia styl done so he believed things would have gone on all right. He last saw deceased on the Tuesday,at his shop door in Earlestown, when he bade him" Good morning" and passed on. On the Friday deceased complained to his wife of being upset and left the house without telling her where he was going. His wife told him that she had advised him to go for a walk, and nothing was heard of him until they learned of his death. They traced him to Liverpool, on the Sunday,and was told he had slept at Wavertree on the Friday night. He heard that he had been to the docks, and witness thought he had gone to America. When he had the conversation with him deceased said he would either drown or make away with himself. Deceased had had some drink but appeared hopeful when he left him.—By the Foreman : Deceased bad not been an intemperate man, but had given way to drinking latterly. Deceased was solvent. He was certain he had no troubles outside his business. —Abraham Thornley, clerk, Great House, Riviaigton, stated that he had known deceased about six years. On the Saturday previous deceased paid him an unexpected visit. Be did not appear as lively as usual. He spent his time going walks, and on Monday visited Horwich and Chorley for the purpose of collecting some debts,and on returning said he had got promises but no money. When he came he said he had made it up with his wife to go away for a day or two for a holiday, and decided r,o come to see witness, he brought no luggage. He complained about trade being bad through the colliers being out on strike, but said nothing more about money matters. On Tuesday morning deceased bade him " Cood morning" and witness thought he was leaving but on returning home at night he found him in the house. The following day deceased said he felt better in health and spirits than he had done for a long time. He conversed with him and they read the newspapers from 8-30p.m. to 11-15 pan.on the Wednesday. At 7.25 on Thursday morning witness's wife came upstairs exclaiming " Knowles' " Knowles" and informed him that deceased had left some letters on the table. Witness went down stairs and found the two letters produced. The writing was in pencil and written on printed bill head forms. One of these read, Dear Bro. Thornley, I have gone to the water round the Black Boy, and you will find my body just past the third tree. Remember me to my wife and family and tell (here the sentence was left unfinished). I can't wait any longer and may the Lord have mercy on my soul. Wire them at once' your brother, Thomas Knowles. The other docucnentread "Dear Brother Thornley,—Accept my: thanks for your kindness. lam weary of waiting, hoping you will let my family know. Yours &G., Thomas Knowles. 1 have put the key under the door. On the other side of this note was written" Good nye and God bless my family and all friends." Witness left the house and went to the Little Lodge, where they found the body_pf deceased Deceased was without coat, hat and collar. He was in no way related to deceased.—Tbe Coroner summed up and remarked upon the want of evidence to show that deceased was in an unsound state of minel.—The foreman was of opinion that there was not sufficient evidence to show that deceased was of unsound mind.— The other Jurors agreed and an "Open Verdict" was returned.