Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News and the Western Daily Mercury

[printed in Plymouth.]

1865 - 1874

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

Coroner's Inquests were usually held within the space of 48 hours following a death that appeared to be of a suspicious or unexplained nature. They were usually held in a local public-house, ale house, municipal building, or parish workhouse, but sometimes in the building where the death occurred. The Coroner usually came from a legal or medical background and more often than not, appointed for life by the respective County. The Coroner and a Jury of between 12 and 24 persons, usually men of substantial standing, were empanelled to examine the body, hear witnesses, and the Jury then to come to a Verdict as to Cause of Death. The account of the Inquest appearing in local newspapers, included the name of the deceased, where they died, and how they died. Sometimes, age, occupation, parish or address, and other relatives' names can be found. In later years when Hospitals appear, people can be dying away from their parish after having been admitted to that institution, and the Inquest is therefore conducted where the death occurred, rather than where the person was living. .

[Numbers in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs.]

Names Included: Ackland; Adams(2); Alford; Allen(5); Allery; Alley; Andrewartha; Andrews(3); Anstice; Arnold; Arthur; Ash; Ashford; Atwill; Austin(2); Avery(4); Axworthy; Ayres; Bailey(2); Baker(4); Balkwill; Barber(2); Barker; Barnes(2); Barratt; Barrett; Bassett; Bastin; Bate(2); Bathurst; Batten; Bawker; Beattie; Beck; Beer(2); Belworthy; Bennett(3); Berryman; Bevens; Bickle(2); Bird; Blackmore(2); Blackwell; Blake; Blatchford(2); Blower; Bloye; Blunt; Boice; Bolt; Boulton; Bourlace; Bovey; Bowden; Bowring; Boyce; Boyse; Bradford(2); Bradley; Braund; Brewer(3); Brimley; Briton; Bromhead; Bromley; Brown(3); Brownlow; Bryant; Buchan; Budworth; Buffett; Bullock; Buncehall; Bunter; Burdwood; Burgess; Burley; Burn; Burnard; Burnett(3); Burns; Burrows(2); Burt; Butchers; Butfield; Campbell; Campion; Cann(3); Cannaford; Cape; Carew; Carl; Carter; Casey; Cawes; Chaffe; Chapman(2); Chappell; Chapple(4); Chattey; Cheetham; Cherry; Ching; Chope; Chown; Chubb(2); Chugg; Clampitt; Clapp; Clark; Clarke(2) ; Cleave; Cleak; Clemens; Clements; Cload; Cloke; Cole(4); Coles; Collacott; Collins; Cook(2); Coolyn; Coombe(2); Coomer; Cooper(2); Cottery; Courtenay; Cousens; Cove; Crabbe; Creber; Crispin; Crocker(2); Cross(2); Crossman; Crowdy(2); Crump; Cruze; Cuddington; Culverwell(2); Cumming; Curno; Currethers; Cusden; Cutts; Daimond; Daniel; Dare; Dark; Dart; Davenport(2); Davey(3); Davidge; Davis(2); Davy(2); Dawe(2); Dedley; Denley; Dennis; Devonshen; Dewdney; Dicker; Dinham; Dirks; Dockett; Dodge; Dommett; Down(3); Drake; Drew; Drewe; Drury; Dumble; Dunn(3); Dunning; Duperier; DuPre; Dyer; Dziengielowski; Eakins; Eales; Easterbrook; Eastmond; Eddy; Edgecombe; Edmonds(2); Edwards; Edworthy; Elliott(3); Ellis(7); Endicott; Evely; Evens; Ewins; Exell(2); Exworthy(2); Fairweather; Farley; Fewings; Fey; Field; Finn; Finnemore; Fitzgerald; Floud; Fogwill; Folley; Fooks; Ford(3); Forester(2); Forquhar; Foster; Foxworthy; Fradd; Francis; Franks; French(4); Frewin; Friend(2); Frome; Frost(3); Fry; Gale; Gammon; Gearing; Geddy; Gee(2); Gibbs; Gillieham; Glanville(2); Gordon; Goss; Gould(2); Graham; Grant; Green(2); Greenslade; Greet; Gregory; Gribble; Grigg; Guest; Gunhouse; Gunnell; Guscott; Guswell; Haar; Hake; Hall(4); Hallett; Ham; Hamlyn(3); Hammond; Hancock(3); Hannaford; Harding(3); Harford(2); Harington; Harrington; Harris(7); Harrison; Harvey(2); Hatto; Hawke; Hawkins; Haydon(3); Hayman; Heaney; Hearn; Hearne; Heath(2); Helmore; Henry; Henwood; Hensman; Hey; Heybeard; Heysitt; Hicks(2); Highmore; Hill(7); Hilton; Himvest; Hoar; Hoblin; Hobson; Hockaday; Hocking(2); Hodder; Hodge(2); Holberton; Hole; Holland; Holmes; Honeywill(2); Hooker; Hooper(3); Hoople; Horne; Horner; Horrell; Horton; Horwell; Horwill; Hosking; Hoskins(2); House; Houston; Howell; Hoyton; Hughes; Humphries; Hunt(2); Hunting; Hutchings; Hyne; Ife; Ingram; Inkester; Isaac; Jackman(2); Jackson(3); James; Jarvis; Jeffery; Jess; Johns(2); Johnson(2); Joint; Jolly; Jones(7); Jordan; Jorgensen; Keast(2); Keen; Kemp; Kendall; Kenson; Kent; Kerswill; Key; Keynes; King; Kingdom; Kingwell; Kitt; Labbett; Lake(2); Lamble; Lampen; Lander; Lane(2); Lang; Langdom; Langdon(3); Langman; Langworthy; Lapidge; Lappage; Lapthorne(2); Lashbrook; Latimer; Launder; Lavers; Lawrence; Lear; Lee(6); Leech; Leggett; Leigh; Leivre; Leonards; Lethbridge; Lewis; Ley; Lillicrap; Lime; Limebeard; Lindeman; Lintern; Livingstone; Llewellyn; Llewillyn; Lockyer; Long; Loram; Lord; Loveridge; Loving; Luke(2); Lumbard; Lyne; Mackenzie; Mackerel; Mackintosh; MacVitty; Maddock; Mahoney; Mallett; Mann; Marles; Marsh(2); Marshall; Martin(9); Mason; Matthews(2); Maunder; May(3); Maynard; Mayne; Mays; McCardell; McCarthy(2); Medland(3); Menheniot; Meredith; Merrifield; Metherell; Michell; Michelmore; Middleton; Mildon; Milford; Miller(2); Mills; Minifie; Mitchell(4); Moles; Molland; Mollard; Moore(3); Morgan; Morris; Morrish; Mortimer(2); Mould; Mullings; Munday; Murch; Napper; Narramore; Neate; Nelder; Nelson; Netherton; Newberry(2); Nicholls; Nichols; Noble; Norman; Norris; Norsworthy; Northcote; Northway; Norton; Noyes; Nugent; Odgers; Oldham; Oldridge; Osborne; Oxenham; Packer; Paddon; Page; Pain; Palfrey; Palmer(6); Parkhouse; Parkin(2); Parnall; Parnell(2); Parsons(2); Pascoe; Pearce; Pearse(3); Pederick; Pedgeon; Peek; Pellow; Penberthy; Pengelly(3); Pepperell; Perham; Perkins; Perrin; Perring; Perry; Peters(2); Pethebridge; Petherbridge; Pethrick; Petts; Phillimore; Phillips; Philp; Pickard(2); Pidsley(2); Pike; Pile; Pinhay; Plackett; Playdon; Poll; Pond; Potter(4); Powers; Priestley; Proctor; Puddicombe; Quaintance; Quick(2); Rawlinson; Read; Reddaway; Redwood; Reed(3); Rendle; Reynolds; Riblen; Rice; Richardson; Rider; Roberts(2); Robins; Rodwell; Rogers; Rose; Row; Rowe(6); Rowett; Rowland; Rowse; Rowsell; Rugg; Rundle; Ryall; Ryan; Ryder(3); Rymes; Sable; Salter; Sambells; Sampson; Sanders(2); Sandon; Sansom; Sarah; Saunders(3); Scobble; Scott(2); Searle; Sercombe; Seymour; Shattock; Shaw; Shead; Shepheard; Shepherd; Sherrard; Sherriff; Shillabeer; Short; Shrimpton; Skeggel; Skelley; Skelton; Skinner(3); Skullin; Slader; Sleeman; Small(2); Smith(10); Snell; Sobey(2); Sollick; Solomon; Soper; Southcott(2); Spicer; Spiller; Spry; Spurr; Squires; Stamp; Stanbury; Standlake; Stanning; Stanswood; Stark; Staton; Statt; Stear; Stentiford; Stephens(3); Stevens(3); Stewart; Stibbs; Stidworthy; Stiggings; Stirling; Stocker; Stockman; Stoddart; Stokes; Stone(5); Stoneman(2); Stookes; Stoyles; Stratford(2); Strawbridge; Street(2); Sullivan(2); Swanston; Sweet; Sweetland; Symons(2); Tabb; Tamlin; Tancock; Tapper; Tarr(3); Tarrington; Taylor(3); Templeton; Thomas(10); Thorne; Tipper; Tomkins; Tonkin; Tovey; Townshend; Tozer(4); Travers; Treloar; Tremills; Trevelor; Trewin; Tripe; Troake; Truscott; Tucker(5); Turner(2); Turpin(2); Uffen; Underhill(2); Vaughan; Veale(2); Venning; Venton; Vicary; Vickery; Vincent; Vivian; Voden; Vote; Wakeham(2); Walk; Walke; Wall; Wallis; Walters; Ware; Warren(4); Watt; Watts(2); Way; Webber; Weightman; Welsh(2); Were; Westaway; Western; Wheaton(2); Wheeler; White(4); Whiteway; Whittle(2); Wickett; Widecombe; Wilcock; Wilcocks; Wilcox; Wildy; Willcocks; Williams(11); Willis(2); Wills(2); Wilson(3); Wilton; Winnacott; Winsor; Winstanley; Witick; Wollocott(2); Wood; Woodrow; Woodward; Wotton(2); Wright; Wyatt; Wyndham; Yelland(2); Yeo(2); Zeller

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 January 1865
PLYMOUTH - John Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the Plymouth Guildhall, on view of the body of JOHN FORD. The deceased was a policeman, belonging to the County Constabulary, stationed at Staddon Heights. On Monday, the 17th October, he was riding with another man in a truck which was being drawn up an incline by a stationary engine, and when about twelve yards from the signal-house he jumped from the truck and fell against the signal wire. This having thrown his right leg on the rail, a second truck which was coming up passed over it, and smashed his foot to pieces. He was at once brought to Plymouth and placed in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where his leg was amputated the same day. From loss of blood he became very weak, and after lingering until Wednesday last death relieved him from the great sufferings his wound caused. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". The deceased was a single man, and about 32 years of age.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 January 1865
DAWLISH - Child Murder At Dawlish. - A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Mount Pleasant Inn, Dawlish, on the body of a full grown female child found at the residence of M. Strickland, Esq., at the Warren. HARRIET VOTE, a servant in the house, being taken ill, medical assistance was sent for, and on the arrival of Dr Cann it was discovered that she had been recently confined. A search was then made, and the body of the deceased found in her box. A piece of tape was tied round the neck of the child, and the medical evidence, resulting from a post mortem examination, was that the child was born alive. A verdict of Wilful Murder was returned against the unfortunate mother. Mr Strickland gave her an excellent character, and the other servants declared that they had not observed anything the matter with her.

PLYMOUTH - Death From Falling Down Stairs. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon before J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, at the Dock Hotel, Millbay, Plymouth, on the body of ANN PERRY, aged 66, wife of JOHN PERRY, the old ticket porter in the Railway Station-yard. The deceased resided at Cove-cottage, Bound's-place, Millbay, where she kept a lodging-house. On the evening of the 5th inst., she fell over a flight of stairs, and died from the effects of the fall on Thursday evening. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 January 1865
TAVISTOCK - The Fatal Railway Accident At Tavistock. - Yesterday morning an Inquest was held at Tavistock, before A. B. Bone, Esq., county Coroner, on the body of JOHN PEARCE, the young man who was killed at the railway station on Saturday, by the train going over him immediately after he had connected the coupling chain of some trucks with the carriages of the train. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - Suspicious Death Of A Drunkard At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Black Dog Inn, Exeter, before H. W. Hooper, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a man named GEORGE BEER, who was found dead in his bed that morning. The deceased was formerly an attorney's clerk, then enlisted, and was about five years in the Plymouth division of the Royal Marines, and subsequently bought his discharge. He cohabited with a woman named Ellen Davell, residing in North-street. On Saturday night deceased went to visit her, when he found a marine with her. The door was locked, but he burst it open, and a disturbance ensued, which resulted in the deceased being, according to his own statement, "chucked over the stairs" by four men. Deceased on the occasion was drunk, and had not been sober for some time. After the fracas he went to Newton St. Cyres and on his return put up at the Black Dog, where he slept. During the night he complained of pain in his head, and the following day was found dead in his bed. The Jury adjourned the Inquest for a post mortem examination, and for further information as to the part the men had taken in the row during which the deceased was said to have been thrown over.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 January 1865
BARNSTAPLE - Death From Starvation At Barnstaple. - An Inquest was held at Newport, Barnstaple, on Saturday, on the body of MRS HUNT, aged about 60 years, who had been living with her daughter. It appeared that the deceased and her daughter, who have seen better days, have for a long time past been in great poverty. A gold watch, feather bed, and other valuables, belonging to the deceased were pledged, and but very few articles of furniture were left in the house, but rather than ask for relief from the parish the deceased denied herself food and died on Friday night. Mr Cook, surgeon, made a post mortem examination of the body, and said that he found but a very small amount of food in the stomach, and it was his opinion the deceased had died from want of proper nourishment. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

ASHBURTON - Intoxication And Death At Ashburton. - On Tuesday the 27th of December, GEORGE FRENCH, a mason, aged 44, was knocked down by a horse in North-street, Ashburton. he came out of a Mr Wills's beer-house tipsy, and went into the middle of the road, when a young horse, ridden by Mr Meatherall of the Town Mills, shied at some wood and came in contact with FRENCH, who was afterwards picked up insensible and bleeding from the head. He was so much better two days after as to be able t walk about, though in pain. He took to his bed on Friday last, and, after remaining in a comatose state, died on Saturday morning. On Monday, at an Inquest held before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, these facts were related in the evidence of George Pomeroy, Sarah Tapper, and John Meatherall, and the surgeon who attended deceased stated that he knew the deceased to be addicted to drinking. The blow described might have caused death, but not to a person of regular habits. He considered that death was caused by apoplexy, accelerated by drinking. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 January 1865
EXETER - Death While Drunk. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter before the City Coroner concerning the death of ELLEN LINTERN, who was killed by falling down stairs and fracturing her skull while in a state of intoxication. The Coroner commented on the conduct of the persons living in the house with deceased, who did not call in medical aid until five hours after the accident.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 January 1865
BRAUNTON - Sudden Death At Braunton. - An Inquest was held by Mr Richard Bremridge, County Coroner, on Thursday at Braunton, on the body of WM. BRIMLEY, of Wrafton-lane, Braunton, carpenter, aged about 50. The deceased was last seen alive on the Monday evening previously, when he appeared the worse for drink. The wife of the deceased deposed that she had for some days before his death been nursing a sick person. She went home on the Sunday and made his bed. On Wednesday a neighbour went into his house, and found the deceased laying on his back across the bed in an upper room; he had his clothes on, but was quite dead. - A medical man, who was called in, said the deceased had been dead nearly two days, and considered he died from an apoplectic fit.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 January 1865
BISHOPS TAWTON - Killed By The Fall Of A Horse. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at Bishop's Tawton, near Barnstaple, on the body of ROBERT MILDON, age 22, who had just completed his apprenticeship as a draper. John Walters, farmer, of Chittlehampton, said that he was returning on horseback with the deceased from Barnstaple market in the evening, and when near Codden-hill the horse slipped and fell, and deceased and himself were thrown to the ground. Witness on getting up called to his friend, but received no answer, and on going back a few yards found him lying on his face in the road insensible. Witness fetched assistance, and the deceased was carried to a house. Mr Gamble, surgeon, of Barnstaple, said he found the deceased in a very precarious condition, beyond hopes of recovery. he had a contused and lacerated wound on the right temple. Deceased died the following morning, in his opinion from the rupture of a blood vessel on the brain. A verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 January 1865
TIVERTON - Suicide Of A Boy In Tiverton Cemetery. - On Monday evening F. Mackinson, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest at the sexton's house in the cemetery of Tiverton, on the body of JOHN FEWINGS, son of the gravedigger, who committed suicide under extra ordinary circumstances. On Saturday the deceased, who is but 13 years of age, left his brother, with whom he had been at play, in anger, and went nobody knew whither. His parents having noticed his absence a short time afterwards instituted a search of their premises, which are situated within the cemetery, but could not find him. His father finding that he had not returned up to a late hour, made search in the town and communicated with the police, but no tidings could be obtained. All day Sunday the father with several friends and the police carried their search into the towns and villages near, but in vain. On returning from their fruitless mission shortly after dark on Sunday evening, P.C. Cavill suggested that a search should be made in the cemetery, including both chapels. The distracted father replied that every place had been searched, but the Dissenters' Chapel, and it was no use to go there as the door was locked, and there was the key on the dresser, where it had been since Friday night. However, at the request of the constable, FEWINGS caught up the key and went to the chapel and before Cavill could obtain a light he heard a loud cry, and on hurrying to the spot the boy was seen suspended by the neck by a sash-line fastened to the top staple bolt behind the chapel door, dead and cold, with a stool lying on the floor, evidently kicked from under him. Cavill immediately cut down the body and carried it to the house. the most remarkable part of the story is the singularly ingenious and deliberate manner in which the wretched boy must have committed the act. After parting from his little brother, he must have gone into the house to possess himself of the key, and having unlocked the chapel door, replaced it where it was usually kept to avoid suspicion. He must then have procured a ladder from an open grave, and, having taken a sash-line from one of the chapel windows, returned the ladder to the grave and then come back to complete the fatal deed. - The Jury unanimously recorded a verdict of Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind, with an addendum fully exonerating the parents from any blame in the matter.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 January 1865
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Child. - J. Edmonds, Esq., Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday, at the No Place Inn, on the body of ALBERT HENRY DOMMETT, aged three months. The deceased was a delicate child, and went to bed with his mother on Tuesday, the 24th instant, at 4 North-road. At three in the morning the child was all right, but between eight and nine it was found to be dead. An Open Verdict was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 January 1865
BRIXHAM - Suicide At Brixham. - An Inquest was held at the Burton Inn, Brixham, on Saturday, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., Coroner, relative to the death of SAMUEL BOICE, a labourer, who committed suicide the day previous by cutting his throat. Several witnesses were examined, but nothing of importance was elicited beyond the facts already published. The Jury returned as their verdict, "That the deceased destroyed himself by cutting his throat whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 January 1865
EXETER - Sudden Death In Exeter. - MR JOHN SOUTHCOTT, a builder, of Lower Southernhay, Exeter, who had formerly kept the Moreton Inn, St. Thomas, and was 71 years of age, died suddenly on Saturday night, about 10 o'clock. Deceased had been out collecting his rents during the day, and had retired to bed. A verdict of "Died from the Visitation of God" was returned at the Inquest held yesterday afternoon before the City Coroner.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 February 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Death Through Scalding. - Allan B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at a house near Bladderley-lane, Milehouse, on the body of MARGARET ANN MORRISH, aged three and a half years. It appeared that on Saturday week the deceased was standing upon a chair near the fire, and fell, striking a kettle containing boiling water which was upon one of the hobs. The right arm of the child was severely scalded by some of the boiling water thus upset. Medical attendance was not obtained at once; but ultimately Mr Swain, of Stoke, saw the deceased, although not before Thursday last. The child died on Tuesday morning. Verdict, - "Accidental Death."

TAVISTOCK - Fatal Mine Accident Near Tavistock. - On Monday afternoon a miner named JOHN STEPHENS, employed at the Wackham and Poldice Mines, about two miles from Tavistock, was killed by falling from a ladder in the shaft. He and his comrade were nailing a plank in the shaft, and were standing on the ladder about two fathoms below the 26 fathom level. Instead of placing one hand around the ladder and nailing with the other, it is supposed that he merely trusted to his feet on the ladder without taking any other precaution from falling. His feet slipped and he fell to the 38 fathom level, a distance of 10 fathoms. He did not speak after he was taken up and died in a few minutes. He was subsequently taken to his home at Tavistock, where an Inquest was yesterday held before A. B. Bone, Esq., when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Captain Lean, manager of the mines, attended the Inquest, and stated that there was a good footway in the shaft, which was in first-rate condition, so that to the poor fellow's own carelessness alone is to be attributed the accident, and his death has been the penalty. The Jury kindly gave their fees to the widow and entered into a subscription for her.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 February 1865
EXETER - Infant Mortality. - At Exeter yesterday afternoon, Mr Hooper, Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of the illegitimate infant child of ELIZA QUAINTANCE, a poor girl not seventeen years of age, who was confined six weeks ago of a male child, who had been subject to convulsions from its birth, and died of them, according to the medical evidence, during Tuesday night. The unhappy mother had left her offspring daily with her aunt while she went out to work. Both her parents are dead: her father died in Derbyshire, and the girl was removed thence by the parish authorities to Exeter Workhouse. The Coroner feelingly cautioned the girl as to her future conduct.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 February 1865
TEIGNMOUTH - The Singular Accident Near Teignmouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Teignmouth, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of JOS. COUSENS, the unfortunate man who met with his death in such a singular manner while working on the South Devon Railway on Saturday last, the particulars being as follows:- On Saturday last Mr Philip Cann, timekeeper and clerk for Mr Blinkhorne, and employed upon the works on the South Devon Railway between Newton and Teignmouth, went to Newton by the 1.52 train to get some horse-shoe nails, and also some fuse. Having procured these articles, he left Newton by the 4.39 up-express, another timekeeper (James Pinwell) going with him. Mr Parsons, a solicitor's articled clerk, was the only other person in the compartment. On nearing the works Pinwell said, "We may as well pitch out these parcels when we get to the office; it will save us the trouble of carrying them." The train was then going at the rate of from 25 to 35 miles an hour, and while it was passing the works near Shaldon Bridge, Cann and Pinwell both stood up, the latter taking the parcel of nails (which weighed 18lbs.) in both hands, and the former that of fuse. On coming abreast of a sand-heap near the gas-house they both threw their parcels out, and Pinwell then said, "One of our parcels has knocked down a man (deceased), but I don't know who it is. I am afraid it has broken his leg, for I think it struck him on the calf." Deceased had crossed the line in company with a man named George Baker to get out of the way of the train. He was looking at the water when the parcels were thrown, and that containing nails being carried by the velocity communicated to it by the train 10 feet before it reached the deceased. It struck him in the right side, and he immediately fell to the ground. He was assisted to get to Teignmouth, and at nine that evening was visited by Mr Richard Bealy Sullock, surgeon, who examined him, but could find no exterior marks of a blow. Mr Pearse, the stationmaster of Teignmouth Station, produced the bye-laws of the company at the Inquest, but there was none prohibiting the throwing of any article from the window of a carriage in motion. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." It is to be hoped that measures will be taken to prevent further resort to what has thus fatally proved to be a most dangerous practice.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 February 1865
EXETER - A Coroner's Inquest was held on Monday at the Globe Inn, Newtown, Exeter, before Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, on the body of CHARLES GOVER ROBERTS, aged 10 months, the infant son of MR JAMES ROBERTS, of John-street, Newtown, who died on Saturday afternoon in the arms of his nurse. Mr Perkins, the family medical attendant, stated that the child died from spasm of the glottis. A verdict was returned accordingly

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 February 1865
EXETER - A little child, the infant son of MR FRANK TURNER, of Princess-road, Exeter, has been choked by a small piece of bacon, which had been given it to suck by its father while he was at breakfast. A few minutes afterwards the mother went to the child, which was lying on the bed, and found it black in the face. Medical aid was called in, but it was then too late. An Inquest had been held, and a verdict to the above effect returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 February 1865
EAST STONEHOUSE - Child Killed By Being Ridden Over In Stonehouse. Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon, at St. George's Hall, Stonehouse, before A. B. Bone, Esq., jun., Deputy Coroner, on the body of SUSAN MARTIN, a little girl 10 years of age, whose death was caused by her having been run over by a dray, supposed to belong to Messrs. Shepheard and Hambly, ale merchants, Union-street, Plymouth. Mr T. C. Brian attended on behalf of John Pinney, supposed to be the driver of the dray. - Stephen Toope stated that on Thursday evening he was passing through Union-street, Stonehouse. His attention was attracted by hearing a noise, and on looking round he saw a waggon driven at a very fast pace. In the road a child (deceased) was lying. He ran forward and picked up the child, who appeared to be very much injured. He called out as loudly as he could to the man who was driving the waggon to stop, but he did not take any notice, and drove on as fast as he could. he then again called out to him, "Stop the waggon, for you have killed the child;" but still the man did not stop. He, with assistance, carried deceased into the shop of Mr Martin, chemist, Union-street. She was sensible, and told him her name and residence, and also said "I have lost my shoe." When he called out to the driver of the cart to stop he called out sufficiently loud for anyone to hear. He was not more than 20 yards distant from the waggon when he first called to the driver, who, he was quite satisfied, must have heard him. - Matilda Morrison saw the deceased crossing the road, when she was knocked down by a brewer's dray, drawn by one horse, the wheels passing over her body. The driver of the cart did not call out to the child to get out of the way. She could not tell who the man was. He was dressed in a white smock, and had a large apron in front of him. The horse was dark brown, and the body of the cart was painted dark blue. - Quintin Hext, a cabman, gave corroborative evidence, and added that he saw the face of the driver and should know him if he were to see him. Pinney, who was present, was confronted with witness, who said he was not the man. The driver was a much taller, slighter man, and had not so much whiskers as Pinney. - Pinney, after having been cautioned by the Coroner, was then examined. He said he went with the dray to Devonport on Thursday evening and left the stores at five o'clock. He stopped at the Raglan Barracks and delivered some beer at the canteen. He also went to the Country House Inn, Cumberland-street, a beer-shop in Dock-wall-street, a beer-shop in James-street, and to the house of Mr Lampen in James-street-ope East, delivering beer at each place. When he left the house of Mr Lampen it was half-past six. He drove straight to the stores in Union-street and arrived there at about ten minutes to seven. He drove through Union-street, but never heard anyone calling to him. He knew nothing of the accident until after his arrival at the stores. The horse which he drove was a dark brown one. The wheels of the cart were painted red and the body of the cart dark blue. Mr Shepherd had four drays, and all of them were alike, but the dray he drove was the only one that went to Devonport and Stonehouse that night. - At this stage of the proceedings, Pinney, by the advice of his solicitor declined to answer any more questions. The Coroner said he did not think the evidence that had been adduced had in any way pointed out the man who drove the cart over the body of deceased, but at the same time it contained a curious combination of circumstances. He thought any verdict that might be then found would be both indefinite and unsatisfactory; and he therefore deemed it advisable to adjourn the Inquiry. - The Inquest was then adjourned until Friday, the 24th inst., instructions being given to Pinney to attend.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 February 1865
KINGSTEIGNTON - The Fatal Clay Mine Accident At Kingsteignton. - An Inquest was held at Kingsteignton, on Saturday by Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, on the body of THOMAS WARREN, aged 52 years, who died on Thursday last from injuries received at the late accident at the clay mine, at Prestow, near Kingsteignton, belonging to Messrs. Watts, Blake, Bearne, and others. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The man, Joslin, who was also injured at the same time, lies in a very precarious state.

EXETER - Death From Neglect To Vaccinate. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon, at the Windsor Castle Inn, Exeter, before Mr H. W. Hooper, city Coroner, on the body of a child, aged six months, named THOMAS J. FLOUD, whose parents reside at Hill's-court. The child, who had always been delicate from its birth, was taken ill of the small-pox about ten days since, and as he was doing well, the mother neglected to send for medical aid. On Friday morning a young woman named Sarah Northam, who lives in the same house, was requested to look at the child, supposed to be asleep in the cot, and it was found to be dead. The mother said she had not had the child vaccinated owing to its delicate health. The Coroner censured the parents for their conduct, and regretted that it was not in his power to punish them. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 February 1865
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death in Plymouth. - J. Edmonds, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon, at the Dock Hotel, Millbay, on view of the body of JOHN TRELOAR. The deceased was a journeyman soap boiler, in the employ of the Millbay Soap and Alkali Works company (limited). Although 64 years of age, his state of health was generally good. On the previous morning the deceased went to his work apparently well, but suddenly became faint, and at his wish some water was given him, and his right temple was bathed. Almost immediately the deceased became speechless, and he was at once carried to his home, 7 Bounds-place, where he died about ten minutes afterwards. The Jury, of whom Mr Thomas Hewlett was chosen Foreman, returned a verdict that the deceased had died by the Visitation of God.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 February 1865
PLYMOUTH - Death From An Explosion Of Gas In An Oven. - An Inquest was held last evening, at the Plymouth Guildhall, before Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner, concerning the death of THOMAS NOBLE, a journeyman baker, in the employ of Mr Matthews, confectioner, High-street. On Saturday afternoon, about four o'clock, deceased came into the bake-house, on the ground floor, and asked William Ireland, also in the employ of Mr Matthews, who had just finished work, if he could bake some cake in the oven. Ireland said he could, and left the bake-house. Deceased put the cake into the oven and resumed his work upstairs. John Osborne saw the deceased go downstairs with a piece of lighted paper in his hand, and almost immediately afterwards heard an explosion. He went into the bake-house and saw the deceased, who was very much burnt. Nearly all his hair was burnt off and his right arm, shoulder and back were severely burnt. Some oil was applied to the burns, and deceased was conveyed to the South Devon Hospital, where he died on Sunday morning. It is supposed that deceased when he put the cake into the oven left the gas turned on. On opening the oven to see if the cake was done the piece of lighted paper which he held in his hand caused an immediate explosion and inflicted the injuries from which he died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of An Infant. - The Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr J. Edmonds, and a Jury assembled at the Black Lion Inn, Exeter-street, yesterday, concerning the death of WILLIAM JAMES JONES, the infant son of a marine of H.M.S. Indus. On Sunday morning, at half-past one, the mother and the child went to bed and previous to her going to sleep she suckled the deceased. She slept until half-past eight that morning, and on awaking she discovered that deceased was lying dead in her arms. There were no marks of violence on the body, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 24 February 1865
ASHBURTON - Death By A Fall At Ashburton. - On Tuesday a Coroner's Inquest was held at Ashburton before F. B. Cuming, Coroner, on the body of W. JOINT, mason, 74 years, who died the previous day from the effects of a fall. Deceased had fetched some coal, which was distributed to the poor at a reduced rate, and on his way through Browse's Court fell. He was taken to his lodgings, and appeared to be shaken very much, and subsequently died, in spite of medical assistance. A verdict in accordance with these facts was returned.

HENNOCK - Fatal Accident At Chudleigh Knighton. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday afternoon, at Chudleigh Knighton, before F. B. Cuming, Esq., on the body of WILLIAM HEATH, a labourer, aged about 40 years, who was found in the river Teign on Monday evening. The deceased, on Monday, had attended the sale at [?] Mills, and on returning home in the evening, in crossing a small bridge over the Teign, fell into the water, of a depth of about ten feet. A man named Steer, who had been at a short distance from the deceased, at the hearing of a splash proceeded to the spot, and saw deceased in about eighteen inches of water. - Help having been procured, the deceased was conveyed home at Bradley Ford, where he died shortly after. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". The deceased leaves a wife and seven children.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 February 1865
WOODBURY - The Death From Assault At Woodbury. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, at Barratt's Globe Inn, Woodbury, before S. Cox, Esq., Coroner for the District, and a Jury of whom Mr White was chosen Foreman, to Inquire into the death of WM. MOORE, who was murdered on Thursday last by Wm. Tucker. Mr Floud, of Exeter, appeared to watch the case on behalf of the prisoner. - Wm. Henry Hutchings said: I am a wheelwright living at Woodbury, and have known the deceased for 20 years. He lived at East Budleigh, and had a horse and cart for drawing timber, by which means he procured his livelihood. I believe the deceased was about 34 years of age. I have known the prisoner, Wm. Tucker, about 15 years. he is a coal dealer living at Woodbury. On Thursday last, about half-past two in the afternoon, I was at the house of Mr Foster, who lives directly opposite to me, and I was called by my apprentice, who said I was wanted. I went over to my shop and saw the deceased there, who said he had come to know about the boy's clothes. I had a conversation with him, and went into my back-yard, which adjoins the prisoner's yard. Deceased then called Mr Tucker, who was in his coal shed shovelling coals, and he replied, "What do you want?" Deceased said "I want to speak to you." Tucker again said, "What do you want?" and deceased said, "I wish you would not harbour my boy in your house." Prisoner said, "I will;" on which deceased said, "I won't have my boy go to your house." Prisoner said, "He shall come, and I won't order him out." MOORE said, "I want to know about the clothes you have of my boy's". Prisoner said, "I have not got any clothes of your boy's". I said to Tucker, "You have some of the boy's clothes in your possession, unless you have destroyed them." I called deceased's son to me, and said, "BILL, here are your father, Tucker and I. Speak the truth, and say what you have done with the clothes, if you have or have not given them to Tucker." The boy replied, "I gived it to him." Tucker then came towards me with the shovel in his hand pointing to me, and said "It's that little b....'s rising." I said, "It is not," and the prisoner then held the shovel over the wall, and said, "You little b....., I will cleave your skull in." The shovel was held in a threatening manner, and I believed that he would have struck me. Tucker appeared very angry. I stepped back, and deceased said to Tucker, "If I were sure you were slocking clothes from my boy, I would slock your head for you," and whilst saying so deceased went towards the wall. Angry words passed from the deceased to the prisoner as deceased was going towards the wall. MOORE got over the all into Tucker's yard, and as he was getting over the wall prisoner came towards the deceased with the same shovel as he threatened to strike me with. There is a saw pit outside the wall in the prisoner's premises. In getting over the wall the deceased had to lay his body on the wall, and before he had time to get from under the saw pit and stand upright, the prisoner struck him a blow with the shovel with all his might. The blow was struck with the iron part of the shovel. I cannot say the blow was struck with the shovel now produced; it was with one like it. I did not notice that the shovel was broken. I don't remember either of them speaking when the blow was struck. As soon as deceased was struck he staggered. Whilst he was staggering Tucker struck him again. The accused appeared to swing the shovel with all his might. I cannot say whether the second bow fell upon the head of the deceased. I don't remember that anything was spoke after the second blow. Tucker struck the deceased a third violent blow with the shovel on the left side of the head. I heard the blows distinctly. Deceased was on the ground, and someone called for assistance. After the third blow I was going towards the wall to assist the deceased, but my wife caught me by the leg. Tucker seeing me endeavour to get over the all flew towards me, and, swinging the shovel at me, said, "You little b...., I will kill you too." I made no answer, but ran for the police. The deceased's son, who is my apprentice, was in the yard at the time the blows were struck; but I cannot tell whether Bawden, my other apprentice was present. Benjamin West and John Ekers were on the other side of the yard and witnessed the blows. On my return with P.C. Watts deceased was in my house. Dr Brent was sent for, and came. He directed that the deceased should be taken to his father's house - about 100 yards from my house. Deceased died the same night. - Cross-examined by Mr Floud: Tucker's yard is lower than mine. I don't think MOORE pulled out any of the bricks from the wall, but I did when my wife was pulling me back. When the deceased threatened to slock Tucker's head he was standing about six feet from the wall. I was not laughing whilst deceased and prisoner were quarrelling. I did not, beyond what I have said, use any irritating words to the prisoner. Deceased did not jeer at all. I can't say if Bawden went from my shop into Tucker's yard and threatened MOORE. I heard no one say "I will kill the b......" - John Ekers, carpenter, residing at Woodbury, who had known deceased and prisoner 20 years, described the commencement of the conversation much as previously stated, and added - I heard deceased say something about "slocking" his (Tucker's) head. The next I saw of MOORE was when he was standing in Tucker's yard and then I saw Tucker strike the deceased one blow with the shovel on the head. It was a violent bow, and inflicted with the flat part of the shovel. That was the only blow I saw. Deceased immediately fell towards Tucker on his face and hands. The deceased had no weapon of any description in his hand. After deceased was down Tucker went away immediately. I don't recollect seeing Hutchings come over the wall, or having heard the prisoner threaten Hutchings that he would kill him. After the last blow was struck deceased lay on the ground about a minute and a half. I then jumped over the wall and lifted him up, and with his son's help took him into Hutchings' house. Deceased knew me, but could not speak. There was a wound on the left temple about 1 ½ inches long, and two others on the head further to the crown. There was a little blood flowing from the wound. Deceased could walk with our help. - By a Juror: I can't say if the deceased had his hat on when the blow was struck. One of the wounds looked like a bruise, but the other appeared to be a cut. The head was not swollen. I did not see the prisoner attempt to strike Hutchings when he pointed at him. I was not in a position to see if it occurred. Tucker was on higher ground than deceased. - By Mr Floud: Deceased had no hat on when I picked him up. After deceased fell, he did not move until I picked him up. Tucker, when MOORE fell, went towards the "drangway" where the door of his house is situated. - WM. MOORE: I am the son of the deceased. My age is 15. I gave Mrs Tucker, a week or two ago, two pairs of trousers, a coat and a smock. The prisoner was present. Mrs Tucker afterwards gave me 4d. for them. I don't think Tucker knew she gave me the money. Tucker asked if the clothes were mine, and I said "Yes." On Thursday last my father came and saw me. My master sent for me into the yard. My father and Mrs Hutchings were there. Tucker was in his yard and my father said "Tucker, I want to speak to you, please." Tucker replied "What is it." My father said "What are you encouraging my boy to slock away his clothes for." I don't remember what Tucker said, but my father said "If you continue it I will put a stop to it." Tucker replied, " He shall come when he likes, I won't order him out." My father said "If I were sure you slocked away the clothes of my boy's I would slock your head for you." I don't know if Tucker replied to that. My father went over the wall and Tucker said "If you come in here I will serve you the same as I would serve that shuffling little b....., " meaning Hutchings. When father was just over the wall, Tucker struck him with a shovel; he struck him before he was quite upright. I saw the blow aimed, and my father staggered. Tucker immediately struck a second and third blow on the head. The latter blow felled my father to the ground. He fell on his hands and face. My master went to get over the wall, and the prisoner said "now you little b....., I will serve you the same." I don't recollect Tucker saying to master "'l'll kill you too." My mistress pulled my master back by the leg. Tucker went towards the drangway. I went over the wall and Mr Ekers helped me to take father into master's house. - By a Juror: My father had his hat on when he was going over the wall; but don't know if he had it on when he was struck. - Cross-examined by Mr Floud: My father staggered towards the middle of the yard after the first blow, which was struck close to the wall, and after the third blow my father fell on his face and hands. Tucker then turned round and said to my master "Now, you little b....., I will serve you the same." He went to the wall and aimed a blow at my master, but my mistress pulled master back, and he avoided the blow. - Ann Hutchings, wife of Wm. Henry Hutchings, corroborated the evidence given by her husband, Ekers, and the boy MOORE. After MOORE'S threatening to slock Tucker's head off something was said about one of them putting the other in the brook. When Tucker threatened to crack her husband's skull, she said, "You would have done that before now Tucker, as you have threatened, if it was not for the law." Witness then proceeded to describe the manner in which Tucker struck two of the blows, which she said were very severe and heavy ones. When her husband went towards MOORE to assist him, the prisoner said, "You little b.... I will serve you the same." - Dr Robert Brent, M.D., said he was called on Thursday, about a quarter to three, to William Hutchings's house to see the deceased. He was sitting on a chair leaning forward, supported by John Ekers. MOORE'S head was on his breast. He was moaning, and in an unconscious and depressed state. Witness examined him, and found a small wound on the front of the left temple about one inch in length. Further back he found a mass of contusions on the scalp. There was a fracture of the bone of the skull on the left side. The man's pulse was very low, and laboured paralysis had set in on the left side, and there was a tendency to vomit. He was only conscious when aroused. At his request a messenger went to the deceased's father's house, who said he would accommodate him with a bed. Witness saw him after he was in bed, but he continued to get worse; at half-past five, when witness last saw him alive, he was sinking fast, and witness left him in charge of Mr Haynes; about 7 o'clock he died. Witness had that day made a post-mortem examination, and he found as he had anticipated, that there was a transverse fracture from the upper portion of the skull down to the left ear. On removing the skull he found 12 ounces of blood. The pressure upon the brain had been so much that it had been pushed aside. The brain itself, and the membranes were not injured. The injury received was sufficient to cause death. - Sergeant J. Ryall proved giving directions for the prisoner's apprehension, and subsequently found two shovels in the prisoner's coal yard. He found bricks down from the wall between Hutchings's and Tucker's yard. Witness took the shovels to prisoner's cell and said, "Wm. Tucker, I charge you with the Wilful Murder of MOORE this afternoon with one of these shovels." Prisoner replied "It's a bad job." Witness cautioned him and prisoner then said, "The man came over the wall and threatened to twist my neck and throw me over the wall. I was in the yard; I had the shovel in my hand, and I gave him a jab with it." - The Coroner, in summing up, said the present case was a very painful one, and the Jury would have a very painful duty to perform for it appeared clear to him they must bring in a verdict against Tucker. The question would then arise whether that verdict should be one of manslaughter or murder. Before he directed their attention to any of the recorded cases on the point, it would be better that he should read over the evidence of the witnesses, and he would ask the Jury while he was doing so to remember the points which they would have to determine. Of course it was not for him to dictate to them what verdict they should return, and it would if they saw fit be open to them not to find an incriminating verdict, but in the face of the evidence he did not see how they could see their way to such a course. The Coroner in commenting on the evidence, said that Tucker was at work when he was called to at the beginning of this affair, and this, he thought, was a circumstance in his favour. The question which led to the dispute about the son's clothes appeared to be a very reasonable one, and Tucker was certainly guilty of telling a story when he replied that he had not had the clothes. Tucker it was shown had the shovel in his hand, and the fact that he had been using his shovel, and did not go to fetch it was also a circumstance in his favour, and it was also a point for their consideration that deceased had notice not to go over the wall. The deceased, no matter what had been said, had no right to enter Tucker's yard, and his doing so was a trespass. Deceased was committing an unlawful act, and Tucker would be right in using a certain amount of resistance to keep the deceased from going into his premises. But the Jury must also bear in mind that the blows were not struck while the deceased was getting over the wall, but after he was in the prisoner's yard. After going through the evidence, the Coroner called the attention of the Jury to the difference between the crime of murder and manslaughter. He read the ruling laid down in Archbold, where it was held that homicide would not resolve itself into manslaughter unless there were shown to be an absence of malice or premeditation, or a great amount of provocation; and in the latter case, the provocation must bear a reasonable proportion to the amount of violence used. If the Jury found that the violence used did not bear this reasonable proportion - and in judging of this they must take into consideration the weapon used - they would find a verdict of wilful murder; but if, on the other hand, there was such reasonable proportion, it would resolve itself into a case of manslaughter. - The Jury retired, and after about ten minutes' deliberation returned a verdict of "Manslaughter against William Tucker." - The Coroner said the Jury had taken a merciful view of the case. - Mr Floud applied for bail for the prisoner, but the Coroner replied, "Certainly not." - The warrant for the committal of the prisoner for Manslaughter was made out and handed to Sergeant Ryall.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 February 1865
TORQUAY - The Child Murder At Torquay. - The Inquest was resumed yesterday as to the death of THOMAS EDWIN GIBSON HARRIS, an infant supposed to be nearly four months old, which was found on the 15th inst. in the turnpike-road near Torquay. the evidence at the previous examination has been already given. MARY HARRIS, the mother of the child, and Charlotte Winsor, the nurse with whom it was put out, were in custody. - The evidence of Charlotte Pratt, the little grand-daughter of the prisoner Winsor, set forth that some night she could not recollect, but it was after the disappearance of the baby, she and her grandmother took a walk towards Torquay. Winsor had a carpet-bag. After passing the turnpike-gate she told the little girl to stop, and then went on a little way, and close to the hedge. Afterwards she came back, and they both went into the town. It was subsequently shown that this identical spot was where the body had been found. The Jury, after a prolonged Enquiry, returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against both HARRIS and Winsor.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 March 1865
PLYMOUTH CHARLES THE MARTYR - Suicide At Compton. - An Inquest concerning the death of GEORGE MITCHELL was held on Monday, at Compton, before Mr Bone, jun., Deputy Coroner, and a Jury, 24 in number, Mr W. Luscombe, magistrate, being Foreman. - James Rendell, coachman to Mr Holland Coham, of "The Tower", Compton, said that at a quarter to four on Saturday afternoon he was sent by one of Mr Coham's family to look for the deceased, who was the gardener. He was wanted to show some ladies round the greenhouse. The witness, not seeing deceased in the kitchen garden, called out "MITCHELL," but receiving no reply went to the greenhouse, and there found the deceased lying on the stone walk on his back. His coat was burning, his hat off and lying a short distance away. A single-barrelled percussion gun was near him. He was alive, but did not speak. Witness left the deceased in the care of another servant of Mr Coham's and went into Plymouth for medical assistance. Some panes of glass in the skylight of the greenhouse had been broken. The deceased was a sober, reserved man. He occasionally fired the gun at birds. - George Hockridge, servant to Mr Coham, was left by the last witness in charge of the deceased in the greenhouse. He found him in a pool of blood. The gun was between his legs, the butt end on the gravel, and the ramrod on his right hand side. It was understood that the deceased was "paying his respects" to the cook, Sarah Hammett. A piece of paper had been found near the deceased which contained the following words - "Fair Well Sarah But Lee Was So Willing As Mee." Had heard that the deceased had received a valentine, which had very much annoyed him, as he believed that it came from one of the servants. This fact induced witness to believe the deceased to be of weak intellect. - Mary Ann Lee, housemaid, said she had never been too friendly with the deceased, nor given any occasion for the use of her name by him as previously stated. He had not seemed comfortable since he received the valentine. - Mary Ann Hockridge stated that the deceased lodged with her, and had done so for eight months. He was a very reserved man at all times, but there was a little difference in him for the last few days. He told witness last week that he had not slept well for a month. - Sarah Hammett, cook at "The Tower", was engaged to be married to the deceased; had never quarrelled with him; could not explain the words on the paper. - The Coroner said he wished to adjourn the Inquest in order that the relatives of the deceased man might be present, as he was afraid that with the present evidence only before them, the Jury had no alternative but to return a verdict of felo de se. - The Jury, however, having expressed a desire to proceed with the Inquest, the Deputy Coroner said that there would be two pointes for their careful consideration; one was whether the deceased shot himself, or whether his death was caused by accident. Assuming that he shot himself, was the deceased at the time in a right state of mind, or was he temporarily insane? He thought that there was nothing like sufficient evidence to decide on that last point, but of course the verdict must be that of the Jury not of the Coroner. - The Court was then cleared, and after half-an-hour's deliberation on the part of the Jury, it was re-opened, when the Foreman stated that 19 out of the 24 Jurymen had agreed to a verdict of "Temporary Insanity." - The Deputy Coroner: Then am I to understand, gentlemen, that your verdict is - "That the deceased, GEORGE MITCHELL, died on the 25th of February, at the parish of Compton Gifford, from a wound produced by his shooting himself with a gun while in a state of Temporary Insanity." - The Foreman: Yes. - The Deputy Coroner: Then, gentlemen, I must tell you, that though I take your verdict, I do not concur in it, as I am of opinion that there is not sufficient evidence to show that the deceased was not at the time of a sound mind.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 March 1865
BIDEFORD - Suffocation At A Lime Kiln. - At Bideford last evening an Inquest was held concerning the death of THOMAS HARVEY, a labourer of North Hill, Launceston, who while under the influence of drink on Sunday lay down by the lime kiln below the Bideford Railway Station, and being suffocated with the fumes given off. slept the sleep of death.

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 March 1865
CREDITON - The Late Suicide At Crediton. - A verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity" has been returned by a Coroner's Jury at Crediton in the case of MR WM. WOLLOCOTT, who committed suicide by lacerating his head and arms with a razor, as already reported. Mr Holman, surgeon, had attended the deceased professionally for the last eighteen months, and believed that he was not accountable for his actions. He was 40 years of age, and leaves a widow, but no family.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 March 1865
ILSINGTON - Suspicious Death At Ilsington. - An Inquiry was held last evening by Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, at the New Inn, in the parish of Ilsington, near Bovey Tracey, concerning the death of MR JOHN WILLS, aged 67 years, who was found dead in bed at the above inn, on Wednesday morning last. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased, who was in easy circumstances, resided with his daughter, Mrs Bearne, landlady of the inn. For several weeks past the deceased had kept his bed, and was seen alive the last time on Tuesday evening. The following morning his grandson, on taking in his breakfast, found his grandfather on the bed dead. Dr Haydon, of Bovey Tracey, was sent for, and on examining the deceased found a number of bruises and wounds on various parts of the body, which presented a most shocking sight. Mr Haydon, who had since made a post mortem examination, said the body appeared to be well nourished, and generally healthy, and he could not account for the deceased's death, as he could not discover any traces of disease in the body. Witness, in answer to the Coroner, said there were marks about the deceased's stomach which he could not account for. He could not undertake to say what was the cause of death. He had often made post mortem examinations, but never had seen such a case as that of the deceased's in his life. The deceased's kidney was in that state known as "Bright's Disease". In such cases circumstances might arise that would cause sudden death, but it was in extreme cases. - The Coroner said he was not satisfied with the case, and after the evidence of Mr Haydon the Jury could not say that the deceased had died from natural causes. He should therefore order that the contents of the deceased's stomach be forwarded to Professor Herapath, to be analysed, and should adjourn the Inquiry in the meantime. The Inquiry was accordingly adjourned until Thursday, the 6th day of April. Mr C. H. Monro, County magistrate, was present during the Inquiry.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 March 1865
PLYMOUTH - Four Children Suffocated In Plymouth. - A Coroner's Inquest on the bodies of the four children who were suffocated on Saturday morning in a lodging-house in King-street West, Plymouth, was held on Saturday afternoon by Mr John Edmonds, Borough Coroner, at the Octagon Cellars Inn, Octagon-street. The particulars of the occurrence were given in a portion only of our impression of Saturday. - The Coroner in opening the proceedings, said that during twenty-five years' experience as Coroner he had witnessed many distressing sights; but he did not recollect one more distressing than that involved in the present case, where a father who had lost his wife, was now bereft of his whole family of four children at one fell swoop. The children were left by their father, who travelled from place to place to earn a livelihood, at a lodging-house in King-street, and mostly in the care of the eldest, CHARLOTTE, though it appeared a woman, a lodger in the house, attended to them occasionally, for she made their bed on Friday night, and left them apparently safe, with no fire or candle. All was quiet until about four the next morning, when the neighbourhood was alarmed by P.C. Shepheard, who saw smoke proceeding from the room where the children "had slept the sleep of death." He could not speak in too high terms of the policeman's exertions on that occasion. The four bodies were with great difficulty found by the policeman stretched out dead upon the bed in the room, and taken downstairs. The fire seemed to have originated in the cupboard of the room, and might have been occasioned by the eldest little maid getting out of bed for something to quiet the youngest, or from necessity, and in striking a match - for it did not appear there was any candle - dropped a spark, which fell upon some material that smouldered, and filled the room gradually with smoke, that at length stifled the little sleepers. - Mary McList, a married woman, was then called, and stated that she lodged at Solomon's lodgings, 129 King-street West. She had seen the father of the children in the house, and believed he was an itinerant seller of fruits and sweetmeats. She heard he went away on Saturday. CHARLOTTE KEYNES was about 12 years of age, WILLIAM about 10 years, BESSIE 4 ½ years, and EMMA, the youngest, about one year and eight months. The mother of the children was dead. Witness made their bed on the previous night for them, the room being upstairs. She saw three of them in bed, and CHARLOTTE, the eldest, locked the door when witness came out of the room, where at that time there was neither fire nor lights. This was just before nine o'clock, and soon after witness went to bed, directly under the room where the children were sleeping. Witness did not hear any noise in the night. P.C. Shepheard woke her shortly after four o'clock that morning. She and her two children got out of the window. There was much smoke in her room. - By the Foreman: Did not know whether a frying pan or the like was used by the children, but believed there was not. The father was very kind and attentive to his children. - William Solomon, coke dealer, who keeps the house where the children were killed, stated that it was a common lodging house. The greatest part of the furniture was his own, but he was not insured against fire. He had known the father of the children for three or four months. He saw two of the children in the evening, and believed they had no fire. In the corner of the room where the children were sleeping was the coal hole. He believed that 22 persons slept in his house on that night. He went to bed between 10 and 11 o'clock, and looked out at the back door at that time, but saw no fire nor light, nor smelt fire. He did not hear any disturbance in the night, but was awoke by P.C. Shepheard. The place was then full of smoke. He assisted the policeman in breaking into the children's room. He saw the fire at once, and threw a bucket of water on it. - By the Foreman: No one was wholly left in charge of the children. - The Coroner: the probability is that the eldest went to get something for the youngest, and dropped a spark, which must have ignited some materials that smouldered away with a great smoke. - P.C. Shepheard, who was on duty in King-street West on Friday night, stated that shortly after four o'clock on Saturday morning his attention was attracted to Solomon's lodging-house by the smell of fire and of smoke. Previously to that he had passed several times, but neither saw nor smelt anything of fire. He proceeded to the back of the premises, but could not get to the spot, and returned to the front of the house, knocking at several doors, when someone on the opposite side of the street cried out, "Policeman, I think the fire is at Solomon's house, I see smoke." On getting into the back court witness saw where the fire was. He knocked at the two doors inside, but could get no answer, and rushed upstairs alone. Mr Solomon came up shortly after, and said there were children in the room. The room was full of smoke, no candle would burn in it, and no one could stop there. After many attempts witness succeeded in finding the bedpost, and discovered the children in the bed. Witness shouted as well as he could, "I have the children," and one by one handed the bodies out to someone, but could not see for the smoke. He had frequently to get out into the fresh air, and was nearly overcome once or twice. Witness soon afterwards went downstairs, and fetched Dr Pearce, who pronounced the children dead. He believed the fire originated in the cupboard at the corner of the room. It was his opinion the children were stifled by the smoke while asleep. - The Coroner smoke very highly of the conduct of the policeman, and intimated that he should bring Shepheard's commendable exertions in the affair under the notice of the Mayor. The Jury also unanimously expressed a wish that such steps should be taken. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the children were suffocated by smoke occasioned by a fire in a cupboard in their room while they were asleep, but there was no evidence to show the origin or nature of the fire." - The father of the children had been sent for, but did not arrive in time to be present at the Inquiry.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 March 1865
STOKE FLEMING - Suicide Of A Clergyman At Stoke Fleming. - An Inquest was held at Hilfield House, Stokefleming, on Saturday afternoon, before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, concerning the death of the REV. A. W. HOBSON, who committed suicide on Thursday by shooting himself. - Ann Ferris, who lived as servant with deceased, said that on Thursday morning about half-past 9 o'clock, MRS HOBSON left home, and about an hour afterwards witness saw deceased in his bedroom dressed. He took breakfast, and told her not to come to him until he rung. He did not then appear excited. At 11 o'clock witness heard a noise, apparently in the part of the house where deceased's bedroom was, like the report of a pistol. About 12 o'clock she went up and knocked at the door, but received no answer. The door was not locked. There was no one in the house but herself. About three o'clock she again went, knocked, and opened the door. Not seeing deceased, she felt alarmed, and called assistance. A Mrs Allen came, and then witness opened the dressing-room door and saw deceased lying on the floor on his right side. - This evidence was corroborated by Mrs Mary Ann Allen, who also said she found in deceased's right hand a pistol, which appeared to have been recently discharged. - Mr S. N. Elliott, surgeon, of Dartmouth, said he had known deceased for about nine months, and had attended him professionally. He was called to see him on Thursday evening, and found him quite dead. There was a pistol wound on the right temple sufficient to cause death. He considered that the wound was inflicted by deceased himself. Deceased had been in a desponding state ever since he had known him, and at times his mind was affected. Witness's belief was that deceased destroyed himself while in an Unsound state of mind. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Friday 31 March 1865
ST MARYCHURCH - An Inquest was held before Mr F. B. Cuming, at the Palk Arms Inn, Mary Church, yesterday, on the body of a sawyer named WILLIAM TARR. It appeared that on Monday night he came home drunk at 12 o'clock and made a noise in the stairs. As this was not unusual no notice was taken, but at three o'clock in the morning a man living in the house came downstairs and found the man with his head against the door and his feet on the stairs, and quite dead. The supposition was that he had fallen downstairs. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

TORQUAY - An Inquest has also been held on the body of a child named HARRIS, aged five years, a cripple, who was rode over by a timber waggon and terribly injured. The child was taken to the Infirmary, and died on Friday. It was stated that the mishap was purely Accidental.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 April 1865
BARNSTAPLE - Death By Poison At Barnstaple. - At Barnstaple, on Wednesday, an Inquest was held at Lock's Railway Hotel, before Mr Bencraft, coroner, as to the death of PERCY VICTOR HILL. The deceased, who was about five weeks old, was the son of MR W. HILL, hairdresser, High-street. On Saturday night last the child appeared to be unwell, and his mother requested the nurse, Mrs Elizabeth Parkin, to give him some "Infants' Cordial." By mistake, a bottle containing laudanum, and which was labelled "Poison," was taken from the mantelpiece and some of its contents administered to the child. As soon as the error was discovered various remedies were applied, but the child died on the following day. The laundanum was used by Mrs Hill for the purpose of being applied to her gums when they ached. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased had been Accidentally Poisoned; and a rider was appended to the effect that Mrs Parkin and the mother of the child had been guilty of carelessness; the former in administering a potion from a bottle the contents of which she had not made herself acquainted with; and the latter for causing to be left in so exposed a place a bottle containing poison.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 April 1865
HARBERTON - Suicide At Harberton. - EDWARD PARNELL, aged 53, who had suffered from diseased kidneys and great mental depression for the past six months, committed suicide on Friday at his house at Harberton by taking laudanum. At the Coroner's Inquest held on Saturday, Mr Owen, surgeon, gave evidence which led the Jury to return a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH CHARLES THE MARTYR - Inquest On An Exhumed Body At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Townsend Inn, Mutley, by A. B. Bone, Esq., to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of MARGARET SNELL, alias MARGARET RICHARDSON, who was removed from the Barley House Home to the Plymouth Workhouse in a cab, and died on the 20th March, 33 hours after her admission. The Jury consisted of Mr S. N. Usticke (Foreman), Messrs. R. Baskerville, T. Luke, Michael Frost, R. Bridgland, W. H. Lidstone, Sanders Stevens, J. A. Page, Octavius Phillpotts, W. H. Molesworth, W. Cripe, C. F. Burnard, and John Johns. - The Coroner, in opening the proceedings, said that some circumstances had been reported to him which had induced him to think that he should best discharge his duty by holding an Inquest upon the body of the deceased young woman, MARGARET SNELL, otherwise MARGARET RICHARDSON, who it appeared died in the Plymouth Workhouse on the 20th of last month and was buried on the 22nd in the Plymouth Cemetery. On the 30th of that month, 10 days after the death, a report had been made to him, which, upon consideration, had induced him to hold the present Inquest. He confessed that he thought it was to be regretted that so much delay should have taken place between the death and the making of the report. He considered it would have been better if the Inquest had been held as soon after the death as possible, and within the jurisdiction of the borough, before the burial had taken place. The body was in the county of Devon, however, and within the tithing in which the Jurors resided. In speaking of the delay he did not wish to impute blame to anyone, but he certainly regretted it. They would have to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death and accompany him to the Plymouth Cemetery to view the body, which had been exhumed by his orders. - The Coroner and Jury then proceeded to the Cemetery and viewed the body. On the coffin being opened it was found that but little change had taken place in the state of the body, and the features were such as might have belonged to a refined and attractive person. - Mr J. Beer, of Devonport, watched the proceedings on behalf of the authorities of the Barley House Home, several gentlemen connected with which were present. Mr Matthews, clerk to the Plymouth guardians, attended on behalf of that body. - Thomas Tippett, a messenger to Wm. Clements, relieving officer, stated that on Saturday afternoon, March 18th, he went to a cab which was near the entrance to the relieving office, in Princess'-street, and when he opened the door he saw deceased, who was then alone, sitting and leaning towards the back of the cab. Witness asked her a few questions and shut the door of the cab and then communicated with the relieving-officer. She wore a striped frock and a light-coloured bonnet. - By Mr Matthews: He did not see any blankets or wrappers. He saw deceased's dress down to the feet; she wore boots or shoes, and looked exceedingly ill. - Martha Marks was called and stated that she was the person who came after the Court order; and, in reply to Mr Beer, said she was sure deceased had nothing on over the striped gown. - At this stage of the proceedings a Juror suggested that it would be better that no member of the Board of Guardians should be on the Jury; and Mr T. Luke, being a Guardian, at once, with the Coroner's permission, retired. - Mr e. Clements, relieving officer, stated that on Saturday afternoon, March 18th, he remembered Marks coming to him from the Barley House Home, and applying for an order for MARTHA SNELL to go into the house. Marks said the deceased was very ill, and that she believed she would not live until she reached the workhouse. Witness gave an order, but did not go down to the cab. - By Mr Beer: Marks gave the name of MARTHA SNELL. He was busy at the time. Marks was at the office but a very short time, and the other cases were set aside to attend to that of the deceased. - William Pool, porter at the Plymouth Workhouse, stated that on the afternoon of March 18th he received deceased at the door of the workhouse. Another woman and the cabman assisted deceased up the pathway. She appeared exceedingly ill, and he believed her to be in a dying state. He saw no outer wrappings over the striped gown. witness at once sent for Eliza Denness, who assisted the matron, and deceased was taken to the infirmary by Denness and two Workhouse men. The deceased remained in the lodge from ten minutes to a quarter of an hour. Denness put one of the house rugs round her. She shivered several times and gave her name as MARGARET RICHARDSON. - By Mr Beer: Marks did not remain. No conversation to his knowledge took place. He did not hear deceased say to Marks, "This cloak belongs to the Home." - By Mr Matthews: Could not swear whether deceased wore a cloak when coming up the path to the house. - By the Coroner: Deceased appeared very thinly clad, and he did not think she had many under clothes on. - Eliza Denness stated that she assisted the matron in the Plymouth Workhouse. On Saturday afternoon, 18th ult., about 4 o'clock, she went to the porter's lodge, and there saw deceased. No one was with her except Pool. She appeared thinly clad, especially as the weather was very cold, and in her opinion she was in a dying state. Witness wrapped a quilt around her, and she was removed at once to the hospital of the House. The nurse of the hospital was immediately in attendance, and the surgeon was at once sent for. Deceased had on a jacket (a body), two skirts, a change, a pair of white cotton stockings, a pair of very heavy broken boots, and a bonnet. One skirt was blue, the other a brown linsey wolsey. The jacket or body was made of stuff. Witness then identified the clothes. - Sarah Dustin, head nurse at the Plymouth Workhouse, stated that on the 18th March, about five o'clock, the deceased was brought to the sick ward in a chair by two men and three women. Denness was present at the time. Deceased appeared in a most exhausted state and as "ill as could be and alive." She was put to bed immediately, and the surgeon sent for, who arrived about half an hour afterwards. Witness gave deceased port wine soon after her admittance. The clothes produced, "neither more nor less," were those she saw lying at the bed of the deceased. - Eliza Hearn, a single woman assisting the nurse in the sick ward of the Workhouse, stated that she took off the clothes from deceased described by the former witness, consisting of a jacket, two skirts, a chemise, a pair of stockings, pair of boots, and a bonnet. Deceased wore no stays. The mouth of deceased was in a bad state, her teeth being covered with something black, which arose, witness believed, through want of drink. Deceased did not say anything about the cause of her death, but spoke up to her last moment, and died at two o'clock the following Monday morning. Witness gave deceased beef tea, wine and raw milk and some medicine. - No striped dress being among the clothes produced, Tippett was recalled and said he could not speak positively whether deceased wore one or not. Pool was also recalled and said he must have been mistaken about it. He was busy with his books at the time. - In reply to Mr Beer, Hearn said she gave deceased castor oil - about two dessert spoonsful - on the Sunday, by order of the head nurse. Dustin, however, stated that she had not ordered nearly half-an-ounce - about a dessert spoonful. - Mr J. N. Stevens, surgeon of the Plymouth Workhouse, stated that on Saturday afternoon, March 18th, he saw the deceased, about five o'clock, in the infirmary. He went to the house directly he received the notice. When he saw the deceased her eyes were sunk and her features inexpressive, her tongue dry and brown, her teeth covered with a black substance - sordes - her pulse low and the surface of her body generally cold and of a purplish appearance. He considered it a case of typhus fever, with extreme exhaustion and ordered deceased 8 ozs of port wine, beef tea, and new milk, to be administered at short intervals, and such medicine as he considered necessary. He saw deceased on the following morning, when her state was slightly altered for the better, as there was a little accession of animal heat; the pulse remained the same. He ordered the wine and nourishment to be continued and four ounces of brandy in addition to the wine. He considered deceased then in a dying state, and she gradually sunk and died on the following day. - By Mr Matthews: Deceased was in an unfit state for removal on the Saturday from the Barley House, in King-street, to the workhouse, which was about a mile. The weather was severe that day, wind blowing strong from the east, and it was frosty. From the evidence given by the witnesses as to the clothing which deceased wore on her detailed by the witnesses, he thought her removal tended to accelerate her death. Deceased must have been very ill during the whole of that day from her appearance as he saw her. Those appearances on the teeth did not collect in a day. - By the Coroner: He had never known sordes come on at once, but gradually. Deceased, he should think, must have been seriously ill for several days. He judged so from the state of the countenance, the state of the teeth and tongue and from the very low state of the pulse and the extreme exhaustion. - By Mr Baker: He did not order the oil. He was giving deceased medicine to increase the animal heat. The use of castor oil would tend to reduce animal heat, but not materially. It was one of the class of aperients not calculated to diminish animal heat in the quantity in which it was administered to the deceased. The result depended on the effect produced by the castor oil. He did not know until after the death that castor oil had been given. Deceased could not possibly have died so early had she not been removed, unless some accident had happened, such as haemorrhage from the bowels. Did not know at what time the oil was administered. He believed it was on the Sunday morning, before he saw her. He should not have ordered castor oil himself under any condition in which he saw deceased. - By Mr Matthews: He did not think that a dessert-spoonful of castor oil could have injured her. - By a Juror: He believed when he first saw deceased that it was a very critical case, and did not look forward to her recovery. - Another Juror asked whether if deceased received proper medical treatment and nourishment at the Home before her removal, the removal would accelerate her death? Mr Stevens replied that in the state in which he found her certainly it would. - By Mr Matthews: Her removal in a cot would have been better than in a cab. An upright position was injurious to the deceased. - Mr Beer said that from the evidence the question now narrowed to a focus, was whether the removal of the deceased in the manner described by the witnesses had been the means of accelerating her death, and also whether the deceased had proper attendance given he before her removal. He had asked the house surgeon respecting the castor oil, and found it was given without his knowledge, though he did not wish to impute anything further than a mistake in judgment in the matter. Sometimes it would appear, as in the present case, that people in their good intentions made mistakes, and did that which was the worst they could do. It would be very hard if it was thought that the ladies who managed that benevolent and philanthropic institution had sent the girl away with a knowledge that she was dying, or that the removal would be attended with serious consequences. They well knew the general character of the Home, that the inmates came, remained and left of their own free will, and that there was no compulsion in the matter. Any of those unfortunate creatures who might seek the shelter of that Home received all the attention they required, but the Home was not a hospital for the sick, nor was the place suited for that purpose. If in the present case those who had the management of the institution had done their best, and it had not proved to be the best course, they were more to be pitied than blamed. Mr Beer then sketched, as far as could be gleaned, a history of the unfortunate deceased. In November 1863 she applied to become an inmate of the establishment and remained in the Home for a considerable period. Her state of health was however such that she was sent to the Lock Hospital, and she had also been in the Plymouth Penitentiary, and it was believed that the disease had affected her brain. In Jan. last she again appeared at the Home, almost "skin and bone." The clothes of those who became inmates were put by, and returned when they left the Home, they being clothes while there with the things belonging to the establishment. Mr Beer spoke of the general rules of the Home and the treatment of the deceased while there. She had not complained of fever, nor did the authorities of the Home have the slightest idea there was any fever about deceased. Mr Beer referred to gratuitous services of Dr Rendle, and the interest taken in the Home by many ladies and gentlemen, and inquired what motive could any of the officials at the institution have other than the good and well-being of the poor creatures who came under their notice? He could not help remarking on the curious fact relative to a striped gown spoken of by several witnesses, and which gown had not been produced. No doubt they all wished that prior to the removal of deceased Dr Rendle had been consulted, and they all must regret, and none more deeply than the officials at Barley House, the results that had followed, but he denied that they were in the slightest degree responsible for them. - Rose Alston, superintendent of the Barley House Home, said she knew the deceased, who was received into that establishment on the 16th January last for the second time. She had been previously admitted November 30th, 1863, and was removed to the Lock Hospital in January, 1864, and subsequently sent to the Penitentiary. On her second application deceased was extremely attenuated and emaciated and dirty. She continued in the Home until SAturday, 18th March, being employed during that time simply at needlework; but might have possibly assisted to clean out her own room. To use the expression of the other girls, deceased "picked up her crumbs wonderfully" a week before her departure, and greatly improved in health. On the Monday previous to the removal witness was informed that deceased was ill, and wished to remain in her bed. She slept in a room with five others, and complained simply of headache. She seemed to make light of her illness, saying that she had been similarly ill in the Penitentiary, and that it would pass off. witness directed her to keep her bed, and gave her two grains of calomel, and senna tea, which relieved her. Deceased did not care for food that day; tea, bread and butter and gruel were three times ordered. On the Tuesday she appeared better; but on Wednesday complained of not being so well and of headache. Witness gave her two more grains of calomel, which afforded immediate relief. There was no dryness of the skin. Deceased was under the direct care of the housekeeper, Mrs Berry. On the Thursday she was much better, so much so that witness thought active work would be suitable for her. On the Friday she wished to get up and on Saturday was better. The diet during the week was beef tea strong as jelly, tea and fresh bread and butter, cut as for an invalid, eggs, arrowroot, gruel, and coffee. Shortly after noon on Saturday a plate of hot meat was taken up to deceased by the housekeeper, who shortly returned, and then witness went to see deceased, and found her incoherent in her answers. Having no room in the house for invalids, witness determined, according to general rule, to send deceased to the workhouse. Witness saw her after she was dressed in a room downstairs waiting for the cab. There were no complaints from any of the inmates respecting the conduct or health of the deceased during the week. She should not have sent deceased if she had thought her to have been exceedingly ill. It was not customary to send patients away without consulting the medical man. She did not consider deceased able to walk at the time, but did not think her seriously ill. Deceased said she was bilious and as Sunday was coming the object was to send her away so as to get special care. The clothing of inmates was taken to a room and kept while they remained in the Home, and fresh clothing given to them. It was the duty of the housekeeper to see that when an inmate left the Home she was properly clad. Deceased had on the cloak produced when she was waiting to go in the cab. witness did not see deceased leave the Home. Two days previous to her illness she behaved boisterously, and on one occasion could not be stopped from swearing, and was quarrelsome with the other girls. On some occasions she would go out on the cold stones without shoes or stockings. Many of the girls would rather go without any than wear them. On no occasion were the girls required to leave off their shoes or stockings. Deceased did not make any objection to leave the Home. Miss Alston stated that she had made herself acquainted with the use of medicines, and produced a book to show the nature of her practice amongst the poor. French sabots were used in the Home, because formerly many girls pawned their boots. - By Mr Matthews: Did not see deceased from Monday until Saturday. The second dose of calomel was given on Wednesday. Saw deceased for about ten minutes on the Monday and for a few minutes on the Saturday. - Ann Berry, housekeeper at Barley Home, gave evidence generally corroborative of that of the former witness. Medicine was given to deceased on the Monday, and on Wednesday also, and afterwards, on each occasion, salts and senna. - Dr Rendle said he should decidedly not administer two doses of calomel without seeing a patient. On the supposition that the case was a bilious attack there was, however, nothing inconsistent in such treatment. - Ann Berry added that deceased was better after the second dose of calomel, and that she frequently administered medicines. On Saturday morning deceased had tea and bread and butter and wished to get up. Witness took her up some hashed mutton at dinner time, but found her then worse and complaining of a severe headache. Witness saw about the clothes of the deceased, and as her chemise and petticoat were bad, gave her those articles from the Home. When deceased got into the cab she had on a calico chemise, dark gray flannel petticoat, blue check skirt, light-gray or drab skirt over, a light-brown jacket and bonnet, and also a cloak, a pair of stockings and pair of large boots which she wore into the Home. When deceased went into the cab she walked down the front steps with assistance, and thence to a side door, about 25 feet distant. Witness said the clothes produced were the same that deceased wore, but that a striped skirt, something of a woollen kind, which she also had on was missing. Only the cloak was returned from the cab. - By Mr Matthews: The striped skirt was deceased's own. The upper part of deceased was covered with her chemise and the jacket [which was very thin]. There was no fire in the room where deceased was waiting for the cab. She did not tell deceased to call her if worse, but one of the girls said so to her. Deceased had bread and butter taken to her on Monday, and gruel and bread and butter on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday she took her food well. The great change for the worse took place on the Saturday morning. She gave Mrs Marks the money to pay for the cab. Witness's own impression when deceased left the House was that she was sufficiently clad; and if she had thought the deceased had required more clothing she would have given it to her. - Mr Stevens said that the two doses of calomel, followed by salts and senna, administered would not have been injurious if deceased had been suffering on the Monday, as was supposed, from bilious derangement; but the doses were not at all applicable to the case of the deceased. Mr Stevens, in reply to a Juror, said that the appearance of the mouth might possibly arise in two or three hours if there were an exudation of blood from the gums. - Martha Marks, laundry woman at the Home, said she engaged the cab. It was a closed one, and the window was up. Deceased had on a cloak belonging to the Home over her dress, and when witness was coming away from the Workhouse deceased reminded witness not to leave the cloak behind. Deceased was about 21 years of age. - Mr Stevens said that, considering the weather, the clothing for the upper part of the body was very insufficient - The Jury expressed themselves satisfied with the evidence as far as it had gone, and said that they did not consider it necessary to call other witnesses from the Home. - Mr Matthews briefly referred to the facts that led to the institution of the Inquiry on the part of the Court of Guardians, who felt they were justified from the report of the house surgeon in bringing the case forward. He certainly must say he did not consider that proper caution had been exercised in the case on the part of the superintendent of the Home, and whatever attendance had been previously given, it was a case of gross neglect - and he spoke advisedly - to send the poor unhappy woman away in such a state of clothing as described, and on such a cold day. He hoped that ever in future the medical officer would be consulted prior to the removal of a sick inmate. - Dr Rendle said he hoped Mr Matthews would retract the statement that it was a case of culpable or gross neglect. He thought the charge a harsh one, especially as the deceased complained only of headache, and said she was similarly ill before, and was treated as if only bilious. - The Coroner said, as there was not any evidence to lay a criminal charge against any person, he should not be necessitated to read over the evidence and go carefully through it with the Jury. It appeared that the deceased had been an inmate of the Barley House Home, an institution for the support of the poor and destitute - a most noble object for any institution. The death might have been occasioned as they had heard by the removal, and it did certainly appear that it would have been better if the removal had not taken place. But they, with him, he thought, would at once agree that if those persons who had the management of that benevolent institution had had any idea that the deceased was seriously ill she would not have been removed. for to behave unkindly or so as to injure the girl would be in opposition to the spirit of the promoters, whose care was for the good of the inmates and not their injury. He believed there had been an error of judgment on the part of the authorities of the Home. The symptoms appeared to have been such as to mislead the superintendent and housekeeper. It appeared in this case the rule of sending for Dr Rendle - whose services were gratuitous to the Home - prior to the removal was departed from. The clothing worn by deceased on her removal was slight when they remembered the coldness of the weather on the day in question. He regretted more clothes had not been supplied; but he thought it arose from errors in judgment, for which the parties were not responsible. - The room was then cleared, and after about twenty minutes'' deliberation the Jury returned their verdict - "That the deceased died a Natural Death from, Typhus Fever, but that such death was accelerated by her removal from the Barley House Home to the Plymouth Workhouse in inclement weather with insufficient clothing; that we attach no further blame to the authorities of the Home than want of judgment, as the deceased was most kindly treated whilst there; that we cannot separate without condemning the unauthorised administration of medicine which we find to be the practice both at the Home and at the Workhouse." - The Inquiry ended about six o'clock.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 April 1865
MALBOROUGH - Death From A Fall At Malborough, Salcombe. - An Inquest has been held at Malborough, before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, on the body of GEORGE EVANS RYDER. Deceased was at the Victoria Inn, Malborough, which is situate on an embankment about three feet higher than the road, and on leaving the house, fell off it and died a few minutes afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", and recommended that the fence around the place where the accident occurred should be raised forthwith.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 April 1865
BROADHEMPSTON - An Inquest was held before Mr Cuming, Coroner, on Monday, at Broadhempston, concerning the death of CHARLOTTE JANE MURCH, aged 8 months, who had died suddenly. The evidence of Mr Manley, surgeon, of Ipplepen, convinced the Jury that there had been no neglect but that the child had died from purely Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 April 1865
ILSINGTON - The Suspicious Death At Ilsington. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of MR JOHN WILLS, who was found dead in bed at his daughter's house at Ilsington under suspicious circumstances, was held last evening before Mr F. B. Cuming, the County Coroner, at the New Inn, Ilsington. A reply had been received from Mr Herapath, in reference to the analysis of the deceased's stomach; but it was thought necessary for the ends of justice that the proceedings should not be made public.

