SUICIDE OF A WAR OFFICE CLERK..

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2064, 16 August 1875, Page 3

SUICIDE OF A WAR OFFICE CLERK..

Mr "William Carter, Coroner for East Surrey, held an. inquest at tlie King Henry the Eighth Tavern, High street, Lambeth, on June 8, on the body of Mr Jphn Geddes, aged thirty-four years, a Government clerk, engaged in the War Office, who was seen by a nurse at St. Thomas' Hospital to leap from the third arch of Westminister Bridge into the river Thames on the 30th ult. The large room where the inquiry was held was crowed by the deceased's relatives and friends. Inspector Francis, of the Thames Police, appeared to watch the case on behalf of the Commissioners of Police. The following evidence was adduced:— Frederick Perry, a waterman, said he resided at Greenwich, and whilst he was rowing off the Lambeth Pier ho saw the deceased floating .in the water. He communicated with the Thames Police, and handed over the body to Inspector Francis. Mrs Stokes was sworn, and deposed: £he resided at No. 18, Penton street, Pentonville. She identified the deceased as lately her lodger, and she had known, him for the last six years. Deceased was engaged at the War Office" as a clerk, and he lostjhis wife on the 11th of January last. Since that period he had been in a very desponding state. Deceased had unfortunately formed an acquaintance with one of her servants, who left her service as soon as she became acquainted with the fact. On the 28th ult. deceased returned home at half-past eight o'clock in the morning, and she handed him a letter (read in Court). He would not partake of any refreshment, but stated he.must attend at the War Office for business. Deceased told her he was to take a quarter's salary, and she afterwards ascertained that he had spent the whole amount. Witness did pofc tuink deceased had been right in his mind

since his wife's decease. She understood from deceased that Miss Mary Ann Ford was enceinte, and if he did not marry her she wpxild go to the War Office and ruin him by getting him discharged from his situation. Deceased repeatedly spoke about the matter, and it so preyed upon his mind that he threatened to destroy himself by jumping into "the river Thames. Rowland James Taylor said -he accompanied the deceased to the residence-of Miss Ford on the evening of the 29th ult., and left at half-past twelve on Sunday morning. Deceased left him at the corner of Euston-road, Tottenham Court-road, about a quarter-past one.' He stated he was going home to change, and then he intended to prodded to his brother's residence at Guildford, Some other extraordinary revelations'were . elicited; Vand after the court was cleared, the jury returned a verdict of" SuicidG whilst in a state of temporary insanity."