A Theistic Monomaniac'8 Suicide

Abstract

A book full of interest and of ghastly instruction might be compiled from newspaper cuttings of extraordinary suicides. Of these few would be more startling than one recently reported at Kemerton near Tewkesbury. The head gardener to a Mrs. Holland, named Adams, aged 40, was found burnt to a cinder in the root-house. The under-gardener had known him for two years, and having been informed that he was missing one Monday morning, made search for him, and, in doing so, had his attention drawn to smoke issuing from the root-house in the garden. There, after extinguishing the fire with assistance, the remains of the deceased were found, although they could not be identified, A can used for petroleum, a flask with brandy in it, and a small benzoline lamp were also there. What remained of the body was lying face downwards on the fire of burning wood.