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For the Western Star.
SUICIDE
On Monday last, an inquest was held by the Coroner of this county, over
the body of Randolph West, who was found dead near the
residence of Mr. [Lewis Manning?] in this vicinity. His body was found
hanging by the neck to a rope which was fastened to a leaning sugar sapling
with his feet within about fourteen inches of the ground. From the evidence
detailed to to the Jury it appeared that the deceased was about 72 years
of age and had resided with the Shakers at Union Village for sixteen or
seventeen years, and who was amongst those of that society who could not
travel with their Brethren in the new light Revelation which they proposed
to have received. It did not clearly appear whether the deceased voluntarily
left the society or was expelled; but it was testified that he had frequently
stated, with tears in his eyes, since he had left the society that he
had laboured at the Village for sixteen or seventeen years and had expected
to end his days there, but was now without a home, among strangers and
not a relation in this country. The last conversation which he was known
to hold was with one of his friends who had also been compelled to leave
the Village on account of the new Revelation. In this conversation the
deceased inquired of the witness whether he had heard any news from the
Village and on being told that the new work was still going on and the
believers still saw visions and held converse with Ann Lee he exclaimed,
“My Lord what will become of me!” He then appeared dejected
and said but little more. It was testified that the deceased was an honest,
candid and kind hearted man, by a witness who roomed with him for several
years.
The jury returned a verdict that the deceased come to his death by hanging
himself. Had the jury felt themselves authorized to declare their opinion
as to the cause that induced the act, I have no doubt but they would have
attributed it to the new Revelation at Union Village.
A BYSTANDER.
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