• Born: 1826, Borden, Kent, England
• Christened: 1 Oct 1826, SS Peter & Paul, Borden, Kent, England ¹
• Married: 26 Nov 1850, SS Peter & Paul, Borden, Kent, England ²
• Died: 19 Jun 1889, Borden, Kent, England
• Buried: 24 Jun 1889, SS Peter & Paul, Borden, Kent, England ³

  Research Notes:

William son of George Spittle of Borden, butcher, and Elizabeth (baptismal record)

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At the time of the 1851 England Census William Spittle, age 26, born in Borden Kent, journeyman butcher, and wife Sarah, age 23, born in Borden, were living in Borden Street, Borden. William's mother and sisters were living at a different address in the same street.

At the time of the 1861 England Census William Spittle, age 36, born in Borden Kent, grocer & beer seller, and wife Sarah, age 32, born in Borden, were living in Wise's Lane, Borden Kent. With them were children (born in Borden): Sedelia J (8), scholar, Clara (2) and Sarah (6), scholar. William's widowed mother was living at a different address in the same lane.

At the time of the 1871 England Census William Spittle, age 44, born in Borden Kent, grocer, and wife Sarah, age 43, born in Borden, were living in Wise's Lane, Borden Kent. With them were daughters (born in Borden): Sarah (16) and Clara (12), scholar.

At the time of the 1881 England Census William Spittle, age 54, born in Borden Kent, butcher employing 1 man, and wife Sarah, age 53, born in Borden, were living in Borden St., Borden. Present was daughter Clara Olive (22) of Borden, unmarried.

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William Spittle of Borden died aged 63 years (burial record).

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DETERMINED SUICIDE OF A BUTCHER.

Something like a sensation was created in the village of Borden, near Sittingbourne, on Wednesday morning, upon the receipt of the intelligence that Mr. William Spittle, who had carried on a business as a butcher in the place for many years, had committed suicide at an early hour by shooting himself. For some time past the unfortunate man had suffered from fits of gloom and despondency, the result, it was stated, of long suffering from disease of the kidneys, which had undermined his health and affected his mind. He had twice previously attempted to take his life, but each time medical skill averted death. On Tuesday evening Mr. Spittle was chatting pleasantly with some members of his family, who were persuading him to retire from business, and he held in with their proposals. He retired to bed at the usual hour, and the next morning rose at half-past five, and going down to the lodge in the back premises deliberately loaded a gun which was kept there, and also fastened a loop of string to the trigger. He then walked down the orchard at the back of the garden, and, directing the weapon towards his head fired. The charge entered just below his chin, and death was instantaneous. His absence was discovered, and on a search being made, he was found lying face downwards in a ditch, with the gun by his side. Dr. Fisher, of Sittingbourne, was sent for, but life was extinct.—An inquest took place at the Maypole Inn, Borden, on Wednesday evening, before Mr. W. J. Harris, the coroner of the district, and, after evidence in accordance with these facts had been adduced, a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed suicide while suffering from temporary insanity was returned. Mr. Spittle was 63 years of age, and leaves a widow and three daughters, all of whom are married.

Kentish Express, 22 June 1889, p. 5