npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Sun. — 1858-07-09 (London, England)

DISTRESSING CASE OF SUICIDE.—A. higbly-reepeet_ a'ele family at Putney hare been thrown into deep dietre:3s by the suicide of ono of their rela'ives while in a state of inebriation. Tee party who committed this act was a married man, named Nicholas B:ytbe, a clever house decorator and plasterer, a native of Plymouth, but who had resided at Patney sines his rwirriage with a young woman there, about 18 months ago, she being related ta a very creditable family in the place. It appears that Blythe and his young wife had quarrelled in consequence of his intemperate habits, and she, with her child, about nine months old, left Putney for a few days, and passed the time with some friends at Brixten. During her absence Blythe con• Untied his drunken babite, but seemed much disturbed in his mind by his wife's absence. On Monday week he seemed more than usually excited, and waited up at his house till the last train arrived at Putney, about twelve o'clock at night, in the expectation of seeing ber. She did not, however, arrive, and a friend advised him to retire to rest, He replied that ho would never lie in his bed again, and soon aiter,vaids left the house. On Friday last his body vase discovered floating in the Thamee, near Wandsworth, and on Saturday au inquest was taken on view o it, I;Nisai a verdict of found drownrd was returned. In the meantime his wife returned home, and crimmunicatioos were made to Plymouth in,the hope of ending him there. On Monday, howeser, it became known that the clothes of a man exactly resembling those of Blythe were lying at the Wandsworth Policeoffice not owned. His wife went ovir to the place the same day, and recognised the apparel as that of her husband, who had been interred by the parish authorities at Wandsworth on Saturday. It is stated that whilst. sober the unf3rtsnate man was orderly and correct in his conduct, but that having been some time ago severely struck on the head with a policeman's truselae,:m, be. frecian.:iy became frantic 7-11iilEt in liquor. ..
The Sun. — 1858-09-18 (London, England)

THAMES.  FALLEN WOMEN ATTEMPTED SUICIDES. - Emma Miniam, alias Meglan, a woman of very excitable temperament, about 30 years of age, was brought up on remand, before Mr. Selfe, charged with attempting to commit suicide by cutting her throat with a knife. The prisoner made the attempt upon her life in the dwelling of a woman named Hare, of 12, Phillip-street, St. George-in-the-East ; and after the wound (a slight one) 'was dressed by a surgeon, she attempted to tear it open again, but was prevented by the police, who had much trouble with her ; she would have hung herself in the station-house cell if her hands and arms had not been fastened.  In defence the prisoner said that she had lived with a man, a greengrocer carrying on business in Mary-street, Poplar, for several years, and had been recently married to him. The attempt she had made upon her life arose from drunkenness. All her sorrows were the result of drinking ardent spirits, and if she was liberated she would become intoxicated again.  Police-constable Bidgood, 168 K, stated that the prisoner made a similar attempt on her life some time ago, and was then forgiven after a short remand on her promise not to do such a rash act again.  Mr Selfe was afraid the prisoner was a very wicked woman, and she must be remanded for a week, and if, at the termination of that period, he received a good report of her, he might be induced to set her at liberty on her husband giving him an assurance that he would look after his wife closely.  She was now brought :up from the Clerkenwell House of Detention a sadder and a wiser woman.  Mr. Selfe said he had been informed that the prisoner behaved well in prison, and he (Mr. Selfe) hoped she had listened to the exhortations of the worthy chaplain. The prisoner--I will never do anything so foolish again. A respectable, well conducted man, who said he was the husband of the prisoner, here stepped forward and said the accursed drink was the cause of all the mischief.  Mr. Selfe—Keep her from strong drinks, and keep her at home. She has behaved well in prison, and therefore I *ill discharge her. take her home directly.
The Sun. — 1858-09-18 (London, England)