TOTNES - The Fatal Accident On The South Devon Railway. Further Details: Another Death. - No occurrence in the neighbourhood has excited such great and anxious interest as the accident on the South Devon Railway, at Totnes, on Wednesday night, of which we yesterday gave an imperfect, and in some respects inaccurate account. Several facts conspire to give special interest to the catastrophe - the loss of life involved, to which the record of another death must now be added; the fact that on the South Devon Railway no previous disaster of the kind had ever occurred; the imminence of the peril of other trains; and the unexplained origin of the affair. Minute and careful inquiries on the spot throughout yesterday enable us to give the following reliable statements as to the facts. - At a quarter-past eight on Wednesday night a goods train consisting of engine, tender, two break vans, and 23 trucks left the Plymouth Station for Exeter. The train contained a very miscellaneous assortment of goods; but chiefly merchandise, several trucks being laden with goods from Messrs. Pickford and Co., one with oil of vitriol in glass jars; and a truck with paper, valued at some £300, from Messrs. Allen and Co.'s Mills, Ivybridge, was taken up in transit. The train was in charge of WM. CROSSING and WILLIAM CROCKER, guards, JAMES HIGHMORE, aged 36, engine-driver, and GEORGE BARRATT, 23, fireman. The train proceeded 24 miles all well, and shortly after ten o'clock passed through Totnes Station, at which it had not to make a stoppage. About a quarter of a mile beyond the station is a bridge over the River Dart, and the train passed this river in safety. A few yards beyond, however, a portion of the train left the line, and after running along the tramway on which the rails are fixed for about fifty yards, shattering the woodwork in places and partly displacing the rails, the engine darted across the permanent way, turned over upon the down line, and plunged down the side of an embankment 18 feet high, landing, wheels upwards, in a ditch at the bottom. The chimney and other projections from the boiler were knocked off in the fall, and on reaching the ditch such was the momentum of the ponderous mass that the large cylinder or water casing of the boiler, weighing some tons, was thrown forward over a hedge into an adjoining meadow, one end being deeply embedded in the turf. The remainder of the train parted from the tender before the latter left the embankment and the foremost trucks swerved to the contrary side of the line, and shattered by the collision, piled themselves up one upon the other in fanciful and dangerous confusion. Before the engine turned over it would appear that the driver jumped off it on to the metals, but the leap was a fatal one, for he received blows producing concussion of the brain and injuries to the spine, from which, and the general shock to the system, he died at noon yesterday. BARRATT, the fireman, from the position of the bodies, appears to have held on a second longer than his companion, and was hideously crushed when the engine made its frantic somersault. his chief injuries were a deep hole in the forehead, one leg cut entirely off, a gash in the abdomen, and the left arm and shoulder flattened. Half the train only was off the line, and the guards, who were in their vans at the middle and rear of the train respectively, were thrown to the floor with some force by the sudden stoppage, but were not seriously hurt. As soon as they could these mercifully preserved men alighted and went forward, but seeing the mangled bodies of their companions, and the utter wreck of the fore part of the train, they returned towards the Totnes Station. Meanwhile a policeman of the county constabulary, who was standing on a bridge just below the station when the goods train passed, and had watched its lights, saw that those lights did not disappear in the distance as usual, and after the lapse of some minutes, went to the station and mentioned the fact. Those in charge went out towards the train and met the guards bringing back the sad tidings. Consternation soon gave place to action. Mr Langlar, of the adjacent Railway Inn, sent into Totnes on horseback for Mr Owen, surgeon, and that gentleman, with his assistant, and others, were very soon at the scene. Among the earliest to collect were Messrs. C. J. Michelmore, W. Sawyer, Eggins, and R. Harris, with Mr James, the stationmaster, and other railway officials. The first thought naturally was concerning the safety of approaching trains. There is a down luggage train which is timed to leave Exeter every night at 7.35, and which is usually a few minutes late, and almost always crosses the up goods train near where the accident occurred. Most fortunately, however, on Wednesday night this train was quite punctual, and had passed through Totnes, where it does not stop, a few minutes prior to the occurrence. This source of danger was removed, but the down express, leaving Exeter at 10.10 would soon be due. In the general crash, the telegraph wires were snapped, and instantaneous communication with Newton being thus cut off, a messenger was despatched to gallop thither on horseback to stop the express. He arrived too late, however - the train had passed on. But another precaution proved more serviceable. A pointsman detached a red light from the rear of the smashed goods train and ran with it a mile up the line. The signal was seen by the driver of the express, who, although descending an incline, was thus enabled to pull up a hundred yards before the scene of disaster, and then advance slowly on. - What was done during the night can neither be depicted by those who were absent nor forgotten by those who were present. The bodies of the dead and dying men were conveyed to the station and Railway Inn respectively. A special train from Plymouth brought up Mr Compton, traffic superintendent, and Mr Avery, goods manager, with other officials, and a staff of porters and packers. From Newton other men and appliances came, and from Dawlish, Mr Margary, chief engineer. The passengers by the midnight express and the early mail had to alight above the wreck and walk to special trains, which brought them on. To clear and relay the line the men strenuously, judiciously, and heartily worked. A painful accident happened during the night. A packer named Cook was sent with a lamp and fog signals half a mile up the line to signal the numerous special trains. He got across the metal, and a passing train cut off one of his feet at the instep. He was found about four o'clock, and brought into Totnes, where his leg was amputated below the knee, he being placed under the influence of chloroform. He stated that he tripped in the telegraph wire when the express train was backing to Newton. It is supposed that he has received other injuries than the severance of his leg, and at eleven o'clock last night he lay in a very dangerous state. HIGHMORE, the driver, on his removal to the inn, frequently expressed a wish to see his wife. She was telegraphed for, and arrived by the first train yesterday morning, remaining with him until his death. Although suffering great agony, especially in his back, he was enabled to converse calmly and rationally with his wife until the last. He leaves four fatherless children. BARRETT, the stoker, was unmarried. His mother, formerly keeper of the Newton Refreshment Room, arrived at Totnes at eleven o'clock yesterday morning, accompanied by a brother of the young woman to whom BARRETT was to have been married in the course of two or three weeks. - The scene early yesterday morning on the site of the accident was one of singular and painful interest. The most prominent object was a great and ghastly pile of shattered carriages, turned and twisted in all imaginable ways and directions, with here and there a curious fragment, chewing the tremendous force exerted. These were piled chiefly upon and near the down line, the up rails being in process of clearance. Of this remarkable wreck a photograph was taken by Mr Davis of Dawlish, who had been telegraphed for early in the morning by Mr Margary to bring his instrument for the purpose. The down line was wholly torn up for the space of 70 or 80 yards, the injured portions extending double that distance, and the up line for almost as far. The thick bosses of timber were rent and split, and shivered in a way to realize which sight is essential; and the twisted bars of iron which lay about, and the great pit dug in the hard ballast of the line, testified to the fearful violence before which these stubborn materials had given way. The most remarkable sight, however, was the engine and tender in the meadow below, as previously stated. That any force short of gunpowder could have done with iron plates what had been done, seemed impossible. Yet, piercing the thick iron casing of the boiler, there was a huge splinter of wood from the sleepers of the line, wedged in as though thrust by Hercules. By the aid of a strong and well-arranged staff the telegraphic communication was restored to Newton by 1.30 a.m., and the rest of the lines were temporarily refixed by 8 a.m., Mr Webber, of Exeter, superintending. By two p.m. yesterday the down line was cleared, and by ten o'clock both lines were re-opened for traffic, although some parts of the work will have to be renewed. - The extent of the damage done is not so great as a casual observer would imagine. Of the twenty-five trucks comprising the train ten or eleven were not off the rails. Of the remainder, five or six were not permanently injured, and some parts of the others will be utilised. These trucks when new cost on an average £100 each. The truck load of vitriol was destroyed, which would involve no great loss had not the burning fluid deluged the cargo of costly paper, which was carried in the next truck. Other trucks contained fish, boxes and a miscellaneous goods, and were not materially injured. The engine, the June, was a new and powerful one, and cost £3,000 only three months ago. A careful inspection of it which was made yesterday by Mr Wright, shows that it has not suffered in the more valuable portions to the extent as first supposed, and that £150 will restore it. - The last, and practically the most important, subject of Inquiry relates to the cause of the disaster. On this head very few facts can be obtained, and no hypothesis satisfactorily established. It was not caused by the bursting of the boiler, for the boiler is still sound. It was not that the line had got out of gauge, for the line without repair was used by properly gauged trucks all day yesterday. It was not that an axletree broke, for every axletree of every truck is still sound. - There are signs tending to shew that one of the forward trucks first got off, and was dragged along and bumped upon the sleepers for some 60 yards before the engine left the line. The whole catastrophe, however, must have begun and ended within the space of one minute. The driver said, soon after the occurrence, that "the engine jumped just as we got over the bridge." The only plausible supposition is that in descending the long and steep incline from Brent to Totnes, the momentum of the train became too great, and that this increased, and excessive speed caused the train to get off the rails. The line is straight and level at the place where the train first got off, and has only a slight curve beyond, where the engine appears to have quitted the rail. Against this theory come the statements of the two guards, who affirm that the rate was only 30 or 35 miles an hour - a usual pace. The driver shortly before he died said he had the steam shut off. The most experienced travellers are often deceived as to speed, however, and the guards were not favourably situated for judging. We believe that at the adjourned Inquest some further evidence on the point will be produced, and that, if no other discoveries are made, the opinion will prevail that too great speed was the cause of the disaster. It is only fair to the management to add that the accident does not in any degree reflect on the general traffic arrangements, on the contrary, the system of signals employed on the South Devon line seems to be as nearly perfect as possible. - The Coroner's Inquest was opened yesterday afternoon in the first-class waiting-room of the Totnes station before the District Coroner, Mr F. B. Cuming, and a Jury, of which Mr Alfred Bickford was chosen Foreman. Amongst those present were Mr Seargeant, secretary of the South Devon Railway; Mr Margary, engineer; Mr W. Wright, of Dawlish; and Mr Kellock, solicitor, of Totnes. The Coroner having opened the Court, the Jury inspected the bodies of the two deceased, and the spot where the accident occurred. - William Crossing was called and said that he was a guard in the employ of the South Devon Railway Company, and lived in Exeter. On Wednesday night he was in charge of the luggage train which left Plymouth at 8.16 p.m., consisting of 25 carriages, with engine and tender. All was right until they passed the Totnes Station, which they did at 10.5. Just after they passed the railway bridge over the Dart the train suddenly stopped. He was in the last carriage, and felt nothing until the train stopped. He was taking off the break at the time the train stopped, and the jerk knocked him down. He was not injured and got out and went up the line, and saw that the carriages were thrown up and broken, and the engine lying in the marsh below the bridge. The deceased men BARRATT and HIGHMORE were both lying between the metals on the down line. - A Juror: Both together? - Witness: No; ten feet apart. He saw GEORGE BARRATT draw a breath and lift up his hand once, and he then died directly. Witness had no idea how the accident occurred. BARRATT was the fireman, and HIGHMORE the engineer. The train was going at the rate of 30 to 35 miles per hour, and was not timed to stop at the Totnes station. The train was not going faster than usual. - The Foreman: did the engine explode? - Witness: I think not. - William Crocker, the second guard of the train, also living at Exeter, said that on Wednesday night he was in the goods train from Plymouth. He occupied a van in the middle of the train. Shortly after passing the bridge over the Dart he felt a sudden jerk, which knocked him down. As soon as he could get upon his legs for the purpose of catching hold of the door, the train was at a stand-still. He immediately jumped out, and searched for the driver and fireman. The carriage he was in was in was off the rails. The train was travelling about 30 miles per hour - not faster than usual. - The Coroner: What are your instructions about the rate of going? - Mr Margary: I have them printed, and you can see them when you require. - Witness: I have no idea how the accident occurred. Both of the deceased were perfectly sober to the best of my knowledge. I was in the act of taking off the break when I felt the jerk. - At this stage of the Inquiry, at the suggestion of the Coroner, the proceedings were adjourned until Monday next.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 April 1865
PLYMOUTH - Death By Hanging In Plymouth. - The Inquest on the body of EDWIN HOOKER, who hung himself in a field at the back of Torrington-place, was held yesterday afternoon, before J. Edmonds, Esq., the Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall. The evidence merely confirmed the facts already stated in the Western Morning News, and the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased Committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

ILSINGTON - The Mysterious Death At Ilsington. - Although, for prudential reasons, the proceedings at the Inquest on the body of MR JOHN WILLS, found dead in his daughter's house at Ilsington, have not been allowed to be made public, we are permitted to state that Dr Herapath, having made an analysis of the contents of the deceased's stomach, has detected the presence of oxalic acid. The Inquest is further adjourned until Thursday next.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 April 1865
TOTNES - The Late Fatal Accident On The South Devon Railway. Conclusion Of The Coroner's Inquest. - Yesterday the Inquest concerning the deaths of JAMES HIGHMORE, engine driver, and GEORGE BARRETT, fireman, who were killed by the recent accident at Totnes, was resumed before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, in the first-class waiting-room of the Railway Station, Totnes. Besides the Jury there were in attendance Mr L. J. Seargeant, secretary of the South Devon Company; Mr P. J. Margary, the chief engineer of the line; Mr c. E. Compton, the newly appointed superintendent; Mr Cockshott, the late traffic manager; and Mr Wright, locomotive engineer. When the Jury had assembled they proceeded to view the scene of the accident. Most of the debris had been removed, the engine was lying as it was found after the sad catastrophe, but a number of workmen were engaged in removing it. The Jury having returned to the station. - Mr Seargeant said that he wished to state, on behalf of the South Devon Railway Company, that since the unfortunate accident the officers of the company had busily engaged themselves in endeavouring to ascertain the cause of it. He assumed that the Jury would have no hesitation in coming to the conclusion that both the deceased men came to their death accidentally, but the directors were very desirous that, if possible, the occasion of their death should be definitely arrived at. The trucks of the train that left the line had been examined, and it had been discovered that one of the axles of a "foreign" truck was broken in two or three places close to the bus of the wheel, and this, in the opinion of the company's officers, was the cause of the accident. - Mr Compton said he had visited the Rattray incline in order to see whether the rules of the company had been strictly observed by the persons in charge of the train. A regulation of the company provided that the luggage trains should stop at the top of the incline. The foreign truck belonged to the Bristol and Exeter Company, but the identical truck could not be pointed out with certainty, because as several wheels had been broken off trucks it could not be ascertained to which truck the axle belonged. The rules of the company, which the two deceased men had signed, enjoined on the engine drivers of luggage trains that they should stop their engines before descending the incline for not less than a minute. He had endeavoured to find out whether the regulation was carried out or not, and he found that the steam was shut off at the top of the incline, and there was no doubt that the train came almost to a standstill there. The signalman at the incline had stated that the train passed with the breaks down, engine breaks included. He had learnt from other sources that the train occupied 21 minutes in travelling from Kingsbridge Road to the place where the accident occurred - ten miles - so that the train had travelled scarcely more than thirty miles an hour. - William Crossing said: On the night of the accident the luggage train left Kingsbridge-road at 9.44, and arrived at the place where the accident occurred - nine and three-quarter miles - at 10.15, making twenty-one minutes. The train left the top of the Rattray incline at 9.54, or eleven minutes before the accident occurred - the distance being four and a half miles. It is a rule of the service that every up goods train stays for one minute at the top of Rattray incline. On the night in question the driver slackened speed, but did not stop the train. For all practical purposes the train might be considered stopped. There was no way on, and steam was shut off. Witness heard nothing before the sudden stoppage. - By a Juror: Mr Seargeant said there were three heavy breaks on, and that would be sufficient to control the train. The trucks were regularly examined. They could not tell which truck was the cause of the accident; they fancied it was the 478 truck - the second from the engine, and the one that was most demolished. It was loaded to the extent of four tons. - Mr Peter John Margery, engineer of the company, said he thought from the marks upon the rails that a truck first got off the line. He traced indentations of the timber five yards east of the bridge. The indentations then became deeper, and the timbers more cut. At a distance of about eighty-five yards from the bridge the permanent way was cut through, apparently by the heavy weight of an engine, and at about 160 yards on the eastern side of the bridge, the engine rolled down the embankment on the southern side of the line. Several of the trucks were heaped together on the northern side of the line, and all the other trucks were more or less thrown off the rails, excepting the last break van. Witness was upon the ground soon after the accident - at half-past one - having been fetched by a special engine and he examined thoroughly the state of the line and the works. He found the axle which the Jury had examined broken at both ends, and lying upon the embankment a few yards on the western side of the place where the trucks were principally thrown off the line. His opinion of the cause of the accident was that the axle of the truck first broken, that the train ran on a few yards, and that the wheel or axle caused a sudden impediment to the train which occasioned the jerking off of the engine, or that the axle might have been entangled in some way with the trucks, and thus threw the train off. Witness made a point of examining the line, and found it to be in perfect gauge, and in perfect order. The best proof of the truth of this was that trains had since passed over the line without its being altered, and without accident. The engine driver said he had no steam on at the time. The boiler had not burst, and it was not true that the engine driver was subjected to a fine if the train stopped on coming down the incline. - Mr John Wright, locomotive superintendent of the company, said the engine called the "Juno" commenced working on the 28th December, 1864, and had been running regularly, and was at the time of the accident in good order. He had examined the engine since, and found the wheels in proper order, and no defect that could have caused the accident. He coincided entirely with Mr Margary's evidence. The engineer, HIGHMORE, came on first as engine-turner to the South Devon Company on the 24th April 1860. He was promoted to be a driver on Nov. 1st, 1861, and had continued on ever since, being the oldest "goods" driver they had. he was a very steady man indeed. Each engineman examined his engine when entering the shed, and there was a book in which any reports were written. On the Monday preceding the accident it was reported that the Juno engine required new blocks, and these were supplied. It was a new engine, and left the yard after the blocks were put on in a fit state of repair. - The Coroner said that he did not think it necessary to call any further evidence, although he would of course do so if the Jury considered that the cause of the accident had not been explained. He saw no difficulty about deciding the question. Frequently in cases of accident upon railways blame was attachable in some quarter or other, but the evidence of the scientific gentlemen showed that the unfortunate occurrence was unavoidable. The engine and carriages were properly examined, and it should be remarked that they had travelled from Plymouth, a distance of twenty miles, before the accident. He had never heard of an occurrence that seemed to be more purely accidental. - The Jury decided that further evidence was unnecessary, and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - It was stated that HIGHMORE was 33 years of age, and BARRETT was aged 24. - Mr Seargeant stated, in reply to the Foreman of the Jury, that HIGHMORE had left a widow, who would receive a sum of money from the Engineers' Insurance Company, a provident society attached to the locomotive department. The Jury gave up their fee for attendance for the benefit of the deceased HIGHMORE'S widow. On Inquiry at the Railway Hotel our reporter ascertained that Cook, the signalman whose leg was amputated had passed a bad night, but was considered on the whole to be getting on favourably.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 April 1865
GWITHIAN - A Clergyman Found Drowned At Gwithian. - Great gloom has been cast over Gwithian and the adjoining parishes by the melancholy death of the REV. S. B. DRURY, curate of Gwithian. From what we can gather, it appears that the rev. gentleman, after his afternoon service on Sunday, when he delivered an excellent address on the proper observance of the approaching Good Friday, left his lodgings, carrying a book in his hand, and accompanied by his dog. It is believed that he intended to take a walk on the cliffs, where he was accustomed to read on a Sunday evening. About six o'clock the dog returned, unaccompanied by his master; but as MR DRURY occasionally attended evening service either at St John's, Hayle, or Camborne Church, his landlady thought he might have stopped at one of those places, and was not anxious about him. Finding, however, that he did not return on Monday morning, and that he was last seen walking towards the cliffs, a search was made; and at about 12 o'clock on Monday morning his body was found by one of the coastguardmen on the shore near the cliffs opposite Godrevy Island. These are all the facts known at present. An Inquest was to be held yesterday afternoon, but too late to allow of the report to appear today. The rev. gentleman is a native of the North of Devon. For two years before he went to Gwithian he was curate of Gwennap. In both parishes he won the esteem and respect of his parishioners, and the affectionate regard of his clerical brethren.

TOTNES - The Late Accident On The South Devon Railway. Death Of A Third Man. - WILLIAM COOK, signalman, who was injured on the occasion of the late accident on the South Devon Railway died yesterday afternoon. He was a married man, and leaves a family. - An Inquest on the body was opened last evening at the Railway Hotel, Totnes, before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr A. S. Distin was Foreman. - The Jury having viewed the body, William Harris, a ganger on the line, stated that about half-past one on the morning of the 6th April, after the accident to the goods train, he sent the deceased up the line to relieve another signalman named Reynolds, who had been previously sent up signalling. Deceased appeared to be quite sober at the time, and witness had no idea how the accident to him occurred. The express train was down before the deceased left. There were no other signalmen out at the time except a few men near the remains of the goods train. Deceased had first been put to work clearing the telegraphic wires, but having strained one of his feet, he was put to signal. - By a Juror: There was no intoxicating drink on the line during the night. - John Reynolds, a labourer on the line, said he was sent up the line about eleven o'clock on the night the accident happened to the goods train to signal the down trains, the telegraph communication being stopped. He had fog signals with him, and was the means of stopping the down express. He remained until between one and two o'clock, when deceased came to relieve him. On his coming witness gave him the signals; deceased appeared sober. Witness instructed him what he was to do and then left. He afterwards heard of deceased having been injured, and went up to him. When he came up he found deceased lying in the dyke on the downside of the line. The empties of the express had passed back before witness left. After he got back, and before deceased was brought in, a special train came down. The first person that gave notice of deceased's injury was a man who was on his way to Dainton. - William Batt, ganger, deposed that on the morning after the accident he found deceased lying in the dyke on the right side of the down line. It was then about a quarter past three o'clock. He heard a low moaning noise, and he went on the cutting, and in the bottom found deceased. Witness said, "Holloa, my man, how came you here; have you been drinking." Deceased kept moaning. witness put his hand down and found some clotted blood or dirt about his face. He passed his hand down the body and legs, and found one leg to be broken. Deceased was lying on his lamp, which was extinguished. Deceased said "Help me out, Batt." Witness did so, and with assistance brought deceased in. He was talking as they brought him back; he appeared in great agony, but he did not explain the accident. Deceased had signalled the special train down all right; that special returned back towards Newton. There were two carriages and a carriage truck in the train. He believed the engine was in charge of Edward Sweeney. To catch the notice of the driver of the special train it was proper to stand on the side of the down line, where the deceased was found. - The Coroner remarked that he thought the evidence of the driver Sweeney should be taken. He felt there was not the least evidence before them to show how the unfortunate deceased had met his death. The matter was wrapped in mystery. He might have been run over by the train, or he might have stepped back out of the way, and fallen and broken his leg. At present he (the Coroner) did not feel in a position to charge the Jury. - A Juror thought that if the medical testimony were taken it would shew whether deceased had been run over by the train, or whether he broke his leg by a fall. - The Coroner said deceased had a signal lamp, which was found under him. It was his place to signal the train. Did the engine driver see the signal? He thought that without the evidence of the driver they could not come to any verdict. - The Inquiry was then adjourned to this evening in order that Sweeney, the engine driver of the special train, might be present.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 April 1865
TOTNES - The Late Fatal Accident On The South Devon Railway. - Last evening the Inquest on COOK, the signalman, who was killed on the South Devon Railway on Friday last, was resumed at Totnes; and the evidence of several witnesses having been taken, a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerating the railway officials from all blame was returned. The medical evidence showed that deceased's leg was frightfully crushed, as if a train had slowly passed over the limb, but Sweeney, the driver of the special train which must have caused the accident, did not see the deceased or any signals at the spot, and was unconscious of any jolt to the engine. The train was properly provided with lights and every precaution appears to have been taken. How COOK came on the line remains unaccountable.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 April 1865
ILSINGTON - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held on Thursday, before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, at the house of MR JOHN TARR, baker, Ilsington, on the body of SUSAN TARR, his daughter. The deceased was about 27 years of age, was of weak intellect, and subject to fits. Last Tuesday three weeks she fell down in a fit, with her face amongst red hot ashes. Medical assistance was obtained, and deceased lingered until Thursday, when, after convulsive fits, she died. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts.

ILSINGTON - Supposed Murder By Poison Near Newton. - A very important Inquiry relative to the death of MR JOHN WILLS, terminated on Thursday. The Inquiry had extended over two days, but the details were withheld at the earnest desire of the Coroner by every newspaper represented, except by one Plymouth paper, in order that justice might not be frustrated. The deceased had at one time been in good circumstances, but by extravagant living he lost his property, and has been for the past two years maintained by his son-in-law and daughter, the landlord and landlady of the New Inn, Ilsington. The deceased was found dead in bed, and a post mortem examination made by Dr Haydon by direction of Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, resulted in it being declared that death did not, in the doctor's judgment, proceed from natural causes, but from the action of a powerful irritant. Professor Herapath next examined the stomach and intestines, and he has since stated that he found therein a black mucous, which led him to suspect that oxalic acid had been taken by deceased, and he found in the duodenum white matter, having the character of milk, and the coats of the stomach were exceedingly inflamed. The stomach presented an appearance similar to what he had observed in the stomachs of persons who were known to have been poisoned by oxalic acid. He added that he had failed to discover oxalic acid, which he was not surprised at, as in many instances of poisoning by oxalic acid, the poison had not been discovered, although it was known to have been administered, for it passed into the blood, decomposed the lime salts, and formed oxalate of lime. He had no doubt that the deceased died from inflammation of the stomach and intestines, produced by an irritant which, although he could not produce it, he was certain was oxalic acid. - The Inquest was resumed on Thursday evening, at the Jolly Sailor Inn, Bickington. - Mr Carter, solicitor, of Torquay, said he was present to watch the proceedings for the family of the deceased, who were as anxious as the Jury could be to have any mystery attending the death of the deceased cleared up if possible. He would direct attention to the fact that the late MR JOHN WILLS had formerly been given to drinking ardent spirits; and they would have to say whether a persistent habit of drinking would not account for the appearances observed by Professor Herapath. MR WILLS had lost the use of his limbs; and he should ask them whether they were satisfied that the cause which produced deceased's loss of the use of his extremities was not also a cause which might have ultimately occasioned his death. One of his kidneys too, was much diseased. It was true that inasmuch as MR WILLS was bed-ridden the poison, if he had taken any, must have been conveyed to him. it was a grave difficulty for the Jury to take upon themselves to declare in such a case who in that household administered it. The medical evidence went to prove that oxalic acid had been administered. Oxalic acid could not have been taken without occasioning intense pain the moment it was taken into the mouth; and if it were administered in the beer, which was the only way, for it could not have been swallowed as it was, then deceased, after suffering as he must have done if poisoned by that means, could not have been found in the morning lying as calm and quiet as he was left at night, as would be proved to have been the case. The beer, too, was given at 10 o'clock, and at 11 o'clock deceased quietly bade the servant, Grace Osborne, "Good night." In the morning the body was found lying placidly, and the bed was unruffled. There was no sign of deceased having vomited, which was to have been expected if he were poisoned as suggested. Professor Herapath did not speak conclusively as to the poisoning; he merely gave an opinion, and had not been informed of the habits of the deceased before he did give it. He was not asked whether the coats of the stomach would not have been destroyed by constant drinking, coupled with sedentary habits. The old man was incapacitated, was accustomed to tumble, and had lost the use of his limbs, and at last he died. From what? From his ailments. He (Mr Carter) was present because in the house salts of lemon had been found, which contained oxalic acid. That it came into Mr Bearn's house at all was because the nurse which Mrs Bearn had to attend her suggested its being got, the wife suggested it to the husband, and he procured it. It was to take stains out of linen. It was obtained months ago, and no more notice had been taken of it until it was discovered by Sergeant Coles. Mr Bearn's little boy was in the habit of drawing beer and taking it to his grandfather in the evening, and he did so the night before deceased's death, his father having nothing whatever to do with it. He should watch the examination in the assurance that the Jury would justify discharge their duty. - The Coroner said he was glad that Mr and Mrs Bearn had secured professional assistance. He (the Coroner) had exercised his duties without prejudice. After hearing the evidence, however, of Professor Herapath, he had arrived at the opinion that deceased died from poison. If his opinion were altered he would express it. The Coroner then read over the whole of the evidence that had been taken at the previous Inquiry, after which the following evidence was taken:- Dr Haydon said he had analysed the powder labelled salts of lemon. It contained oxalate of potass, which was an irritant poison, with about the same poisonous force as oxalic acid, and would produce in the stomach the same appearances. - By Mr Carter: Had not seen deceased prior to his death. Had heard that he walked very badly, totteringly; that there was a difficulty in getting out of bed - not that it was impossible. Did not carry his investigation to the spinal marrow, but there was nothing in the brain to account for his loss of the use of his limbs. It was stated by Mrs Bearn that the deceased had been confined to his room because of his insanity, and she had intended to send to her brother on the day the deceased died to have him removed to an asylum. The brain was in a condition, as regards disease of the arteries, to affect volition, but could not say whether it would affect locomotion. The coats of the stomach per se were sound, but there was a deposition of blood between the mucous and muscular coats. There was a copious effusion of blood in spots and patches. His conviction was that the deposit of blood was caused by an irritant taken very shortly before death. Death was not occasioned by dram drinking. It was not a case of a "drunkard's stomach," but the result of a single dose. There had been instances where death had been attended with intense pain, but there were cases in which no pain had been felt. The ordinary effect of taking oxalic acid would be great pain, a burning sensation, sickness, convulsion and insensible sleepiness, from which the person affected could not be roused. Ordinarily should not expect to find the poisoned person in a quiet, placid state in the morning if death had resulted from oxalic acid. Could not account for the bruises on the body. The body was well nourished and well fed. Could not speak positively upon the cause of debility in his extremities. Was informed that the poor man had had rheumatic gout, which would produce a difficulty of locomotion. One of the kidneys was very much diseased. The stomach bore the closest resemblance to death from oxalic acid. As much as an ounce of oxalic acid had been taken into the body, and after death no trace of it had been seen. - Ann Kirton, wife of Thomas Kirton, labourer, Bickington, said she last saw deceased alive about five weeks ago. She washed after his death deceased's sheets, pillow case, and shirt. Took them from the bed herself. There were no marks on them of any kind; no bloody spots nor stains. Witness attended Mrs Bearn in her confinement in Nov., 1863. Whilst there and before her confinement witness was ironing some clothes when she observed iron mould on a night dress, and said to Mrs Bearne, "If you will buy some salts of lemon I'll take it out." She said, "Will you, nurse? I'll send for some." Mr Bearn was going to Newton the same day, and his wife asked him to fetch it. In the evening Mr Bearn returned with the salts of lemon produced; and witness took out some and used it, and put the rest in a watchcase on a mantelpiece in a front room upstairs. Witness knew that it was poison. - By the Coroner: Believed she took out about a quarter of what was in the packet. - By a Juror: Saw the body at nine o'clock on the morning of MR WILLS' death There was no appearance of his having been sick. - Mr John Bearn was then called. he said he kept the New Inn, Ilsington. Deceased was his wife's father. Deceased had lived at the New Inn about two years and a quarter. He had been confined to his room about five weeks before death. His meals were always taken to him by the servant and witness's son, a little boy. Deceased was in the habit of taking half a pint of beer during the evening. He did not eat anything at the time or afterwards. On the night previous to deceased's death witness was coming from his workshop on the second floor, when he met his own little boy on the staircase. The boy said he was going to bed as soon as he had given his grandfather his half-pint of beer. Witness said he would go up with the boy, and take away his candle when deceased should have got into bed. He went into the room. The boy held the cup to deceased's lips as he lay down, and deceased drank. Witness did not touch the cup, or put anything into the beer. The little boy placed the cup on a small table as usual. Witness said "Good night, MR WILLS," as he had always said, and deceased replied "Good night, John." Witness saw his son go to bed, and brought the candle below stairs. Went then to bed without going into kitchen. Did not see deceased until his son came down to say that his grandfather was dead. Mrs Bearn sent up the breakfast. Witness and she left the breakfast table, and rushed up stairs. The bedclothes of deceased's bed were just in the same state as they were the night before. His coat was still thrown about his shoulders. His body was not distorted and there was no vomit in the room. Deceased was lying on his left side, as he had been left. Witness then corroborated the evidence of the nurse as to the salts of lemon having been bought to take out ironmould. He bought an ounce of Mr Godfrey, druggist, of Newton. He gave the powder to the nurse, and had not seen or heard of it since until the police-sergeant showed it to him. He did not before then know that it was in his house. - By the Coroner: John Pearse frequently went up to see him. He never complained of ill-treatment from him. Deceased got the bruises on his body by falling down, a fortnight before his death. Deceased was sliding himself down the stairs upon his back. Witness asked him where he was going, and he said "going home, John." Witness and his son carried deceased up to his room and put him into bed. He carried him bodily, the boy carrying his legs; he had nothing but his night-dress on. Witness carried on the business of a tailor. Deceased could not generally retain his urine. He could not get into bed after getting out without assistance. - By a Juror: No "quacks" brought him anything. Deceased did not take any spirits after he took to his room. - William Henry Bearn, aged 10 years, said when he took up the beer to his grandfather, he was also going to bed. He met his father on the landing. He carried the beer, and his father the candle. His father took the cup from witness's hand and carried it into witness's room until he got into bed, when his father went downstairs. - By the Coroner: Since deceased's last confinement to his room, he never slid downstairs, and witness never helped his father to carry him back to bed. The deceased never complained of his sores nor of anything. - By Mr Carter: Was positive that his father took the cup from him after witness had given the beer to his grandfather; heard his father go down to the kitchen and not to his bedroom. - Mrs Mary Susannah Bearn, mother of the last witness, corroborated the evidence of her husband and of the nurse. She had washed deceased's sores which were caused by falls and urine which he could not retain. He never complained of being in pain. She never went near the beer that he drank the night before his death; never put anything into it. After his death there was no vomit upon the sheets, blankets or the floor. On the alarm of his death the doctor and nurse were both sent for. Deceased was weak and had long been in the habit of falling. His intellect was very much impaired latterly. He was treated kindly by all in the house. She paid a lodger named Pearse, for attending to deceased at night. - Mr Frederick Godfrey, druggist, Newton, proved that the packet labelled "salts of lemon - poison" was in the handwriting of his wife, who was ill. He did not know of the packet having been sold to Mr and Mrs Bearn. - Mr Shilston, saddler, Newton Bushel, said that the deceased was his brother-in-law. Deceased derived his income from property at Shaldon, which belonged to his late wife and came to him at her decease. After his death the property belonged equally between his children. - By Mr Carter: Deceased and his wife did not live together. MRS WILLS died in November. Mr and Mrs Bearn supported deceased for two years without having received a penny. After November he, as trustee, had to pay Mr and Mrs Bearn £16 a year. They had this interest in deceased's life. They had been kind to deceased, and he had acknowledged their kindness. - Mr Carter then addressed the Jury. He referred to deceased's infirmities, and stated that Dr Herapath's evidence was coupled with a doubt, although on the whole he was of opinion that oxalic acid had been taken. The evidence went to prove that an ounce of the poison had been purchased, that a quarter of an ounce had been taken out by the washerwoman, and there was then the fact that three-quarters of an ounce was found. How could that powder then have occasioned deceased's death? Such crimes were not committed without a motive, which was not supplied in this case. Mr and Mrs Bearn had supported their parent for two years for nothing, and they were not likely to have put an end to his life when they were just getting paid for maintaining him. It should lastly be recollected that the deceased was in the house of his own daughter, and when the facts were weighed he had no doubt they would feel that there were none that warranted an accusation against Mr and Mrs Bearn. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that this investigation was the most serious and most difficult one which he had been concerned with since he held office, and he believed that the case was as difficult as any that had ever attracted attention in the country. They must be guided, however, by the evidence, and take care that a verdict inculpating any persons should not be given on simple suspicion pointing t those persons. If JOHN WILLS died from natural causes the Inquiry would terminate. Was it the case? It would seem as if the little boy when he saw his grandfather was dead did not think much of it, for he returned carefully downstairs with the breakfast tray. And then the doctor was sent for; but it was notable that it was considered necessary to send for the nurse that she might straighten the dead man's limbs before the doctor should come. It appeared to be the opinion in the house that as soon as the body could be put in a state to be seen the better. When Dr Haydon turned the body round, the Jury must have observed the marks as of violence, and that whether they were bruises or not, they extended from his shoulders to his feet. Dr Haydon had stated in his first examination that his attention was attracted by seeing blood on the sheet, and blood was flowing from a wound; yet it should be noticed that haste was made to have the body laid out and cleaned before he saw it. Dr Haydon had shown that deceased was well nourished and healthy enough not to have died without unnatural treatment. It was for them to decide whether this was the case. Mr Carter did not appear able to assign any disease that would account for the death. The medical evidence gave no support to the idea of death from diseased kidneys. Professor Herapath had no object to serve, or local bias, and he declared his belief that MR WILLS was poisoned by oxalic acid, and that the inflammation of the stomach and intestines must have proceeded from an irritant. The doctors did not believe that death was caused by what was known as the drunkard's stomach. Then they had the fact that the old man could not have got at anything except what was brought to him. Who brought the poison, then, if poisoned he was? As to his being poisoned, if they could come to any other conclusion then the medical men did, in God's name let them do so. It was admitted that if deceased were poisoned the poison must have been administered. The difficulty was, how did the poison, if poison it were, get into the stomach? There was no absolute proof of its administration; it was not necessary that there should be actual proof. In Palmer's case there was no proof of who administered the poison or that strychnine was the poison. Strychnine was not produced, as in this case the oxalic acid had not been produced. But there must be something more than mere suspicion against anyone, even to send that person for trial. It was repugnant to the best feelings to suppose that a son-in-law and daughter should be parties to their father's death; but there were others in the house. They must decide who, if any, had poisoned MR WILLS. The Coroner then read over the evidence. If, he added, they believed the washerwoman spoke the truth as to the sheets being unstained he should be glad; he did not believe her. There appeared to have been a great hurry to have the things washed. He had called the little boy in the hope that he would corroborate the statement of his father as to his never having touched the cup at all, and as to his assisting his father to remove the old man to his room some time before his death, but the boy stated with the utmost clearness, that his father took away the cup the night before deceased died, that he took it downstairs, and that he had never assisted his father as stated. One or the other could not have given the right version. The boy was exceedingly intelligent and how he could have forgotten the removal of the old man if it occurred, he was at a loss to understand. The whole theory of deceased having died from partaking of ardent spirits had been done away with, for he had taken none. A great ingredient in crimes was motive. It was far from his hear to suggest as a motive that Mr and Mrs Bearn would gain a few pounds. It had been urged, however, that they had an interest in the old man's life. Now the fact was that the old man it was stated was to have been taken to the Asylum, and unless he went there as a pauper the £16 a year they had for his maintenance would not have sufficed for his support there. By his death they were rid of an old man who gave great trouble, and their share whatever it was would come to them as an uncumbered share. The question then was - was there a degree of motive that might have caused either parties to take away life. He (the Coroner) was inclined to believe that the poison was not given in the beer at night, as he was of opinion that it would have exhibited itself sooner. Professor Herapath said there was a substance of a milky character in the stomach. There was no trace of beer. Was therefore beer the last thing taken. Professor Herapath believed that milk had been taken by the old man in his agony. some hand might have given milk in the night, someone might have watched that death during the night and washed up all traces of the cause of it. It was extraordinary, if true, that an old man like deceased, who was restless and tumbled about the floor at night, should through all the night in question have laid still, for he did not die until morning, because the body was warm and pliable when found. He, as holding the scales fairly between the Crown and the public, would enjoin them not to act upon mere suspicion. They must have more than suspicion, although they were not bound to entertain nonsensical doubts. First, did MR WILLS die by poison? Secondly, did he administer it to himself? Thirdly, if poisoned, and he did not administer it to himself, who gave it to him? These three points they must determine. They must give the benefit of any doubt they could fairly have. He (the Coroner) should be able to receive a verdict that deceased was poisoned, and by whom they could not say; or if the evidence pointed to anyone, that deceased was poisoned by that person or persons; also that deceased destroyed himself. If they could, looking at the facts, say that deceased was not poisoned, he should be delighted to receive such a verdict. - The Jury then retired, and shortly afterwards gave their verdict as follows:- "That deceased died from Poison, not administered by his own hands; that the person or persons who did administer it were unknown." - The Inquiry occupied about six hours.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 April 1865
TORQUAY - An Inquest has been held at the Torquay Infirmary before the Deputy Coroner, Mr Windeatt, on the body of RICHARD WILLIAMS, who was killed by falling from a house in Belgrave-road on Tuesday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 April 1865
DAWLISH - The Mysterious Death Of A Woman At Dawlish. - Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday morning at the York Hotel, Dawlish, to Inquire as to the cause of the death of ELLEN WILLIAMS, thirty-four years of age, who was found dead in bed on Tuesday morning. Captain Ferreira was Foreman of the Jury, and the following evidence was taken:- Caroline Stocks said her husband kept the York Hotel at Dawlish. On Monday night last the deceased came to her house and asked for a bedroom, stating that she had been walking all day and was tired. At the deceased's request eight pennyworth of brandy was given to her, which she drank, and afterwards went to bed. About half-past two o'clock the following morning she rang the bell three times and witness went up and found the deceased in bed. There was a candle burning in the room. She told the deceased that she supposed she could not sleep because there was such a noise downstairs. Deceased replied, "I have not slept very much," and then asked what time it was. She told her, and deceased advised her to go to bed. Witness said she should as soon as the house was cleared, but the fair, which only came once a year, had taken place on the previous day, and the night would be nearly over before they could go to bed. Deceased then said she would take a drop of brandy, and she accordingly took up another eight pennyworth, which was mixed with hot water. The words "Good night" having been exchanged, witness left the room. - By a Juryman: When she left the deceased she appeared bright and cheerful, and she observed nothing strange in her conduct. - The Coroner: When the deceased arrived at your house did you ask her where she had come from? - A.: Yes, and she told me she had come from Paddington, and that luggage was at the station. She had a black bag with her. The only thing she ate after her arrival was part of a biscuit. When deceased went to bed she asked what time they get up in the morning, and witness told her that they were not very early risers. Deceased said when she was at home she got up at 5 o'clock, and she should like to get up in the morning to have a bath, as she had come there for the benefit of her health. - Q.: Did she engage the room for any length of time? - A.: No; only for the night, as she was going to look for lodgings the next day. About eight o'clock the same morning her niece brought her a cup of tea, and she told her she had heard nothing of the lady. At 10 o'clock the deceased's bell had not rung, and she directed her niece not to call her, as she considered she must be very tired. At 11 o'clock witness thought it was most extraordinary that the bell had not been rung, and she accordingly went to the deceased's bedroom door, but she found it locked. She knocked several times, but receiving no answer she went into the smoking-room and asked Mr Tuck, a constable, and others, to come up and burst open the door, as she believed there was something wrong. Before, however, the door could be forced open Mr Holman got to the window by a ladder and entered the room, when he saw the deceased lying dead in bed. there was no blood or anything issuing from her mouth, and the deceased appeared exactly as if she were asleep. The brandy and water was consumed, and the tumbler was on the floor by the side of the bed. Dr Baker was called in, and he directed the glass to be taken downstairs. There were papers in the room, but she did not examine them. - Sergeant Mashford here complained of the liberties taken by those persons who entered the bedroom and searched the deceased's pocket. - John Holman, a mason, said that on Tuesday morning, between 11 and 12 o'clock, he was at the York Hotel. At the request of Mrs Stocks he got a ladder, by which he obtained access to the front room, where he found the deceased dead in bed. The bed was not tumbled, and there was not the least signs of any violence having been used. The window through which he entered was not fastened. The room was not in a confused state. He saw some papers on the floor, which Toogood picked up (these papers were produced), on which were printed directions for the use of Simpson's rat poison, and Battle's and Barber's vermin killer. A bottle of Barber's phosphor paste which was found in deceased's bag was produced, but it had not been opened. - MARTIN WILLIAMS, the deceased's husband said he was an engineer of one of her Majesty's tug-boats, but carried on the business of a stationer at Devonport. The deceased left her house about 11 o'clock on Monday. He was not at home at the time; and she did not leave word where she had gone. She had been suffering from a spinal complaint for many years and had frequently shown symptoms of derangement, but had never been placed under restraint. The disease affected the back part of her head, and at times she used to have paroxysms. The deceased never had fits. - By a Juryman: Deceased attempted to drown herself in a water tank about four years ago. Immediately prior to the deceased's leaving home no medical gentleman was attending her. - By the Coroner: It was about half-past 12 o'clock in the afternoon when he returned home, and he anticipated from what his eldest child told him that the deceased had gone to Plymouth to see some of his friends. She seemed to be cheerful in the morning when he left home. He had been told by a doctor who operated on the deceased in America that the complaint would end in self-destruction. - The Coroner: Did you not under these circumstances have someone to look after her? - A.: It was only at certain intervals that she was so bad, and he looked after her then. The deceased did not return home on Monday night; but he was not uneasy about her, as he thought some friends had prevailed on her to stop with them. His friends thought of coming on Tuesday to spend a long day with him, and he considered she would return with them. But neither of them came; and he asked a friend on that day (Tuesday) to go to Plymouth to look for her, but he was met by a person who took him away in another direction on business. He did not anticipate that his wife was going to kill herself; and he was not aware of the fact until a notice of her decease was shown to him in a newspaper on the previous day. - By a Juryman: The bruise on her left cheek was caused by a fall in the parlour last week. The deceased was subject to dizziness in the head. His house was infested with mice, and he had used the poisons mentioned in those papers to kill them, but not lately. Never kept any of those powders in stock. The deceased attended to the stationery business. On the same evening he heard of her death he was going into Cornwall to see if she were visiting any of her friends in that county. - The Coroner: It is a wonder you had not gone to Plymouth to see if she were there. - A Juryman remarked that every chemist ought to put his name on such papers as those produced, so as to ascertain the shop from which they were bought. - Albert Baker, a doctor of medicine, said a little after 12 o'clock on Tuesday he was called to see the deceased. She was quite dead. The appearance of the body indicated that she had not died a natural death. He found the deceased lying on her back, with her head thrown backwards, the arms drawn up towards the head, and the fingers drawn forcibly towards the palms of the hands. There was a general appearance of great pallor and extreme rigidity of the whole body. He observed the face to be drawn, thin, and pallid, especially the gums and mouth. She wore a false tooth in the front, set in a gold plate, and between the teeth, which were partially closed, he found an almond in two pieces, which he removed and gave to the policeman. The eyelids were closed, but the pupil of the eye was very much dilated. On examining the trunk of the body he found the spine completely curved - in fact, the two extremes of the spine were drawn in a concavity. The legs were perfectly extended and the toes drawn towards the sole of the foot. The whole of the upper surface of the body was extremely pallid. It appeared well nourished throughout. The whole of the lower surface of the body had a very tinged and congested appearance. On the left jaw was the mark of a bruise, which appeared to be of some days' standing. It did not look extensive enough to have been done with a blow from the fist. Fluid had oozed from the mouth and run over the right cheek, which was tinged with a bluish colour. He next examined the articles in the room. The bedclothes were in a very disordered state. There were two white pocket handkerchiefs lying on the floor, and on them were distinct traces of a blue powder. The initials or name had been carefully picked out or destroyed. There were also two or three papers handed to him, which had contained a blue powder. The papers were marked "Rat poison." He examined the rummer, but, finding no traces of any discolouration or fluid, he told the landlord that he might remove it, together with a jug of pure water which stood beside it. Among the articles found in the room was a broken silver ladle, such as was used for tea or sugar, and there were evident marks of some dark material having been mixed in it. He had since purchased a packet of Battle's vermin killer, which he now produced. It was cautiously labelled, and contained about two scruples of blue powder. He then proceeded to wash some of it carefully, and on adding nitric acid he produced several distinct red-coloured grains, which he concluded to be strychnine. These powders he believed had been analysed and it had been stated that they all contained four grains of strychnine, which was sufficient to cause death. Strychnine was insoluble in brandy and water. - The Coroner said there was no evidence to lead to the supposition that any violence had been used, or that any person had administered poison but herself. He thought there was sufficient evidence to suggest that the death of the deceased was caused by poisoning, and the question to decide was what state of mind she was in at the time. - The Jury expressed a wish to have a post mortem examination on the body made, and for that purpose the Inquest was adjourned until Monday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 April 1865
DAWLISH - The Suicide Of A Devonport Tradeswoman At Dawlish. The Adjourned Inquest. - The adjourned Inquest by Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, on the body of MRS ELLEN WILLIAMS took place yesterday in the York Hotel, Dawlish, the Inquiry having been adjourned from Thursday in order to ascertain the result of a post mortem examination of the body. Capt. Ferreira was Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner read over the evidence previously given, when he said that the steps Dr Baker had taken in sending the viscera for analysis to Professor Herapath, F.R.S., Bristol, were such as if allowed in every case would incur heavy expenses to the county. In a case where some doubts existed whether the deceased had been murdered or there were suspicious circumstances in the case, as at Ilsington lately, it was necessary to send the stomach for analysis; but in the present case he did not think it necessary. - In answer to a question from the Foreman of the Jury, the Coroner replied that it was not necessary to send many cases to an analytical chemist. - Mr Baker said he understood the Coroner at the former Enquiry had empowered him to act as he had done. In many cases country practitioners incurred great censure when taking such matters entirely into their own hands, as required a man specially qualified for it to conduct an analysis. - The Coroner said he thought that the Jury could at their last meeting have arrived at the conclusion that deceased died from poison; and the circumstances pointed to the fact that no one administered it to her but herself. - After some further conversation relative to the expense incurred by the analysis of the stomach, the Coroner took the following evidence:- Albert Baker, M.D., stated that he had by order of the Coroner made an examination of the body, and found that decomposition had taken place. The face was very pallid, and the body, after the last Inquest, was left lying in "the eye of the sun." Venous blood was exuding from the mouth. The eyes were prominent, with the pupils dilated. He found great tumidity of the abdomen and marked congestion of the venous circulation in the shoulders, arms and back. The muscles of the body were very rigid, the fingers being drawn and unyielding. The feet were drawn inwards. On opening the abdomen there was a large escape of intensely offensive gas. In the chest he found the posterior and inferior lobes of the lungs much congested, and spots of partial emphysema (blisters) and on being pressed much serum exuded. The heart was flabby, empty and collapsed, but otherwise healthy. The intestines were removed for analysis. The brain was congested, especially towards the posterior, extending to the spinal cord. On removing the dura mater, there were evident traces of old inflammatory action. [?]osition of lymph had taken place all along the course of the superficial veins running up from the spinal cord and cerebellum. The hard part of the brain was rather dark and soft, but he could not detect any clot of blood in any part so as to account for sudden death. He found no internal marks of violence. There was nothing to indicate disease in the organs he had examined, and he believed deceased died from poison. - ELLEN WILLIAMS, daughter of deceased, stated that she saw her mother last on Monday morning in their shop at Devonport, dressed ready to go out, and when she left she did not say when she should come back or where she was going. Her mother appeared rather excited at the time. Her parents lived upon good terms with each other. - The Coroner read a letter from Mr May, surgeon, of Devonport, which stated that deceased suffered much from [?]atal irritation, and had often spoken of destroying herself and attempted to do so a few years ago. The Jury at once returned a verdict that the deceased Destroyed Herself while in an Unsound State of Mind. - Evidence of the result of Professor Herapath's analysis was not taken, but that gentleman was present, and it was understood that large traces of arsenic and white arsenic had been found in the stomach, but not of strychnine. Professor Herapath most readily waived all claim to remuneration in the matter. - Coincidentally the Coroner mentioned that "troubles seldom come alone," and that the husband of deceased had a child nearly burnt to death on the previous day. MR WILLIAMS was present at the conclusion of the Inquiry, and had one of his hands bandaged in consequence of severe burns he received while endeavouring to save his child. - We learn that the deceased woman, who conducted the business of a stationer at Devonport, her husband being generally absent on his naval duties, was in business on the day on which she went away and displayed no symptoms of mental derangement to cursory observers.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 April 1865
EAST STONEHOUSE - A Child Drowned At Stonehouse. - Mr Allan B. Bone, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Commercial Inn, Newport-street, Stonehouse, as to the circumstances attending the death of a boy named WILLIAM HOSKING. On Monday evening the deceased, who was between five and six years of age, left his home to go out to lay. He was afterwards seen on Stonehouse Quay alone, and yesterday morning he was found dead on the mud in Stonehouse Pool. Crabs had eaten portions of the face, but there were no visible marks of violence on the body. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead, but how the deceased came to his death there was no evidence to show."

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 April 1865
YEALMPTON - The Death By The Fall Of A Tree At Newton Ferrers. - An Inquest was held at Yealmpton on Thursday evening, before Mr Alan B. Bone, Deputy Coroner, on the body of THOMAS LAPTHORNE, an old man, who met with his death by the fall of a tree on Saturday last. It will be remembered that the deceased, with his son and William Dunn, was cutting down a tree at Torre, in Newton Ferrers, when they all sat down to tea, and the tree, which had been partially cut through, fell upon the deceased. The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased met with his death by the Accidental falling of a tree upon him."

Western Morning News, Monday 1 May 1865
PLYMOUTH - Death By Drowning In The Sound. - On Friday night MR GEORGE GIBSON BROWN, a clerk in the storekeeper's department of the Royal William Victualling Yard, Stonehouse, was drowned in Plymouth Sound through the upsetting of a boat. Shortly after six, he left the yard in a four-oared gig with two other young men, Mr F. Gibson, a merchant's clerk, and John Purdy, apprentice in the bakery of the Victualling-yard. After rowing as far as Devil's Point they set three sails on the boat, and sailed out round the Breakwater. On their return across the Sound squalls came on, as the result of which the boat was filled with water, and she was capsized. Gibson and Purdey hung to the boat and were picked up about three-quarters of an hour after the accident by a boat's crew of the Queen's Harbour Master's tender and the body of BROWN was also picked up, clinging to an oar as the boat was returning to the tender. An Inquest was held at the Victualling-yard on Saturday afternoon. - Verdict - "Accidental Death." - The deceased was 27 years of age, unmarried. He was accustomed to the sea and was the inventor of a trigging hook for facilitating the handling of boat's leg of mutton sails.

