James Tressider Barnicoat (1858 - 1886)

Born 14 Feb 1858 in New Zealand

Ancestors

Died 18 Jun 1886 at age 28 in Wellington New Zealand

Biography

Nelson Examiner & New Zealand Chronicle 17.2.1858 P:2

On the 14th February, the wife of J. W. Barnicoat Esq. of a son.

Colonist 17.7.1886 P : 6

MELANCHOLY END TO A PROMISING CAREER.

When the news was received in town on June 29 that Mr. James Barnicoat a son of the Hon. J. W. Barnicoat of Richmond had succumbed to a self-inflicted wound, all who heard it experienced the deepest sorrow at the untimely end of one who appeared to have so bright a future before him and the greatest sympathy for his sorrowing parents and relatives. James Barnicoat as a pupil at the Nelson College, was deservedly held in high esteem by his associates, for it was not only in the classroom that he excelled, he was always amongst the first in all athletic sports. When he became a master where previously he had been a pupil, he was at least as well liked, and there was general regret when he left Nelson to take the position of a master at Wellington College. At Wellington Mr Barnicoat was as careful of his duties and as energetic as he was in Nelson. The following details concerning the sad event have been furnished us by the Press Association:

Wellington, June 29

A painful sonsation was caused in town this morning on its being reported that James Tressides Barnicoat one of the masters of Wellington College, had shot himself with a long Snider rifle about 8 o'clock. The report was only too true, for on proceeding to his study on the second floor of the building, he was found lying on his back on the floor, suffering from a severe gunskot wound on the left side of his face, which had blown away the soft parts of his face, as well as the jaw bone and other parts of the skull, the brain being exposed, and there was free hemorrhage. Deceased was pulseless, but continued breathing until ten o'clock, when he expired. He must have been unconscious from the time the bullet took effect. The wound was evidently self-inflicted, as the right side of the mouth was scorched and blackened, showing that the muzzle must have been placed in the mouth while he pulled the trigger of the rifle with his right thumb. The ceiling of his study was bespattered with brains, and the bullet also entered the ceiling.

Mr Joseph Mackay, Principal of the College, states that deceased had been one of the masters of the College for five years, and had been in the best of health and spivits until Saturday last, when he complained of being low spirited, and said the boys under him were not getting on so well as he could wish. Mr Mackay told him that no one thought so but himself, and that he.(deceased) was working too hard. Mr Mackay suggested that Mr Barnicoat should take a holiday and he felt disposed to agree to this, but he (deceased) subsequently said it would be better for him to give up teaching altogether, and take up some out-door work. Deceased also complained of sleeplessness, but on Sunday night he passed a good night, and early yesterday he appeared to be in better spirits. However, last night he again became low spirited, and Dr Collins was called in, who, after a short consultation, prescribed for him. The medicine was administered by Mr W. Percival- Evans, another master, who was the last to speak to him. This morning Mr Barnicoat was seen in bed, and appeared to be sleeping peacefully, and Mr Mackay decided to allow him to remain in bed, and obtain the services of another gentleman to take his class. About S-15 the masters and pupils were assembling for breakfast when Mr Campbell visited deceased's study, and was surprised to fiad him stretched on the floor in a pool of blood. Medical aid was at once sought and arrived quickly, but was of no avail. Mr Mackay is unable to attribute any reason for the act, unless it be that deceased's mind had become unhinged by overwork. Deceased had of late been reading very much, but it is not thought that he was studying for any examination.

The following note (written in pencil) was found in Mr Barnicoat's bedroom:—

I am going to commit suicide. Short anguish is better than prolonged suffering for my friends. There are no other alternatives. J. T..Barnicoat.

The note was not addressed. Dr Collins, who saw deceased last night, says he complained of being unable to properly perform his duties, and that for three months he had not been doing justice to his boys. He (Dr Collins) thinks the deed could not have been premeditated, but that on a momentary impulse and in a moment of madness he committed the deed. The rifle used was deceased's own property, and was usually kept in his study. Deceased was 28 years of age, and the youngest son of the Hon. J. W. Barnicoat of Nelson, who is now in Wellington attending Parliament. He was a native of Nelson, and was unmarried. Deceased was a prominent athlete and was a member of the Wellington and College Football Clubs, Star Boating Club, and Secretary of the Wellington Cricketers Association. Mr Barnicoat took a great interest in the welfare of the pupils attending the College, with whom he was very popular. Deceassd was highly esteemed in town, and his sad death has caused quite a gloom.

At the inquest this afternaon no fresh facts were elicited, and the jury returned the following verdict ;- That deoeased committed suicide while suffering from temporary insanity, induced by overwork.

Wanganui Herald 25.7.1887 P:3

MEMORIAL TO THE LATE MR T. J. BARNICOAT.

Subscriptions have been provided by the friends of the late Mr T. J. Barnicoat, 8.A., in various pirta of the colony, for the purpose of establishing a memorial annual prize of the value of five pounds for the best English scholar at Wellington College, where he was a master for some five years.

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