Northampton Mercury May 5^th 1877, transcribed by Susan Manton

Distressing Suicide

An inquest was held before Mr.  Parker, coroner for the district, at the Vestry Hall, in the evening of Friday April 27^th, touching the death of Jane Wood, aged 17, a shoe fitter, employed in Mr. Denton’s factory, at Rushden, whose body had that day been recovered from the River Nene. The following jury were sworn:- Messrs. Wilkins (foreman), Foskett, Mackness, Perkins, Darnell, J. Packwood, F. Knight, G. Denton, E. Claridge, S. Knight, Wheeler and S. Knight jnr. Ann Campion, aunt of the deceased, deposed that she had lived with her for 13 years. Between six  and seven in the evening, on Thursday April 26^th, she remonstrated with deceased for keeping company with a young man in the village. She told her that if any misfortune happened to her through this or any young man, that, having no father of mother she would have to go to the Union. Had no ground for suspecting any misfortune. Deceased replied that rather than go to the Union she would drown herself and got up to go out, but witness stopped her and bolted the door. Deceased was in a violent temper for a short time, and made an effort to get out, but witness succeeded in preventing her until assistance arrived. About half past eight, at which time she quieted down, and had been sitting down to her work as usual, deceased washed herself, and after doing a few things about the house, put on her hat and shawl and went out. Saw no more of her until the body was brought back the next day. Deceased was acquainted with the young man about twelve months, but witness only learned of the acquaintance the previous week. Had occasion to correct deceased a week ago, and struck her once or twice on the arm, and had struck her once since then on the back. They lived very happily together, but at times deceased was very passionate. Deborah Wrighton knew deceased, and worked with her. Had some conversation with her a short time ago about a young man to whom her aunt objected. Deceased said if there was much bother about it she would leave home and drown herself. Witness reproved her for saying so, but deceased replied that she would some time or other. Was returning to Rushden, just before nine o’clock, the previous evening, and met deceased, who was walking very fast towards Higham. They exchanged greetings, and in reply to witness, deceased said twice that she was not going far and saying “Goodnight” went on. Deceased seemed very cheerful and witness observed nothing unusual in her manner, nor had she noticed any difference in her during the previous week since the aunt’s objection had been raised. Eliza Bailey sworn, said: She was well acquainted with deceased. Went to the house about eight o’clock the previous evening and found the door fastened. The aunt informed her of the reason for fastening the door. Witness reasoned with deceased regarding her threat to drown herself, but she made no reply, and was crying all the time the witness was there. Understood the aunt’s objection to the young man arose solely from the youthful age of the deceased.

Elizabeth Cross, servant to Mr. Warren, grocer, depased that she had know the deceased about twelve months. Last Saturday was the first time the deceased had said anything to her about drowning herself. Understood she had not been very happy at home the past week or two and in reply to a question as to how she was getting on at home, deceased replied “not at all”, that she had been twice to the river, but she knew the third time would do it. Her aunt objected to her going with the young man, but was not aware that she had any other complaint to make of her aunt’s treatment. Thought deceased had looked unhappy the last week or two, but beyond this had not noticed anything unusual bout her. Last saw her, to speak to her, the previous morning, when, in reply to a question, she said she was not getting on very well at home. Evidence having been given as to the finding of deceased’s hat and shawl on the bank of the river, P.C. Hensher, of Higham Ferrers, said he assisted in the search for the body, which was found near to the Wharf Bridge on the south side of the river. When recovered deceased was quite dead and she had apparently died from drowning. The hands were clenched, but there were no marks of violence on the body. Witness searched the body and found a purse containing three penny pieces, a pocket handkerchief and a small portion of a newspaper. Saw footprints on the bank where the hat and shawl were found, extending 20 or 30 yards as though deceased had wandered up and down before entering the water. A jury man expressed an opinion in favour of medical evidence being obtained, but the Coroner said the expenses of inquests were very closely scrutinised at Quarter Sessions and it was not usual to add to the expenses for medical witnesses in cases like this one, where there was really no doubt as to the cause of death, and no suspicion whatever of any foul play. Deceased had clearly committed suicide and it was for the jury to determine by their verdict the state of her mind at the time. On this point there was among the jury a decided difference of opinion. The Coroner left the jury in charge of the constable to consider the question, but, finding after a considerable time that there was really no chance of agreement, he decided to dismiss the jury, and give an order for the interment of the body. He thought that nothing would be gained by adjourning the inquiry and as liberty of the subject was not involved, he felt he should not be justified in remitting the case to the Assizes. Four of the jury were for a verdict of “Suicide while in a state of temporary insanity,” the remaining eight for “Felo de se.” The inquiry lasted nearly four hours.