THAMES.  FALLEN WOMEN ATTEMPTED SUICIDES. - Emma Miniam, alias Meglan, a woman of very excitable temperament, about 30 years of age, was brought up on remand, before Mr. Selfe, charged with attempting to commit suicide by cutting her throat with a knife. The prisoner made the attempt upon her life in the dwelling of a woman named Hare, of 12, Phillip-street, St. George-in-the-East ; and after the wound.(a slight one) was dressed by a surgeon, she attempted. to tear it open again, but was prevented by the police, who had much trouble with her; she would have hung herself in the station-house cell if her hands and arms had not been fastened.  In defence the prisoner said that she had lived with a man, a greengrocer carrying on business in Mary-street, Poplar, for several years, and had been recently married to him. The attempt she had made upon her life arose from drunkenness. All her sorrows were the result of drinking ardent spirits, and if she was liberated she would become intoxicated again.  Police-constable Bidgood, 168 ,K, stated that the prisoner made a similar attempt on her life some time ago, and was then forgiven after a short remand on her promise not to do such a rash act again.  Mr Selfe was -afraid the prisoner was a very wicked woman, and she must be remanded for a week, and if, at the termination of that period, he received a good report of her, he might be induced to set her at liberty on her husband giving him an assurance that he would look after his wife closely.  She was now brought 'up from the Clerkenwell House of Detention a sadder and a wiser woman.  Mr. Selfe said he had been informed that the prisoner behaved well in prison, and he (Mr. Selfe) hoped she had listened to the exhortations of the worthy chaplain. The prisoner—l will never do anything so foolish again. A respectable, well conducted man, who said he was the husband of the prisoner, lyre stepped forward and said the accursed drink was the cause of all the mischief.  .Mr. Selfe—Keep her from strong drinks, and keep her at home. She has behaved well in prison, and therefore I will discharge her. Take her home directly.
The Sun. — 1858-01-14 (London, England)

HEALTH OP LONDON DURING TBE WEEK.  (From the .Report of the Registrar General.)  The total number of deaths in London in the week that ended on Saturday, Jan. 9, was 1,327. In the 10 years 1848-57 the average number-of deaths in ,the weeks corresponding with last week was 1,230, and if this is raised by a tenth part, as a correction for increased population, it will become 1,353. Hence it appears that the number returned last week is not much less than that which the average rate of mortality for the first week of the year would have produced. _  Bronchitis was fatal last week : the deaths from it rose to 181, the corrected average being 142. Nine deaths were referred to influenza. Measles is on the increase, and carried off 60 children. Of eight nonagenarians included in the return, one was 90 years of age, one 91, ose 93, two 94, one 95, one 97, one 98. Besides these, a silk-weaver died in Bethnal-green Workhouse, who is reported to have reached the age of 101 years. In the improved nosological arrangement all the causes of deaat are distributed in five classes. Of the class of zyrnotlu diseases 263 persons died ; of the constitutional disea.,QB (including consumption) 243 persons died ; of local diseases, including inflammation; 618 persons vued ; of developmental diseases, including the disease., peculiar to the young, the puerperal and critical periods of life, and the aged, 156 persons died ; and of violent deaths 20 cases were registered. The last class, namely, the violent deaths, is subdivided so as now to show separately the deaths (1) by accident or negligence, 17 ; (2) by homicide, 1 ; (3) by suicide, 2 ; (4) by public execution, none. The deaths in battle form a fifth order, which is fortunately not required in the London tables. Dr. R. D. Thomson has analysed the waters which were supplied by eight London companies during the months of November and December. Such analyses supply the best tests of the quality of the water with which the people of London are supplied. It will be observed that the waters are much less impure than they were formerly ; but that there are still great differences, and still room for further improvement. Four grains of organic matter were once detected in a gallon of water of one company.  Analyses of Waters supplied in November and December 1E57 by the London Water Companies ; showing the number of grains of extraneous Matter in every Gallon of Water•
The Sun. — 1858-12-21 (London, England)

