npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Warwickshire Herald. — 1895-12-12 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

ATTEMPTED DOUBLE SUICIDE.  An attempted double suicide occurred at an early hour on Sunday morning at the Grand Hotel, Trafalgar-square, London. A gentleman of military appearsme, atadit 33 years of age, giving the name of Gallway, accompanied by a lady evidently some two or three years younger, arrived at the hotel on Saturday evening and engaged a room, to which they retired shoitly before midnight. They seemed to be on the best postehle terms, and were noticed ' to be chatting pleasantly together before retiring to their apartment. Just before 1 o'clock, a gentleman occupying an adjoining room was startled from his sleep by the report of firearms, and, on an alarm being raised, some of the hotel servants tried the door of the room, which they found to be locked. As moans were heard proceeding from the chamber, the police were summoned, and when the door was forcibly opened a shoeking sigh'. was presented. The •wo occupants, partially dressed, were lying on the floor in a p9ol of blood, each having a serious wound in the chest, while not far away was picked up a large nix-chambered revolver, two chambers of which it was seen had been recently discharged. The position of the wounds, and the great quantity of blood on the floor, sliewed the critical state of the gentleman and his companion, and they were removed in an ambulance to the Charing-cross Hospital. An examination ehewed that in each case the bullet, of large size, had entered the chest and passed right through the body, the injuries being of a very serious nature, though both persons were quite conscious. From papers and other articles found on the man it appears that his name is Charles Gallway, and it also transpired from their statements to the police that the lady was his married skter-in-law, her home being in the neightourhood of Bristol, to which place a telegram was addressed asking the Hisband to immediately come to I.,ndon. They further declared that their inju:ies were self-intlicted, as thy had mutually agreed to commit
The Warwickshire Herald. — 1895-07-25 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

DETERMINED SUICIDE OF AN ASTON  A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE MAGISTRATES.  1, In the Victoria Courts on Tuesday morning, the City Coroner (Mr. 0. Pemberton) held an inquest touching the death of Walter Barrett, aged 42, jeweller's tiorter, of 16, Wilton. Street, Aston. His wife said he was of sober habits, lie was constantly ailing, and for some weeks bad been. very depressed, so that she had had to watch him. On Sunday, the 30th June, while shaving, he said he "thought it would be best now," and drew the razor across his throat. She called a policeman. He was charged at Aston with attempting to commit suicide, and after one or two remands was discharged. That was much against her wish, for she thought he ought to be sent to the asylum. He insisted upon returning to work. Afterwards she was told that he had taken poison. He died on Saturday at the General Hospital. A fellow workman, named Moore ,agreed that deceased had been strange in manner for some weeks past. On Thursday witness found him foaming and steaming at tke mouth, and suspecting that he had taken poison had him removed to the General Hospital. In the cellar at the works were carboys of spirits of salt, and it was Barrett's duty to bring the acid upstairs for the workmen. Witness found a jug smelling of the liquid, and asked deceased how much he had taken, He replied, "About half a teacupful." A verdict of "Suicide whilst of unsound mind" was returned.—Deceased's employer asked to be allowed to say that the magistrates were guilty of great neglect in setting at large a man in such a condition.—The Coroner replied thati they were not there to try the magistrates, and that it was not .11 the power of the' magistrates to do of themselves what had been suggested.
The Warwickshire Herald. — 1895-05-09 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

NARRATIVES OF THE VOYAGE.  A number of journalists of course boarded the Tartar Prince, off Calshot, after tracing Balfour's arrival at the docks. Everyone on the ship spoke well of Balfour, and described his conduct as I xemplary. 'the captain stated that great anxiety was felt regarding the prisoner at first, as it was remembered that he had said that he would never be taken to England alive, but after he had been on he water a few days he toned down, and, according to Captain Hesketh, seemed reconciled to his position. He was carefully guarded night and day, but every afternoon he was permitted to take exercise on the navigation deck. He never referred to his coming trial, and was generally cheerful. The following account was given by one of the passengers, who, referring to the handing over of the prisoner, said : "We were steaming past Calshot Castle, when the Customs tug Solent came alongside, and two police officers came aboard. They remained on the ship for half an hour, at the expiration of which they emerged from Balfour's cabin with the prisoner. The latter, who had made many friends on board, shook hands cheerfnlly, and wished us 1 'Good-bye,' and then descended the gangway, Inspector Freest in front, and Inspector Moore behind. He was at once secured in one of the cabins in the launch. Balfour wore a black frock coat and a sombrero, or Spanish felt hat, and carried his overcoat across his arm. That was the last we saw of him, seat about 6.30 a.m. the launch steamed away towards Southampton." With regard to Balfour's conduct on board, the passenger said: "Balfour was confined in a two-berthed cabin amidships on the main deck, belonging to the third officer. Peep-holes were cut between this and Inspector Froest's cabin next door, and the gangway, where a watchman was always stationed. The door was secured by a heavy iron bar and padlock. Balfour took his meals alone, but was never allowed a knife, fork, or even a corkscrew. In fact, every precaution was taken to prevent an attempt at suicide. Balfour, who is very fond of chess, amused himself by playing a good deal with the passengers during the voyage. Whenever he was allowed on deck he was closely followed by Inspector Freest and another person specially detailed for the work. Balfour appeared quite cheerful up to Las Palmas, but on one occasion completely broke down and wept. He never referred to his impending prosecution. On Sunday be wrote a long letter, thanking the captain for what he said would, under other circumstances, have been the happiest time of his life."
The Warwickshire Herald. — 1895-05-09 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

