npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1895-11-01 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

KEIGHLEY.  CPCIIBTS IN TROUBLE —On Friday, at Ohley, George Bolton, clerk, of Biogley ; J. A. E. Mitchell, patternmaker, of Keighley; and G. F. Silverwood, clerk, of Keighley, were brought up on a charge of riding bicycles and failing to give warning of their approach on overtaking a horse sod carriage, at Pool, on the 13th inseant.—A fine of 2s. 63. and costs was imposed in each case. CHARITT OPCANISATION SOCIIrrT. —The first annual report of this society, which COvel• • period from December 11th, 1894, to September 30th, 1895, states that during that time no fewer than 313 applications bad been considered, and to these must be added 506 recurrent cases, making a total of 926 submitted to the committee. The cases were dealt with as under : —Relieved by grants of money, 390; by grants of food and clothing, 194; sent to convalescent homes, 6; railway fares paid, 2; recommended to the Mayor's fund, 55; not requiring relief, 42 ; not suitable caees for the society, 91; not deeerving relief, 3l ; referred to the Guardians, 57; total 823 The total receipts had amounted £197 16s 4d., and there was in hand a balance of £56 18. 70.—The annual meeting of the society was held on Tuesday, thy Mayor (Mr. J. Dickinson, presiding.—The report was adopted, and officers and committee were elected. SAD SUICIDE —Alfred Cross (28), French polisher, of 12, Milton-street, Worth Village, died on Saturday from the effects of a self-administered dose of oxalic acid. He had been in failing health, and his wife had been ill lately which had rendered him despondent He got up as usual at six o'clock on Saturday Morning, in readiness to go to his work, but returned to the bedroom shortly afterwards and said to his wife, "Good-bye, Martha. I have done it this time! I shall not see you again." Mrs. Cross ran after him and prevented him from going onteide. He sat down in a chair, and then admitted having taken oxalic acid, and said he did not want to get better. Dr. O'Connell was sent for and administered antidotes, but the poison proved heal.
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1899-05-19 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

SENSATIONAL SUICIDE OF A LADY.  Mr. Troutbeck, tke Westminster Coroner, has held an inquiry touching the death of Mario Josephine Henan, aged 23 years, a young French lady who committed suicide under tragic circumstances at 169, New Bond Street, premises occupied by Mine. Harris Limited. The deceased had been living for some time past with a friend, a Miss Gordon, at a house in Maddox Street, Regent Street. She was engaged to be married to Mr. Leonard Harris, and had rented two rooms on the third floor of Mine. Harris's 'premises in Bond Street, where she proposed to carry on business after her marriage.—. Miss Gordon stated that Miss Ronan told her that she had money in her own right, but could not get it from her mother. One day she fired a revolver at a wall in the show room.—Miss Meadows, in the employ of Madame Harris Limited, said that the deceased said she was going to run away because her parents were unkind and Mr. Harris would not marry her. —Mr. Leonard Harris, managing director of "Mrs. Harris Limited," said he had been engaged to be married to the deceased for two years, and she had several times recently pressed the witness to marry her, but as no settlement of certain monetary difficulties liad been arrived at he thought it prudent not to get married. Miss !team' came to his shop and asked him why he had not been to see her at one o'clock that day. Witness told her that he had not reeoived her lIICSI4Ige making the appointment. Ile was sitting at tea alone with the decea-id, when she said, " ‘Vhen are you going to marry me?" He replied that lie could only give the same answer as lie had given all along, and that was that he was willing to marry her as soon as the money affairs were settled. She then put the revolver to her temple and tired. It was a motnentary act, and he had no opportunity of stopping her. —The Coroner read a leiter written in trench by the deceased to her mother. It ran —" Pardon rile if I again cause you trouble, but it is for tho last t into. I have not listened to your adviee and that is. led me to the road to ruin. I say adieu to you, end also to papa and Lily. Pardon me and pray for mime—Adieu, dearest mother, M. M. Itenan."— M. Hu 'ens Uctian said he bad given a qualified assent to his daughter's marriage. He did not attaeli any blame to Mr. Harris—A verdict of "Suicide while insane "was returned.
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1899-01-27 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

