Dinah Marsden
Lancashire Evening Post – Wednesday 15 August 1917
An inquest was held by Mr J.Parker, last evening, at St Peters Institute, Chorley on the body of Dinah Grime (40), wife of John.E Grime coal merchant, 162 Eaves Lane, Chorley. The husband said that since the birth of a boy about five months ago his wife had been depressed and under the doctor’s care. On Sunday she and her sister Mary Sandham went on a visit to their cousin at Withnell, and on returning home his wife appeared brighter and talked more. They retired to bed about 10.30. At a quarter to one witness was awakened by the baby crying and he got up and gave it some milk. His wife said she had not had a minutes sleep since retiring. Witness fell asleep, and when he awakened at 3.15 he found his wife was not in bed. On going downstairs he found the back and yard door unbolted. As he could not find his wife he went and roused his brother in law, William Henry Marsden, licensee of the Talbot Arms, and after making inquiries at his wife’s mother’s and sister’s they went to the towing path of the canal, and near Bagganley Bridge found a shawl and a pair of slippers. They saw the body floating in the water about three yards from the side. About a week ago, said the witness, his wife said “If I don’t mend I shall do something to myself”. He never thought, however, that she meant it seriously.
The Coroner said the Doctor in a certificate stated that he attended Mrs. Grime for mental depression and insomnia. A verdict of “suicide while of unsound mind” was returned.