Family tree research digs up clues to 1890 murder mystery

A RESEARCHER has unearthed a possible link to a gruesome and unsolved Middlesbrough murder while investigating his own ancestry.

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

Peter Mann at Henry and Jane Churchman's grave in Linthorpe Cemetery and, inset above, clippings from the North Eastern Weekly Gazette in 1890

Peter Mann is hoping others may be able to help after finding evidence suggesting a family connection to the German man killed in 1890.

Old newspaper reports tell how the body of Philip Kirchmann, or Churchman as he was also called in reports, was discovered on November 18, 1890, in a pond near the brickworks in South Bank.

The 38-year-old had suffered two deep gashes near his ear, one which reached his spinal cord, and another two stab injuries to his chest. There were no slash marks to his clothing and his shirt had been buttoned back up over the wounds.

Theories in reports at the time briefly suggested the involvement of a secret society, which were said to be rife not only in Germany, but also in German colonies in England at the time.

The killer, or killers, were never found. County Durham writer Peter, 47, is now hoping others may be help as he tries to piece together the puzzle.