LIM  VICTIMS  ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE. At Low-street Police-court on Saturday, Thomas Cummings, farrier, was charged with attempting to der Frances Ellen Gerrard by cutting her throat with a razor, and further, with attempting to commit suicide.—Mr. Drake, who appeared for the Proiecution, said that the prosecutrix made the acquaintance of the prisoner at the house of her late husband in INS, where he resided as a lodger. She was not living happily with her husband, and subsequently left him to live with the prisoner, whom she afterwards left on account of his bad temper, going to live with her sister. The prisoner then commenced to write threatening letters to her, and by these means brought her back to live with him. She again left him, and, her husband having died, married Mr. Henry Gerrard early this year. The piiscrier, having discovered her address, continued to write and follow her about. On April 25th she met him in the street, when he used abusive language. He struck her and she screamed out Murder!" when he seized hold of her and got bet head under his arm, and drawing an instrument, helitved to be a razor, out of his pocket, attacked her with it, drawing it across her throat. She put up her arms to protect herself and was severely cut about on both arms. She was sithsequently taken to the University Hospital. The prosecutrix, who appeared ,in the witziess-box with both arms in surgical bandages and was acommodated with a seat, bore out this etatement, saying that after her marriage this year prisoner tried to induce her to leave her husband, and became very angry on her refusal. She subsequently' read letters of a threatening nature from him. She described her last meeting with the accused. She remonstrated with him for following her, when he became very violent, and struck her a blow with his fist. When she tried to get away from him, lie said: "You shan't go; I'll cut your throat," and the next moment he seized" her and drew a razor across her throat. She struggled with him,and was wounded severely on her arm and face. Witness then lost consciousness.—Dr.Shartieb, ncuse snrgeon of the University Hospital, said that prosecutr;x had a wound 211 n. long on her chin, a wourd in her forehead, three cuts on the right arm, and ria tie left hand and arm—five cute in all. She lad remaimd in the hospital ever since the occui rence. Detective-sergeant Record proved the arrest of the prisoner that morning at University Hospital, where he had been treated for a self-inflicted wound on the throat.—The case was adjourned.
The Warwickshire Herald. — 1895-11-07 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

TEE DEFENCE.  On Monday witnesses were called for the defence. ' Two retired officials deposed that in tl.eir opinion the Marquis, though excitable, wa3 not of a violent disposition.—M. Regnier, fcr.i:erly schoolmaster at Sidiailles, said the prisoner appeared devoted to his children.—Abbe Bouchot, formerly had cure of a neighbouring parish,said he was consult 9d by the Marquise de Nayve respecting the A ila6 Rousselot. She told him that her husband had h an altercation with the Abbe Rousselot, and wanted to discharge him, but the Abbe was in possession oP an important family secret, which he might disclose if he were sent away. She then told the witness of the disappearance of Hippolyte klenaldo, and said Rousselot already knew something about it. In consequence of this disclosure, the witness did what he could to induce the Marquis not to discharge Rousselot. ... _... _ .  Mlle. Simon, formerly governess at the Château, directed her evidence chiefly against the Abbe Rousselot, whom she accused of being the cause of all the trouble in the Marquis's household. Several witnesses were then called in support of the tloory that Menaldo had committed suicide. One said that he was told by one of the boy's tutors, now dead, that he came upon Menaldo one day trying to hang himself in a garret. A former schoolfellow said Hippolyte was frequently melancholy, and often threatened to throw himself into the river. Dr. Paul Gamier, a well-known authority on mental diseases, Fave a number of particulars on the subject of suicides of children,which he declared to be often due to no cause capable of explanation. He was of opinion, after reading several letters written by Hippolyte Menaldo, and listening to the evidence upon the boy's deeds and words, that Menaldo was not right in his mind, ani was pre-disposed to suicide. The trial was further adjourned.
The Warwickshire Herald. — 1895-11-07 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