Western Morning News. - Tuesday 2 May 1865
TORQUAY - The Fatal Accident At Babbicombe - An Inquest was held at the Royal Hotel, Babbicombe, on Saturday evening, before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, on the body of a child aged four years and three months named TOM ADAMS BOVEY. From the evidence, it appeared that the child, who was fond of flowers, was on the cliff on Thursday evening in search of cowslips, and in his endeavour to reach some below the edge of the cliff he fell over. The height of the cliff above the beach where he fell is nearly 300 feet. The body rolled from rock to rock, down 150 feet, and was caught at last by a furze bush. Coastguardsman Perry climbed up from the beach, picked up the child, who was still alive, and carried him home, where he died about half an hour afterwards. The skull was fractured in several places. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - A Mulatto Drowned At Sutton Pool Through Drunkenness. - An Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM WITICK, a mulatto, was held last evening, before Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner. Deceased was a vendor of wood and lodged with Joseph Williams, a shoemaker, in Southside-street. He left his lodgings on Saturday morning, and was not heard of during the day. About eleven o'clock on the same night John A. Lavers, landlord of the Harbour Avenue Inn, saw the deceased pass his house in a beastly state of intoxication in the direction of the North quay; and early on Sunday morning he was found lying dead in the mud of Sutton Pool, very near the Harbour Avenue Inn. On being searched, 1s. 2 ½d. was found on his person. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 May 1865
SLAPTON - Death From Stabbing At Slapton, near Kingsbridge. Verdict Of Wilful Murder. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon at Slapton, a village about six miles from Kingsbridge, before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr John Huxham was Foreman, on the body of MR PHILLIMORE, who was stabbed by one of his workmen on the 28th April. - James Cole said: I lived in the house with deceased, MR PHILLIMORE. My master kept a fishing boat, of which William Ellis, Robert Knowles and myself formed part of the crew. On Friday, the 28th of April, my master went to the house of Robert Knowles to ascertain the reason that he had not been fishing. Knowles was not home, but hearing that MR PHILLIMORE had called, he came to see him. MR PHILLIMORE asked the reason he had not been fishing, to which he replied in an abusive manner, and said he was owed 2s. already, which his master paid him. He then asked for some cider, which was refused, and he left the house and went home. He afterwards returned, when MR PHILLIMORE attempted to put him out of the house, and blows were exchanged. William Ellis and I, hearing the noise, came to master's assistance, and after a scuffle, we got Knowles down, with the intention of keeping him down until the police came. At that time I felt a knife cutting me, when I said "I'm cut," and looking towards MR PHILLIMORE I saw that he had been cut also, when we let go our hold on Knowles. - William Ellis gave evidence to the same effect. his trousers had also been cut. - P.C. Courtney deposed: Having received information of the occurrence, I immediately went to the house, and found MR PHILLIMORE seated in a chair, bleeding very much. I said, "MR PHILLIMORE, what is the matter?" He said, "I have been boxing with Knowles, and he has cut me." MR PHILLIMORE was bathing the wound with water. I said, "Will you give Knowles into custody?" He replied, "Oh, yes." I went to the Rev. J. S. Vaughan, and asked him to go to MR PHILLIMORE'S house. He immediately went, and after a short time he stopped the bleeding. He told me he feared the wound would be fatal. I went to Knowles's house and found him with nothing but his trousers on. I said, "MR PHILLIMORE has given me orders to take you into custody for stabbing him." He made use of some abusive language, saying he would have MR PHILLIMORE brought before him. I immediately caught hold of him and got him outside of his house, when he attempted to strike me. I got him down and hand-bolted him. I gave him in charge of the parish constable, and went and searched about the place for a knife, but did not find one. - The Coroner, having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 May 1865
TAUNTON - Alleged Manslaughter Of An Exeter Man By A Taunton Auctioneer. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Taunton and Somerset Hospital, Taunton, on the body of MR JOSEPH WEBBER, a fly proprietor of Exeter, who died on Sunday last from injuries received through a collision on the 21st of March. It appeared that Mr White, of Bridgwater, had driven to Taunton, accompanied by two friends, named Wilkins and Kenway, Mr White's business being to procure an auctioneer's license. They arrived in Taunton in the afternoon, and having partaken of some champagne at the George Hotel, they visited another inn and a "private house," where they obtained several glasses of brandy and gin. They returned to the George about 8 in the evening, and then, in a "spreeish" state, as one of the witnesses described them, they commenced the journey homeward. The horse set off at a good pace, and two witnesses deposed that Mr White drove with great speed from the George Hotel into Fore street, where the dog-cart swerved from side to side, till it came into violent collision with a fly driven by the deceased. A terrible smash ensued, both vehicles becoming in an instant complete wrecks. The deceased had driven two women, of Torquay, from Ilminster, and they escaped unhurt, but deceased himself, who fell on the ground, pitched on his head, and sustained a severe scalp wound. He was removed to the hospital, where he lingered till Sunday, when he died of inflammation of the brain. A few days after his admission he made a deposition before a magistrate, in which he stated that Mr White endeavoured to prevent a collision. The Jury, however, returned a verdict to the effect that there had been culpable carelessness on the part of Mr White, and he was then committed by the Coroner on a charge of Manslaughter, but admitted to bail. The investigation lasted eight hours.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 May 1865
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - On Wednesday evening, an old man named THOMAS WILLCOCKS, a retired master carpenter, residing with his daughter, Mrs Robins, at 27 Buckwell-street, was seen to go upstairs about half past five o'clock to put on an overcoat for the purpose of going out for a walk. Two hours afterwards his hat was observed by the servant to be in the kitchen; and suspicion being thus aroused, Mrs Robins hastened to the deceased's room, where he was found on the ground, speechless. At an Inquest held at the Guildhall yesterday, before Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner, a verdict of "Sudden Death" was returned. Mr J. Joseph was Foreman of the Jury.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 May 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Death Of A Lunatic At The Plympton Asylum. - An Inquest was held on Thursday at the Cross Keys Inn, Tavistock-street, Stoke, upon the body of CAROLINE AVERY. Deceased had been for about a month an inmate of the Plympton Lunatic Asylum, where she died on the 3rd inst. On that day deceased's husband, who resides at Stoke, had determined to have her brought home. Every arrangement was made for the purpose, when a messenger arrived from the Asylum with the message that MRS AVERY had died suddenly, hinting, however, that she had been in a declining condition for about the previous fortnight. Some bruises were also found about her face and eyes, and owing to these circumstances a representation of the facts was made to Mr Bone, the Coroner, who decided upon holding an Inquest. - Mary Warren said that she had been an attendant at the Plympton Lunatic Asylum between one and two years.  Mr R. Langworthy was the master and Mr Rumming the surgeon of the institution. Deceased was brought to the Asylum about a month ago. She slept in the bedroom with witness, and in the daytime occupied a sitting-room with other females. She was in a very bad condition, being quite insane; her chief delusion was that Satan was after her, and was going to cut her up and burn her, but that she should not die; that she would be always burning and being cut into pieces, yet would never die, but would always be suffering. Deceased was very restless, being continually troubled with delusions night and day. From the first it was difficult to get her to take any food; but she would drink water, ale, or brandy and water. She always had what she wanted. About a week before her death she refused all food. Witness did not notice any material change in her, however, until the day of her death, when she became very faint. Various artificial means had to be used to inject food into the stomach of deceased. Deceased was so violent that it became necessary to tie her hands behind her back to prevent her doing mischief to herself, and this would produce slight marks upon her wrists; but her hands were not tied tightly; only slight pressure was observable. She was accustomed to go into the garden morning and evening up to the day of her death. When deceased appeared faint Dr Rumming was called to her, and brandy and water was administered, but she did not revive. There were marks by the side of her face near the chin; but no violence had ever been used towards her, and most certainly she was never struck. Deceased might have struck herself against the sofa, which would have produced the bruises; but witness was prepared to swear that deceased was treated with every care, attention and kindness. Deceased threatened to drown herself if she could find any water. The brandy and water was administered by order of Dr Rumming; but deceased apparently died without a struggle. Witness had told deceased's relatives that they were compelled to tie her hands behind her back to prevent her tearing her face and otherwise injuring herself; but witness did not remember seeing any marks on the eye of deceased. - Georgiana Richmond said she was a niece of the deceased, and that on Friday week last she first went to see her aunt at Plympton, and then saw her coming up from the garden into the house. Her hands were strapped and buckled; observed that her hands and wrists were swollen very much; witness also saw marks on her face. She mentioned it to the previous witness, who said that they were obliged to fasten the bandages tightly, or the deceased would get her hands through. Witness asked deceased how she came with the black mark near her eye, but she made no answer. Witness then mentioned it to the matron, but no satisfactory answer was given. After some incoherent conversation with the deceased the matron told witness that deceased had been strapped to the bed. - Mary Warren, the previous witness, said she had intended to have stated to the Jury that deceased had been strapped to the bed, but had forgotten it. Deceased was sometimes so violent at night that it was absolutely necessary to adopt that course. - Considerable cross-examination ensued, in which it was evident that the relatives of deceased did not think the deceased had been kindly treated. - Mary Ann Holman, the sister of deceased, was next examined, and corroborated the evidence of her niece, Richmond. - Mr J. R. Laity, surgeon, deposed to having attended deceased at her residence at Stoke. He had suggested her being removed to the Lunatic Asylum. He considered the marks on deceased might have been caused in the way described by the first witness, Warren; and without any ill-treatment on the part of the officers of the institution. - Mr Rumming, surgeon of the Asylum, also gave evidence of the treatment deceased had received, and stated that on the previous Thursday, after some brandy and water had been administered to deceased, she fainted away, and died almost instantaneously. - The Coroner minutely summed up the evidence, and the Jury, after a brief deliberation, returned a verdict to the effect that deceased died from Natural Causes, and exonerating the managers of the Asylum from any blame in the matter.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 May 1865
PLYMOUTH - A Girl Burnt To Death At Plymouth. - An Inquiry into the cause of the death of FANNY BLOWER, a girl aged 13, was made last evening at the Plymouth Guildhall, by Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner. Deceased had been a cripple, and afflicted with paralysis since her birth, and the unfortunate girl was unable to put the slightest check upon the flames when her clothes first became ignited. Deceased lived with her father, who is a journeyman currier, in Looe-street, and on the morning of the 6th of May was left alone in the room, her father, who is a widower, having gone to his work. Not long afterwards the neighbours in the house were alarmed by loud screams, and on going to the room found the deceased enveloped in flames. She was immediately wrapped in a large rug, and the flames were soon extinguished. Deceased's whole body was badly burnt, but more especially the face, neck, arms, chest and back. Oil and lime water were instantly applied, and medical assistance procured; but all efforts to save life were unavailing, although the deceased lingered in great agony until Sunday last. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 19 May 1865
PLYMOUTH - Death Without A Warning. - Mr J. Edmonds, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Shaftesbury Working Men's Reading Room, Plymouth, on Wednesday evening, on the body of SARAH WAKEHAM, a single woman, aged 39. The deceased, formerly a domestic servant and who had been subject to fits, had come over from jersey to stay with a friend named Mr Patton, living in Providence-street, and on Tuesday evening, after eating a hearty supper of eggs and bacon, retired to bed between ten and eleven o'clock, with Mr Patton's daughter. Mr and Mrs Patton shortly afterwards passed through the room to go to bed, and wished them both good night. On the following morning when Mr Patton passed through the room, shortly before six o'clock, he noticed that the deceased looked very white, and directly fetched his wife, when it was discovered that SARAH WAKEHAM was dead by the side of their daughter, who was asleep. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. On going to bed the deceased appeared in perfect health and was very cheerful.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 May 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - A Man Killed At Devonport. - Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Devonport Guildhall, as to the cause of the death of a man named RICHARD KEAST, who lived in James-street, in that borough. On Tuesday week last the deceased, who was 80 years old, was crossing St. Aubyn-street, when a two-wheeled trap which was being driven by a baker named Granger knocked him down in passing, and one of the wheels went over his leg. He afterwards died from the injuries he then received. It seems that on the day in question Granger, together with three other men, named respectively Bone, Wheeler and Snell, drove to Roborough Races, and were on their way to Torpoint, where they all reside, when the accident occurred. Granger was said to have called out to the deceased when the vehicle was approaching him, but before the horse could be pulled up the shaft had knocked the old man down, and the wheel had injured one of his legs. George Webb and John Lambell, two youths, together with a young girl named Lavinia Cann, deposed that Granger was driving at a "pretty fast rate" at the time of the accident; but Bone, Wheeler, Snell and a shipwright named Davis, who is employed by Mr Shilson at Plymouth, swore that the horse was not going more than five miles an hour. Bone, in reply to the Coroner, said they were not driving fast in order to save the steamer from Newpassage to Torpoint, because they had ample time to catch it. They drank nothing but cider during the day, and they were perfectly sober, as they only had three quarts between four of them. The deceased's daughter, HARRIETT PERKINS, said her father had enjoyed good health. He was not at all deaf, and his sight was clear. He had a cold on the day in question, and that might have affected his hearing. On the night of the 9th he had been to a club, where he had transacted his duties as steward, and was returning home when he met with the accident. After he was brought home he told her that he had come home to die. On the following day he appeared uncertain as to whether he should die or not, and he then said that he remembered the trap coming about twelve miles an hour, and he tried to clear it, but failed to do so. - Mr Delarne, surgeon, said that on Friday, the 12th instant, he saw the deceased at his house and found him in a state of great prostration and suffering. The sight of the right eye was entirely destroyed, from severe inflammation, and the parts around it were much contused. The leg was much swollen, and very painful. He improved for a day or two, but erysipelas affected the leg, and he became delirious. - In answer to the Coroner, the witness said the shock which the deceased received was too severe for a man of his age to overcome. - The Coroner had partly summed up, when he was informed that some further evidence might be obtained as to the rate at which Granger drove up St. Aubyn-street on the night of the 9th instant. The Inquiry was then adjourned until Monday afternoon for the production of important witnesses. - Mr G. H. E. Rundle was present and watched the proceedings on behalf of the deceased's family.

Western Morning News, Monday 22 May 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Death Of A Prisoner In The Devonport Prisons. - On Saturday afternoon Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Devonport Prisons, touching the death of a prisoner named JAMES FORESTER. Deceased, who was about twenty-tree years of age, was convicted at the Christmas Borough Quarter Sessions on a charge of participating in a highway robbery, and was sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment. About four days previous to his death deceased complained of severe pain in his throat and Mr Edwards, the Governor of the prison, gave orders for his admission into the prison infirmary, where he received every attention. Deceased, getting worse, medical assistance was procured, and it was proved that he was suffering from inflammation of the windpipe, and he died on Friday. The Jury returned a verdict that "Deceased died from Natural Causes," and expressed themselves of opinion that he had received every attention from the hands of the prison authorities.

KINGSBRIDGE - the body of the man named HUTCHINGS was picked up off Salcombe on Saturday. He was one of the four men accidentally drowned three weeks ago in that locality, and the bodies of all have now been recovered. The Inquest was held before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, the same day. The verdict, of course, was "Accidental Death."

LONDON - Shocking Death Of A Native Of Devonport. - A Coroner's Inquest was held at Cannon-street-road, London, on Friday evening, respecting the death of MRS HANNAH HANCOCK, aged 54 years. - Mr T. Overton said that the deceased was found dead in a room at 37 Betts-street, St George's-in-the-East, on Tuesday last, and from documents which were found stitched up in her bustle, it appeared that she had been born in Devonport in 1811, and she inherited £900 in the Three per Cent. Consols, and £500 in the Three and a Half per Cents. In 1844 she was married in Plymouth to a gentleman named FREDERICK HANCOCK. Witness had received a letter from Mr Vallance, of Exeter, stating that deceased had been very badly treated by her husband, who, after taking nearly all her property, deserted her, went abroad, and never after was heard of. She procured an annuity of £22 per annum by the sale of part of her stock, and she lived upon that sum. - Anna Kink said that MRS HANCOCK lodged with her, and paid 2s. a week rent. She would often get drunk, and would consume a pint of gin in a day. She always kept herself locked up in her own room. Letters would come to her at times, and she would go and return with money and drink, and lock herself in as before. Last Tuesday, as she did not make her appearance nor answer when called, witness fetched P.C. Fuller 133 H., who broke in the door and found her dead. Dr H. H. Adam said that he was called in to the deceased and found her lying along the floor with her head under the grate, and her throat resting on the edge of the fender. On the table were a gin bottle and a cup containing gin. It was evidence that she had drunk until she fell from her chair, and that she was too intoxicated to rise. The pressure of her throat on the edge of the fender produced death by suffocation, and in her struggles her tongue was protruded, and the surface of it was covered with cinders and ashes. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death by a fall while in a state of Intoxication."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 May 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - The Man Killed At Devonport. The Adjourned Inquest. - The Inquiry as to the cause of the death of RICHARD KEAST, an old man, who was killed by being ridden over at Devonport a short time since, was resumed yesterday at the Devonport Guildhall, before Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner. It will be remembered that on the night of Tuesday week last the deceased was crossing St. Aubyn-street, when he was knocked down by a two-wheeled trap driven by a baker named Granger, who lives at Torpoint, and from the injuries he received he afterwards died. The Inquest had been adjourned in order that witnesses might be procured who would speak impartially as to the speed at which the horse was being driven at the time of the accident. Richard Cook, an elderly man, gave it as his opinion that Granger was driving about six miles an hour, while a postman named Pearse, said the horse was going eight or nine miles an hour. - The Coroner said the simple question for the Jury to decide was whether there had been any culpable negligence on the part of Granger, who was driving. If a man drove a horse and carriage at a furious pace through a street where several people were standing, and thereby occasioned the death of one of them, he would be undoubtedly guilty of manslaughter. And if the evidence satisfied them that Granger was driving at a furious or very rapid pace, so as to be calculated to bring persons into danger, and he drove over a person and was the cause of his death, he would be guilty of the offence before named. The law required that ordinary care should be used so as to avoid the probability of accident. Supposing they found the evidence conflicting as to the pace at which the horse was being driven, they would most likely feel that it was a doubtful matter as to whether the person in charge of the animal was driving it in such a manner as to make him criminally responsible. With regard to the other men in the carriage, they did not seem to have taken any part in the driving, or to have incited the driver to drive at a rapid pace, so that the responsibility, whatever it might amount to, appeared to be confined to Granger. If after considering the whole evidence they thought it was a case of suspicion merely, they would not return a verdict of manslaughter, but if they had no doubt whatever that the horse was being driven at a furious pace, it would then be their duty to return such a verdict. - The Jury then retired, and after an absence of three-quarters of an hour returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," with a recommendation that the Coroner would admonish the driver of the trap. Granger was then called forward and Mr Bone told him that he had had a very narrow escape and under all the circumstances he might rather congratulate himself that no more serious verdict had been returned. He then desired Granger to be more careful for the future when driving through the public streets. - Mr g. H. E. Rundle again attended and watched the proceedings on behalf of the deceased's family.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident. - The Coroner's Jury empanelled to Inquire concerning the death of MICHAEL JOSEPH MCCARDELL, a little boy who was run over and killed on Saturday last at Charles-place, Plymouth, last evening returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the circumstances as stated yesterday being fully confirmed.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 May 1865
TEIGNMOUTH - Suicide At Teignmouth. - An Inquest was held at the London Hotel yesterday before F. B. Cuming, Esq., on the body of MARY DAIMOND, who had committed suicide on the previous day by hanging herself. The only evidence given was that of Mrs Haywood, the person who last saw her alive on Monday night at ten o'clock, and Mr Coleridge, who broke open the door of her room on Tuesday morning and found her hanging to her bed dead. The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased committed Suicide by Hanging herself whist in a state of Unsound Mind."

TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at the Infirmary on Wednesday, on the body of JOHN HAYDON, who was killed by the wheel of a cart passing over him, as described in the Morning News of yesterday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 29 May 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest At Devonport. - Mr Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on the body of a man between 60 and 70 years, named JOHN COOLYN, who on Tuesday last accidentally fell out of a cart near Torpoint, and sustained injuries which caused his death. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 May 1865
Sudden Death At Newhouse. - An inquest was held at Newhouse yesterday afternoon, before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, on the body of JAMES BLATCHFORD, a child between three and four years old, who died suddenly on the previous day. He had been unwell for some days before his death, and on Sunday got worse. The father went to Modbury to obtain medical assistance, but before his return with a doctor the child was dead. Verdict - "Died by the Visitation of God."

PLYMOUTH - Death In The Plymouth Workhouse. - Mr J. Edmonds, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Workhouse on Saturday night on the body of a pauper named WILLIAM ROWETT, aged 56 years, who had been an inmate of the house for some time, and was in the last stage of consumption. The deceased cut his throat on Friday night with a razor and died about two hours afterwards. The razor must have been concealed carefully, as no person knew the man possessed one. Death was accelerated by the act, although it was not the entire cause, and a verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 May 1865
TORQUAY - Well-To-Do Paupers At Torquay. - An Inquest held yesterday disclosed a disgraceful state of affairs, which few could have believed existed in the fashionable town of Torquay. An infant named ELLEN ROWE, six months old, was found dead by the side of its mother on Sunday morning. The family consisted of the father, a working jeweller, who, according to his own statement, reluctantly made, earns not less than £1 a week; the mother; the eldest boy, 19 years old, who earns 14s. or 15s. a week; two younger boys, a little girl about 3 years old, and the deceased. All these sleep in one room, about 10 feet square - the father, mother, little girl and baby in one bed three feet by six, and the boys sleep on the floor. With admitted earnings of 35s. per week, the family appeared to be in a state of destitution, and had recourse to the relieving officer and parish doctor. The Jury returned the following verdict - "That ELLEN ROWE was Accidentally Suffocated in bed on the morning of Sunday last, the 28th day of May instant, at Torquay, and the Jurors desire to express their disgust at the negligence and disgraceful conduct of the parents of the said deceased in not providing better accommodation and proper provision for their children, considering the wages that the father admits he can and does earn." A Juryman named Williams was fined 10s. for having neglected to attend in time.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 June 1865
DREWSTEIGNTON - An Inquiry was held on Thursday by Mr Vallack, Coroner for Devon, on WILLIAM BEVANS, mason, aged 56 years, who committed suicide by drowning himself. The deceased complained of pains in his head on Sunday last, and remained in bed the whole of that day, and on Monday his master observed that he was in an excited state. No cause can be assigned for his committing the act, and the Jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 June 1865
PLYMOUTH - Remarkable Death Of A Child. - Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner for Plymouth, held an Inquiry yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of MARY JANE CHAPPELL, a child two years of age, and daughter of a seaman on board Her Majesty'[s ship Phoebe. - On Thursday last the child was running across the room, when she fell, and struck her eye on a mat that was lying on the floor. No apparent injury had been caused, and the blow was taken no more notice of that day. On Friday the eye appeared red, and the child's mother, believing it to be inflamed, applied elder water to it. On Sunday morning the eye was very much swollen, and the child seemed in great pain throughout the day. In the evening Mr J. H. S. May, surgeon, was sent for, and by his direction a leech was applied to the eye. Deceased suffered great agony throughout the night, and died early on Monday morning. - Mr May, in reply to the Coroner, said that in his opinion the death of deceased was caused by the blow on the left eye producing inflammation, which extended to the brain. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 June 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - A Child Killed While Asleep. - An Inquest has been held by Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, at the Devonport Guildhall, touching the death of JAMES FIELD, the infant son of a shoemaker residing in Jessamine-lane. Evidence was adduced which clearly proved the child to have been Accidentally Suffocated between his parents while in bed, and a verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 June 1865
EXETER - Suspicious Death Of "A Living Skeleton." - Mr H. W. Hooper, Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest on Friday evening concerning the death of ROBERT GREEN, a lad about 14 years old, who it was believed had been exhibited as "a living skeleton." - Ann Dunsford, a widow, in the employ of Mrs Newquit, who is the proprietress of an exhibition now travelling in Cornwall, sand in whose service the deceased had also been, said the deceased had for fourteen days been an inmate in the Cornwall Infirmary at Truro, and on Wednesday last, at the request of the house surgeon (Dr Bassett), he was discharged, that Mrs Newquite might send him to Bath to some of his relatives - his parents being dead. Witness was employed by Mrs Newquite to take the boy home, and she left Truro on Thursday afternoon, but finding on arriving at Exeter that the deceased was in too weak a state to proceed on the journey, she procured a cart and took him to Emery's lodging-house in Frog-street. She had not given the deceased any solid food since they left Truro. - The Coroner: Why did you not offer him some meat? - Witness: He was only in my charge on Thursday. - Coroner: Why did you not do it then? - Witness: I gave him a bit of mackerel in the evening, he could not eat anything. I gave him tea with an egg beat in it, also some wine and water. Soon after eight o'clock in the evening she left the deceased in care of some fire-screen makers, in order to get a letter written to Mrs Newquit, to the effect that she was immediately to come up from Cornwall, as GREEN was very ill. - Thomas Emery, a lad about 11 years of age, son of a lodging-house keeper, said he was told by his youngest brother that there was a "little thin boy upstairs almost a skeleton." He got a candle and went up to the bedroom, but found that the deceased was dead. - Mr John S. Perkins, surgeon, said he was sent for on Thursday night about 11 o'clock to attend the deceased. He found the body very much emaciated, but was of opinion that the deceased died from exhaustion, although he could not say without further examination, that exhaustion was not natural. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until today and gave Mr Perkins orders to make a post mortem examination, and requested that the attendance of Mrs Newquit should be procured.

PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Seaman. - On Friday morning a seaman belonging to the barque Southern Bell, then lying in Catwater, named ALEXANDER SANDON, a native of Chilli, in South America, about 37 years of age, was sent aloft with the end of the tape line to measure some new rigging. He had hold of the main truss with one hand, but let go to place the other higher up. Deceased then slipped, and fell to the deck, fracturing his skull. He was immediately conveyed to the South Devon Hospital, where he died on the afternoon of the same day, never having spoken a word from the time of his fall. At an Inquiry into the circumstances held on Saturday, before Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Suicide At Torquay. - Mr F. B. Cuming, the District coroner, held an Inquiry on Saturday afternoon at the Country House Inn, Ellacombe, into the death of GEORGE BREWER, aged 38. From the evidence of Mary Hutton, Sarah Martin, and Jane Sedgmond (with the latter deceased had been living), it appeared that he had been ill for some weeks, and that he went to bed on Friday morning suffering excruciating pain. In the afternoon, at three o'clock, when his friends left him for about a quarter of an hour, he seized the opportunity their absence offered by hanging himself to the bedpost. When cut down he breathed once, but all the attempts of the women to restore him were unavailing. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Cab Accident At Devonport. - On Friday evening as John Dillon was driving a cab, the property of Mr Doney, of Plymouth, over Millbridge, ALFRED RICHARD POND, a lad about nine years of age, ran after the cab, and catching hold of the axle lifted his feet from the ground in order to ride upon the axle, but one of his legs accidentally caught in the spokes of one of the wheels which dragged him on the ground after the cab. Before the vehicle could be stopped the poor boy was fatally injured. Deceased was conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital, and died two hours after the accident. Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body on Saturday afternoon, when the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the cabman Dillon from blame.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 June 1865
EXETER - The Death Of A Skeleton Boy At Exeter. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of ROBERT GREEN was resumed last evening at Exeter, before Mr Hooper, Coroner. It will be remembered that the Inquest was adjourned from Friday evening for the purpose of Mr J. S. Perkins, surgeon, making a post mortem examination. He reported that deceased died from disease of the heart. The Jury having retired, returned into the room with the following verdict:- "That ROBERT GREEN died suddenly from disease of the heart, but the Jurors cannot separate without an expression of great surprise that Mr N. F. Bassett, the surgeon of the Cornwall Infirmary at Truro, should have permitted the removal of the said ROBERT GREEN from that institution after stating in a written certificate now produced to the Jurors that he was at the time of his removal "extremely ill."

Western Morning News, Friday 23 June 1865
EXETER - Death From Suffocation. - Mr Hooper, Coroner for Exeter, held an Inquest on Wednesday at the Golden Lion, Newtown, on the body of MARY ANN CARTER, an infant. On Monday afternoon the mother gave the child to a girl of the name of Webber, and requested her to take it up to bed, which she did. An hour and a half afterwards the mother, who is a laundress, was in her wash-house, when she heard the baby cry, and asked Webber to go to it. A few minutes elapsed before she went and on going into the room she discovered the baby lying dead on the bed, with blood flowing from her mouth. Mr Perkins, surgeon, was immediately sent for, and it was that gentleman's opinion that death was owing to the rupture of a small blood vessel in the throat and that the blood travelled back to the wind-pipe and chocked the child.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 June 1865
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Cattedown. - A sad event took place yesterday at Cattedown, which has occasioned great regret throughout the neighbourhood. At about half-past nine o'clock in the morning, George Jarvis, a labourer in the employ of Messrs. Charles Norrington and co., manufacturers of superphosphate of lime at Cattedown, was in the stores, when he heard the report of a gun. He immediately went to the office and asked if MR BURDWOOD (a clerk) was there. He was answered in the negative, and, on mentioning his having heard the report of a gun, was told that it was probably MR BURDWOOD shooting rabbits. Not feeling easy, however, Jarvis went to the seed store, and there found MR JOSEPH BURDWOOD lying on the floor on his back. An alarm being raised Mr Hicks, surgeon, was sent for, who, on arriving, found the deceased to be dead. There was a circular wound about six inches in circumference in his head, which had entirely destroyed the left eye and the orbit, fractured the temporal, frontal and parietal bones. A very large quantity of clotted blood was on the floor under the deceased's head, his face being blackened with fire. Sergeant Giles, who accompanied the surgeon, found deceased's double-barrelled gun near his left side. One of the barrels of the gun had been discharged. Deceased occasionally drank to excess. He was a married man, aged forty-five, and resided at No. 5 Jubilee-place, having been in Messrs. Norrington's employ for many years. On Saturday afternoon two other clerks had arranged with him that they should leave for town and that he should stay at the office, but on his leaving, as he said, for a short time to go into Cattedown, they agreed that he was not fit to mind the office, having been drinking even more than usual during the week, and consequently a Mr Shearm stayed in his stead, but deceased did not return as he had promised. he was last seen alive yesterday morning by Mr B. Sparrow, clerk in the firm of Messrs. Sparrow, Brothers and Scott, when he seemed to be in a desponding state of mind. An Inquest was held last evening before Mr Edmonds, Coroner, when Mr Hicks having stated his conviction that the deceased committed suicide whilst in temporary insanity caused by delirium tremens, the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER - Manslaughter Of A Wife At Exeter. - Last evening a Coroner's Jury at Exeter returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" against an old man named TAYLOR for having caused the death of his wife, also an aged person. The evidence shewed that the couple, who had lived in the almshouses near St Thomas Church, were of drunken habits, that on the 5th of November last during a quarrel, the man, who was intoxicated, struck his wife with an oak stick used for cracking stones. One of her legs was thus broken and other injuries inflicted. She was taken to the hospital and amputation had to be resorted to, from which ultimately she died on Sunday last. TAYLOR was committed for trial.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 July 1865
EXETER - Fatal Accident To A Stonehouse Lad. - CHARLES GEORGE THOMAS, a lad from Stonehouse, has died at the Exeter Hospital under peculiar circumstances. In March last a small piece of wood got into his ear, and another lad while endeavouring to extract the wood with a piece of slate pencil accidentally broke the tip of the pencil off in the ear. The wood was extracted, and many attempts were made to take out the pencil, but the lad eventually succumbed to the effects of the injury and died. A post mortem examination was made, and the brain was found to be much inflamed, but no pencil could be found. The Jury at the Inquest returned a verdict "That deceased died from Inflammation of the Brain, the result of a foreign body in the ear, and the want of necessary surgical steps being taken for its removal."

TORQUAY - Death At Torquay Through Jumping From A Train. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon at the Torbay Infirmary on the body of WILLIAM SPICER, who died on Thursday morning from the effects of a broken leg caused by jumping from a train while travelling at the rate of seven miles an hour. Deceased was a farm labourer living at the engine-house, about a mile above the Torre railway station. On Wednesday night, at half-past ten, he came to the station, and, contrary to the orders of the railway porter on duty, he got into the goods train, with the intention of jumping off as it passed the place where he lived. It was only when the train was in motion that the guard observed him in the van. When the train came near Lower Bridge the deceased jumped off. When the express train came down a few minutes after the guard observed someone lying by the rails and Mr Yeo, a builder, who was returning from Newton on horseback, hearing someone shouting out to him inquired the cause, and the deceased called out to him that his leg was broken. Assistance was then obtained, but it was not until half-past ten in the morning that the poor fellow reached the Infirmary, and he was then in a state of collapse, from which he never rallied. Deceased had sustained a compound comminuted fracture of the left leg and foot. The limb was amputated by Mr Stabb, but the man died in the course of the forenoon. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 July 1865
TEIGNMOUTH - Death Of A Child By Drowning. - On Friday an Inquest was held at Teignmouth on the body of a child between three and four years of age, the son of a fisherman named SKEGGEL, who fell into the water at the beach where the water was so shallow as not to cover his body. The child could have made no noise as his mother was but a few yards off buying fish, and she and those around her did not know of his death until a lad called attention to it. Every exertion was used to restore the child, but without avail. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 July 1865
BOVEY TRACEY - Fatal Accident On The Moretonhampstead Railway. - An Inquest was held at the Bell Inn, Bovey, before Mr F. B. Cuming, concerning the death of MR JOHN DAVIS, who was killed while at work the previous day. He was hauling a clay bank about seven feet deep, when John Sowden, who was at work with him, saw the earth crack. He called out, but deceased was unable to get out of the way, and was nearly buried; on his being taken out, deceased said his back was broken. He expired in about an hour. He was 67 years of age. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner, made an Inquiry concerning the death of ELIZABETH CLOKE, the wife of a gardener, last evening, at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Plymouth. Deceased sent her little daughter of an errand, and the child on returning found the door of the room locked. She cried out to her mother several times, but receiving no answer, called some neighbours, who effected an entrance into the room. Deceased was found dead, hanging to the bed-post by a scarf. The husband of deceased and several neighbours gave evidence to the effect that she had been low spirited, and for several weeks had complained of violent pains in her head. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 July 1865
LITTLHEMPSTON - Death From A Fall From A Horse. - An Inquest has been held at the New Bridge Inn, Littlehempston, before F. B. Cuming, Coroner, on the body of CHARLES CLEAVE, who was killed by a fall from a horse. A witness named Manning deposed to having met a horse in the road without a rider, and about 30 yards further off saw the deceased lying on the ground. He took him into his waggon. Deceased never breathed after. A brother-in-law of deceased said he was subject to fits. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 July 1865
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Stonehouse Tragedy. - Mr Allan B. Bone was occupied for some hours yesterday in considering the circumstances of the death of EDWARD BUNTER, who attempted to murder Detective Inspector Annis on Saturday last, and on Wednesday cut his own throat and arms with a piece of a basin in which his breakfast had been supplied. The first portion of the evidence related to the crime which deceased had committed, and with the circumstances of which our readers are familiar. It was elicited that the police had been in BUNTER'S house for two hours, searching for government property, when the murderous attack was made. Annis, when stabbed, said to P.C. Goodyear, "He has done it," and BUNTER said "You have got it now," and subsequently added, "I have done a grand thing - a noble act," and expressed regret that he had not served Goodyear the same, and that he had not shoved it right through Annis. To Police-Sergeant Phillips deceased said, when in his cell, "Oh that my arm had been stronger; I would have put it into you if it had not broken off." He added, "Don't think I did it in a passion, I have been meditating on it all day;" & again said, "I am satisfied, he must die & I don't care what become of me." P.C. Hobbs, who attended deceased in the cell, proved that on the morning of his suicide he said, when told that there were no hopes of Annis's recovery, "I am very glad to hear it." That morning he complained that his appetite had failed, and he could not eat his breakfast, but said he possibly might do so presently. The basin was, therefore, left with him, which he subsequently broke, and with the pieces cut his throat and opened the arteries of his arms. Evidence was given of finding the deceased in his cell, bleeding from deep cuts on his neck and arms and of his receiving medical attention, and subsequent death, previous to which he had recovered consciousness and endeavoured to tear open the wound in his throat. Witnesses were called to prove that some years ago deceased attempted to strangle himself, and had once before cut his throat, and that his father was for 21 years a lunatic. Mr Brian, his solicitor, spoke to his excitability and despondency while in the cells; he had promised Mr Brian that he would not lay violent hands on himself. After additional evidence of an indecisive character, the Coroner summed up at great length, and the Jury, by a majority of 17 to 6, returned a verdict of Suicide while Temporarily Insane. Annis is recovering.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 August 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Inexplicable Suicide By A Colour-Sergeant At Devonport. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Military Hospital Inn, Stoke-road, Devonport, before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, concerning the death of Colour-Sergeant JAMES JOLLY, of the 28th Regiment, stationed at Raglan Barracks. The evidence of the several witnesses sworn embodied the following facts:- On Monday morning last, about half-past eight, deceased desired a private named Upton, of his Company, who was in the habit of cleaning his accoutrements, to bring him his belts and firelock, because "he was going sick." Upton took the things to deceased's room, in the barrack-room, and observed that he was lying on his bed partially dressed, and looking pale and ill. That morning Upton had cleaned the firelock, and was positive it was not loaded when it was taken to deceased. Soon after this it was found that deceased had not presented the defaulter's book of the Company that morning, and inquiries were made for him. He had been absent from parade, and it being thought he was sick a messenger was sent to the Military Hospital to see him, and to get the key of the door of his room, which had been found to be locked. He could not be found, and a private named Stringer obtained another key and entered the room. Stringer stated that immediately after he had unlocked the door he was startled by the discharge of a rifle in deceased's room. He thrust open the door instantly, and saw that deceased had shot himself. He was lying on his bed, holding rifle in his left hand near the muzzle, which was close to his throat. To his right foot was tied a handkerchief, one end of which was attached to the trigger of the rifle. The room was full of smoke. There was a wound in deceased's throat, and his shirt collar was on fire. Blood was rushing from the wound in the throat, and from another wound at the back of the head. Deceased was quite dead; his eyes were closed and he did not move. The bullet had entered the throat, passed out at the back of the head, penetrated a sheet of iron at the back of the bed, and then lodged about an inch deep in a wooden partition. No cause was assigned for deceased committing suicide: he was stated to be of a usually cheerful disposition and none of the witnesses had observed anything remarkable in deceased's manner, nor had heard him make any complaint. private Stringer stated that he saw him about 10 o'clock on Sunday night when he came into barracks. He then appeared to be sulky, and not in his usually merry mood; he was, however, perfectly sober. It had been rumoured that deceased committed suicide through being disappointed in love, but nothing was adduced in support of this theory. Shortly after he came home with his regiment from India, where he had been many years, he formed the acquaintance of a young woman in Devonport named Sarah Widger. She was examined, and stated that deceased engaged a room for her at Fore-street, Devonport, and he took his meals with her. She had never seen anything remarkable in him, and she never had any reason to believe that he would do harm to himself. He had never complained to her of her keeping company with a bandsman in the same regiment, nor that his [?] were wrong. On Sunday deceased had promised to come home to dinner at one o'clock, but he did not come home until past two. This made her angry, and she told him "It would be the last dinner he should have with her, for that one had been spoiled." At supper time he told her he had not forgotten those words. he had a half-pint of beer before he left for barracks, and went away perfectly sober. Deceased six weeks ago had wished her to get married, but she had delayed it; they intended, however, to have got married. Before leaving on Sunday night deceased made her promise that she would go on Mount W[?] to see the guard trooped on the following morning and it was his duty to be present. On Monday morning she was cleaned to go, when she heard deceased had shot himself. - Lieut. Emerson stated that it was deceased's duty to pay the company, but that nothing wrong had been found in his accounts. Each of the witnesses examined had given him an excellent character for perseverance and sobriety. He had been in the service eleven years, was very much respected in his regiment, and was 29 years of age. On his person nearly a sovereign in silver and coopers was found, and the key of the door of his room, which deceased must have locked the door on the inside and put the key into his pocket. He had charge of the [?] of the company to which he belonged. The Coroner having explained the law of homicide to the Jury, he observed that there was no evidence of [?]. The Jury deliberated a few minutes, and the majority of the Jury gave a verdict of "Temporary Insanity, the remainder for a verdict of Felo de se. The Colonel of the 28th Regt. was present during the Inquiry.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 August 1865
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Clerk At Plymouth. - yesterday morning JOHN CURTIS MAY, aged 61, clerk to Mr W. R. Saunders, slate merchant, Sutton-road, Plymouth, committed suicide by hanging himself by a rope from a beam in the wash-house of his residence, No. 4, Bedford-villas, where he lived with his father, who is a man 96 years of age, his brother and his sister. Deceased had been giving way to drink lately, and yesterday morning got up at six o'clock. His brother who slept with deceased rose at about seven o'clock and on going into the wash-house for some coals, found his brother hanging as described. In his fright he forgot to cut deceased down, and when that was ultimately done life was extinct. There was nothing wrong in deceased's accounts. The Jury, at the Inquest last evening, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 August 1865
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Death Of A Lady. - The deepest regret was felt at Plymouth yesterday upon its becoming known that a lady whose family was held in the highest respect had committed suicide. The event took place at Byfield House, Mannamead, where MISS LOUISA MARY SCOTT, about forty-two years of age, was discovered in her bedroom shortly after eight o'clock in the morning suspended by a cord previously used to fasten one of her trunks. The deceased, who was a highly accomplished lady, had spent a considerable time in Dr Fox's Lunatic Asylum, near Bristol, and had always written of it in terms of praise, but whilst there she frequently entreated to be permitted to visit her friends. Her importunities were yielded to from a natural feeling of attachment, and three months ago she arrived at Byfield House. She was, however, in an exceedingly despondent state, and appeared to have a great dread f having to return to the Asylum. About six weeks ago - according to the evidence adduced at the Inquest, held yesterday at deceased's residence, before Mr Bone, Coroner - she desired that Emma Bauce, a domestic servant in the house, should bring her some poison, mentioning Battley's Vermin Powder, which the maid purchased, but she informed deceased's sister of it, and the poison of course was withheld. Evidence was also given as to the deceased having sought death in other ways. Soon after eight o'clock yesterday morning, Ann Bauce, another servant, was brought up by her sister - (who had preceded her, and who raised the alarm) to deceased's bedroom, which is upstairs, at the left corner of the house. The two sisters then discovered that deceased was hanging by a cord to the tester of her bed. She wore her night clothes, but some of her day clothes were underneath, so that it seemed that she had partially dressed. Her feet were tied closely together, and her hands were also tightly bound. Her body and feet were warm. Medical assistance was sent for, and rubbing was resorted to, in order to restore animation, but without avail, and on Mr Square's arrival he pronounced the deceased to have been dead fully an hour and a half. The Coroner's Jury agreed without hesitation to a verdict of "Death by Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 11 August 1865
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Accident At Newton. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday afternoon by Mr W. F. Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, at Newton, on the body of JOSEPH MEDLAND, who was accidentally killed on the previous day by the upsetting of a cart. Deceased, who was about 14 years of age, was in the employ of Mr J. Eggbeer, contractor to the Devon and Courtenay Clay Company for conveying their clay from the pits to the wharf, for the purpose of being shipped. On Tuesday morning the deceased was proceeding with a horse and empty cart, in company with Eggbeer, who had also a horse and cart, to the Decoy. On their way they met a cart laden with clay, and deceased, who was in the rear and riding, on passing it, drove against the other cart, and that of deceased turned over on him, seriously fracturing his skull. He was taken to his home and attended to by Mr Gillard and Mr Gaye, surgeons, but he died a few hours afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". They also requested the Coroner to write to Mr Eggbeer requesting him not to engage boys so young for that kind of work for the future.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 August 1865
EXETER - The Fatal Railway Accident At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Pack Horse Inn, Exeter, on the body of THOMAS COURTENAY, aged twenty-three years, who was killed by an engine passing over him on Tuesday evening at the Queen-street station of the London and South-Western Railway. Evidence was given clearly shewing that the deceased met his death by his own act, in jumping off a train on to an adjoining line of rails, along which an engine was coming. He looked up the line instead of down it, and jumped off just in front of the engine. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 August 1865
EAST STONEHOUSE - A Man Drowned At Stonehouse. - As a party of Marines were pulling a boat down Stonehouse Creek yesterday morning, when passing off the Government emigration depot, one of them, James Dodd, discovered the body of a man in the water. On pulling near it, it was found to be partially immersed in the mud, from whence it was extricated and placed in the naval boathouse near the spot. P.C. Watts, the Devon County Constable on duty, was then sent for, who had the body removed to the dead-house in the Stonehouse Workhouse. Subsequently the body was identified as that of SAMUEL MEDDLETON, a young man about 25 years of age, employed as a labourer at the Keyham steam factory. The deceased resided at Wilcove, but had been missing since Sunday evening last, when he accompanied his wife to the Plymouth railway station to see her off for Torquay, where she went to stay with her friends during her approaching confinement. The deceased was afterwards seen between seven and eight o'clock that evening, making his way through Union-street, Plymouth, apparently on his return to his home, by a man called Thomas Kevill. The deceased was not drunk, but he had been drinking. An Inquest was held on the body yesterday afternoon, by the County Coroner, A. B. Bone, Esq., who adjourned the Inquest to Monday, to obtain the evidence of a man who is aid to have seen the deceased after nine o'clock on Sunday night, nearly two hours later than when Kevill did.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 August 1865
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Woman At Plymouth. - On Saturday morning a deplorable result of drunkenness and profligacy occurred at Plymouth. A Woman named CURNO had for three years been cohabiting with George Wyatt, a seaman on board the merchant schooner Alberta, of Plymouth, at Oreston. Since Wyatt had been away on his last voyage from which he returned on Wednesday, CURNO had had the portrait of another man put in her brooch, which on Friday she shewed to Wyatt. This so enraged him that he told her he would have nothing more to do with her. They had previously been intending to be married. They then separated and drank at various beershops during the day, and in the evening both drank, although separate, in the Painters' Arms, Higher [?] street. Wyatt left a little before midnight with a [?] John Dorgan, and CURNO followed them. They were all the worse for drink. On arriving on the North Quay, Wyatt said he was going home. CURNO said "Do you mean to say that, George?" Wyatt said "Yes," and the woman then said, "Good-bye George, goodbye Jack; good-bye all," and jumped off the Quay into Sutton Pool. An alarm was raised, but the body had sunk before assistance could be procured, though Dorgan plunged in after her, but on rising to the surface about half an hour afterwards it was observed and secured. Deceased's mother resides in Exeter. The water was ten or twelve feet deep where she jumped. At the Inquest held on Saturday afternoon, before Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner, it was stated that deceased was of a very excitable temperament. A few days before she had threatened to drown herself. She resided at No. 19 Looe-street. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 August 1865
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Man Found Drowned At Stonehouse. - The Inquest upon the body of SAMUEL MIDDLETON, a labourer in the Keyham Yard, whose body it will be remembered was picked up by a party of Marines in Stonehouse Lake on Friday last, was resumed yesterday before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner. The Inquest was adjourned for the production of a witness who it was stated had last seen the deceased alive. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned by the Jury.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 August 1865
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Accident At Barnstaple. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday, by Mr R. J. Bencraft, Coroner of Barnstaple, on the body of JAMES LIMEBEARD, aged 3 years, who came to his death on the previous day by falling into the River Yeo, and drifting into a water-wheel, which carried him around two or three times, fearfully bruising and lacerating his body in several places, and, as the result, he only lived a few hours. The mother stated that the child had been from home but a very short time. Verdict - "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 25 August 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At The Plymouth Regatta. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Model Room of the Gunwharf, at Devonport, by Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner, concerning the death of MR J. E. CHEETHAM, aged 35 years, a commissioned officer in the Military Store Staff, doing duty at the Devonport Gunwharf, who was drowned in the Sound on the previous day. The body had been brought from a Prussian war vessel in the Sound, where the deceased died. The following evidence was adduced:- Thomas William Courtenay said he was a clerk in the office of a merchant in London, and was stopping at the house of Mr Whippel, in Plymouth. On Wednesday morning, in company with Mr Edward Pridham, Mr Whippel, Mr Glinn, and the waterman, Burt, he started in a boat, the "Royal Mail" from the Hoe. The boat measured about nine tons. They cruised about inside the breakwater and subsequently outside. They then returned and landed Mr Edward Pridham, and were joined by Mr Fredk. Pridham and deceased. They cruised about as before, and proceeded outside the breakwater, as far as the boat mark which had to be rounded by the yachts competing at the regatta, and then turned to go inside the breakwater again. In answer to a question from the Coroner the witness stated that he was not acquainted to any extent with nautical matters, and a better account of the accident could be given by Mr Pridham, who accordingly was then called. - Mr Fredk. Pridham said he was a commissioned officer in the military store staff, holding the same rank as the deceased. Mr Pridham corroborated the former portion of the last witness's statement and added that at the time they were returning from their cruise outside the breakwater, they were on a wind under mainsail, jib, and gaff-topsail, the mizen, which had been up while outside, having been brailed up. The wind was blowing from the S.W. roughly, and they were going in the direction of Millbay, when they saw a boat in distress about fifty yards from them. They agreed to bear down and give assistance, and passed to windward of the boat close to her, and in passing Burt threw a rope to the men that were in the boat, but it was missed. They attempted to wear round, and in doing so the mainsail "jibed," the water rushed in over the gunwale and the boat sunk like a stone. He did not see the deceased alive afterwards. The last he saw of him before the sail "jibbed" was when he was standing on the weather side of the boat, holding on by the gunwale. The boat was being steered by Burt, the waterman, who he considered was an experienced seaman. It had been stated in one of the newspapers that Burt was requested to take in the topsail, and refused to do so. He did not hear Burt asked to go anything of the kind, and was sure that he never refused. He had sailed with Burt on various occasions, and had always considered him to be a most prudent and competent man. - By the Coroner: There was a "half hitch" attached to the boat, through which the mainsheet rope was run. - The Coroner: I suppose if you had had more time you could have prevented the accident by loosing the mainsail? - Witness: Perhaps so. - The Coroner: In your opinion was there more sail than she could fairly carry in such weather? - Witness: No, I think not; she had been carrying more sail than that four miles outside the Breakwater. - The Coroner: Did it appear to you that there was a want of caution on the part of anyone in the boat? - Witness: I should not like to pass any opinion on that subject, as the whole affair was so sudden. - A Juror: What ballast had you in the boat? - Witness: About a ton and a half. - By the Coroner: He did not know whether Burt had time to loosen the mainsheet while the boat was wearing round, nor could he say whether Burt had the sheet rope in his hand at the time. He swam to a revenue cutter, and soon afterwards the cutter also picked up Burt, who was partially under water. - Mr Courtenay was recalled, and said that when the boat was capsized he was thrown into the water close to the deceased, who was clinging to an oar, and had not apparently enough strength to keep the water from his mouth. On being taken into a boat he was perfectly insensible. - Mr Connell Whippel, a surgeon, practising in Plymouth, said the party were about ten minutes in the water after the boat capsized. The deceased on being taken out of the water was perfectly insensible, and in his opinion he was then dead. He endeavoured to restore animation, but without effect. After the body had been taken on board the Prussian ship in the Sound various processes were resorted to for the purpose of restoring animation, but all efforts were futile. - The Coroner: Do you think there was any negligence on the part of anyone in the boat? - Witness: I think not. - Did you hear that Burt had been requested to shortensail? - Witness: I have heard so. - Mr Glinn, C.E., who was present, said that three quarters of an hour before the boat was upset he said to Burt "That topsail is not doing us any good now, we may as well take it down." He did not hear Burt make any reply. He did not make the remark from any impression of danger. When the boat was heaving around he said, "let go the foresail," but he did not hear Burt make any reply. - This being the whole of the evidence the Coroner briefly summed up. Having recapitulated the principal points, he commented upon the apparent accidental nature of the occurrence. If the Jury thought there had been any negligence on the part of the man Burt the Inquest should be adjourned for his attendance, although he would not be compelled to make any statement that would criminate himself. - The Jury, without hesitation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," at the same time expressing their warm approval of the conduct of Mr Pridham and his companions, for their strenuous exertions to render assistance to a distressed boat. - The gentlemen who were endangered by the accident are anxious publicly, and in the most cordial manner, to acknowledge the assiduous attention and great kindness received by all of them from the officers of His Prussian Majesty's ships in the Sound, on board which they were conveyed. Everything which experience could suggest or disinterested kindness could dictate was done for those who survived and for the unfortunate deceased. The waterman, Burt, is still very ill, although danger to life has passed.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 August 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Drowning In Hamoaze. - An Inquest was held yesterday before Mr Bone, concerning the death of WILLIAM SANDERS, aged 39, who on Monday week was painting the davits of the brig Kingfisher, in Hamoaze, and falling into the water was drowned. Ropes were thrown to him, which he did not seize; and Dennis Sheehan, a seaman of H.M.S. Impregnable, plunged into the water and swam towards him, but did not reach the spot in time. On Monday the body was seen floating near the spot. Deceased, who had lived separately from his wife for five years, was not subject to fits or giddiness. No light was thrown on the cause of the occurrence and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 September 1865
EXETER - Fatal Accident At Exeter. - Mr Hooper, Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday night, at the Anchor Inn, Exe Island, on the body of MRS MARTHA FINNEMORE, a widow, aged 62 years, who met with an accident on the previous evening by falling over some stairs. From the evidence of Mrs Ann Yelland it appeared that she was in the house which was occupied by the deceased about half-past 11 on Sunday evening. She heard a noise like something falling very heavily down the stairs. She immediately went from her room and saw the deceased lying at the bottom. A surgeon was sent for, but before he arrived MRS FINNEMORE had expired, her neck being broken. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 September 1865
APPLEDORE - On Wednesday an Inquest was held on the body of JOHN SLADER, of Appledore, master of a small vessel belonging to Mr Cooke, of that town. The deceased, who died from rupture of a blood vessel, has left a widow and nine children.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 September 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - THOMAS PEARSE, pensioned seaman, residing at 119, Navy-row, Morice Town, met his death by hanging. He was a very tall man - six feet one in height, - and must have tied the end of a piece of rope round a beam in the back kitchen of the house in the front kitchen of which he lived. The bight of the rope was made into a running noose, and the deceased must have stood on a stool, which was found there subsequently, and putting his head into the noose, swung off. Philip Slee, a seaman, of H.M.S. Indus, was passing the house at 20 minutes after seven yesterday morning, when he was attracted to the house by the screams of Mrs Profit, who resided there. He went in and found the deceased hanging by a rope as described. He immediately cut him down and sent for assistance. Deceased then appeared to be alive, and drew breath once, but when three minutes afterwards Mr Ryder, chemist of Navy-row, arrived, he was dead. An Inquest was held before Mr Bone, Coroner, last evening, when these facts were given in evidence. Mrs Davis, landlady of the house in which deceased lived, stated that he had told her that some years ago, when at sea, he had received a blow at the back of his head, and occasionally felt queer in his head. She knew that drink affected him in his head, but never thought him insane. The Coroner pointed out to the Jury that there was no real evidence of insanity before them, but following the usual and indiscriminating custom, they returned a unanimous verdict, that "The deceased hung himself while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

CLOVELLY - Suicide Of A Clergyman At Clovelly. - An Inquest was held at Clovelly, North Devon, on Monday, by Mr R. Bremridge, County Coroner, on the body of the REV. JOSIAH RODWELL, of Canterbury, who was on a visit to his brother, the REV. J. M. RODWELL. The latter deposed that for some time past his brother had been very much depressed in spirits, and on Sunday morning, as he did not come down to breakfast at his usual time, witness's son was sent to call his uncle and found him lying in the bed and looking very pale. Assistance was called and the deceased was found to be quite dead, his throat being cut, and a razor lying close by. The deceased, who was about 50 years of age, was in moderate circumstances, but, as it appeared from his brother's evidence, he had overtaxed his mental energies in performing the duties of his parish. The Jury returned a verdict of "Killed himself by cutting his throat, whilst in an Unsound State of Mind."

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 September 1865
BRIDESTOWE - An Inquest was held on Tuesday, at Bridestowe, before Mr Vallack, Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM COOMBE, aged 44 years, who was on Friday last thrown from his horse, receiving concussion of the brain, from which he died shortly afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 18 September 1865
TAVISTOCK - The Unprotected Mine Shafts. - On Saturday an Inquest was held at Tavistock, before Mr A. B. Bone, County Coroner, on the body of BENJAMIN HALL, who was killed by falling into a mine shaft on his return from the Tavistock races last Tuesday, as stated in Saturday's Western Morning News. The Jury viewed the body, and the Coroner gave an order for its interment, but the formal Inquiry was adjourned until next Saturday, when it is understood that there will be a thorough investigation, not only into the immediate causes of the accident, but also into the question as to who is the person on whom the responsibility rests of leaving the public at the mercy of the abandoned and unprotected mind workings.

NEWTON ABBOT - Suicide Through Love At Newton Abbot. - An Inquest was held by Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, at the Jolly Sailor Inn, East-street, Newton Abbot, on Saturday afternoon, on the body of SARAH CAPE, late a domestic servant in the employ of Mr Law, of East-street, and who committed suicide on the previous day by taking a large quantity of oxalic acid. - Miss Elizabeth Bates Law said that SARAH CAPE, the deceased, who was about thirty years of age, was her father's servant, and had resided with them about a year and a half. On the previous day about a quarter after eleven in the morning, witness left her in charge of the house and returned home again at a quarter after one. On entering the house she called but could not get any answer. She then searched for deceased, and on going into the kitchen found she had made no preparations for dinner, the fire being nearly out. Witness went to the bottom of the stairs and called for her, but to no purpose. About half-past one witness's brother came home, and he also called, but getting no reply went upstairs, looked into CAPE'S room, and returned in great haste, saying there was a man on the bed who had white clothes on. Her brother was near sighted, which accounted for his making this mistake. After talking the matter over they called in Mr Wotton, a neighbour, who went to the bedroom, and found the deceased dead. Witness had noticed nothing unusual in her manner in the morning. She was always very eccentric. There was nothing said to annoy her. witness had heard that she had attempted suicide a few years before. - Mr David Law (son of Mr W. Law) confirmed his sister's evidence. - Dr Jane deposed to seeing the deceased lying on the bed, and quite dead. She appeared to have been dead an hour or more. He considered from her general appearance that she had taken some irritant poison. A large quantity of oxalic acid would produce the results. He examined her dress, which was at the foot of the bed, and found on it some wet stains. There was some moisture on the bed quilt, as well as some frothy mucous about the mouth. Oxalic acid would produce similar stains. Deceased did not appear to have been a person of strong intellect. It was possible for her to have walked from the kitchen to the bedroom after taking the poison. - Proof was given of the purchase of oxalic acid by the deceased. - Mr Law said that he had been informed that a young man had promised marriage to the deceased, and that he had since broken his word. He believed this circumstance had preyed upon her mind, and occasioned her to commit the rash act. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporarily Insanity.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 September 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Determined Suicide Of An Artillery-Man At Devonport. - An Inquiry was held yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of RICHARD BAWKER, a bombardier in the 8th Field Battery Royal Artillery, stationed at the Granby Barracks, Devonport, who put an end to his existence early on Monday morning last by shooting himself in the wash-house attached to the barracks. - William Walker, a bombardier in the same corps as the deceased, was the first witness examined. He stated that he had known the deceased for about sixteen months and was in his company on Sunday night. He met deceased at a house in Granby-row, where there were two other young men and two females. Deceased appeared to be in good spirits and quite merry, although not by drink. They drank three quarts of beer between them, after which they left the house for their quarters, at about five minutes to twelve. He bid the deceased good night before he went into his own barrack-room. Deceased said to him, "Won't you shake hands with me?" which he did. Deceased had never spoken to him in that way before. There had been no quarrel at the house on Sunday evening. He had known deceased to be in the hospital a short time since with a chest disease of some kind. He had never known him to have received any punishment. - Henry Ollis, an acting bombardier in the Artillery, stated that he met the deceased in company with Walker at the barrack-gate about midnight on Sunday. He went into the barrack-room with deceased and got into bed, leaving deceased sitting on the edge of his cot. About twenty minutes afterwards he got out of bed for the purpose of getting a drink. Deceased was then sitting on his bed as before, with no other clothes on than his shirt. He said to him, "Why don't you get into bed, you will catch a cold?" to which deceased replied, "It's all right, I will directly; I'm only sitting here to get myself cool." About ten minutes afterwards he heard someone go out of the room, and in about a quarter of an hour heard a loud noise, but did not think at the time that it was the report of a carbine. Shortly afterwards he heard that deceased had shot himself, acting upon which information he went into the wash-house which was situated very near his barrack-room. He saw the body of deceased lying on the floor, bleeding profusely from very extensive wounds in the head. A carbine was lying between his legs. The bullet had apparently passed through his head and through the ceiling of the room. On Sunday afternoon heard the deceased say that it was a shame that the men should be obliged to clean the harness on a Sunday. The Coroner: But cleaning harness was not a part of his duties, I believe? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: Then what difference would that make to him? - Witness: None, sir, but he was a driver himself once. - Sergeant-Major Humphrey Gilbert said that he was called to the wash-house a little after one on Monday morning, where he saw the body of the deceased. He found a paper of percussion caps and nine rounds of ammunition lying on the floor of the wash-house. He also saw a carbine lying close by the body of the deceased. On returning into the barrack-room he discovered that a carbine and some ammunition was missing. He had never known any of the officers speak harshly to the deceased. - Dr J. Wilson deposed to having seen the deceased in the hospital in the early part of August, with a slight attack of dyspepsia. In his opinion dyspepsia was a disease that produced lowness of spirits, although it did not tend to produce insanity. - Wm. Sugars, a driver, deposed to finding the body of deceased in the wash-house. - Major Wm. Andrews said he was the officer commanding the 8th Field Battery. It was the custom for the drivers to clean the harness on Saturday and hang it up in the harness-room. On Sunday it was usual for the commanding officer to inspect the harness after morning service, to ascertain whether the work had been properly executed. It was not often the case that the harness was re-cleaned on the Sabbath-day. On the present occasion he considered the step to have been taken in consequence of the battery having orders to be ready for inspection on the following morning; the work would have taken but a short time to complete. - By a Juror: He did not make the inspection on the day in question; Captain Arbuthnot and Lieutenant Dickon went around in his absence. - Sergeant-Major Gilbert was recalled and examined relative to the subject of the cleaning of harness. He stated that he accompanied Captain Arbuthnot. The work found fault with was seven double sets, and orders were given for their cleaning. - By the Jury: There was plenty of time, in his opinion, for the harness to be cleaned on the Monday morning. The duty of the deceased expired on Sunday at five o'clock. In consequence of one of the sergeants having obtained leave, deceased was ordered to see the harness cleaned, although it did not detain him a minute longer then he otherwise would have been kept. It was necessary that the deceased should keep himself in the immediate vicinity, as on that day he was stable orderly. - Major Andrews said he wished to explain to the Jury that the work was not given to the men to do with any idea of punishment. If the harness was well cleaned, and kept in good condition, the men were often granted extra leave, and in the event of their not having properly done their work they would not have their leave stopped, or be subjected to any other punishment. - Captain Arbuthnot was examined, but gave evidence simply to the fact of his having ordered some of the harness in question to be cleaned. The captain was subjected to a lengthy cross-examination by the Jury, as to the propriety of this act, but the Coroner abruptly concluded the examination by asking the gallant officer whether he issued the order as a matter of punishment, or as a point of duty, to which the captain replied that he did not give the order with the idea of inflicting the slightest punishment upon the men, but because he did not think there would have been time to have cleaned it on the following morning in time for the inspection. - Sergeant William Baker said that on Sunday last he told the deceased to take charge of the stables, as he had got leave. Later in the afternoon he saw deceased again, but had no quarrel with him, nor did he speak harshly to him. - William James, a driver, stated that on Sunday afternoon he was in the barrack-room, when the deceased came into the room, and appeared to be in a great passion. He said, "It's enough to make a man make away with himself, having to turn out and clean harness on a Sunday." In the evening he saw the deceased again in the barrack, when he said that Mr Dickon had spoken to him like a dog, and that he had never been spoken to so before. - The Coroner in summing up, reminded the Jury that all cases of homicide were felonious unless proved the contrary. If a man were to take his life while in a sane condition he need not tell them that the law held him answerable for it; but if, on the other hand, he were to take his own or any other's person's life in a state of insanity, he would not be considered responsible. But he would impress upon their minds that insanity did not consist of any lowness of spirits, attack of dyspepsia, or any similar complaint; but existed when a man was not aware of the nature of the act he was about to commit. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned by eight of the Jury, the remainder being for a verdict of felo de se.

LIFTON Fatal Accident At Lifton. - On Friday evening, JOHN GUSCOTT, aged 66, was with other quarrymen raising and blasting stone in Lifton limestone quarry, when a stone, 25 lbs. weight, was blown up in the air to a considerable distance, and, striking on a rock, glanced in under a bridge where the men had gone for safety, and broke GUSTCOTT'S thigh, from the effects of which injury and the shock he died soon afterwards. Mr Vallack has held an Inquest on the body, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 September 1865
TAVISTOCK - The Unfenced Mine Shaft On Whitchurch Down. - The adjourned Inquest respecting the death of BENJAMIN HOLE, who fell down the shaft of Wheal Surprise Mine, on Whitchurch Down, took place on Saturday, before Mr A. B. Bone, junr., Deputy Coroner, at the Guildhall, Tavistock. Mr Bridgman appeared to watch the proceedings on behalf of the deceased's friends; Mr John Beer, of Devonport, for Mr Harris, the lord of the manor; and Mr Bater for Mr Bayly, the alleged lessee of Wheal Surprise Mine. - Deceased came by his death in the following manner. On Tuesday, the 12th of September, he went to Tavistock Races, at Whitchurch. While upon the racecourse he met with George Oxenham, a retired farmer, living at Tavistock. Oxenham seems to have been intoxicated, but they went and had some drink together at a booth on the ground. During the afternoon Oxenham pulled out of his pocket seven sovereigns, in the presence of the deceased, and tendered one in payment for the beer which they had drunk. Deceased offered to count the change, but Oxenham told him to leave it alone. About nine o'clock in the evening they left the course and went across Whitchurch Down towards Tavistock. HOLE, it is said, was not so drunk as Oxenham, but while walking across the common the latter fell into a quarry pit, and there remained in a state of stupor. He had no recollection of what became of HOLE, who was afterwards found drowned in some water at the bottom of a shaft at Wheal Surprise Mine. Oxenham's hat was also found in the shaft, and a Juryman asked whether deceased did not fall down the pit in running after the hat. Oxenham, however, said he was too drunk to remember his loss. When he recovered his senses he found himself in the quarry pit he searched for his money, and missed £5. It was not known what money the deceased had when he left home, but after his body was recovered £3 and some odd shillings were found in his pockets. It was stated that there was only a slight fence around the shaft, but a miner named Harris said that two years and a half ago a wall five feet high was built round the shaft. The Rev. R. Sleaman said there were five roads on Whitchurch Down repaired by the parish, and each road was over 200 yards distant from the shaft. The adjoining estates had a right of common over the down. In reply to Mr Bridgman, the rev. gentleman said there were numberless paths on the Down, and where the deceased went was not an extraordinary place for a man to be on returning from the races. - Mr bone explained to the Jury that unless a pit, or mine shaft, or any dangerous hole, was substantially adjacent to the highway, then there was no liability or responsibility on the part of anyone to keep it fenced. The law said that if the public used a place of that kind, they were the proper persons to fence these dangerous pits, and not either the owner or occupier of the pits. There was a case decided some few years ago which had been confirmed by subsequent cases, and that appeared to be the law. Some years ago, too, an Act of Parliament was passed, specially applicable to coal mines, which contained a provision that all abandoned works in coal and iron mines should e properly fenced, but there was no such provision applicable to other mines. He had been informed that in the report of the recent mining commission there was a recommendation that in every legislative enactment which took place on the subject of mines in the kingdom, provision should be made for fencing other mines similar to that which was applicable to coal mines. - Mr Beer said he was anxious that the Jury should know the position in which this shaft was within a few days previous to the accident, because he was afraid that an impression might go abroad that the state in which it was found now by the Jury was the same in which it was a week before the occurrence. He should like them to know from the man who made the fence what state it had been in. He was sure that pains had been taken to make the shaft as secure as any in the neighbourhood. - Mr Bridgman: Do you know on the part of Mr Harris that a presentment was made some time ago at the manor court? - Mr Beer: There was a presentment made at a recent meeting of the court, but that presentment had no reference whatever to this individual shaft. - Mr Bridgman: But had it not reference to the covering of the shafts of Wheal Surprise Mine for the safety of the public? - Mr Beer: It only had reference to a pit which was near Wheal Surprise Mine on Whitchurch Down. - The Coroner said it did seem to him to be rather a public grievance, and a very great grievance in these two western counties, particularly in Cornwall, where there were a greater number of mine shafts than in Devon; but they must recollect that if the owner of that shaft was bound to fence it, all the shafts upon Dartmoor would have to be fenced. Half of Cumberland and nearly the whole of Lancashire was land of the same kind, and was full of pits. - Mr Beer afterwards called John Stanbury, who said that he assisted Daniel Harris in putting a fence around the shaft at Wheal Surprise Mine two years and a half since. The fence was 5 feet 4 inches high in the middle, and at either end 4 feet 6 inches high. Harris and himself passed it on the 2nd Sept., and Harris said to him, "There is the old fence standing now." Since then part of it had been torn down, as he had seen on the previous day. - Daniel Harris was then called, but the Jury said they had heard him already, and the Coroner observed that they had seen the shaft and the thing spoke for itself. A more dangerous place there could not possibly be. - Mr Beer, addressing the Coroner, said: If the Jury and you have made up your minds on the matter, I beg to retire. I don't think Coroners or Juries usually make up their minds until they have heard the whole of a case. - Mr Cater and Mr Beer then declined to call further witnesses and the Jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict that the Deceased had been Found Drowned; but how he came to his death there was no evidence to shew. The Jury also expressed an opinion that there was culpable negligence on the part of some persons in leaving the Wheal Surprise and various other shafts so utterly unprotected as they were; and recommended the Coroner to call the attention of the proper authorities to the matter. - It is understood that the friends of the deceased intend taking proceedings against the lessee of Wheal Surprise Mine, to recover damages for the loss they have sustained by the death of MR HOLE.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 October 1865
TOTNES - Fatal Accident At Totnes Quay. - The unfortunate man ALEXANDER WATT, who sustained a fracture of the base of the skull and other serious injuries by falling into the hold of the ship Vesper, while engaged with others in unloading a cargo of coals at the Totnes Quay, on Monday, the 25th ult., died yesterday morning at his residence, at Totnes. An Inquest on the body was opened last evening at the Seven Stars Hotel, Totnes, before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr S. Sanders was Foreman. - William Hawkins, a labourer, deposed that on Monday last, about two o'clock p.m., he was in the hold of the vessel called the Vesper, lying at Totnes Quay. WATT suddenly fell down the hold, with his body across the keelson and his face on the bottom of the vessel. Witness went to deceased, and picked him up; he was bleeding at the ears and mouth. Witness procured assistance, and carried deceased home. he was quite unconscious. He was employed tipping the baskets. The ship was laden with coals. Two sailors were at the winch, they were about five feet from deceased. Had seen the deceased about half an hour before the accident happened. Did not notice that deceased was worse for drink. He was standing across the hold on a hatch three feet wide. No one was near enough to have struck him. He did not hear any quarrelling. The basket caught in the hatch upon which deceased was standing, tipped it, and caused the fall. - John Coles, of Totnes, gave corroborative evidence. - Susan Whiddon, wife of Nathaniel Whiddon, labourer, who had attended WATT since Tuesday last, deposed that he had been suffering from concussion of the brain, and fracture of the skull and jaw-bone. He had been conscious sometimes since the accident, but unable to speak. He died yesterday morning at 20 minutes after two. He was forty years of age. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 October 1865
GIDLEIGH - Fatal Accident At Gidleigh. - On Monday last, JAMES HILL, a lad aged 16, son of MR HILL, farmer, whilst riding a horse belonging to the Rev. Owen Owen, the rector, was thrown and killed on the spot. A little brother of deceased was also riding on the same horse, but escaped with some heavy scars. The accident must have happened about five o'clock, and between eleven and twelve at night, after many hours searching, the deceased and the child were found lying together in a hedge trough. An Inquest was held before Mr Vallack, Coroner for Devon. The verdict was "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 October 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide Of A Polish Gentleman At Devonport. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner for Devonport, at the Half Moon Inn, touching the death of LOUIS VICTOR DZIENGIELOWSKI, an officer in the Polish Army. The Inquiry lasted a considerable time, and from the evidence, which was exceedingly voluminous, the following facts were gathered. The deceased, who was about three and twenty years of age, was a native of Poland, and served as a lieutenant in the Polish army during the late insurrection in several engagements with the Russians, by whom he was compelled to fly to Austria, and from thence into Prussia and Belgium, and subsequently to England, where he was relieved by the Polish Refugees' Aid Society. Some few months ago it became known to Colonel Szyrma, also a native of Poland, and a Polish ex-officer, of Devonport, that the deceased was in England, and through his instrumentality, MR DZIENGIELOWSKI came to Devonport with the intention of doing something to earn an independent livelihood and for a considerable time he stayed at Colonel Szyrma's house, but removed about two months since to the house of Mrs Broadlick in George-street. The deceased appeared to be of a most lively disposition; but about three weeks since a marked change came over his entire demeanour, and he became very abstracted and confused. Deceased was of a very eccentric nature, so much so, that he has several times left his lodgings and walked up the street in a woman's apparel, and on one occasion, he went to Dr Bennett, who resides in George-street, dressed in the garb of a sailor, stating at the time that he was going to sea in a yacht the next morning, and he had equipped himself accordingly. On Sunday last the alteration in deceased's state became more apparent than before. On Monday morning he seized a kitten and shaved the hair off the animal's tail with a razor. A servant in the employ of Mrs Broadlick, who was in the room at the time, said that if the deceased served the cat so again, she would treat his dog in the same manner, to which he replied, "If you do I will shoot you; I don't value my life a pin." Deceased was indebted to Mrs Broadlick to the amount of about £3, the payment of which she had often sought of him, but not being able to pay, he seldom remained in the house during the day. On Thursday the deceased went to the shop of Mr W. Jeffery, gunsmith, in George-street, Plymouth, and asked for the loan of a pair of pistols, for the purpose of practising with, as he was going out in a yacht early the next morning. Mr Jeffery being acquainted with deceased, consented to lend him the pistols, which, together with thirty bullets and other necessary ammunition [?] to his residence, and given to him. [?]. Deceased was seen twice yesterday afternoon by Mr H. A. Latimer, who stated that he then appeared quite rational. He partook of a pint of milk for supper, and previous to going to bed he played for a quarter of an hour upon the harmonium. Early yesterday morning Elizabeth Dowden, the servant in the house, carried a letter for the deceased to his room. He took the letter, which was not of the slightest interest, or calculated to excite his feelings, and read it. At about nine o'clock the report of a pistol was heard in the house, and on entering the room it was discovered that the deceased had shot himself. Dr Bennett was immediately fetched, but life was found to be entirely extinct. The bullet had entered the deceased's body just below the nipple of the left breast, and lodged behind the right shoulder blade. In reply to the Coroner, Dr Bennett said he had known the deceased some months past. About a fortnight ago deceased complained of weakness and lightness of the head, which he (Dr Bennett) attributed to the want of animal food. Mr Superintendent Lynn, on searching the house, found one of the pistols on the bed by the side of the deceased, and another on the floor by the bed. He found two keys and one of them opened a small workbox which contained a number of letters. One of the letters was from a foreigner, of London, and written in the German language, pressing for the payment of a debt of £3 7s., which deceased had contracted with him while in London. there were a number of photographs and an unpaid bill for clothing had by the deceased, amounting to £5. There were also several pawn tickets for wearing apparel pledged by him, but the money found was only three-halfpence. - The Coroner briefly summed up, and pointed out to the Jury that they were not to return a verdict of temporary insanity merely because they believed the deceased to be suffering from lowness of spirits, or unless they were of opinion that he was in such a state of insanity as would render him unaccountable for his actions. - The Jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 9 October 1865
BISHOPSTEIGNTON - A Man Killed On The South Devon Railway. - Early on Saturday morning the dead body of a man was found near the Shaldon Bridge of the South Devon Railway. His head was dreadfully mutilated, and the supposed that he had been run over and crushed by a luggage train which had passed shortly before his remains were discovered. The driver and stoker, however, knew nothing of the occurrence, although they were keeping an extra sharp look-out at that time. Deceased proved to be GEORGE SHEPHEARD, a packer on the line, 66 years of age, who had been many years employed on the line, and leaves a widow and six young children. He lived at Bishopsteignton, and always walked along the line to his work. Mr Cuming held an Inquest on Saturday evening, when a verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

ST. BUDEAUX - Suicide By A Farmer Of St. Budeaux. - On Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held before Mr A. B. Bone, County Coroner, at King's Tamerton, in the parish of St. Budeaux, touching the death of WILLIAM PENGELLY, a farmer residing at Wood Vale Farm, in that parish. On Thursday evening deceased went to bed, and appeared to be quite well. Early on Friday morning his wife asked him to light the fire. The deceased refused to do so, and left the room, muttering something to the effect that he should not light any fires again. Very soon afterwards the wife had occasion to go out at the back of the house, and saw her husband suspended to the ceiling of an outhouse by a rope. No cause is assigned for the committal of the rash act; but the Jury returned a verdict that he did it under the effects of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 October 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Sad Occurrence At Morice Town. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, at the Builder's Arms, in Gloucester-street, Morice-town, as to the death of JANE COOPER, a widow seventy-two years of age, who se suicide was yesterday mentioned in our columns. The deceased had been a great sufferer for several months past, and spoke of her illness in a desponding manner. In 1861 deceased possessed £130 in the Devonport Savings Bank, but that sum had dwindled down to about £3, which together with a small quantity of household furniture, was all she now possessed. On Saturday morning, Martha Smith, a neighbour residing in the same house, went into deceased's room, and found her suspended by a rope to a cross-bar at the top of the bed. Mr J. May, surgeon, was immediately fetched, but life was found to be entirely extinct. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 October 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - The Late Fatal Accident At Torpoint. - The body of RICHARD LANE, who with his horse and cart accidentally drove over the edge of the submerged projecting pier at Torpoint having been picked up, an Inquest was held yesterday, at Newpassage, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned. Mr Bone, Coroner, in the course of the case, remarked that because a body was picked up in Hamoaze there was no reason why the expenses attending the Inquest and burial should be saddled on Devonport; the body should always be taken to the nearest shore. He observed also that the dead-house was not properly ventilated.

