The Sun. — 1846-07-03 (London, England)

THE DOUBLE SUICIDE AT NOTTINGHAM. NOTTINGHAM, THURSDAY AFTERNOON.—Yesterday afternoon Mr. Coroner Browne held an inquest on the bodies of the two wretched men, William and Samuel Collyer, which were lying at the police-station, St. John's-street. The finding of the bodies and the other particulars were proved by the witnesses who were examined ; and the following evidence was also taken : Mary Ward, Buck-lane, who knew the deceased intimately, said, that their mother died a year last February, since which time they have had no female in the house. A fortnight since to- day Samuel was speaking of his affairs, and said they were in embarrassed circumstances. He knew that I was aware of their circumstances. Some years ago there was something happened to their sister ; a fortnight ago I was inquiring about her; she is now in the Asylum. I have observed that they have been very much depressed in spirits at times ; more particularly William. I cannot say that I ever saw anything like insanity about them. William was easily excited. The father appeared of very quiet habits. I saw him on Friday last at the door. I have observed that Samuel has looked very stolid lately. Once William appeared in a very depressed state of mind, and hinted to me that he had meditated self-destruction; that was a year last May. He said if he had done that there would have been no heaven. I endeavoured to dissuade him from doing anything of the sort. I have had no conversation with him since then on any subject. For some time after that he appeared very much depressed. By a juror—l am not aware that any of thefamily, except the sister, ever showed signs of insanity. The - father seemed to be in good spirits and smiled. On Monday morning he (the father) was seen at home. The family told me that they were in difficulties ; fresh bonds were required; and that they tried to get them, but could not. Samuel mentioned this to me about five months ago. I have no idea where the father is. I have heard the brothers speak of each other very highly. John Chapman, of Parliament-street, joiner, deposed as follows :—I have known the deceased seven years. Between eleven and twelve on Tuesday, as I was going to Lenton to fetch some goods, I saw them in the lane near Lenton, coming towards the park. I spoke to them and passed on. William called me back, and said, " Have you heard anything of us?" I asked what they meant. He said, " Have you heard anything about our circumstances? We owe a deal of money." They both appeared very melancholy; one was pulling the hedge. When I returned from Lenton I observed some women about their house, who said they believed the old gentleman was dead in bed, for the sons had not been home that night. When I met the deceased they looked very strange. Other witnesses deposed to their appearing very melancholy, and the jury, after a long deliberation, returned a, verdict of " Suicide under temporary derangement." Late last night, the old man, who was supposed to have been murdered, was found lying almost exhausted under a stack in Beeston meadows, about three miles from the town. A milkman, named Holmes, had given him something to eat on Tuesday evening, which was the only food he had had since Saturday night. He was taken to Ilolme's cottage, where he had some tea, which revived him, and he was rissi conveyed to Nottingham, at which place he arrived auout midnight. On the road he talked a good deal, and said, " Where are my poor lads; can you tell me anything about them? Are they dead? Are they buried? Lord, have mercy upon me; I have been a very wicked man," and similar things. He talked very wildly also about his clubs, his circumstances, and his daughter. He said he had been to the canal two or three times to throw himself in, but could never summon courage enough. It seems no one had told him what his sons had done. A policeman sat up with him all night, and this morning he was removed to the workhouse, where he remains in a most wretched condition.