From the Kent and Sussex Courier and Southern Counties Herald. 25 July 1873. Price 1d.

ROCHESTER. SUICIDE OF A TRADESMEN.

On Sunday evening Mr. Robert Keddell, baker, carrying on business in High-street, Rochester, committed suicide, by hanging. The deceased appeared to be in his customary health and spirits on Sunday morning, when he attended, as was his general custom, divine service in the cathedral. Between seven and eight on Sunday evening he left his house and went to a loft at the rear of the premises, where he was found shortly afterwards hanging, and quite dead. The first person who was called on the discovery being made was Mr. Hughes, landlord of the "Royal Oak" public-house, nearly opposite deceased's residence, who at once cut him down, and sent for medical assistance, but life was then extinct. The deceased, who was 66 years of age, was one of the oldest tradesmen in Chatham, and was universally respected. For some days previously he was noticed to be much depressed, and there is no doubt the rash act was committed during a fit of temporary insanity.