A painful sensation was caused in Rushden on Friday last when the sad news became known that George Cook, of Queen-street, Rushden, had been found hanging dead. Deceased, who had been ailing for about two years, was 65 years of age. He had been suffering from chronic rheumatism for some considerable time. Deceased was well respected.

The Inquest

was held at “The Feathers” Inn on Saturday night, before the divisional coroner (Mr. J. T. Parker). Mr. H. M. Nind was chosen foreman of the jury.

Mrs. Harriet Cook (widow) said : I live at 65, Queen-street, Rushden. The body is that of my late husband, aged 65 years. He was a shoe hand. He had been unwell for some time. He kept his bed for eight weeks. He was seriously unwell, and I nursed him. I saw him all right last on Friday morning at 8 o’clock. I left him in bed while I went downstairs. He always told me not to go up again until he was up. His brother, Mr. Clark Cook, called to see him about 10 o’clock. He went upstairs with me and we found the door fastened. We called him, but there was no reply. The door was fastened on the inside. We broke in and found him sitting up in bed. He was quite dead. He had tied a handkerchief round his throat and fastened it to the head of the bedstead. He had been

Depressed For Some Time.

He had been an in-patient at the Northampton Infirmary. For nights together he used to get no sleep. He had never threatened to take his life, but often said he wished he was dead. I did not think it necessary to have him watched. My husband was quite himself when I left him, only lately he had been weaker and worse.

Mr. Clark Cook, of the Midland Hotel, Wellingborough, said : I called to see my brother on Friday morning at about 10 o’clock. I saw Mrs. Cook downstairs and we went up together. She said, “I fancy he is asleep, as he is very quiet.” She went to open the door and said, “Oh dear, this door is locked.” It was locked on the inside. When I got in I found him sitting upright in bed. He had tied a silk handkerchief round his neck and fastened it to the head of the bedstead. He was quite dead. I cut the handkerchief and sent for the doctor at once. He had had not above two hours’ sleep for over a week.

Dr. E. J. Freeman said he had attended the deceased for four months. Deceased suffered from

Various Internal Diseases,

and he had lately suffered from stone. He was quite incurable. The appearance of the body was consistent with hanging. There were no marks of violence upon the body except a ring on the left side of the neck. He had said he wished he was dead, but he had never said he was going to commit suicide. Deceased suffered with his kidneys.

A Juryman : Had be been in the habit of getting out of bed?

Mrs. Cook : He used to get out of bed to walk about the room, as he was in such pain.

The jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed suicide by hanging, whilst temporarily insane.

The Funeral

took place at the Cemetery on Monday, the mourners being:- Mr. H. Cook (son) and Mrs. G. Cook (widow), Mr. W. Cook (son) and Mrs. G. Monk (Cardington, Daughter), Mr. A. Cook (son) and Miss M. Cook (daughter), Mr. Clark Cook and Mrs. Litchfield (Wellingborough, brother and sister), Mr. S. Cook (grandson) and Mrs. Lustie (Wellingborough, sister), Master W. Cook (grandson) and Mrs. Bryant (Wellingborough, sister-in-law), Mrs. W. Cook and Mrs. G. Cook (daughters-in-law), the Misses F. and E. Cook (grand-daughters).

Wreaths were received as follow:-

In loving memory, from brother Clark.

In loving remembrance of dear father, from Harry and Annie.

In affectionate remembrance, from his son George, wife and children. With love.

With deepest sympathy for uncle and family, from C. and E. Austin.

With heartfelt sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. Walter Cook, grandchildren.

A tribute of sincere sympathy, from Nell and George.

With deepest sympathy, from his niece and nephew, Sarah and Fred Abbott. Peace, perfect peace.

In deepest remembrance of our dear uncle, from Alfred and Esther Cook. He giveth His beloved sleep.

With deepest sympathy, from Mr. and Mrs. F. Day, Bedford.

Mrs. Cook and the family desire to thank all friends for their great kindness and sympathy to them in their sad bereavement. No cards.