JANE YOUELL 1874-1895
CAUSE OF DEATH: MURDER! image: Western Mail 2nd May 1895
Last week I wrote about my 3x Great Grandfather for the theme 'In the City' This week I am writing about his Grandaughter, Jane Youell, who was murdered by the lodger.
Jane Youell was the daughter of Charles Youell and Emily nee Williams. She was born in Birkenhead, Cheshire in 1874, the couples youngest child.
The newspapers of the time were awash with the story, but the report I have transcribed is perhaps the most comprehensive
WESTERN MAIL MONDAY APRIL 29 1895 Page 5.
TERRIBLE CRIME IN LONDON
A WELSH GIRL MURDERED
KILLED BY LODGER IN HER FATHERS HOUSE
STORY OF THE CRIME
ANTECEDENTS OF THE VICTIMS FAMILY
SURRENDER OF THE MURDERER
FULL CONFESSION OF HIS GUILT
A young woman of Welsh parentage 21 years of age named Jane Youell living with her parents at 41 Delaford Rd South Bermondsey, was murdered by her sweetheart shortly before midnight on Friday. The man afterwards gave himself up.
THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED
Our London correspondent telegraphs: South Bermondsey is one of the numerous suburbs of the metropolis and is situated on the south side of the river Thames and though far from fashionable contains many a respectable villa residence and mansion. For the most part however it is the abode of the working classes and in this locality, some fifteen years ago came to reside William Youell* and his family. They took up residence at 41 Delaford Rd and consisted of the husband, wife and five children, the eldest whom was 15 and the youngest 5.
STORY OF THE CRIME
It was here that a terrible tragedy was enacted late on Friday night, a tragedy, which from it's painful and distressing character threw the residents of South Bermondsey into a state of great excitement and indignation. The 'victim' was Youell's youngest daughter, Jane, who only last week had attained her majority and being the only unmarried daughter in the family, she was the hope and pride of all and assisted her father and mother, the former who now occupies a good situation as night-watchman. She followed the occupation of dressmaker, doing her work at home and was a bright intelligent young woman of cheerful temperament, extremely fair and possessing more than the average of good looks. Miss Youell naturally had many admirers but as far as can be ascertained, she gave none encouragement, being much more concerned about the welfare of her parents than the attention of any young man. A little over six months ago there came to reside with them, as a lodger, a man named Joseph Canning, who gave his age as 34 and describing himself as belonging to the Army Medical Corps and as having been engaged in the late Nile campaign, receiving for his services the medal and bar. He was also understood to have been employed as a medical attendant at an establishment in the West End, and to have under treatment or control a number of patients who suffered from delusions. From the time of him first going to Delaford Rd he paid somewhat marked attentions to Miss Youell, but nothing serious appears to have been thought of this, the disparity in the ages of the couple being considered a bar to anything like a love attachment. Miss Youell herself so far as can be ascertained gave him little or no encouragement though she occasionally went with him for a walk and he was in the habit of accompanying her occasionally when she went on an errand for her parents. Canning is a strongly built well set up individual and described as of a somewhat taciturn disposition. He was described as a quiet respectable and inoffensive man and was in fact looked upon as almost one of the family. As late as eleven o'clock Friday night, only half an hour before the commencement of the crime he accompanied Miss Youell to the Barkworth Arms which is situated near, for the purpose of obtaining the 'supper beer'. They both chatted freely with the manager and others in the house and appeared to be in the brightest and best of spirits. Channing is indeed is described as being especially genial having been the previous few days been somewhat moody and contemplative. On leaving the house both bade several people 'Goodnight' and they then appeared to have walked straight back to Delaford Rd. The family shortly after they returned home, retired, and Jane soon followed but soon after she reached her room Channing knocked on her door and said that he wanted to converse with her. She went down to the kitchen with him and there he commenced talking to her. What transpired will probably never be known, but suddenly he knocked her down and walked out into the passage. She got up and followed him when he again knocked her down and cut her throat with a razor almost severing her head from the body. The ill fated girl shrieked for mercy and her terrific screams woke the whole neighbourhood. Miss Youell rushed into the streets and her cries awakened Mrs Giles who lived next door. She shrew up her window and saw the young lady in a most pitiable plight. Jane on seeing the lady cried 'Oh Mrs Giles do come, he's stabbed me.' They were her last words as immediately after she fell back dead.