FOREST.  The dreadful affair continues enveloped in the greatest mystery, and the utmost excitement prevails throughout not only the neighbourhoods of Waltham and Epping, but the whole of the surrounding district, and this has been enhanced through a suspicion gaining ground that the shocking occurrence is not simply one of murder and suicide, but the act of a third person. Mr. Superintendent Clark, of the county constabulary, together with Mr. Inspector Thompson and Sergeant Brenchly, of the K division of police, who have been most actively engaged endeavouring to glean some clue to the identification of the deceased and the circumstances under which they came by their deaths, attended the investigation. The Coroner, upon interrogating the officers a to whether any identification had taken place, was informed that although the bodies had remained exposed at the Waltham Cemetery, no person had as yet come forward to identify the deceased. Mr. Inspector Thompson handed in a description of the deceased, which had been sent round to the various police stations. The notice described the woman as stout•built, with dark hair, and about 25 years of age, while the child, a male, was about four months old. The latter was neatly and respectably clad, while the woman's attire betokened that of a person in a humble station of life. Owing to the painful mystery hanging over the matter, it was thought necessary to have the pond emptied in which the bodies were found, in order to see if any bludgeon had been thrown in, or if there were any stump* at the .bottom that could account for certain severe injuries about the female's head. This operation was commenced on Saturday, and was proceeding with to-day, a large body of men being enpa[zed at the work, in the hope that the pond might have been emptied in time for the Court to receive evidence in the matter, as to any discovery that might be made ; but the pond is a large and deep one, covering about a quarter of an acre, and between seven or eight feet deep in some parts, so that it will take some time to draw and pump the water off. The clearing of the pond and an examination of the bottom is rendered essentially necessary, owing to the turn the medical evidence has taken, which distinctly proves that the child met his death by violence prior to immersion. The principal witness examined was Mr, Joseph Clegg, surgeon, of Epping, who deposed as to the result of the post-mortem examination he had made of both deceased, and stated that he had found marks of blows on the person of each. As regarded the child, his opinion was that its death was attributable to a blow on the head. The woman had died from suffocation in the water, but there was a blow on the forehead which he could not say had been inflicted before or after immersion. The inquiry was again adjourned.
The Sun. — 1858-06-02 (London, England)

PROPRIETOR AT LEEDS.  Mr. Blackburn, coroner for Leeds, held an inquest yesterday at the White Horse Inn, Lowroad, Hunslet, on view of the body of Mr. Joseph Longbottom. Deceased, who was the proprietor of the Pepper-lane Colliery, and 67 years of age, had been much depressed iri spirits for some months, partly in consequence of the unsatisfactory nature of his operations at the pit, and partly from other causes. On Sunday evening, after supper, h e proceeded, in company with his sons Edward and James to the colliery for the purpose of seeing a horse that was ill. After looking into the stable, Edward Longbottom left his father standing at the door of the engine-house while he took a can of water into the house of his brother Jame, distant a'-out 70 yards. When he returned to the enginehouse door, however, he could not see the old man, and supposing that he had proceeded on his homeward way, he was about to follow him, when heheard the signal from the pit. Tne signal was "A man has fallen down the pit." Assistance was immediately available, and Geo. Clark, the banksman, descended the shaft, in company with his son. On arriving at the bottom of the pit, which is 90 yards deep, they found the remains of the deceased, a ' shapeless mass, and blackened from head to foot. There was scarcely a singla bone in the body that was not fractured, and the head and face so horribly disfigured as to be perfectly unrecognisable. The top of the pit was properly secured by the "cages" and corves, but deceased appears to have got to the brink of the pit by climbing over the f nce that bounds the airway, and from thence taken the rash step. From the appearances at the extreme edge of the pit, and the fraying of the wood and bricks in the immediate vicinage of the summit, it is supposed that the unforiuna4e man let himself down into the shaft, so as to avoid the conducting rods, and then dropped to the bottom. There are some sharp scratches and indentations upon the brickwork, as if there had been a slight struggle or a repentant movement. Further down the marks of the boots of the suicide are apparent. and towards the bottom his walking-stick caught one of the conducting rods, and snapped it altogether. The rash act was marked by a wonderful degree of deliberation and determination, and the event has created considerable excitement in the neighbourhood. It was shown in evidence that the deceased had been freqnently depressed of late, and that in conversation with Joseph Brookshank, the steward of the pit, he had frequently said, "he felt as if he could not get over it (i.e., his trouble with the pit.) His labours had been pecuniarly unprofitable, in consequence of the awkwardness of the level he had seleeed, an arrangement by which his pumps not only had to do the pumping of his own mine, but also for half-a-dozen others situate in the same level or basin. The jury found the deceased had thrown himself into the pit while in a fit of temporary insanity. Mr. Longbottom has left a widow and a large family.  From the London Gazette of Last Night.
The Sun. — 1836-02-02 (London, England)

LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 2, 1836  PRICE 7D.  PROVIDENT LIFE OFFICE, Regent-street, London. In this Office, BONUSES of 131. Bs., 261. 125., 301. 10s., and 401. per cent. have been divided during the last Thirty Years. Military Men are not charged additional, unless called into actual service. Persons are at liberty to pass and repass to the Continent under limitations, without Licence and extra Premium. Persons removing to unhealthy climates, or subject to bodily infirmities, may insure. If any Person die by Suicide, Duelling, or the Hands of Justice, the full value which his Policy bore on the day previous to his Death, will be paid. If a Life fail within 15 days after -the annual payment on a Policy became due, the claim is allowed on the renewal being paid within such 15 days.—lf a Policy be accidentally omitted to be renewed within 15 days, it is revived on proof of good health, and on payment of a fine of 2s. 6d. per Cent, on the sum insured, if the payment be made within one month after due; ss. per Cent, if within two months; and 10s. per Cent. if within one year. J. T. BARBER BEAUMONT, Managing Director.  INDEPENDENTS v. UNITARIANS,  THE CHRISTIAN REFORMER, (in s. 8vo.; price Is.) for Fdbruaty, contains :—A Report of Proceedings in the Court of Chancery on the Wolverhampton suit—Richard Baxter's Last Religious Sentiments—Remarks on the Vice-Chancellor's Hewley judgment—The Beautiful in Spjrit— Notices of Miles Coverdale—The Doctrines of the New Testament concerning Jesus Christ—A King without a Crown--Mr. Yates on the projected Metropolitan University—Songs of Liberty —Manuscripts of Dr. Price on Dr. Watts's Indwelling scheme of the Trinity—Original Letter of Dr. Priestley—Christian Phrenology—Recent Editions of the Greek Testament in Germany— Answer of the Venerable Company of Pastors at Geneva to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, &c. &c. Sherwood, Gilbert, and Piper, Paternoster-row.  This day was published, price 25.,1 THIRTY YEARS' OBSERVATIONS on the Effects of TAXING PROVISIONS instead of INCOME, with a JUST SCALE to TAX INCOME derived from
The Sun. — 1836-10-05 (London, England)

CORONERS' INQUESTS.  An inquest was held yesterday afternoon before Mr. CARTER, the Coroner for Surrey, upon the body of Henry Reed, aged '25, who committed suicide by throwing himself into the Surrey Canal. A young man named Arnold, in the employment of Messrs. Pellatt and Green, glass manufacturers in St. Paul's Churchyard, had known the deceased for some years. He was foreman to Mr. Allsop, an extensive dealer in glass in St. Paul's Churchyard. On Thursday, after leaving their employment they went to the Duke of York public-house in the Camberwell New-road, in the immediate neighbourhood of the residence of the deceased. Upon leaving, about half-past ten o'clock, the deceased appeared somewhat intoxicated, and said that he should throw himself into the canal. This he repented three times ; but witness, not believing that he intended it, only laughed at him, and wished him " Good night." The witness added, that the deceased was a married man, and had two children. It was stated that the deceased had always lived upon the most comfortable terms with his wife, but had for some time past betrayed occasional symptoms of insanity. The jury returned a verdict that " The deceased, had committed suicide while in a temporary fit of insanity," and requested the Coroner would report the fact to the Humane Society, that had drags been lodged at the King's Arms the life of the deceased might have been saved.  Yesterday an inquest was held at the sign of the Hercules, Lambeth, upon the body of Mr. Jacob Mayers, a broker and appraiser, lately resident in York-place. The deceased was a man well known on the Surrey side of the water, in consequence of his being the only broker who would levy a distraint for church rates. On Thursday evening be retired to bed, apparently in good health, but upon his wife waking about four o'clock the next morning she discovered him lying by her side a corpse. Verdict— " Died by the visitation of God."  We have heard that his Majesty takes a personal interest in the establishment of a good rural police, and has expressed a wish that it may be carried into effect as soon as possible. If a Commission is to be issued, the sooner the better, or it will be impossible to act upon the report next Session.—Hertford Reformer.
The Sun. — 1836-08-09 (London, England)

