Henry Hobson

1887
August 22nd: Henry HOBSON (54)
Leeds
On 23 July, Mrs Ada Stodhart, the wife of a Sheffield engineer, was having a morning drink with her maid in the kitchen, when she was surprised to see Hobson call at the house. She recognised him as a former employee of her mother's who had been recently dismissed for drunkenness, but she opened the door and asked him what he wanted. Hobson said he was passing and could he have a drink of water. He was given the drink and left, only to return fifteen minutes later and ask for a piece of rope. While Mrs Stodhart went to fetch some from the cellar, Hobson took out a knife and attacked the maid. Her screams attracted the attention of Mrs Stodhart who came running to investigate. only to be attacked by Hobson when she came into the kitchen. The maid rushed into the street screaming 'Murder!' Hobson took to his heels but was arrested later that day. At his trial at Leeds Assizes. he admitted that he had cut Mrs Stodhart's throat as revenge for being dismissed from his job, and that he had since been unable to find suitable employment. Hanged by Billington.