npedrazzini/19thc_murder_suicide_news huggingface dataset:
Widnes Examiner. — 1907-12-14 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

CHARLES LEE.  Should the Germans conquer England—it is always the Germans that we have in our eye, though it is not considered prudent to say so—l daresay the victors and the vanquished would settle down after a bit. When the editors of the Radical newspapers had all been put in gaol and he who shouts, "Late again, Teddy! " whenever the King fails in punctuality had been hanged at Newgate ; when English beef came within the schedule of poisons and German sausage was the "only wear" ; when our spouses were called " Frau " instead of "Mrs.," and the boys in the streets cried " Iloch ! " instead f " Wot cheer ! " no doubt we should have a cricket match of old and new Englishmen at the Oval, and a football tussle at the Palace for a German silver mug. No conqueror can make a nation wholly unhappy. So the people feeling nervous because the Rosyth Naval base—where the quarter sessions is Rosyth?—will take ten years to construct, may lay that flattering unction to their souls and get a little sleep o' nights.—" London Opinion."  G * Last Sunday and Monday were "red letter days " of the history. of Guildism at Padgate Wesleyan Church, for the services n were nt only excellent and inspiring, but they were attended in large numbers by members of the various Guilds connected with the local Wesleyan Churches. As the membership of these Guilds numbers close upon 1,000, and is composed (so some consider) of the "flower of maidenhood and manhood " it is easy to foretell what a great force they will have in course of time, upon the religious, moral, and social life of the district. •* * * Very little comment has so far been made either in the Town Council or the Press with regard to the circumstances leading up to the lamentable suicide of Mr. H. P. Brierley, a clerk in the Warrington Borough Surveyor's Department. It was tacitly admitted that nothing but harm could come of a premature discussion of this painful matter, but it is certainly getting time the public was afforded some explanation of the condition of affairs which led to Ur. Brierley's tragic atonement. We all know that there were serious cash deficiencies—which the relatives of the deceased have offered to make good from a sense of "private honour and public obligation," as Alderman Bennett so well put it at Tuesday's Council meeting. He promised an early statement as the result of investigations which are being made. There must have been a serious lack of proper supervision in some quarter, for the poor fellow now deceased to have got into the difficulties which he did with regard to public moneys. • No 'doubt "steps will be taken to prevent  any such occurrence in 'the future," but whaf everybody wants to know is : Why was the stable-door left open so long?
Widnes Examiner. — 1907-06-22 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

PRISONER'S SUICIDE. Tragedy in a Warrington Police Cell  The circumstances attending the suicide of Robert Leatherbarrow (63), 5, Howard's Place, were inquired into by Mr. S. Brighouse and a jury at the ‘Varrington Coroner's Court on Tuesday. It appears that at noon on Monday Leatherbarrow was arrested and detained at the Police Station on a charge of begging. He was locked up in a cell but pleading that he was suffering from a mild attack of diarrhtea he was allowed the run of the lavatory, corridor and exercise yard. Nothing ,untoward occurred , during the afternoon, but when in the evening P.C. Howard visited the cells with the prisoners' teas he found Leatherbarrow ii the lavatory, hanging, by the chain of the flushing tank. The chain was wrapped round his neck but was not tied in any way. He was at once taken down but life was extinct. Mr. Brighouse inquired carefully as to the cause of the arrest. The deceased was well known to the police. Why should he not have been taken horse instead of being arrested? He could understand a tramp or "Weary Willie" being locked up for begging. Superintendent Monaghan explained that Leatherbarrow had been many times cautioned about begging and had been spoken to no later than Monday morning. Giving evidence as the cause of death—suffocation by ,hanging—Dr. Smith said he knew the deceased well. He had been a great nuisance because of his begging and people had complained. Mrs. Leatherbarrow explained that the deceased was a tanner but was not working, and had been greatly depressed. He had no occasion to beg as he had a good home and everything he wanted. Mr. Brighouse said he hoped it would not be thought that the police bad done anything which was not right. The deceased had apparently made himself a nuisance sod the police were therefore perfectly justified in taking him into custody. There was n great deal of absurd nonsense talked about the liberty of the subject, but the subject had no right to liberty if he was a nuisance or danger to the community at large. He thought the .police had done everything which could be expected of them.  A verdict of Suicide whilst of unsound mind "was returned.
Widnes Examiner. — 1907-03-09 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