OYSTER SEASON.—lndependent of the throng of oyster vessels at Billingsgate, the number this year at Hungcrford-market far exceeds any since its institution. The Earl of Eldon was expected in town last night, from the North. The venerable Earl entertained, on WedH sday last, a numerous party of relatives and friends at Eldon all, Durham. On the following day his Lordship gave an excellent dinner to his tenantry: and on Friday morning left for town. His Lordship enjoys perfect health. One of the strong traits in the character of the late Mr. Rothschild was humanity. Numerous instances have been, and no doubt will be, recorded of his benevolent actions: but probably there is none which will exemplify his prompt manner of dispensing his charities than in the case of the infant daughter of Scale, who was transported for the late robbery at the Custom llouse. Immediately on hearing that the poor child was bereaved of both her parents, one by the operation of the laws which he had transgressed, and the other by sudden death from a broken heart at the conte.r.V:o:.:Lin of 'tier bUgbanCiste; tie-benevolent Jew immediately sent for the child and sent her to a Christian boarding-school, and, no doubt, would have befriended her had he been spared to see her grow up. Her benefactor has settled his last account, but there is little doubt that his family will complete his humane intentions.  The Bon Sens states that " The monamania of arrests has got into the departments ; for that M. Victor Hugo, wishing a short time ago to witness a fishing expedition on the coast of Normandy, where he is at present staying, was prevented from embarking by the Mayor, who demanded his passport, and whose prosaic imagination could not comprehend what the poet could want to go to sea at night for." A young man, of one of the most respectable fa milies in Paris, and placed in a house of commerce, was entrusted a few days since to go and take up a bill for I,ooofr. Unhappily in his way he was tempted to enter a gaming house, and there lost the whole of the money. Overcome with shame and despair, his next step was to commit suicide, and thus afford another instance of the fatal effects of a passion for play.
The Sun. — 1836-07-29 (London, England)

TOLERATION.—On Tuesday se'nnight, the Nisi Prius Court, in York Castle, presented the singular though gratifying spectacle of having a Jew for the foreman of its jury. In taking the prescribed oath, this gentleman put on his hat, and swore upon the Old Testament. What a contrast ! A Jew exercising the most important trust which our free Constitution assigns to the people, in the very spot where, a few centuries ago, the persecuted professors of " the ancient faith" were cruelly butchered, and compelled to commit suicide by the persons then called Christians.— York Courant. FLAG OF THE UNION —Since the 4th of July last the flag of the United States has been spangled with 26 stars, two being added in consequence of the admission of the States of Arkansas and Michigan into the Union. In 1818, the number of States then being 20, an Act was passed, " That on the admission of every new State into the Union, one star be added to the flag of the Union ; and that such addition shall take effect on the 4th day of July then succeeding such admission." The 13 stripes, denoting the 13 original States, were, on the admission of Vermont and Kentucky, increased to 16 ; but as the number of States was further enlarged, it was perceived that the flag would not eventually admit of a stripe for each, and so an Act was passed limiting the number to 13, as before. The last star added to the flag was on the 4th of July, 1822, in honour of the State of Missouri, which was admitted into the Union on the 10th of August, 1821. The star for Maine was added on the 4th of July, 1820. CRUELTY OF THE CAItLISTS.—The truth of the following fact is unquestionable:—One of the Royal Marine battalion, and an artilleryman of the Legion, whose horse was shot on the late retreat, in their attempt to save the harness and place it on a pony, were closely pursued by the Carlists. They were obliged to fly, and made for the sea, and swam round a promontory, where they concealed themselves in the rocks for the night, and joined at St. Sebastian next day. While they were pursued they saw two English women and a child taken by the Carlists. The women were immediately shot, but it is supposed the child was spared.