THE CHARGE AGAINST A CORONER'S OFFICER.  At Southwark Police-court, on Friday, Mr. Slade resumed the hearing of the case of Albert Alfred Broadbridge, 31, coroner's officer, who stands charged with stealing 18s. 2d., belonging to a man found drowned in the Surrey Canal, r.nd also with obtaining ss. from Ilarriet Hensby by also representations. Mr. Warburton again appeared for the prosecution. On the prisoner surrendering to his bail, Mr. Warburton informed the reagLtrate that he had evidence on a further charge against the prisoner of stealing a revolver belonging to a man who had committed suicide, and upon whom an inquest had been held. He (counsel) said that there could be no doubt that the prisoner had been carrying on a system of petty larceny of a mean and contemptible character.—lnspector Worth, W Division, said that lie attended an inquest in 1889 on the Ludy of a man named Henry Barten Powell, who had shot himself with a revolver, which witness took possession of, and having produced it at the inquest, handed it to the prisoner. It was a new revolver, and apparently a valuable one, and he obtained a receipt for it from the prisoner. Nothing was heard of it until August, 1890, when, from information he received, he had an interview with a man named Johnson, the result of which was that wit nese again obtained possession of the revolver and motored it to the father of the deceased.—Joseph Coombes, a veterinary surgeon's assistant, stated that in June, 1889, he had a conversation with the prisoner about buying a revolver. The prisoner said he had one at home which would suit witness, and in another interview the I risoner produced a revolver, for which witness gave him 30s. Witness afterwards heard the history of the revolver, and de ided to raffle it. It was won in the draw by a man named Johnson.—Frederick Johnson, a hop porter, said that about six years ago he won a revolver in a raffle, and having afterwards heard that it had been obtained dishonestly lie gave the weapon up to the pfflice.—Mr. G. Percival Wyatt, coroner for East Surrey, deposed to the fact of having held an inquiet some years since on a man who had committed suicide, but he could not remember the date. The revolver with which the deceased shot himself was retained by the prisoner, in accordance with the usual custom, a. a part of the evidence.—Mr Warburton: Under what statute is the prisoner entitled to retain possession of the weapon P—W itnes;: In accordance with immemorial custom.—ln answer to further questions he said the prisoner was not entitled to sell the revolver, but only to retain possession of it for a certain time.— The prisoner was again remanded.
The Warwickshire Herald. — 1895-08-15 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

HUSBAND, WIFE, AND BOATMAN DROWNED.  A sad boating fatality occurred at St. Mal.) on Titursoay morning. A gentleman and his wife. M. and Mme. Busnel, visitors from Paris, a. companied by thi ir governess, were out for a sail, when the boat was suddenly swamped by a waterspout. It sank at once, drkging one of the boatmen, down with it. An oar was thrown to the Busnels, but before further assistance could arrive they sank, clasped in each other's arms. The only survivor, one of the boatmen, was picked up afterwards. The bodies of M. Busnel and his wife have since been recovered.  SHOCKING DOUBLE MURDER Two maiden sisters, both about 70 years of age, have been found murdemd in their house at Gap (France). They had been hicked to death with a pickaxe by their nephew, who had inherited all their money on condiSoti that he paid them a small sum monthly. To relieve himself of this burden, the nephew killed the or old ladies, and afterwards fled to Italy. He has written front there saying that he intends to destroy himself.  The training brig Martin ran down one of her own boats in Portsmott 1. Harbour on Friday morning. Ulm crew, con, s toy. of five boys, had narrow ,scapei from dr,,, •, hu all were saved. Colonel Sherrington, late commander-in-chief of the Malagasy troops, arrived at Plymouth on Saturday from Cape Town. When interviewed he declined to express any opinion as to the war with the French. The Derby coroner held an inquest on the body of Benjamin Greatorex, butcher, of Wirksworth, who recently attempted to murder his lite boy and to commit suicide. The nrin was conveyed to the Derby Infirmary and die I soon afterwards. A postmortem was he:d, and it was then found that death was due to cancer, and not to the self-inflicted wounds.
The Warwickshire Herald. — 1895-08-15 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