THE TOWN COUNCIL. give the Mayor (Alderman Smethurst) redit fnr the better tone which is apparent in Town Council debates to-day as con,pared with the last few years. There is much less bickering and interrupting, and the improvement is due to the firm ,ness, impartiality and tact of the 3rayor. He has the personal recommendation of keeping "a still tongue," which is, of course, Proper procedure for a chairman to observe. At Tuesday's meeting there was two full hours discussion. but no quarrelling or exhibitions of temper. Even Councillor Pemberton gets a fair hearing now-a-days and it is noticeable how much less he says when he is allowed to speak without interruption and retort. The business of this week's meeting was not of great woment,and there Was not a single division, or amendfnent put during the evening. There were several matters of interest,notablv the proposition of Alderman Evans that the widening of Church-street on the south -side should be proceeded with.TheConncil was in a Complaisant mood till it was pointed mit that the •scheme would involve exaenditure chargeable on the rates for one year of two or three thousand Pounds. Alderman Evans's proposal did not give any particulars RS to coat, and as it was ruled to be mandatory if passed, the Alderman eventually Withdrew it. Meanwhile we expect that a report Will be drawn up and submitted to the Council showing exactly what is required in Church-street and what it will coat. There is not much probability that any extensive expenditure will he sanctioned there for some time. As Councillor lird pointed out, Bridge-street is not finished yet and, moreover, the Howley end of the town has done very well lately in.secnring special favours. By wav,what has become of that beautiful scheme for Howard Place, the site of the old Bridewell ?  Lieutenant- Colonel THE SUICIDE Unsworth, chief of the
Widnes Examiner. — 1907-03-09 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

HELENS BUILDER'S TRAGIC DEATH. __ • _ _ _ _  Mr. Brighouse held an inquiry at St. Helens on Monday into the death of Arthur William Ellison, builder, aged thirty-one years,lf 173, Boundary-road, who was found drowned on Friday last.—Mrs. Ellison gave evidence, and said that deceased with his tvko brothers were executors under the will of his father, and they carried on the business of builders. Deceased was of a quiet, retiring nature, and his home life was a very happy one. Last Christmas he had a slight attack o f influenza, and had since suffered from insomnia. He had occasionally complained of severe pains in the head. On Nlonday last week he collected rents at Sutton Heath, Gerrard's-bridges, and Ashton-in-Mai orfield. He returned to the office about five o'clock and balanced up with his brothers,an d afterwards went home. On arriving home his wife asked him if he was going to have his tea, when he said. "I am not particular. I am about tired of life, and I think I will do away with myself." Later he worked at his books and conversed with his wife at intervals. About five minutes to ten o'clock he went to the front door to smoke a cigarette and then disappeared. Police-constable Wilkes spoke to the body being recovered by Captain Byefield of Runcorn on Friday afternoon last, in the Alexandra dam, off Prescot-road. Deceased's brother, Thomas Ellison, said that beyond being slightly absent-minded recently, he saw nothing wrong with his brother up to Monday last week. On the day he disappeared he put everything in perfect order. His books were beautifully kept. There was absolutely nothing in his business or in his private life to account for his taking away his life.—The jury returned a verdict of " Suicide whilst of unsound mind," and expressed their deepest sympathy with the wife and relatives, in which the coroner concurred.
Widnes Examiner. — 1907-07-20 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

LADIES' BEST GLACE BOOTS AND SHOES, UNDER THE CLOCK, BRIDGE-STR,EET.—Adtv. Suicide. An inquest was held at the Police Station on Tuesday morning on the body of John Wilkins (44), wood turner, who resided at 14, Sutton-street, and who committed suicide last week.—Elizabeth Wilkins, wife of the eceased, said that the previous Thursday night her husband came home the worse for drink. Witness left him in the kitchen while she went for her child at the front. On her return twenty minutes later she missed him. She searched for him and eventually found him hanging by the neck from a. rope attached to a beam in an outhouse in the backyard. She informed the police, and artificial respiration was tried, but without success. Deceasel had been drinking heavily for some time ; and he often said he would put an end to himself.—The jury returned a verdict of " Suicide during temporaryl insanity."  Attack on a Wife. John Hargreaves, Russell-street, was charged at the Borough Police Court on NTonday with an aggravated assault on his wife Loniga. Mrs. Hargraves stated on Saturday night prisoner awoke in a mad fit and stabbed her in the chest with a knife (produced). She ran out of the house, screaming, and met P.C. Lewis. The officer said the woman was bleeding very much from her breast. He went home with her, and Hargreaves said, " It's a pity I did not finish her. You get out of this house or I will serve you the same." Prisoner rushed at Lewis, who closed with him, and knocked him down. P.C. Fish took the woman to the Infirmary, where her wound was stitched. Mrs. Hargreaves said there had been no quarrel, but the prisoner came home the wcirse for drink. Hargreaves, however, alleged that he found his wife drunk in bed. Prisoner was sentenced to a month's imprisonment, as his wife did not press the case.
Widnes Examiner. — 1908-01-04 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

