My apologies, my mistake. I misread in my rush yesterday - he mentions 'wife and family at Nelson'. Here is the transcript.
Manchester Times Friday 01 July 1898
Suicide of a Manchester Man Extraordinary Letter
An inquest was held by the Manchester City Coroner (Mr. Sidney Smelt) on Monday, on the body of Frederick Dyson, 45, joiner, of Park-street, Monsall.- Edwin Smith, of Conran-street, Harpurhey, said that deceased, who was his stepson, on Thursday last had been drinking heavily. He called at witness's house and asked his mother for some money, but did not say anything about committing suicide. A rather extraordinary letter, which was found upon the body of the deceased, was read by the Coroner. It ran as follows:- "My Mother lives at 199, Conran-street, and I have lived at 20, Park-street, Lilley-street, and my tools are at Samuel Wlakden's. 'Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.' I will not mourn, for He who gave me life also gave me the power to take it, and also the will when I was dissatisfied. My best friends have been the poor, you know about the others. I have been acknowledged as a good workman, and also industrious. But, the best laid schemes o' mice and men gang aft agley. Ask my mother if she will look after my last rites, as I wish to be buried in my native town of good old Manchester, and cheerfully at that. Better now than to grow old and decrepit, and a burden in body, hoping that He who 'shapes our ends, rough hew them how He will.' will forgive all poor mortals who commit errors. For I have always had a better opinion of the kindness of the Omnipotent than some whom I have heard preach. The fact is, that in present circumstances, or as far as I can see, the future of life is not worth a struggle in the few remaining years of my life. My tools should be got and sold, or drawn to pay some money at the lodgings, which is not much, or which way may be thought best by my friends, shopmates, or relatives, or as my friend Joe may suggest. There is also my banjo down at the lodgings, which is worth 30s., and I daresay my chest of tools is worth £5 just as they stand second-hand. My wife and family live at Nelson. Good-bye to them and good-bye to Joe, and all the boys on the croft, and all friends. I am not afraid of death. My end has come, and I have had my innings. I am tired, but cheerful. Good-bye once more before I go to my long, long rest." William Blackshaw stated that he found the body of the deceased behind some railings under a clump of trees as he was going to his work in Queen's Park at four o'clock on Saturday morning. -Constable Goddard, who was called to the body, said the man's throat was cut, and a razor was lying beside him. He appeared to have died without a struggle. -A verdict of "Suicide whilst insane, brought on by excessive drinking," was returned.
_________________ Mel
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