Western Morning News, Monday 16 October 1865
PLYMOUTH - The Soldier Drowned In Catwater, Plymouth. - An Inquest was held before Mr Edmonds, Coroner, at the Guildhall, Plymouth, on Saturday afternoon, at five o'clock, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of EVAN JONES, a corporal of the 66th Regt., who was drowned in Catwater on Wednesday, and whose body was not recovered until about six o'clock on Friday evening. Lord Templetown, General commanding the Western District, was present. Mr Rundle (Beer and Rundle, solicitors) attended to watch the Inquiry on behalf of the War Department. The first witness examined was Sergeant Frederick Oates, 66th Regiment of Foot, quartered at the Raglan Barracks, Devonport, who stated that deceased was a corporal in his regiment. he was about twenty years of age and was single. At about half past six o'clock on Wednesday morning the deceased had charge of a large boat, in which witness and 53 others left the Barbican for Staddon Heights. They landed at Turnchapel at 7 o'clock, and proceeded to the camp to wait for the arrival of General Lord Templetown. When the General came they were marched to the firing ground, and embarked about a quarter to ten o'clock to return to Plymouth. They left shore in a six-oared boat. Nothing had been drunk by any of the men. The wind was blowing across the boat up Catwater very strongly, and there was much sea up. There were a number of windbound vessels at anchor in Catwater. When the boat got half way across they observed a billy-bhoy beating down towards the Citadel on the port tack. The billy-bhoy neared the boat gradually, while the oarsmen endeavoured to pull the boat ahead so as to get beyond her reach. The wind and tide were driving the boat as they listed. There was no vessel within a hundred yards, and the billy-bhoy could have been steered clear of the boat. The billy-bhoy struck the stern of the boat, and five soldiers made a spring to get on board. One fell into the water, but was got out. Don't believe deceased tried to jump, but saw him thrown overboard, and supposed that he was jerked into the water by the collision. The boat was backed in order to save him, and one man jumped overboard to try to rescue him, but before he could get to deceased he sank. The billy-bhoy went on her course, but someone on board threw a life-buoy within ten yards of the drowning man. Believed that the sea was too rough for deceased to see the buoy. The billy-bhoy was laden with stones. After sailing about 300 yards the vessel was anchored, her boats were got out, and the soldiers upon her were landed. None of the oars were unshipped until the vessel struck the boat. The vessel passed the boat on her weather side. The tide and wind were so strong that the boat could not have run under the stern of the vessel, and they were obliged to try to clear her bows. Did not know whether the boat was stove, and did not know what experience deceased had of a vessel. - Samuel Jenkins, boatman, said that he was in Catwater on Wednesday, about fifty yards from the place where the collision occurred. A strong westerly wind was blowing. He saw the soldiers pulling along and making but little progress. The billy-bhoy was within a narrow compass, having two vessels on either side. The boat was slightly ahead of the vessel, rather on the weather side of anything. Just before the boat struck the oarsmen laid down their oars, and the rest stood up. The captain kept the billy-bhoy away as much as he could with safety, but she struck the boat. Some soldiers jumped upon the billy-bhoy. Two got overboard, of whom one was picked up and the other drowned. If the captain of the billy-bhoy had kept away more than he did he would have run into a schooner. There was no room for the billy-bhoy to tack. Four men who understood their work could have pulled the boat clear, or they might have gone under the vessel's stern. The boat was uninjured. The billy-bhoy was filled with a cargo of stone; she was not three feet above water. Her boat was stowed on deck for sea. She had not more way on her than about three miles an hour. - Mr Richard Triplett stated in explanation of the absence of the Captain of the billy-bhoy that he offered to remain ashore, and tendered his address to the magistrates, who informed him he might proceed to London, and if required he would be sent for. - The Foreman said that all nautical men would see that the casualty was occasioned by the inexperience and alarm of the soldiers. The unanimous verdict of the Jury was one of "Accidental Death." - The body of the deceased was carried through the crowded streets of Plymouth and Stonehouse on Saturday evening on a common stretcher, his face and hands being exposed to the view of every passer-by. We need scarcely point out that this was a most injurious and injudicious proceeding.

TOTNES - Death By Drowning At Totnes. - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening at Totnes, before Mr Cuming, Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM POTTER, a navvy, working on the Totnes and Buckfastleigh Railway. - The first witness called was Daniel Peake, who did not put in an appearance, and was fined £1. - John Watson, landlord of the Lord Nelson public-house, Totnes, said that deceased left that house, where he lodged, with a man named Salter about twenty minutes past eight on the night of the accident. P.C. Gill, of Totnes, then deposed that he had summoned Daniel Peake of Dartmouth, lighterman, to attend. - The Coroner said it was one of the most curious cases that he had ever met with. He thought it was one of suspicion, for the Jury could not tell how the man came by his death. - Daniel Peake now came into the room, and on being sworn, said that on the night in question, about eight o'clock, deceased and a man named Salter came into the Steam Packet Inn, Totnes, where witness was. Deceased and witness left together about nine o'clock, and afterwards went to another public-house where they stayed for about one hour. They only drank one quart of cider between them. Deceased was going to sleep on board witness's lighter, and they went towards Bridgetown Quay together. Deceased jumped on the gunwale of the boat. One of the planks was missing, and witness asked deceased to jump out of the boat. Deceased called to witness to catch hold of his hand, and he endeavoured to do so, but deceased fell overboard. Witness saw him in the water, but not being able to swim could not save him, and called for assistance. On the body being picked up, it was found to be quite dead. Deceased was a little the worse for liquor; he was about 25 years of age. The water was about five feet deep. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 October 1865
EXETER - Fatal Accident At Exeter. - A travelling hawker named READ, living in West Quarter, Exeter, on Sunday morning, found his wife dead at the bottom of the stairs of his house, she having fallen downstairs the previous night while the couple were both intoxicated. A Coroner's Jury yesterday returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 October 1865
EXETER - Fatal Accident At Exeter. - An accident which terminated fatally occurred on Monday afternoon to WILLIAM LANGDON, aged 25, who was employed as a labourer to unload a waggon at the stables of the White Hart Inn, South-street. The unfortunate man was subject to fainting fits, and was attacked by one while at work, and in falling he struck his head, and when next observed was bleeding much. He was removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where it was found that his skull was fractured, and he soon afterwards died. An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Valiant Soldier Inn, before the City Coroner (Mr H. W. Hooper) and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

SHALDON - Yesterday Mr Cuming, Coroner, held an Inquest at Clifford's Arms, Shaldon, on the body of SUSAN MICHELL, aged two months, the illegitimate child of REBECCA MICHELL. The evidence of the mother and of Mrs Ellen Snell, with whom she lived, was to the effect that the infant had from birth been delicate, but was put to bed on Sunday night as well as usual. At five o'clock next morning Mrs Snell was aroused by the mother, who said the child was very ill. Mr Brooks, surgeon, was sent for, and arrived in a few minutes, but the infant was dead before he arrived. Mr Brooks stated that the child had apparently been suffering from thrush, and a verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 October 1865
NEWTON FERRERS - Fatal Accident At Puslinch. - An Inquest was held by Mr Allan Bone, on Monday, on the body of JOHN THOMAS, of the parish of Newton Ferrers, an honest and industrious labourer, who was unfortunately killed on the spot by the sudden falling of the moat of a large tree, at Puslinch. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 6 November 1865
TOTNES - An Inquest was held at the Bridge Inn, Bridgetown, Totnes, on Saturday evening, before Mr F. B. Cuming, Coroner, on the body of the infant illegitimate child of EMMA PETERS It appeared from the evidence of the mother and grandmother that the child, which was one of a twin, and about nine weeks old, slept with the mother on Friday night last, and was apparently well. About seven o'clock on Saturday morning the mother found that it was dead. Mr Harris, surgeon, residing at Bridgetown, said he could not give any opinion as to how the child came to its death without making a post mortem examination, and the Inquiry was accordingly adjourned for that purpose.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 November 1865
TOTNES - A verdict of "Died from Natural Causes" was yesterday returned in the case of the illegitimate child of EMMA PETERS this being in accordance with the medical evidence of post mortem examination presented at the adjourned Inquest.

BROADCLYST - Fatal Accident At Broadclist Railway Station. - Yesterday an Inquest was held before Mr Brent, Deputy Coroner, at Broadclist, on the body of THOMAS SMITH, aged 67, a labourer in the employ of Mr Brewer, of Honiton. Deceased on Friday last was unloading a cart at the railway station, when the express luggage train passed and so frightened the horse that it bolted, knocking deceased on to the line, where he was run over and received such injuries that he died in a few minutes.

CLYST HONITON - Alleged Murder By Poisoning At Honiton Clyst. - At the quiet little village of Honiton Clyst, situated about six miles from Exeter, WILLIAM ASHFORD, a sober, industrious man, about 60 years of age, a master boot and shoe maker, died on Saturday evening, under circumstances which afford grave suspicions that he has been poisoned by his wife. For some time past the deceased had lived unhappily with his wife owing to jealousy. A man named Pratt, who had worked for him as a journeyman for many years, was the cause of the unfortunate strife. Pratt about two years since left the deceased and went to reside at Dawlish, but afterwards returned through the influence of Mrs Ashford, and from that time to the present was believed to be on far too intimate terms with his mistress. They had been frequently seen together, and this so excited the deceased that a quarrel took place. The deceased was, up to the last fortnight, in the enjoyment of good health, but was taken ill on the 29th ult., after having partaken of tea at a friend's house in the village, where he repeatedly expressed his disgust at the conduct of his wife. From the evidence of Mrs Butt, the wife of a police constable stationed in the village and residing two doors from the deceased, the case appears to bear very strongly against MRS ASHFORD and on Saturday P.C. Butt considered, from the knowledge he possessed of the case, he was justified in apprehending her. Shortly after the deceased died on Saturday night he took the wife into custody. While being searched she took from her pocket a packet, which she threw into the fire, and it was destroyed before it could be rescued. Peculiarities were observed in its ignition, and it is supposed to have contained chemicals. An Inquest was opened yesterday before Mr Deputy Coroner Brent, Mr Friend, of Exeter, appearing for the prisoner, and Mr Deputy Superintendent Maxell for the police. The only evidence was that of Mrs butt, who said that on the 3rd inst., she was in the bedroom of the deceased at about five o'clock, when deceased asked for a cup of tea. Mr Chown was in the room at the time MRS ASHFORD brought up to the room the teapot and put water into it from the kettle which was in the bedroom. She then went down and brought up a cup with a little milk at the bottom, not a tablespoonful. There was a knock at the street door, and she went to open it. Witness gave about a table-spoonful of the tea to the deceased, which was all that he would take, the rest she threw into the chamber utensil. Witness subsequently found a cup on the dressing table, which contained some wetted powder, which smelt and looked like some medicine which the deceased had taken. Part of this powder witness preserved. On a second visit to the house witness found another settlement of powder in a wine glass, and that also she preserved. There was no settlement in the bottle of medicine which came from the doctor. Deceased had several fits before death. Dr Roberts, of Exeter, having seen the dying man, and having asked if any of deceased's vomit or secretions had been preserved, was given the utensils and the glass with the sediment. The Coroner's Inquiry was adjourned for a post mortem examination to be made, and the deceased's wife having been taken to Exmouth was last evening brought before a magistrate and remanded. the contents of the utensils and glass has been forwarded to Professor Herapath of Bristol for analysis.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 November 1865
CLIST HONITON - The Alleged Murder By Poisoning At Honiton Clyst. Resumed Inquest Last Night. - The Coroner's Inquest respecting the death of WM. ASHFORD, a master boot and shoemaker, aged 45, who resided at Honiton Clyst, a village about four miles from Exeter, was resumed last evening at the Exeter Inn, Honiton Clyst, before Mr Deputy Coroner Brent and a Jury, of which Mr R. Wish was Foreman. WM. ASHFORD, the deceased, was taken ill a short time ago, and died under circumstances that led to the suspicion that poison had been administered to him; and during his illness he was seized with vomiting, occasional fits, and other symptoms of poisoning. One of the attendants, a Mrs Butt, wife to the police constable stationed in the village, had her suspicions aroused not only by observing the various symptoms, but by finding a sediment in the medicine and some bluish-white powder in a glass. The wife of the deceased was afterwards taken into custody on suspicion of having poisoned her husband. The Inquiry now awaits the result of the chemical analysis of the stomach and other parts of the body to be made by Professor Herapath. On the resumption of the Inquiry last evening, Mr Lionel Roberts, surgeon at Exeter, stated that he attended the deceased, MR ASHFORD for four days. he first went at the request of MARY ANN ASHFORD, deceased's wife, on Tuesday, the 31st ult. She said deceased was suffering from sickness and diarrhoea, and asked for some medicine for him, which witness let her have, and told her to send the following morning to let him know if he was not better. The next morning a boy brought him a verbal message that ASHFORD was not better, and MRS ASHFORD would be glad if witness would come to see him. He did so about 11 o'clock in the forenoon, and found him suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea. Witness sent him some more medicine, and told them to inform him how deceased was on the following morning. that was on the 2nd inst., when witness believed the same boy as before came and said ASHFORD was no better, and witness said he would see the deceased, preferring to do so before ordering any further medicine. Witness saw deceased in the morning, and found him still vomiting, and the discharge from the bowels was still going on. Witness asked the wife if she had given the medicine regularly, and she replied "yes." Witness then asked to see the bottle and box containing the medicine he had prescribed, and found that instead of four pills that ought to have been taken only two had been; whilst all the doses of the mixture had been properly taken. Witness asked the wife why the pills had not been regularly taken, and she replied that she did not understand the label. Witness asked her if she could read, and she replied that she could. Witness said "that label is plain enough for a child to read." The label was printed with the doses and times specified, but on it was written in a bracket "one of the pills." That meant that one pill was to be taken with each dose of medicine. The woman replied, "I don't understand it," and promised to give the medicine regularly for the future. Witness said he spoke a little sharply, as he felt there had been some neglect, and he was not satisfied that the case had not more favourably progressed. Witness desired that the same medicine should be continued, and cautioned the wife to be more careful in the administration of it. Witness, in company with Dr Miles, saw deceased on Friday morning, and found him very prostrated, with no perceptible pulse, the vomiting still continuing, and the bowels still relaxed. Fresh medicine was prescribed for deceased, and witness again saw him in the evening of the same day, and found him in about the same state. When witness saw him deceased was dying, and expired shortly after he arrived. When he first saw deceased he did not see why the deceased should not do well. Witness said he expected that the disease would have yielded from the treatment he gave. His suspicions were not aroused up to a certain period - on the Saturday morning, about 11 o'clock - when P.C. Butt came to his house and asked him if he was aware of anything having been given to the patient except the prescribed medicine. Witness replied no. Butt then produced a paper packet containing a small quantity of bluish-white powder. He had a portion of it still in his possession, but he could not state positively what it was. After the death of ASHFORD, when witness was in the room examining the contents of some of the vessels, he noticed some brandy and water in a glass, and also a glass containing a fluid similar to the prescribed medicine with a sediment of bluish-white powder, similar to that brought by Mr Butt. - In answer to the Coroner, the witness said all those facts aroused a certain suspicion in his mind that something had been administered of which he was not aware. He had made a post mortem examination of the body in conjunction with Mr Warren, that day, by order from the Coroner. - Mr Frederick H. Warren, surgeon, of Exeter, stated that he assisted in the post mortem examination that day. The body was well nurtured and had no appearance of a long illness. He noticed the appearance of the face; the brow was contracted, and the whole expression of the countenance was harsh, and far from placid. There was no external mark of violence on any part. The abdomen was sunken. The chest was first opened, and the lungs were found to be perfectly healthy, with the exception of a slight old adhesion on the posterior part of the left lung. In the whole cavity of the chest on both sides there was not more than an ounce and a half of fluid. On opening the pericardium a little extra fluid was found; but the heart was healthy. The cavity of the belly was next opened; the muscular portion was found well supplied with fat, shewing that the deceased had not suffered from a lingering disease. There was no indication of any inflammatory action having existed on the surface of the stomach or the intestines. On a general view some portions of the lesser intestines appeared as if internally inflamed, and in some places the bowels were greatly irritated. The bladder was extremely contracted, and he never saw one so small. The brain was perfectly healthy. He had merely stated the facts and offered no opinions. - The Coroner complimented Mr Warren on the lucid and straightforward manner in which he had given his evidence. - The evidence of Mrs Butt, wife to the policeman, which was given on the previous evening, was read over to her by the Coroner and she signed it after a few additions had been made to it. - Mr Chown, a cooper, residing next door to the deceased, was next examined. He stated that on November 2nd, he went in and saw deceased by his request. Witness remained there about two hours, during which time he frequently complained of illness and vomited. Deceased appeared to suffer acutely; his vomit was very green. Deceased said he suffered in the stomach, and he could not make it out, as he had never suffered so before. The next day witness saw deceased and noticed a great change for the worse. Witness remained there about half-an-hour, when deceased said, "There will be a great change before the morning." Deceased said he was nearly choked, and had a great burning in his throat and stomach,. Deceased's wife, by request, got him some gin and peppermint, after taking which deceased said it had done him good. Deceased had several fits, when the body was stretched out stiff, and the eyes were staring. After recovering from one of the fits deceased said to witness, "I shall never get over it. I hope you'll see my wife taken care of, and try and persuade her to have a sale and give up the business. You know I have given my wife all that I am possessed of." - The Coroner said that in the present case the Police authorities prosecuted on behalf of the Crown, and he should therefore hand over the contents of the stomach, and other portions which had been carefully preserved, to Deputy Chief Constable Maxwell, who attended, for him to hand them over to Mr Herapath for chemical analysis, and there was no doubt that the matter would be thoroughly attended to. It therefore only remained for him to adjourn the Inquest, to as early and convenient a date as possible. He thought if he said the 20th inst., at 2 o'clock, it would give sufficient time for the analysis to be thoroughly made. - After some slight additional evidence, the Inquiry was again adjourned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 November 1865
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of An Officer At Tregantle Fort, Near Plymouth. - At an early hour on Tuesday morning, CAPTAIN W. B. DAVENPORT, of the 62nd Regiment, committed suicide in his quarters at Tregantle Fort, Whitsand Bay, near Plymouth, by shooting himself in the head with a revolver pistol. The deceased was detached on Friday last from Plymouth to form, with two companies of his Regiment, the garrison of that fort, which he commanded. The sad event has cast a gloom over the Regiment, the deceased, both in its official and social circles, having been much respected. He was about 29 years of age, and had been in the army for several years, having distinguished himself as a brave and able officer as far back as during the Crimean war. For some time past he had, however, been subject to depression of spirits. He had expressed a desire to leave the service, but his taking such a step was disapproved of by his friends. When on a recent visit to his relatives, it is said he seemed to have shewn a foreboding of the giving way of his intellect. From his generally very agreeable and sociable manner no apprehension of such a calamity was, however entertained. Between three and four months ago his mother died, and this is believed to have added much to his depression. He made an application on that occasion for three months' leave, but this was refused on account of the short time which had elapsed since his previous leave. Tregantle Fort, in the wilds of Whitsand Bay, in winter, with only two companies of a regiment occupying its long lines of barracks is rather dull quarters, and the deceased had evinced some dread of going there. But between Friday and Tuesday no change was noticed in him, nor did anything unusual appear to be the matter with him either in body or mind. On Monday he visited Plymouth, and transacted business apparently in his usual health, and returned to the fort in the evening and dined at the mess. An Inquest was held on the body at the fort yesterday at noon, before Mr John Jagoe, County Coroner. - Lieut. C. W. Brown, a brother officer of the deceased, whom he had known for the past six years, deposed that they were together for a quarter of an hour late on Monday night in deceased's room, who then seemed well and cheerful. They talked, and at length bade each other good night, and witness went to his room. About two minutes afterwards he heard a report as of a pistol in deceased's room, and on going in found deceased leaving back on the sofa, grasping a revolver in both hands, and blood flowing from his mouth. Five barrels were loaded - one had been discharged. Assistance was called immediately, but life was extinct. Burgess, deceased's servant, gave corroborative evidence, and also deposed that CAPTAIN DAVENPORT for the last four months, since the death of his mother, had been suffering from lowness of spirits. On Sunday last he told Burgess to unpack his revolver and give it to him, which was done. The Jury, after a brief address from the Coroner, and consultation, returned a verdict "That the Deceased Shot himself during a fit of temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 November 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Coroner's Inquest At Devonport. - An Inquest was opened at the Barnstaple Inn, Princess-street, Devonport, before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, on Saturday last, on the body of an infant female child, whose parents are called HENSMAN, the father being an able seaman on board the Cambridge, in Hamoaze. The child had been unwell for some time, but no medical aid had been obtained, and on Thursday morning last when the mother awoke the child was lying dead by her side. The cause of death not being clear, the Inquest was adjourned for the purpose of a post mortem examination, and on the Jury re-assembling on Monday, the medical evidence went to shew that there was congestion of the lungs, and that death was Natural. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 November 1865
DARTMOUTH - Sudden Death At Dartmouth. - An Inquest was held by Mr J. M. Puddicombe, Coroner, at Strike's Sun Hotel, on Friday evening, on the body of MR JOHN TOZER, a journeyman mason, of Dartmouth. On the previous day the deceased went to his work as usual, and at breakfast time stooped to pick up a few chips to take home for lighting his fire, when he was seized, blood rushing from his mouth and nose. He was immediately taken to his residence by his fellow workmen, but expired before medical aid could be procured. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died suddenly by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 November 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide Of A Tradesman's Wife At Devonport. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held by Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner for Devonport, at the Black Horse Inn, Cumberland-street, concerning the death of ELIZABETH AYRES, aged 58, wife of a confectioner carrying on business at Devonport, whose painful death has been already recorded. Deceased, who was slightly mentally deranged in consequence of an attack of paralysis, hanged herself in her bed-chamber on Saturday morning. The Jury were unanimous in returning a verdict of "Temporary Insanity." The family and friends of deceased are greatly sympathised with, being held in great respect.

PLYMOUTH - Infant Mortality. - On Saturday evening MRS HARRIETT UNDERHILL, wife of a butcher of Bilbury-street, went to bed, taking with her, her child, FREDERICK JAMES UNDERHILL, aged 10 weeks. This child had always been healthy, though a brother suffered from convulsions. In the morning at six o'clock MRS UNDERHILL found the child dead in her arms. The Inquest was held at the Guildhall last evening, before the Coroner, Mr J. Edmonds, senr. It was stated that the deceased appeared to have died from convulsions. A Juror thought it would be a great assistance to the Jury if medical evidence were called in. The Coroner said that if a surgeon were to give evidence he would have to make a post mortem examination, and in cases where there was no suspicion of ill-treatment, and especially in such cases as the present, where every attention seemed to have been paid, the parents were spared the pain of having a post mortem examination on the child. The Jury coincided, and returned a verdict of "Found Dead in Bed."

CLYST HONITON - The Charge Of Poisoning At Clyst Honiton. Verdict Of Wilful Murder. - The adjourned Inquisition respecting the death of WM. ASHFORD, a master boot and shoemaker, who resided at Clyst Honiton, near Exeter, was resumed yesterday by Mr Deputy-coroner Brent, in a large room at the Duke of York Inn, Clyst Honiton. MARY ANN ASHFORD, the wife to the deceased, who was in custody charged with having poisoned her husband, was present, and evinced great interest in the proceedings, though she maintained comparative composure. Mr Gerald De Courcy, chief constable, and Mr Maxwell, deputy chief constable, represented the police authorities on the part of the prosecution and Mr Friend, of Exeter, watched the case on behalf of the prisoner. A large number of persons occupied the lower end of the room. The prisoner appeared pale and weak on her entrance and was assisted to her seat. - William Pratt, journeyman shoemaker, who has been pointed out as the paramour of the prisoner, stated that the two letters marked 1 and 2 (these have already been published) were in his handwriting and that of the accused respectively. Witness also stated that No. 3 letter was in his handwriting. It was sent to MRS ASHFORD, and was of the same amusing character as the previous letters. Another letter was handed to witness marked No. 5, which he admitted was sent to him by the prisoner, and was in her handwriting:-
"Clist Honiton. - My Dear Frank, this comes with my keind love to you and I was so glad to hear from you and I hope you will soon get better to come home again. I am almost broken hart. I should like to see you My deer frank. I thought you had quit forgototon me in not wrighting to mee before I have shaed manny tears since you been home then for meney yers and no one to tell my troble to your in my mind all the day long and I hope you will right to me as soon as you cann and tell me how you are Getteing on for I shall want to know I am in so much troble a bout you. My Deer frank when you right to mee derick to Mrs Cowley and I shall be all right. - M. A. ASHFORD. - You will laught at my righten."
The Coroner here cautioned the witness not to criminate himself in his answers, as the Court expected him to answer the questions put to him. - Q.: In letter No. 1 What did you mean by "I hope he will not die, as you were speaking to me about the old man." A.: I do not recollect anything about that, nor do I know what it means. - Q.: Did you ever have any conversation about MR ASHFORD dying? - A.: Yes; a day or two previous to his death I said, in answer to MRS ASHFORD, "If master lives over tonight I think it will recover." MRS ASHFORD replied, "No, Frank, he is very ill indeed." The witness here stated that he had assisted in getting the deceased into bed once or twice during his last illness, having been sent for to do so. On one occasion he said he could not go, as his master looked so fierce, and he did not like to see him. He had had some conversation with a lad aged 14 years, named Blackmore, who said to him when talking about his master, "Oh, he'll never live to die." He did not notice anything particular in the expression. When he heard of MR ASHFORD'S death he was frightened, and stopped work. He was a journeyman shoemaker, not an apprentice, and had worked for the deceased more than four years. His wages were 8s. a week, with board in the house. He went to live at Dawlish at Christmas, 1863, and stopped there for eight months. While staying at Dawlish he visited Clyst Honiton two or three times, and stayed at his late master's house and did so by invitation. Deceased had called upon him three times at Dawlish; was alone once, once with two young men named John Reynolds and Arthur Pearce, and once with MRS ASHFORD. On all occasions witness said deceased asked him to return to Clyst Honiton. MRS ASHFORD also asked him to come back; but witness replied to both that he had a very good situation where he was, and the work was lighter. Witness refused to return as long as MR ASHFORD lived in the same house, when deceased replied he would change houses if witness would go and live with him. On one occasion witness replied he did not like to return, as "things had been said" about him and MRS ASHFORD. Deceased replied "Never mind, Frank, if you come back with me people may say what they like, it shall make no difference to you. You may come with me, and I'll behave as a father to you; and you may live with me for life if you like Frank." [The witness here became affected.] He was always on good terms with the deceased, and never had had three angry words with him during the four years. During the past few months he had not been on such good terms with MRS ASHFORD as he had been some time previously, as she objected to his keeping company with a young woman. (Sensation.) He did not like to name the person. He broke off correspondence with MRS ASHFORD in consequence. MRS ASHFORD had quarrelled with him about his courting, but witness said it did not alter his determination. He had never heard the deceased and the prisoner quarrel about him, but within the past few months he had heard them disagree amongst themselves about a will that was drawn up unknown to MRS ASHFORD, for THOMAS ASHFORD, a brother of his master, and NICHOLAS ASHFORD, the father. He believed each one had a will. Since that time deceased made another will, which was in favour of MRS ASHFORD. He had never heard MR and MRS ASHFORD threaten each other. - By the Jury: Did MRS ASHFORD alone ever visit you at Dawlish? - A.: Never. - By the Coroner: Did you ever visit MRS ASHFORD at Clyst Honiton when her husband was not at home? - A.: Not that I am aware of, sir. - AGNES ASHFORD, widow, sister-in-law to the deceased, described the symptoms of the deceased when suffering from the fits on the 4th inst. His eyes she said appeared wild, his head was thrown back, and his hands were clenched. He took very small quantities of gin and brandy and water to wet his lips. MRS ASHFORD prepared the gin and water in the bedroom. When deceased had no fits he complained of great pain. - Mary Brewer, a widow, employed as a nurse by the prisoner during the deceased's illness, described the symptoms she noticed, which were similar to those noticed by Mrs Butt, related at the previous Inquiry. - Selina Ann Ponsford, a little girl nine years of age, deposed to fetching on two different occasions some jalap for the prisoner about a week before the deceased was taken ill. - The Inquiry was here adjourned for half an hour. - William Herapath, senr., professor of chemistry and toxicology, residing at Bristol, stated that on Nov. 8th, he received portions of the remains of WM. ASHFORD for chemical analysis, which he was instructed to make by the Secretary of State for the Home Department. He found the stomach tied at the two extremities. There was but a small quantity of contents, which were mostly of a bloody character. The stomach itself was in the highest state of inflammation. He cut out a portion of it, washed it, and put in on a piece of glass. The appearance shewed him he had to seek for an irritant poison. He first sought for arsenic by Rienshe's process, and discovered it to be present, a specimen of the deposit he now produced. He described various tests he applied to the solution to prove the presence of the poison. He also tried Marsh's test, which also shewed a deposit of metallic arsenic. Supposing it to be possible that the irritant now more frequently resorted to strychnine, might be present, he tried for strychnia, and by tests which he applied to the fluid contents of the stomach he saw unmistakeable indications of strychnia. He had, therefore, no doubt from the inflamed state of the stomach that the person died from the effects of one or more irritant poisons. (Sensation.) Arsenic and strychnia were the poisons in this case. He could not bring the proofs of the presence of strychnia, owing to the colour of the tests being of a vanishing character. Having found poison in the stomach, he wished to discover whether it had entered the system. He therefore took from jar No. 3 a portion of one of the lobes of the liver. He treated for arsenic, and found undoubted proofs of it. He took a larger portion of the lobe, and treated for strychnia, and found undoubted evidence of that poison. As he therefore had found both poisons in the stomach and in the liver, he did not think it necessary to analyse the smaller intestines or the kidney. He then proceeded to analyse the last vomit, and in the sediment he found arsenic, and on evaporating it down found strychnia. In No. 6, marked Hunter's vermin powder, on which was a printed label describing it as poison, he found starch and strychnia, slightly coloured with Prussian blue. The next packet contained the sediment from a wine glass in deceased's bedroom. The sediment he found to be white arsenic with a small quantity of black colouring matter. The next packet was the bed sheet, which he did not analyse, as he thought it unnecessary. The packet No. 5, contained some powder given to P.C. Butt by Mrs Butt. The powder contained a very small quantity of white arsenic coloured by Prussian blue. Another parcel with no number was composed of white arsenic and Prussian blue. The other packets were numbered in a fresh series. The first was a purse taken from MRS ASHFORD'S pocket by P.C. Butt. Under the catch he saw a little dust, and the microscope shewed him the starch grains of the same character as he afterwards found in the pocket. The next packet contained a pocket and a pocket handkerchief, but nothing could be seen on the surface of either. On introducing each separately into a conical glass containing water, and allowing deposition to take place, he found in the sediments arsenic and strychnia. After describing other articles which had been forwarded to him, but on which he found nothing suspicious, Mr Herapath said that No. 8 contained four pills of about a grain each, in which he found a metal that he could not yet identify, but certainly it was not arsenic. No. 9 was marked, "Found in MRS ASHFORD'S house." In the packet he found a vermin powder, composed of strychnia, starch and a black powder. The other package was sent by post from the police authorities and contained the powder that Mrs Butt found in the room of the deceased on November 10th. It was marked outside by a printed label "poison", and was entirely white arsenic, coloured with Prussian blue. - By the Coroner: did you find enough poison to destroy life? - A.: That is another matter; in all the cases I have had I have not found enough poison to destroy life, but the effects of poison. I am confident that the man died from an irritant poison. The symptoms described by AGNES ASHFORD and Mrs Brewer are those attendant upon poisoning by arsenic and strychnia. - P.C. Butt, who resides at Clyst Honiton, gave evidence of various conversations which he had had with the accused concerning the illness of her husband. - The Coroner having carefully summed up, the Jury retired, and on returning into Court, after a quarter of an hour's consultation, and that they had decided unanimously to return a verdict of "Wilful Murder against MRS ASHFORD." The prisoner on hearing this announcement fainted away. She will be brought up on remand before the magistrates at Exmouth this day.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 November 1865
TORQUAY - Coroner's Inquest At Torquay. - On Tuesday Mr R. Cross, coroner of the Callington district, in the absence of Mr F. Cuming, the Coroner for the Torquay District, held two Inquests at the Torbay Infirmary. - The first was on the body of MR RICHARD LANDER, who fell into the harbour and was drowned on Friday night. Mr w. Stebbings stated that the deceased was at the Devon Arms on Friday evening. He was there from half-past five o'clock until half-past seven. During that time LANDER had two glasses of beer. He was the worse for liquor, and must have been drinking before he came to the Devon Arms. Witness at half-past seven accompanied the deceased home. He had known the deceased twenty years. There had been no quarrelling between LANDER and any other person. Mr Beal stated that just before eight o'clock, he was walking along the quay, and when between the two gas lights near the hotels, where it was very dark, he saw a man coming towards him, and when within twelve feet of him the man fell overboard into six feet of water. Witness looked over the quay and saw the man striking out in the act of swimming. He immediately ran to the slip, a few yards beyond, and got a boat, and sculled it up to where he saw the man fall in. When he got there he found that a ladder had been put over the quay, and the man's head and shoulders were out of the water. Within two minutes of his falling overboard the man, who proved to be the deceased, was taken out, and put in a cab and taken to the infirmary. Deceased was insensible. - Mr R. J. Slade, the harbour-master, gave similar evidence. - Dr Powell, the senior house-surgeon, stated that deceased showed no sign of life when admitted into the infirmary, and all attempts to restore animation were fruitless. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and expressed a hope that the authorities would take measures for fencing off that part of the quay, several persons having fallen over at that spot.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 November 1865
CORNWOOD - The Late Fatal Accident On The South Devon Railway. - An Inquest was held yesterday before Mr Bone, junr., Coroner, on the body of JOHN ROWSELL, the engine driver, and THOMAS PALMER, the stoker, who were killed on Saturday last by the running from the rails of the 10 a.m. luggage train from Exeter to Plymouth, near the Cornwood-road Station of the South Devon Railway. The Inquest took place at the house of Mr John Sobey, the station master. Amongst the railway officials in attendance were Mr L. J. Seargeant, the secretary of the line; Margary, engineer; and Mr Wright, the locomotive superintendent. The first witness examined was Thomas Mair, who said: I was the first guard in charge of the 10 a.m. fast goods train from Exeter on Saturday last. The train came down safely as far as Ivybridge. JOHN ROWSELL was the driver and THOMAS PALMER the stoker. We started from Ivybridge at 2.25. - I noted the time - and proceeded safely until I heard the driver blow the break whistle on the Exeter side of the Blatchford Viaduct, when between Knott's-lane Bridge and the viaduct. I and the other guard were in separate vans. I applied my break sharply and as tight as I could put it on. I did not discover that the train was off the line until it had nearly come to a standstill, when on lowering the window and looking out I observed that the engine and front trucks were off the line. The van I was in was the last one. I went to the head of the train and found that the engine was upside down. The stoker, PALMER, was walking towards me, and ROWSELL was lying on the embankment where his legs were wedged in by several casks of tallow. The two men were brought into the station and were attended to directly. A strong wind blew that afternoon. We stopped five minutes at Ivybridge, as we waited to cross the 1.45 up-train there. I took out my watch after the accident, and found that it was about 2.35, but I cannot now say accurately. Did not stop between Ivybridge and Cornwood. We stopped five minutes at Kingsbridge. The journey from Ivybridge to Cornwood occupied ten minutes. I had in the van with me another of the company's servants, who was returning from Exeter. - Roger Charles Partridge said: I was the second guard of the train on Saturday, and my van was in the centre of the train. I heard the whistle first when upon the Blatchford viaduct. I kept on screwing down the break, and did not know what had happened until the train stopped. The train consisted of twelve vehicles besides the engine. The first jerk was felt by me on the viaduct. We had almost stopped when there were two jerks, and I found that we were off the line. The train was stopped by the breaks to about half speed just before it came to a standstill. We came at regular speed after leaving Ivybridge, and at the rate of between twenty and thirty miles an hour. The name of the engine was "Hero." - Mr John Wright said: I am locomotive superintendent of the South Devon Railway. I know the engine called Hero, which is the property of the contractors who supply engines, or work the trains for the company. The engine drivers are not under the control of the company's servants, although they are subject to the rules which I produce. I am a servant of the contractors, and I issue the rules with the sanction of the company. The two deceased men received copies of the rules. The rules specify that each driver shall, after each day's work, report the state of his engine. This was not complied with because the purpose of the rule was that defects should be reported, and this was complied with. The Hero came on the line on April 2nd, 1860, and was before the accident as good as any one the line. The responsibility of an engine being kept in good order rests on the engine driver. The best explanation I can give of the accident, after having heard all the circumstances, is that a struck first got off the line on the viaduct and that this threw the engine off. The absence of one of the spring pins of the engine would not tend to throw off the engine. - Mr P. J. Margary said: I am the engineer of the line. I have examined the permanent way from the Cornwood station to beyond Knott's Bridge. I was on the spot about two or three hours after the accident. The distance from the spot at which a spring pin of an engine was found to where there are traces of an engine or vehicle having got off the line is 25 chains 17 feet, and the distance from that spot to where the engine was stopped was 24 chains 14 feet. The permanent way is in very fair, or rather in good working order at the place where the vehicle appears to have left the line. A joint near which has been pointed out as bad, I should consider to be a fair joint. There is a curve in the viaduct of 17 chains radius, and the maximum gradient is about one foot in 152 feet between Knott's-lane Bridge and Cornwood station. The curve is sharp, but the grade is easy. - Mr L. J. Seargeant, secretary of the line, said: The train in question is timed to reach Plymouth at 2 p.m., and the stoppages are timed to occupy fifty minutes, which reduces the rate of speed to slightly below twenty miles an hour. It was called the fast goods train. This train was to cross the 12.40 train, but was late, and had to wait for the next train. The basis on which the speed of this train was taken was twenty miles an hour. The distance between Ivybridge and Cornwood-road is two and a half miles; and if that distance were travelled in ten minutes the speed would be fifteen miles an hour. The speed was under instead of over the average rate. - Mr John Sobey said: I am station-master at Cornwood-road Station. Five trucks were off the line when I was attracted to the spot by the accident. I saw the stoker creep out from under the engine, and I had to dig out with a spade the driver ROWSELL, who was imbedded in the embankment and hemmed in by three tallow casks. I and my wife attended to the men until their deaths. - Mr Seargeant added that ROWSELL stated that he only felt two jumps, and that was all the indication he had of an accident. - Mr Sobey added that the deceased men told him that they could not account for the accident. - Wm. Goff, ganger of packers said: I have the care of the permanent way from a point west of the Cornwood station to a point east of half a mile beyond Woodburne or Knott's Bridge. I go over my portion of the line twice a day. I went as usual on Saturday morning, and walked across the Blatchford viaduct, which I found in order. If I find anything out of order I have it repaired or attended to at once. I did not see any joint on the viaduct in the least foul. What we call a "foul" joint is where any two rails do not meet, are not exactly continuous, and where the end of one rail projects more than the end that meets it. - Richard Stone, inspector of the permanent way, said: During the week prior to the accident I inspected the part of the line in question. I observed the joints on the viaduct, and found them to be fair joints. I consider that a joint is fair until a rail projects about the eighth of an inch from the next rail, when I consider that it needs attention. - Ralph Venning, station master, Ivybridge, said: I produce the "Line clear book." The 10 a.m. down-train left the station at 2.26. I did not converse with them, but merely gave them the signal to start. - The guard, Partridge, recalled, said that all who had charge of the train were perfectly sober. - Mr Seargeant said that an investigation had been made on the part of the company, and the result was that they were of opinion that a truck got off the line. Whether it was the engine or a van would never be known. The most reasonable cause for the accident was the sudden application of the breaks, although the engine might have had a little more rigidity from the breaking of a pin. - The Coroner said that the evidence had not shewn that there was that concussion of trucks which might have been expected from the sudden arrest of momentum. - Mr Seargeant said that experience in shunting within station yards shewed that sudden application of breaks sent trucks off the line. - The Coroner then observed to the Jury that he did not know that they could receive further information. He was afraid that they could not arrive at any definite result as to the cause of the train leaving the rails, although there was no doubt that the death of the two poor men was attributable to the deplorable fact that the train did get off the line. There was nothing to shew what threw the engine off, although it was satisfactory that, whereas the average rate of speed for the train was twenty miles, the train was not proceeding at the time of the accident at a more rapid rate than fifteen miles per hour. - Mr Wright said that no blame was attachable to the driver, for he was a very careful man, and the only complaint against him was that he would not drive fast, and his trains were therefore sometimes late. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" with the addition that there was no evidence to shew how the engine and vans got off the line.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 November 1865
IVYBRIDGE - The Suspected Death At Ivybridge. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at Ivybridge, before Mr Alan B. Bone, Coroner, as deputy of Mr Cuming, of Totnes, whose sudden illness renders him still unable to attend to business, on the body of WILLIAM H. WINSOR, a boy twelve years of age, concerning whose death rumours prejudicial to his master and fellow servants had been spread. The Inquest was held at the London Hotel, Ivybridge. A double Jury was empanelled, which included several influential gentlemen of the neighbourhood. Captain N. F. Edwards was chosen Foreman; and the rest of the Jury were Captain M. E. Eyre, Messrs. W. Abbot, E. Allen, Robert Baker, Thomas Blackmore, W. Conway, M. Crocker, E. Daw, Robert Ford, W. Mallett, J. Methrell, Richard Pooley, F. Robertson, S. Sandover, J. Selden, B. Sherwell, R. Sherwell, G. Thomas, J. Willis, J. Head, R. W. Keep and H. C. Keys. - ROBERT WINSOR, the first witness, said: I am a labourer, and live at Rut farm, the tenant of which is Mr Lang. The deceased, my son, was twelve years old last April. He was an indoor servant of Mr Richard Philip Adams, with whom he had been about five weeks. I last saw deceased alive in my kitchen at ten o'clock on Saturday morning last. He came home to me on the evening before. On Sunday morning, about half-past seven, I found him dead in one of the fat bullock houses. He was hanging by his neck, suspended by the strap produced. The strap was not round his neck, but formed a loop suspended from a chain that hung from a beam overhead. - The Coroner: He might have lifted himself out of the noose, and released himself in a minute. - A Juror: Yes, a person would hang for hours in that way before dying. - The Coroner: As the strap was but a loop, there was nothing round the boy's neck to suffocate him speedily. he could have extricated himself, apparently, by lifting up his hands to the strap or chain. - Witness resumed: Deceased was fully dressed, with his cap on, and his face was towards the door. On Friday night, when my son came home, I was in bed. He knocked at the door, and said that he was outside and had his boots in his hands. I let him in, and he sat down and would have no supper. I asked him why he had left his master's house, and he said "They have been carrying on such tricks with me. They tied me down in a chair, and I have had mustard put upon my face." In consequence of this I went over to Mr Adams's with the boy on Saturday morning. I saw Maddick there, and he said to my boy, "What a pretty fellow you were to go back home last night; you ought to have been flogged all the way back." I told him that he must be a pretty fellow to strike my lad as he had done. My son then told me that Maddick took a cleaver the night before and whirled it over his (deceased's) head; also that he knocked him on the head with it, and shewed me and the servant-maid the injuries he had received. Mr Adams said the boy was an idler and a great liar; but the boy contradicted Mr Adams with regard to several statements that he made. A man named Roach was present. I left the boy in the kitchen at ten o'clock that morning, and never saw him again alive. When the boy came home the night before he had been crying and appeared to be very much frightened. - By Mr Mallett: The boy appeared to be wretched, and he stated that they had been telling lies about him. The boy was not of weak intellect. The brother of the boy's mother is now in the union, being of weak mind. The deceased was a hearty, strong, healthy boy, like others. He had never had a fit. He was by no means a stupid boy. On the Friday night when my boy returned he shewed me his cap and his head. He said his head pained him, and he pointed to a wound upon it. He shewed me his handkerchief, which had upon it mustard, with which he stated that his face had been smeared at Mr Adams's. - James Gorin said: On Sunday morning I went with MR WINSOR to one of the fat bullock house attached to the farm. I there saw hanging by the head the deceased boy, who had a chain and buckled strap under his chin and the chain and strap suspended him by running up from under his chin behind his ears. We took the boy down by lifting him out of the nooses made by the bullock chain and strap. The boy's feet were nearly level with a crib. - At the suggestion of the Coroner, the Jury then went to the fat bullock house referred to, which is a mile distant, and inspected the chain and strap, and premises. On their return, James Gorin was recalled and said: I did not observe that the strap or the chain was twisted. Deceased was quite dead when we found him. The strain was on the leather strap rather than on the chain, and I believe the strap hanged the boy, and that he was not hanged in the chain, which was loose. - By a Juror: Before the boy's death I saw him, and he said he should perhaps leave his place. I advised him not to do so. He appeared unhappy. - Wm. Maddick, a labourer working with Mr Adams, of Broom-hill Farm, having been cautioned that he need not criminate himself, deposed: I last saw deceased on Saturday with his father. I was chopping thin wood against the wall on Friday night with a small cleaver. I asked the boy why he did not go to bed. He made no reply, and I then said to him, "If you don't speak, I'll let into you." I then went way, and that is all that I did. The marks of whiting on the cleaver was done in the course of chopping wood. I never struck the boy at all, or struck the wall just over the boy's head to frighten him. - The Coroner: What then was the sense of his going home and not eating his supper? - A.: Probably it was because he was not going to stay with Mr Adams. - Q.: But what do you say about the mustard? - A.: I never saw any mustard whatever. - Q.: You said you would "let into him" - what did you say? A.: I said I would let into him with the cleaver, but I did not touch him. All I did to the boy at any time was to knock him away from a feeding tub a week before, when he fell down on the pavement. I did it because he was filling in the meat badly. The boy was very hearty, but I should not say that he was very "sharp." The boy one day carried out a gun; it was not loaded, and he said he was taking out the gun to air it. - By a Juror: He probably only took it out to lay with. - John Joynt, labourer, said: I saw the deceased alive at Rut Farm on Saturday, at ten o'clock. He shewed me a wound on his head, and said that Maddick struck him on the head with a cleaver. - The Coroner observed that the deceased's statement was not legal evidence against Maddick, and the statement ought not to e permitted to weigh against him. - By a Juror: He told me nothing about mustard. - Maddick here interposed, and said that deceased had stated that he was hurt by some harness falling on him. - Ellen Goff, a girl in the service of Mr Adams, said she was in the kitchen when Maddick was chopping wood there, and when deceased was also there. Maddick, who had a cleaver in his hand, said to deceased that if he did not answer as to why he did not go to bed he would halve his head with a cleaver. He did not answer, and Maddick struck the wall over the boy's head thrice with the cleaver. He struck the wall about three inches above the deceased's head. Mr Adams came in and the boy then went out, watered a horse, and came in again. Mr Adams sent him to bed, but the deceased said he should not go to bed, but that he would take his clothes and go home, as it was "not proper to go on with him so." Deceased took his clothes and left the house. He was crying when he passed out of doors to go home. I applied mustard to the boy's face. The fact is that on the Wednesday before he died WINSOR in fun daubed my face with blacking, and I told him that when I could I should serve him out. When he fell asleep I put some mustard on his face. He did not take this to heart. On Friday afternoon he said the harness had fallen upon him, and injured his head and nose. His nose bled dreadfully, and he made it bleed more because, as he said, it was healthy for a person to bleed after being struck. - Maddick was here told that the servant girl directly contradicted his statement as to his not striking the wall with the cleaver above deceased's head. Maddick persisted in his statement. - Mr Adams, the deceased's employer said: I was astonished when I heard of deceased's death, because I had seen nothing but innocent play between the servants and the boy. I had only seen that tricks were occasionally played with the boy, for which he in the same spirit apparently retaliated. I gave the boy notice to leave on Friday afternoon, because he invariably declined to do what he was told, and therefore I would not retain him. I met him in the afternoon and asked him what made his forehead bleed. He replied that the harness had fallen upon his head. I said he had better bathe his forehead and come with me. He said "It is not worthwhile, the bleeding has stopped." I did not see him again until the evening, when I called him in the kitchen and found that he was asleep. I then saw that his legs were tied to the hamper on which he sat, and that his coat was tied to the chimney-crook. I thought it was but a practical joke. The boy would not answer me when I spoke to him, so I told him to look after the pony and go to bed. I afterwards found that he went home. I thought the boy was of weak mind, because he ate so ravenously. The boy a short time since, I am told, went into the pond to bring out the ducks. - Dr Holmes said: I am an M.D. residing at Ivybridge. I carefully examined the body of the deceased; externally it has the following marks - an incised wound on the crown of the head, and on the right side of the centre parting, a slight skin wound on the right side of the nose, and a pinch bruise on the right fore-finger. The wound on the head was about a quarter of an inch; it penetrated the outer table of the skull, but I don't consider there was concussion of the brain. I found the lungs healthy, but partially congested. The viscera generally were healthy, but the brain was much congested, and with the state of the lungs was quite sufficient to have caused death. There was a livid mark upon his neck. When I saw the deceased soon after death I observed that there was the evacuation of faeces and fluid which is usual in hanging. There is a mark all round the neck, except about three inches at the back of the neck. The neck was not broken. The boy's fall was only about four inches, and there seems to have been every opportunity for him to have saved himself if he wished. He hung by rather more than his jaw, and if he had jerked his head back he would have fallen to the ground. The circumstances are consistent with the boy's having hanged himself. - Mr John Lang, farmer, said: The boy has lived with me from childhood until five weeks ago. He was healthy, but was passionate - would sometimes stare vacantly, and I believe that he could not be considered of strong intellect. - The Coroner then said that the two points for the Jury were whether deceased hanged himself and if so, whether he was or was not of unsound mind. - The Jury then unanimously returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - The whole of the Jurymen gave their fees for attendance to the father of the deceased and Mr Adams also gave his fee, with the addition of a gratuity.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 December 1865
MONKOKEHAMPTON - Sudden Death Of A Farmer. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday by Mr Vallack, Coroner, on the body of MR WILLIAM HILL, aged 80, a most respectable farmer at Wood Barton, Monkokehampton, who was found dead in his court-yard. He had angrily followed a discharged servant called John Lugg, to see him off the premises, and a quarter of an hour afterwards was discovered a corpse. Lugg was taken into custody on suspicion, but the evidence did not seem to implicate him, and after a long investigation an Open Verdict was returned of "Found Dead." The deceased had a scar on his forehead and some scratches, such as might be expected from an accidental fall.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 December 1865
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - Mr Edmonds, Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth, held an Inquest on Friday evening at Rossi's lodging-house, Summerland-terrace, Plymouth, on the body of JOHN ZELLER. the deceased lodged at Mr Rossi's house and on Thursday evening went to bed apparently in good health. During the night, however, he complained to a fellow lodger of a pain in his stomach, and on Friday morning he was found dead in his bed. the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased had died by "The Visitation of God". ZELLER was 76 years of age, and a German birth.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 December 1865
DAWLISH - At the Coroner's Inquest on the body of the eldest son, aged nine years, of MR TRIPE, coal merchant, who was drowned by falling into the brook through the planks under the viaduct, a verdict of Accidentally Drowned was returned, but a strong censure was cast upon the persons to whom the planks belonged.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 December 1865
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, before Mr Alan B. Bone, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of WILLIAM SPILLER, late a shipwright in the Devonport Dockyard. The evidence went to shew that on the morning of the 2nd inst., the deceased with others was engaged n repairing H.M.S. Gladiator in the Basin. While at work he accidentally fell from the stage upon which he had been working, and his body coming in contact with the side of the ship, his spine was severely fractured. The doctor of the Dockyard attended to the deceased, but finding that his injuries were of so serious a nature, ordered him to be at once conveyed to the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, where he lingered until Sunday morning last, and expired after great suffering. - In answer to a question from the Coroner, several witnesses who saw the accident testified as to the security of the stage upon which the deceased was working. On Friday, at the request of the deceased, who was then perfectly sensible, his parents and friends were fetched to him in the hospital, and he then distinctly stated that his injuries were entirely the result of accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". The deceased, who is 21 years of age, was much respected for his steady and sober habits, and his sad end is greatly deplored.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 December 1865
PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Newly-Born Child. - Mr John Edmonds, Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth, held an Inquest yesterday at the Railway Inn, Zetland-place, Mutley Plain, on the body of a newly-born female child. It seems that a servant named SARAH WHITEWAY, in the employ of Mr Henry Williams, 6 Longfield-terrace, was delivered of a child on Tuesday, and the body was afterwards found in a slop-pail in the wash-house. The medical evidence shewed that there had been partial breathing, but not sufficient to prove that the child was born alive. There were no marks of violence on the body. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Falling Into The Devonport Military Trench. Dissensions Between Coroner And Jury. - The Inquest on the body of WILLIAM WEBB WALTERS, a bankruptcy messenger, who fell over from the Lower Brickfield, Devonport, into the military trench which skirts it, was held yesterday at the London Inn, Fore-street, before Mr Alan B. Bone, Coroner and a Jury thirteen in number. The Coroner did not arrive until 25 minutes after two o'clock, the Inquest having been appointed for two. The Jury, however, being punctual, nominated Mr Arnold, their Foreman, and held a sort of indignation meeting, and it was resolved that a complaint be made to the Coroner on his arrival as to his lateness. It was remarked that when a Juryman was late the Coroner was in the habit of saying, "I have the power of fining you, sir, and the next time you are late I will do it." Other Jurors said that if they kept the Coroner waiting he would say, "You have detained me, gentlemen;" and that "me" was worth a hundred of them. On the Coroner's arrival the Jury were sworn, stating that they had already chosen a Foreman, who then mentioned the resolution of censure which had been passed. - Mr Bone said he had often had to wait for the Juries, but it was their duty to wait for him. He did not think, however, that it needed any observation, as circumstances would happen to occasion a little delay. - The facts, as elicited from the witnesses, shewed that the deceased, WILLIAM WEBB WALTERS, aged 40 years, was a messenger of the Exeter Bankruptcy court, and was in possession of the premises of Mr William Henry Miller Morgan, bankrupt, late draper of Ross-street, Morice Town. On Sunday morning last he went into Plymouth to spend the day, and in the evening met a friend of his, Hugh Brinstead, in Stonehouse. Together they visited two or three public-houses, having a pint of ale at one place, two three-pennyworths of gin and water at another and a glass of 6d. ale at a third. Brinstead swore that deceased was quite capable of taking himself home when they parted at 11 o'clock. He must have gone straight on towards Morice Town, as a cigar was found near him when he was discovered subsequently, which cigar he was smoking when he parted from Brinstead, and the length of it had been decreased only an inch. The next thing seen of the deceased was on Tuesday morning at eleven o'clock, when two lads, William Smith and Richard Lover, went into the trench under the Brickfields for amusement, but on coming to an angle of the trench, near the spot where the one o'clock gun is fired, they saw a man lying on his left side near the wall of the trench. Seeing that he was apparently dead, they ran for the police, and first Inspector Bryant and then Supt. Lynn, Mr Swain, surgeon and P.C. Schubert arrived. They found deceased quite dead, with a deep wound on the left side of his head corresponding in shape to a stone fixed in the ground under him. Evidence was given of the fact that from the field there was a slope down to the wall of the trench of four feet, two feet of which was at a steep angle, and that there were no railings or fence between the field and the trench. It was further stated that the deceased was a stranger to Devonport and that he had previously wanted to cross the field in question by night, but had been prevented by his companions and that on these occasions he had pointed out a light on the drawbridge at the head of Fore-street as the point which should be made for direct, but which would in reality lead a heedless person right over the trench at the spot where the deceased fell. - The Coroner briefly summed up, pointing out that the Jury should either find a verdict of accidental death or found dead, as there was no evidence to shew how he came by his death, and a total absence of any suspicion of foul play. - Mr W. Greenwood, a Juror, inquired what position the War Department would be placed in if the Jury considered them culpable. - The Coroner said that would not form part of their verdict. They might express that opinion if they liked as an appendage to the verdict, but they must return the latter first, and they might afterwards consult upon the former. - Mr Greenwood: I have read the summings up of coroners - The Coroner: I can't have anything to do with the summings up of other coroners; but you must proceed in a proper form. - Mr Greenwood: but supposing we see fit to return a verdict of manslaughter against the officials? - The Coroner: It would be the most absurd and ridiculous verdict that could be returned. You should accept the law from me, and I tell you that the law will not allow you to return such a verdict. The Jury are to decide on the facts, and the Coroner on the law. Against whom could you return such a verdict? - A Juror: Against the officers of the War Department. - The Coroner: You must excuse my saying so, gentlemen, but this really is simple nonsense. - After some more discussion of a similar kind, the Court was cleared, and in about a quarter of an hour was re-opened, when the Foreman informed the Coroner that seven of the Jury were in favour of a verdict of "Accidental Death," and six in favour of one of "Manslaughter against the War Department." - The Coroner said that a verdict of manslaughter must be returned against some particular individual, A. B., or C.D., but there could not be such a thing against a "Department." - The Foreman said they meant the chief-officer of the War Department. - The Coroner said that 12 must agree before a verdict could be legal, and the court must again be cleared. He had never met with such a difficulty before during 40 years' experience and he could not understand it. There was nothing in the evidence to justify a verdict of "manslaughter". If they could not agree, he must lock them up without food or fire for the night, as he was going out of town; and in the morning he would receive their verdict when he came back. He would give them ten minutes more. He pointed out that it was the peculiar province of the Jury to determine on the facts, and the Coroner on the law, and each should shew deference to the other on those matters. - The Court was again cleared, and on re-opening the Foreman said that twelve gentlemen had agreed upon a verdict of "Manslaughter against Colonel Owen." - The Coroner: Well, gentlemen, I can't receive the verdict, and beg you will reconsider it, as I believe it to be illegal. - P.C. Schubert was then sworn according to the usual form, to keep the Jury "without fire, food, or candle," till they should agree. - The Court was cleared for the third time and on re-opening at six o'clock, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and appended to it the following rider:- The Jury have returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" because the coroner has charged them, or has declared to them, that the evidence does not by law authorise a verdict of manslaughter, and the Jury desire to express their opinion that did the law so permit - and they throw the responsibility of the law on the Coroner - they would have returned a verdict of manslaughter against the officers of the War Department."

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 December 1865
PLYMPTON ST. MARY - Sad Death Of A Woman At Plympton. - An Inquiry was held before Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner, on Thursday, into the decease of MARGARET TURPIN, wife of WILLIAM TURPIN, gardener, Plympton, who died on the 3rd inst. The deceased's husband stated that his wife was confined of her first child - a girl - about a month ago. the birth took place at about half-past ten o'clock at night, and at about half-past six he had sent for Mrs Chard, a midwife, who at once came and attended his wife till the child was born. She went for a doctor shortly before eleven o'clock, but came back without one. witness went to the late Mr Langworthy's, but failed to make anyone hear, and on returned Mrs Chard said that "She was very glad, as no doctor was required." The deceased grew worse four days after, and on Saturday morning Mr Pode, surgeon, was fetched. On Sunday she became worse, but Mr Pode declined to attend, as he had a headache. The services of Mr Bothwell were sought, but he refused because Mr Pode had the case in charge, but Mr Pode having certified that he could not attend, Mr Bothwell went, and attended deceased until her death. - Mrs Margaret Webber, a neighbour, said she fetched Mr Pode on the Saturday, who ordered a bandage and some medicine. He said deceased was in great danger. The placenta did not come away until Thursday, and Mr Pode said when he saw her that he did not believe it had come away then. - Mr G. G. Bothwell, of Ridgeway, said that in accordance with professional etiquette he did not visit deceased until Mr Pode certified that he was very busy and could not attend to her. He found the woman suffering great pain, and relieved her of the retention of urine. He found a portion of the placenta in a decomposed state in the uterus. When such was the case the placenta decomposed, and very often poisoned the blood. He took it away. It should have previously been removed entre. Deceased died from exhaustion consequent on typhoid fever of a puerperal character, induced by absorption of the poisonous matter from the decomposition of the part of the placenta left in the uterus. - Mr S. H. Pode said that when first applied to he told Mrs Chard he was too ill to attend MRS TURPIN. That was on the Thursday after the deceased was confined on Saturday. Mrs Webber asked him to see deceased, and he went and found that she had been confined several days. He understood that she had lost a good deal of blood, and that a portion of the placenta had come away two days before. He ordered a bandage and medicine, but did not examine deceased attentively, as he told the people he was too ill; he promised to see deceased again, but did not do so. On Sunday he was fetched, but he sent for Mr Bothwell. He should have made a minute examination, but was too poorly. The witness admitted that he did attend other patients on the day he saw MRS TURPIN; and that he was on horseback at half-past seven o'clock in the evening. - Mr Bothwell asked Mr P:ode how he could reconcile the statement that he was ill with his visits to other patients. - Mr Pode said he could attend a simple case when he could not attend a midwifery case. - The Coroner said that the poor woman was much indebted to Mr Bothwell for his efficient and ready help. - Mrs Chard's evidence set forth that Mr Simons, a surgeon, when asked to attend said "he could not; he attended so many and never got paid," and told her to go to the parish doctor. She offered the fee. - Mr Simons explained that Mrs Chard asked him to see MRS TURPIN, as she (Mrs Chard) had torn away the placenta, but thought she had left a portion behind. She stated, however, that there was no haemorrhage or bleeding, and therefore he said there was no immediate danger, and directed her to go to the parish doctor, but that if he was not at home, she was to return to him. He waited for a quarter of an hour, but she did not return. He was never offered his fee, but that had nothing to do with his non-attendance. He refused on principle to take the case. - The Jury after a long deliberation returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence, adding a regret that deceased had not earlier medical attendance. - The Coroner during the hearing of the case observed that any woman who voluntarily or for pay undertook the duties of midwife was liable to a criminal indictment if death ensued through her neglect or ignorance.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 December 1865
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - Mr W. H. Hooper, Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday at the Turk's Head, High-street, Exeter, respecting the sudden death of a military pensioner named DAVID EDMONDS, aged 57, and who formerly resided in Summerland-street. The evidence laid before the Jury shewed that the deceased on Friday evening, shortly after eight o'clock, went into the shop of Mr Thomas, hatter, Queen-street, and after speaking a few words complained that he felt ill. Deceased sat down, was seized with two or three slight convulsions, and died almost instantly. Mr Perkins, surgeon, Exeter, stated that deceased had been one of his patients, and from what he knew of him there had never been any indications of heart disease. The deceased was a man on whose life he should have put fifteen or twenty years, though, of course, heart disease might exist where there was not the least apprehension of it. The Jury returned a unanimous verdict that Death resulted from Spasms of the Heart.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 December 1865
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Well-Known Butcher Of Plymouth. - Mr J. Edmonds, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the Sir Francis Drake, Camden-street, on the body of MR WILLIAM WILCOCK, a butcher, carrying on business in partnership with Mr Samuel Furneaux Hewitt at No. 1 Stall in the Plymouth Market. On Saturday night Mr William Page, a cattle dealer, after the closing of the Plymouth Market, went with the deceased to his home in Gilwell-street, and had supper. At about two o'clock on Sunday morning he saw the deceased in bed. The latter suffered from bronchitis and disease of the heart. He said he was worse than usual, but would neither have a doctor sent for, nor allow Mr Page to stay up the night with him. He was left partly propped up with pillows, and had had all his medicine poured out. Mr Page slept in the house, and in the morning went into the deceased's room, but receiving no answer to an inquiry regarding his health, and not seeing deceased (the room being dark), he concluded that he had gone downstairs. He was not there, however, and Mr Page, thinking he might be out, went to the slaughter house, and returned in about ten minutes. He then went up to the deceased's room, and it being daylight, found him lying across the bed dead, with his trousers partly on. The medicine was gone, and deceased appeared to have been dead about two hours. - Elizabeth Barrett, housekeeper to the deceased, deposed that the medicine in question was prescribed by Dr Hingston and made up by Mr Woods, chemist. - Kate King, who laid out the body of the deceased, stated that it bore no marks of violence. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect "That the deceased was Found Dead without marks of violence, and that it was probable that he died from Disease of the Heart."

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 December 1865
STOKE DAMEREL - Murder By A Soldier At Raglan Barracks, Devonport. - At an early hour yesterday morning, as announced yesterday in a special edition of the Western Morning News, a murder was committed under circumstances of extreme brutality in the guard-room of the Raglan Barracks, Devonport, the unfortunate victim being killed during his sleep. It appears that Thomas Lynch and JOHN THOMAS JOHNSON, privates in the 65th Regt., arrived with their regiment at Plymouth on Friday last in the sailing ship Rob Roy, from Auckland, New Zealand, after a passage of seventy-three days, and were quartered at the Raglan Barracks, Devonport. Lynch and JOHNSON had been served abroad for five years and were of perfectly sound intellect. JOHNSON was servant to Captain Lewis. On Tuesday evening the two men quarrelled in their barrack-room, and as blows passed between them they were removed to the guard room, both being confined in the same room. This took place at about half-past eight o'clock, and at that time both men were under the influence of intoxicating drinks, although it is stated that they were sober when the murder was committed. After a while the two privates commenced quarrelling again, and by order of the corporal of the guard they were separated, and placed at either end of the apartment, which is spacious, and bayonet sentries had charge of them. Both of the men lay upon their beds and slept, but at three o'clock in the morning Thomas Lynch rose from his bed and under an excuse of passing over to the urinal, he was allowed to approach the bed upon which JOHNSON was sleeping, and hastily snatching from the floor the handle of a "scrubber" he dealt a remarkably rapid and violent blow upon JOHNSON'S head. The stroke fell heavily behind the upper part of the ear of the sleeper, and so instantaneously killed him that a comrade who lay beside him was unaware of what had taken place until aroused by a sergeant some minutes afterwards. A corporal was at once despatched for medical officers, and Dr Mackenzie, accompanied by a second doctor, and Adjutant Byam, hurried to the guard room, but found that JOHNSON was lifeless. Handcuffs were placed on Lynch, who uttered no syllable in explanation of his conduct. The body of the deceased was removed at six o'clock in the morning to the Military Hospital. Deceased was 26 years of age, and unmarried. The prisoner is eight years older and also unmarried: he is an Irishman. An Inquest will be held at the Military Hospital Inn, at half-past eleven o'clock this morning. The comrades of the deceased deeply feel the stigma thus cast upon the regiment, and which is to be the more regretted inasmuch as after a service of twenty years in New Zealand, the men of the 65th returned to England with a remarkably good character.

EXETER - Mysterious Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr W. H. Hooper, Coroner, at the Fireman's Arms, Preston-street, Exeter, respecting the death of PHILIP HOLMES, who formerly resided at the Broadstones in St. Mary Major's. HANNAH COOMBE, sister to the deceased, stated that her brother was a tailor and aged 61. He lived in the same house with her, and on Sunday morning last she heard a noise proceeding from his room resembling a person falling heavily on the floor. She at once went to the room, and there saw the deceased lying on his back underneath a man named William Perkins, for whom her brother occasionally made clothes. The deceased was crying out for Perkins to leave him alone, when witness became frightened, and desired to know what was the matter. Perkins replied "He's an old villain, and he has imposed upon me about making a coat I gave him to do." Witness remonstrated with Perkins and urged him to settle the matter quietly, when he said he would, and gave her 2s., the price he said he should pay for the coat. Witness stated that she noticed that the left side of her brother's face was swollen, and that he had received a heavy blow over one of his eyes, and that his nose was bleeding. She believed both men were sober. - Benjamin Manning, a labourer, who lives in the same house, said that he heard the scuffle on Sunday morning, went up into the room and saw Perkins struggling with the deceased, who was lying on his back, and complained of being hurt in one of his legs. Witness at once separated them, and said he would have no fighting there, especially as it was Sunday. Perkins said he would go home, and was about to leave the room, when the deceased placed himself with his back against the door to prevent him from doing so, and said, "He shan't go till he's paid me for the jacket." Perkins replied that he would not pay the 9s. demanded, but was willing to give him 2s. 6d., the usual market price, which he always had paid him. He believed both men were sober. - A Juror: Perkins is a teetotaller. - Maria Manning, wife to last witness, corroborated her husband's evidence, and gave the conversation she heard between Perkins and deceased. Perkins said he was obliged to hold deceased down tight to save himself from being struck. Deceased tore the coat which Perkins wore, and which was the one they were disputing about. - Mary Ann Manning, who also lives in the house, said that on Tuesday, shortly after noon, Mrs Coombe, one of the former witnesses, came into her room and asked her if she would attend to the deceased a little, while she ran for a doctor, as she believed he was dying. Witness did so, and almost immediately after Mrs Coombe left the house, the deceased drew a long breath and died. - Mrs Coombe was recalled and stated that her brother came to her about an hour before on Tuesday morning and asked her for something hot, as he felt very unwell. She gave him three cups of tea, and two small pieces of bread and butter, after which he appeared sleepy. She left him sitting in a chair in charge of Mrs Manning and on her return found him in the same position. - Mr W. R. F. Marchant, M.D., of Exeter, stated that he was fetched to see the deceased on Tuesday morning, and on his arrival found him dead in a sitting posture before the fire, in charge of Mrs Manning. He had examined the body externally and had discovered several abrasions. He could not positively state, without making a post mortem examination, the cause of death, or whether it was in any degree accelerated by the blow deceased had received on the Sunday previous. - The Coroner in briefly addressing the Jury said it was a case in which a post mortem examination was necessary, in order to ascertain the cause of death. The Inquest was then adjourned until Saturday morning.

[No newspapers in the Archive for 1866]

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 January 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - Extraordinary Death Of A Child At Devonport. - At the Devonport Guildhall yesterday Mr A. B. Bone, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of MINNIE GEARING, a child about four months old, whose death happened under the following circumstances:- The deceased was the daughter of a married woman, whose husband, a sailor, is at sea. Early in December the deceased was placed by her mother, who has three other children, under the care of Elizabeth Berry, a widow woman, living in Pembroke-street. On the 24th December, Berry took the child to Dr Bennett, stating that it was suffering from a bad ear. On examining it, however, Dr Bennett discovered that the scalp was swollen and red, and that there was a black mark, as if it had been occasioned by a fall or blow. He communicated this suspicion to Berry, but she denied that the child had received any injury of the kind. Later in the week he again saw her, and reiterated his former opinion as to the cause of the illness, but Berry denied strongly the fact. After death, which occurred on Saturday last, Dr Bennett again examined the body, and came to the conclusion that the death of the child had been caused by an effusion of blood under the scalp, produced by a fall or a blow. - The woman Berry was examined, and stated that during the whole of the time the child had been under her care it had never sustained any injuries by a fall or a blow. Not long ago she took the child to Dr Row, who stated his opinion that the child was suffering from a disease of the scalp bone. - At the request of the Coroner one of the officers of the court was sent to Dr Row with reference to the accuracy of this statement, and a message was sent by the doctor to the effect that he had prescribed for the deceased, who was suffering from a disease of the skin. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, but severely reprimanded the woman Berry for her conduct in the matter.

PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident To A Mason. - Mr Edmonds, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Plymouth Guildhall, touching the death of WILLIAM HAMLYN, who was killed on Monday by falling from a roof. The deceased was a mason's labourer, and was working with many other men at St. James's Church in Citadel-road, which is undergoing extensive repairs. On Monday morning about ten o'clock he was working as usual on the roof, when by some means he fell off. The occurrence was witnessed by a man named Browning, in the employ of Mr Anderson, who found the deceased on the ground insensible. He was immediately taken to the South Devon Hospital, where after lingering for three hours in great agony he expired. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". The deceased was sixty years of age.

Western Morning News - Thursday 3 January 1867
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - Mr Hooper, City Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Politmore Inn, St. Sidwell's, on the body of CHARLOTTE TROAKE, otherwise GEE, aged 77, who was found dead in bed that morning in the house of Mr Woodman, surgeon, where she had obtained a situation as domestic servant. The deceased, a native of Exeter, went to reside many years ago in London, and remained single until she was 70 years of age, when she married a young shoemaker named TROAKE. Her youthful husband soon spent all her savings and deserted her, when she became chargeable to the parish and removed to Exeter Workhouse, from whence she went to live with Mr Woodman, representing herself to be 59 instead of 77. The medical evidence tended to prove that deceased died from disease of the heart, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER - Manslaughter At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr R. R. Crosse, County Coroner, at the Port Royal, Exeter, on the body of ANN FEY, whose husband was a paper maker, working at Trews Weir and residing in Limekiln-lane, St. Leonards. It appears that FEY was out all Thursday night drinking and was found next morning by his son at Pinhoe. He returned with his son, but instead of going home went off to the public-house again. At eight o'clock the same evening the deceased and her stepson found him drunk at the Hour-glass Inn, Holloway-street. She called him outside and desired him to go home, when a quarrel ensued. After considerable altercation FEY left to go home with his wife. High words passed between them on their way, and on their arrival at the door of their house FEY, in an excited manner, swore and said, "If you don't go in and be quiet, I'll knock you down." The deceased replied, "Then do it," and her husband struck her with his fist on the side of the head. The deceased was helped into her house by the neighbours, when she became unconscious, and remained so until she died on Tuesday. The Jury, after considering the evidence, returned a verdict of Manslaughter against the husband.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 January 1867
NEWTON ABBOT - Sudden Death. - At Newton, an infant child, only a few weeks old, belonging to a man named FRENCH of Kingsteignton, was found dead in bed by its parents on Saturday morning. It was considered that the child had either been accidentally suffocated or laid on. Mr Michelmore, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body on Saturday afternoon, when a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 January 1867
PLYMSTOCK - The Wreck At Mount Batten. Inquest On The Bodies Washed Ashore. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Castle Inn, Mount Batten, by Mr Alan Bone, the Deputy Coroner, on the bodies of JAMES KENT, the master of the Palmyra, and JOHN BURGESS, a lad of the schooner Teazer, which had been washed ashore under Mount Batten on Tuesday. The first witness examined was:- Ezekiel John Gooding, the only survivor of the Teazer, on board which he had served in the capacity of mate, who said the ship left Sandersfoot, South Wales, on the 26th ult., with a cargo of stone coal, for Southall or Lowestoft, whichever they could make. The crew consisted of himself, the captain, James Austin, and the deceased BURGESS. Last Thursday afternoon they brought up in the Sound, and on Saturday the ship's berth was shifted further out in deeper water. On Monday last about midnight the ship began to drag. There were two anchors down, each of which was about four hundred weight. The chains, especially that of the bower anchor, were strong and substantial. They wore away their chains, sixty fathom on the working anchor and forty-five fathoms on the bower anchor. They then prepared to slip their cables, and to make for the Cattewater, believing that to be the best course to save life. They tried to weather the Cobbler Buoys, but failing to do that, and the vessel dragging all the time, he advised the captain to hoist signals of distress. This was done, and about three o'clock the lifeboat came, but the sea was very rough indeed. About this time he heard the captain tell BURGESS to fetch his pocket-book, watch and money. He (witness) procured a warp and hove it to the lifeboat, but he hove it six times before it was caught. He succeeded in getting on board the boat and the crew of the boat tried several times subsequently to reach the ship for the captain and the lad, but failed in their attempts, which were relinquished at the instance of the coxswain of the boat, who urged the necessity of procuring the assistance of a steamer. - John Sweet, a merchant seaman, was examined, and identified the body of the other deceased as that of the captain of the Palmyra, who was about forty years of age, a native of Bembridge, Isle of Wight, and lived at Freemantle, Southampton. - Nicholas Launder, a waterman, deposed to finding the certificate of registry of the Palmyra on the beach under Mount Batten on Tuesday morning. - William Kellar, who was acting coxswain of the lifeboat on Monday night, said the lifeboat was manned in obedience to a signal from Mount Batten, and proceeded to the scene of the wreck. It was intensely dark, and the weather extremely rough. They had great difficulty in getting alongside the wreck, the boat being filled twice before they could reach her. After they had succeeded in saving the mate, he told the others of the crew to get on the jibboom, but they were unable to get near enough for them to jump into the boat, which he felt touch the rocks, and he thought it was but right to return to the Barbican, because the lives of the crew were entirely in his hands, and death was staring them in the face if he had taken the boat nearer the wreck. Before the boat left, however, the captain threw his pocket-book and papers into the boat. - George Jefferson, chief boatman of the coastguard, deposed to finding the bodies of the deceased in the cove under Mount Batten, near the coastguard station. - Mr Henry Bath, the chief officer of the coastguard station at Mount Batten said on perceiving a signal of distress from a vessel in the South he mustered the hands, and procured the rocket apparatus, which he took down on the beach as soon as possible, but then they could see no sign of the wreck. While standing there, however, he heard a man exclaim "Send a boat," but nothing more was heard, and soon afterwards pieces of wreck were washed ashore. - In summing up, the Deputy Coroner said that as yet no actual evidence had been adduced to shew that the Palmyra really was in the sound. If the Jury were satisfied that she was in the Sound, and that KENT was on board her on Monday night then a verdict might be returned similar to that in the case of the poor lad, but if not a verdict of simply "Found Drowned" should be given. - The Jury, however, expressed themselves satisfied on the point; and returned a verdict that "The deceased were drowned in Plymouth Sound on Monday night last, the ships to which they respectively belonged having been wrecked in a gale on the night aforesaid.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 January 1867
KINGSTEIGNTON - Inquest At Kingsteignton. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Michelmore, Deputy Coroner, at the Bell Inn, Kingsteignton, on the body of THOMAS STIGGINGS, a pilot of Shaldon. The deceased, who was an elderly man, was on the previous afternoon found at the edge of the Teign, at Hackney, quite dead, apparently having been drowned. In his pocket was found a railway ticket between Teignmouth and Torquay, dated Jan. 8th, 10s. 6d. in silver, a pair of spectacles, and other articles. From the rigid state of the body, he appeared to have been dead some time. The Inquest was adjourned until today in order that the police might make further inquiries into the matter.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 January 1867
EXETER - Drowned In The River Exe. - The body of the young woman named SARAH ANN CANN, who was last seen alive at the Quay, Exeter, on the night of the 5th instant, was found on Monday, and an Inquest was held yesterday by Mr R. R. Crosse, County Coroner, at the Countess Weir Inn. The deceased, whose parents reside at Shobrooke, lived with a man named GOODING, as his wife. The deceased was seen by Francis Hill, a labourer on the quay, on the night of the 5th near the quay, and when it was raining heavily and the water rising. Deceased said she wanted to see Gooding, who was then at work on board a vessel moored off the quay. Shortly after Hill went away the deceased was missed, and was not again seen until her body was found near the double locks on Monday by a sailor named Scanes, frozen to the ground and decomposed, where it is supposed to have been washed at high water. The supposition was that the deceased, who had been drinking, had mistaken the boundary of the quay, and had walked over into the river. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXETER - A Child Burnt To Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr H. W. Hooper, Exeter Coroner, on the body of WALTER J. SWANSTON, a child aged ten months, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital that morning from the effects of burns. The child's mother, who resides in Harford-place, Bartholomew-street, had occasion to leave her house for a few minutes on the previous day, when she did leave deceased and another child three years of age were in the kitchen. MRS SWANSTON had not been gone long when a neighbour, Mrs Bower, heard screams, and went running in to see what was the matter, she discovered the younger child in flames. Mrs Bower at once wrapped the child in the carpet and extinguished the fire. The explanation given by the elder child was that he was going to get a piece of paper to smoke, but it burnt his fingers, so he dropped it on his little brother. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 18 January 1867
KINGSTEIGNTON - An adjourned Inquest was held at the Bell Inn, Kingsteignton, yesterday (before Mr H. Michelmore, Deputy Coroner) on the body of THOMAS STIGGINS, a pilot of Shadon, who was found drowned at Hackney, near the above place, on Monday. The investigation lasted several hours, and the Jury returned a verdict, "Found Drowned, but how the deceased came into the water there is no evidence to show."

MARLDON - Fatal Accident to A Farmer At Marldon. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Royal Oak, Marldon, by Mr H. Michelmore, Deputy Coroner, on the body of MR WILLIAM PETHEBRIDGE, farmer, of that parish, who was accidentally killed on the previous evening through falling off his horse, whilst on his return home from Newton market. - Mr Wm. Henry Preston, school-master and stationer, of Newton, said that he saw the deceased on Wednesday evening at the Turk's Head, Newton. He saw the deceased at the inn between nine and ten o'clock, when he inquired of him if he had seen his brother. He told him that he had. The deceased was first drinking spirit and beer, and afterwards he had a glass of grog of him. His (deceased's) wife and servant man afterwards came after him, but before he left he had 3d. worth more spirit. The deceased then left, appearing to be rather excited because he had not seen his brother, a farmer, of Newton, with whom he said he had some business to transact. He did not appear to be intoxicated. - Henry Crocker, a labourer in the employ of the deceased, said that about nine o'clock on the previous evening he and his mistress went to Newton in a trap in search of the deceased. They were not in the habit of going for him, but MRS PETHEBRIDGE thought that as he had a considerable sum of money with him, and a "fresh" horse, it would be advisable to go and see for him. They first saw him at the Turk's Head, Newton, where he was in the habit of putting up. The deceased left about a quarter of an hour afterwards on horseback for home. Witness accompanied the deceased in a trap, in which was also MRS PETHEBRIDGE. No conversation took place on the road. Shortly after passing the Two Mile Oak Inn, deceased looked round (he being ahead at the time) and said "come on." No sooner had he uttered those words than the mare began to run back, throwing the deceased forward over her head. The deceased appeared to pitch on his head in the middle of the road. The deceased said nothing. Witness immediately went to his assistance and called out to him, "master, master, what's the matter?" but he made no reply. He with the assistance of MRS PETHEBRIDGE placed him in the trap and took him home. He did not appear to be dead until after he reached home. On getting to Marldon he went after Dr Goodridge, who subsequently saw the deceased, but life was extinct. He was only about a land yard behind when the accident happened. - At this stage of the proceedings the Coroner said that he had not summoned Dr Goodridge, as he thought his evidence was unnecessary. - Mr Butland (the Foreman) thought that they ought to have medical evidence before they arrived at a decision. The Coroner accordingly adjourned the Inquest until Monday next.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 January 1867
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Child In Plymouth. - Mr John Gard Edmonds, Deputy Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth, held an Inquest yesterday at the Guildhall on the body of WILLIAM RICHARD THOMAS GIBBS, two months old. The parents live in St. Andrew's-street, and the previous night about half-past nine o'clock they went to bed, the child being placed by its mother's side. During the night the infant cried once. Yesterday morning about four o'clock the father got up, and his son was then alive, but about half-past seven o'clock, when he went into the bedroom and awoke his wife to have a cup of tea, the child was found dead in her arms. It was told by a neighbour that MR and MRS GIBBS always treated their children kindly; and the Jury, of whom Mr Henry Preston was chosen Foreman, returned a verdict that the deceased "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 January 1867
EXETER - Death From Suffocation. - An Inquest was held at the Rising Sun, Russell-square, Exeter, on Monday evening by Mr Hooper, Coroner, on the body of a child, aged two months, named STANDLAKE, whose parents reside in Russell-street. It appeared that the child must have been overlaid by its mother; and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Suffocation."

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 January 1867
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday evening at Exeter respecting the death of MRS BETSY ELLIOTT, aged 61, the widow of the late MR HENRY ELLIOTT, of Hooe, near Plymouth. Deceased resided with her daughter, the widow of the late MR W. A. W. BIRD, auctioneer, in Paris-street and had been confined to her bed for a few days. Mr S. Perkins, surgeon, found no traces of disease, but was of opinion that death resulted from Natural Causes. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 January 1867
EXETER - Death From A Fall In The Street. - On the last day of the old year an aged woman, named ANN HANCOCK, was accidentally knocked down in South-street, Exeter, as she was going to post a letter, by a girl named Elizabeth Loving, which not only severely shook the old lady, but broke one of her thigh bones. She was at once conveyed to her home at Mr Hill's, Paragon-street, and attended by Mr Edye, surgeon, but did not recover the effects of the fall, and died on Monday. An Inquest on the body was held at the Black Horse Inn, South-street, by Mr Hooper, Coroner, on Wednesday evening, when the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death. Deceased was 86 years of age.

MARLDON - The Late Fatal Accident At Marldon. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" has been returned by the Coroner's Jury in the case of MR PETHEBRIDGE, farmer, who was thrown from his horse and killed while returning to his house from Newton market. Mr Goodridge, surgeon, of Paignton, said that deceased had sustained a fracture of the skull which caused death.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 January 1867
PLYMOUTH - A Boy Scalded To Death At Plymouth. - Mr John Gard Edmonds, Deputy Coroner of Plymouth, held an Inquest on Saturday afternoon concerning the death of THEODORE HERBERT RENFREY POTTER, a boy residing with his parents in Morley-lane. The deceased was the son of JOSEPH POTTER, a shoemaker in the Royal Navy. On Tuesday his mother, who had been washing all the day, left the wash-house to take some tea, and meanwhile the deceased got on the copper in play, and one of his feet slipped into the hot water. The mother applied some linseed oil to the foot, but it got no better, and she sent for Dr Adams, who attended the deceased, who from that time appeared to be in a kind of drowsy state and never rallied. He died early on the morning of Friday. The Inquest was adjourned for the purpose of taking the evidence of Dr Adams.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 January 1867
PLYMOUTH - A Boy Scalded To Death At Plymouth. Alleged Medical Neglect. - Mr John Gard Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an adjourned Inquest last evening at a beer-shop in Russell-street, Plymouth, concerning the death of THEODORE HERBERT RENFREY POTTER. The deceased was seven years old, and resided with his parents in Morley-lane. One day last week the mother left the wash-house, where she had been washing al day, to take tea, and meanwhile the boy got on the copper in play, and one of his feet slipped into the hot water. The mother applied linseed oil, but it got no better, and the child died on Friday morning. Mr Josiah Oake Adams, surgeon, attended the Inquest yesterday, and the Coroner told him that the Inquest had been adjourned in consequence of certain statements made by the mother and one of the witnesses, and it would be optional on his part whether he would give evidence, for what he might say would be taken down in writing, and might be used against him if there were a necessity for so doing. - Mr Adams having expressed his willingness to be examined, he was sworn, and said he was surgeon of No. 3 district of the borough of Plymouth, which district includes Morley-lane. On Wednesday afternoon last, about half-past three o'clock, the mother of the deceased child came to his house in Tavistock-place, and in consequence of what she said he went to her residence in Morley-lane, and there he saw the deceased. The boy was in a state of shock from an external injury. He prescribed for him. The prescription was composed of salvolatile, two drachms; spirits of chloroform, one drachm; sedative solution of opium, half a drachm; camphor mixture, to four ounces. That would make a four ounce mixture. The directions were two teaspoonsful every four hours. He saw the deceased again on Thursday evening about eight o'clock. He had previously received two messages from the mother asking him to come down. The first was delivered about six o'clock by a boy, who said, "Please come down and see MRS POTTER'S child." He replied, "I wish his mother or some other person to come up and tell me how the child is." He afterwards saw Elizabeth Poynter at his house, who asked him to come down, as the child was very ill, and the mother had stopped giving the medicine. She also added, "The mother thinks the medicine is injuring the child." That produced in his mind a thought which found utterance in the expression, "What have I put in the medicine?" He told Mrs Poynter that he did not know whether he should come or not. - The Coroner: Are there any fixed times for visiting patients by your regulations? - Witness: Oh, dear, no sir, at any time of the day, if necessary. Afterwards he thought he would go and see the deceased, and on his way to the house he met a lad who produced a letter from Mr Channens, one of the Guardians, asking him to come down. On arriving at the house he found the child much worse. He prescribed again a mixture somewhat different from the first, and then left. Linseed oil was a proper thing to apply to the scald. He saw the child's leg on his first visit, but did not look at it on the second visit. - Q.: What should you say was the cause of death? - A.: Shock to the nervous system. - Q.: It was mentioned in the evidence that the child did not cry from the time it was burnt to the time of his death; would that help you in your opinion as to the cause of death? - A.: Very much so. - Q.: Would the first medicine cause the child to sleep very much? - A.: No. - Q.: Because the mother speaks of its being very drowsy after taking the medicine. - A.: The first medicine was given as a stimulant. It might produce a sedative effect. - A Juryman: Do you consider the medicine you prescribed would cause the state of stupor described by the mother? - A.: No. - Q.: did you consider the child dangerously ill when you first saw it? - A.: Yes. - A Juryman: Twenty-seven hours appears a long time to leave a child without seeing it. - Witness: So it is, sir, in a general way. In the first lace, with regard to neglect, you must remember that I was not called to the child for nearly a day after the accident occurred. As is my custom in critical cases, I desired the mother to come up and see me the next day, in this instance specifying the object of her coming being for lint to apply to the child's leg. Although the child was in a very critical condition, it was a very simple case. The condition in which the boy was would either simply deaden, as it did in this case unfortunately, into coma, and the patient would die, or else the child would recover from the stupor and live. - A Juryman: Then you consider that if the mother thought the child worse she should have come the next morning? - A.: She should have done so, certainly, according to my directions. - A Juryman: You see you were sent for twice, and on the second time you hesitated whether you would attend or not. - Witness: The woman's manner was extremely brusque. She not only implied that I had neglected the child, but also that the medicine I had ordered, so far from doing the child good, had injured it. This annoyed me, as well as the fact that I had not been called according to my directions. I therefore spoke hastily. - A Juryman: don't you think that in a case of life and death a patient should not be neglected on account of your feeling annoyed? - Witness: Quite so. I fully enter into your feelings. But I was perfectly aware that my presence or absence could not do the child any good, from what I heard from the woman. I was aware from what she told me that the case was passing through the regular stages of one which was about to prove fatal. If it had been a case in which I knew that my immediate presence would have done good, I have every confidence in saying I should have gone at once, notwithstanding my annoyance at certain things which had happened. - The Coroner: Perhaps you had better tell the Jury what the second prescription contained. - Witness: Carbonate of ammonia, spirits of chloroform, and camphor mixture; but the quantities I don't know. - Mr Frederick Herron, chemist, East-st, and Wm. Turner, his assistant, proved that the medicines were supplied in accordance with the prescription. - MRS POTTER deposed that after the first dose of medicine the child went into a state of stupor. She was positive she never gave more than two teaspoonsful at a time. On Wednesday evening, when Mr Adams came, she turned down the bedclothes to unbind the leg. He said, "The cloth is not very smooth." She replied, "No, sir. I continually smooth it, but by the boy being so restless I cannot keep it smooth." He said, "Never mind," and never looked at the leg. On Thursday evening, when Mr Adams arrived, he said, "I am come. What good can I do to your child?" with a sneer. She said, "You may have a parent's feeling one day," and he scornfully laughed and said, "Well, I may," and went to the fireplace. She asked him why he did not come to see the child at first, for he had told her neighbour that he did not know whether he should come. He said, "Oh, it was your neighbour, was it? I should not have come tonight, if I had known it was not you." Mr Adams was annoyed that she had sent a note, after having sent twice previously. Mr Adams tampered very much with a parent's feeling, and what makes it worse, the child's father is expected home after three years' absence. - Witness: I am quite sure he did not say come up the next day, and that is the way I did not think there was any danger with the child. - Mr Adams: I can draw the leg on paper now, so strongly it is impressed on my memory. - MRS POTTER: The leg is now healed up beautifully and I should like for you gentlemen (the Jury) to see it. It was not from the leg that the child died, and I greatly regret that I should have had Mr Adams. If ever I am laid down, I hope they will never send for him for me. - The room was then cleared, and on the reporters being re-admitted, the Coroner announced that the Jury had returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of An Infant At Plymouth. - The Deputy Coroner of Plymouth, Mr J. G. Edmonds, held an Inquiry last evening at Roach's wine and spirit vaults, Octagon-street, into the circumstances attending the death of GEORGE HENRY WHITTLE, a child six weeks old. These, as narrated by the parents of the deceased, were very simple. On Friday night last JAMES WHITTLE, the father, a vendor of coke and coal, and ANN WHITTLE, the mother of the deceased, retired to bed at about half-past nine o'clock, both being quite sober. The deceased lay by the side of his mother. At three o'clock the latter awoke on hearing the child cry. She roused her husband, who got out of bed and struck a match; but before a light could be obtained the deceased had died in his mother's arms. A neighbour, Mrs Delaney, was immediately called in, and medical assistance obtained, but without avail. The child had been suffering from a slight cough for some days, but was otherwise well. Two days before its death MRS WHITTLE gave it half a teaspoonful of "squills"; but the Coroner pointed out that there was no necessity to inquire further into the quantity administered, although squills contained opium, in consequence of the time which had elapsed. The Jury, of whom Mr Roach was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 January 1867
TORQUAY - Overcrowded Dwellings. - At Torquay, on Tuesday, an Inquest was held before Mr Michelmore, Deputy Coroner, concerning the death of JOHN HENRY STONE, aged two months. - ELIZABETH STONE, the mother, said she went to bed on Friday night with the infant, and suckled it several times during the night; it was very ill and suffered from the thrush. She found it dead in her arms about five o'clock on Saturday morning. She sent for no doctor until between eight and nine o'clock. - Mr Hartland, surgeon, said suffocation was the cause of death - the child had been overlaid. The Jury animadverted in strong terms upon the manner in which the family lived. The father is a mason earning from a guinea to twenty-four shillings a week, and the family consisted of himself, wife, child and the deceased, all of whom lived in one room, barely, it was stated, nine feet by ten. There were four or five rooms in the cottage, which was situated in Pimlico, and each room contained a family. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death in the case of the infant, and added to it a notification that the overcrowding of the dwellings of the poor was disgraceful, and requested the Coroner to communicate with the authorities on the subject.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 February 1867
STOKE CANON - The Boiler Explosion At Stoke Canon. - An Inquest was yesterday held at Dewdney's Paper Mills, near Stoke Canon, concerning the deaths of JANE HAYDON and SARAH THOMAS, who had been killed by the explosion of a boiler on the premises the previous day. Three men who had to do with the boiler and engine gave evidence, declaring that there was no neglect on the part of anyone; that the boiler when cleaned out on Monday week appeared perfect, and that just before the explosion it was being worked at about 45 lbs. to the square inch pressure, being only about half what it was supposed to sustain; and that it was more than half full of water. George Staddon, machineman in the mills, attributed the explosion to a defect in the iron, which he had perceived since the accident, but which could not have been discovered while the boiler was whole. The boiler was 14 years old, which was declared to be no unusual age. It was stated that had the explosion taken place at the same time of day during the late cold weather probably thirty people would have been killed. The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," attributing no blame to anyone.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 February 1867
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Accident At Keyham Steamyard. - On Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, on the body of REUBEN MARTIN, the engineer student who was killed through a fall at Keyham Yard on Thursday. The deceased first entered the factory on Tuesday, when he was placed in Mr Fowler's shop, where he worked on that and the following day. On Thursday Mr Fowler, as he was a young hand at the work, sent him around the factory with another engineer student named Stribbling. Near Mr Fowler's workshop was a crane erecting, and the deceased and Stribbling got on this carne. While they were there two labourers who were employed working at the carne came up. On seeing the lads one of the men said, "It is no use our doing this if you are going to do it." Subsequently Thos. Morgan, another of the labourers, told the lads that they had no right on the crane, and requested them to come down. This, however, they did not do. Shortly afterwards while working at the carne Stribbling had occasion to move a plank. While he was so doing the deceased fell from the carne to the floor below, a height of over 20 feet. Stribbling said that the act of the deceased going on the crane was purely voluntary on his part. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 February 1867
EXETER - Serious Allegations Against The Master Of A Workhouse. - On Saturday morning the dead body of a man was picked up in the engine-stream which drives Mr Tremlett's bone mills, prince's-road, Exeter, and on inquiry found to be that of a pauper named JOHN ADAMS, an inmate of the St. Thomas Union. The body was removed to the Paper Maker's Arms, Exe-lane, to await the Inquest, which was held yesterday by Mr Coroner Hooper. The witness called was Mr Timewell, master of the Union, who stated that the deceased, aged 23, a native of Dunsford, had been an inmate of the Workhouse from his boyhood. On Friday evening the deceased was sent on an errand to South-street by the matron and on his return was sent to a place in the Prince's-road. Deceased was of weak intellect. Search was made on Friday night, it having been found that ADAMS had not returned. On the following morning witness heard that the body had been picked up in the river Exe. While Mr Tremlett was giving his evidence the Coroner read an anonymous letter placed in his hands, purporting to come from the inmates of the Union, which brought some serious charges against the witness. The letter insinuated that the deceased had been driven to commit suicide through unkind and tantalising treatment on the part of Mr Timewell. The witness strongly denied the allegations in the letter, and said he was prepared, in justice to himself, to answer the charges. - The Coroner considered that the matter was one requiring further and fuller evidence, and adjourned the Inquest.

DAWLISH - The Death From Burning At Dawlish. - The death of the child NARRAMORE, whose pinafore caught fire on Saturday evening while being held to the fire to dry, paraffin having been spilt upon it, and who thus sustained injuries which resulted in death, was the subject of a Coroner's Inquest yesterday at the Swan Inn. The witnesses gave an account of the affair similar to that published yesterday, Mr. Webb, surgeon, stating that from the first recovery was hopeless. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 February 1867
GREAT TORRINGTON - Sudden Death At Torrington. - A woman named MARY QUICK, aged 39 years, was found dead in bed by her husband on Friday morning. An Inquest has since been held when, in accordance with the medical evidence, a verdict was returned of "Died of a Diseased Heart."

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 February 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - Supposed Infanticide At Devonport. - On Wednesday morning FANNY JANE SMALL, a cook in the service of Mr Miller, the chief engineer of Keyham Yard, was observed by her fellow-servant, Ann Ellacott, to appear very unwell, and some spots of blood were seen on her dress. Ellacott made her mistress acquainted with the facts, and SMALL was at once taken to bed. Subsequently some spots of blood were seen at the back part of the premises, and SMALL being suspected information was given to the police. On making a search, Inspector Evans found the dead body of a newly-born female child in an ash-box underneath a bench which was fixed against the wall. A piece of tape was tied tightly around the neck, and was covered with blood. Evans then saw SMALL in bed and having cautioned her, charged her with the wilful murder of her child; to which she made no reply, but subsequently admitted that she had been delivered, and that she had not prepared any clothing for the child prior to her birth. An Inquest was held at the Guildhall on the following day, before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, when Mr R. J. Laity, surgeon, who had made a post mortem examination of the body was examined, and stated his opinion that the child had breathed, but he was not able to state that it was born alive. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence regarding the death of the child; but SMALL, as soon as she has recovered, will be taken before the magistrates on a charge of concealment of birth.

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Flora-Street. - Mr J. Gard Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the H[?] Park Hotel yesterday, concerning the death of MR ARTHUR WILSON. The deceased was a corn dealer and resided at No. 11, Sussex-street. On Thursday afternoon about five o'clock, he was walking in Frankfort-street, when he was met by Mr J. Barker, a corn dealer, who was on his way to Devonport. They walked together through Frankfort-street and half way through Flora-street, when Mr Barker heard the deceased say, "Oh, dear," and on turning round saw him catch hold of a window sill, and instantly fall to the ground. Mr Barker picked him up, but the deceased was dead and his eyes set. Dr Pearce was speedily in attendance and confirmed Mr Barker's impression. He was taken to his offices, which were about fifty yards distant. The Jury, of whom Captain Stanfield was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death by Disease of the Heart." The deceased was thirty-two years of age and leaves a widow and family.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 February 1867
EXETER - Inquests were held at Exeter on Friday evening, concerning the death of MARY DAVY, aged 84, of whose decease adverse rumours had been in circulation, but were disproved; and concerning the infant child of EMMA PARSONS, aged 23, which medical evidence shewed to have been still-born. No linen had been provided for the infant.

ASHBURTON - Fatal Accident At Ashburton. - At the Coroner's Inquest on Saturday upon the lad LANGWORTHY, who was killed while at work at David's Mine, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," a recommendation being added "That the future sufficient distance be left between the upright and the arms of the capstan to allow the free passage of a man when the capstan is in motion." For want of this provision, it appeared the lad was caught by the machinery and killed.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide In Plymouth. - On Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Barley Sheaf Inn, King-street, before Mr J. G. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, on the body of a man named ANDREW LAKE, of No. 3, Pontey's-cottages, who committed suicide that morning under the following circumstances:- The deceased, who was about 62 years of age, had for the last two or three months exhibited a very unsettled state of mind, which was aggravated by his inability to procure work. On Saturday morning the deceased left his home at half-past six to go to his work, which he had lately obtained. Shortly after seven he was found hanging in a building in Well-street by a labourer called Trowell, who gave information to the police. On the arrival of one of the officers of the force, the body had been cut down by a man named Warren. A tendency to insanity seems in the family of the deceased, he having a sister in a lunatic asylum. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 18 February 1867
DAWLISH - Death From Alleged Inhumanity. Committals For Manslaughter. - On Saturday an Inquest was held before Mr Michelmore, Deputy Coroner, at Cockwood, Starcross, concerning the death of EMMA BAKER, a domestic servant, about twenty-two years of age, daughter of a carpenter residing at Middlewood, near Starcross. About two months ago she went into the service of Mr and Mrs Allday, of Reed Vale, Teignmouth, and had not been there more than a few weeks when her appearance gave rise to certain suspicions, and she was questioned by Mrs Allday and Miss Dean, the governess. She stoutly denied the imputation, and explained away her uncomely appearance. Nothing more appears to have been said on the subject. towards the end of January the deceased began to complain of a violent pain in her back, the effect, as she alleged, of a cold, and on the Wednesday preceding the 1st February she was so ill in bed that Mrs Allday deemed it advisable to send for the girl's mother, who visited her on the evening of that day. Miss Dean had, at the request of deceased, applied a mustard poultice, and it seemed to give her relief, for she expressed a hope that she should be able to get up the next day. She told her mother she was sorry she had been troubled to come down to see her. She proved no better on the following day and her mother was again sent for and arrived Feb. 1st. Mrs Allday asked MRS BAKER to go and see her daughter. She did so, and found she had been confined a short time before, unknown to anyone in the house. The same evening the young woman was removed from the house in a close fly and taken home, where she was attended next day by a nurse named Bennett, who seeing that it was a dangerous case, went to Dawlish for Mr Cann, surgeon, who attended regularly up to the girl's death, which occurred on Thursday evening. The girl was in a dreadful state, and had not been properly treated. It was not at all safe for her to have been removed. He would not say that her death was caused by the removal, but in his opinion if she had been attended at Teignmouth no medical man would have allowed her removal, and there was no reason why she should not have recovered. The deceased required every kind of nourishment, and the mother was unable to procure it for her. The foregoing facts are undisputed; but, with regard to the girl's removal from the house of Mr and Mrs Allday, there is a direct conflict of evidence. Mrs Allday's statement, in which she is mainly corroborated by Miss Dean, is to the effect that she spoke to MRS BAKER as to the safety of such a step, and suggested to MRS BAKER the advisability of sending for a medical man. MRS BAKER, however, said that being the mother of ten children, she knew what was right for her daughter, and could better treat her at home, and would take upon herself the responsibility. She (Mrs Allday) was not anxious that the girl should be removed, and if she had remained she would have been properly attended to. MRS BAKER was unable to find any medical man at Teignmouth, and it was only by promising that she would get a medical man on the following day that she assented to the deceased being removed. MRS BAKER declares that when she told Mrs Allday of her daughter's condition, she was quite angry, and insisted upon her removal. MRS BAKER pointed out that her daughter was not fit to be removed, and begged the loan of some changes. Mrs Allday refused at first, but eventually got some article of clothing. The deceased was then taken out of bed and wrapped up, and another appeal was made to Mrs Allday for changes, but none could be obtained. Mrs Allday continued to insist on deceased's removal on account of Mr Allday's health. - At the conclusion of the evidence Miss Dean wished to make a statement in contradiction of MRS BAKER'S statement, but the Coroner declined to hear it. - After some consideration the Foreman announced that the Jury had found the following verdict: "We, the Jury, find that Mr and Mrs Allday caused, or accelerated the death of deceased by their inhumanity in having her removed from their house on the day on which she was confined of a dead child." - The Coroner said that amounted to a verdict of Manslaughter. - Mr and Mrs Allday were then committed for trial at the next Assizes. Bail was accepted in the total amount of £400.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 February 1867
TORQUAY - Censure By A Coroner's Jury At Torquay. - Mr Michelmore, the Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday night respecting the death of ELIZABETH ANN WESTAWAY, aged five years. The parents live in George-street, Torquay, and on Saturday evening the mother sent the deceased with her father's tea to the cab stand where he was employed. While running across the road she let the can fall, and fell over it herself. At the same moment a cab came up, one of the hind wheels of which went over her neck. The deceased died while being conveyed to the Infirmary. The Jury commented severely upon parents allowing young children to be abroad in such frequented thoroughfares by themselves, and returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

EXETER - A Suspicious Death Explained. - A few days ago MR W. F. C. CROSS, architect, died at Exeter under somewhat unusual circumstances after a few days' illness. Mrs Ellen Summersford, one of the nurses of the Southernhay Institution, attended the deceased, and reported to the superintendent that the countenance of deceased bore a terrified appearance, that the body had a twitching motion, and other suspicious circumstances. This led to a rumour of his having died from poison, and an Inquest was held on the body yesterday afternoon. The medical evidence explained that deceased died from Tetanus produced by falls on the ice while skating, and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 February 1867
ROBOROUGH - Death From A Fall Near Barnstaple. - An Inquest has been held before Mr J. H. Toller, County Coroner, at the village of Roborough, about three miles from High Bickington, on the body of MARY PENBERTHY, wife of JOHN PENBERTHY, of that place, labourer, who died from injuries sustained by a fall on the 26th January last. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 March 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - Alleged Death From Neglect. Committals For Manslaughter. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Devonport Guildhall, before Mr Alan Bone, Deputy Coroner, concerning the death of JANE ANN BUDWORTH, a child six years of age. The Inquiry excited great interest, and lasted five hours. The voluminous evidence adduced went to shew that the parents of the deceased are middle-aged persons, and have been married several years. The man formerly served in the navy, and has a pension of £30 10s. annually, and also earns 13s. per week as a dockyard labourer; he is known as an industrious steady man. For a long time past, however, all his efforts to keep a comfortable home have been frustrated by the drunken habits of his wife. So strong has been her passion for drink that her husband, finding that she spent the money he gave her in liquor, has himself purchased necessary food. But even this precaution did not suffice, for no later than Sunday she sold to procure drink the meat that had been bought for their use and on the previous day she disposed of two loaves under similar circumstances. This being the state of affairs, he unhappy child now dead has often been left alone. About three years ago she fell, and the injuries caused were so severe that she has ever since had t keep to her bed. The hapless and lone condition of the child induced some neighbours to take steps in the matter, and on Sunday afternoon Mr J. E. Bennett, M.D., at the request of Mrs Critchell and Mrs Luscombe, went to the house. He found the child lying on a rudely fixed palliasse, covered only with an old coverlid, both being indescribably filthy. The condition of the child herself was, it was stated, even worse. The body was deplorably dirty, and more or less covered with vermin, the extent of which in some portions was almost incredible. On the back part of the head there were two wounds, which appeared to have been almost entirely eaten out by vermin. On the back there were three ulcerations, and on the front and back of the right thigh there were no less than six running wounds, so severe that the flesh had sapped away, leaving the muscles visible. The bed and the covering were saturated with the discharge. Mr Bennett expressed his inability to do the child any good until she had been thoroughly cleansed, and gave directions to the effect to the parents, both of whom were present, stating that he would call again during the evening. At about nine o'clock Mr J. Bennett, accompanied by Mr R. J. Laity and Mr Superintendent Lynn, again visited the house, where they found the deceased still lying in the same filthy state. The man, in reply to questions, attributed the filthiness of the child and his home to the drunkenness of his wife, who even then was apparently under the influence of drink, and who appeared callous and hardened. The suggestion of Mr Laity, to remove the child to the Royal Albert Hospital, was at once put in force, and having been thoroughly cleaned, stimulants were applied, but without any apparent effect, as she appeared quite exhausted, and died at eight o'clock on Monday morning. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Bennett attributed the death to exhaustion consequent upon great discharge from the wounds in the body of the deceased, whose death he considered had been accelerated by the neglect of her parents. - In summing up the Coroner said that the points for consideration of the Jury were, whether there was any neglect to the deceased by which death had been accelerated; if so, who were the parties responsible. - After a lengthy consultation, the Jury, through their Foreman, Mr Olver, expressed their opinion that the death of the deceased had been accelerated by the neglect of her parents, to whom, more especially the mother, great blame was attached. - The Coroner said this verdict amounted to manslaughter, and committed both parents for trial. - During the Inquiry the parents of the deceased, at the request of the Coroner, were in Court. The woman presented a piteous spectacle, her haggard features and emaciated form shewing too plainly the effects of her habits. They will probably be brought today before the magistrates, by whom they were formally remanded yesterday morning, on the application of Mr Superintendent Lynn, to await the result of the Coroner's Inquiry.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 March 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - A Fatal Accident In Hamoaze. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Devonport, concerning the death of WILLIAM BLACKMORE, who was killed on the previous day by the fall of the topmast of a barge, which he was steering out to the Sound from the Dockyard. The evidence shewed the occurrence to have been purely Accidental and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 March 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - The Murder And Suicide Camel's Head. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, on the body of MRS VENTON, who drowned herself and her child at Camel's Head, Devonport, last week. Evidence was given that deceased had been very melancholy, and had threatened to drown herself. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Suicide At Stonehouse. - Mr Alan Bone, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry on Saturday into the circumstances attending the death of a shoemaker, named JOHN LAWRENCE, on the previous day. The deceased was found in his room, with the door locked, with his throat cut, a razor lying near at hand. The question for the Jury was as to the state of mind in which he was at the time of the commission of the crime. It was adduced that he had some months ago been under medical care in the Devonport Workhouse for a carbuncle in his head. He still felt the effects of this, which were sometimes "like a vice." His wife has recently been absent from home for a considerable time, in attendance on her mother, at Devonport, she being very ill, and deceased felt melancholy from being so much alone, and on the day that he committed suicide he said to his son that he was "almost mazed." Under these circumstances the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 March 1867
TEIGNMOUTH - Burnt To Death. - An Inquest was held last evening at Teignmouth, concerning the death of a woman named BOWDEN, ninety years of age. The old lady lived with her daughter in Sax-street, West Teignmouth, and the latter when she arose yesterday morning perceived a strong smell of burning. On going into her mother's room she found that the bed was on fire, and that both legs and one arm of the poor old lady, who had been bedridden for some years, were completely consumed. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 March 1867
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Distressing Suicide Near Horrabridge. - An Inquiry was held at Uckworthy Bridge, near Horrabridge, on Saturday, before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of JETHRO GREGORY, a lad 17 years of age. The deceased was in the service of MR AMBROSE GREGORY, of Uckworthy, to whom he was related, and with whom he had been for some months, apparently satisfied and comfortable. About a fortnight ago MR GREGORY told the deceased that he thought he would scarcely be competent to assist him as a trainer of horses, and therefore he would endeavour to find him a comfortable place with some farmer. It appeared that the lad was of weak intellect, but several witnesses stated that he was quite capable of taking proper care of himself. On Monday afternoon MR GREGORY sent the deceased with a horse and cart to a neighbouring field to get some wood. The youth loaded the cart, but did not return home. He was seen on Tuesday and Wednesday in the neighbourhood of Horrabridge, walking on the later occasion towards home, and he told a man whom he met that he was going home. Nothing further was seen of him until Thursday afternoon, at about two o'clock, when MR GREGORY'S maid servant saw his body hanging by the neck in the hay-loft adjoining the house, suspended by a rope, one end of which was around a beam. He was quite dead and cold. Giles, a farmer, was called, and cut the body down, but the deceased seemed to have been dead for some hours. The Jury found that the deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 March 1867
IVYBRIDGE - Death By Drowning At Ivybridge. - An Inquest was held before Mr Bone, County Coroner, yesterday at Ivybridge, respecting the death of EMMA JANE BEER , a child nearly four years of age, the daughter of JOHN BEER, a waggoner in the service of Messrs. Allen and Company, paper manufacturers. Immediately opposite the cottage of BEER is a gate, inside which at the bottom of some steps is a part of the mill stream belonging to the paper manufactory; the only fastening to this gate is a strap over the top of it. The mother of the deceased at about seven o'clock on Saturday evening observed this gate to be open. At this time the child was seated on a chair in the kitchen and playing with her brothers. She got off the chair saying she would go to a neighbour's to play. She then went outside the door into the public road which is between the dwelling-house and the gate. In a few minutes the mother went out to look for her, but she was nowhere to be found. About an hour afterwards Richard Prout, a neighbour, found the child dead in the stream, about fifty yards below that part of it which is opposite the gate. Mr Patterson, the engineer of Messrs. Allen and Co., attended at the request of the Coroner, and readily promised that measures should be taken to prevent as far as possible the occurrence of accidents. There being no evidence adducible to shew how the child came into the water, the Jury returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 March 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - Suspected Suicide At Devonport. - Mr Bone, Coroner for Devonport, yesterday convened a double Jury to investigate the circumstances connected with the death of ANNA MARIA LEGGETT, a married woman, who was suspected from certain information to have committed suicide by taking oxalic acid in her husband's house in Chapel-street, Devonport. The Jury sat for a considerable time, and the Coroner examined several witnesses either acquainted with or related to the deceased, in the hope of eliciting some of the material circumstances of the case. The two principal witnesses, and, indeed, the only ones whose evidence was likely to throw any light on the case, could not, however, be produced. One of these, the husband of the deceased, was so drunk that he was unfit to give evidence, and the other, a friend who was present when the deceased died, had removed her goods into Stonehouse and followed them herself. Under these circumstances Mr Bone adjourned the Inquest until Friday.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 March 1867
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Soldier At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, before Mr R. G. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, at the Brunel Hotel, touching the death of JOHN HENRY JACKSON, a middle-aged man, who was a sergeant attached to the staff of military pensioners at Millbay Barracks, Plymouth. It was gathered from the witnesses that for several weeks past the deceased - on behalf of whose friends Mr G. H. E. Rundle, of Devonport, watched the proceedings - had been addicted to excessive intemperance, from the effects of which he was compelled to leave his employment in the staff office of the pensioners. Since that time his discharge had formally been made out by the authorities at the War Office, but as he was suffering from delirium tremens he had been living in his old quarters in the barracks. During the past few days the disease had become more powerful in its influence over the deceased, with whom a nurse had sat up at night. During Wednesday night the deceased was very restless, and at times appeared bereft of reason. At about half-past 4 yesterday morning the deceased got up and left the room. Within five minutes the nurse called him and he answered, but when called again immediately afterwards he made no reply. Suspecting that something wrong had occurred the nurse, Elizabeth Reed, roused the sergeant who occupied the adjoining apartment, and on going into a little room at the rear of the premises deceased was found lying on the round dead, with a frightful gash in the throat, the windpipe being completely severed. The Jury were unanimous in returning a verdict of "Temporary Insanity produced by excessive drinking."

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 March 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - A Verdict Of "Felo De Se". - Mr Bone, Coroner, yesterday resumed the Inquiry into the death of ANN MARIA LEGGETT, which had been adjourned from Wednesday in consequence of the intoxication of the principal witness, the deceased's husband. The evidence now brought out shewed that after having been drinking with another woman for some time at the Shakspere Inn, on Tuesday, the deceased returned home, being slightly under the influence of liquor. She found her brother, GEORGE KEYS, at her house in Chapel-street, and "had some words" with him. Part of the dispute referred to some money, the deceased considering that she had a claim on her brother. He put a sovereign and a half sovereign on the table, but she was not satisfied. He, however, left, but was followed by the deceased, who caught him by the coat-tails to bring him back. In this attempt, however, she was unsuccessful, and returned alone. She told her husband, who was present, to take the money and put it in his pocket and then sat down. In a little time, however, she rose and went to a cupboard and then asked her husband to hand her a kettle containing water. He did so, not taking much notice of what she was doing. He observed, however, that she poured some water into a glass, stirred it up, and poured it into a cup and drank it off. She then exclaimed, "Oh! my." This aroused her husband's attention, and he observed on the table a piece of paper, which was produced, marked "poison." He said, "Have you taken poison?" Deceased said, "Yes;" and, in answer to a further question, said it was two pennyworth, and "if it had been fourpenn'orth she should have done the same." The husband then called for the assistance of a neighbour, Mrs Cardew, and sent for Mr Bazley, surgeon. He was not at home and Mr Bennett came. Deceased had in the meantime been vomiting, but Mr Bennett saw she was dying and quite past recovery. He received the paper and the contents of the stomach which had been vomited by the deceased. On an analytical examination he found that the latter contained enough oxalic acid to cause the death of any adult. The paper was marked with the stamp of Mr R. C. Bath, chemist and druggist, but Mr Bath did not remember having sold any to the deceased for some considerable time. It appeared that her husband had always treated her kindly, and when at sea allowed her £4 a month, and was continually sending her home money presents. - The Jury deliberated for about an hour, when twelve agreed to a verdict of Felo De Se. The deceased was buried at the Cemetery last night between nine and ten o'clock.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 April 1867
IDEFORD - Suicide Of A Gentleman. - An Inquest was held on Monday by Mr Michelmore, Deputy Coroner, at Well Farm-house, Ideford, near Chudleigh, on the body of ALEXANDER EVELYN CHERRY, a gentleman of independent means. - Mr Joseph Vought, farmer, residing at Well, said the deceased was 47 years of age, and had lived with him about thirteen years. He was of weak intellect, and when first brought to Well had an attendant with him. About three years ago he was placed in an asylum, at Kensington, and had previously been at St. Thomas's Asylum. Deceased was generally well and did not require to be looked after, but was subject to severe attacks about every two years. This madness was chiefly about money matters. His money was under the control of trustees, and he wanted to get the control of it to get married. He was continually talking about this, and a week ago he said if he could not get it he would as soon die as live. Nothing unusual had been observed in his conduct lately. On Saturday witness left home in the afternoon. The deceased had then just finished his dinner, and appeared very cheerful, and he was afterwards missed. Every probable place was searched on Sunday, and at last the deceased was found in a water-closet, in an orchard about 200 yards from Well Farm-house, quite dead, with a pistol, which had been recently discharged, in his right hand. - Dr Lillies, of Chudleigh, gave confirmatory evidence. - When found deceased appeared to have been dead many hours. From the appearance of the wound it commenced in his mouth and proceeded upwards; he must have put the pistol either into or close to his mouth and fired it. - John Clarke, of Newton, gunsmith, said the deceased called at his shop at about eight o'clock on Thursday evening, and gave 3s. 3d, for a pistol, which he asked witness to load. The Jury returned a verdict that the "Deceased Shot himself while in a fit of Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 22 April 1867
TAVISTOCK - Fatal Accident Near Tavistock. - An Inquest was yesterday held at the Union Workhouse, Tavistock, before Mr Bone, County Coroner, on the body of RICHARD PERKINS, aged about fifty years. Yesterday week he was engaged at the farm of Mr Robert Perkins, at Stilesweek, to bind straw and thrash corn. Without anyone having seen him he fell off a mow of corn and broke his back. He was taken to the Tavistock Workhouse, where he died on Monday night, leaving a widow and five children, the eldest of whom is not ten years of age. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the widow and the Coroner kindly added a gratuity.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 April 1867
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Young Man. - Mr J. Edmonds, Plymouth Borough Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at the Melbourne Inn, Cecil-street, Plymouth, touching the death of HENRY HOLBERTON. The Jury expressed their pleasure at seeing Mr Edmonds so far recovered from illness as to be enabled to resume his duties as Coroner. The deceased was a journeyman painter, unmarried and lived with his mother, the widow of a marine, at 14 Wyndham-street. He had lately worked for Mr Grey, with whom he had served an apprenticeship. On Monday morning he worked until nine o'clock, and his master told him that, as it rained, he might take a holiday. The deceased accordingly went home and shortly before ten o'clock, he walked down to the Bull's Head, in King-street, his mother telling him that she would meet him there in half-an-hour. On arriving at the public-house, the deceased called for some porter, and told Mrs Budge, the landlady, that he felt a pain under his left breast. He looked ill at the time, and shortly afterwards he slid off his seat. MRS HOLBERTON was immediately sent for, and when she arrived the deceased complained that he had the cramp in his legs. Soon after he died in her arms. - In reply to the Coroner, MRS HOLBERTON said, some years ago her son had two attacks of painter's cholic, and had not been well for some time. He had complained of pain about the heart. - In answer to Mr Harding, the Foreman of the Jury, the mother said the deceased had not been to a place of worship lately, but he used to be a Methodist. - Mr Harding: I have been struck with the thought that it is the duty of all parents to advise their children as far as they can to keep out of a public-house, for it is a serious thing to die there when we hear of the promises that are given us if e turn from it, and the punishment we are threatened with if we follow it up. - MRS HOLBERTON said the deceased did not go to the public house for the sole purpose of drinking, he went there to keep his appointment with her. - Mr Harding: But it is a very serious thing to drop down and die in a public-house. I have thought so through life. I was struck one day when in a public-house with something I saw there and it was the cause of driving me from such places, and I have never taken a glass of ale since. After a brief consultation the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died by the "Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 April 1867
TORQUAY - The Fatal Boat Accident At Torbay. - A Coroner's Inquest was held on Tuesday evening, lasting from six to ten o'clock, in the Townhall, Torquay, before Mr Deputy Coroner Michelmore, on the body of DAVID OCTAVIUS LLEWELLYN, who was drowned on Good Friday by the upsetting of a boat in Torbay. MR JOHN LLEWELLYN identified the deceased as being his brother. - William Rolstone, who lets out boats, said some young men came to him on Good Friday morning for a boat, but he refused. Some time afterwards he was surprised to see his sailing boat - the Paddy - out, because the weather was not altogether suited for her. He felt very anxious about her, and watched her for some time. On the boat returning it passed the Millstones, and there he missed her. Witness left the entire management of his boats to a man named Easterbrook, who had authority to let them. - Mr Benjamin Lancaster, lodging at the Imperial Hotel, deposed to seeing, from his window, the boat upset. - Richard Easterbrook said young Larter and the other lad came to him and said Mr Rolstone had stated that they were to have the boat. It was entirely upon that representation that he allowed them to have her. He only allowed them to hoist the storm jib and take two reefs in the mainsail, and strongly enjoined them to keep upon the weather shore, where the water was much smoother; instead of which they stood out in the bay and went round the Great Rock. Larter could handle a boat very well, and had had the Paddy scores of times before. - Arthur Larter, the survivor, who is seventeen years of age, said he went to Mr Rolstone and asked for the boat, and he said she could be had at ten o'clock, and he obtained the boat of Easterbrook. Witness was accompanied by the deceased and William Memery. They went round the Great Rock, and then worked back to Torquay. When off the Millstones, opposite the Baths, seeing a squall coming - the boat was going free - he luffed up. The squall took her and threw her on her beam ends. Some of the ballast got adrift, and before he could get her head round a roller struck her, and she filled and went down. He let go the tiller before the boat was struck, in order to take in the sails. Witness and the rest were thrown into the water. He and LLEWELLYN struck out for the rocks, which they gained, but he suddenly lost sight of the deceased. He also saw Memery struggling in the water, and then saw nothing more of him. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Drowning, and condemned the practice of letting out boats - especially sailing boats - to inexperienced lads. They also expressed a hope that the local authorities would form bye-laws for licensing boats for hire.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 April 1867
CHUDLEIGH - Fatal Fall Over Chudleigh Rocks. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Chudleigh concerning the death of JAMES TANCOCK, a labourer, in the employment of Lord Clifford, at Ugbrook. The man was at work with others woodbuilding, and on heavy rain coming on they took shelter in a linhay at Gappah, belonging to John Cook, and remained there drinking the cider they had brought in their bottles, until eight o'clock in the evening, when Cook refilled the bottles and the deceased left to go home to Chudleigh. He then, it was stated, was the worse for drink, but could walk tolerably steady. Next morning he was found by Samuel Snell, a labourer, at the bottom of the rocks, quite dead. His nearest way home would have been by a path not far from where he fell, and he was seen not far from the spot after leaving Gappah. The marks on the ground above the precipice indicated that deceased had wandered about and tumbled down once or twice before falling over. The Deputy Coroner, Mr Michelmore, having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased was walking from Gappah to Chudleigh, and being intoxicated he missed his way and fell over the rock and was killed.

