npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-01-06 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

BLAENGARW COLLIER'S DESPERATE DEED.  At the Bridgend Police.court on Saturday, Morgan Hyme, who wore a surgical bandage round his throat, was charged with attempted suicide at Blaengarw on Christmas Eve. The case created some sensation, owing to its peculiar incidents. The prisoner on being placed in the dock presented an indifferent and almost vacant look, and at once pleaded guilty. The facts were recounted in last week's Gazette, and wore now reattested by Police-constable Burford, and other witnesses. Prisoner had been sent to gaol for smashing over 100 panes of glass in the neighbourhood of Blaongarw recently, and on the night of the offence be was sitting at the supper table with others, when hearing a noise outside he looked up and wanted to take part. He was prevented from doing this, but shortly afterwards he made another dart and got hold of a table knife and attempted to cut his throat. He was seized before he could inflict absolutely fatal injuries on himself, but he was so badly cut and bled so freely that a medical man had to be called in the next morning. Prisoner afterwards got better, and, when apprehended, said that what he had done was due to his imprisonment and to drink.—The Bench committed prisoner for trial at the Quarter Sessions, and he was brought up on Tuesday before that tribunal, again pleading guilty. Mr Fowler, the chairman, addressed him, and said it was evident that when he was in a drunken state he was in a very dangerous state of mind. The best thing for him would be imprisonment for a month, without hard labour, and the medical officer of the gaol would look into his state of health, and when cliacharred the Prisoners' Aid Society would see that he was taken proper care of,
The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-01-06 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

INQUEST AND VERDICT.  Two tert ible deaths occurring in the same place in each successive eeek might well st.ike terror and dismay in the stoutest-hearted inhabitant of Aberkentik The first was the tragic suicide of a man living in single ble-sedness and wanting nothing— so far as temporal necessaries were concerned—and ,the latter the avt ful end of little Crowdin daughter of Annie and William James Browning, who was literally roasted alive in her parents' house, West-stt eet, Aberkenlig, on Friday morning last. It appears that early in the morning of the day In question the mother had been engaged in preparing some broth for a lodger, who proceeded to his d .ily toil in due course, after partaking of the savoury concoction. The mother left the empty saucepan on the lire, and whilst her little sevenyear-old daughter was slumbering upstairs, she paid a visit to her mother-in-law to inqui,e for a letter which she expected that morning from her husband, who was working at Bristol. It was then ' about ten o'clock, and during her temporary absence from home, the child got out of bed and descended to the kitahen in her night-dress. Seeing the saucepan on the fire, she, child-like, was curious to know what it contained, and on her approaching the lire-place, her night-dress suddenly became ignited, and despite her feeble efforts to smother the flames, she was terribly burnt about the body by the devouring element. Wild with fright, and sinking from exhaustion and agony, she rushed to the house of a next door neighbour, Mr Rees, who happened to be in at the time, and her injuries were at once attended to, and the poor child removed home again. Dr. Jones was immediately summoned, but notwithstanding that everything that medical skill could do was done, the child succumbed to her injuries at three o'clock in the afternoon of the same day. THE INQUEST  on the body was held on Monday morning following, at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Aberkentig, before the Coroner, Mr Cuthbertson, and a jury, composed of the following gentlemen :—Messrs David Rosser (foreman), E. Matthews (contractor), Alfred Shaw, John Williams, D. Evans, D. Jones, Charles Watts, and John Lewis. The jury, ptior to the examination of witnesses, proceeded to view the body, which presented a hot tibly charred appearance, the leatures being almost entirely unrecognisable. The whole of the little victim's body was fearfully d figured b) burns, from the crown of her head to the sole of her foot, and the jury were deeply affected by the sickening spectacle. The only witness deemed Decease)), to be called was the mother, whose evidence was simply a recapitulation of the harrowing details given above.—The Jury leturned a verdict of " Accidental death."
The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-12-29 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