WOMAN "WITCHED.'  SUICIDE AFTER VISITS TO A FORTUNF.  TELLER.  An inquest has been held at Derby on the body of Maria Burnett, forty-two, who committed suicide by hanging herself in her bedroom on Monday Morning. Her husband, John Burnett (who was unable to speak distinctly as he was suffering from cancer in the tongue), stated that he was removing his furniture from one house to another, when deceased was left alone, and it was then that she took her life. A short time ago deceased went to a Mrs. Chesterton, of Agard Street, who professed to tell fortunes, for the purpose of ascertaining how much longer he (witness) had to live. Mrs. Chesterton demanded money, and deceased paid her venous small sums, but not sufficient, and could not get her to give the information required. About three weeks ago deceased could not pay her, whereupon Mrs. Chesterton told her it was too late, as she had "witched "her. Mrs. Chesterton further told deceased that everything she ate and drank would poison her, that her family were so many devils in the house, and that the test thing she could do was to commit suicide. _  The Coroner: Did anyone ever accompany your wife when she went to Mrs. Chesterton ?—No; all I know of the matter is what my wife has told me. Continuing, the witness said that deceased believed what Mrs. Chesterton told her. The woman's remarks preyed very much upon her mind, and she was terribly troubled. Since the consultation deceased had constantly threatened to commit suicide, and witness had been obliged to watch her very closely. When he went to bed at night he twisted his wife's hair round his finger, go that if she got up she could not avoid rousing him. About ten days ago witness was disturbed in that manner. Deceased sprang out of bed and attempted to strangle herself with a garment. Witness str.pped her, and she then said, "The old woman told me to do it." The first time deceased went to Mrs. Chesterton was in September last, when witness was in the infirmary, and she had since visited her several times.  Mary Anne Chesterton, the woman in question, was then called, but the coroner said that, in view of the serious allegations against her, he would postpone the inquiry. The inquest was then adjourned.
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1899-01-27 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE OF A YOUNG ' WOMAN.—Alice Pilmer, a neatly-dressed young woman of about 23 years of age, was charged with attempting to committ suicide by taking poison.—Margaret Watson, wife of John Watson, 21, Ninevah-street, Colne, deposed that her husband was the uncle of the prisoner, who was employed by witness as a servant. Prisoner had lived with them about 18 mouths. On Saturday witness went to her sister's at 15, Ninevah-street, about 4 o'clock. The prisoner followed her, and said that she had taken poison. She was crying when she came in, but did not appears to be in pain. Witness was frightened and went home, leaving the prisoner at her sister's with some women, who sent for help. The prisoner had never, to witness' knowledge, threatened to take her life. She had no trouble, had always been cheerful, and witness declared that she could not account for her action. She saw the accused again about 6' o'clock the same afternoon, and brought her back to the house. She appeared to be alright then. Witness did not believe the prisoner when she first told her that she had taken poison.—Joseph Dowson, chemist, Market-street, Colne, stated that on Saturday he sold a pot of phosphorus paste to a little girl. About 20 minutes after the little girl came back and wanted some salts of lemon. He refused to supply her with them. She told him what the phosphorus had been used•for.— P.C. Brennan deposed to apprehending the prisoner on the 23rd. He charged her with attempting to commit suicide by drinking poison. She made no reply. He had watched the accused since the attempt. She complained of being ill, and looked badly.—Dr. A. A. G. Dickey, Caine, stated that he saw the prisoner on Saturday, about 5 o'clock, at 15, Ninevahstreet, Colne. She was partly insensible, and suffering from phosphorus poisoning. The symptoms were partial insensibility, and she smelt of phosphorus. She did not complain of pain. He gave her an emetic, and she vomited freely. In 20 minutes she was cured. She might have lost her life, but was now out of danger. She admitted having taken rat poison.—lnspector McLean said that this prisoner had made no previous attempt. She had said that she was low spirited.—The Chairman said that the matter was a very serious one, and he hoped that the accused would never do it again. The Bench were not disposed to 13,il hardly with her, but they hoped she would take warning by it.—The prisoner was charged.
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1899-01-20 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