APATHY OF THE MURDERER
Mrs Youell at this moment rushed up, but too late, she saw Channing hurriedly leave the house as her daughter fell lifeless to the ground. The murder, as will be seen by the police report immediately gave himself up, stating that he hoped she was dead. He was the time in a state of great mental excitement. Whether the murder was deliberately planned or was the outcome of a sudden burst of frenzied and jealous passion can of course at present only be conjectured. The couple are said to have never been engaged nor do the distressed parents believe that their daughter regarded Channing attentions as anything more than the ordinary courtesy which might be expected from an occupant of the same house.
The injuries inflicted on the poor girl were of a terrible nature the head being half severed from the body. The fact of her having walked out into the street and call for help is almost incredible under the circumstances. It goes without saying that the parents and other members of the family are heartbroken by the terrible nature of the crime and the loss they have sustained. In the neighbourhood the greatest sympathy is expressed on all hands. The prisoner Canning is said to have maintained a stolid and cool demeanour since his arrest. The razor with which the crime was committed has been, it is stated, in the prisoners possession for some considerable time.
At Southwark police court on Saturday, James Canning age 34 was charged with the commission of the crime.
Alice Youell, cousin of the deceased said she was upstairs when the deceased was called and she recognised the prisoners voice. She had seen the prisoner and the deceased several times.
Mrs Giles having also given evidence.
Dr John Marshall said he was called to the house shortly before two on Saturday morning. Deceased had been dead two hours. She was sitting with her back to the door by the washhouse fully dressed. Her throat was severely cut and the death was due to haemorrhage. Prisoner gave himself up. He said to the Police Constable 'Take me to the station I have killed my girl. I murdered the girl I love. I hope she is dead. I did it with a razor. She has given me a lot of trouble. Here is some of her blood.' showing his hand. When charged he said 'You don't want my statement from me tonight. What time did she die? God have mercy on her soul. I will die for her.'
Police Constable 280 M said he was on duty in the Marlborough Rd at twenty to twelve on Friday night when the prisoner run up to him and said:-
'Take me to the station policeman; I've murdered my girl' The officer said 'What girl?' He said 'My sweetheart she made me love her and then she turned on me'
Said the constable 'Where did you murder her?' and he said '41 Delaford Rd.' Then the constable took him to the police station.
To every witness the prisoner replied to the question, 'Have you anything to ask?' with a sullen 'No.'
Cornelius Montegue Inspector of the M division said he was on duty at the Grange Rd Police station at five minutes to twelve on Friday night when the prisoner was bought to the station. In reply to the charge made by the constable the prisoner said:-
'Yes I murdered her, the girl I love. I hope she's dead.' Shortly after he asked 'Is she dead?' 'I did it with a razor. She has given me a lot of trouble. Here is some of her blood,' showing his hand.
Prisoner was charged and said 'You don't want my statement from me tonight. What time did she die? God have mercy on her soul! I'll die for her.'
The man when he made these statements was quite sober, but very excited. The accused was remanded for a week.
* Despite the assertion that Jane's father was William Youell, her father was actually Charles Youell. Alongside the slightly ambiguous history of the children, this may be explained in my next 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks where I hope to discuss Charles Youell under the 'character' theme. However most newspaper do give the correct name, but do not give so much family background.
JOSEPH CANNING 1860-1895
Joseph Canning was born in 1860, St Helier, Jersey, the son of Irishman, Thomas Canning and his wife Ann. On 20th April 1882 he enlisted to the Army Hospital Corps, Aldershot, having already work as a Sick Attendant.
Joseph was posted to Egypt in 1884-5 and completed his 12 year service on the 25th May 1894. His medical history whilst in the service was varied including Bronchitis, a bad case of Influenza, Dysentry, Constipation and an episode of confusion resulting in 15 days rest in hospital in 1884, whilst in Egypt. He was also hospitalised for 31 days with Secondary Syphilis for which he was treated with Mercury and tonics.Mercury treatment was used in an attempt to cause salivation and thereby expel the disease.
It was less than a year after his discharge from the Army Service that he murdered Jane Youell and on the 27th May 1895 that Joseph lost his own life as he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by hanging by Baron Pollock.
Sir Charles Edward Pollock (Baron Pollock)
An appeal must have taken place regarding the sentence, as the Dundee Courier 15th June, reported:- The Home Secretary has refused to interfere with the death sentence on Joseph Canning for the murder of his sweetheart at Bermondsey London.
Star of Gwent 21st Jun 1895
WESTERN MAIL MONDAY APRIL 29 1895 Page 5.
TERRIBLE CRIME IN LONDON
A WELSH GIRL MURDERED
KILLED BY LODGER IN HER FATHERS HOUSE
STORY OF THE CRIME
ANTECEDENTS OF THE VICTIMS FAMILY
SURRENDER OF THE MURDERER
FULL CONFESSION OF HIS GUILT
A young woman of Welsh parentage 21 years of age named Jane Youell living with her parents at 41 Delaford Rd South Bermondsey, was murdered by her sweetheart shortly before midnight on Friday. The man afterwards gave himself up.
THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED
Our London correspondent telegraphs: South Bermondsey is one of the numerous suburbs of the metropolis and is situated on the south side of the river Thames and though far from fashionable contains many a respectable villa residence and mansion. For the most part however it is the abode of the working classes and in this locality, some fifteen years ago came to reside William Youell* and his family. They took up residence at 41 Delaford Rd and consisted of the husband, wife and five children, the eldest whom was 15 and the youngest 5.
STORY OF THE CRIME
It was here that a terrible tragedy was enacted late on Friday night, a tragedy, which from it's painful and distressing character threw the residents of South Bermondsey into a state of great excitement and indignation. The 'victim' was Youell's youngest daughter, Jane, who only last week had attained her majority and being the only unmarried daughter in the family, she was the hope and pride of all and assisted her father and mother, the former who now occupies a good situation as night-watchman. She followed the occupation of dressmaker, doing her work at home and was a bright intelligent young woman of cheerful temperament, extremely fair and possessing more than the average of good looks. Miss Youell naturally had many admirers but as far as can be ascertained, she gave none encouragement, being much more concerned about the welfare of her parents than the attention of any young man. A little over six months ago there came to reside with them, as a lodger, a man named Joseph Canning, who gave his age as 34 and describing himself as belonging to the Army Medical Corps and as having been engaged in the late Nile campaign, receiving for his services the medal and bar. He was also understood to have been employed as a medical attendant at an establishment in the West End, and to have under treatment or control a number of patients who suffered from delusions. From the time of him first going to Delaford Rd he paid somewhat marked attentions to Miss Youell, but nothing serious appears to have been thought of this, the disparity in the ages of the couple being considered a bar to anything like a love attachment. Miss Youell herself so far as can be ascertained gave him little or no encouragement though she occasionally went with him for a walk and he was in the habit of accompanying her occasionally when she went on an errand for her parents. Canning is a strongly built well set up individual and described as of a somewhat taciturn disposition. He was described as a quiet respectable and inoffensive man and was in fact looked upon as almost one of the family. As late as eleven o'clock Friday night, only half an hour before the commencement of the crime he accompanied Miss Youell to the Barkworth Arms which is situated near, for the purpose of obtaining the 'supper beer'. They both chatted freely with the manager and others in the house and appeared to be in the brightest and best of spirits. Channing is indeed is described as being especially genial having been the previous few days been somewhat moody and contemplative. On leaving the house both bade several people 'Goodnight' and they then appeared to have walked straight back to Delaford Rd. The family shortly after they returned home, retired, and Jane soon followed but soon after she reached her room Channing knocked on her door and said that he wanted to converse with her. She went down to the kitchen with him and there he commenced talking to her. What transpired will probably never be known, but suddenly he knocked her down and walked out into the passage. She got up and followed him when he again knocked her down and cut her throat with a razor almost severing her head from the body. The ill fated girl shrieked for mercy and her terrific screams woke the whole neighbourhood. Miss Youell rushed into the streets and her cries awakened Mrs Giles who lived next door. She shrew up her window and saw the young lady in a most pitiable plight. Jane on seeing the lady cried 'Oh Mrs Giles do come, he's stabbed me.' They were her last words as immediately after she fell back dead.
APATHY OF THE MURDERER
Mrs Youell at this moment rushed up, but too late, she saw Channing hurriedly leave the house as her daughter fell lifeless to the ground. The murder, as will be seen by the police report immediately gave himself up, stating that he hoped she was dead. He was the time in a state of great mental excitement. Whether the murder was deliberately planned or was the outcome of a sudden burst of frenzied and jealous passion can of course at present only be conjectured. The couple are said to have never been engaged nor do the distressed parents believe that their daughter regarded Channing attentions as anything more than the ordinary courtesy which might be expected from an occupant of the same house.
The injuries inflicted on the poor girl were of a terrible nature the head being half severed from the body. The fact of her having walked out into the street and call for help is almost incredible under the circumstances. It goes without saying that the parents and other members of the family are heartbroken by the terrible nature of the crime and the loss they have sustained. In the neighbourhood the greatest sympathy is expressed on all hands. The prisoner Canning is said to have maintained a stolid and cool demeanour since his arrest. The razor with which the crime was committed has been, it is stated, in the prisoners possession for some considerable time.
At Southwark police court on Saturday, James Canning age 34 was charged with the commission of the crime.
Alice Youell, cousin of the deceased said she was upstairs when the deceased was called and she recognised the prisoners voice. She had seen the prisoner and the deceased several times.
Mrs Giles having also given evidence.
Dr John Marshall said he was called to the house shortly before two on Saturday morning. Deceased had been dead two hours. She was sitting with her back to the door by the washhouse fully dressed. Her throat was severely cut and the death was due to haemorrhage. Prisoner gave himself up. He said to the Police Constable 'Take me to the station I have killed my girl. I murdered the girl I love. I hope she is dead. I did it with a razor. She has given me a lot of trouble. Here is some of her blood.' showing his hand. When charged he said 'You don't want my statement from me tonight. What time did she die? God have mercy on her soul. I will die for her.'
Police Constable 280 M said he was on duty in the Marlborough Rd at twenty to twelve on Friday night when the prisoner run up to him and said:-
'Take me to the station policeman; I've murdered my girl' The officer said 'What girl?' He said 'My sweetheart she made me love her and then she turned on me'
Said the constable 'Where did you murder her?' and he said '41 Delaford Rd.' Then the constable took him to the police station.
To every witness the prisoner replied to the question, 'Have you anything to ask?' with a sullen 'No.'
Cornelius Montegue Inspector of the M division said he was on duty at the Grange Rd Police station at five minutes to twelve on Friday night when the prisoner was bought to the station. In reply to the charge made by the constable the prisoner said:-
'Yes I murdered her, the girl I love. I hope she's dead.' Shortly after he asked 'Is she dead?' 'I did it with a razor. She has given me a lot of trouble. Here is some of her blood,' showing his hand.
Prisoner was charged and said 'You don't want my statement from me tonight. What time did she die? God have mercy on her soul! I'll die for her.'
The man when he made these statements was quite sober, but very excited. The accused was remanded for a week.
* Despite the assertion that Jane's father was William Youell, her father was actually Charles Youell. Alongside the slightly ambiguous history of the children, this may be explained in my next 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks where I hope to discuss Charles Youell under the 'character' theme. However most newspaper do give the correct name, but do not give so much family background.
JOSEPH CANNING 1860-1895
Joseph Canning was born in 1860, St Helier, Jersey, the son of Irishman, Thomas Canning and his wife Ann. On 20th April 1882 he enlisted to the Army Hospital Corps, Aldershot, having already work as a Sick Attendant.
Sir Charles Edward Pollock (Baron Pollock)
Truly a tragedy. And described in so much detail. Oh, sad.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for taking the time to read and comment. The Alice, mentioned as a witness, in the article, may have been my Great Grandmother's sister, who although named Jane (too) was known by the name Alice, they were of an age.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if his syphilis contributed to his state of mind. I also wonder the impact her murder had on the immediate family, especially the female cousin who also lived in the house. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI wondered much the same Barb, I was lucky in being able to source his army record, where his medical history was recorded. I think I indicated that the cousin Alice may have been my Great Grandmothers sister, who although named Jane Alice, went by the name Alice. Sadly this Alice died in 1902 of tuberculosis, she was nursed by my G Grandmother and another sister, Eliza towards the end of life. The other Alice, married in 1899 and went on to have a family of her own. It is difficult to pinpoint which Alice was the cousin in question, as both were in service in 1891 and born one year apart. As for the family, as Week 34's post will show, this was not the only sadness that Jane's mother and siblings had endured.
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