BARONET'S  SON.  _ . Mr. W. F. Paul, son of a well-known baronet,was found dead in his bed at a fashionable hotel in Piccadilly, London,on Wednesday evening under circumstances which unfortunately leave no doubt that he committed suicide by poison. Deceased was a very popular and accomplished member of the coaching world, and was acknowledged to be one of the hest four-in-band whips in England or America. Indeed he took the first prize for driving a team at the Chicago World's Fair. Only the day before his death lie drove the "Old Times" coach from the Hotel Victoria to Oatlands Park and back, and he then appeared to be in his usual health and spirits. Early on Wednesday evening he went to his room, presumably to dress for dinner,but his servant discovered him in bed about eight o'clock, dead,and his countenance convulsed with agony. By the bedside were a bottle and glue which had contained prussic acid, and it is said that there was evidence found amongst the deceased's papers, which were in great contusion, of his intention to take his life. Dr. Vernon Jones was called in immediately the discovery was made, but naturally refused to express an opinion as to the cause of death until he had made a post ruortem examination. The body was removed for that purpcse to the Ebury Bridge mortuary, and on Thursday afternoon, by direction of the coroner, a post mortem examination was made by Dr. Jones, in the presence of two other medical gentlemen. It is generally believed that financial embarrassment was the cause. A Worcester correspondent telegraphs: —Mr. Paul formerly resided at Wheattlelds,Powick, near Worcester, where he kept up s considerable establishment. He was constantly driving a coach and four in the neighbourhood, and was well known in hunting circles. Some of his adventures led to police court proceedings. He left Worcester about two years ago.
The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-03-03 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

THE SUICIDE OF MR. DARKER. EXTRAORDINAZY LETTEIIB.  An inquest was opened by Mr. Braxton Hicks (Coroner), at Wandsworth, London, on the body of Mr. Hilton Cassenet Barker, banker, who shot himself in a railway carriage between East Putney and Southfields on Wednesday. Mr. Arthur Benjamin Chapel, solicitor, brother-in-law of the deceased, said that the deceased was depressed because he thought bail would be refused at the Mansion House. He had threatened to commit suicide in consequence of the position of financial and social ruin in which he found himself. After some formal evidence as to the discovery of the dead man in a first-class compartment at East Putney Station several letters were put in. One of theme was addressed by deceased to his wife, of whom he took an affectionate farewell, and repudiated the accusation against him. A telegram front the deceased to Mr. Welford, Official Receiver, was" Come and fetch your victim." The same official received a letter from deceased, in which he said, "I csnuot doubt that as there is an Ahnighty above your backslidings will be shown up, and the true story of the Barker persecution will be better knovrn,if not in this world certainly inthe next. May my cursefollow you." To his solicitor deceased wrote that he believed the creditors would find the mistake they had made in not accepting is. Gd. in the Round, and in placing themselves in the hands of their present advisers. After the reading of the letters Mr. Welford was called,and said that the ordinary course had been pursued in instituting the prosecution. He had held no communication personally with the deceased, nor had he any personal feeling in the matter. Mr. Rowlinson said the deceased felt acutely a speech of Mr. Welford at the meeting of creditors, and also that he ' had been refused a copy of the shorthand notes. The jury found that deceaseil committed suicide while ef unsound mind.
The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-11-24 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

CHIT-CHAT FROM SWANSEA.  BY ACHILLES.  On Friday evening, and on Saturday, Swansea was visited with a terrific gale. No accident to life or limb is reported. * * *  The Harbour Trustees have, at a special meeting, decided to engage Mr Abernethy, as consulting engineer, to proceed with the scheme for lengthening the East Dock.  At the Mumbles, out of the 12 Local Board members 11 are Conservatives. * * *  " Women's Rights !" an irritated one exclaimed on Saturday night, "What more rights do they want? My wife bosses me, my daughter bosses us both, and the servant girl bosses the whole family ! It's time the men were allowed some rights !" * *  A shocking case of neglect and starvation is recorded from the Mumbles. Three small children have been found almost starved to death, and so emaciated that they seemed living skeletons. The mother is said to be living in a house of her own. The father, who is a seafaring man, sends home his wages every month, and one of the sons is in a situation. The mother does not drink, and has never been known to enter a public-house— and yet we have this revolting position of affairs. * a *  A terrible murder has been perpetrated at Carmarthen, and the victim is a Swansea girl— Mary Jane Jones, daughter of William Jones, weaver, Ystrad-road, Forestfach, Swansea. The deadly deed was evidently premeditated. The homicide is George Thomas, 25, an ex-soldier, who has given himself up the police. Jealousy was at the root of the crime. Deceased had been wooed by Thomas, but she did not care for him, and so he cut her throat with a razor on Sunday evening. _  The lifeless body of a mAn has been discovered by Miss Cobb, a Mumbles lady, in a cave at Langland Bay. A revolver was found in the deceased man's hand. He had evidently committed suicide.
The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-11-17 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