MURDERER'S CONFESSION. The painfulness of the terrible tragedy enacted at the little village of Woburn Sands, Bedfordshire, the other day when a woman was murdered in bed by her lodger, is intensified by the revelations made at the inquest. After the jury bad viewed the bodies of George Jeffrey and his victim, Mrs. Burt, which were lying aide by side in a bed-room, the coroner read a letter which was found on the body of the murderer. It was addressed to hie brother, and ran as follows:  "Just a few lines to tell you all. I saw you on Tuesday, but you little thought what I had in my mind then. I hope God will forgive me for what I have done. Please let Jane have what is here belonging to me, and give little F. Burt my watch. I should have done it OD Tuesday night if you ha 4 not been here. It's all her fault; she is a bad woman. Tell Harry to keep away from all girls, for they are all a bad lot. Bee what they have done for me."  Then followed allegations as to the chastity of the woman, and statements as to immoral relation' existing between him and his victim. He added that as they bad both turned their backs on the husband he thought it better to end it by taking her life and hi" own. . _ _  The evidence bore out the particulars already reported. It was stated in addition by the youthful son of the murdered woman that he slept in the same room as Jeffery, and on the fatal morning the lad rose at seven o'clock and went to his mother, who was in bed with her twins. Ile took one of the babes downstairs to his sister, and Jeffery followed a few minutes later, carrying the other baby. Be said as he pat it down, "I've brought poor little Jimmy down." Jeffery then went back upstairs, and in a few minutes later the crime was committed.—Medical evidence was given to the effect that neither of the dammed could have lived more than a few minutes after the wounds were inflicted.— The jury found a verdict of "Wilful murder" against Jeffrey, and then he committed suicide.— The Coroner: And what about the state of his mind?—The Foreman : We have not made up our minds on that point —The Coroner: Well, I shall have to record a verdict of felo-de-se.—The jury expressed their sympathy with the husband, who is left with seven children. The jury also gave him their fees.
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1899-11-24 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

WOMAN TURNED MANAIC.  Yesterday morning a woman named Mary Curley was charged at the Nelson Police Court betore Coun. Reed and Mr. J. Hartley with attempting to commit suicide the previous evening.--Inspector Palmer said about six o'clock on Wednesday, a man named Robert Robinson was going along Rupert-street when he saw prisoner lying on some waste land, and at the time she was screaming. On going to her he found a scarf tied round her neck which she was pulling very tightly, threatening to commit suicide. Robinson got assistance and prisoner was taken to the police station, and several times she said she would do away with herself. In the ponce station she was very violent, biting a piece out of a policeman's coat, also doing likewise to the cell rug. She hared in a very extraordinary manner.— Robinson said when he saw prisoner she was sdlleaming and threatening to throw herself in the canal or under the tram. She appeared as if she would choke, so tight was the scarf round her neck, and he had to get two other men to loosen the shawl. She was taken to the police station on a passing lurry.—P.C. Baron proved to receiving prisoner into custody on Manchester-road. She was in a mad condition, screaming, and she appeared to be out of her mind. She shouted out to a man that she would not be alive long. Her neck was much discoloured owing to the scarf. On being charged she replied "Yes, I did it."—lnspector Palmer said he saw prisoner when she was taken to the police station, and she was very violent, and she threatened to do away with herself. Dr. Millar was called in and he had seen her several times during the night, and he stated the woman was suffering from acute, mania. Two men and a woman were with her all night on account cf her violent condition.—Prisoner was remanded to the workhouse.  STOP A COUGH IN ONE NIGHT  Take VONG'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURL It stops an ordinary cough in one night, and cnres chronic coughs bronchitis, asthma, catarrh, influenza, and whooping cough rapidly. Its vast superiority over the different emultdons and ordinary cough mixtures cannot be estimated. It has saved thousands of lives after they had been turned out of hospitals. It is a new scientific remedy endorsed by medical men. Ask for VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH Crag, and see that you get it, price and 2/9 per bottle (copyright). Sold by FO(IGITT, Chemist, and all Chemists and Co-ops. 297 k
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1899-02-24 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

