The Northern Guardian. — 1893-08-11 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

SAD SUICIDE OF A LONDON GENTLEMAN.  The Liverpool coroner held an inquest yesterday on the body of Jefferson Lowndes, aged 35, described as a private secretary, who lived with his mother, at 152, Holland Road, Kensington, London. The deceased was discovered lying dead in his bedroom at the North-Western Hotel, Liverpool, on Tuesday afternoon, having apparently shot himself with a pistol which was found in his hand. Mrs Elizabeth Dorothy Lowndes was called as a witness, and stated that she was the widow of a newspaper editor. The deceased was her son. He was blind in one eye, and the other was very much affected, and an oculist had told him that when he was forty years of age he would be atone blind. During the past few weeks he had been very greatly depressed. He was an M.A. of Oxford, and was a fully ordained clergyman, although he had not officiated for some years. His wife died in the West Indies twelve months after marriage, and this also greated affected him. She last saw him alive on the 4th inst., when he left London, and on the Bth she received a letter from him enclosing his will and a few bills, which he asked her to pay. He said in the letter that he was going to Australia, and that she would hear from him on landing. That same evening she read a telegram from the police in Liverpool stating that her son had committed suicide. Two letters found in the dressing table in the deceased's bedroom were read. The first was addressed to the manager of the hotel, and was as follows : August 6th, 1893. Dear Sir,—On retiring to bed to-night at about 12 I found I was blind. I tried by means of matches, but could not see the light of them, though they burnt my fingers. I had intended to emigrate, sailing with a friend of mine this week; but what use is ' a blind man in the colonies? If my sight is not all right in the morning I shall shoot myself. Communicate with my friends, 152, Holland Road, London, W. My name is J. Lowndes. I have enough 1 to pay my bill. If there is any balance over send it ; to Mrs Lowndes, 152, Holland Read, London. The other letter was as follows : . My Dearest Mother,—/ have suddenly gone blind. , I cannot be a burden to you and family. I had intended to emigrate, but a blind man can do no good ' in the colonies. There is nothing to be done, but God bless you. Forgive me.—Your loving son, J.L. 1 The writing in both letters is very irregular, 1 thus bearing out the statement of the deceased as to his blindness.—The jury returned a verdict, of 7 "Suicide whilst labouring under temporary insanity."  dis J. HILL, Surgeon Jentist and Chemist, 2 Barn oad (two minutes' walk from Stranton Church.. Artificial Teeth in Gold Platinum, cr Vulacrute Lowest charges consistent with good workmanship..  "Holm Rout."—This question is simply settled by allowing the wifeto go for all her household and personal requirements us Drapery, Boys' Clothing, Dresses, Floorcloths, Carpets, Hearthrugs, Curtains, and other furnishings, to BROADY'S, 23, Charles Street. where she can snake her purchases on easy weekly payments.—Adrt. BR TT Karown to all ye men that Y. W. Bramwell is now supplying High-class Tailoring, best make at reasonable prices, cut and style IT to date. ,Be it known to all ye ladies that V— producing the Latest Styles ment above the shop.--P corner beside the Market !CATMINT ()PIMA'  Mies  Siam'  teration.