Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 07 April 1933

Grief for Wife “Nothing More To Live For”

Denaby Man’s Suicide

The Doncaster District Coroner (Mr. W. Carlile) returned a verdict of ” Suicide whilst of unsound mind ” in the case of John Joseph Shaman’s (49), stone contractor, Doncaster Road, Denaby, who was found gassed on Friday afternoon in his kitchen.

Evidence of identification was given by Mrs. Annie White, Barnburgh Street, Denaby, who said Shawcross was her brother-in-law. She last saw him on Tuesday, but it was a fortnight since she had spoken to him. Since his wife died in January he had been living alone, and had been very depressed. He had not threatened to take his life.

Henry Astbury,  Doncaster Road, Denaby. who lived next door, said Shawcross had often spoken about his wife. He bade Shawcross “goodnight” on Thursday night, when he did not seem unduly depressed.

The Coroner read an extract from a letter left by deceased, thanking Astbury for his kindness.

Amos Jones, insurance agent, Tickhill Street, Denaby, said he called at Shawcross’s house to collect a premium. The blind was down and the kitchen door unlocked. He went in and smelled gas. Shawcross was lying on the couch with something over his head.

Police-constable Whitehead said a pillowcase enveloped Shawcross’s head and a piece of gas tubing was put through a hole in the case. The gas tubing was connected to the bracket, the taps were turned on and the meter was empty. Two letters were lying on the table, and has wife’s photograph was standing at the side of the couch. There was £6 in notes and £1 7s. in silver is purses in the cupboard.

Dr. J. McArthur said Mrs. Shawcross died in January from pneumonia and deceased contracted influenza in February, from which he recovered. He was, however, very depressed. Death was due to asphyxiation from coal gas poisoning.

The Coroner said he was quite satisfied that Shawcross had committed suicide whilst a state of unsound mind. He had been troubled a good deal by the death of his wife, and his letters contained references to her. “He says he has nothing more to live for and he wished to follow his wife.” added the Coroner.

” He wishes to thank a friend of his, a Sammy Hall, who has been a great comfort to him since his wife died.” He goes on to say that he would have done this sooner.” if it had not been for the comfort of Mr. Hall.