THE I-RESENT GULF.  The Rev. Sandy Kent, of Colne, also addressed the meeting, and said one of the striking features which a foreigner noticed when coming to this country was the loyalty the people showed to the Crown, Parliament, and Law, yet were not all loyal to one church, nor did they conform to the national church. There was a gulf at the present time which made it impossible for them to join the Established Church. -..ey were outside the pale, not of their own seeking. He did not agree with a national church. If he under stood Jesus Christ, he came to destroy the national church and build a church for the world. Their Christianity was a universal Christianity. They were loyal subjects, but he objected to the Queen being at the head of the churoh---(hear, hear). He said that with all due deference to England's Queen. He was proud of the Queen; she had lifted up the throne as no other ever did. But they objected to either King or Queen being at the head of the church, because they were merely King or Queen. They recognised no King but one and he was King of Kings and Lord of Lords—(applause). They objected to the Prelate, who was appointed by Parliament. If the House of Commons were baptised with the Holy Ghost, they might accept one of their bishops, but they had not reached that yet. In concluding, he exhorted them to strengthen their ranks, to stand shoulder to shoulder, and show they stood for a principle that they would stand by so that people might know they were a living church, born of the crms and inspired by the spirit of the living God—(applause). A most interesting and entertaining concert was gone through in the course of the evening. The Lyric Glee singers especially were in good voice, and their contributions As moments roll," Dear is my native vale," and "The breeze" were heartily applauded. Miss Aldersley ably gave the songs "Dear heart" and The better land."  The proceedings were terminated by Rev. A. S. Hollinshead thanking those who had oasisted in the success of the gathering.  Mr. .1. Morley Unwin has died at Monte Carle. For many years he was director of the Foreign Department of the Credit Lyonnais at Nice. He moved to Monte Carlo, subsequently becoming proprietor of Smith's Bank, which holda the Government monopoly for banking in the principality. Frank Dyes, a labourer, living in Tiber Street, King's Cross, has committed suicide in the Caledonian Police Station by banging himself by a handkerchief attached to a ventilator in the wall. Dyes had been taken to the station for being drunk and disorderly.
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1899-07-14 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

THE INQUEST.  Mr. H. J. Robinson, coroner, held :ill inquest on the body on Saturday afternoon, at the Crown Hotel, Colne, Mr. Jas. Hartley being the foreman of the jury. The first witness, Ann Lindsay, of Turtou Bottoms, near Bolton, deposed that the deceased was her husband. They had lived apart for three months, and it was the third time he had left her. Her husband had ill-used her and threatened to take her life. When together they had lived on a farm, which was in her name, and he would have sold up if he could have done so. About Good Friday, he returned home and witness told him that he seed not conic again as he had taken all the money. Deceased then left, and she never saw him alive again. Walter Riley. weaver, 11, Harvey-street, Nelson, said he had known deceasel for nearly oix months. Deceased had been working in :Nelson, and the previous Saturday had come to witness and asked to stay all night with him. Witness consented. He thought the deceased had been strange in his manner for the last few weeks. On Saturday, the deceased told witness he was going to stay at 10, Bunkers ('nine, and on the Monday, he would go to Bradford. draw some money that was owing him, and then go on to Carlton. On Sunday. deceased said that in the middle of the night he thought of getting up and making away with himself. He asked witness to keep his clothes and his box until he sent for them. Bridget Pickup, widow, of 10, John-street, Mlnkers Hill, Collie, said that she had known deceased for many years. About one o'clock On Sunday afternoon he came to her house. Later, he went out to have a glass of beer. He told witness he was going to America, as he had heard that his wife had a warrant out against him. Deceased left about 5-30 on 'Monday morning and appeared much upset in mind.  Joseph Crabtree, canal hank manager, Foul. ridge, deposed to getting the body out of the water. His attention was drawn to it by the sued on a passing .team barge. The body imemed to have been in the water three or four days. A verdict of " suicide whilst of unsound =bit" wad returned.
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1899-08-04 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

