In Mar 1802 John Crowhurst was a witness to the Will of John Smith of Bexhill, yeoman (whose sister Sarah Smith John Crowhurst married two months later).
In 1816 John Crowhurst was the sole executor of the Will of his friend James Cruttenden of Bexhill, labourer. In modern parlance, James was John's stepfather-in-law.
In Apr 1825 John Crowhurst was granted Administration of the personal effects of his late wife Sarah Crowhurst.
In Dec 1835 John Crowhurst was present at the marriage of his daughter Sarah Crowhurst to Joseph Shoosmith in Bexhill Sussex.
At the time of the 1841 England Census John Crowhurst, aged about 70, brickmaker, was living in Holyershill, Bexhill Sussex. With him were daughters Matilda Crowhurst, aged about 25, and Sabina Crowhurst, aged about 25.
In Dec 1842 John Crowhurst was present at the marriage of his daughter Sabina Crowhurst to John Adams in Bexhill Sussex.
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John Crowhurst of Bexhill died aged 74 years (burial record).
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BEXHILL.
On Friday last an inquest was held at the Bell Inn, before N. P. Kell, Esq., on view of the body of John Crowhurst, aged 74.
Alfred Crowhurst, painter, deposed — The deceased was my father, and resided in my house at Bexhill. On coming downstairs this morning, about half-past six o'clock, I found the kitchen door open, which leads to the yard, and near the door I saw my father hanging, suspended by a cord round his neck from a hook, attached to a beam, used for hanging a hog on, when killed. There was a chair close by him; his feet were off the chair, and did not reach the ground. His hat was on a stool close by. I called assistance; a neighbour, William Waite, came, and we cut the body down. Life was quite extinct, and the body cool, as if he had been hanging some time. I have no doubt that he committed the act himself. He has been in a low desponding state for several months,—not always rational in his answers,—never quiet or remaining in the same place,—and I have no doubt he was in a disturbed state of mind. About four or five months ago I had notice from Mrs. Adams, a cottager near, that my father had excited her suspicions by his proceedings at a well; and I had a staple and padlock put on, to secure it till he got better. About three months ago he was quite deranged, and used to come to my bedroom in the night. He was under the delusion of some rough men being in the house, and wished me to go down and speak to them. At another time he said there was a man in the corner of his room. I had a man attend and watch him for six weeks.
William Waite, a collar-maker, deposed — I reside near the deceased; and this morning, seeing persons run into the house, I went in and saw the deceased hanging from a hook in a beam near the kitchen door. I assisted to cut the body down : he was quite dead. I have known the deceased many years; and lately I have observed him to be in a very low and melancholy way, very different from what he used to be.
Hannah Easton, single woman, deposed — I live as servant to Mr. Alfred Crowhurst; the deceased lived with him. He used to go to bed about ten minutes past five in the afternoon, and get up about five o'clock. About three months ago he was in a deranged state of mind, and had a man to attend him. He fancied people were coming to fetch him. I did not see him after half-past four yesterday. I believe he went to bed at his usual time. He used to go and lie down on his bed a great many times during the day, and was very restless in his conduct.
Mr Frederic Wallis, surgeon, deposed — I have attended the deceased about five months; he was in a very low and desponding state of mind; he complained of his head and of excitement. I advised a person to be procured to attend upon him and watch him, which was done. He was under an impression that he should be fetched to a lunatic asylum; and I am decidedly of opinion that he was not in a sound state of mind. I was sent for this morning, a little before seven. On my arrival, I found the body had been cut down. He was quite dead. There was the mark of pressure of a cord round his neck, and his death was caused by hanging, which I have no doubt he committed himself.
Verdict — "That the deceased hanged himself while in an unsound state of mind."
Sussex Advertiser, 17 June 1845, p. 3; Brighton Gazette, 19 June 1845, p. 8
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Abstract of the Will of John Crowhurst of the Parish of Bexhill in the County of Sussex, Yeoman, written 23 May 1835, proved 27 Jan 1846. 4
(Names of family members are underlined.)
Appoints George Filder of the parish of Falmer in co. Sussex, yeoman, sole executor of his last will and testament.
Gives and devises to the said George Filder and his heirs and assigns all his freehold and copyhold messuages, tenements, buildings, farms, lands, grounds and hereditaments in the parish of Bexhill upon Trust, to sell or auction for the most money that can be had, giving to George Filder £5 for his trouble.
Gives and bequeaths to the said George Filder all the rest and residue of his household goods, furniture, stock, monies, securities for money, goods, chattels, rights, credits, personal estate and effects, upon Trust, to sell and convert into ready money, and pay all monies for such sales to his eight sons and daughters, namely Eliza* the wife of the said George Filder, Ann* the wife of Joseph Shosmith of Folkington in co. Sussex, farmer, Sarah Crowhurst, Alfred Crowhurst, James Crowhurst, William Crowhurst, Matilda Crowhurst and Sabina Crowhurst, share and share alike.
(Signed)
Witnesses: John Foord, George Knight, Wm. Browne
Effects under £800.
* Daughters of John's first marriage.
Research Notes: