South Yorkshire Times, May 4, 1928

Sudden Impulse
Weak-Minded Conisboro’ Girl’s Rush to River.

An inquest was held at the Castle Inn, Conisborough, on Friday by Mr W. H. Carlile, Into the death of Annie Maria Sanderson (23), of 54, Blyth Street, Denaby Main, whose body was recovered from the river Don at Conisborough the preceding day.

Harry Sanderson (father) said the girl resided with him, but during the last month had slept with Mrs. Cooper. He last saw his daughter alive on Sunday evening (May 13), when she appeared quite well. The last 10 years the girl had suffered from anaemia. She was of a cheerful disposition but hastily tempered. She had never threatened to commit suicide. She never worked except to run errands for neighbours. Some people would say that the girl was simpleminded, but he did not agree.

Edith Cooper, married, of 24,Blythe Street, Denaby Main, said her husband was suffering from tuberculosis, and for the last month had been, at a convalescent home. She had arranged with Annie’s mother for the girl to sleep with Her “for a bit of company.” On Saturday, May 12. the girl complained that she was unwell, but went into the street to play with children. On the following day she still complained. and when she went into witness’s house about 7-30 p.m, was very excited. Witness asked the girt her to help to make the beds. but she said, “I am not going to bed yet.”

Witness agreed. but the girl said she was going to stay out late, as other girls did. Witness would not agree to that, and the girl caused a scene, finally saying “I’m going to throw myself in the cut,”and rushed out of the house.

Mrs. Cooper went and told the Parents of the girl, who was never seen alive again.
In answer to the coroner, Mrs. Cooper said the girl was weak-minded.

P.c. Lunn said the girl’s disappearance was reported on May 14 to the police. On receiving information, he went to the river Don at Burcroft about 3-30 p.m. on Thursday, and there recovered the body. There were no marks of violence. From information that the police had gathered, they were of opinion that the girl was weak-minded.

The coroner said he had come to the conclusion that the girl was weak-minded. He attached no blame to any of the witnesses. Many people threatened to do these things. but never intended to do them. He had found that usually those who threatened to commit suicide were pretty sure not to.

He recorded a verdict of “Suicide while of unsound mind.”