Death
Clare Hopkins · 19 Jul 2026
Death of John Greaves
- Person
- Date
- 12 September 1874
- Place
Suicide - West Surrey Times (19 September 1874):
On Saturday evening many were surprised at a report being circulated that Mr John Greaves, the bailiff of the County Court, had committed suicide by poisoning himself, and on enquiry it was found to be true. It appears that the deceased, who has been in a low desponding state for the last week, had attended his business during the day as usual, returning home at half past four. He seems to have sat down in the parlour, when suddenly his daughter, a girl of about 14, who was in an adjoining room, hearing peculiar sounds coming from the apartment, ran upstairs to her mother, who at once came down, and finding her husband insensible, sent immediately to Dr. Coulthart, who was quickly on the spot, but found the deceased dying. It was then ascertained he had taken a quantity of oil of almonds, a bottle containing some of the liquid and a wine glass being on the table. No cause could be assigned for the fearful act, and at an inquest held by the county coroner on Wednesday a verdict was returned as “temporary insanity”.