ACHILLES.  CHIT-CHAT FROM SWANSEA.  The weather on the occasion of the Mayor's procession was all that could be desired, and the popularity of the selection of Colonel Pike to the honourable position of chief magistrate was demonstrated in a marked degree. His Worship kept up the ancient custom, attending Divine service at St Mary's Parish Church.  The procession was one of the most imposing ever seen on Mayor's Sunday, and was witnessed by thousands of spectators all along the route. The Volunteers of the corps of which His Worship is colonel joined in the procession, as did also the Volunteers of the two other corps. An appropriate sermon was preached by the Vicar of Swansea (Canon Smith). * * *  The Mayor heralded his incoming well by fining two men 40s and costs, or one month's hard labour, for assaulting the police. * *  It appears that one of the men slipped his hand out of the handcuff, and knocked the policeman in the face with the handcuff, while the other man began kicking him. * 0 *  Swansea district seems to be infected with the suicide mania. On Sunday a grocer at Landore made wrong use of a razor, and on Monday, at Pontardawe, a farmer's wife drowned herbelf in a brook,  Swansea is moving with the times. On Monday the Executive Committee of the Harbour Trust decided to spend at least £60,000 or £70,000 in enlarging the Prince of Wales Dock, and it was also resolved that Parliamentary powers be at once applied for. It is high time that something should be done, as things during the past 12 months have been almost at a standstill everywhere. The shipping affects every trade here more or less, and the Committee's decision has given the greatest satisfaction on all sides. Forwßrd, Swansea ! • *  There is good reason to believe that Swansea will shortly be lighted by electricity, as Messrs Compton and Co., Limited, a celebrated firm of electrical engineers, are about to apply to the Board of Trade for a provisional order, under the Electric Lighting Act, for the purpose of lighting the town by electricity. The metropolis of Wales certainly needs a little more light. • * •  The Vicar of Swansea, at the Mayor's luncheon, made the remark that the clergy of to-day were trying to become workingmen. This is inconsistent with facts, though it must be admitted the clergy are very hard-working. * a *  Sir Robert Morris, Bart., has just been made an honorary member of the "James Jones" Lodge of Oddfellows.
The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-09-22 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

CHIT-CHAT 1140111 SWANSEA.  BY ACHILLES.  Jubilee services were held at Ebenezer Chapel on Sunday and Monday evening last, when sermons were preached, to crowded congregations, by Dr Herber Evans, of Carnarvon, whose name is A household word throughout Wales. * *  Since the Rev Gomer Lewis, of Capel Gomer Chapel, has been made a Doctor of Divinity, he has had a braes plate put on the railings in front ef his house in Belle Vue Street, with his name on it, and the letters at the end thereof, * * *  On Saturday evening, a sad fatality occurred on the Swansea and Mumbles Railway, whereby a man named Edward Hughes, a gaidener, of the Mumbles, was cut to pieces. The poor man has been out of employment for some time, and it is believed that, rather than be dependent on his sister and brother-in-law, he committed suicide. An inquest will be held, when the fasts of the case will be disclosed. * *  At the Board of Guardians meeting on Monday, the Chairman moved that in future the meetings of the Board should be held every alternate Monday, subject to the consent of the Local Governinea Board. * _ _*  The Swansea Football team on Saturday last played a match with the Oldham team at Oldham before 6,000 spectators. The game ended with the following score :—Oldham, 3 tries, 5 minors ; Swansea, nil.  " onfound it! Why that lawyer is a regular pelican." " Pelioan ! What do you mean ?" "Look at the size of his bill !" They all generally manage to get long bills.  The organ at Holy Trinity Church, which is the best in South Wales, was re-opened on Thursday evening in last week, when an organ recital was given by the excellent organist and choirmaster, Mr C. M. Bill, F.C.O. There was a crowded audience, and a collection was afterwards made to defray expenses in connection with tuning, &c. * * *  Harvest festivals were held at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church and the Salvation Army on Sunday last. * * =  At the Swansea Police.court on Tuesday, Policeconstable Tucker was presented with the Quiver bronze medal by his Worship the Mayor, for saving the life of a child during a recent fire in Tontere-street. * * •  Mrs Orrin, wife of the late Mr Orrin, postmaster of the Mumbles, has been appointed postmistress in the place of her late husband.  A very interesting ceremony took place on Thursday evening, last week, at York-place Schoolroom, when a beautifully-worded address in a splendid gilt frame was presented by the pastor, Rev D. Burwyn Davies, on behalf of the Church, to Mr Edward Matthews, of Hafod-street, who bad assisted the Church financially in selling a very large number of tickets for the annual tea at Bracelet Bay, Mumbles. In a few well-chosen remarks the recipient thanked the members for their kindness in thus showing their appreciation of his services.
The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-03-10 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

TRAGEDY AT KING'S CROSS.  An attempt was made on Tuesday night to murder Mr. East, the proprietor of a ham and beef warehouse, 112, Judd Street, King's Cross, London, the would-be murderer subsequently committing suicide. Until three weeks ago Mr. East had in his service a young man named Henry Griffiths, aged about 20. Griffiths had been with Mr. East for about eighteen months, but was discharged at the date mentioned for an irregularity. Mr. East had not seen Griffiths since then until Tuesday night, when, at eight o'clock, the man entered the shop and said to him, "Will you give me a character." Mr. East replied, "Certainly," and added," but I have already given you one." Griffiths then, it appears, produced a revolver, and, presenting it at his late employer, fired. Fortunately Mr. East, realising Griffith's intention, dropped down behind his encounter, and the bullet passed over him, and lodged in a door leading from the shop to the parlour. Mr. East then ran from the shop, whereupon Griffiths fired a second time, but this also missed its mark, and lodged itself about a foot from the first. Mr. East ran into the basement, and then heard Griffiths rush through the shop and up the stairs. A report rang out from the top of the house, and when Sergeant Nicoll.; and several other offiers entered the back room on the top floor, it was discovered that Griffiths was dead, having committed suicide. The room was the one which he had occupied during his •tay with Mr. East. Dr. Colley, of Burton Crescent, was at once called, and, from a preliminary examination, it was evident that the deceased had placed the muzzle of the revolver to the roof of his mouth and pulled the trigger, inflicting terrible injuries. Death must have been instantaneous.
The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-03-10 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

THE SUSPENSORY BILL.  Churchmen (continued Mr Stock wood) had been hardly dealt with with reference to the Welsh Suspensory Bill, and it was brought in with the sole object of shaking the confidence of any men who were likely to enter the Church during the next two years. This was a cruel thing, as if anything happened to injure the Church, they would lose their livelihood. He could not help thinking that of the many conscientious Nonconformists who favoured the Bill very few of them had fully grasped the meaning of this  WICKED SUSPENSORY BILL or they would refuse to vote for that whatever. If it were for the Church only they would welcome Home Rule to-morrow, because then Disestablishment would become absolutely impossible, and they would hear nothing more of the Irish members, without whom the Bill could not be passed (hear, hear). In the course of a passing reference to the proposal for parish councils, Mr Stockwood spoke of it as a parody on legislation. They could see in some way how parish councils would work from the edifying proceedings of the School Board of the neighbouring  VILLAGE OF COITY, whose proceedings had made them the laughingstock of the County. In conclusion, Mr Stockwood said the granting of Home Rule would be nothing more or less than national suicide in cutting off one of their members in order that the others might work a little more freely for a time (cheers). In the course of the evening vocal selections were given by Miss Nicholl, Miss Harford, Mr William Hopkin, and Mr W. McGaul's Glee Party, Miss Nellie Williams and Miss Sutcliffe being the accompanists. Mr J. P. McGaul and Miss Sutcliffe also gave a pianoforte duet. On the motion of Mr Edwin Price, C.C., seconded by Mrs Nichol], a vote of thanks was accorded the speakers and the contributors to the programme, and a similar compliment to the Chairman concluded an enthusiastic meeting.
The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-05-26 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

CHIT-CHAT FROM SWANSEA.  (BY AC 'MLLES. )  The members of the Swansea Town Council are again at loggerheads with each other. * * *  This time it is over the promotion of a police. constable, who, just at the time he thought of applying for a place at South Shields, was promoted by the Watch Committee, by the recommendation of Capt. Colquhoun, to the rank of sergeant. This promotion, for a second-class officer, is considered a great big jump. * *  There are 40 men ahead of this officer, who, on the first blush, at all events, were worthy of promotion befoie the gallant officer just referred to:— but, there, this seems to be "Swansea-like" all ovet . "Kisses," however, with all deference to the powers that be, should not go by 'favour in this way, else how can we expect our noble army of martyrs—or rather policemen— to cheerfully do their duty • * *  Councillor Gwilyin Morgan, who was wishful to erase a resolution embodying the recommendation off the Council agenda, got fairly sat on by Alderman Mason, who was chairman in the absence of His NVorship the Mayor. He was told that he was altogether "out of order" in trying to take this step in the interests of the other members of the force, amongst whom rankles much dissatisfaction. Justice (in the sense of fairness) we want, and justice we must have, before peace can be restored among the " peace-constables. * * *  In answer to a question put by Dr Rawlings, with regard to the minutes of the Watch Committee, Alderman Mason stated that they were merely brought before the Council as a matter of courtesy. Just fancy! What a farce! What a waste of valuable time! If this dictum is correct, our Councillors do not exactly seem to know what is their duty.  The correetive is not far to seek. Let us all cry out with one voice, "We will not have such resolutions thrust upon us." And let us, too, give three cheers for the hero of the hour, who stood his ground manfully and unflinchingly. " hip, hurrah !" * * *  And yet another three cheers—(not now though) —after the minute ieferring to the indiscreet " promotion " is cancelled. * *  Would-be suicide eem to be rather numerous in and aroand