MISERY. anti-suicide bureau, with its  headquarters in London,and branches in some of the chief cities both of the Old and the New World. By this means it is said to have saved over 1,500 lives. The statement is surely rather extravagant. A drop of 1,500 in what may be called the suicide rate would have been notable eniugh to attract wide attention. But we have heard nothing of any conspicuous drop in the Tate of suicide, and instead of saying' that the Salvation Army has saved over 1,500 lives it would probably be truer t say that it has administered comfort and good advice in more than 1,500 cases. Of those who even attempt suicide, a large proportion do not suCceed in carrying their object into effect, and the number of those who convince themselves that this is the only possible solution of life's problems for them, but who do not actually attempt self-destruction, most be very large indeed. Evidently, it is some of these last who have sought the consolations of the Salvation Army. It is noted that they do not belong to " the submerged tenth." Teose who I have got down to the very bedrock of poverty and misery either do not commit suicide or they do not pause to ask advice about it. Among those who have sought the Anti-Suicide Bureau the professions were strongly represented. Of what ' sort were the troubles that made them desperate? Over 50 per cent, were distressed by financial worries or hopeless poverty. Eleven per cent, were victims of drink, drugs, 'or disease ; which seems a rather low proportion. There was 9 per cent, of melancholia, , generally produced by loneliness, and 5 per cent. of crime. Tragic, no doubt, were the stories that were told. An °sample is given. A man I ruined himself to save his son from prison. Then he took to drink, lost his employment, and broke his wife's heart. " Four times," he said, " I have walked across the bridge, looked into the water, thought of my wife, and felt that I would rather join her than live on as I had been doing." There must be thousands of cases not dissimilar ; but looking at the water is the nearest approach to ! self-destruction. Suicide is the exception, after all. There are no conditions under which life is not endurable, and there is generally a way out lof the gravest difficulty without approaching the tiates of Death. If the Bureau only shows the way to a modest proportion of its frenzied callers it has done something which perhaps no other human agency is capable of doing so well. S) long as there is trouble in the world, just so long will the Salvation Army perform a great service by holding out a helping hand to the self-condemned.
Widnes Examiner. — 1908-01-04 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

HELENS MAN'S ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.' William Williams a young collier, Wilson-street, was remanded at St. Helens on Monday on a ck,arge of attempted suicide. William Bagley, a young man, said that shortly before midnight on Saturday he was , passing by the police office at the Town Hall, when he saw Williams near the doorway with a razor open in his I hand. He drew the razor across his throat, but only inflicted a slight scratch. When witness spoke to him he dropped his hand, and said he was destitute and wanted to get rid of himself. He took the man inside the office, where, in answer to Constable Merrill, he said," lam downhearted. I have been sacked from my work at Lea Green, and I have tramped through north Wales for the week. I will do it." Prisoner's sister said he had his head hurt, and drink affected him. The bench directed that he should be examined by the prison doctor. DEATH OF MAJOR WILLCOCKS  Major J. G. S. Willcocks, who for twenty-seven years was adjutant of the St. Helens Volunteers, passed away on Saturday evening at his residence Ravensdale, St. Ann's, after a long and painful illness. Major Willcocks was seventy-five years of age. For fifty-six years he had been a most respected resident of the town, and until illness prevented his attendance be was a useful member of the St. Helens Education Committee. He was churchwarden of Eccleston Church for many years, and also manager of the schools of the parish. In 1861, when the St. Helens Volunteers were formed by the late Sir David Gamble and Colonel Pilkington, Major Willcocks was selected for the position of adjutant, having been trained in the Militia. He was always a most capable organiser, and under his trainin., the regiment won , a splendid reputation training marksmanship and general efficiency. In January, 1888, when the major retired from the adjutanoy, the late Sir David Gamble presented him, on behalf of the regiment, with an illuminated address and a cheque of 100 guineas. The presentation took place in the 'Volunteer Hall at the annual prize-giving, and Major Willcocks, in acknowledging the gift, mentioned that during the twentyseven years no fewer than 6,000 recruits had been I enrolled in the regiment. A committee of local residents, under the chairmanship of Mr. W. J. Thomson, J.P., also presented an address and cheque for £llO to Major Willcocks. He leaves a widow and two sons and two daughters, and, though death came as a relief to prolonged suffering, the loss of the cheery and gentlemanly major will be sincerely regretted by all who knew him. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at Eccleston Church. A.
Widnes Examiner. — 1908-12-19 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