Western Morning News, Monday 29 April 1867
PLYMOUTH - A Terrible Death At Plymouth. - Mr J. Edmonds, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday at Grylls's spirit vaults, Union-street, on the body of SELINA MALLETT, who lived at 3 Bath-place, Plymouth. The deceased was 26 years of age, unmarried and cohabited with Richard Jones, a pensioner, and a bailiff at the East Stonehouse County Court. - Jones said he slept with her on Thursday night, and on the following morning she asked for a glass of beer, which he fetched. He left home about half-past eight o'clock. The deceased would drink hard if she could get it, and would lie in bed nearly all day long. - The Coroner: And would she walk the streets by night? - Witness: No, not that I know of. The general state of her health was delicate. When I left the house on Friday morning she appeared quite well. I did not return home until nearly ten o'clock at night. The shutters were then closed, and the room was dark. I asked if anybody was at home, and received no answer. I struck a light and said, "SELINA is there any supper for me?" There was no reply, and I thought she was asleep. I went over to the bed side and touched her arms, and finding that it was cold I became frightened. I then called Mrs Searle who lives upstairs, and it was found that the deceased had ceased to breathe. - The Coroner: Did the deceased provide for the house, or did you? - Witness: I did sir. She went to get money sometimes from a gentleman whose name I don't know. I was told she had £10 from him a few days since. - Caroline Searle, a married woman, who lived in the same house with the deceased, said: After Jones was away on Friday morning my little girl Emily fetched over pints of ale for SELINA MALLETT, which I shared with her. The second pint was fetched at a quarter before twelve o'clock. The deceased never got out of bed all the day. On Thursday she gave me a pair of gold ear-rings , a new bonnet, and two sovereigns, to take care of until she saw her mother, as she wanted her to take some things she could pledge with the money. - The Coroner: Would the deceased drink hard if she could get it? - Witness: I believe she was a thorough drunkard. She came home tipsy every night. She used to complain of rheumatism in the head, and on Friday afternoon at two o'clock she said her head was dreadfully bad, and asked me to tie it up. I did so, and that was the last time I saw her alive. - The Coroner: Was she not in a dreadful state on Friday morning - I mean with vermin about her? - Witness: I never saw anything worse in my life. - Q.: How long have you observed these vermin about her? - A.: I did not notice them until a few days ago, when the neighbours asked me to look at her. - Q.: Had she any chemise on? - A.: She had none on for several days. - ELIZABETH EASTON, a widow, living in Flora-street, said the deceased, who was her daughter, had led a bad life for the last two years, and had consequently been a great trouble to her. She was positive that her daughter had drunk very hard during the last three years. - Thomas Pearse, surgeon, said he saw the body about ten o'clock on Friday night and the deceased had been dead several hours. Her limbs were stiff and cold, her eyes dull and glazed. There were no marks of violence on the body. He believed her death to have been accelerated by excessive drinking acting on a previously diseased brain. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 May 1867
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Plymouth. - Mr J. Edmonds held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday, concerning the death of W. PALMER SKINNER, a boy eleven years of age, who on Friday last was playing with another boy, named Wm. Mitchell, on board the man-of-war Brunswick, which had been brought into Mr Marshall's yard for the purpose of breaking up, when he accidentally fell from the main-deck to the hold, a distance of 28 feet. When taken up by Mr Richard Hill, his skull was found to be fractured, and he was taken to the South Devon Hospital, where he died after a few hours. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 10 May 1867
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Stonehouse. - SAMUEL CLARKE, a carter in the employ of Messrs. Gardiner and Crowhurst, coal merchants, Stonehouse, was on Saturday last with his cart outside Messrs. Seymour and Wallace's shop, Union-street. The man was engaged with some hay which he had in the cart, when Mr Mills's omnibus which runs from Stoke to Plymouth, driven by John Horn, rounded the corner and came very close to CLARKE'S horse. Horn, however, backed his horses and proceeded on the other side of CLARKE'S cart to Plymouth. Looking round, he saw CLARKE'S horse at a stretch gallop. The horse ran through Manor-street, CLARKE holding on to the breeching of the horse. On reaching the door of the Exmouth Music Hall CLARKE jumped out of the cart, and holding on by the horse's bridle, he ran three or four steps with the horse, and when near the gutter, he fell on his back and the wheel went over both his thighs. - Mr Matthew Stephens, a bootmaker, who witnessed the accident, ran to CLARKE'S assistance, and he was taken to the South Devon Hospital, where he died about 11 o'clock on Tuesday morning. At the Inquest held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday, before Mr John Edmonds, the Borough Coroner, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 May 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - A woman named MARY ANN BLAKE committed suicide at her residence No. 9, [?] Buildings, on Tuesday. At the Coroner's Inquest it was elicited that on Tuesday afternoon a woman named Jane Allen, who was on intimate terms with the deceased, called on her, and on opening the door saw the deceased suspended by her neck from the top rail of the bed by a piece of a handkerchief. With the assistance of a woman named Harris she cut deceased down. In about ten minutes Mr Delarne and Mr Wilson arrived, but life was extinct. The deceased had been very low spirited for the past two months, was continually throwing her arms about in a wild insane manner, and uttering strange things, which, however, were taken little notice of, because she was prone to intoxication. The Jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 May 1867
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. Edmonds, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Plymouth Guildhall on the body of JOHN CHAPPLE. The deceased was 61 years of age, was a superannuated officer of her Majesty's Excise, and resided in Clifton-place, Plymouth. For the last 20 years he has been subject to fits, and when they were over he generally gave way to despondency. On Friday afternoon last he had three severe fits, and then he became very excited, but subsequently he was tolerably clam. On Sunday night, however, he was raving mad, and his wife was so frightened that she rushed into the apartment of Mr Partridge, the landlord, for protection. About midnight he became quieter and he called to his wife to return to her bed, which she did. MS CHAPPLE stated that she could not sleep, as her husband was restless and talked a good deal. About 2 o'clock on Monday morning, while still out of his mind, the deceased got out of bed, dressed himself and telling his wife that he could not stop there any longer, left the house. MRS CHAPPLE thought that he would come back again, as he had done on former occasions when he had taken it into his head to leave the premises suddenly. This time, however, he went under the Hoe, and there after divesting himself of his inverness cape and cap, it is supposed he jumped into the water and was drowned. At all events his body was picked up some hours later near the Millbay Pier, by two watermen named William Jones and Wm. Hooper. The marks on the body are supposed to have been caused by the deceased being washed against rocks while in the sea. The inverness cape and cap were found at Rusty Anchor, at half-past four o'clock on Monday morning, by Mr Sydney Knight and Mr Le Cras, two compositors on the Western Morning News, who were taking a walk after leaving their work prior to their retiring to rest. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased Committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 June 1867
TAVISTOCK - The Supposed Suicide At Tavistock. - An Inquest was yesterday held in the Guildhall, Tavistock before Mr Bone, County Coroner, on the body of the boy called LEONARDS, who, it was said, had drowned himself. There was no conclusive evidence whether death was the result of an accident or premeditated, but there was much reason to fear that the latter was the case. The Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 June 1867
TORQUAY - Suicide At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at the Infirmary on Monday night on the body of WILLIAM STATON, who died on Sunday afternoon, from a wound in his throat which he inflicted on himself a few days before whilst confined in one of the police cells. Evidence was given shewing that it was his own act, and that during the time he had been at the Infirmary, he repeatedly cursed his friends and expressed a wish to die, and that he died with an oath on his lips. The Jury returned a verdict of Felo De Se.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 June 1867
CORNWOOD - The Late Railway Accident At Cornwood. - Mr A. B. Bone, County Coroner, on Saturday held an Inquiry concerning the death of JOHN MAUNDER, a foreman of packers on the South Devon Railway, who was killed at Cornwood on Friday by being jammed between the buffers of two trucks of a goods train. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressing the opinion that no blame rested on any person in the matter, except upon the unfortunate deceased himself.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 June 1867
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Married Woman At Plymouth. - MARY ANN WHITE, the wife of an excavator at Bovisand, hung herself on Thursday evening under somewhat singular circumstances. The deceased, whose age was thirty-two years, lived in Kinterbury-street, Plymouth, where her husband kept a beer-shop known as the Barrel, and during the absence of her husband she conducted the business of the house, which is one of a very low character. On Saturday afternoon there was a disturbance in the taproom, and deceased endeavoured to pacify one of the men, who was extremely quarrelsome, but she was struck several times by him very severely. This it is supposed caused deceased to be very much depressed in spirits, and although she made no complaint, her husband was so alarmed by her appearance that he stayed away from work during the week. On Thursday evening the deceased went upstairs with her little girl, who is about eight years of age, and after embracing the child tied a rope around her neck and fastened it to the bedpost. Finding that her mother was unable to answer her, the child ran out of the room, and called for assistance, which was speedily forth-coming, but too late to be of any avail, as the unhappy woman died almost immediately after she was cut down. The deceased has been married for about nine years, and has lived on tolerably good terms with her husband. At an Inquest which was held yesterday at the Guildhall, before Mr J. Edmonds, the Coroner, the Jury, after a somewhat lengthy consultation, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 24 June 1867
BIDEFORD - A Frightful Death Watch. - Two young men, JAMES BRAUND and JOHN his brother, rambled forth together on the mighty cliffs which form Lundy, an island rearing its craggy side in the centre of the Bristol Channel. They were searching for gull's eggs, which abound on the sides and summit of the rocks. Straying apart from each other for a few minutes, JOHN presently heard a voice indistinctly calling. He went to the edge, and looking over saw his brother some yards down the side of the cliff hanging by his hands to a little jutting piece of rock, and searching with his feet for the smallest foothold. It was in vain, the rock was hard as adamant and smooth as glass, and there he hung, a chasm full three hundred feet deep yawning below him. Help from above was impossible, a foothold below there was none, and certain death started him in the face. With the iron grip of despair the poor young fellow hung on for a few minutes - minutes that seemed like hours to his helpless brother watching him from above - and at last nature gave way, and, with a wild scream, JAMES BRAUND released his hold and plunged headlong down, his head being shivered to fragments against a projecting crag in the descent. The mournful tale was told by the surviving brother at the Coroner's Inquest at Bideford last week.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 July 1867
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident In Plymouth Sound. - While the speed of the screw corvette Daphne was being tested on the measured mile outside the breakwater on Tuesday a fatal accident occurred to one of the crew. The deceased, RICHARD OSBORNE, a stoker, thirty-four years of age, was after dinner engaged with others in lowering a quantity of coal from the upper deck through an iron shunt into the stokehole. The deceased, who had been engaged on deck, was ordered with another stoker to relieve the men who were receiving the coals below, and he descended the ladder leading to the stokehole, but on reaching the bottom he was struck on the head with a bag of coal and felled to the ground. He was picked up in a state of insensibility, and placed in a cot, but died soon afterwards. An Inquest was held on the body yesterday morning, before Mr Bone, County Coroner, at the royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, and in cross-examination by several of the Jurors, it was elicited that each bag contained about two hundredweight of coal, and was attached by a becket to a hook fastened to a rope. In reply to the Coroner John Samson, A.B., who was on deck, said that occasionally the bags of coal would not pass through the shoot, and they then "let go," trusting to the heavy weight to carry the bag through it. - The Coroner: Was that done with the bag that fell on the deceased? - Witness: Yes, it was. - Q.: When you let go the bag did it fall quickly through the shoot? - A.: Yes, within a minute. - Q.: But was there no warning that the coal was being lowered? - A.: Yes, someone called out from the upper deck, and before that one of the men in the stokehole told me to lower away. The Coroner having briefly summed up the evidence, the Jury, of whom Mr W. Drew was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Jury expressed an opinion that the position of the shoot through which the coal had fallen on the deceased was dangerous to those who were in the habit of going into the stokehole over the ladder, as it was impossible to get from the ladder into the stokehole without passing under the bottom of the shute, and suggested that the authorities should be communicated with concerning an alteration of its position. The Coroner concurred in the opinion of the Jury, and observed that a notification of their views on the subject in the newspapers would probably lead to their suggestion being acted upon.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 July 1867
DAWLISH - Last evening an Inquest was held at Dawlish by Mr Bone, Coroner, concerning the death of MR J. STOKES, of Shutterton farm, who suddenly died during the fire on Sunday night. Dr Rycroft proved that he had been attending deceased for disease of the heart, and the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that excitement and heart disease were the causes of death.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 July 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide Of A Drunkard. - JOSEPH BROWNLOW, a lance-sergeant attached to the corps of the Royal Military Hospital at Devonport, has committed suicide. The deceased, a man of about forty years of age, might have done well, being in receipt of good wages, and allowed to reside outside the barracks. But his habits of excessive drinking have increased of late to such an extent as at times to produce temporary derangement. On Monday he was observed by his comrades to be unusually moody and downcast; he did not return home until nine or ten o'clock, and then he was partially intoxicated. He passed a very restless night, and the following morning got up early, but refused to take any breakfast, and said "I'm not going to the Hospital today; I shan't work any more; I'm done up." He walked about the room in a very strange manner, sat down, and took a phial, subsequently proved to have contained nitric acid, and drank its contents. The quantity of the poisonous liquid was so considerable that the deceased was almost immediately in a state of collapse. His affrighted wife speedily procured the services of Dr Page, who with great difficulty administered an emetic, the deceased obstinately refusing to have any assistance, saying repeatedly "I want to die." He was subsequently conveyed to the Military Hospital, where he made use of a similar expression, adding "I did not think the acid would have let me live so long as this." The wife of the deceased came to see him at the hospital, but he told her to go home and look after the children, and leave him to himself. He died in the course of the evening, after experiencing great agony. An Inquest on the body was held yesterday afternoon at the Military Hospital Inn, before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, when a double Jury, of whom Mr J. Murch, was foreman, returned a verdict that "The deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 2 August 1867
DAWLISH - The Late Boat Accident At Dawlish. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Railway Hotel, Dawlish, before Mr A. B. Bone, County Coroner, concerning the death of MR HENRY BOULTON, of Exmouth, who was drowned on Tuesday, off Dawlish. It appeared that deceased on the day had been drinking freely at Dawlish, but was not drunk. He left Dawlish in a small boat with Mr Charles H. Bennett, of Exeter, when the deceased got upon the gunwhale of the boat to adjust the sails, and the boat capsized in about eight feet of water. The deceased swam a short distance, and then sunk. Mr Bennett was rescued. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Last evening Mr Edmonds, Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of JAMES GRANT, a baker, of 9 High-street. SARAH RUDDLE, who had lived with deceased as his wife, for seven years, deposed that the deceased had done no work for the past month, the greater part of the time he had been drunk. After drinking he was usually in a desponding state, and on Wednesday night he was very low spirited and said he thought he had thrown away all his friends, but if his brother and sister would forgive him he should be happy. Yesterday morning he said he had not slept all night, and got up and went down in the bakehouse. He was subsequently found lying on the floor of the bakehouse with his throat cut. He had told his wife that she would never be troubled with his drinking habits again. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 August 1867
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Suicide Of A Lady At Stonehouse. - Mr Alan Bone, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday concerning the death of PHILIPPA PEARSE DU PRE, who committed suicide by cutting her throat, as already recorded. The deceased was the niece of Admiral Pearse, of Durnford-street, Stonehouse, and had been suffering from nervous fever for the last six weeks. On Wednesday evening, about six o'clock, the family of Mr Pearse were called to tea, and on the deceased being called she could not be found. Mr Pearse searched the house, and on going to his bedroom he found the door locked. He burst it open, and found the deceased on the floor, near the bed, bleeding freely from the throat. In her right hand was an open razor, and her throat was cut. Mr Eales, surgeon, stated that the deceased had been very low spirited lately, and was constantly saying that her friends were deserting her. The deceased was a widow lady, and leaves several children. She was 54 years of age. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 August 1867
TEIGNGRACE - Fatal Accident At Teigngrace. - A little boy named FORD, the son of a packer on the South Devon Railway, residing at Teigngrace, was on Monday accidentally knocked down by a horse and cart belonging to Mr Dord, of that place, and sustained such injuries that he died before medical aid could be obtained. At an Inquest held yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 August 1867
TORQUAY - Concealment Of Birth At Torquay. - An Inquiry was held at the Torquay Infirmary by Mr Michelmore, Deputy Coroner, on the infant child of LEONORA METHERELL, on Tuesday night. - Eliza Sheriff, residing at Park Hill, stated that LEONARA METHERELL came to her house on Sunday afternoon, and asked for a cup of tea. This was given her. METHERELL then told witness that she was confined of a child on Thursday, and had brought the body with her. Witness then assisted to remove four parcels from under her clothes, one of which METHERELL pointed out as containing the body. METHERELL then went upstairs to bed, and said she did not know what to do, because she feared her father's anger. witness sent for the police, and gave over the bundles to Sergt. Mashford. - Police Sergeant Mashford stated that the last witness gave him four bundles. He partially opened one, and seeing the face of an infant he sent for the house surgeon of the Infirmary, Dr Powell. Upon his arrival the parcel was opened, and found to contain the body of a male infant, the other bundles consisting of soiled linen, &c. Witness then went upstairs to METHERELL, and asked what ailed her, to which she replied, "Give me a knife; I want to cut my throat." She repeatedly attempted to take her life by strangling with her hands, and also with her hair, which was very long. Witness charged her with concealing the birth of a child, and all she said was "Let me kill myself, let me kill myself." She was then removed in custody to the Infirmary. - Dr Powell stated that the woman was in a very excitable state, and not fit to be brought before the Jury. Witness had made a post mortem examination of the body of the child, there were no marks of violence. Death had been caused by want of attention, the child died through loss of blood, he supposed it was three or four days old. - Emma Boundy, in whose charge METHERELL had been placed, said she had told witness that she had confined herself "and locked all up in a box in the next room." The Coroner intimated that in his mind it was a clear case of wilful murder. The Jury deliberated for some time and at length returned a verdict that the child was Found Dead. The Inquiry terminated about half-past ten o'clock p.m.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 August 1867
PLYMSTOCK - Singular Death Of A Tramp At Plymstock. - On Wednesday an Inquest was held by Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner, at the Church House Inn, Plymstock, on the body of a man named LAVERS, aged 59 years, a wheelwright, who came by his death in the following peculiar manner:- It appears that deceased has been for some time past in the habit of sleeping in out-houses, or, in other words, "roughing it," and that some time on Monday night he repaired to the hayloft of Mr Rowe, of Horn, for the purpose of sleeping, and by some means fell head downwards into the hayrack of the stable beneath. Being, it is supposed, in liquor, and labouring under the disadvantage of having but one hand (the other having some years since been cut off in a machine), he was unable to extricate himself, and in that position he was found in the morning by a farm lad in Mr Rowe's employ. Dr King was summoned, but life had been extinct for some time. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." -
Monday 12 August 1867 - The man LAVERS, who was mentioned on Friday as having come by his death in a strange manner at Plymstock, was not a tramp in the ordinary sense of the word, but an old inhabitant of the place, whose eccentricities have lately led him to lead a somewhat vagrant life, seldom sleeping beneath his own roof.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 August 1867
ASHBURTON - The Farmer Buried Alive Near Ashburton. - A Coroner's Inquest was held on Saturday concerning the death of the unfortunate man JOHN ANDREWS, whose death by being smothered by an earthfall at Holne Moor Mine has already been reported. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The unfortunate man leaves a widow and nine children to lament his untimely death.

Western Morning News, Monday 19 August 1867
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At The Royal Western Yacht Club House. - Mr J. Edmonds, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Guildhall on Saturday, on the body of the young man AVERY, who died on Thursday from injuries he received by the fall of the flagstaff of the Royal Western yacht club on the Hoe. The evidence contained the facts already given - that the deceased was painting the flagstaff, sitting in a "boatswain's chair," within four or five feet of the top, when one of the galvanised iron wire stays gave way, and the pole fell, carrying with it deceased, who fractured his skull and was killed on the spot. The boy Noble, who had been up the staff before the deceased, had looked to the stays before ascending, and found them all "taut." After the pole had fallen it was found [?] have been "stepped" - imbedded in the ground - only five inches, it being 61 feet in height. It was stated that m[?] on flagstaffs of this kind were usually "stepped" a tenth of their height. One of the witnesses, a porter to the ch[?] believed that if the staff was only "stepped" five inches he would not have ascended it. Mr Hingston, mast-maker, of Richmond Walk, Devonport, who made and erected the flagstaff, and who was now advised by Mr J. Shell, solicitor, stated that the mast was stepped in a limestone of a ton weight to the depth of five and a-half inches because the club wanted it as high above the surface as possible. This was the first flagstaff he had ever erected. When it was fixed it fitted into the place made for its reception admirably, and his foreman painted it from top to bottom while it was standing without any support save the signal halyards. By his direction five galvanised iron wire stays were fixed to the staff. Captain Hope Johnstone had seen the flagstaff before it was erected and approved of it, and also of the place in which it was stepped. The wire rope which had broken was produced and it appeared that with the exception of one or two wires in it all had been cut by the belt which fastened it. - One of the Jurors said he considered the bad fitting of the wire rigging to be the cause of the accident. The Coroner observed to the Jury that he did not see that they could substantiate a charge of criminal negligence against any person or persons, but that there had been negligence of some sort seemed to him to be very apparent. A mast of this description - sixty-one feet high - required a much greater depth in stepping than this one had. He regretted that the gentleman who had interfered so much in the making and erection of the staff was not present to give them his version of the story. They had Mr Hingston's version, and would have to say whether anyone was to blame. It was quite a different question whether a [?] action would lie for loss of life, and whether a man could be committed to a criminal bar to answer for it. - The Jury immediately returned a verdict of Accidental Death, adding that they considered that a flagstaff of this height ought to be stepped six feet in depth, and not five inches as in the present case. - A member of the R.W.Y.C. who was present expressed the great regret of the club at the accident having occurred; as they had believed that the flagstaff was quite deep enough for the purpose of hoisting flags and bearing anyone who might ascend it. The members of the club felt so strongly on the point that they were most liberally contributing to a fund which was intended to assist the parents of the deceased. Mr Hingston expressed the deep sorrow he felt at the occurrence, and offered a sovereign for a similar purpose.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 September 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide At Devonport. - Mr Alan Bone, Deputy Coroner for the Borough of Devonport, held an Inquiry at the Townhall, Devonport on Saturday, into the circumstances attending the death of MR JOHN HOYTEN, a respectable young man, and well known in Devonport. He was the son of MR HOYTON, supervisor of Excise at Plymouth, and nephew of Mr Wm. Wood, auctioneer and printer of Fore-street, Devonport, in whose family he had been brought up from early life. About five months ago he left his uncle and opened a small general business in Bilbury-street, Plymouth, but soon gave this up, and Mr Wm. May, photographer of Fore-street, Devonport, occasionally employed the deceased to solicit orders on commission on board men of war, and in this undertaking he had been very successful. He then had employment at Mr Baron's, china dealer, Devonport, but only remained there a day. On the arrival of H.M.S. Valorous in Plymouth Sound on Friday morning the deceased and Mr Samuel Rogers Gould, outfitter, of Fore-street, Devonport, visited the ship in a boat to solicit orders. The deceased then appeared to be very despondent, and steered the boat very badly. After staying in the Sound about an hour they made for Mutton Cove, the deceased on the way again shewing signs of great despondency by placing his head on his knees, and appearing to be in deep meditation. About one o'clock on Friday afternoon the deceased returned to Mr May's shop and had conversation with Mrs May. When Mr May came home from the dockyard, where he had been on business, the deceased went to the water closet. Mr May then went up to the top of the house, and after a lapse of five minutes Mrs May told him that the servant had heard a groan in the water-closet. Knowing deceased to be in the closet, he opened the door, which was not locked, and then saw the deceased stretched out with a little foam about his mouth, unconscious, and breathing heavily. He then immediately set out for medical assistance and casually met Mr P. W. Swain , surgeon, who was speedily in attendance. On arriving at the closet Mr Swain observed that a strong smell of prussic acid issued from the deceased, and he believed death was caused by taking cyanide of potassium, which contains prussic acid. Spots of the solution of cyanide potassium were observed in the closet and also on the deceased's straw hat. The deceased was not employed in Mr May's business, and, according to Mrs May's presumption, the deceased had no knowledge of photographic chemicals, nor was cognisant of their use. The chemicals were put away on a shelf in Mr May's workroom, and the bottle which contained the cyanide of potassium was labelled poison. - Wm. Wood, the uncle of the deceased, said the deceased was in tolerable circumstances, and had not the responsibility of maintaining his mother and sister. His refusal of the situation at Mr Baron's, seems to have continually preyed upon his mind, and on one occasion he wrote in his pocket book "I have been guilty of base ingratitude, conscience stings me," and to his relatives he repeatedly said he would never be happy again. The deceased was twenty [?] years of age and was single. The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 6 September 1867
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Pennycross. - Mr Edmonds, Borough Coroner of Plymouth, held an Inquest at Cobourg-street yesterday, concerning the death of THOMAS WIDECOMBE, who died suddenly at Pennycross on Tuesday. The deceased was a farmer and cattle dealer. On Tuesday afternoon he was walking around his farm at Pennycross, when he complained to one of his sons-in-law, who [?]ding him, that he felt ill. He was taken into a barn which was close at hand, and Dr Square was sent for, but he was not at home. The deceased shortly after died in his grandson's arms. The deceased lived at 31 John-street, Plymouth, and was 73 years of age. The Jury, of whom Mr Wm. Holmes Haynes was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 September 1867
PLYMOUTH - Death From Excessive Drinking. - Yesterday an important Inquiry was held at the Plymouth Guildhall by Mr J. Edmonds, Borough Coroner, concerning the death of JAMES GUNNELL, who died on the previous morning while confined in a cell at the Guildhall. The Mayor (Mr Radford) and Mr Superintendent Thomas were present. - The Coroner told the Jury that the deceased was a porter in the Plymouth market and was of drunken habits. On Saturday evening about seven o'clock he was found lying outside the Post-office in Whimple-street, and being drunk and incapable he was removed to the Guildhall and locked up. He was visited during the night, and at six o'clock on the following morning he was found dead. As to the cause of death, the deceased had been to the Golden Lion Inn, Old Town-street, and a report said that he had a quantity of gin and water given to him - in fact he drank as much as he could have. - He (the Coroner) did not believe there was the slightest neglect on the part of the police, and the question for the Jury to consider would be whether GUNNELL was forced to take the gin or whether he voluntarily drank it, because forcing a person to drink was an offence of the highest order. - The Jury having viewed the body and the cell in which deceased had died, Wm. H. Butland, landlord of the Golden Lion Inn, Old Town-street, was examined, and said he had known the deceased for many years; he was a porter in the Plymouth Market, and of rather dissipated habits. Deceased was at his house on Saturday night, in the tap at the back of the market. Witness did not see or hear him, being in the front of the house. The barmaid, Miss Sawyer, tended him. The spirit is drawn in the front and then carried to the tap in small barrels for use. - Q.: What commercial men were there at your house that day? - A.: No commercial men, but there was a gentleman named Moore. He came through the tap between 4 and 5 o'clock, and Mr Moore being stout, I am told that GUNNELL called him Mr Rew, and asked him to stand a glass. - Q.: Where does Mr Moore come from? - A.: He is from London, travelling on his own account. - Q.: Did you see him after the deceased was drunk? - A.: Yes. - Q.: And did you have any conversation about the man GUNNELL? - A.: No. I am told the deceased asked Mr Moore to give him three pennyworth of gin and he did so. Other persons present also gave him something to drink. - The Coroner: It is a pity that Mr Moore is not here. - Witness: He is gone away by train. He has been staying at my house four or five days. I think he will be here again tonight. - Q.: Do you know where he has gone? - A.: I believe to Tavistock. - The Foreman: Was this GUNNELL in the habit of coming to your tap? - A.: Yes. - Eliza Sawyer said she served in the tap at the Golden Lion, and saw the deceased every day. He was at the tap several times on Saturday. - The Coroner: What did he drink before he saw Mr Moore? - A.: Gin or beer, but never more than a pennyworth of either at one time. - Q.: When did he last come in? - A.: It may have been five or six o'clock. - Q.: Were there several persons in the tap then? - A.: Yes. - Q.: What did he say to them? - A.: Mr Moore happened t come in, and he called him Mr Rew, and said, "Give me some sherbet," meaning gin. - Q.: Did Moore order any gin for him? - A.: He said, "Give him a drop;" and then he put down sixpence for what himself and GUNNELL had had. Mr Moore did not pay for any more spirit for the deceased. - Q.: Did the deceased ask for more gin from other people? - A.: He asked for it, and wanted more than he had. - Q.: How much did he have altogether? - A.: About five or six threepennyworths. - Q.: And there it ended? - A.: Yes; he left as sober as when he first came in. - Q.: You said just now that he wanted more? - A.: He did, and I would not let him have it. - Q.: What time did he leave your house? - A.: I don't think he was there more than ten minutes. He went away singing. - Q.: Tell us the names of as many as you can who gave him spirit? - A.: I cannot tell, I was so busy at the time. Mr Stroud, Mr Shears, and Mr Moore were there. - Mr Bowyer: I heard that Mr Brock was there? - A.: I don't think he was. - The Coroner: What he drank did he take voluntarily? - A.: Yes, and he wanted more. - The Foreman: Did he appear drunk when he came in? - A.: No; he was always in one way - never drunk, never sober. - A Juryman: Did you hear the deceased had drunk a quart of gin that day? - A.: I heard it mentioned in the bar in the evening in fun, and I said "people must be silly to draw him a quart." - Q.: Do you know how much he had that day? - A.: I cannot tell exactly, but he did not have enough at our place to make any man "tight." - Aaron Woolf, a jeweller, living in Whimple-street, said on Saturday evening between six and seven o'clock he was standing at his door, when he saw a mob outside Masters's hat shop, and on going up he saw the deceased lying on the ground. A man picked him up, and GUNNELL put his hand to his side as if he had been injured by the fall. The deceased staggered across the road as a drunken man would, and when he got outside the post-office he fell again, and he appeared motionless. - Policeman Williams proved bringing the deceased to the Guildhall. - P.C. Strang stated that after GUNNELL was brought to the station he was sick, and after being put into the cell he went to sleep, and snored very loudly. - P.C. Kingston said he visited the cell in which the deceased and other prisoners were placed at intervals throughout the night, but at six o'clock on Sunday morning he found GUNNELL dead. - Peter West, a coloured man, said just after nine o'clock on Saturday night he walked into the Guildhall for a night's refuge. He was put into a cell with the deceased, and a policeman came to see them several times during the night, so that he was often disturbed. He heard the deceased snoring. - James Driscoll, another inmate of the same cell with the deceased, brought to the Guildhall about three o'clock on Sunday morning, said he remembered the deceased snoring up to the time of his getting to sleep. - Mr Stevens, surgeon, said he was called to the Guildhall at six o'clock on Sunday morning, but when he arrived GUNNELL was dead. From the history of the case in all probability death took place from alcoholic poison, but as deceased had fallen in the street, death might have resulted from the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, causing extravasation of the blood, which could only be determined by a post mortem examination. Snoring was a symptom of great pressure on the brain. - Mr Supt. Thomas mentioned that the deceased was well known to the police. He was dissipated in his habits. - The Court was cleared - the Coroner, however, remaining with the Jury, and after half an hour's consultation it was re-opened. - The Coroner then told Mr Supt. Thomas that the Jury were of opinion that when a man was brought to the station in a helpless state, as the deceased was, the police should ascertain whether he had fallen in the street, and that if on visiting him he was found to be snoring loudly, which was a sign that the man was labouring under a serious injury, then a medical man ought to be sent for immediately. - Mr Thomas said he would take care that the suggestions of the Jury should be attended to in the future. - The Jury then returned a verdict to the effect that GUNNELL died from the effects of Excessive Drinking, and falling about while he was drunk and incapable. the Inquest lasted three hours.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 September 1867
PLYMOUTH - Another Death From Excessive Drinking. - Mr J. Edmonds, Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth, held an Inquest yesterday on the body of a man whose death was alleged to have been caused by excessive drinking. The deceased took a passage in the smack Intrepid, Capt. Bougerd, from Guernsey to Plymouth, on Saturday. A few hours after he came on board the captain discovered that the deceased had been drinking, as he was sick and incapable. After he was on board he had some drink, and the following morning was observed by a fellow passenger to be shaking all over. In the afternoon he was staggering, and the master took hold of him and led him as far as the hatchway, where his legs gave way and he fell down. Captain Bougerd went below, but in a few minutes was called, and found the deceased dying. He gave him some brandy, which revived him for a time, but he had a relapse, and died at twenty minutes after three. The previous night he had been calling out for brandy every ten minutes or quarter of an hour. On arriving at Plymouth he was discovered to be a man who went by the name of "TIT" MARSH, and lived in Horn-street, Guernsey. - The Coroner remarked that on the previous day he had held an Inquest on a drunkard, and at the same time in that dead-house lay the bodies of two drunkards - a very painful subject to contemplate. In this case the deceased had drunk before coming on board, and afterwards quite enough to injure any man's health, and even to destroy life. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Excessive Drinking."

Western Morning News, Monday 23 September 1867
HONITON - Fatal Gun Accident. - MR SAMUEL BROMHEAD, of Littletown Cottage, Honiton, was killed by the accidental discharge of his gun on Thursday evening. MR BROMHEAD was out shooting in company with Mr Hewlings, and the latter having no ammunition asked MR BROMHEAD to supply him with some. MR BROMHEAD rested the stock of his gun on his foot with the muzzle towards his face, and proceeded to assist Mr Hewlings in loading his gun, when his own went off, the contents loading in his face, completely shattering the upper part and blowing away part of the nose and the brain. MR BROMHEAD only survived a few minutes. An Inquest has been held, and a verdict returned of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide Of An Artilleryman. - An Inquest was held at the Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, on Friday evening, concerning the death of WM. CUMMING, a gunner in the 4th Brigade Royal Artillery, stationed at Plymouth Citadel. The deceased was 22 years of age, and had been in the service about four years, and was greatly addicted to drink. He was ill a short time ago, and since then he has been rather depressed in spirits. About three o'clock on Thursday morning he was observed by Gunner Bush to get up for a short time; he returned to bed again, and went to sleep until about 6 o'clock, when he told Bush that he was not very well. Bush then left the room, and when he had been gone about a couple of minutes he heard the report of a carbine, and on the room being entered it was found that the deceased had shot himself. The surgeon was called, but life was quite extinct. The Jury of which Mr D. Holland was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

CHURSTON FERRERS - Alleged Death From Violence At Brixham. - An Inquest was held on Friday and continued on Saturday, at Churston, concerning the death of SAMUEL CRISPIN H. FRANKS, late an apprentice to Mr J. Barter, shipbuilder, Brixham. Mr H. Michelmore was the Coroner. The deceased was weakly, having overgrown his strength, and in July last he was ill for six weeks with typhoid fever, and was attended by Mr Brooking, surgeon, Brixham. One evening just before the bell rang for the men to leave work, the deceased and another apprentice named White were asked to assist in carrying some planks to the sawpit. White came, but FRANKS began to swear, and said he would not help the sawyers. However, he afterwards took up one end of a plank and put it on his shoulder, but presently threatened to throw it down. Fearing he would do so, Mr Edwin Barter, son of Mr J. Barter, put his shoulder under and lifted the plank, whereupon the deceased turned round startled, and Mr E. Barter struck him in the forehead with his left hand, and he also lifted his leg to kick FRANKS, but he did not reach him. Mr Barter then told the deceased to go out of the yard, but afterwards he noticed that FRANKS was beginning to cry, and he directed a lad named Matthews to bring water in order that the deceased might wash away the blood that was running from his nose. Afterwards FRANKS left the yard laughing, but when he went to his home at Churston Ferrers, he told his parents that he had been ill-treated by his master, and complained of pain in his head and bowels. Subsequently he went to work with Mr Gill, blacksmith, and although he was able to go to Dartmouth regatta and Totnes races he gradually got worse, and he died on the 19th instant. Mr Brooking, by the direction of the Coroner, made a post mortem examination of the body, but he found nothing which would lead him to suppose that deceased died from a blow. The Coroner told the Jury that a master had a right to correct an apprentice in any legal way, and it would be for them to consider whether in striking the deceased with his hand Mr Barter went beyond the means that ought to be used for the purpose of correction. - The Jury after a short deliberation returned a verdict that the deceased died from Natural Causes. - Mr H. W. Nelson, solicitor from London, attended on Saturday to watch the proceedings on behalf of Mr Barter.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 September 1867
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Child. - An Inquest was held yesterday on the body of FLORENCE ELIZABETH YEO,, an illegitimate child, five week sold, whose mother resides at 13 Rendle's Cottages, Bath-street. It appeared from the evidence of the mother, MARY YEO, that the child became ill on Saturday last, and in the evening she took her to Mr Hawkings, a chemist, who told her to go to a surgeon on Monday, and gave her a powder, which she gave to the child; the child went to sleep and never woke afterward. - Mr Hawkings said the child was brought to him on Saturday evening, and he advised the mother to take the child to Dr Whipple, and gave her a powder; the child was suffering from syphilis. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts. The Coroner pointed out to the girl how her immoral life had resulted in the death of her child.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 September 1867
EXETER- Death Through Swallowing An Arrow Head. - JOHN CRISPIN, aged 16 years, the son of a labourer residing at Kenton, about three weeks ago accidentally swallowed a cast iron tip of an arrow when in Powderham Park. It was three days before medical assistance was called in, when he was removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he remained up to the time of his death. A post mortem examination of the body shewed that the arrow-head had become imbedded in the left lung, which had caused gangrene, resulting in death. At the Inquest on Wednesday the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 September 1867
BIDEFORD - Fatal Accident At The Bideford Railway Station. - A few weeks ago we stated that a railway porter named JOHN DAVEY while shunting some carriages at the station slipped and fell, the wheels of the carriages crushing his leg in a shocking manner, which necessitated amputation, which was performed by the medical men of Bideford. The man did very well at first, but subsequently became worse and died a few days ago. The report being that amputation had been improperly performed, thus causing the man's death, an Inquest was held before Mr T. L. Pridham, on Thursday evening when it was shewn in evidence that there were no grounds for reflection on the medical men engaged in the case, and every care had been taken of the deceased. A verdict was returned accordingly. The deceased has left a wife, but no children. The Railway Company supported the man during his illness.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 October 1867
PLYMOUTH - A Man Drowned In Sutton Pool. - Mr John Edmonds, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday on the body of JAMES CHARLES DOWN, a journeyman house carpenter. On Sunday morning, about four o'clock, a custom-house officer named John Macey, who was near the Harbour Avenue Police-station, heard a groan and a splash in the water from the North Quay and on looking into the water saw a man struggling. A fisherman named James Jones came to the assistance of the officer in a boat. - P.C. Shepheard, who was on duty at Briton-side was sent for, and he promptly arrived with a light, but when the deceased was recovered he was quite dead. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased was Found Drowned, but by what means there was no evidence to shew."

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 October 1867
PLYMOUTH - Suicide in Plymouth. - An adjourned Inquest on the body of THIRZA NORTON, who was supposed to have died from taking two packets of Hunter's vermin destroyer, was held on Thursday evening, before the Coroner (Mr John Edmonds) and a Jury, of whom Mr Mark Levi was Foreman. The Inquiry had been adjourned for the purpose of having the contents of the internal organs further analysed, to endeavour to discover the poison with which the deceased was supposed to have terminated her existence. Mr Alfred Payne Balkwill and Mr May, surgeon, made the analysis, and found distinct traces of strychnine in the contents of the stomach, and they were quite satisfied that the girl died from taking this deadly poison. - The Coroner told the Jury that there were two questions for them to consider, whether someone had poisoned her, or whether she did it herself. The evidence pointed clearly to the latter. It had been stated that she had a very uncomfortable home, but that would not bring a criminal charge against the parents, and it was for them to consider whether that preying upon her mind caused her to destroy herself. He thought an Act of Parliament ought to be passed prohibiting such deadly poisons to be used indiscriminately. - The Jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 4 November 1867
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident By Machinery At Plymouth. - On Thursday afternoon an accident, which has since resulted fatally, occurred to the engineer of Messrs. Call and Pethick's Steam Sawing and Planing Mills, Norley-street, Plymouth. The unfortunate man, RICHARD ANDREWARTHA, went down into the shaft pit as was his wont, and whilst examining the machinery he was caught by it and whirled round several times. John Oram, the driver of the engine, who was in the pit with the deceased, heard him cry out and made an alarm. Richard Slogett, machinist, stopped the engine, and then ANDREWARTHA was found to be in a state of nudity, every particle of clothing being stripped off him. His left arm and both legs were smashed. He was taken to the South Devon Hospital, where both feet were amputated, but he died on Saturday morning. He was thirty years of age, and leaves a wife and two children. At the Coroner's Inquiry on Saturday at the Guildhall, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 November 1867
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death From Suffocation At Stonehouse. - Mr Allan B. Bone, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday at the Queen's Arms, Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse, on the body of an infant named ANN ACKLAND. MRS ACKLAND, who is the wife of a marine, lives in George-street, Stonehouse, and about three months ago she was delivered of twins - girls. On Wednesday night last one Agnes Darke slept with MRS ACKLAND and her two children. Another child, KATIE ACKLAND, three years old, was placed in a cradle by the side of the bed. About six o'clock on Thursday morning the twins began to cry and half an hour later KATIE got out of her cot and went into bed between her mother and Agnes Darke; MRS ACKLAND at the same time taking up the deceased and laying her across her bosom. They all seemed to have dosed for a short time, then the mother awoke and finding the deceased had slipped from her bosom, she took the infant up and discovered that it was dead. In reply to the Coroner, MRS ACKLAND stated that the twins from their birth had a "tie" on their chest, and she had applied to the doctor, but he had told her that as long as they could eat and drink there was nothing the matter with them. Mr Perry, surgeon, stated that he had examined the body, and he believed the child had died from suffocation, caused by being overlaid. He added that as the child had had a constitutional cough, the respiratory organs of the deceased might have been very weak. The Coroner: So that a very slight pressure on the child would cause suffocation? - Mr Perry: That is my opinion. - The Jury, of which Mr J. Clarke was the Foreman, returned a verdict that the deceased had died from Accidental Suffocation. - MRS ACKLAND being poor, the Jury kindly gave up to her their fees, and the Coroner generously added half-a-crown, in order that the mother might have sufficient money with which to bury the deceased child decently.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 November 1867
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - Mr Edmonds, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at the Regent Inn, Exeter-street, on the body of DAVID BLACKMORE. The wife of the deceased had been out of her house for a short time, and on returning found her husband lying on a bed with, as usual, his coat and waistcoat off, but shewing no sign of life. She sent her son-in-law for a surgeon, and Mr Harper came, and pronounced her husband to be dead. Mr Russel Rendle, as surgeon of the club to which the deceased belonged, followed, and both medical men expressed their opinion that he had been dead about an hour. The Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 November 1867
PLYMOUTH - Suicide By A Domestic Servant. - Mr J. Edmonds, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall, on Saturday evening on the body of ELIZABETH BURNARD, who had been found drowned at Deadman's Bay. The deceased was 28 years of age, and about two years ago she went to service as cook and housemaid with Mr J. D. Collins, draper, who lives at 60 Chapel-street, Devonport. For several months past her mistress had suspected that she had been improperly familiar with one or two married men, and about a week since Mrs Collins received an anonymous letter, in which it was stated that BURNARD and Mr Collins were too familiar, and that sometimes since the deceased had a child, and on another occasion a miscarriage. Mrs Collins at once summoned BURNARD and read the communication to her, but the deceased said it was entirely false, and took her oath there was no truth in any portion of it. Mrs Collins was willing to believe the girl's statement, and so she let the matter drop. The deceased, however, seems to have pondered over it, and on Wednesday last she told her fellow-servant, Mary Oliver, "That if she lost her place through the reports about her and her master, the bottom of the sea would find her." On Friday Mrs Collins received a letter from a Mrs Stacey, asking her to meet her. She did so, and then Mrs Stacey told her that the girl BURNARD had been spreading certain reports, which she named. The conversation resulted in a Mrs Harris, of High-street, Stonehouse, being brought to Mrs Collins's house. There she had an interview with the deceased in the presence of the mistress. BURNARD appeared confused, and at length admitted that she had stated things wrongfully. Thereupon, Mrs Collins determined to get rid of the deceased, and she told her to leave the house within twenty-four hours. BURNARD merely replied, "Well, I can go; I don't want to stay." Twenty minutes had hardly elapsed after the interview before the deceased quitted the house. She, however, left her clothes behind; telling Mrs Collins that she would send a cab for them in the morning. Nothing more was heard of the deceased until the following morning, and then she was found drowned at Deadman's Bay by Charles Tucker, the foreman at Mr J. D. Marshall's shipbreaking yard. - In reply to the Coroner, Mrs Collins said she had every reason to suppose that the reports which the deceased spread were false. - Q.: Do you know that the deceased was pregnant? - Mrs Collins: I have been told that she was, but I don't know. - Mary Oliver, child's maid in the service of Mrs Collins, said the deceased had a sweetheart named Henry Masters, a marine. He went abroad about four or five months ago, and about four weeks since BURNARD had a letter from him. The deceased had no relations at Plymouth. - Mr Collins was called, and he denied that he had at any time had illicit intercourse with the deceased, and he had never observed anything improper in her conduct. - The Coroner told the Jury that after the deceased was discharged from her place she must have found her way to Plymouth, and then he had not the slightest doubt she threw herself into the water at Deadman's Bay. They must consider that at the moment when she left Devonport there was a good deal to prey on her mind, for she had lost her place, her character, and in point of fact her all, and there she was standing alone in the world without a single friend. What, therefore, was it likely that a person would do in such a care but effect self-destruction. Anonymous letters he thought were the worse productions in the world, for they ofttimes caused the greatest misery in families where happiness had formerly prevailed. - The Jury, after some consultation, returned a verdict, "That the deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

ROBOROUGH - Mysterious Death On The Highway. - An event which is at present surrounded with much mystery has just occurred in the village of Roborough. On Friday morning, MR JOHN CREBER, of Birchay Farm, Whitchurch, near Horrabridge, assessor of taxes, attended the Roborough Police Court on business. On leaving the Court he went into the Lopes Arms, at Roborough, and partook of some spirit and water, and other refreshment. About a quarter to six in the evening he told the ostler, John Allen, to get his horse. The ostler brought it, and CREBER, after some difficulty, mounted. He then told the ostler to ask if Mr Blackford, a gentleman in the public-house was ready to start. Mr Blackford told CREBER to go on quietly, and he would overtake him. The ostler then led the horse, which appeared not to have been properly broken in, a few steps, and then the horse went off at a fast trot. According to the son, JOHN HENRY CREBER'S statement, deceased had then about £5 and some papers relating to his business in his pockets. About a quarter after six o'clock in the evening Mr Colton, a road surveyor, of Knackersknowle, was coming along the road from Horrabridge, when some persons asked him if he had seen a horse. He answered in the negative. On the road he met Jonas Jenkins, a regrator, in his waggon, and spoke to him some time. They proceeded together up to the hill near Buckland turning. Jenkins trotted off and Colton lost sight of him. On arriving at the bottom of the hill Colton saw the body of CREBER lying near the bank on the eastern side of the road, and Jenkins stooping over it. Mr Rowe, a farmer living at Meavy and Mr Jope, who were at the Lopes Arms with the deceased, left just after him. On the road they heard someone speaking loud, and on a nearer inspection they found Jenkins lying over the body, and speaking to the deceased. When they got near the body Jenkins immediately went away with his waggon. Colton and Rowe then took the body to the police-station. On examining the body there appeared to be no marks of violence whatever. The clothes were in proper order, except a rent above the elbow on the right arm, about two inches in length. The collar and back of the coat were covered with dust. Mr Langford, surgeon, of Knackersknowle, saw the body about half-past seven on Friday evening. It was a little warm, the countenance was perfectly placid, a little blood was oozing from the nose and mouth. On examining the body externally he could not detect any mark of violence, or anything to account for deceased's death. The eyes were closed and the pupils appeared just naturally dilated. On an internal examination he found no marks of injury,. On removing the scalp at the back part of the head he found a large quantity of effused blood, and above the skull the membranes of the brain appeared very much congested. The brain itself was perfectly healthy, no clot or blood on either of the ventricles. There was no fracture on any part of the skull. He thought the deceased died from severe concussion of the brain. A fall or a blow would produce concussion of the brain. - Police Sergeant William Butt found in the watch-pocket a few papers relating to taxes, notices of appeal. In his trousers pocket he found a pencil, and in the coat pocket he found a handkerchief. His purse was gone. - At the Inquest on the body at the police court, Roborough, the above facts were deposed to, and the Coroner (Mr Allan Bone), in summing up the evidence, said there did not appear to be any marks of violence about the body, and there was no appearance of any struggle about the clothes. The deceased had never had any attack of epilepsy, or any affection of the heart. Supposing he had had a violent struggle with another, and had received a violent throw in the struggle, the probability was that there would have been some external mark and appearance corresponding with some internal injury There was nothing of that kind. The throw, according to Mr Langford's statement, would produce concussion of the brain, and a sudden shake might have produced it. The deceased when he left the house was cheerful and well. He had taken some amount of spirit and water, but there was no evidence to shew that he was not at all fit to take care of himself and his horse. The horse, although quiet to ride, was a little fidgety to mount. When the deceased had gone a few paces the horse went into a trot as fast as he could, and nothing more was heard of him until he was found in the road, and on examining the body the money was gone. The deceased might have by some accidental means received a blow from a fall on the ground. - The Jury returned a verdict, "That the deceased had been found in a dying state on Roborough Down, and died from Concussion of the Brain, but how the deceased became so there was no evidence to shew. " The deceased was 66 years of age, and leaves a wife and two children, a son and a daughter who are grown up.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 November 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - Suffocation Of A Child At Devonport. - Mr Allan B. Bone, the Borough coroner, held an Inquiry at the Townhall, Devonport, yesterday afternoon, into the death of an infant three months old, named JOHN GEORGE WILCOCKS, the son of JOHN WILCOCKS, a warrant's steward in the navy. The mother was in bed with the deceased on Friday night, and on the following morning, between eight and nine o'clock, it was found dead. The Jury, returned a verdict of "Accidental Suffocation."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident To A Sailor In The Hamoaze. - Mr Allan B. Bone, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, on the body of RICHARD ROBERTS, a seaman of H.M.S. Redwing, who met with his death under the following circumstances. Mr Ayers, first-class gunner of the Redwing, said that the ship was fastened by a buoy to the Cambridge, in the Hamoaze, and on Saturday afternoon about 1.35 the Confiance, government tug, towed the Redwing on her port side to the Gunwharf for a gun. They had turned the head of the vessel straight up the stream when the steamer volunteer, towing a schooner, came towards them from the Dockyard, right across the stream. The Confiance stopped her engines, and the helm was kept midships. The vessel remained in that position for four or five minutes. The captain of the Volunteer turned round sharp to go down the stream to avoid a collision, and the sudden strain parted the cable, and the steamer went right into the Confiance on the starboard quarter, carrying away the anchor with her paddle-box. The schooner struck the tug a little above the centre part on the starboard side. Mr Reynolds, who commanded the Confiance, asked the captain of the Volunteer which way he was going, but received no reply. The deceased, who was a stoker on board the Redwing, was painting the funnel, and when the collision took place he fell down and fractured his skull. He was conveyed to the Royal Naval Hospital, where he died about half-an-hour afterwards. In Mr Ayers's opinion, if the Volunteer had ported her helm no collision would have taken place. - John Clarke and John Westcott of the Redwing gave corroborative evidence. That was the version of the case given by the men of the Redwing; but the Coroner, thinking it fair to hear the version of the case by the captain of the Volunteer, the Inquiry was adjourned until Wednesday next at four o'clock. The deceased was about 24 years of age.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 November 1867
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Collision Between Steamships In Hamoaze. - Mr A. B. Bone, Deputy Coroner, held an adjourned Inquest on Wednesday at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, Stonehouse, on the body of JOHN ROBERTS, a stoker on board the gunboat Redwing. - Mr R. N. Bennett attended to watch the proceedings on behalf of the owners of the steamship Volunteer. On Saturday last the Redwing and the steamer Volunteer came into collision in the Hamoaze, and the deceased, who was painting the funnel of the Redwing, fell, and received injuries from which he afterwards died. The Redwing at the time was being towed by the tug Confiance to the Gunwharf, and the Volunteer also had in tow the schooner Stonehouse, which was being taken from the Dockyard to Catwater. Thomas Christie, the captain of the Stonehouse and Charles H. Ham, the Captain of the Volunteer, explained to the Jury that after they left the dockyard the Pique hulk in the Hamoaze prevented them from seeing the approach of the Redwing as soon as they ought. - Captain Christie attributed the accident to the close proximity of the vessels ere one could see the other. - Bapt. Ham thought that if after the Redwing saw the Volunteer the captain had reversed the engines and had gone astern the collision would have been prevented. Mr Ayres, first-class gunner of the Redwing, was of opinion that if the volunteer had ported her helm there would have been no collision. Captain Ham, however, believed that if he had done that, owing to the strong tide, the Volunteer would have been cut in two by the Confiance tugboat. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died from an Accidental Injury received during a collision." Mr R. W. Stevens, a director of the South Devon Shipping Company, to which company the Stonehouse belongs, was present during the Inquiry.

IVYBRIDGE - Suicide At Ivybridge. - Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquiry at Ivybridge into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM WAKEHAM, a gardener, who was formerly in the employ of the late Mr Elliott, of Highland House, Ivybridge, and subsequently in that of Mr Herndon, the present occupier of Highland House, who was absent from home at the time of his servant's decease. Within the last few weeks WAKEHAM had been observed to be somewhat altered in manner, being depressed in spirits. On Wednesday morning at eleven o'clock Richard Tall, a labourer in Lady Roger's employ, saw him and borrowed a garden-hook of him. Deceased then appeared to be low in spirits and scarcely spoke. About four o'clock in the afternoon Tall went to the garden at Highland House again to return the hook, but on approaching the tool-house he saw some object within which on examination he discovered to be the deceased suspended by a rope from a beam. He called for assistance, and the deceased was taken down, but life was extinct. It did not appear that he had been seen alive after Tall borrowed the hook of him in the morning. His clothes were saturated with wet, and it was stated that close to the tool-house there was a tank of water two feet deep. His money and papers were found on him. When he left home in the morning, Mrs Wells, with whom he resided, asked him "What about dinner?" to which he replied, "Oh, do as well as you can;" but he did not return as usual to dinner. Other witnesses spoke of the deceased's low spirits lately, and the Jury found that the deceased had committed Suicide when in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 December 1867
SHALDON - An Inquest was held last evening at the London Inn, Shaldon, before Mr Michelmore, Deputy Coroner, on the body of ANN WHITE, who was found hanging in a garret in the house of Mr Weathers, Shaldon, on Saturday. It appeared from the evidence given that the deceased, who was housekeeper at Mr Weather's, had complained during the day of being unwell and about twelve o'clock asked for a cup of coffee, which was supplied to her, and she then said she was going upstairs to her bedroom, where she might be found if wanted. About an hour afterwards, when required, it was discovered that she was not in the bedroom, and on a search being made, was found hanging in a garret by a clothes line. Dr Brooks was immediately sent for, but life was extinct. The deceased was much respected by her master with who she had lived nine years, and he has only a few weeks since come to reside at Shaldon. The Jury returned a verdict of "Committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 6 December 1867
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - A Lady Suffocated In A Private Asylum. - Mr R. R. Crosse, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Private Lunatic Asylum, St Thomas, Exeter, to Inquire into the circumstances of the death of a MRS JANE CLARK, aged 58, an inmate of that establishment. - The coroner pointed out to the Jury prior to calling evidence that it would be their duty to Inquire whether there had been culpable neglect on the part of any of the officials in the house, or whether the unfortunate deceased had been treated with undue severity, or whether she was a patient with a suicidal tendency, and that she purposely destroyed her own life. The first witness called was Mr Hy. Eales, who stated that he was acting for the medical superintendent. The deceased was admitted into the establishment November 23rd last. She had been there on five previous occasions. She was of an excitable disposition, but not given to personal violence. Her talk was usually rapid and incoherent. She had always been very destructive, and torn up or broken all the things in her room. On December 3rd witness had deceased removed from her own room, as she had destroyed everything in it, to another. The deceased was seen on that evening, when she seemed comfortable. On the following morning witness was roused by cries of fire, and almost directly it was found that smoke was issuing from the room occupied by deceased. On opening the door, which was locked from the outside, the room was found to be densely filled with smoke. Deceased was lying on the floor on her face and hands. Witness had her instantly removed, but she was seen only to breathe once, when she expired. Several superficial burns were found on the body, but, strange to say, no marks of burning were on her night dress and long waterproof cloak. On examining the room it was discovered that the walls and ceiling were blistered by the heat, and that here and there the floor was charred. Two beds, one flock, and the other straw, were in the room. The latter had been consumed, the contents having been taken out by ripping a seam in the tick. A fire was in the room, protected by a strong guard, which was locked. Witness thought that the fire was occasioned by the intentional act of the deceased for mischief, and not with the desire of destroying her own life. - A Juror: But how can you account that there were no marks of burning on the clothes? - Witness: I can only suppose that the deceased put on her clothes after she was burnt. - Dr Drake stated that deceased, when at her own home, had a mania for lighting fires in the night, and would frequently go from one room to the other to do so. - After hearing the evidence of some of the attendants who saw deceased late on the evening of the 3rd, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased intentionally set fire to her room, and that she died from Suffocation.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 December 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Suffocation At The Raglan Barracks. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Devonport, before Mr A. B. Bone, Borough Coroner, concerning the death of JOSEPH KENSON, a private in the second battalion of the Rifle Brigade now stationed at the Raglan Barracks, Devonport. On Monday evening, about nine o'clock, a private of the brigade named James Brien met the deceased on the stairs leading to the barrack-room of the Brigade's quarters. He appeared to be intoxicated, and was unable to get up the stairs without assistance. He led the deceased up to the barrack-room, and gave him in charge of Private Thomas Jones, who, with the aid of another private named Johnson, took the deceased to his own room, and laid him on his bed on his right side. There were several men in the room then. Early the next morning Jones found the deceased dead in bed, lying on his face. His head was buried in the pillow, his hands and arms were projecting over his head, and he was lying straight in the bed. - Philip Hart, acting corporal of the Brigade, saw the deceased in his own room a quarter before eight o'clock on Monday evening. He (deceased) had been drinking, but he was quite sensible, and knew what he was about. At eight o'clock he saw the deceased; he was in the same condition. At ten minutes to nine o'clock the deceased answered to his name on the roll being called by Sergeant Hallett. - Mr William Climo, assistant-surgeon of the Rifle Brigade, saw the deceased between seven and eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, on his bed in his barrack room, fully dressed with his coat on. The deceased had a serge jacket underneath. His body was cold except over his abdomen, where there was a little warmth. His nose was bent on the left side. His face and neck were deeply congested, and the congested portion of the neck was divided by a white line. He thought deceased's head had depended over the edge of the bed and that the white mark was caused by the pressure of the serge and the overcoat. The deceased had no stock on, but the button of his shirt was very tight, as well as the clothing around the neck. On an internal examination he found congestion, especially above the white line. There was very little evidence of liquor in the stomach, but there was a slight odour of beer from the body. He felt confident the deceased had not died from any poisonous matter. He thought the deceased died from Suffocation, caused by the pressure of his clothes. - The Jury returned a verdict to that effect. The deceased was 26 years old.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 December 1867
BARNSTAPLE - Death of An Infant Under Mysterious Circumstances. - On Thursday evening an Inquest was opened at the Unicorn Inn, Pilton, Barnstaple, before Mr R. I. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, upon the body of a female infant daughter of SARAH DUNNING, of Pilton, single woman, who died suddenly on the previous night. The mother deposed that the child was born on the 21st of November. It took the breast well, but did not appear very healthy, and had a bad eye, which grew much worse on Tuesday, and discharged a great deal of matter. In the afternoon she obtained an order for the parish surgeon, but afterwards, having bathed the eye, and believing it to be better, did not send the order. The child ate but little on Tuesday, and was sick several times. She went to bed about eleven, and when she awoke about half-past seven the next morning found the child dead in her arms. - Mr Andrew Ferine, of Barnstaple, surgeon, deposed that death, in his opinion, was caused by Suffocation, and that the child might have been overlaid. There are no marks of violence on the body. A post mortem examination was deemed necessary, and an adjournment therefore took place.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 December 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Falling Downstairs At Devonport Workhouse. - Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Devonport Workhouse yesterday, on the body of ANNY RYMES. The deceased was 81 years of age, and had been in the workhouse since May last. She was active on her legs, and did not walk with any crutch or stick. She was light in the head occasionally, but generally she was quite rational. On Friday fortnight she went to bed in No. 21 Ward about seven o'clock in the evening in her usual state of health. About four o'clock the following morning she exchanged a brief conversation with the watch-woman, Eliza Norris, who then left to go into an adjoining ward, where other old women were sleeping, and during her absence the deceased got out of bed unnoticed by the other paupers, and soon a noise was heard as if some person had fallen. Norris and Nurse Yeo hurried out to see what had happened, and discovered the deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs, which descended from a landing near to which the closet was situate. RYMES was lying on her side, and when Yeo spoke to her she replied, "Nurse, don't be angry, I did not ought to have been out, but I have fallen and knocked myself." The deceased was taken up and put to bed and the matron (Mrs Richardson) applied hot flannels to her side. Mr Delarue, surgeon, subsequently examined her carefully, and found that the upper part of the thigh bone was fractured. He gave the nurse directions for her management, and the next day he had the deceased removed to the hospital in the house. She appeared to progress favourably up to Friday last, but then appeared to have had a slight apoplectic fit, and from that time she gradually got worse, and died on Sunday evening. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died from the combined effects of an Accidental Fall and Natural Causes." The Jury also attached a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners that a portable barrier, or hand rail be placed on the landing at the top of the stairs leading to the corridor of the upper infirm wards.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 December 1867
PLYMOUTH - A Child Burnt To Death In Plymouth. - Mr Edmonds, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Plymouth Guildhall concerning the death of MARY JANE CLARKE, a child four years of age. On November 19th, about nine o'clock in the morning, Mary Ann Putt, a young woman living at 4 Martin's-place, was having her breakfast, when she heard a child scream, and on proceeding to the room occupied by the mother of the deceased, she saw the child sitting on the bedside, with her calico chemise on fire. The clothes were stripped off, and it was found that the deceased had been burnt very much about the stomach, the chest and under the right arm. The deceased was subsequently conveyed to the South Devon Hospital, and died on Monday morning. The Jury, of whom Mr Nicholas Moysey was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 December 1867
BRIXHAM - A Sad Death At Brixham. - An Inquest was held at the Old George Inn, Brixham, before Mr H. Michelmore, on Thursday, concerning the death of a child aged 10 years, named MATILDA BUFFETT, daughter of a poor drunken fisherman. The evidence disclosed a sad condition of misery. The poor child had complained first on Friday last of sickness, no doctor was called, and she had received no special attention. On Sunday morning a kind neighbour named Cornish took the child in, and gave her a breakfast. All the child had received since, according to the mother's evidence, was a little boiled rice. On the Wednesday the child kept in bed, and in the afternoon the mother being without food, coal, or candle, left her home in quest of charity. On her return at 5 p.m. she found the child senseless, and death followed almost immediately. The Jury visited the dwelling, a two-roomed underground cellar in Middle-street, quite devoid of furniture, the bed consisting of a bundle of straw, the place having no windows except holes covered with wooden shutters, which when opened to admit light also let in the cold. The father, it appeared, spent all his earnings in drink, family quarrels resulted, the brutalised father gave up his wife and family, three daughters, two left them, and the wife went charring and washing, the poor wife, for the miserable shelter she obtained, paying 10d. weekly. The Coroner remarked on the sad case, describing it as one of the worst scenes of wretchedness he had ever met with. There was no doubt the child had been starved, the evidence clearly shewing that proper sustenance and care had not been given. He characterized the father as a disgrace to creation, and having called him in gave him a severe but kindly rebuke, and asked him to look after his family. The Coroner also remarked on the disgraceful condition of the dwelling, and thought that the sanitary authorities ought to see that such squalor was not allowed to continue. The Jury gave as their verdict "That death resulted from Natural Causes, accelerated by want of the necessaries of life and by parental neglect."

Western Morning News, Monday 30 December 1867
BIDEFORD - Fatal Gun Accident At Bideford. - The boy GEORGE PADDON, thirteen years of age, an accident to whom has already been reported, died on Friday. He was out with some other little boys shooting birds on Thursday, and while pushing a stick down the barrel of the gun, a charge of powder being in it, and a cap on the nipple, it went off, the stick passing into his groin and coming out at his shoulder. An Inquest was held on Saturday night, before Mr T. L. Pridham, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded. Several of the Jury, and also the Coroner, observed that little boys such as the deceased ought not to be allowed to carry guns, which is a common practice in Bideford.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 December 1867
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Result of Intemperance. - The Borough Coroner for Devonport, Mr A. B. Bone, and a Jury yesterday Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of MRS CHARITY KENDALL, wife of a shipwright in the Devonport dockyard, aged 63 years, and lately living at 46 Clowance-street. On Saturday afternoon, between four and five o'clock, the deceased's daughter and a charwoman heard a noise downstairs, and on going down found the deceased lying at the foot of the stairs on her back, with her head turned on one side, and resting against the wall, while her feet were on the bottom stair. She was snoring very loudly, and was insensible. she was removed into the parlour, where she continued in the same state. An hour or two afterwards blood was found to be issuing from her mouth and Mr Laity, surgeon, was sent for. Mr Bennett, surgeon, came, but later in the evening she died. Evidence was given that during the day the deceased had drank considerably. At the Clowance Inn she had two "half-quarters" of gin, and at home she shared with her two daughters two half-pints of the same spirit, and at dinner a pint and a half of beer. She was consequently found to be the worse for liquor not long before her fall, and had been left so in the parlour. About a year ago she had a "seizure," and she had of late frequently expressed an opinion that she should have another. She was very weak in her feet and legs. - The Coroner observed that he had no doubt the ultimate cause of death was apoplexy, but they would consider whether the evidence pointed to the fall as the primary cause. - The Jury found that the deceased had died Accidentally from the effects of a fall.

[No newspapers in the archive for 1868]

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 January 1869
PLYMOUTH - Last night Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Millbay Pier Hotel, touching the death of JOHN FINN, a private in the 9th Company, 1st battalion, 12th Regiment, stationed at Raglan Barracks. - James Walker, a corporal in the 12th Regiment, said he was on duty at Millbay on Saturday afternoon. About half-past three hearing a disturbance in the Pier Hotel, he went and found Corporal Heydon, the non-commissioned officer in charge of some men going on furlough, intoxicated and his face covered with blood, the effects of a blow from the deceased. He placed Heydon under arrest, and was proceeding to do the same with deceased, who was also intoxicated, when the latter ran down the steps, throwing off his great coat and tunic into the water, and swam towards a small boat a short distance from the shore. He failed in his attempt to get into the boat, and then turned and swam towards the Pier. An artilleryman, formed one of the escort who attempted to arrest him, endeavouring to rescue deceased, who sank before he was reached. John Swift, a private in the 12th Regiment, gave corroborative evidence to the above. John Penhay, a waterman helped to bring deceased to land. He gave no sign of life. Every effort was made to restore life, which proved of no avail. John Blight, a police constable in the employ of the Great Western Dock Company, said that the deceased was intoxicated, and had occasion to speak to him respecting his disorderly behaviour. After the man was brought ashore Drs. Hunt and Rendle, together with Mr Danney, of Millbay, rendered valuable assistance. After a short consultation the Jury brought in a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 January 1869
PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was held last evening at the Plymouth Guildhall by Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, touching the death of GEORGE TRAVERS, a child four months old, who resided with his parents at 6 Peacock-lane. Some time since the deceased suffered from convulsions, and on Monday afternoon whilst the grandmother named Sawle, was nursing him, he suddenly expired. Dr Dale, who made a post mortem examination on the body, said that the deceased died of convulsions. The Jury, of whom Mr Damerell was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 January 1869
PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry concerning the death of ELIZABETH WILDY, an infant, who resided with her parents at 80 King-street, Plymouth, was held before Mr Brian, at the Tradesman's Arms, King-street, Plymouth, last evening. The mother of the deceased, MARY WILDY, went to bed early on Wednesday morning with the deceased and two other children in one bed, which it was said was not fit to hold more than two of them. About half-past eight the mother woke, and discovered the child lying dead, face downward; one side of the face was discoloured. Mr Graham was sent for, but gave no opinion as to the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Suffocation, caused by Accidental pressure during the night, owing to the overcrowding of the bed."

