Halfhidden

Untouchable
Administrator
On Tuesday morning 8th July 1845, the greatest anxiety prevailed in Penzance, in consequence of the discovery of one of the most appalling murders that it had ever fallen to our lot to record.

The supposed perpetrator of this tragical crime was a man named Benjamin Ellison, aged, about 55; and, believed to belong to some part of the north of England. His unfortunate victim was Elizabeth Rous Seman, about the same age as himself, and also an entire stranger in Penzance.
They had resided together for about eighteen months, in one of the cottages in Rosevean Road, nearly opposite the Catholic church.
Previously to the discovery of the murder, about eleven o'clock on "Monday night,7th July 1845, Ellison called at the Temperance Hotel, in Princes Street, and asked for some refreshment. He inquired if he could sleep there that night; and, on being asked why he did not go home, he said it was too late to do so, and requested to see a man named Eddy, who lodged at the Hotel. Eddy came, and in the course of conversation he asked how Mrs. Seman, the murdered woman, was, to which Ellison replied, that she was unwell. He appeared depressed in spirits, and was continually examining and rubbing his hands. He retired to rest, and on the following morning, between five and six o'clock, came down stairs and left the hotel. From thence it appears he went to the house of a Mrs. Hill, in Rosevean Road, and informed her that his house had been broken open, and that Mrs. Seman was murdered. Greatly alarmed she accompanied him to the fatal spot, where, stretched on the floor, lay the mutilated remains of the unfortunate woman. Her face was covered with a gauze veil, and there were marks of blood in all directions. Ellison said he would inform the police, and requested Mrs. Hill to give the alarm. About nine o'clock again he called at the Temperance Hotel, communicating the dreadful intelligence there, and shortly afterwards was himself arrested on suspicion of murder.
The scene at the house on Tuesday morning, 8th July 1845 was horrifying in the extreme. A huge hatchet was found upon the floor where lay the unfortunate victim, whereby the head was nearly severed from the body. Upon the handle and blunt part of the axe were spots of blood, and in the hand of the deceased was clasped some hair, which, it said, corresponded in colour with Ellison's. The back part of the head was nearly beaten in, and other parts of the body were dreadfully cut and mangled. From appearances there is reason to believe that a desperate struggle must have ensued between the deceased and her murderer; and was reported that the hands of Ellison were much bruised, and one of his fingers apparently bitten.
About seven o'clock on Monday evening 7th July 1845, a neighbour of the deceased met Ellison on the North Parade, and soon after that time he was seen on Rosevean Road, proceeding in the direction of the house where the murder was committed. No alarm of any kind was heard by the neighbours, but it appears they were principally in the town, witnessing the proceedings connected with the general holiday.
A coroner's inquest was held upon the body speedily as practicable, before John Roscorla, Esq., and a respectable jury. The proceedings occupied between eight and nine hours, during the whole of which time St John’s hall was crowded. The evidence adduced was of a circumstantial nature, but sufficiently conclusive to lead the jury, after a short consultation, to return verdict of wilful murder against Benjamin Ellison. He was committed to take his trial on the charge at the next assizes, and left Penzance in custody in the early hours on Wednesday morning, 9th July 1845 for Bodmin.

Messrs. Millett and Borlase attended the inquest on behalf of Ellison, who had stated various particulars regarding the deceased. He said that she was in the receipt of an annuity, and was shortly about to be married to a gentleman title, on which event taking place she had agreed to settle upon him (Ellison) an annual income. He also states that a gold watch, and wearing apparel to a considerable amount, had been stolen from the dwelling.

To be continued...
 
Top Bottom