MONTII FOR ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. Lancashire BHalifaxarrow 3 5 21 At the Liverpool Sessions on Tuesday, William Clef? (30),f0r attempting to commit suicide by throwing himself under a train at Earlestown, on August 27th Swinton was sentenced to one month's imprisonment. It will Union Northern herert . be remembered that Claff jumped in front of a train at Tre -Earlestown Station and sustained serious injuries to his hands and'arms.  Abont 5,-606-4-ectra-t-o-rs WitnessCa-Ei keen and exciting struggle between these teams at Wilderspool on Saturday. Gibbs kicked off, and Daintith early on checked the Wigan forwards, Mclntyre with a lofty kick soon gate the " Wirepullers" the advantage. Wigan were penalized and despite the extreme angle Mclntyre placed a goal. The visitors retaliated, and a determined raid led up to Creevey placing a goal from near the quarter line. Wigan continued to hold the upper hand and after Lees had checked another dangerous _raid, Warrington were once more penalised, and Creevey gave his side the lead with a fine goal from near half-way. I A useful run by Lees ought to have been turned to good account, and Wigr n were lucky to escape, Bradshaw being pulled up near the line. Another rally by Wigan resulted in Creevey placing his third goal, whilst near the interval a passing movement ended in Kerwin scoring at the corner and Creevey added a goal. Half-time: Wigan, four goals one try (eleven points) ; Warrington, one goal (two points). laming round the IVarringtonians played up splendidly, and %igen were generally on the defensive. The game was maintained at high pressure, and a brilliant passing bout led up to Bradshaw scoring far out, but Mclntyre made no mistake with the place kick. The Warrington forwards next exhibited some ' splendid footwork, and after Harmer and Belton had led the way in one dangerous rush, Foster went over with a try, but Mclntyre failed to give Lis side the lead from a somewhat easy position. Warrington were in a minority by a single point, but they attacked with grim ' deterreinatior and a penalty being awarded the home I side, Mclntyre placed a fine goal. Wigan had two unsuccessful shots in the last few minutes, and Warrington thus won a capital game by three goals two tries (twelve points) against four goals one try (eleven points).  Against G. T. P. O 2 6 1 3 11 O 0 0 1 1 5 3 1 9 2 1 7 5 0 10 1 4 14 3 3 15 1 3 11 1 3 11 2 2 IQ 2 2 10 0 3 9 6 3 21 O 2 6 1 1 5 3 2 12 3 1 9 2 6 22 0 1 3  61 CG 312 37 44 LOG Flayed 21, won 13, lost 5, drawn 3.
Widnes Examiner. — 1908-08-22 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