Western Morning News, Monday 11 January 1869
TORQUAY - The Inquest on the little boy STOYLES, who was killed while playing near a stack of deals on the Quay, Torquay, has terminated in a verdict of Accidental Death. Mr H. Michelmore, the newly elected coroner, conducted the Inquiry. It was generally thought that the deals were piled up in a dangerous manner, and a recommendation that the attention of the harbour authorities should be called to it was resolved upon.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 January 1869
PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday, before Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, concerning the death of LEONORA THOMAS, a child four years old, who died on Sunday morning from the effects of burns received on Saturday afternoon. ANN THOMAS, a charwoman living at the back of 44 King-street West, said that on Saturday afternoon, at about four o'clock, she left deceased and her brother, aged two years, in charge of their sister, ALICE, five years old, whilst she went out to her work in a house on the opposite side of the street. A small fire was left in the grate, which was not protected by either fender or guards. On being told by the child ALICE that the baby was burning, she left her work, and going into the street, found deceased standing at the door of the house, the flames rising over her head. After stripping off her clothes and applying oil to the wounds, she took her to the South Devon Hospital, where the sufferer received every attention from the house surgeon, but without avail. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and a hope expressed that the mother would be more cautious for the future, and that the lamentable effects produced by her carelessness would be a warning to all placed in a similar position to take necessary precautions to prevent their children having access to the fire.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 January 1869
NEWTON ABBOT - The Inquest on the body of MR THOMAS EDWIN SARAH took place last night at the Newton Townhall. Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, conducted the Inquiry. The hall was crowded, and great interest was manifested in the Inquiry. The evidence of several witnesses was taken, but was not satisfactory to the Jury, and the Inquest was adjourned until this evening at seven o'clock for the production of other witnesses.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 January 1869
NEWTON ABBOT - The Fatal Occurrence At Newton. - The Inquiry concerning the death of MR THOMAS EDWIN SARAH, landlord of the Prince of Wales Inn, Courtenay-street, Newton, was held on Friday before Mr Michelmore at the Newton Townhall. The peculiarity of the circumstances attending the case and his being well known in the town created a deal of interest, and during the Inquiry the hall was crowded. - Elizabeth Sanders, of the Plymouth Inn, deposed to having seen the deceased at her house on Wednesday night just before twelve o'clock with a young man, whom she believed was a servant in the employ of the Rev. H. Tudor, of Newton. She could not say that the deceased was the worse for liquor at that time. Mr Lang she believed had come to her house with the deceased. - A groom in the employ of the Rev. H. Tudor, named John Cordner, who was with the deceased on the night in question, said he was about to cross the road to go home when he said to the deceased "Are you not going home?" Deceased replied "Yes." Witness told him he was coming the wrong way. The deceased swore a little. He then shook hands with the deceased, wished him good night, and the latter then turned towards his home up the street. He (witness) then went home. In answer to questions Cordner said the deceased was not drunk, but had been drinking. The only difference he could see was that he was a little more cheerful than usual. He, himself, was not drunk, but had been drinking. - William Sanders, manager of the Plymouth Inn, said the deceased went into his house about a quarter before twelve on the evening in question. Mr Lang was outside the house, but did not enter. Two young men, named Train and Gregory, and Cordner were there. The deceased asked for three-pennyworth of brandy, but did not drink it. The deceased appeared to have had a glass or so, but he could walk straight, and did not appear to be drunk. - Anne Williams, who resided at Windsor Terrace, Queen-street, with her husband, said she rented apartments on the ground floor of Robert Lethbridge. Two young dressmakers lived in the house - Shapley and Harding - upstairs. She went to bed about ten o'clock on Wednesday night. There was no lock on the front door, but it was kept fast by a large stone inside. The two young lodgers were not in when she went to bed, but soon afterwards she heard them go in by pushing the door. About half-past twelve o'clock she was awakened by someone pushing the door, and she heard footsteps as of many persons entering. She was dreadfully frightened and heard one man say to another, "Now hold fast by the balusters, and I'll go behind." A reply was given to that, but she could not say what it was. She heard them go upstairs and by their voices and movements they appeared to be tipsy men. She awoke her husband and told him there were some men gone up the stairs very tipsy, and asked him to get out. She then heard the men go up as far as the first landing, which was very narrow. She did not hear them go further, and there some conversation took place between them. She heard someone fall over the stairs down to the bottom. The other man then came and knocked at the door, and said, "Come out; a man has fallen over the stairs." She asked him why he had come there to disturb her, and told him if he did not go away and take the man with him, she would call for the police. The man said, "Will you?" She asked him his name, and what he had come there for? He replied, "To see a friend, the door was open, and so I walked in." She told him the door was closed, and that she distinctly heard him move the stone. She then heard the man say, "TOM, speak to me." There was no reply. The man repeated the sentence, and then went out of the house. Her husband went out, and found the deceased in a sitting posture, with his head against the edge of the door. Her husband put the lamp against him, and exclaimed, "For god's sake, 'tis SARAH!" She saw the blood flowing from the side of his head. Up to this time she had heard nothing of Shapley or Harding. She called out to them, but received no reply. Her husband then went for a policeman, and Dr Gaye arrived within half an hour. In answer to questions, the witness said the man was not a Devonshire man; he had a different accent. She heard no scuffling before the fall. - Thos. Williams, husband of the last witness, corroborated her evidence. - Police-constable Squires said that on questioning the two girls who were in bed they said they had heard no one in the house that night, or heard any noise, nor had they seen MR SARAH. - Louisa Shapley said she knew the deceased by sight, and had spoken to him at his house. She got home on Wednesday night about 10.30 with Harding, and they then went to bed. She had not seen SARAH that day. She had spoken to Cordner twice, but not on Wednesday. She had never seen the deceased in the house before. - Dr Gaye said on his arrival he found the deceased insensible. There was a contused wound at the back of the head, and the scalp was torn away from the skull. He thought it would be caused by a blow against the wall, and not by an instrument. - The Coroner, in summing up, observed that it was very clear that there was one person that went into the house with the deceased. Who that person was they could not determine. The witness Cordner was the last person that saw the deceased alive as far as they knew. Cordner swore that he did not go to that house with the deceased. He (the Coroner) thought the man and the deceased were possibly in the same state. Why they went to that house they had no direct evidence to shew. The man, who was in the house with the deceased, possibly found out the wiser plan of running away. The man evidently stayed to [?] conversation; he did not at the moment contemplate running away. But before Williams went out with the light the situation of the man with the deceased flashed across him, and he made the best of his way away. - The Jury then retired and on coming into Court the Foreman (Mr Stuart) stated the majority of the Jury wished to have the Inquest adjourned for further evidence. - The Inquest was then adjourned until Saturday evening. - On the Jury reassembling the Coroner observed that since the previous evening most of them had examined the premises at the Windsor-terrace, and that they were very well acquainted with the position of the stairs and the "dern" of the door against which the deceased fell and received the blow, and upon which the blood and hair was found. He (the Coroner) had certainly the previous night thought that entrance to the house had been effected by the front door, but they had found out that it was effected through the back door. - Ann Williams was here recalled and questioned as to the way in which the door was fastened. - Robert Lethbridge, a labourer residing in Newton, said he was at the Windsor-terrace on Monday night. He took apartments in the house for 12 months of Mr Jackman, who lived across the road in Queen-street. He never had a key for the lock of the door outside the chapel. He had never seen the deceased in the house, though he knew him. He slept in a room over Williams. Shapley and Harding slept on the same landing as he did in the front room. He had never been disturbed by the door being opened at night. He generally went to bed about ten o'clock. He never saw Cordner in his life, nor did he recollect seeing any man there. He was not in the house on Wednesday night at all. - William Cook, a labourer, living with the last witness in what was called the Barracks, said there were two entrance doors, and he went into the room at the back generally; they used to call the back, front. He used the door opposite the chapel. There was no fixture against the door, but a great stone against it. He never saw MR SARAH in the house. He had never been disturbed by anyone pushing open the door after he had been in bed. - Wm. Gregory, a carpenter living at 12 Quay-terrace, deposed to having seen the deceased in the Plymouth Inn on Wednesday night with a man believed to be Cordner. He did not hear any remark made when the deceased and Cordner left. He did not hear them speak to anybody outside the door. - Mr Stephen Lang, of Combeinteignhead, deposed to having met the deceased at the Prince of Wales, at the Commercial, and the Plymouth Inns. At Magor's they stopped about half-an-hour. There were some gentlemen there. The deceased and himself had a glass of sherry each, and, as far as he knew, they had nothing but that. He should say that the deceased was decidedly not tipsy when he entered the house. He (witness) then got on his horse, and went down the street, the deceased and the man walking on one side of him and Mr Bickford the other. The deceased said to him "Come on, we'll go down to the Plymouth Inn and have a glass." The deceased then went off with the man, and no other conversation then passed between them. When they got at the inn the deceased asked him to have something. He said "No." The deceased and the man then went in. - Anne Cook, wife of William Cook, said the young girls lived upstairs about three or four months. She was there about a week before they came. She had never seen the deceased in the house, nor had she ever heard anybody come upstairs of the house at night. A person might come in by the side door and go upstairs without her hearing it. She never saw Cordner there. - Charles Henry Bickford, clerk at the railway station, corroborated Mr Lang's evidence. - Anne Harding heard nothing until the policeman came into her room. She did not see the deceased that night. She knew Cordner only by sight. She did not see him on the night in question. She was sure she had never seen him in the house. She and Shapley went to bed and they saw no one. - The Coroner, in summing up, said much of the time after the deceased left the Plymouth Inn was unfortunately wrapped in mystery. To have got into the house he must have known the way. He could not for one moment lead them to believe that the deceased went into the house for the first time. The deceased to get at the spot where he was supposed to have tumbled over, would have to pass two or three doors and corners, and he could not have done it in the dark unless he had been in the light before. He (the Coroner) thought if the man who was with the deceased had come forward and explained the whole circumstance no stain would have been on his character as to causing the death of the deceased. From the evidence he did not think they could have the slightest doubt, but that the deceased was intoxicated. - Police-constable Squires said he found gold and silver on the deceased. - The Jury then retired and on returning said they found "That deceased died from injuries received at No. 1, Windsor-terrace, but how those injuries were occasioned there is no evidence to shew."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 January 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - A little boy named GEDDY was accidentally run over in Cumberland-street, Devonport, on Saturday, and received such severe injuries that he died at the Royal Albert Hospital soon after his arrival. At the Inquest held yesterday, before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, it was stated that the deceased was riding in a waggon, when he accidentally slipped off and fell to the ground, and the wheels of the waggon passed over his body. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMSTOCK - Mr Bone held an Inquiry at the Castle Inn, Mount Batten, concerning the death of DANIEL PLAYDON, a private in the Royal Marines, serving on board H.M.S. Terrible, now lying in the Sound. Mr Duncan Rose said he was a midshipman on board the Terrible. Shortly after 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon the cutter belonging to that ship left Millbay, he being the officer in charge of her. The wind was blowing nearly due south, and he had the fore and mizen sails set. The dingy was in tow. After standing for some distance on the starboard tack, he attempted to go about, but the boat missed her stays. He again attempted to do so, but failed; and when about eighty of hundred yards from the shore he for the third time tried to tack, and ordered the foresail to be lowered and the lee oars to be got out to assist her, but having stern way, and a squall suddenly striking her, she drifted on to the rocks. The tide was coming in, and an eddy caught her. He told the men to remain, but several of them got out and scrambled ashore. The deceased and two others pushed the dingy off the rocks, and after she was some distance from the shore he jumped in, but shortly afterwards left her, and turned towards the land. When about two feet from it he sank and did not rise afterwards. He requested a man who could swim to throw off his clothes and try to save the deceased, whilst the others ran along the rocks. The crew, as well as the witness, were perfectly sober. - William Doughty was coxswain of the boat, and had been in the service between ten and eleven years. When about half a mile from Mount Batten they attempted to tack, but the boat missed her stays and after trying to go about for the third time the two boats drifted ashore. Seeing the deceased attempting to get the dingy, then high and dry, off the rocks, he called to him, and told him not to do so, saying, "Another dingy can be built, but another man can't." PLAYDON threw off his jacket and boots and pushed the boat out, taking no notice of witness's warning. - William Woodey, a seaman, said he swam towards the deceased when he saw him in the water, but he sank before he could reach him. - A Juror thinking the officer in charge of the boat was to blame for not trying to tack before, Mr Henry Bath, chief officer of coastguard stationed at Mount Batten, was called, and said that he had been connected with the navy and the coastguard for thirty years. He saw the boat go ashore, and thought the officer was justified in doing as he had done. If he had been in charge of the boat he would have worked it in the same manner. The Court having been cleared, the Jury after some discussion brought in a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 January 1869
BARNSTAPLE - Suicide At Barnstaple. - An Inquiry was held at the Ship Inn, Barnstaple, yesterday, before Mr R. I, Bencraft, Borough Coroner, concerning the death of WALTER PALMER, landlord of the Ship Inn, public-house. JANE PALMER, wife of the deceased, deposed that for the past three months her husband had been unwell and in very low spirits, which she attributed to his having sustained heavy losses in connection with a vessel that belonged to him. Deceased had not been drinking much lately, and had not been intoxicated the last three months. On Wednesday morning he got down early and lit the fire. When witness got up she did not see deceased, and on calling him and not receiving an answer she ran across the street for Mr Bater, a neighbour, who on proceeding to a loft in the court behind, found deceased with his throat cut. He was put to bed, and Mr Cooke, surgeon, called in. Deceased lingered on in a delirious state until Thursday evening when he died. - Mr Alfred Bater corroborated this statement, adding that the deceased said he had cut his throat because he would not go to the asylum. There was a razor on the wall near where deceased was found. - Mr M Cooke, surgeon, said he found deceased in bed with a jagged wound across his throat about four inches long. The windpipe was cut. Witness saw deceased several times afterwards. He was delirious throughout, and died on Thursday evening. Witness had no doubt that deceased was of unsound mind when he inflicted the wound of which he died. - The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased committed Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 January 1869
PLYMOUTH - Suspicious Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Summerland Inn, Plymouth, on Saturday afternoon before Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, respecting the death of ALBERT BASSETT, a child. The Coroner considered the case to be surrounded with suspicious circumstances and summoned a double Jury, and ordered a post mortem examination of the body of the child. - James Barter, registrar, St Andrew's Sub-district, said: MRS JANE KITT, the deceased's mother, called upon him after the deceased was six weeks old, in the month of September, to have the child registered. He told her to go to Mr Pridham. he told her, as she was a poor woman, he would relieve her of five shillings of the seven and sixpence required, and she promised to call and pay the other half-crown and register the child. She again promised the same thing subsequently. On the 15th of the present month, when the child was six months old, the woman KITT called at his office, when he complained of the trouble she had given. She said there was an uncertainty as to the name in which the child should be registered - whether in the name of KITT or BASSETT. It was a child by her late husband BASSETT, and she wished it to be registered in the name of KITT. The witness told her that the only way he could register it was in the name of BASSETT, the father. He expressed his surprise at the woman wishing the child to be registered in the name of her present husband. He remarked that there must be some object for that, and she said, "The reason is this: My husband is an Odd fellow, and if the child is registered in the name of KITT and dies I shall be entitled to £3. I shall not get it if it is not registered in the name of KITT." He said he had nothing to do with clubs or Oddfellows, and asked her if the child was ill or dying, and she said it had not been ill. Up to this time he did not know that the child had been born after the second marriage. He accompanied her to Mr Pridham, and the child was registered in the name of BASSETT. On the 22nd, a week afterwards, an old woman named Elizabeth Bird brought to him the medical certificate of the death, and he registered the death. About two hours afterwards MRS KITT and Mrs bird came into his office, when MRS KITT, who was much displeased with something, said holding up the certificate of death - "I can't get the money with this; you must put the child's name KITT." He said, "What money?" She replied, "My husband has been paying to the widows' and orphans' fund, and I ought to have the money. You must make the name KITT." He, of course, refused to do that. On being questioned by MRS KITT, the witness said he did not tell her the child could be registered free after six months; the law would not allow that. - In answer to the Coroner, MRS KITT said she did not wish to be examined, as she could not "answer for herself." - Mrs Bird said she lived in the same house with MRS KITT, at 14 Henry-street; the deceased was a weak child, and about noon on the 21st instant it was taken very ill. In the evening it was taken to Mr Pearse, as it was worse. MRS KITT gave it a powder, which she said had been given to her by Dr Pearse, and about ten or eleven o'clock the mother and child went to bed. The child died about four o'clock in the morning, having had a second powder, in witness's arms. When she took the certificate to MRS KITT from Mr Barter she remarked that the name of neither the father nor mother was upon the paper. When she and MRS KITT went to Mr Barter he said it would be an imposition for her to get the club money. Mr Barter spoke in an uncivil way, and said something about her getting married three weeks after the death of her former husband. No mother could treat a child better than MRS KITT did. - Elizabeth Harding, a married woman, living in the same house, who was in the room when the child died, said she heard MRS KITT say that a Jury was going to inquire into the cause of death., and that it was all done through spite. - Mr Wm. Pearse, M.R.C.S., said he saw the child and found it in excessive fever. There was no sickness, but he concluded that the child would not recover. He gave the mother four powders. He was not surprised to hear of the child's death the next day. He granted a certificate of death from bronchitis. By direction of the Coroner he made a post mortem examination, and had analysed the contents of the stomach. He believed the child died from exhaustion, consequent on a rapid accession of fever combined with bronchitis, in fact, from Natural Causes. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, at the same time expressing thanks to Mr Barter for bringing the matter forward.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 February 1869
TOTNES - An Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN HONEYWILL, Jun., late of Totnes, was held yesterday before Mr Coroner Michelmore. It seemed that the deceased, in company with other men, was engaged in shunting a truck at the Littlehampton Quarry, and he got between the waggon and the wall and the other men happening to shunt at the time, he was very severely crushed. A labourer, named Buckingham, said that seeing there was not room for the deceased to pass between the waggon and the wall, he called out to him to come back, but HONEYWILL did not heed his warning. Witness then motioned the other men to stop shunting, and when they did so, the deceased fell forward and was taken home, and died from the injuries he had sustained. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 February 1869
BRIXHAM - The Coroner's Inquiry concerning the death of SAMUEL HALL, of Brixham, was held last evening. The brother of the deceased said that the latter told him after the accident that no one was to blame in the matter. Mr Barter, junr., said that the stage from which the deceased fell was secured in the customary manner; but owing to HALL swaying the stage, a nail was broken, and this was the cause of the accident. The evidence of Mr Pain, surgeon, shewed that death was caused by internal haemorrhage. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 22 February 1869
BARNSTAPLE - A painfully sudden death occurred at Barnstaple, the facts being elicited at an Inquest held by Mr R. B. Bencraft, Coroner, on Saturday. On Friday HANCOCK SMITH, for many years in the employ of Mr c. S. Smith, ironfounder, had complained of feeling unwell, and went into a public-house next door to his residence, in the evening, and there partook of nine pennyworth of brandy. He went home quite sober, had supper and went to bed about midnight. About twenty minutes afterwards his wife heard a gurgling noise, and asked the deceased what was the matter? She received no reply, and on getting a light found her husband with his face downwards and blood issuing from his mouth. Mr Cooke, surgeon, deposed to having been called in to see SMITH, who was dead when he arrived from the bursting of a blood vessel in the chest. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 February 1869
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday before Mr T. C. Brian, Plymouth Borough Coroner, concerning the death of FANNY HEYBEARD, aged 22 years, who resided with her parents at 16, Essex-street, Plymouth. For some time past the deceased has been subject to epileptic fits, and for several months had been under the care of Mr Graham, surgeon. On Sunday morning the deceased partook of repast with the other members of the family and afterwards retired to an adjoining room to read. Later in the afternoon the deceased's sister-in-law went into the room to call the deceased, when she saw her reclining on a chair near the window quite dead. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 March 1869
EAST STONEHOUSE - FRANCIS HOSKINS, a carpenter living at Stonehouse, 48 years of age, while at work at a building near the Laira Embankment, apparently in good health, suddenly fell down dead. Doctor Isbell at the Coroner's Inquest gave the result of a post mortem examination, expressing his belief that he died from the rupture of a blood vessel and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 March 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Accident At Keyham Yard. - An Inquiry was held yesterday at the Royal Albert Hotel, Devonport, by Mr Allan B. Bone, coroner, concerning the death of JOHN EDWARD TRUSCOTT, a boy fifteen years of age, who was accidentally killed on board the gunboat Growler on the previous day. - William Hammond Cross, one of the crew, stated that there was a large number of labourers on board the ship in Keyham dock, engaged in lowering the steam funnel, when he suddenly heard one of the men call out, "Stop lowering." The deceased, a shipwright apprentice, was then standing close by him on the deck, merely looking on, as he had nothing to do with the other men, who were working. Shortly after witness saw the end of the rope give way from the block, and the funnel fell down to the deck on the deceased's stomach. - Thomas Bouldan, boiler maker, stated that on Tuesday afternoon he proceeded to lower the steam funnel, and having seen everything secure, he with the help of the labourers, got a rope attached to the foremast. A block was then fastened to it, and hooked into two chains, which kept the funnel in its proper position. He then ordered the funnel to be lowered, and to stop when within seven feet from off the deck, so as to enable the men to get a box ready to receive the end of the funnel. The deceased was sitting a short distance from the funnel on another box at the time. - Samuel White, a labourer, stated that whilst working at the funnel with the rest of the men, he distinctly heard the last witness call out, "Stop lowering," which was done, and might have been heard by anyone who was on deck. - William Jeffery, leading man of labourers, stated that it was usual for him to be present and superintend the work when a heavy funnel required lowering. The labourers occasionally lowered light funnels without his superintendence. The funnel in question did not exceed thirty hundred-weight, and was not of such weight as to make it irregular for it to be lowered without his supervision. He had heard the witness, White, describe the manner in which the funnel had been lowered, and there seemed to have been no reason to suppose that it was not secure previous to its giving way. The Jury, of whom Mr Holman was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 March 1869
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Millbay. Censure By A Coroner's Jury. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Plymouth Guildhall by Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, concerning the death of EDMUND BULLOCK, aged 60 years. It seemed from the evidence that on Sunday evening the deceased called at a house in Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, to see his son, CAPTAIN BULLOCK, but finding that he was out he immediately left for the Millbay docks in search of him. Nothing more was seen of the deceased until early on Monday morning, when he was found by a quarryman named John Snell in Gill's Quarries, Plymouth, lying on his back on the ground apparently quite dead. Assistance was procured, and he was immediately conveyed to the South Devon Hospital, where life was found to be extinct. It appeared that the deceased had most likely gone over the hill along the edge of the quarries near Gill's Cottages, where there is no lamp for some distance, and left the main road, which was about fifteen or twenty feet from the edge of the quarries, and fell into the quarries, a distance of forty feet. - Mr Hilson, manager of the quarries, stated that at the place where the deceased must have fallen there was fourteen or fifteen feet from the road a horizontal ledge of rocks projecting over the quarries. - The Jury, after a long consultation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner remarking that the Jury desired him to read the following remarks:- "That it should be pointed out to the owners of the West Hoe Quarries that the spot where the deceased fell and was killed ought not to have been left in such an unprotected condition. The Jury urge that sufficient wall or fence shall be erected for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of another such frightful accident."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 March 1869
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Cambridge Inn, Plymouth, concerning the death of ELIZABETH TREMILLS, 74 years of age, who died suddenly on Sunday afternoon at her residence in Cambridge-street. The immediate cause of death was, according to Dr Square, disease of the heart, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At Keyham. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday, before Mr A. B. Bone, concerning the death of NATHANIEL MAY, a shipwright, who was killed whilst at work in Keyham yard, at half-past ten that morning. Deceased was, with several other shipwrights engaged on board her Majesty's ship Valerous, lying at No. 2 dock for the purpose of being repaired and having defects made good, and had received instructions to unbolt the Blake slip and examine the watering. The first part of his order he had executed, and then stepped on the second port sill on the starboard bow, and pulled the shifting rail towards him. He had just succeeded in getting this rail out of its socket, when, apparently by overbalancing himself, he was precipitated into the dock, falling a distance of about 34 feet, and pitching on his head. He was immediately conveyed to the surgery, but died before he reached it. Some of the witnesses examined at the Inquest considered that the deceased, who is about 36 years of age, and who it is stated leaves a widow and five children, was guilty of great imprudence in attempting to take the shifting rail out of its place, as he had received no instructions to do it, and as there was no staging outside the port. It was also stated that it was customary for two men to perform this duty. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 March 1869
TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was yesterday held at Tavistock, before Mr A. B. Bone, County Coroner, on the body of a child named RICHARD THOMAS, about four and a half years of age, who received a fatal injury from the kick of a horse belonging to Mr Battams, of Kilworthy, a short time since.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 March 1869
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr R. R. Crosse, at the Ship Inn, St. Thomas's, Exeter, on the body of THOMAS HARFORD, who fell down and expired in Alphington-street, on Monday morning. Deceased was a seaman, but owing to illness had not been at work for the past three months until that morning. When he was returning home he felt unwell. Death was attributed to disease of the heart.

BERRY POMEROY - An inquest was held last evening at the Exeter Inn, Bridgetown, before Mr Henry Michelmore, Coroner, on the body of the man found in the River Dart the previous day. A witness, named Luxton, a shoemaker of Totnes, said the deceased called at his shop on Tuesday, and asked for work. He gave his name as Williams, and that he had left his wife and child at Bristol. - John Full, the young man who first saw the deceased in the water, stated that he saw the deceased struggling in the water. - John Daw saw the deceased walking out the Exeter road about three o'clock in the afternoon, about half an hour before he was called by Full. He found a bag of tools on the bank. Had heard a man say that the deceased told him that his name was Frederick Wallis, and that he had friends living at Dockwall Buildings, Devonport. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 March 1869
BERRY POMEROY - On Thursday an uncle and sister-in-law of the man who was found drowned in the river Dart on Tuesday last came from Devonport to identify the body. It had been interred before they arrived; but the shoemaker's tools which were found on the bank of the river they recognised as being the property of their relative. They stated that he had not been to Bristol, as deceased told the witness Luxton, neither was he married. The name he gave of Frederick Wallis was likewise incorrect and was his brother's, his real name being JOHN WILLIAMS WALLIS. About nine months ago deceased's father left his home at Devonport in a similar manner, and committed suicide at Liskeard.

Western Morning News, Monday 29 March 1869
BLACKAWTON - An Inquest was held at Blackawton on Thursday by Mr Henry Michelmore, Coroner, on the body of MR A. P. LAMBLE, who committed suicide the previous day by cutting his throat. The deceased was a churchwarder, and had been during the day busily engaged in preparing his books and papers for the vestry meeting the next day. At three o'clock he had been supplied with a glass of whisky and water by Miss Ashford, a relative, who had been tending him for some time, and on her going to him again at four o'clock she found he had cut his throat and was quite dead. Deceased was a native of Blackawton where he was collector of taxes and highly respected. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned. It is stated that the father and grandfather of the deceased also committed suicide.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 April 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - Shocking Fatality At Devonport Dockyard. - An Inquiry was held yesterday at the Naval Hotel, Devonport, by Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner, concerning the death of JAMES TABB, a labourer, aged 39 years. Early yesterday morning the deceased was employed by himself at work on a stage on the starboard side of her Majesty's ship Britannia, now lying in dock undergoing extensive repairs, the stage being supported in an horizontal position by ropes, two at the outer end and one close to the ship's side near the stern. About ten o'clock orders were given to cast off the stage ropes around the stern. A labourer, named Robert Bell, was on the poop of the vessel by this time, and he also received orders from the two leading men, Bone and Antony, to go over to where the deceased was working, and lower away a spar which was hanging over the stern walk or gallery, in the meantime giving him instructions as to which rope he was to lower. The deceased was then at work outside the ship, and by this means Bell was unable to see him. All the three ropes were then in one ring, very close together, and it is customary in such cases in the service to cut a rope away if the man is unable to slip it off or lower it. Bell, it appears, took the latter course, as he could not unfasten the rope, and, mistaking one rope for another, cut the one which supported one end of the stage on which TABB was at work, and precipitated him down to the bottom of the dock, a distance of sixty feet. Assistance was procured, and the man was immediately picked up and conveyed to the surgery in the Dockyard, when it was discovered that life was extinct. - Mr bone, the Coroner, in addressing the Jury, said that any man who had been instrumental in the death of another by means of gross negligence was by law guilty of "manslaughter." Of course they had to consider the circumstances of the case, and whether they thought that Bell had wilfully or negligently cut the rope. If it was an error in judgment, and that it was, it would be only a slight degree of negligence, and not gross negligence, then their verdict would be "Accidental Death." The Jury having retired for a few minutes, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 9 April 1869
EAST STONEHOUSE - Melancholy Suicide Of A Lieutenant In The Navy. - An Inquiry as to the cause of the death of HORATIO AUSTIN, son of the late ADMIRAL AUSTIN, 31 years of age, who held a commission as lieutenant on board H.M. Indus, lying in Hamoaze, was held at the Queen's Arms Inn, Stonehouse, yesterday, by Mr A. B. Bone. After viewing the body of the deceased, the following evidence was given, and shewed conclusively that at the time of the suicide the deceased was suffering from delirium tremens. - The first witness called was Thomas Alexander O'Flaherty, M.D., and assistant-surgeon in the navy, at present resident in the Royal Naval Hospital, at Stonehouse, who said that about eleven o'clock on the preceding morning he, with other medical men, examined the deceased, who had just been brought in, and saw that he was suffering from great nervous excitement, but quite clear from delusion. He answered questions coherently when his attention was fixed; but when his attention was not fixed his conversation was rambling. Witness accompanied him to his ward, and the deceased asked if he would be tried by court-martial, for if so he "would be done for." It would be "hard lines" to be tried after having been so many years in the service. Some personal effects of the deceased were brought in, and amongst them was a case of razors, which witness had removed. When witness saw the deceased an hour after, he was quietly lying in bed, but was labouring under delusions. Witness saw the deceased again about half-past three o'clock, and at that time the delusions were increasing. About three quarters of an hour afterwards he was called to the ward again and saw the deceased lying on the bed insensible. Drs. Bernard, and Davidson and witness examined him, and found that he was suffering from severe concussion of the brain, and that his case was hopeless. - Susan Cole, nurse at the Naval Hospital, after detailing the circumstances attending the admission of the deceased into the hospital, went on to say that after the previous witness had left the deceased got out of bed and washed his hands, and subsequently read a book. This calmness did not last long, and the deceased talked incoherently, saying he should have "thirty days in chokey." About four o'clock he jumped out of bed, and said there were some men under his bed. He ran into the sitting-room of the ward, and said to Dr Sanderson that there were men under the table, caught up a poker, and refused to go into his own "cabin" again, as there were men there. Dr Sanderson said that he would go and see, but really went for assistance, as the deceased was getting worse. Soon after Dr Sanderson had left, the deceased went into an empty "cabin" and shoved the window up with the poker, got on a table under the window, and got the trunk of his body out of the window. Witness caught hold of his legs, held him as fast as she could and screamed loudly. The deceased struggled violently to get out of the window, and held fast by some woodwork outside. Witness held him by his drawers till they came to pieces, and the deceased got from her and fell out of the window to the ground. Witness was very frightened, and went downstairs. A few minutes after, the deceased was brought into his ward, and was then in a state of insensibility; he never recovered his consciousness, and died about 6.30 o'clock. - Mr O'Flaherty said that some hours before the death of the deceased he was suffering from delirium tremens. The distance the deceased fell was 20 feet. In answer to a question from the Jury, the witness said that at the time of the deceased's admission he thought a female nurse sufficient to look after him; but there were male nurses within call. - After hearing the summing up of the Coroner, the Jury found that the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 April 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - Early on Saturday morning, a naval pensioner, residing at Alexandra Cottage, Ford, near Devonport, named WILLIAM JOSIAH BURT, committed suicide by hanging himself in an outhouse, adjoining his premises. The deceased rose very early in the morning, and about half-past six o'clock was discovered by a neighbour named Amelia Warren, who had occasion to go near the outhouse, suspended by a rope to a beam. Assistance was immediately procured, and the deceased cut down, life however, being extinct. The only reason assigned for this rash act of self-destruction is, that about three months since the deceased came home from a foreign station in her Majesty's ship Constance, and missed obtaining a berth on board one of the ships in ordinary. Since that time, the deceased appeared to have lost all his usual cheerfulness. At the Inquest a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 April 1869
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held last evening at the Plymouth Guildhall by Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, concerning the death of RICHARD JONES, late seaman on board the schooner Susan and Anne. Some time since the ship was lying in Cattewater, and about two o'clock in the morning of the 22nd ultimo the master heard a splash, when it is supposed the deceased must have fallen overboard. Later in the morning drags were used, but the body was not picked up until Sunday afternoon last, when it was discovered floating, about thirty feet from the shore near Mount Batten, by a boatman named Thomas Line, who was at the time conveying some people in a boat from the Barbican. The body was in such a state of decomposition that it could not have been recognised, had it not been for the clothes. An Open Verdict was returned. The Jury considered that as far as the evidence went, there was no effort made to save the deceased at the time he went overboard, and that the master of the schooner Susan and Anne did not shew sufficient care in leaving behind him particulars respecting the deceased, and where his friends might be communicated with.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 April 1869
BRIXHAM - At an Inquiry held concerning the death of a seaman named GEORGE WOOD, by Mr Michelmore, at Brixham, yesterday, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." It seemed that the deceased was on board the Corsair, bound from Neath for Teignmouth, and when a short distance from the Start, the deceased ordered a sailor to furl the gaff sail. The man did not obey speedily, and WOOD went to assist him, and in climbing up the rigging missed his hold and fell on to a boat stowed on the deck. The injuries he sustained were so severe that death ensued.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Devonport Guildhall before Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner, concerning the death of WILLIAM GEORGE SMALL, a little boy, about two years of age, who resided with its parents at 41 Mount-street, Devonport. On the morning of the 23rd inst., the deceased left in a room by himself whilst his mother, REBECCA SMALL, went into the courtlage of her house. Shortly after the deceased was found sitting on the floor of the room near the fire-place with its bed-gown on fire. The deceased was seriously burnt about the body, and, notwithstanding aid, died on Saturday morning. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday, at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on the body of a mason, named ROBERT BICKLE, aged 64 years. On Saturday afternoon the deceased was employed in repairing the roof of a house in Queen-street, when a plank which he was standing upon suddenly gave way. He fell to the footpath, and received such severe injuries about the head, as well as internally, that he died about five o'clock on Sunday evening at the hospital. One end of plank had been resting on a shute, whilst the other was fastened to a ladder; and it appeared that the weight of the deceased on the plank caused the shute to give way. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 May 1869
TORQUAY - An Inquest was held by Mr H. Michelmore, the Coroner, yesterday, at the Steam Packet Inn, Torquay, on the body of ELIZABETH STENTIFORD, whose sudden death on Friday night was noticed in Monday's Western Morning News. The husband of the deceased, the landlord of the Inn, and Mr Nind, surgeon, were examined. It appeared that she suddenly fell while engaged in her household work, and blood rushed from her mouth and nose, the result, it was believed, of a rupture of a blood vessel. A verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God" was returned. The Jury fees were handed over to the Torbay Infirmary.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 May 1869
PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was held last evening at the Cambridge Inn, Cambridge Street, Plymouth, before Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, concerning the death of an old woman named SUSAN TURNER, aged 75 years, who resided at 85 Cambridge-street. The deceased of recent years had followed up the employment of general work within the last week. On Monday afternoon she was last seen out of her room, and in answer to a question from a woman who resided in the house named Elizabeth Burgoyne, she said she was very unwell. Nothing more was seen or heard of her until about six o'clock on Wednesday morning, when the deceased appearing to be moving about the room. Elizabeth Burgoyne, thinking something was the matter with the deceased as she had remained in bed since the previous Monday, entered the room late in the evening, in company with another neighbour. They then discovered her lying on the bed dead. Dr Dale said the deceased had been dead for twelve hours. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 May 1869
PLYMOUTH - Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest concerning the death of HENRY BAILEY, who was drowned by the upsetting of one of the boats belonging to H.M.S. Terrible in the Sound, on the 29th ult. The circumstances of the catastrophe will be fresh in the recollection of our readers. It was proved that whilst the three persons who were unfortunately drowned were struggling in the water a lugger came within 150 yards, but took no notice of them. Mr Brian, in summing up, said he believed there had been gross negligence on the part of the lugger's men, and he wished they could have been found out. After highly commending Little, the waterman, for rescuing the remainder of the boat's crew, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 May 1869
DAWLISH - A Woman Drowned At Dawlish. - Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon, at Edgecombe's Hotel, on the body of the woman who was washed on shore on Sunday morning. - Ann Hugo, the wife of a stonemason, at Plymouth, was the only person who could identify the body. Deceased was known by the name of "IRISH KITTY;" she slept with the deceased last Friday night at Exmouth. The last time she saw deceased alive was about three o'clock on Saturday afternoon, when she said she was going to Teignmouth. The verdict was "That the deceased was found in the sea, but how she came by her death there was no evidence to shew." it is believed by many that the unfortunate woman was swept away from the beach by the sea during her walk to Dawlish on Saturday night. This is a very dangerous walk for strangers in the dark, owing to the break in the eastern promenade. If this high walk was completed such an accident could not happen. The most dangerous part of the walk from the encroachment of the sea at high tide is just opposite the scene of the late railway accident. A stranger coming from the Exmouth end of the beach must pass the spot and in the dark would be very likely to walk into the water.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 May 1869
TORQUAY - Singular Suicide At Torquay. - Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, held an Inquiry last evening into the cause of death of ISABELLA GRAHAM, who was found dead on Monday, at Livermead, under strange circumstances. - Jane Rendell, a fellow lodger, stated that the deceased was a cook in the service of Mr Brown, but had left her place some weeks; was told by her that she was engaged to a young man in Hull, and that she had made the acquaintance of a young man named Marshall, in Torquay, who was desirous of marrying her, and that she was puzzled what to do. On Sunday afternoon she went out with Marshall, and returned at ten o'clock, apparently in her usual condition. At ten o'clock she went out again for some medicine, but never returned. - Mrs Stidworthy deposed to the deceased stating that she was engaged to these two young men, and that having left her situation some days, she did not like to go home. Her late master, at her request, wrote to Cranford and broke off the match, saying the deceased was about to be married in Torquay. Her manner was very strange; witness knew that she was not in the family way. Deceased and Marshall seemed to be very fond of each other. - John Aggus deposed to seeing the body of the deceased in the water on Monday, at eleven o'clock, in front of Livermead House, and he went and gave information to the police. - P.C. Grylls brought the body to shore, and took it to the Infirmary. - Police Sergeant Ockford deposed to finding the deceased's cloak and hat on a seat in some grounds some distance from where the body was found. - John Marshall, the whip to the Torquay Harriers, said he had been engaged to the deceased for fifteen months, but did not know that she was engaged to a party at Hull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 May 1869
FENITON - Alleged Murder At Fenniton, Near Ottery St. Mary. - Considerable excitement has existed in the neighbourhood of Ottery St. Mary since Friday last, in consequence of the death and the allegations concerning the cause thereof, of EDWARD PALFREY, a child five years of age, the son of WM. PALFREY, labourer, living at Tailwater, Tallaton, near Ottery. Mr S. M. Cox, Coroner, opened an Inquest on the body at the Railway Inn, Fenniton Station, on Friday last, which was adjourned to yesterday morning. In the meantime the father of the deceased had been charged before the magistrates sitting at Ottery on Tuesday with the "Wilful Murder" of his son. At the conclusion of the case the magistrates decided to commit WM. PALFREY to prison to take his trial at the next Assizes on the capital charge. It will be seen by the following evidence which was given yesterday before the Coroner, and which was almost identical with that given before the magistrates on the previous day, that the father had been charged with stealing some coals, and that the deceased child upon being questioned had told the person who had lost the coals that his father had stolen them, and in consequence of such information he had been accused, and had confessed to the theft, and restored a quantity of the coals. The theory advanced to shew a motive for such a crime as the father stands charged with is based upon the assumption that he was enraged at the discovery of his malpractices through the information given by his child, and smarting under the influence of its consequences he inflicted the injuries which caused the death. - Jno. Wright, farmer, of Tallaton, deposed that he saw the deceased in his yard at about six o'clock on Thursday evening last. Deceased's grandfather and brother were also there, and helped me to turn a colt into the orchard. Deceased then appeared to be quite well. Witness returned to the court again about eight o'clock, and going into the inner court observed the deceased in a crib behind the door. Witness awoke him with some difficulty, and told him he ought not to lie there and give his father and mother the trouble to look for him. He could not swear he made any answer, but thought he said they were not looking for him. He then got him out of the crib, and the boy held on to the side of it. Found his cap in the crib, and put it on his head. Deceased then fell to the ground. Witness told him if he liked to lie there till his mother came he could do so. Deceased looked very pale. The child's mother came shortly afterwards and took him towards my house, where she was working. I did not see the child afterwards. Was sure the colt did not kick him, he was not close enough. The prisoner, WILLIAM PALFREY, also works for me occasionally, and I saw him on the day in question about six o'clock. He had been to work with me, and then left me going round the pig-styes by the woodricks, and I did not see him afterwards. This was about 30 or 40 paces from the crib, in which I afterwards found the deceased. He made no complaint to me; he did make a kind of moaning noise when I tried to awake him, but he did not continue it after. I did not think he was ill, but that he had been drinking cider, and was the worse for it. - Ann Dyer Wright, wife of Mr J. Wright, said that PALFREY had worked for her husband several years in and out. His wages were 8s. per week and cider. His wife also occasionally helps. Witness heard a report about the coals, but never heard any blame laid to the child. PALFREY was working for her husband on Thursday last in the fields. The boy was about the premises; he seemed to be well. MRS PALFREY was engaged that morning in serving the pigs in one of the yards, but she could not see the crib in which the boy was found from the court where the pigs were. She asked witness if she had seen the child. Soon afterwards the mother brought in the child; witness saw him leaning against the settle; the mother said he was drunk. Heard the father also say the child was drunk, and that he would take him out and wash him. After going out to attend to the cows, witness returned to the house and found the father and child both gone. Prisoner was in the habit, during the absence of their regular man servant, who was serving in the militia, of coming in the evening to attend to the bullocks, for which he had his supper in the house. Whilst having his supper on this evening witness heard the mother of the deceased ask prisoner if he had seen "NED" (the deceased); he said no. - Barnabas Wright, son of the previous witnesses, saw the deceased boy up to half-past six, seemed perfectly well; had not observed him drinking during the day. Witness asked prisoner to accompany him, but he said he had to go somewhere. Whilst milking, which he did with his mother, prisoner came close by, and they walked together along the head of the court. PALFREY said he had a drop of cider left in his firkin, and he should drink it then. While he was drinking it prisoner's wife came out and asked him if he had seen NED, and he replied, "No." About twenty minutes past eight witness saw prisoner coming towards the lane gate, which leads to the orchard; saw him go down through the court, and towards the bridge. When witness returned, about half-hour later, PALFREY was in to supper. Prisoner's wife asked him if he had seen NED, and he said, "No." After supper saw the prisoner lead the child out of the room through the passage, and try him whether he could stand, but he could not. It was about ten yards from where witness saw the prisoner drink the cider to the crib where the child was found. - Chas. Searle said on Thursday night, the 13th inst., at half-past nine, he was in W. PALFREY'S house, where he lodges. WM. PALFREY brought the deceased child into the house over his left shoulder, and his body behind. WM. PALFREY had hold of one of the child's arms, the child's face was resting on the father's shoulders, and his belly on the father's back. He threw the child along the floor, not very hard; but he did not stoop very low to do it. The child began to groan, and lay groaning about quarter of an hour. On throwing him down the father said, "The child is drunk, get up, I'll knock you if you don't get up." I said, "Don't serve the child bad if he is drunk; correct him when he is sober." The father said he dipped the child in the brook twice. The mother of the child came in shortly after, and took the child upstairs. The others then went to bed, leaving PALFREY and wife. The PALFREYS all slept in one room. About one o'clock witness was awoke by MRS PALFREY calling, "Thompson and Searle, come out, my child is dead." He went into the room, and saw the child lying across the foot of the bed, under the bed-clothes in the place where he usually slept, but apparently dead. Prisoner was in bed, but said nothing. He got out of bed, and dressed himself upon his wife saying he had better go up to her father. Witness had not heard PALFREY or his wife say anything about it since. Witness explained that when he said the father kicked the deceased on throwing him down he meant that he kicked him slightly. He fell middling and heavy on the floor, which was of lime, but his feet touched the floor first. The child's clothes were damp, but witness thought he had not been totally under water. The prisoner, after he had touched the child, took him by the arm, and sat him up on the floor, but the child could not sit up. When his mother took him up he said, "Don't mother; let me lie." He groaned all the time after he was on the floor. He looked pale. Never knew the child take much cider. After the mother came in the prisoner said, "I'll hang the little b...... up." - John Thompson, brick maker, who also lodged with the prisoner, said that on Monday morning, the 10th, the deceased child told him and Mr Sprint, and Charles Searle that his father had taken coals from one of the tile sheds the Sunday before. He said that when the man brought the child in on Thursday last, he said, "I've got the drunken little heller," and then he jerked him off his shoulder on to the floor, holding him by one of the wrists. The boy did not appear to fall with any violence. The kick was more of a shove than anything else. After the child was set up by the father he fell down and knocked his head against the floor; it did not appear to be very hard. Prisoner said, "I gave him two duckings over in the shute as he was coming home, and kept him there until he began to sigh." When the mother came home she said to her husband that she hoped he had not been serving the child bad. Prisoner replied that he had given him two stripes, the marks of which would be seen on the morrow. The examination of this witness was a corroboration of the previous one. - William Street, foreman at the brick yard, said he had lost a lot of coals from the yard lately, and in consequence of something deceased said to him he charged prisoner with stealing the coal. Prisoner gave it up, and the next morning deceased told him his father knew what he had told witness. In consequence of prisoner's taking the coal he had to leave his house on Saturday last. - Mr Walter Edwards, surgeon, of Ottery St. Mary, said: On the 15th of May I made a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased, in which I was assisted by Dr Whitby. I found the child to be well nourished, apparently rather more than five years of age. On examining the body I found no external marks of violence, with the exception of a small bruise on the right arm. On examining the liver in situ I observed a laceration of its surface. On removing the liver I found an extensive laceration on the right lobe, going completely through it, and almost dividing it. The cause of death was the rupture of the liver and the haemorrhage that subsequently followed. A kick or a fall from some height might have caused the rupture, or a sharp blow in the side, which might not have left any mark externally. The rupture could not have arisen from natural causes. I do not think that the deceased being thrown on the floor, as described by the witnesses, would have caused the rupture, though a sudden twist would. The rupture might have caused a collapse, and would account for the deceased being in the state described by the witnesses. - Mr Charles William Whitby, M.D., who had assisted in the post mortem, gave corroborative evidence. - Thos. Fronde, police-sergeant, said on Friday morning between eight and nine, prisoner came to the police-station at Ottery, and said that his boy was found dead in his bed at one o'clock that morning by his wife. On Monday last prisoner said he wanted to send a message to his wife. he said he should like her to give evidence before the magistrates; she could prove that he did not see the child from half-past six till he was brought into the house by his mother. That he (prisoner) had been to Colistock to try to take a house, that he saw Mrs Tucker, but could not have the house; that Mrs Tucker could prove he was there. - The Coroner carefully read the evidence of each witness and exhorted the Jury to be guided by no proceedings that had taken place elsewhere, but to give a verdict in accordance with the evidence as presented to them. He reminded them that theirs was a separate tribunal, entirely distinct from that of the magistrates, and he begged them not to allow the course they had pursued on the one hand, or any feeling of regard for the prisoner on the other, to influence them. - The Jury, after an absence of a few minutes, returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased, EDWARD PALFREY, died from Rupture of the Liver, but as to how or by whom caused there was no evidence to shew." - The prisoner, who had attended the Inquest, abstained from putting any question to any witness, and was removed at the close of the Inquest to the County gaol, to take his trial on the Magistrates' commitment.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 May 1869
TEIGNMOUTH - Suicide Of A Gentleman At Teignmouth. - MR HODDER, who on Saturday week threw himself from a window on the third floor of a house in Higher Brook-street, Teignmouth, died on Saturday morning last of the injuries then received. In the evening an Inquest was held, before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, at the Commercial Hotel, when it appeared that the deceased had been suffering from depression of spirits for some time past, and occasionally very violent, especially towards his wife, and towards a niece who was living with them. Latterly he had been a patient of Dr Magrath. The verdict of the Jury was "That the deceased died of injuries received by jumping from a window into the street, whilst in a state of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 May 1869
PLYMOUTH - The sudden death of MR WAY, dairyman, of King-street, Plymouth, was the subject of an Inquest last evening, before Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner. The deceased, who is 74 years of age, was, prior to his death, in a perfect state of health, and was in the act of following to the grave the remains of Mr Berry, a neighbour, when he was observed to become ill, and before the arrival of Dr Isbell he was quite dead. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Jury.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 May 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - ISABELLA LEE, a child two years of age, has been burnt to death, at Devonport, owing to her having been left alone in Granby-street, and gone too near the fire. An Inquest was held yesterday; verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 May 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide Of A Woman At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday, before Mr Bone, Coroner, concerning the death of RACHAEL HOUSE, 28 years of age, an inmate of the lock ward of the Royal Albert Hospital. Having shewn signs of mental derangement she was removed to a separate room, where she seemed quieter, but yesterday morning at two o'clock, just after the house surgeon had visited her, she jumped out of bed, ran to the window, twenty-seven feet from the ground, and threw herself out. The fall did not at once kill her, as she walked about screaming "Murder," but she died soon after she was taken into the house. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 June 1869
BIGBURY - The Alleged Child Murder At Bigbury. - The adjourned Inquiry into the cause of death of the illegitimate child of THIRZA SHILLABEER, was held yesterday by Mr A. B. Bone, Deputy Coroner, at Bigbury. Mr Windeatt, solicitor, of Totnes, appeared on behalf of the accused, SHILLABEER, and cleverly cross-examined the surgeon, Mr Langworthy, as to the cause of the death of the child, but no further evidence from this or any other witness was elicited against the prisoner. - The Deputy Coroner, in summing up, observed that there were two points for the Jury to consider - first, whether the child was born alive; and, second, what was the cause of death. As to the first the evidence of the doctor was substantially conclusive that the child was born alive, and the doctor had also stated that the child had died from suffocation. The only evidence of violence on the part of the mother was that she threw the child into the privy, and the Jury would have to say whether the child was alive at the time or not. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the child was born alive, and died from Suffocation; but what caused the suffocation there is no evidence to shew." - The accused is still retained in custody at Bigbury, and will be brought before the magistrates at Yealmpton on the charge of concealment of birth, but she will not be in a fit state to go before the magistrates for several days.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 June 1869
AXMINSTER - Burned To Death In A Pigstye. - A horrible death is reported from Devonshire. The deceased was JOHN CHUBB, aged 51, woodman, in the employ of Mr J. A. Knight, of Axminster. On Wednesday morning the pigstye at his house was found to be on fire. His wife, who had two children ill, tried to open the door of the stye, but the fastening was so hot that she had to take the tongs to do so. In the stye she found the charred remains of her husband. The body was scorched like a log of wood. Deceased had been intoxicated, and was a great smoker. It is supposed that whilst the man was smoking the stye had taken fire. At the Inquest the Jury brought in a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 June 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - Drink claimed another victim at Devonport last week in the person of R. H. MARTIN, beerhouse keeper, of Stonehouse, who was found drowned or suffocated at Mutton Cove. It was elicited at the Inquest that at eleven o'clock the previous night the deceased, who was a married man, 38 years of age, with a wife and several children, was drinking at the Royal Exchange public-house, Pembroke-street, and when he left the premises he was in such a state as to be unable to take care of himself.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 June 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquiry was held at the Mill Bridge Inn, Stoke, yesterday, before Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, concerning the death of FLORENCE STEAR, an infant eight months old, who died from the effects of severe scalds received on the 24th of last month. According to the evidence of the deceased child's father and a sister ten years of age, the deceased was sitting on the lap of the latter before the fire when another sister, about six years of age, began to tickle both of them. Suddenly the deceased sprang off and fell on the floor, overturning a teapot full of boiling water, which was standing in front of the fire, and which falling upon her inflicted the injuries of which she died. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 June 1869
PLYMOUTH - JANE LEE, wife of a Plymouth policeman, was found dead in bed yesterday morning. Deceased, who was 29 years of age, had some years ago had two paralytic seizures, and had recently been ailing. An Inquest was held yesterday before Mr Brian, Coroner, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 June 1869
EAST STONEHOUSE - A verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity" was returned by a Jury who assembled with Mr Bone, Coroner, last evening to Inquire concerning the death of WILLIAM MEDLAND, a waterman, 59 years of age, who, as mentioned yesterday, hanged himself in his bedroom, at Little Durnford Street, Stonehouse. It was proved that he had on various occasions suffered from delirium tremens, and that a recent promise extorted from him to abstain from drink had not been kept.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 June 1869
HIGHWEEK - A lad named LAKE, whose parents reside in Mill-lane, Newton Bushel, was accidentally drowned yesterday in the mill-leat by falling in the water, just above the Newton Mills. An Inquest was held in the evening at the Townhall, when a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 June 1869
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner, having received communications stating that one ROBERT PHILLIPS, a porter at the Albion Inn, Southside-street, had died from the effects of violence, held an Inquest on Saturday. It was proved that the deceased, who was forty-eight years of age, received some injuries in a scuffle with some drunken men on Whit-Monday night at the door of the inn, and one of them, named Stanley, gave confused evidence, and another, Kendal, refused to be sworn. Medical testimony, however, was conclusive that the deceased died of inflammation of the lungs, the result of natural disease. The deceased was an intemperate man.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 June 1869
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Cambridge Inn, Plymouth, before Mr T. C. Brian, concerning the death of JEMIMA PETERS, 59 years of age. Deceased's son stated that he last saw her alive on Saturday morning between six and seven. She was then in bed, and appeared to be in her usual health. A little boy about seven years of age was in the same bed. - Elizabeth Daniels said that about twenty minutes to one she was called by the little boy, and on going into the deceased's room she found her lying on the floor dressed, with the exception of her shoes and stockings, and foaming at the mouth. She was sensible, but speechless and almost immediately after being laid upon the bed she died. Deceased, who was in receipt of 2s. 6d. per week from the Board of Guardians, has had two seizures before, and it was thought that death was accelerated by want of food. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest last evening on the body of a child named NORAH MCCARTHY, who while at play on Saturday evening, at the bottom of Cecil-street, was knocked down and killed on the spot. Evidence was given to shew that the horse was not being driven furiously at the time, and that the driver, who was perfectly sober, pulled up immediately. The Jury, therefore, acquitted Alexander Ash, the driver, from all blame, and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

DARTMOUTH - A Naval Cadet Killed On Board H.M.S. Britannia. - The first fatal accident that has occurred on board H.M.S. Britannia since she has been the cadets' training-ship at Dartmouth, took place yesterday, when ARTHUR C. SHERRARD, a naval cadet, fell from the fore-top and was killed. The deceased with several others was in the fore-top on duty, when he slipped, and fell head foremost on to the deck. He was immediately picked up by two of the crew, and carried to the sick bay, where Mr Caldwell, the ship's surgeon, was quickly in attendance. The unfortunate youth, however, was beyond the reach of surgical skill, being profoundly insensible, his skull badly fractured, and the brain protruding. He died in about ten minutes. The accident occurred about 8 o'clock yesterday morning, and in the evening an Inquest was held at the sick quarters, Dartmouth, before Mr J. M. Puddicombe, Coroner. Evidence was given by Lieut. Phillimore, Surgeon, Caldwell and Quartermaster Netting, and it being stated that the occurrence was purely accidental, a verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 June 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, by Mr Allan B. Bone, concerning the death of WILLIAM SHAW, a private soldier of the 50th Regiment, about 24 years of age, who died from falling into the trench at Devonport. Deceased had on the previous evening disembarked from the troopship Himalaya. Between four and five he was seen sober, but at eleven rather the worse for liquor. Subsequently he left the barrack-room, and about two o'clock was seen lying in the trench dead. Verdict, "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 June 1869
BIDEFORD - A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday at Bideford, on the body of MOSES BAKER, maltster of Hartland Quay, who was on Monday night engaged in the rigging of the schooner Susannah, when he fell off and was killed on the spot. Deceased, who was much respected, leaves a widow and young family. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 June 1869
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, concerning the death of WM. WARNE MITCHELL, a child seven years of age. The father of the deceased stated that he and the child were in a yacht moored about 40 fathoms from the Hoe, and whilst working the bow he suddenly missed his son, who a minute before was playing in the stern sheets. After searching the yacht he pulled around it, but could discover no traces of him until he got home, when he ascertained that the child was drowned. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 July 1869
PLYMOUTH - The Infant Put In A Water-Tank By His Father. - The infant child of the man BICKLE, who was recently committed for trial at the assizes by the Plymouth magistrates for attempting to murder it by throwing it into a tank of water, died on Thursday, and an Inquest was held on Saturday, at the Shaftesbury Institute. Prior to the opening of the Inquiry, the Coroner (Mr Brian) mentioned that the father was committed by the magistrates a few weeks since, and was then in the borough prison. But as the present Inquiry would be as to the death of the little child having been thrown into the tank, he thought it was only Englishlike, fair and proper, towards the father that he should be present before them on the Inquiry. (Hear, hear). He was told by Mr Superintendent Thomas that application must be made to the governor of the prison (Mr Simm), and he had written that gentleman, asking the father to be present, "as it is obvious that he must be seriously and personally interested in the result of the Inquiry." He received a reply from the governor that he had no authority for allowing the prisoner to be present, and that in the absence of a writ of habeas corpus he should not feel justified in complying with the request. In the course he (Mr Brian) had pursued he was only following in the steps his honoured predecessor - (hear, hear) - and he should not, if the result of the inquiry shewed it to be necessary, make an application to the Secretary of State for the Home Department to get the prisoner brought before them. Evidence was then taken that BICKLE had put the child into the tank when intoxicated, and had used threatening language towards it. - The medical testimony of Mr Harper, however, went to shew that the child had died from convulsions consequent on teething and that putting the child in the tank had nothing to do with its death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

DARTMOUTH - The body of a woman named WALK, aged 78, the wife of JOHN WALK, labourer, was picked up in Dartmouth harbour on Saturday. At a Coroner's Inquest held the same evening, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 July 1869
BARNSTAPLE - The evidence at the Inquest concerning the death of MR JOHN BATE, ex-Mayor of Bristol, who was shot at his residence, Whitefield Barton, near Barnstaple, last Friday, shewed that the deceased must have been in the act of loading one barrel of his gun when the charge of the other barrel went off and passed through his heart.

YEALMPTON - A fatal accident happened on Saturday evening to a young man named JAMES SCOBBLE, while returning in a spring cart with two other persons from Plymouth to Kingston, near Modbury. The horse, a young one, shied at something in the road, and the deceased jumped out to stop the horse, when one of his feet became entangled in the reins, and he fell on his head. He was picked up immediately, and taken to a surgeon, but death shortly ensued. At the Inquest held yesterday at Yealmpton before Mr A. B. Bone, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 July 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - The body of THOMAS SOBEY, three years old, son of a waterman of 22 Dockwall, Devonport, was found on Tuesday evening in a well in the courtlage of the house, and the Inquiry into the circumstances yesterday by Mr Bone, the Coroner, resulted in a verdict of "Found Dead." It was stated that the well, which was about 18 inches square, and 4 ½ feet deep, was not covered over, and was a stagnant pool. The water was stinking, and the Coroner's officer, Schubert, who smelt and tasted it, was sick. It was further elicited that there were 24 persons, including children, in the house, and that no other water was brought to the house, but that the well was common to all. The owner of the house, Underhill, a shipwright in the dockyard, said offal and foul things had been thrown into the well, which was supplied by town water, and promised to have a tap forthwith, the Coroner observing that he should tell the sanitary inspector of the circumstances.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 July 1869
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter on the body of JOHN COTTERY, hawker, who it appeared had died from the effects of taking "Burnett's disinfecting Fluid." The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 July 1869
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest yesterday concerning the death of CHARLOTTE MARY DAVEY, a child two years and three months old. About five o'clock on Friday afternoon the deceased was with her two sisters, aged eight and four respectively on the lawn at the back of King-street, Plymouth, and were turning the corner of a building which is being erected and was seen by a witness, named Mary Matthews, to fall into a pit containing a quantity of liquid lime. On Matthews running to the spot she found the child with her head under the surface of the lime, and two other children endeavouring to get her out. The deceased was taken home and medical assistance sent for, but after lingering until Sunday morning she died from the effects of the injuries she had received, being severely burned and having swallowed a quantity of the lime. Matthews stated that she had seen another child fall into the same pit the day before the accident occurred, and in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death", the Jury recommended that places of this description should be fenced.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on the body of SARAH HARRIET NORTHCOTT PELLOW [?] months old, who was found by her mother dead in her arms. The evidence went to prove that the deceased died from convulsions, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 July 1869
STOKE CANON - JAMES MOLLAND, 17 years of age, was drowned while bathing in the river Culm, near Stoke Canon, on Sunday. A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Deceased could swim, but overtaxed his strength.

BARNSTAPLE - A Bather Drowned At Barnstaple. - The Barnstaple Borough Coroner yesterday held an Inquest concerning the death of THOMAS DUNN, aged seventeen years, who resided at Lake, about a mile from the town, and on Sunday afternoon, in company with a young man named Harvey went to bathe in the river Taw. Deceased could not swim, but he floated about for some time with the aid of corks tied together by a string. Suddenly, while still in deep water, he called out that the string had broken, and before his companion could swim to him he sank. The cord was still entangled round his body and by drawing this Harvey raised DUNN to the surface, and drew him towards the shore. But the cord slipped, and the poor fellow fell back into deep water, and his body could not be found for two hours. The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed a hope that the occurrence would prove a warning to bathers who could not swim not to go beyond their depth.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 July 1869
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Accident At A Picnic Party. - A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday at Newton concerning the death of RICHARD SKINNER, a plasterer, who received fatal injuries while proceeding on Monday with a large party, consisting chiefly of the congregation of the Baptist Chapel, to Watcombe. He and others got out of one of the vehicles to relieve the horses while going up a hill near Cadwell House on the Torquay Road, and in attempting to get up again without stopping the horses, fell, and the wheels passing over his chest he received injuries from which he died on Thursday.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 July 1869
NEWTON ABBOT - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening at Newton by Mr Michelmore, Coroner, concerning the death of CAROLINE BESSIE PUDDICOMBE, aged five weeks, an illegitimate child, who was found dead in bed on Saturday morning. According to the evidence the child, with the exception of a shortness of breath, was healthy. She was put to bed on Friday night, and soon afterwards the mother and a young woman named Cross lay down in the same bed. The child cried several times during the night, the last time at about four o'clock. At seven o'clock the child was found to be dead. Surgical assistance was immediately sent for. Dr Drake promptly attended, and afterwards made a post mortem examination, and found the lungs in a very congested state and full of frothy mucous. He considered from the state of the lungs that deceased had not sufficient air lying between two women, though if the lungs had been healthy no evil effects would have occurred. Its body was well nourished, and the stomach was perfectly healthy. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 July 1869
PLYMOUTH - Suicide In The Plymouth Citadel. - JAMES MITCHELL, a gunner, of No. 1 Battery, Coast Brigade of the Royal Artillery, committed suicide by shooting himself in the Plymouth Citadel yesterday morning. He reported himself sick early in the morning to Patrick MacLachlin, who went to the hospital orderly at his request, and had been absent about five minutes, when he heard the report of a gun. He went back and found the deceased lying on the floor by the side of the bed with a musket in his hand, and apparently quite dead. The ball from the gun had passed through his head, causing instant death. The deceased had been very desponding the previous day, and assigned as a reason, that, from something he had heard, he was afraid that he should not be able to get his pension. He formerly served thirteen years in the Marines, and had been about two years in the Artillery. At the Inquest a verdict of Temporary Insanity was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 July 1869
PLYMSTOCK - The Suicide Of A Marine In The Sound. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Bone, County Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM RYALL, private in the Royal Marines, who recently committed suicide by jumping overboard from the steamer Fairy, in Plymouth Sound. The body, which was found by a woman high and dry on the shore, near the coastguard station, at Bovisand, was in a frightfully decomposed condition, so that it was impossible to identify it. After hearing the evidence the Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased jumped overboard whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity." We understand the body will not be brought back to Plymouth to be interred, nor will a firing party be sent to attend the burial in the parish where the body was recovered.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 August 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - Murder Of A Non-Commissioned Officer At Devonport. - CORPORAL ARTHUR SKULLIN, of the 57th Regiment, now stationed in Raglan Barracks, Devonport, was on Saturday morning shot dead by William Taylor, a private soldier in the same corps. On Saturday morning the accused, a very fine man, about twenty-two years of age, was brought up at the Devonport Guildhall, before the Mayor (Dr Rolston), Colonel Brown, Messrs. C. Row. J. L. Cutcliffe, J. May, A. Norman, and R. J. Laity, magistrates, charged with the Wilful Murder of SKULLIN. Sufficient evidence was given to justify a remand until today. - On Saturday afternoon Mr A. Bone, the Borough Coroner met a Jury at the Military Hospital Inn, Stoke, where the latter was sworn, after which they proceeded to the dead-house at the Military Hospital, to view the body of the deceased which presented a fearful spectacle, a great part of the head being shot away. The Coroner and Jury then adjourned to the Devonport Guildhall, where evidence was taken. Mr John Beer appeared to watch the case on behalf of the War Department; prisoner was present in the charge of Inspector Bryant. It appeared that from the evidence that about half-past six on Saturday morning Taylor and two other soldiers "fell in" on the Barrack-square for defaulters' drill. The whole of these men were ordered by the deceased corporal to "fall out," and shew their knapsacks, it being a regulation in the army for all men who are undergoing defaulters' drill to appear on parade with the whole of their kits in their knapsacks. There was some portion of clothes in two of the men's knapsacks, but Taylor's was entirely empty. This was reported by SKULLIN to Sergeant Bailey, and he informed the sergeant-major of the circumstance. Presently Bailey said that Taylor had better be sent to the guard-room for disobeying orders, but SKULLIN said he would report his conduct to the adjutant of the regiment. Taylor said "he was for guard that day, and he had borrowed a knapsack to appear on parade with". SKULLIN desired him to proceed to his barrack-room and put on his own knapsack, and added that he had better take his rifle - a Snider breech-loader - with him. Taylor took up his rifle and went away to his room, but previous to his doing so his rifle and ammunition - 20 rounds of ball cartridge - had been examined by Sergeant Bailey, this being another regulation with regard to defaulters. Taylor was absent from the square for a few minutes, and when he returned he and the two other defaulters were drilled by SKULLIN. This continued until 7.30, when they were dismissed, and the deceased walked away towards his room. Taylor followed about seven paces behind him, and when they had proceeded about twenty yards the accused halted. He brought his rifle, which had been at the trail, up to the "present" at the shoulder, and before anyone could prevent him he fired at SKULLIN, who instantly fell to the ground. Lance-Corporal Burns and Drummer Walsh, both of the 57th Regiment, who were on the square and had seen Taylor fire, instantly ran and seized him, and after taking away his rifle and bayonet, marched him to the guard-room, where he was given into the custody of Sergeant Green. He was put in a cell, and Green said to him, "What made you do this?" Prisoner said, "It will end my life, and that is what I want; you don't know everything; I have a wife and child, and have behaved very badly to them." In the meantime Mr Poppelwell, the surgeon of the regiment, had been sent for, and on arrival he examined the deceased. He was dead, and there were two large wounds in his head; one behind the left ear, and the other under the left eye. The wounds were such as would be caused by a rifle bullet which was fired at a short distance. The whole of the bones on the left side of the head and face were smashed, and the brain was protruding. Death, said Mr Poppelwell, must have been instantaneous. - P.C. Shubert took accused into custody. He charged him with the murder of SKULLIN, and he replied, "Yes." He was then taken to the station-house, and on their way there, he said to Shubert - "It is curious what things come into a man's mind. He was the drill corporal, and he was annoying me the whole morning. I had seven days to barracks. I had not my kit in my knapsack, and he took my name down to report me. It must have been the devil that tempted me." When prisoner was taken into custody his ammunition was examined, and it was found that one cartridge was missing. - Sergeant Green said, in answer to a question from a Juror, that he had known Taylor for two years, and that he bore a good character in the regiment; at this time he had a good conduct badge. - The Coroner remarked to the Jury that the case appeared to him to be as plain as it was melancholy. A verdict of "Wilful Murder" was instantly returned against Taylor. He will be examined before the magistrates at three o'clock today.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 August 1869
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Borough Coroner last evening held Inquests concerning the deaths of DAVID JONES, captain of the Welsh schooner Annie Waring, lying in Catwater, who was found dead in his berth yesterday, and on a lunatic youth, who had been dumb from birth, an inmate of the Plymouth Workhouse, who was seized with a fit yesterday and died immediately.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 August 1869
DORSET - A frightful and fatal railway accident, hitherto unreported, occurred last week at Axefarm, just within the County of Dorset. MR LOVERIDGE, landlord of an inn at Axminster, while on his way to join a fishing party, climbed the railway embankment, and was about to cross the line when an express train rushed by going at 45 miles an hour, and striking the deceased knocked him down upon the rails and shattered his body into many fragments. The deceased was 51 years of age, was quite sober, and when he went out said he hoped he should bring home a good basket of fish. An Inquest has been held, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 August 1869
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Suspected Child Murder At Mutley. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the County Police-station, Stonehouse, by Mr A. B. Bone, on the fragments of the body of the male infant found in the coal cellar and the ashpit of Mr W. D. Shilson, of Ford Park. The circumstances under which the remains were found, and the confession of SKELLEY, Mr Shilson's cook, to a fellow-servant, that she had given birth to the child and cut it up to conceal it, were detailed, as stated yesterday Mr Square, surgeon, who had made a post mortem examination of the pieces, stated that they were those of a full-grown male infant. The skull had been crushed, and the remainder of the parts severed by some sharp instrument. The fragments of lung that remained floated in water; and a piece that was attached to the heart had sufficient buoyancy to float it also. As the lungs were not in the lest decomposed this was evidence that the child had breathed. He would not, however, say whether the child had been born alive or not, or whether it had died from natural causes or otherwise. The injuries to the head could not have been caused by a fall; but it was possible that the child might have died in birth. - The Jury took some time to consider their verdict, and at length found that there was evidence that the child had breathed, but none to shew whether it had an independent existence or not, or whether it had or had not died from natural causes. - The Coroner characterised this as a very merciful verdict

Western Morning News, Monday 16 August 1869
BARNSTAPLE - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Inn, Barnstaple, on Saturday, before Mr J. Bencraft, Coroner, concerning the death of WILLIAM DAVIS, a farmer, 33 years of age, whose body was found in Cooney Gut, about two feet from the stream, on the soft mud, about four o'clock on the previous afternoon. Elizabeth German stated that she kept the Commercial Inn, in Boutport Street, and had known the deceased for several years. He came to her house on Thursday evening last between 8 and 9 o'clock, and remained there about an hour and a half, and left in company with Mr William Vagg. He drank three or four glasses of ale, but was perfectly sober when he left. Sergt. Songhurst, of the Borough Police, searched the body, and found deceased's watch in his pocket, it had stopped at half-past ten; also half a sovereign, and some silver and coppers. Mr Law, surgeon, found no marks of violence on the body and believed death was caused by drowning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 August 1869
EAST STONEHOUSE - Suicide Of A Stonehouse Tradesman. - JAMES EVANS COLLINS, a timber dealer, living at 8 Francis-street, Plymouth, yesterday committed suicide by hanging. In the morning the deceased took the key, which he had had the previous day from his son RALPH, who was in business with him, and proceeded to the yard at Windsor-place, Stonehouse, where, after locking the door on the inside, he hung himself to a beam which went across a stable in the corner of the yard. The son finding the place closed, and not being able to ascertain the whereabouts of his parent, gained admittance with another key, and after searching about, discovered his father hanging by a rope. Assistance was quickly to hand, and the deceased was cut down, but he was dead and cold. There were several articles found in his pockets, including a razor. The deceased was rather given to drink, and was not in the habit of attending a place of worship. At an Inquest held on the body in the afternoon, MISS B. COLLINS stated that her father had appeared in a very low state for the past week, and had complained of pain in the head. - In reply to Jurors, she said her father was discharged many years ago from the Victualling-yard, where he was a master mason. The deceased and his wife had been separated for 17 years. Her mother resided at Millbrook. - The Coroner (Mr A. B. Bone) asked the Jury to consider whether the act of the deceased was premeditated or whether it was done while he was of unsound mind. - The Court was cleared, and after a few minutes' consultation, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned last evening at the Inquest on the body of JAMES MACKINTOSH, who was found dead at Mr Merchant's Dining Rooms, Bedford-street, Plymouth, on Sunday evening.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 August 1869
PLYMOUTH - The Late Fatal Accident In The Sound. - The Plymouth Borough Coroner yesterday opened an Inquest concerning the death of JOHN P. NICHOLLS, a shoemaker's apprentice, son of a waterman, who was drowned in the Sound on Saturday week, and his body was found in the Hamoaze. The deceased was in a boat that was run down by the Waterford Company's steamer Vesta. It being desirable to procure attendance of witnesses from a distance, the case being a serious and important one, the only evidence taken was that of John Williams, who was in the boat run down, and the Inquest was adjourned until Saturday, the Coroner giving an order for the immediate interment of the body, which was greatly disfigured.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 August 1869
PLYMOUTH - The Recent Fatal Collision In Plymouth Sound. - The Inquest on the body of JOHN PHILLIP NICHOLLS, the boy who was drowned on the night of the 8th inst., by the Vesta, Waterford Steamboat, coming in collision with a small sailing-boat, in which he was fishing near the Asia buoy, in the Plymouth Sound, was resumed on Saturday afternoon. - The captain of the Vesta, Edmund Roach stated that his engines were slowed, stopped and reversed before the collision took place. The boat drifted down across his stern, otherwise she would have been run over. The men on the Vesta's forecastle had been shouting to the boat four or five minutes before the collision took place. - The chief officer of the Vesta, John Ryan, corroborated this statement. - Williams, the other boy, who was in the boat at the time of the accident, said he did not see the engines reversed, or hear any person hailing the boat. - After an Inquiry of four hours, the Inquest was adjourned until Wednesday for the attendance of the master of the Nimble, coastguard cruiser, Mr Surrey, that vessel lying at anchor near the spot on the night of the accident.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 August 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - Supposed Child Murder At Devonport. - At the Devonport Guildhall, yesterday, before Messrs. C. Row and J. W. Ryder, magistrates, a young woman named DINAH BENNETT was charged with the Wilful Murder of her newly-born male child. Inspector Evans gave evidence that he apprehended prisoner at an eating-house in Tavistock-street, Devonport, on the previous evening, and told her that he wished to ask her a few questions, which, however, she need not answer unless she liked to do so. He then asked her if she left a bundle at that house on the previous Saturday week, and she admitted that she did do so. He told her that the bundle contained the body of a newly-born male child, and prisoner replied, "Yes; it is mine. I put it there; I did not know what to do with it." - Mr Superintendent Lynn applied for a remand which was granted until Thursday. Immediately after the examination of the woman the adjourned Coroner's Inquest on the body of the child was resumed. Evidence was given by Mrs Rice, wife of the landlord of an eating house in Tavistock-street, that the woman BENNETT left a bundle in her house on the 14th instant, and that it was opened on the 23rd, in consequence of a very offensive smell proceeding from it, when the body of a child was found. The medical man was unable to say whether the child was born alive and the Jury returned a verdict that the child was Found Dead, but whether it was born alive or dead there was no evidence to show.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 August 1869
PLYMOUTH - The Recent Fatal Accident In The Sound. - The Inquest on the body of JOHN HENRY NICHOLLS, the boy who was drowned as the result of a collision between the Waterford steamer Vesta and a boat in which deceased and a boy named Williams were sailing on the night of August 8th, near the Asia Buoy, terminated yesterday with a verdict of "Accidental Death." It was proved to the satisfaction of the Jury that the steamer could not have run into the boat, which must have drifted against the steamer. The thanks of the Jury were tendered to Captain Surrey, of the Nimble Revenue Cutter, for his attempt to save the deceased, and they also wished it to be known that all boats were by law compelled to carry a light at night.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 August 1869
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At The Plymouth Railway Station. - Early on Saturday morning GEORGE HATTO, an engine driver, was killed at the South Devon Railway terminus, by being crushed by an engine and trucks. About half-past five o'clock HATTO was oiling a part of his engine, the Cato, opposite the coal platform. Coal was put on the engine, and she was put back into the shed. The deceased continued to stand between the coal platform and the rail. Another engine, the Una, came out towards the coal platform, not faster than a man could walk, with a coal truck attached to it in front, and proceeded on towards the main station. HATTO, who was looking in the direction of the advancing truck, ran to the corner of the coal platform nearest the engine-shed to avoid the truck, but before he could get there the end of the truck caught him, turning him round and round between the truck and the side of the platform, the whole length of the truck. As soon as HATTO had got to the end of the truck, he fell down; and the wheels of the engine passed over him, fearfully mangling the body, and causing instantaneous death. - An Inquest on the body was held in the evening, Mr Welch, stationmaster, being present; and Mr G. Derry watching the case on behalf of the Company. It was elicited that Frederick Palmer, fireman of the engine that bore down upon HATTO, and who, while giving his evidence, was greatly distressed, did not call out to the deceased, nor put on the break when the truck caught HATTO in the breast; but the engine went about eight yards before she was stopped. He did not blow the whistle when he saw the deceased before him, and did not think it necessary to stop the engine before it got up to where the deceased was standing, because he thought he would get out of the way. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The deceased had for some years subscribed to the railway casualty fund, and only this year discontinued his payments. He leaves a widow and four children

PLYMOUTH - A Coroner's Inquest was held at the Plymouth Gaol on Saturday evening concerning the death of WM. MARSH ALLEN, who was sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment a year ago for stabbing his brother-in-law, named Hughes. Medical evidence shewed that the prisoner had died from "brain consumption, accelerated by imprisonment," and a verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 September 1869
LYDFORD - A Coroner's Inquest was yesterday held at the Duchy Hotel, Princetown, before Mr Fulford, Deputy Coroner, on the body of MR WINSTANLEY, the gentleman who died on Sunday from the effects of a fall from a gig, as stated in our impression of yesterday. The Jury, of which Mr J. G. Doidge was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and spoke in strong terms of censure on the state of the highway where the accident happened. The body of MR WINSTANLEY was conveyed to London from Tavistock in the evening. He was a Roman Catholic, and was attended in his last moments by the priest on duty at the convict establishment.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 September 1869
TOTNES - Accident On Totnes Racecourse. - The severe injuries received by MR GEORGE BARRETT, by being thrown while riding a steeple chase on the third day of the Totnes Races, resulted fatally yesterday morning. He continued unconscious until his death. MR BARRETT was well known and respected in the neighbourhood, and much pity is felt for his widow and family of five children, who are left totally unprovided for. An Inquest was last evening held at the Bull Inn, Totnes, before Mr H. Michelmore. - The son-in-law of the deceased, James Stevens, deposed to seeing him ride a horse belonging to Mr Morris, of Blackawton, for a steeplechase, at the Totnes races, on Thursday. On the opposite side of the river the horse tripped, and threw the deceased over on his head He could not say the horse fell on him, as he was some distance away, but he thought he was knocked by the horse's feet. He was taken home and attended by Messrs. Owen and Hains. He never spoke up to the time of his death, five o'clock yesterday morning. There was no other horse near the deceased at the time of the accident. The deceased was a horse-breaker by trade. He was perfectly sober at the time he started for the race. He was 40 years of age. - John Potter corroborated the last witness, but said he was quite sure the horse rolled over him. When witness came to him he was bleeding at the nose and mouth. - In reply to a Juryman, the witness said one of the riders was about to stop, but was called to by the people to go on. - Mr T. E. Owen, surgeon, said the cause of death was doubtful, but he considered it injury to the brain. - The Coroner, in summing up, said no blame could be attached to any of the riders. Riders of steeplechases did not generally stop when one met with a mishap, but possibly went on all the faster. It appeared that one, with more than usual kindness, was about to dismount, but was urged to go on. There could be no doubt as to the cause of death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr W. Oldrey, the Foreman of the Jury, stated his intention of giving up his fee for the benefit of the widow and family of the deceased, and the rest of the Jury followed his example.

