Bio

Henry Daniel Seymour was born in 1879. Unfortunately, not much is known about his early life or family background. As he grew up, he lived in England. He worked in various jobs throughout his life, including selling vacuum cleaners.

In the time leading up to the crime he committed in 1931, he was reported to have been in financial trouble. This may have influenced his actions later on. Henry was known to visit people's homes while selling his products. This job allowed him to go from place to place, meeting many different people.

By the time he was 39, he was living in Oxford. During this period, he managed to rent a room in a local hotel. It was a time when he was still experiencing difficulties in his life. Little is recorded about his relationships or friendships. Most of what is known focuses on him as a salesman and the struggles he faced in his personal finances.

Henry's life would take a dramatic turn in August 1931, but before that, he likely had a very ordinary existence as a traveling salesman. He moved around for work, and many people saw him as just another salesman trying to make a living.

Murder Story

Henry Daniel Seymour murdered Anne Louisa Kempson on August 3, 1931. Anne was a 54-year-old widow living in Oxford, England. After Seymour attacked her, he ransacked her home for valuables. He used a hammer to strike her on the head and then stabbed her throat with a chisel. The attack left her badly hurt, and the stabbing was the fatal blow.

The police found Anne's body in her home, which had been turned upside down. During the investigation, they learned that Seymour had visited a nearby neighborhood the day before the murder. He had spoken to a woman named Mrs. Andrews and borrowed money from her by telling a story about stolen money. He left a brown parcel with a hammer and chisel, which he took with him when he left.

Police contacted local hardware shops and discovered that a hammer and chisel had recently been sold to a man fitting Seymour’s description. They also found a suitcase belonging to Seymour that contained a well-scrubbed hammer with the brand labels removed. The connection led them to trace Seymour to Brighton, where he was arrested on August 15, 1931.

Seymour was tried in October of the same year. His defense was weak, as several of his claims turned out to be lies. After the trial, he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death.

On December 10, 1931, Henry Daniel Seymour was executed by hanging at Oxford prison.