MODEL DRAWING.—First class : Dobson T Clark, Sydney W Clatworthy, Frank Bailey, Gertrude Gandy, Arthur Hayward and Alfred Cooke. Second class: Jane Gregg, Herbert Rigby, Arthur Clare, Joseph Boscow, Reginald C Essenhigh, Beatrice M Crompton, :lane M Sbakeshaft, Mildred Lowe, Alice M Wood, James E Marshall and Mary Butterton.  The Bray Seal In the Museum. The grey seal recently caught at Paddington Lock is now on exhibition in the Zoology Room in the Museum. The animal has been stuffed and mounted by Messrs. George and Charles J. Mounfield, of Buttermarket-street. The following note on the capture was published in the " Zoologist " for July: —" Occurrence of the Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) in the Mersey.—An adult male grey seal *vas shot in Paddington Lock, on the Woolston new cut of the River Mersey, above Warrington Bridge. It was driven into the lock and killed on June 17th, 1908. For two or three days before it was killed two seals had been noticed between Atherton' s Quay and Warrington Blidge, and several unsuc. cessful attempts were made to shoot them. in order to reach the cut the seal must have ascended Howley Weir Latchford, which it probably did at high tide. The animal, which I examined in the flesh, measured :—From nose to tip of tail, 7ft. Gin.; from nose to longest toe of hind foot, Bft. ; girth of body posterior to fore flippers, 4ft. Bin. ; length of head, 141 n. Mr. T. A. Coward has seen the skin and skull and confirms the identification ; he has seen ths grey seal off the coasts of Lleyn and Anglesey, where it has occirred on several occasions, and is of opinion that the species may breed on the North Wales Coast. This is the second recorded instance of the occurrence of the grey seal in the Mersey, the previous one being in the winter of 1860-61, when one was captured in the Canada Dock, Liverpool.  Lymm Coachman Commits Suicide. Frank Brooker, a coachman, living with his parents in the Higher-lane, Lymm, was found dead in an outhouse, by his mother, soon after she got up on Tuesday morning. He was at his work on the preceding day and went to bed as usual, but must have got up early and cut his throat without anyone hearing anyl thing unusual. His father was for many years butler to Mr. Dewhnrst, of Oughtrington Hall, and his brothers are all stencil-, hardworking men Deceased worked in Lymm all his life—for some time recently for Miss Fox, of Brookfield, who speaks highly of his general conduct.  At the Borough Police Court lefore the Mayor and other magistrates, Sidney Warburton (13) residing at 25, Lord Nelson-street ; Ernest Pownell (10), 29, Lord Nelson-street and William Perzy (11), 23, Lord Nelson-street, were charged with throwing stones and with breaking two panes of glass in the tannery in Vernon-street. Defendants pleaded guilty. Detective Clough proved the case, and said that he had received numerous complaints of windows being broken in that neighbourhood. The defendants after being severely repremanded by the Chairman were fined is. each.
Widnes Examiner. — 1908-08-22 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

PRIZE LIST. ' not known. The following is the prize list :Special prizes given by Mr J J Whitley for the Attempted Suicide, neatest and best stocked flower garden : 1, John I At the Borough Police Court on Tuesday, John Green ; 2, W Dean ; 3, James Kippax ; 4, Henry Burke, residing at 16, Heaton Square, Orford-street, Maddock ; 5, W Duncalf. I was charged with attempted suicide by taking salts and pi!ecalta lgorci prizes given by Ladyar (e Greenall, otoar tl:(l3ereneena t.e.s.,t of lemon on Monday morning. His mother gave Henry Haddock; 3, James Greeeen'; 4, Wm. Duncalf.' -, evidence to the effect that defendant asked her for Special prizes given by Mr James Parr, for the twopeuce because he wanted a shave. She had no neatest and best stocked flower gardens (competed for change so she gave him a half-crown. When by Mr Parr's tenants only) : 1, John Kippax •, 2, Peter defendant came back she noticed that he had not had Cliffs ; 3, Thomas Rutter, secir. ; 4, James Cliffs. a shave, so she asked him why,but he said that he was Special prizes given by Mr. James Parr, for the going for one after dinner. Defendant then toakemee neatest arl„darbreast tenants kitchen gardensj (competed fo: cup from the table, and put a powder into it,. ait this Tyhomas Done; 3 Thomasen y'li 4 John Kippax ; -, „ utter, senr., and James some water, and drank it, saying " I have don 0 a con Cliffe; 5, W Leach. time." She raised an alarm and defendant wa ' Special prizes given by Lady Greenall for the neatest veyed to the hospital were he was attended to. and best stocked kitchen gardens (open to all cottagers Defendant's excuse was that, he had had some --i /miff residing within the Society's district but outside the with his wife, and said it was all through his tonnbte township of Hatton) : 1, Thomas Grounds ; 2, Joseph ' sister. Mrs. Burke (his wife) said that defends roife'B Miller ;3, George Green ;4, Edwin Taylor. been drinking on Sunday night last. They hal v,r ENTRIES FOR COTTAGERS nr.srpixo WITHIN THREE ' MILES os