SUICIDE AT BRIERFIELD. DISCOVERY BY BOYS.  During the perambulations of a number of boys on the bank of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on Monday evening, they saw some sus'. pieious object in the water, which proved to be the dead body of John Shepherd, weaver, of Nelson. For some time it appears deceased has not been on the beet of terms with his wife, and only last week the latter took out a summons again,t him for maintenance. An inquest was held on Tuesday evening, at the Leeds and Liverpool Hotel, Brierfield, when the widow of the deceased gave evidence of identification, and stated that her husband came to see her on the previous Thursday, and owing to his conduct, and the fact that she was living apart from him, she was obliged to send for the police. In the meantime she had obtained a summons against him for neglect of family, which should have been heard on the sth inst. She had not seen the deceased from that time until yesterday morning, when she identified the body.—Miss Shepherd, sister of the deceased, said that on Sunday afternoon the deceased sent for her out of the house about three o'clock. She went, and he said he was in great trouble, as his wife had got out a warrant for him. After some conversation she left him, and had not seen him alive since.—Another witness, :1 young man, deposed to seeing the deceased near Hollin Bank, apparently standing in the water up to his chin. A boat passed along at the time, and turned the body head downward,. He assisted a policeman to get the body out.—PA'. Elkin stated that at about o'clock on Saturday night some boys brought a jacket, waistcoat, and scarf, which they had found on the canal bank. From informatru received he went to Rollin Bank. He saw the deceased, and assisted to get him out of the v.ater. During the previous night he had Iwen identified by Mary Jane Shepherd, his widow, and her sister. There were no marks on the body, which appeared to have been in the water two or three days.—A verdict. of Suicide whilst of unsound mind" was returned.
Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1897-08-13 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

THE PROPOSED WINDSOR HOTEL. To the Editore/the Nebon Chronicle. Sir,—On the 21st inst. application will be made for a Hoene° for the proposed Windsor Hotel, which, it is to be hoped, will not be granted. There is no philanthropic motive in the person asking for it, neither has there been any publicly expressed wish for such an hotel from those most interested. It is a mere question of dollars and dimes.  In December of last year, the London Daily Telegraph instituted inquiries as to what any one day would provide in the way of police cases as the result of drink. To be perfectly fair they took what would be a very ordinary day, purchasing a copy of every paper published on that particular day. They were greatly surprised at the result, the number of cases recorded being 1,606, made up as follows :—Murder, 1; attempted murder, 8; manslaughter, 5; suicides, 5; attempted suicide, 6; fatal accidents, 11 ; death caused or accelerated by drink, 12; assaulting wives, neglecting children, rke. If this represented the entire result of the doings of drink for one day, and that a quiet one, it would surely be bad enough, 1,06 for one day giving a total for the year of 586,190. The Telegraph concludes that not one case in five is reported, and that WA may safely conclude that England alone would furnish in one day from 8,000 to 10,000 cases for the magistrates in which drink was the contributory cause. Taking the lower estimate, this would give for the year 2,920,000 police cases as a result of indulgence in what the late Duke of Albany said was the only enemy England need to fear. In the face of such facts, it is to be hoped the magistrates will hesitate before increasing the facilities for such results. At the recent sale of public houses the cry was " barrels I barrels !" Yes; they prefer the emptyMg barrels to doing what they were originally intended to be—places of refreshment. Some months ago a lady and two gentlemen drove to Nelson for a particular purpose, and wishing to have dinner before returning they called at one of the principal hotels, but were refused on the plea that dinners were only provided when ordered beforehand. Would such have been the case had they been a party who were capable of doing their full share towards emptying barrels? The fact is they care little—in very many cases nothing at all —for those who want food, though to supply it was their original purpose.—Yours truly, Nelson.