ARISTOCRATIC PAUPER'S SUICIDE. A sad story (says a Paris correspondent), is the suicide of the aristocratic Ferdinand de Saint Funk', who lived under the name of Ferdinand de La Briere, in • wretched hovel in the Rue Saint Claude. M. de Saint Ferreol was not a ruined gambler, and had never been a spendthrift He married a governess without a dowry, and after h ving occupied poorly paid situations fell intc absolute distress. The other day he packed off wife and children to his relations, and told the Auvergnat who supplied him with coals that he was about tc poison himself. A few moments after he swallowed a dose of cyanide of potassium and fell dead. M. de Saint-Ferreol was highly educated, and had translated Heredotus in popular form.  A ere broke out on Monday morning in the basement of No. 11, Downing-street, the official residence of Sir M. flicks-Beach. It appears that the overheating of a flue set fire to a beam, but thanks to prompt alarm the servants and a couple of firemen were able to check the outbreak.  At Springfield. in Ohio, on Sunday, a coal train consisting of 35 cars fell through a bridge into the river beneath. The rafters of the structure had caught fire, and had been burning for some time before the train ran upon it. The driver had no time to stop his engine before it ran upon the partially consumed bridge. Three persons are known to have been killed, and it is thought that four others are buried under the debrir in tho river.  An American lady, giving the name of Stanley, w;iii arrested by the Liverpool police on Saturday, while Sta board the steamship Umbria, bound for the United States, on a charge of stealing jewellery worth between £1,500 and £2,000. belonging to a lady named Gibbons, at whose house in London she had been staying as a visitor. A widow named Reynolds, her two sons and grandson, were murdered on Sunday morning in their house at M insfield by a I idger named Wright, who iifterwards set fire to tho priiiniies and cut his own throat, though his injuries aro not expected to end fatally. No motive is assigned for the crime.
The Warwickshire Herald. — 1895-01-10 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

DARING ATTEMPT AT ROBBERY. On Saturday afternoon an Englishman or American made a daring attempt to obtain a sum of money of about £4OO by fraud from a firm of brokers in Antwerp. He called, a correspondent says, at the OffiCe of one of the principal exchange brokers with a type-written note bearing a printed address and the signature, "Anderson, Cireen, and Company," requesting to be informed how long it would take to send them a certain specified sum in French. English, and American money in exchange for Belgian notes. A reply was given, and the man left. Later, he again appeared with a further note stating that the money was wanted immediately, as a vessel for which it was intended was sailing at once. A trustworthy messenger was then sent with the money to the address, the man accompam him. The Mike there consisted of one room divided by a partition, behind which the individual slipped as soon as he obtained possession of the money. He addressed some unintelligible words to someone apparently behind the partition, but a minute or two after the clerk observed him crossing the ial,ll- shoes in hand, evidently endeavouring to maks his escape. The clerk rushed at the thief, who Mew a revolver and fired a shot, fortunately witheet doing any injury. After a slight struggle tlii• clerk escaped into the street, closing the door, and keeping it fast un'il help arrived. Before the police could cap ure the robber he endeavoured to consult suicide by Mooting himself through the head. Ho was taken to the hospital in a critical condition. His identity has not been established, and it appears thathe had occupied the room only a few days. Exchange brokers both in Brussels and Antwerp have recently been the victims adventurers of the above description.
The Warwickshire Herald. — 1895-06-27 (Birmingham, West Midlands, England)

CLERGYMAN AND WIFE'S SUICIDE. A terrible tragedy occurred on Sunday at Allestree, a country village near Derby, a Church of England clergyman and his young wife committing suicide in a most determined manner. About noon three labourers were walking by the river Derwent when they came across the bodies. The lady was lying under a clump of trees, and appeared to have died in great agony, while the clergyman was lying some distance away, nearer the river. The clothing of both was soaked, the indications pointing to the conclusion that before jumping into the river the two had taken a quantity of poison. The place where they jumped into the water was only about St t. deep, and they had scrambled to shore, where they succumbed to the effects of the poison. The tragedy aroused the greatest excitement in the neighbourhood. The pair had been staying together in different parts of Derbyshire for some weeks past. In the man's pocket were found a card-case and a number of cards, bearing the name of the Rev. A. E. Constable, Guiseley, near Leeds, whilst in the woman's pocket was a paper, upon which were written the words "bliss Naylor, Elmgrove, Burley-in-Wharfedale, near Leeds." They had in their possession railway rckets from Worcester to Leeds.  At the inquest held on the bodies, the body of the man was identified by the Rev. John Constable, head master of Thorne Grammar School, near Doncaster, as that of his son, the Rev. Arthur Ernest Constable, curate of Guiseley, near Leeds. The woman was the deceased gentleman's wife, they having been married eight weeks. Her maiden name was Naylor, of Burley-in-Wharfedale. The deceased man had been blind from boyhood, and owing to a recent attack of epilepsy had been depressed in spirits. He had been with his wife to Worcester. They must have alighted at Derby and walked to Allestree, and there resolved to die together. A paper which had contained rat poison and two small cups were found on the river bank close to the dead body of the woman, who had evidently been in the water, but had returned ashore. She was carefully covered over with her husband's coat, and his lifeless body was found in the river a few yards away.—A verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned in each case. The deceased man was ZO years of age, and his wife three years younger.