DARTMOUTH - An Inquest has been held at Dartmouth, before Mr J. M Puddicombe, Coroner, concerning the death of DANIEL PAGE, a native of the Isle of Wight, aged 18, seaman on board the yacht Maritana, belonging to Lord Louth. From the evidence it appeared that the deceased was going on board on the night of the 31st ult., and was rather after time, and, in running round the corner of the new quay, ran against an iron post and sustained fatal injury. The verdict returned was "Death from peritonitis, caused by a violent blow in the region of the bladder." His body was interred at the cemetery yesterday, the owner and crew following. The Jury appended a rider to the verdict to the effect that the post was dangerous to life, and recommended its removal.

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 September 1869
PLYMOUTH - HENRY KINGWELL, a boy nine years old, whose father is a painter at Plymouth, was yesterday found drowned off the Vauxhall Quay. At the Coroner's Inquest last evening, no facts satisfactorily accounting for his death were stated.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 September 1869
STOKE GABRIEL - Death From Drowning Near Totnes. - On Tuesday morning the body of a man named STREET BREWER, a labourer and a widower, living at Stoke Gabriel, was found by a man named Drew in a brook called Longcombe, in the parish of Berry Pomeroy. There was only about a foot of water in the brook at the time. The deceased was lying with his face downwards and was quite dead. An Inquest was held on the body before Mr Henry Michelmore, County Coroner, on Wednesday evening, at the Church House Inn, Stoke Gabriel, when the evidence of Drew was taken, as well as that of Mr A. J. Wallis, surgeon, Totnes, who was of opinion that the deceased was attacked with apoplexy, and afterwards drowned. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Friday 17 September 1869
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was recorded yesterday at the Inquest on the body of ANN BURNETT, the woman who was found drowned off the Plymouth Hoe on Wednesday morning.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 September 1869
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest last evening at the Guildhall on the body of STEPHEN JOHN SKINNER, the son of poor parents residing at 9 How-street. The deceased was nearly five months old and had been delicate from his birth. On Friday night the mother as usual laid the child by her side, and on Saturday morning when she awoke he was dead. There were no marks of pressure on the body. The evidence went to shew that MRS SKINNER had been very kind to her son, and the Jury, of whom Mr J. Vodden was the Foreman, returned a verdict that the child had died by the Visitation of God.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 September 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - The Accident On The Cornwall Railway. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday afternoon on the body of the lad CRUZE, who was killed on the Cornwall Railway on Saturday afternoon. Mr Northcott, Cornwall Railway Inspector, was present. It seemed that the deceased left his home on Saturday afternoon with two boys named Maddock and Jarvis. They went to Camel's Head, and after staying some time picking blackberries, they got on the viaduct there for the purpose of going home by a nearer route. They had no sooner got there than they perceived a train approaching from the Devonport station, and heard the whistle blown. The whole of them got into the side of the viaduct, but as the train approached nearer two of them made a start to run. This was perceived by the engine-driver, James Clatworthy, and in addition to desiring the stoker to put on the break he got on to the right hand side of the engine, and shouted to the two boys "to keep close to the viaduct." One of them did as desired, but the deceased did not, and continued to run by the side of the train. He passed the engine safely, but the step of the first carriage struck him in the upper part of his legs, and knocked him on his face and hands, laying him straight out by the side of the rails. The train was shortly afterwards stopped, and the driver, stoker, guards, and several passengers went back o the spot, and found deceased lying with his head on the rails. His thighs were nearly severed from the body. He was taken upon a door to the Royal Albert Hospital, where he died at a quarter to five on the same evening. The driver, in answer to questions, said it would have been impossible to stop the train sooner than he did, or in time to have prevented the accident. - Mr Northcott said persons were often trespassing on the part of the line where the accident occurred, although they had no right to be there, and consequently the driver and stoker of trains always took the precaution of looking over the viaduct as soon as they came in sight of it. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he thought there was no blame attributable to the servants of the railway company. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and thought that credit was due to the men on the train for the steps they took both before and after the accident. The deceased, who was seven years of age last July, was the son of MR W. H. CRUZE, boatswain, H.M.S. Lion.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 September 1869
BARNSTAPLE - The Barnstaple Coroner has held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM CANN, a man 53 years of age, who accidentally met with his death whilst in a state of intoxication. The deceased was riding a spirited horse down the Newport-road, when he touched the animal with his spurs. The horse sprang one side, and, being intoxicated, the rider was unable to retain his seat. He fell heavily on his back, and was removed by some bystanders to the Newport Inn, and subsequently to the North Devon Infirmary. He gradually got worse, and died two days afterwards. The house surgeon (Mr J. W. Cook) gave it as his opinion that death was caused by the rupture of some large vessel in the abdomen. The Jury returned as their verdict "That the deceased was Accidentally killed by injuries received from falling off the horse he was riding, he being intoxicated at the time."

Western Morning News, Monday 27 September 1869
PLYMOUTH - On Saturday afternoon a woman of ill-fame, named ELIZA ALLEN, was walking down Exeter-street, Plymouth, towards Sutton-road, in company with a sailor named Thomas Kind. They called at two public-houses, and had a glass of ale at each, when the woman complained of sickness, and almost immediately vomited a large quantity of blood on the pavement, and what was described by King as a piece of "black soft stuff, about the size of an ordinary tea cup." Prompt attention was paid the woman, and she was taken to the South Devon Hospital, but the house surgeon, Dr Thomas, pronounced life extinct. The Inquest on the body was held on Saturday evening, and was adjourned until this evening, for the purpose of allowing Mr Thomas to make a post mortem examination.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 September 1869
ILFRACOMBE - The Melancholy Death Of An Army Surgeon At Ilfracombe. - Some additional light has been thrown on the circumstances attending the death of MR WM. JAMES BARBER, at Ilfracombe, reported in the Western Morning News of Saturday. At the Inquest it transpired that the deceased, who was about 42 years of age and a widower, had served for the last 14 years in India and Mauritius. He returned to England some months ago in ill-health, and he had recently been put on temporary half-pay for twelve months, which made him low-spirited. On Thursday, however, when he left his hotel nothing unusual was observed in his manner. Whilst waiting at the Pier Hotel for the Tenby steamer he partook of refreshment, after which he went into the bar, where he took a flask from his pocket and drank twice. He then said to the landlord, "I am afraid I shall not be living with you very much longer in this world," and immediately fell backwards. Dr Penruddock, who was staying in the house, was immediately called, and the deceased was just able to say, in reply to the doctor, that he had been in the habit of taking opium and laudanum for some years, and always carried the flask in his pocket. - Mr P. Stoneham, surgeon, soon after arrived, but the remedies applied by him were unavailing. - The flask found on the deceased smelt very strongly, and tasted of chloroform and laudanum. - The Jury returned a verdict - "That the deceased died from the effects of taking chloroform and laudanum, but whether from accident or design there was no evidence to shew."

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 September 1869
TOTNES - Suicide At Totnes. - Yesterday MRS LANE, wife of MR SAMUEL LANE, one of the relieving officers of the Totnes Union, committed suicide. She got up as usual in the morning, leaving her husband in bed, nothing strange being observed in her manner at the time. About eight o'clock the boy brought the milk for breakfast, which was poured out by the deceased and the empty can handed back to him, nothing remarkable being noticed. Half an hour afterwards MR LANE came downstairs, ready to take his customary journey, and found the breakfast things in order, and did not take any notice of the absence of his wife. On opening the door of the back kitchen, however, he was horrified at seeing her suspended by the horse's halter to a crook in the ceiling. He immediately cut her down, poured some brandy down her throat and ran for a neighbour, who immediately hastened for Mr T. E. Owen, surgeon, but on his arrival MRS LANE was quite dead. The distressing occurrence has cast a gloom over the neighbourhood, and great commiseration is felt for MR LANE, who is greatly respected. - An Inquest was held last night before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr W. Godfrey was Foreman. MR LANE, the husband of the deceased, said he believed she was 68 years of age. The deceased had complained for the past week of very severe pains in her head. They had six children, one son was living with them. He spoke to the deceased last about 11 o'clock on Tuesday night. There was nothing peculiar about her then. He did not see her alive yesterday morning. She got up without his hearing her. She generally got up about seven o'clock. He went down about twenty minutes to nine. She did not come to meet him as usual. On his opening the back kitchen door he saw her hanging almost in a kneeling position. She was suspended from a crook in the ceiling. He took a knife and severed the rope, and slackened it around her neck. He did not think she was dead at the time, as she made a noise as if breathing through her nostrils. He poured some brandy down her throat and sent for a doctor, who, on his arrival, after using means to restore her, pronounced her to be dead. He had heard her say that she was tempted to do something of the sort, but he had replied, "Don't, for God's sake; think of such a thing." He had also heard her say that some member of her family had committed suicide. Her maiden name was SMALE, of Newton. She had been low-spirited for some time. Her two sisters and a brother died in a very low state. Mr Owen had lately attended her. She must have brought the rope from the stable, where she was in the habit of going mornings to tend the pony. She had said sometimes that she did not care to live. - While giving his evidence MR LANE was greatly affected. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he had been informed, or rather misinformed, when he came there that no medical man had previously attended her, but from the evidence of MR LANE this did not appear to be the case. He had not, therefore, directed the medical man to be present; but if the Jury wished it, he would send for Mr Owen. He considered that the deceased must have meditated the act with so much premeditation that they would not be at a great difficulty in finding their verdict. The very determined way in which she had done the act was a symptom of insanity. The Jury then returned a verdict, "That the deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 4 October 1869
PLYMOUTH - A Corpse Conveyed By Train As Luggage. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall on Saturday night, by Mr T. C. Brian, on the body of a newly-born male child, which had been brought from Torquay to Plymouth that day by train in a parcel by a woman, who was eventually ascertained to be the mother. - Jane Burns, servant to Mr Martin, at the Brunel Arms, Millbay, said that about half-past ten that morning a woman, who looked ill, came to the house, and stated that she had just come by the train from Torquay. She had some bundles, and a large paper parcel with her. Some refreshment was supplied her in the sitting-room, and about half an hour afterwards she went out. Witness then went to clean the room, and saw the tings which the woman had brought with her on the floor. She took them up to put them on a chair, and feeling something which she thought to be the head of a child in the paper parcel, looked in where the paper was broken, and found that it was so. She at once told her employer, and P.C. May was called. In the meantime the woman returned, and went back to the sitting-room. The parcel was then opened, and found to contain the body produced, and the woman was taken into custody. - P.C. May deposed that he was called in to the Brunel Arms at a quarter to one that day. In the sitting-room he saw a paper parcel and some bags. In the parcel he found the body. He asked the woman if it was her child; and she replied "it is." He then asked her what she intended to do with it, and she replied, "I don't know. I must leave it somewhere, or take it home to my friends." he then asked her where she had come from, and was answered "Torquay." He told her that he would take care of the child for her, whereupon she cried out "My God, you are not going to take me to the police-station?" She stated that she could not walk, and was taken to the Guildhall in a cab. She declined to give her name. - Superintendent Wreford stated that the last witness brought the woman and the body to the Guildhall about 1.20. She gave her name to him as ELIZABETH DOWN, and was afterwards, by the advice of Mr Stevens, removed to the Workhouse. The body was sewn up in flannel. DOWN said she had come from Torquay, where she had been living about a fortnight, previously to which she had been a nurse in the Exminster Lunatic Asylum, but that she belonged to Gunnislake. - Mr J. N. Stevens, surgeon, deposed that he had made a post mortem examination of the body. It was that of a full-grown newly-born male child. There were no external marks of violence, but the skin was partially discoloured from commencing decomposition. The umbilical cord was cut, but not tied. The lungs did not half fill the cavity of the chest. They were dark brown, did not crepitate on pressure, and sank immediately in water. From the various appearances he could swear that the child had never breathed, and consequently was born dead. He had seen the mother previous to the examination, and found her in such a state that he directed her removal to the lying-in ward of the Workhouse. She said she had been confined of the child alone about three o'clock on Friday morning at Pimlico, in Torquay. The Jury found that the child had been Stillborn.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 October 1869
SHALDON - THOS. BAKER, a fisherman of Shaldon, on Friday last went out in a boat, taking two of his children with him. The next day the dead body of BAKER and a portion of the boat were found near Labrador. An Inquest was held yesterday at the Crown and Anchor Inn, Shaldon, and a verdict of "Found Drowned" returned. The bodies of the children have not been found.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 October 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - A Coroner's Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday concerning the death of the lad PETER ELLIOTT, nine years of age, who was drowned on Tuesday evening in Stonehouse Pool. It was proved that deceased went on a piece of timber to the assistance of another boy, who was floating about in a boat in the pool, and the other lad was taken out of the boat, and got on the plank. After they had been there a few minutes the piece of timber turned over, and both lads were thrown into the water. A youth named Crocker made several attempts to save deceased, but they proved ineffectual in consequence of the latter trying to catch hold of him, when he eluded the dangerous grasp. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." The Coroner awarded Crocker a half-crown, in addition to the regular fee for a witness, for his gallant conduct. We are requested to say that the deceased was not a brother to Mr Elliott at Messrs. Beer and Rundle, as previous stated.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 October 1869
DARTMOUTH - A mysterious death was under investigation last evening by a Coroner's Jury at Dartmouth. The deceased, MARY ANN JONES, the wife of a mason, was found yesterday morning floating in the harbour. The evidence was conflicting and the facts had not been elicited when our parcel was despatched.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 October 1869
DARTMOUTH - The Coroner's Inquest at Dartmouth on the body of MARY ANN JONES, aged 40, who was found drowned in the harbour, has been adjourned for a post mortem examination and further evidence. The deceased, although living with her husband, lived an immoral life, and was seen on the New Ground at midnight on Wednesday, in company with a man who had grey hair, and had a dog with him. Two schooners were alongside the New Ground, the masters of which were examined and though they admitted talking with women at the time and place named, were certain that the deceased was not one of them. The evidence of Dr Newman was that, judging by external marks, death was caused by blows on the head. The police are believed to have a further clue to the mystery.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 October 1869
TEIGNGRACE - A Coroner's Jury at the Union Inn, Teigngrace, near Newton, returned on Saturday an Open Verdict in the case of the man ENDICOTT, who was found drowned in the canal last week, the body being in a very decomposed state.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 October 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide By A Lady At Devonport. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the King's Arms Inn, Pembroke-street, Devonport, concerning the death of MRS MARGARET JAMES, thirty years of age, wife of CAPTAIN R. H. JAMES, late of the 20th, and now of the 83rd Regiment, who committed suicide on the previous night by cutting her throat, at her lodgings in George-street, Devonport. The evidence adduced corroborated the report of the occurrence published in our columns yesterday. Witnesses spoke of the eccentric behaviour of the deceased for some time past. About four weeks since she was seen walking about one of the rooms she occupied with a newspaper over her head; she was heard talking to herself, and frequently stood in front of the looking glass with the paper over her head. She had also been seen dancing about the room. On Wednesday she was very reserved, ate nothing for the whole day, and appeared anxious to avoid anyone entering her apartments. She was not given to such peculiarities when her husband was at home, and they always lived most happily together. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, observed that the only question for the Jury to consider was whether at the time deceased committed self-destruction she was in a sound state of mind or not. They had heard the evidence regarding the strange conduct of late on her part, and he would remind them that in the sight of the law, whether a person destroyed his or her life, or took the life of another, if it was satisfactorily proved that that person was insane at the time, he or she would be absolved from the crime. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity." - CAPTAIN JAMES arrived from London yesterday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 October 1869
SALCOMBE REGIS - A Coroner's Jury at Salcombe yesterday returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" in the case of MR W. HOOPLE, who was accidentally shot by his own gun when out rabbit shooting on Thursday at Starehole bottom. Mr J. Luckham and Mr E. Cove gave evidence.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 October 1869
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident On Board H.M.S. Calliope. - A fatal accident occurred on Friday morning to JOHN CROSSMAN, leading stoker of the Calliope, now lying in the harbour. Between eleven and twelve o'clock he was ordered by the engineer, David Wilson, in charge of the floating factory, to put a belt in the centre drum, which is used for turning lathes, to work one of the lathes. CROSSMAN put the belt as desired. He stopped from the fore and aft beam on to the thwart ship's beam, the belt struck him in the side, and propelled him with some force to another fore and aft beam, where he was thrust into a corner between the two beams, and then fell to the deck on his feet. He remained on his feet, and was asked if he was hurt? He said he was not, and returned to look after the engine, his usual duty. He remained there about a quarter of an hour, when he was taken faint, and hardly able to speak; but with difficulty told his questioners he was hurt in his left arm. He was carried to the cabin, and the surgeon of H.M.S. Indus, which was about 100 yards off, was sent for; and by the surgeon's orders, CROSSMAN was taken to the Indus, where he died in about ten minutes. An Open Verdict was recorded at the Coroner's Inquest at Stonehouse on Saturday. No medical evidence was given, although the surgeon of the Indus was present. The deceased was 51 years of age, and has left a widow, who will receive money from clubs in which her husband's life was insured.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 October 1869
The body of SAMUEL MARLES, who was drowned in the river Mole, near its junction with the Taw, on Wednesday evening has been recovered; and an inquest held by Mr J. H. Toller, Deputy County Coroner. The deceased had accompanied Mr Henry Pulsford Hobson and his brother, who are on a visit t the neighbourhood, on a fishing excursion; and, in endeavouring to free one of the lines used from a bush, lost his balance, and fell into the river. The stream was much swollen, and the current being very swift, the unfortunate youth disappeared before any assistance could be rendered to him. Mr Hobson has acted in a most generous and felling manner towards the family of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 November 1869
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest last evening at the Guildhall on the body of ENOS ALBERT MINIFIE aged three months. The parents of the child live at 34 Market-street. In the absence of the mother, who is a fish saleswoman, the deceased was looked after by Louisa Wakeham. MRS MINIFIE was engaged at her calling until late on Saturday night, and when she returned home the child was in bed asleep. Before she retired to rest she gave it some food. At half-past eight o'clock the following morning when she awoke the child was lying on her left arm as she had placed it before going to sleep. She looked at it and said, "What ails thee, baby," and the child gave one heavy sigh and died. The mother stated that her infant had been delicate from his birth. - Corporal Williams had examined the body, but found no marks of violence. - The Jury found that the child had died from "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 November 1869
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner on the body of THOMAS HARLOW BURROWS, quay porter, living at 13 Looe-street, who died suddenly in his bed on Wednesday afternoon. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 November 1869
NEWTON ABBOT - A Coroner's Inquest was held last evening by Mr H. Michelmore, at Newton, on the body of SAMUEL STONE, of Ellicombe, Torquay, mason, who was found the same day in the River Teign, near Whitlake, between Newton and Kingsteignton, by two lightermen, who were searching the river with drags for the body. The deceased had been missing since the 25th of October, and his son and grandson were the last persons who saw him alive. The Inquiry was adjourned until Friday, for the production of further evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 November 1869
NEWTON ABBOT - The Suspicious Death At Newton. - At the adjourned Coroner's Inquest last evening at Newton on the body of SAMUEL STONE, late of Ellacombe, Torquay, mason, the Jury, after hearing evidence from six to nine o'clock, returned an Open Verdict, "That the deceased was Found Drowned, but how he came in the water there was no evidence to shew." It was proved that the deceased and his son had been very freely drinking at several houses during the afternoon of the 25th of October last, and there is no doubt he met with his death from the effects of drink. The following persons gave evidence in the case:- Thomas Frost, John Woofoin, Thomas Joyce, JOHANNA STONE (widow of the deceased), Mrs Hobbs (the woman he lodged with), JAMES STONE, SAMUEL STONE, and Mrs Hobbs (who keeps a cidershop at Kingsteignton, in whose house deceased was drinking on the fatal day.) - The Coroner censured and warned the son of the deceased, SAMUEL STONE, for his conduct on the 25th, when he was out drinking with his father; and he hoped this would prove a warning to him as to his future conduct. The case at the first appeared rather dark against him, but he was happy to say there was no evidence to connect him in any way with causing the death of his father. It was stated in evidence that the deceased had threatened at times to commit suicide, and that he was also not on very friendly terms with his wife, but the wife denied this.

PLYMOUTH - MR DANIEL BRADLEY, a gentleman 30 years of age, lodging at 2 Caprera-terrace, North-road, Plymouth, died suddenly yesterday morning. For the last five or six weeks the deceased had been suffering a great deal from the effects of drinking. On Thursday night he drank a bottle of wine and yesterday morning, about eight o'clock, when about to go out, he dropped down dead in the passage. At the Inquest in the afternoon, a verdict of death from "Natural Causes" was returned. The deceased, who was a man of good education, has been in Plymouth about twelve months, and during that time has lived a very dissolute life. His relations live in Ireland.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 November 1869
DEVONPORT - WALTER TOZER, a silversmith, while proceeding upstairs to his room in a house situate at 6 Prospect-row, Devonport, on Wednesday evening last, fell down and struck the back of his head. He was put to bed, and not appearing to be better on the following day, Dr J. E. Bennett was called in, and he immediately said he was dying. Shortly after he died from paralysis. At an Inquest held on Saturday the Jury returned a verdict "That deceased died from Paralysis, accelerated by a fall."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 November 1869
PLYMOUTH - Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon concerning the death of ALBERT JAMES NETHERTON, son of WILLIAM HENRY NETHERTON, bootmaker, 5 Deptford-place, Charlestown, Plymouth. The parents of the child went to bed with the deceased as usual on Sunday night, and on the mother waking up at half-past seven the following morning the child was found stiff, cold and dead. A verdict "That the deceased died from Suffocation" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 November 1869
PLYMOUTH - A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday at Plymouth, before Mr Brian, concerning the melancholy death of MRS A. B. VIVIAN, who was found by one of her daughters on Sunday hanging from a bedpost, quite dead. The deceased, a widow lady, had for some time past been in a low, nervous condition, and at times excited and bewildered, but latterly was apparently somewhat better. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 29 November 1869
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Drake's Island. - ROBERT HENRY LAUNDER and his father have been employed at Drake's Island to lay down asphalt. They were on Friday covering over one of the arches on the north side of the island. At about a quarter to eight LAUNDER directed his son to fill a can with water as it was breakfast time. There were two ways to get to the pump. ROBERT took the nearer along the top of a wall nearly six feet thick. A minute or two after he had gone a man shouted to his father that he thought he saw him lying on the road below the wall. The elder LAUNDER hurried along the wall to see what was the matter. He found the can his son had taken with him with a cup in it on the top of the wall; beside them was a block of granite over which ROBERT had probably tripped, and three and twenty feet below him he saw his son insensible and bleeding from the head. Assistance was obtained, and he was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where, though he received every attention, he died at half-past four, not having spoken since his admission. He was 24 years of age and unmarried. An Inquest was held on Saturday, Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, presiding. The senior LAUNDER related the particulars of the accident, and said, in answer to a Juryman, that the stone was on the wall, as it is to be re-coped; and in answer to another, that he had never heard of his son having more than one fit. The resident surgeon of the hospital attended, and said the external injuries were a small wound on the head and a broken arm. He probably died from concussion of the brain. - Mr Brian was about to address the Jury when he was interrupted by the Foreman, who said they were already agreed. - The verdict was "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 December 1869
STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport yesterday an Inquest was held concerning the death of the infant child of MRS MOULD, wife of a gardener living in John-street. It was evident that the child had been accidentally overlaid in the night, and the Jury gave a verdict to that effect.

TORQUAY - A Man Found Dead In An Old Ruin At Torquay. - Passengers by rail to Torre probably have observed near by the railway station a huge crag of limestone that rises immediately opposite to the yard, the base clothed with a plantation, and the summit crowned by a very quaint old ruin known as St Michael's Chapel; so ancient is it that not a note can be gathered as to the purposes for which it was originally designed. On Monday afternoon a gentleman climbed the hill, and looked into the ruin, when greatly to his astonishment he found the dead body of a respectably dressed man stretched out along the rocky floor. It was subsequently ascertained that the man, whose name is ABRAHAM DYER, keeper of a public-house at Kingskerswell, arrived at Torre by the midday train, walked up the hill, and had not been seen since. The body was taken to the neighbouring inn. An Inquest was held last evening at the Clarence Hotel, and after the reception of some evidence was adjourned until the day following.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 December 1869
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter concerning the death of WILLIAM WARREN, 15 years old, who died from the effects of a kick in the stomach received on Saturday last from his horse, which he was putting in the stable. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TORQUAY - In the Western Morning News of Wednesday appeared an account of the strange death of a man named ABRAHAM DYER, whose body was found in the ancient ruin on Chapel-hill, close by the Torre railway station. The adjourned Inquest was held on Wednesday evening, at the Clarence Hotel, before the Coroner, Mr H. Michelmore. Medical testimony was given by Mr Finch, who had made a post mortem examination. The cause of death he attributed to venous apoplexy, the right side of the heart and the brain being gorged with blood. From what motives the deceased went out of his way, in fact turning back in the opposite direction to that he intended going, namely Torquay, on a wet afternoon, and entering the deserted building far removed from the highway, it is impossible to divine. The only rational conjecture is that he went over the hill as the nearest way to Barton, and for shelter from the rain entered the building where his body was found. A verdict of "Died from Apoplexy" was returned by the Jury.

TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at the Torbay Infirmary on Wednesday night, before the Coroner, Mr H. Michelmore, on the body of GEORGE WILLIS, who died the night previous from the kick of a horse. Dr Radclyffe Hall stated that the deceased was his coachman. About twelve o'clock he was called to the kitchen, where the deceased was stretched out in front of the fire. The man stated that while singeing one of the horses under the belly it kicked out, and struck him in the stomach. Although every attention was paid the poor man grew worse, and on Tuesday morning he was conveyed in a close carriage to the Torbay Infirmary. There he lingered on until ten o'clock when he died. No post mortem examination was made, but it was believed that death had been caused by severe internal injuries, as at death there was a discharge of blood from the mouth and ears. The deceased was a young man belonging to Ermington, and was much valued by his master. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 December 1869
PLYMOUTH - A Coroner's Inquest was held last evening concerning the death of WM. GARTRELL HENWOOD, 80 years of age, who was found dead in his bed by his son and partially dressed. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. The deceased lived in Cambridge-street, and had been suffering from heart disease.

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 December 1869
BARNSTAPLE - Singular Death Of An Infant. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Barnstaple by Mr I. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, concerning the death of the infant child of DR FORESTER, which occurred under unusual circumstances. On the previous night the child, which was about fifteen weeks old, was put to bed by its wet nurse. He was then in perfect health, and was several times suckled during the night. At about six o'clock in the morning, the girl finding that the child had slept for a much longer interval than usual tried to wake him, but found that he did not move. Being much alarmed she called her master and mistress. DR FORESTER at once sent for another medical man, and Mr Harper speedily arrived, but the child was beyond recovery. On examination it was found that death had been caused by the presence of a hard ridge of flannel upon the windpipe which had been formed by the child slipping down in the bed. The Jury, without deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" coupled with an expression of sympathy with DR and MRS FORESTER. The Jury presented their fees to the soup kitchen.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 December 1869
TORRINGTON - Suicide Of An Octogenarian At Torrington. - An Inquest was held at Torrington on Wednesday on the body of a widow named ELIZABETH CHAPPLE, about 83 years of age, who drowned herself on the previous day in the canal. It appeared that the deceased resided with her son-in-law, PHILIP BLAKE, who is the superintendent of police. About five o'clock in the evening MRS BLAKE had occasion to leave her mother alone in the house, and on her return, at about seven o'clock, she was missing. A search was instituted, and between ten and eleven o'clock the same night she was found lying on her right side in the canal. It transpired in the course of the Inquiry that the deceased was subject to mental aberrations, and had on two previous occasions attempted self-destruction. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased Drowned Herself whilst labouring under Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 December 1869
TAVISTOCK - In the afternoon of Friday a fatal accident occurred at Crelake Mine. THOMAS WILLIAMS, a middle-aged man, was working in the 60-fathom level with his son, when a large piece of rock suddenly fell away, crushing WILLIAMS beneath it. The son went for assistance, and the rock was found to be so large that it was obliged to be broken before it could be removed from the poor fellow. It was then found that his arm was broken, and he was injured very much internally. He was taken to his home and died a few hours afterwards. An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TAVISTOCK - An accident happened to a girl called EVELY, about 15 years of age, on Thursday afternoon, near Lidford Waterfall, during a terrific storm of rain and hail. She was a servant in the employ of Mr Jeffry, at the Manor Hotel, and it was her duty frequently to put a horse into a field beyond the River Lid, which had to be crossed at a fording place. On Thursday, about three o'clock, she took the horse for this purpose, but did not return, although the horse came back some hours afterwards, without having crossed the river. Search was then made for her, and late at night she was found in the water half a mile below the ford quite dead. It is supposed that in the attempt to get across with the horse the girl was carried away by the increased force of the stream, which had become much swollen. As, however, there was no direct evidence of her death, the Jury, on Saturday afternoon, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 December 1869
MILTON ABBOT - An Inquest was yesterday held at Chillaton, before Mr A. B. Bone, jun., on the body of RICHARD SQUIRES, who was killed on Saturday by the discharge of a gun, as stated in our columns of yesterday. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 December 1869
PLYMOUTH - Death From Starvation At Plymouth. A Drunken Mother. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr T. C. Brian, and a double Jury, met at the Prince Arthur public-house, Cecil-street, on Friday evening to investigate the circumstances attending the death of a female child named GUNHOUSE, who died that day from, as is supposed, starvation. The body, which was lying at a house in Flora-street, presented a most miserable spectacle. The face of the infant appeared more like that of an elderly person, while every bone in its body was plainly to be seen. The mother of the child, who attended the Inquiry, was in a state of intoxication, and appeared quite unconcerned, although, as will be seen below, the facts elicited told greatly against her. - Mrs Fanny Wilkinson, who is the wife of a labourer, and resides at 27 Flora-street, Plymouth, deposed that she knew the mother of deceased, who resided at 56 King-street, Plymouth, in a house occupied by a Mrs Bees. On Saturday morning last she was working for the last-named person, when she was informed by her that there was an infant upstairs starving. She left her work and went with Mrs Bees into the room which MRS GUNHOUSE occupied, and in a bed noticed a child, which was in a filthy condition. It was then sleeping, and she observed that the clothes it had on were in a "stinking" state, in addition to which the child presented every appearance of having been starved. While she was there the child awoke, and commenced crying piteously. She said to Mrs Bees, "Can I have the child?" and that person replied, "Anyone can have it." She said, "Supposing the mother comes home and finds it gone, what will she say?" and Mrs Bees answered, "She will not ask for it." She (witness) then took the child to her own home, washed it, and gave it a little arrowroot, which, however, it had great difficulty in swallowing. It seemed to her that the child was past swallowing. She then carried the child to Dr Graham, who resides in the North-road, and he examined it, after which he said there was nothing the matter with the child, but that it wanted nourishing food and care. He desired her to give it a little wine, milk, and arrowroot, which she continued to do until that morning, when the child died. The child gradually sank, although she gave it every care, as much as she would one of her own children. From the time she took the child until it died the mother never asked her for it, nor made any inquiry about it. - The mother here exclaimed, "She has found me and Mrs Bees asking for the child every day for the week." - Witness denied this, but added that she had seen MRS GUNHOUSE on the previous day in Mrs Bees room. Believed she was quite sober then, and Mrs Bees told her that she had been keeping her in the room to prevent her getting drunk. - Anne Bees, wife of a marine store dealer, said the deceased was four months and a fortnight old. MRS GUNHOUSE was the wife of the master of the brig British Queen, which was generally used as a coasting vessel, but which was now at some port in Ireland. He left Plymouth about three weeks since leaving, as his wife said, £2 18s. with her. MRS GUNHOUSE had four children at that time, and three of them had been removed to the Workhouse on the previous day. The deceased child had been neglected by its mother for about five weeks. It never, in witness's opinion, had had two hours nursing before Mrs Wilkinson took it. The child never was a healthy one, but during the last five weeks it had wasted away from starvation. The mother was given to drinking intoxicating liquors. Sometimes she got up at five o'clock in the morning, and would commence drinking at that time. The Coroner: Since her husband has been gone, had she been drunk more than once? - Witness: Well, I cannot say she has been sober up to now. - The Coroner: How long has she been away from her child at a time? - Witness: From five o'clock in the morning until eleven at night. She had never known the child left for two days at a time. Sometimes when the mother was absent her grandmother would come into the house, wash it, and give it some food. The child had wasted away through the want of care and food. - The Coroner: May I ask why you did not see to it yourself? - Witness: Because I have eight persons to provide for, besides a small shop to look after. - The Coroner here explained that he thought it necessary to adjourn the Inquest in order that a post mortem examination should be made of the body, when a definite opinion would be given as to the cause of death by the medical man, Dr Graham. - The Mother: I wish to make my statement now. - The Coroner: I shall not hear you now, but will do so on the adjourned day if you chose. - The Mother: I have been to Mr Graham and others about the child. Mr Graham can speak all about it now. - A Juror thought the child's grandmother should be summoned to attend the Inquiry on the adjourned day. - The Coroner said she should be in attendance, and with the consent of all the Jury the Inquiry was adjourned until Tuesday next at the Guildhall. - Mrs Wilkinson subsequently complained to the Coroner that she was afraid she should be maltreated by GUNHOUSE for the part she had taken in the matter. - The Coroner thought everyone ought to respect her for the manner in which she had acted, but should she have any good ground for alarm she had only to apply at the station-house, and she would be protected.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 December 1869
PLYMOUTH - The Death Of A Child From Starvation At Plymouth. Verdict Of Manslaughter Against The Mother. - The adjourned Inquiry into the death of a female child, named GUNHOUSE, four months and a half old, was held last evening at the Plymouth Guildhall. - Mr Graham, surgeon, who had at times attended the child, said the mother brought the child to his house about a fortnight ago for examination. It was then in a very emaciated state, and the mother was smelling of alcohol. The child had the appearance of being very much neglected. He prescribed for her, and told the mother to come again within two days, but she did not do so, and he did not see the child until Mrs Wilkinson (who casually attended the child just previous to her death, and who had been previously praised for her kindness) brought the infant to him about a week after in a dying state. He had made a post mortem examination of the child. Its body was greatly emaciated. The features were contracted looking more like an old person than that of a child. The body weighed 6lbs 14 oz. From 8lbs. to 11lbs. is the proper weight of a newly-born child. There was no subcutaneous fat whatever about it. There was also appearances of uncleanliness externally. The body indicated disease, and shewed that the child had been properly cared for, for two or three days previous to death. In his opinion the child died from pleura-pneumonia, a disease generally brought on from want of proper nourishment and care. The disease was not of more than two or three weeks' standing. - In answer to Mr J. H. Matthews, who watched the case for the Guardians, Mr Graham said the child's death was certainly accelerated by neglect. - ANNE CUNNINGHAM, the mother of the child's mother, was then sworn, and said her daughter's husband, who is a captain of a coasting vessel, had been away nearly five weeks. She had seen her daughter every day during that time; she had generally been tipsy, and had spent most of her time in two public houses near her house. She had four children, three boys and the deceased child. Witness had taken the three boys to her home, and left the deceased at her daughter's room. Witness went there every day three or four times, and washed the child every morning. She used to try to feed it, sometimes with arrowroot, but it would not swallow it. The mother was there at that time. She had seen the mother give it the breast every night. She would swear the mother was every night in bed at 11 o'clock. She never left the house until the mother was in bed. The mother came home before 11 o'clock - when the beer-shops closed - when she was often very tipsy, and was not in a condition to take care of the child. Witness had repeatedly stopped there all night. She had noticed that the child was wasting away during the absence of its father, and drew the mother's attention to it. The mother, she believed, took it to Doctors Pearse, Dale, and Graham. She had repeatedly seen her give the child the breast, and had often accused her of neglecting it. Last Monday week she found the child gone. She would swear the child was not left 18 hours alone. The child was always delicate, and did not improve at all. It had got much worse the last five weeks. The mother left her house every morning, and did not return until the last thing at night, and then was tipsy. - The Coroner reviewed the case, and pointed to the state of the body, as one of the strongest facts of the case. The law was that if a person entrusted with the care of another, who was entirely dependent upon that person for life and support, should neglect to provide a proper amount of nourishment and support, that person was held responsible. The present case was the same in principle as that of the Welsh fasting girl, but a little different in facts. It was true that this child was not shewn to be suffering from apparent extreme disease, but it was very young, and therefore, if the nutriment were not supplied to it, of course it must die from want of food. - The mother, who was present, was asked if she would like to say anything to the Jury? - She replied - "I should like to say something, but there are so many against me." - The Coroner told her that if she gave evidence she would have to submit to cross-examination, and advised her to say nothing. - She began to cry, and said - "I acknowledge my fault - a very great fault - in neglecting my child." She was again asked if she would give evidence, and consented; but, at the advice of the Coroner, refrained, saying - "Perhaps I am not worthy to make a statement." She was not drunk, she added, when she went to Mr Graham's, and she produced the doctors' bills and medicine bottles to shew she had cared for the child; but the Coroner refused to enter that as evidence, whereupon she exclaimed - "I have done all in my power for her; I can do no more." She attributed her mother's evidence to "passion more than anything else," and frequently muttered she did not think the child was dangerously ill. - The Court was then cleared for the Jury to consider their verdict, during which time the mother fainted. After a short consultation, the Jury returned a verdict that MRS GUNHOUSE did "Feloniously Kill and Slay" her child. The mother, who conducted herself with much decorum, was afterwards taken charge of by the police, and committed for trial under the Coroner's warrant.

PLYMOUTH - The Alleged Manslaughter Of A Woman At Plymouth. - HENRY WILLIAMS, master of a small vessel, was placed in the dock at Plymouth Guildhall yesterday, charged with striking SUSAN DOVE WILLIAMS, his wife, on the head, and thereby causing her death, at the Napoleon Inn, High-street. The prisoner looked sad, and appeared to feel acutely the position in which he was placed. The magistrates present were the Mayor (Mr W. Luscombe) and Mr J. B. Wilcocks. - Thomas Pellow, the landlord of the Napoleon Inn, said about ten o'clock on the previous evening the prisoner entered the bar, and called for a glass of ale. WILLIAMS might "have had a glass," but was not intoxicated. About ten minutes afterwards his wife, accompanied by another woman, came in and asked for a noggin of brandy. There were several other persons in the bar. MRS WILLIAMS, who was sober, stood directly in front of her husband, whom she did not notice. On being informed that he was there, she went outside, and afterwards came back again. The deceased then spoke to a dog which her husband had, and called it by its name. The prisoner, however, said, "Don't you speak to the dog, nor me either." MRS WILLIAMS replied that she did not want to, "she could get his betters any day." Afterwards she began to tantalize him by saying that she did not want him, and calling him names such as "a fellow," and "blackguard." - The Mayor: You mean that she used jeering and offensive language? - Witness: Yes, more than anyone could hear. The prisoner at once struck her with his fist. I think he aimed at her face, but I could not say positively that she was struck there. I went and parted them, and afterwards they appeared more reconciled. In fact the prisoner called for three glasses of spirit, which he, his wife and another man carried with them into the taproom. Soon after, however, I heard a scuffle, and the deceased ran out of the taproom towards the side door which leads into the lane. The prisoner followed, caught her, and struck her with his fist in the face near the cheek bone. - The magistrates' clerk (Mr Phillips): Did she fall from that blow? - A.: No; I put the prisoner back from her, and then the deceased rambled and fell, one part of her body lying in the passage and the other in the bar. - The Mayor: Did she receive any support in falling? - A.: Her head came against the gas meter. - Mr Phillips: Did she bleed at all? - A.: No. - Q.: did you see any mark where she was struck? - A.: No. A woman there went and picked her up, and rested her head on her lap, and I fetched some water with which to bathe the deceased's temple, as I thought she might be faint. She, however, never spoke and died soon after. - Q.: Was the prisoner sober? - A.: He was neither tipsy nor sober; he knew what he was doing. - Mr Phillips: Do you know this woman at all? - A.: I think she has been in the habit of drinking a good deal at times. - The Mayor: Had she been in the habit of coming to your house? - A.: Not much. - The Mayor: Did you hear any altercation in the inner room when they took the spirit there? - A.: Not until I heard the woman run. - Mr Phillips: They went in there good friends? - A.: Yes. The prisoner said he had struck her once, and he should not do it any more. Then he called for three glasses of spirit, and said he should go home and sit down, and be comfortable. - In reply to a further question witness said he had seen the man who accompanied WILLIAMS and his wife into the room before, but he did not know him. - Philip Jude, a hawker, said about half-past ten o'clock on the previous night he went with his wife over to the Napoleon Inn. In the parlour they found several married men and women, who were speaking of how MRS WILLIAMS had been aggravating her husband in the taproom. He said to his missus that as he had never met MRS WILLIAMS'S husband he would like to see him. She thereupon told him to go out and look at him. A young woman in the room said she would go too. They went together, and on entering the taproom he saw the deceased standing up in the middle of the room laughing at the prisoner, who was seated inside a table. - Q.: Was it in fun? - A.: No; she was annoying him. She said she could get his betters any time, and she kept on tipping up her feet against him. At last the prisoner said, "You had better go away and leave me alone." - Mr Phillips: Was she sober? - A.: I think she had been drinking a little. As the prisoner got up to drive her away she jumped at me, and clung to me round the neck. I made a run, and she ran with me, and as I ran up against the young woman who had come with me from the parlour knocked her up against the doorway. The prisoner followed and caught his wife just at the side door, and then he struck her in the face. Afterwards she staggered and fell. - Sophia Coombes, who lives at 1 Lower-lane, also witnessed the blow. She said she immediately took the deceased by the hand, and led her from the door to the bar, where she apparently tripped her foot and fell. She thought the deceased had a fit, and she stooped down and washed her face, and offered her water to drink, but she could not swallow. - Q.: Did she strike the gas meter? - A.: I think she did. - Policeman Lock said he arrived after the blow had been struck, and he sent for Mr Stevens, surgeon, who quickly arrived and pronounced life to be extinct. He knew the deceased had been a "very drinking" woman about that neighbourhood for a long time. He charged the prisoner with striking his wife, and WILLIAMS admitted having done so, but said he did not believe that the blow caused her death. - The prisoner declined to put any questions to the witnesses, and when asked who it was that accompanied him and his wife into the taproom he replied that he did not know the man, but he went by the nickname of "Navvy George." - On the application of Mr Superintendent Thomas the prisoner was remanded until next Monday. - Mr Kent, who keeps the "Crown and Anchor" on the Barbican, asked that WILLIAMS, who was his brother-in-law, might be admitted to bail. - The Mayor, however, said it was too serious a case for bail to be granted. He thought it would be best on all accounts that the prisoner should remain in custody. - Mr Kent then asked that he might have permission to see the prisoner, in order that he might give him some words of consolation. - The Mayor said he had no doubt that for all proper purposes the governor of the gaol would feel himself authorized to allow him to confer with the prisoner. - The Borough Coroner held an Inquest in the afternoon at the Guildhall on the body of the deceased. A double Jury was summoned and Mr Emmanuel Cole was elected Foreman. Mr Elliot Square, solicitor, watched the proceedings on the part of the husband, who was not present. The evidence was similar to that given before the magistrates. - Pellow, the innkeeper, said in cross-examination by Mr Square that when the deceased used aggravating language, her husband displayed a good deal of patience, as he wished to have nothing to say to her. - Mr J. N. Stevens, who had made a post mortem examination of the body, said he found no external marks of violence, with the exception of a small bruise on the upper portion of the left cheek just below the eye. On opening the skull for the purpose of examining the brain, he found nothing particular between it and the dura mater, the external covering of the brain. On removing the dura mater, he observed the brain superficially slightly congested and a small amount of clotted blood outside the longitudinal sinus and dipping down between the anterior lobes of the cerebrum. He then continued the dissection of the brain for the purpose of removing it entirely from the skull, and noticed a considerable amount of clotted blood at the base of the men magnum, which extravasation of blood was quite sufficient to account for immediate death. The extravasation was caused by the rupture of a blood-vessel, one or more, in the brain. He did not think the blow which the deceased received was sufficiently heavy to have produced the effects he had described, but he considered that they might have been occasioned by the fall, which she was said to have had. - In cross-examination Mr Stevens said in the case of a person semi- intoxicated and much excited it would not be necessary for her in falling heavily to strike against anything to produce fatal consequences; the fall itself might occasion them. - The Coroner, in summing up, observed that what might have been the husband's share in the woman's death it was not for him to say, but that the evidence went in the direction of charging him with being concerned in the matter no intelligent person could for a moment doubt. And yet the man against whom all that had been directed was not present. WILLIAMS had been brought that day into that very hall before the justices, and as soon as the magisterial inquiry had terminated he (Mr Brian) addressed a few words to the mayor, informing him that the Inquest would be held at four o'clock, and that without wishing for a moment to raise any question of right or privilege, yet, inasmuch as the man was still within the walls of the Guildhall, and the evidence probably would be fully gone into, he did hope that his worship would give an order which would secure the attendance of the said HENRY WILLIAMS. The mayor's reply was - "Respecting the prisoner WILLIAMS I can only say that as he was committed before the Court rose to the custody of the governor of the gaol, by a warrant of remand, signed by Mr Wilcocks and myself, I have no power to make any further order in the matter." He had merely introduced that correspondence to shew that he had done all he could to get the man there. Referring to the woman's death, the Coroner thought the Jury could have no doubt that the fall was the result of the blow. Looking at the amount of irritation and aggravation evinced by the deceased towards WILLIAMS, and at the blow being so slight, they need not Inquire into it as a case of murder, but they had to decide upon the evidence, whether it was one of manslaughter. - The Court was cleared, and after the lapse of a few minutes, was reopened. The Jury were unanimous in a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 December 1869
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death of A Naval Surgeon At Plymouth. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr Brian, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon concerning the death of A. SOUTHBY CROWDY, surgeon, H.M.S. Indus, who died early on Tuesday morning. - Eliza Binney, an unmarried woman, living at 6 Summerland-place, Plymouth, said the deceased, whom she knew well, came to the house on Monday evening, about seven o'clock. He remained about an hour and then went out to meet a friend whom he expected would come out of the Theatre. About a quarter before ten o'clock he returned in a cab alone, and brought her a bottle of champagne. The deceased was quite sober, but he looked ill, and on her asking if he were unwell, he replied in the affirmative, and said that he had been faint at Harvey's Hotel. He laid down on the sofa, and she had a fire lighted. Soon after he said that if he went to bed he thought he would be better and he walked upstairs. She ate her supper and went up about half an hour after. She put some scent on his pocket-handkerchief, and bathed his face with cold water, and he told her he was much better. She went to bed about 11 o'clock, and the deceased laid upon her arm. A bout a quarter of an hour afterwards she spoke to him several times, but he did not answer her, although he made an effort to do so, and turning his head he went off in a fit. [The deceased had told her previously that he had been subject to fits, and that if he were seized with one she was not to be alarmed.] Afterwards he partially recovered and said "Don't be frightened, I shall be better in a few minutes." She sent for several doctors, but they were out. At last Dr Prance arrived. The deceased never properly recovered and died about a quarter past three o'clock. - In reply to a question the witness said about two months ago deceased had a fit on the sofa, but recovered in about ten minutes. - Dr C. R. Prance said he arrived at the house about twenty minutes after one o'clock on Tuesday morning and on inquiry he was told that MR CROWDY had had a succession of fits - nine in about two hours. At that time the deceased was in a state of coma. He examined his chest and found that he had disease of the heart. There was a gentleman in the room who told him that he was a messmate, and said that MR CROWDY had for a very long time been suffering from Bright's disease of the kidneys. Soon after he entered the deceased had a fit, was violently convulsed, and he recognised it as an epileptic fit. He told MR CROWDY'S friend that such fits were quite consistent with the state of disease to which he (deceased) had been subject. The convulsion passed off, and he remained in a state of stupor. The deceased had one slight and two severe fits afterwards. Watching him in the fit before the last, he found the heart stop, but it recovered again on the fit passing off. He warned the deceased's friend then that the attack would most likely be fatal. After an interval the deceased had another convulsion, the heart again stopped and never resumed its action. Had not the slightest doubt but that he died from natural causes. Saw Detective Evans, and told him he thought the Coroner should be communicated with, but that it was a case of disease, and he did not think any Inquest was necessary. - The Coroner: Were you aware at that time of the character of the house in which he died? - Dr Prance: I was; and it was for that reason - the peculiar circumstances of the case, and not the case itself - that I said you should be communicated with. The girl Binney was perfectly sober, and she and the people of the house did all they could for him. - In reply to the Foreman, Dr Prance said there was nothing in the condition of the deceased which would lead him to believe that opiates had been given him; there were symptoms which would lead him to think the contrary. - Detective Evans, who searched the clothes after the death, found in the deceased's pockets £8 5s. 3d., a silver watch, two gold rings, a gold pin, and other articles. - The Coroner, in summing up, explained why it was the Inquest had been held. He had no hesitation in saying that if that fit had taken place in a house of a different character he would not have thought it necessary to have called a Jury together. But looking at the fact that the deceased was seized with an alarming series of fits in the dead of night in a house of ill-fame, he thought they would agree with him that it was a case in which they were justified in knowing that there was an entire absence of anything suspicious in the death, and that they could not ascertain except by an Inquest. Had the case been passed over it would probably have been said that because that was a gentleman there was no Inquiry thought necessary, but that if it had been a poor man an Inquest would have been held. He did not choose to let it be said that he had one law for the rich and another for the poor. (Hear, hear.) - The Jury, through their Foreman, Mr Frederick Martin Cooper, returned a verdict that the deceased had died from Natural Causes, and expressed an opinion that it was a very proper case for investigation. - A party of naval seaman, armed with the Coroner's order, subsequently removed the body of the deceased from Summerland-place, to the Royal Naval Hospital at Stonehouse.

PLYMOUTH - MR JOHN PASCOE, a widower, who lodged at 6 Eldad-place, Plymouth, was found dead in bed yesterday morning. He formerly was a draper, and since that a musician. Money and food were found in his room. MR THOMAS PASCOE, farmer, of Lower Hellend, near Bodmin, stated at the Coroner's Inquest last evening that the deceased was 55 years of age, and had for some time past been under the treatment of Dr Dale for lung disease. A verdict of "Died from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 January 1870
ASHBURTON - The Suicide Of An Ashburton Publican. - Concerning the death of JOHN BUTCHERS, landlord of the Sun Inn, Ashburton, who committed suicide by hanging, on Saturday evening a Coroner's Inquest was held. - Eliza Mugridge said she had assisted in deceased's house for the last three years. She saw him alive at breakfast time on Friday morning, when he complained of being bad in his head. His wife persuaded him to go and lie down, but deceased said he should "go up in the 'big' room with father and sit down and sleep." Witness only heard him go over one pair of stairs. This was about 10 o'clock. About ten minutes afterwards a young man on a pony came to the door, and requesting to see deceased, witness went upstairs to look for him. His daughters also called him, and as he did not answer witness proceeded upstairs, and saw him hanging to a beam. Behind him was a door leading to another room, which has a step about two feet high to enter it. His toes were on the floor and his legs crossed. Witness ran downstairs, caught up a knife, and called to a man named Coleman, who followed her and cut deceased down. He was quite dead. On Thursday night deceased had told witness his troubles were great. Some little time since deceased was fined by the magistrates for keeping a disorderly house, and since then witness has observed a marked change in his demeanour; his appetite has failed and he was generally low. Dr Gervis proved being called to see the deceased, and found him lying on the bed in the attic. He was in his shirt sleeves and dead, but did not appear to have been dead long. The neck was not broken, but deceased had died from strangling. For the last fortnight he (Dr Gervis) had observed a marked change in deceased's manner, lowness of spirits having taken the place of former cheerfulness. - Other evidence was given, and the Jury returned a unanimous verdict "That deceased Hung himself whilst in an Unsound State of Mind." Deceased was 49 years of age.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 January 1870
EXETER - Suicide Of An Accused Man At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter concerning the death of THOMAS HODGE, a porter, 39 years of age. The deceased was in the employ of Mr Isaac Lang, corn merchant, of Exeter. On Thursday evening last Mr Lang charged him with stealing some seeds, and told him if he would tell the whole truth about the matter he would not prosecute him. Deceased denied that he had robbed his master, but was told to remain in the room. Presently he asked to be allowed to leave the room for a few minutes; Mr Lang gave him permission, and deceased left, first going towards the closet, but then ran out of the yard. Mr Lang followed him, saw him go across the road and run towards the river. On arriving at the edge of the water Mr Lang saw the deceased in the river, about sixteen feet from the bank. The water being high and the night dark, Mr Lang did not feel disposed to jump in after the deceased, but at once raised an alarm; before a boat could arrive, however, the deceased had sunk. He had noticed that of late HODGE had been very depressed, owing to his having lost two of his children. When the deceased left the house on Thursday night Mr Lang noticed that he looked very wild and he did not now think that he could have been in his right mind when he jumped in the water. The body was not found until Friday morning. The man who found the body saw deceased on Thursday afternoon and he then appeared to be in very low spirits. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst in a state of Unsound Mind." Deceased leaves a widow and several children.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 January 1870
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Plymouth Pilot. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon concerning the death of CHARLES LUMBARD, an assistant pilot, who lived at 39 New-street, Plymouth, and who died almost suddenly yesterday morning, as mentioned in our columns of yesterday. The deceased got out of bed about two o'clock yesterday morning to call the man belonging to the pilot boat, who was standing on the Barbican Pier with George N[?] another assistant pilot, and after remarking that the weather was very bad, but he supposed he must face it, he immediately fell down. He was taken into the police station close by and was observed to breathe once or twice. Dr Stevens was sent for, and he found the deceased dead. At the Inquiry yesterday Mr Stevens said the deceased had either died from disease of the heart or the bursting of an artery, which had choked him. The verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. LUMBARD was 43 years of age, and leaves a widow and children unprovided for.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 January 1870
BURRINGTON - Fatal Fall Of A Chimney In North Devon. - A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday at the village of Burrington, North Devon, concerning the deaths of WM. GOULD, aged 91, ELIZABETH BIRD, and MARY JANE BIRD, respectively 11 and 5 years of age, who had been killed the previous day by the fall of a chimney of the cottage they occupied. - MRS BIRD deposed that she, her four children, and her father-in-law went to bed in one upstair room, about nine o'clock, that about one a.m. she was awakened by hearing one of her children cry, and almost immediately the chimney of the cottage fell and roof came in at the same time, burying her and all in the room, and carrying the floor into the kitchen. Her daughter now living got out from the ruins and called for assistance, and Thomas Hill came running out from the adjoining cottage and got her out after removing a quantity of rubbish. The youngest child was also got out and neither of them were much injured, but she did not hear any sound come from either of the three deceased. As she was going to bed on Friday night, her eldest daughter, one of the deceased, said she was afraid to sleep in the house, for there were great cracks in the wall. Witness, however, did not think there was any immediate danger. She had never felt easy in the house, because the wall did not appear safe; she had complained of it several times, and last November told Mr Buckingham the landlord, who then promised to have it repaired. - Thomas Hill, the tenant of the adjoining cottage, gave corroborative evidence. He also had asked Mr Buckingham to have the wall made safe last rent day, and that gentleman promised to do so. - Thomas Ford, a mason, said he was at the cottage the day before it fell in. He did not notice that it was in a dangerous state, but he merely went there about the thatch. - Mr Buckingham, the owner of the house, said a complaint was made to him on his last rent day in Nov., by MRS BIRD. She told him the thatch was in a bad state, and he ordered his bailiff to have it repaired. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that in their opinion that at the time of the accident eh house was in very bad repair.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 January 1870
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Devonport Tradesman. - An Inquest was held at the No Place Inn, Plymouth, yesterday, by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. C. Brian, concerning the death of WM. HIMVEST. The deceased, who was 78 years of age, and was in business as a brushmaker in [?]-street, Devonport, left his home on Thursday, about [?], and shortly after three went into the No Place Inn, asking to be shewn to the closet, where he died about a quarter of an hour afterwards, Mr Pearse, surgeon, who had been sent for, arriving too late to render assistance. The sum of £6 19s. 8d., some receipts, and a watch, were found upon the deceased, who had a seizure about six years ago. No medical evidence was produced, and a Juryman asked whether it would not be better in such cases to get an opinion of a medical man upon the cause of death. - Mr Brian thought that there was nothing in the circumstances to justify him in ordering a post mortem examination, as there was nothing at all suspicious in the circumstances under which he was found. The Jury appeared fully satisfied that there was no foul play, and returned a verdict that the deceased died from the "Visitation of God." Although the Jury did not entertain suspicions, it would be more satisfactory for the public if in such cases the evidence as to the actual cause of death were forthcoming.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 January 1870
BICKINGTON - An Inquiry has been held by Mr Toller, Deputy County Coroner, into the death of the infant child of RICHD. EDWARDS, labourer, of Bickington, Barnstaple. The child, which was 2 ¼ years old, was left in the kitchen by its sister, and was shortly afterwards discovered to be in flames. The fire was extinguished, and a medical man called in, but death resulted. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 February 1870
PLYMOUTH - The Drowning Of A Seaman In The Sound. - The Inquest on the body of THOMAS BOYSE, seaman belonging to the Amy, who was drowned in Plymouth Sound on Saturday night, was held last evening by Mr Brian, Coroner, at the Guildhall. The facts elicited were similar to those published by us yesterday. The seaman who was in the boat with the deceased at the time of the accident - Thomas Charley- acknowledged that he and the deceased had three quarts of beer between them while ashore and that after the provisions were obtained and before they put off from the Fishermen's Steps, they had some more beer. The wind and tide, he said, was "right against them." He wanted to make for the lights in the vessels in the Sound, but the deceased, who was not, like witness, an absolute stranger to the part, and who was the more intoxicated of the two, would not do so. No part of the shore could be seen, the night being so dark, and they were ignorant of their whereabouts. He got out of the boat when she grounded, but was too weak to render any assistance to his comrade, who, however, got out of the boat and laid down on his side on the beach, as if suffering from cramp, and exclaiming, "Oh my, oh my!" The face of Charley's rendering no help whatever to BOYSE, and his leaving him alone while he went to the Custom-house and not returning to the spot, with the Custom-house officers to endeavour to find the deceased, elicited strong disapprobation from the Jurymen, who returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that they hoped the circumstances that had occurred respecting the death of the deceased would not be forgotten by Charley, and that it would be a warning to him.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 February 1870
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter concerning the death of FLORENCE CRABBE, a child aged two years, who died suddenly the previous day from a convulsive fit, occasioned, according to the medical evidence, by "teething". The Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

HIGHWEEK - A boy named STEVENS, 14 years of age, in the employ of Mr Vicary, Newton Bushell, went on Saturday to his master's stables to fetch a horse. He twisted the halter around its neck about his arms, and put his hands in his pockets. After proceeding some little distance through Bradley-lane, the horse bolted, and dragged the lad for a considerable distance. He was dashed against every projection, and so mutilated that body and brains were left in the lane. When extricated the poor boy was of course dead, and at an Inquest held in the evening a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 February 1870
STOKE DAMEREL - A Coroner's Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday concerning the death of an infant child of the chief warden of the military prison, named MARTIN. The child was shewn to have been sickly from birth, and the only reason for holding an Inquest was a doubt as to whether there had not been neglect in not earlier calling in medical aid. The Jury, however, saw no reason to pass any censure, and returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 7 February 1870
BARNSTAPLE - Inquiries were held on Saturday by the Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr R. I. Bencraft, into two cases of sudden death. The one was that of a butcher, named JAMES DOCKETT, who dropped down suddenly in Boutport-street on the previous evening, and only survived a few minutes: and the other that of a butcher's wife, named SUSAN PARKIN, who died suddenly in her own house just as the Inquest on DOCKETT had been concluded. Death in both cases resulted from apoplexy, and the Juries returned verdicts of "Died by the Visitation of God."

EXETER - Suspicious Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Barnstaple Inn, North-street, Exeter, on Saturday, before Mr Hooper, City Coroner, concerning the death of JOHN MILLER, a currier, 43 years of age, who died under somewhat suspicious circumstances on the previous Tuesday. It was shewn by the evidence that the deceased had been ill for nearly six months, but had only occasionally been prevented from attending to his work. He complained of violent pains in his stomach, which were always worse after meals. At times he suffered so much that he was unable to stand. Recently he became a patient at the dispensary, and was treated by Mr Phelps for ulcer in the stomach. He was under the surgeon's care when he died. MILLER had been twice married, and his widow has had three husbands. They lived very unhappily together, and quarrels were frequent. Deceased had told two or three parties that when he drank anything at home there was something which seemed to grate between his teeth. On one occasion his son heard him complain to his wife about the milk being of a dark colour, but she replied that it was fetched in a clean can. About Christmas he was on a visit to his mother for some days, and during that time he was entirely free from pain. When he returned home he had a return of the pain. He told his mother that he could eat what she gave him, but what he had at home always seemed to grate between his teeth. Deceased's father asked the widow to have the body opened, but she refused to allow it. Mr Phelps had given a certificate that death had resulted from an ulcer in the stomach, but having heard the evidence given at this Inquest he thought it was singular that he should have been free from pain when he was at his mother's. - The Coroner thought the case a suspicious one, and adjourned the Inquiry until this evening in order that a post mortem examination might be made.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 February 1870
EXETER - The Suspicious Death At Exeter. - An adjourned inquest was held yesterday at Exeter, before Mr Hooper, City Coroner, concerning the death of JOHN MILLER, 43 years of age, a currier, who died under suspicious circumstances last week. The deceased's widow, his second wife, has been married three times, and she and her late husband lived very unhappily together. MILLER, who had suffered for some months past from severe pains in his stomach, frequently complained that what he partook of at home grated between his teeth, and that he was always worse after meals, but stated that when visiting his mother he was free from pain. In consequence of this evidence, a post mortem examination was ordered to be made on Saturday, and the Inquiry was adjourned for that purpose. Yesterday, Messrs. Blankhart and Phelps, who had made the examination, reported that there was no ulcer in the stomach of deceased, for which complaint he had been treated by Mr Phelps, and they recommended that an analysis of the stomach should be made. The Jury concurring, the Inquest was further adjourned for a fortnight, in order that this might be done. It is rumoured that the deceased's life was insured by his wife for £13 without his knowledge.

EXETER - JOHN SWEETLAND, a mason, died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday, from injuries received on the 23rd December by the falling of a wall at Shobrooke. At the Inquest held yesterday, Mr Roper, surgeon, said if deceased had consented to have his right leg amputated his life would have been saved. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 February 1870
WESTWARD HO! - The Suicide Of SIR WM. GORDON, K.C.B. The Inquest. - The Inquest concerning the death of SIR WM. GORDON, was held yesterday at the Royal Hotel, Westward Ho! Bideford, before Mr J. Toller, Deputy Coroner. - Colonel Hutchinson stated that SIR J. WILLIAM GORDON, his brother-in-law arrived on the night of the 31st ult. at his house. He complained that he had not felt well for a day or two. He was a Major-General in the Royal Engineers, and was about 57 years old. He had been 30 years in the service, and was in the Crimean War, where he had charge of the right attack, and was wounded through the arm. About quarter-past eight a.m. on the 31st inst. witness heard a heavy fall in SIR WILLIAM'S bedroom, followed by deep groans. He found the door locked, and called to deceased, begging him to open the door; which he did; and then rushed back to his bed. On entering the room he found him sitting up in his bed with a deep gash in his throat. He just managed to say "Oh, that this should have been done in your house." Drs. Ackland and Thompson were then sent for. Witness saw deceased in the summer, and there did not appear to be anything mentally wrong with him, but he could say nothing of his mental condition at the time of his arrival, as he was not home. - COLONEL CHARLES GEORGE GORDON, who came down with SIR WILLIAM to Westward Ho! stated that he had noticed for some past that deceased was suffering from great depression of spirits. At times his thoughts and speech were most strange, but at others he was quite clear and lucid. Witness considered that he might be guilty of some rash act if not removed from London to some place where he would be able to have his mind cheered by other thoughts than those that oppressed him. For the three days previous to his arrival at Westward Ho! he talked wildly of having given offence and injured witness and other officers. Witness considered this resulted from an over pressure of business, which a change of air would remove. In consequence of this conduct he sent for a medical man on the 30th January unknown to SIR WILLIAM, who saw him at his house. He thought deceased's manner was somewhat strange, and sent a soothing draught. Witness was so alarmed that he thought right to take deceased's razor case from his room, and he had kept it until he came to Westward Ho! SIR WILLIAM was aware that he had it. On their way down he was perfectly sensible, and said "You must let me have those razors back now, for I cannot go unshaven at my sister's." He said in the carriage from Bideford railway station to Westward Ho! "I am perfectly right now," and desired him to bring the razors. Witness put the razor case in his pocket and went up to Col. Hutchinson's at eight o'clock. He left the house at ten o'clock, and went back to the hotel. About half-past ten p.m. SIR WILLIAM came towards him and said, "You did not give me my razors." Although not wishing to do so, witness then gave him the razors, and waited for Col. Hutchinson, who arrived soon after, and told him of the state of SIR WILLIAM'S mind. Col. Hutchinson told him that he had listened at the deceased's bedroom door on the Monday night, and found that all was quiet. On Tuesday morning, when he got in SIR WILLIAM'S bedroom, after he had cut his throat, he said, "You thought I would never do it." He was sure deceased would have been the last man to commit the rash act had he been in his right mind. - Dr Ackland of Bideford, gave evidence as to the state of the deceased. He was very depressed, and the subject of many delusions; and in this state he continued until he died. Up to Monday evening he was progressing favourably. Great prostration then set in; he passed a very restless and sleepless night, and died at 1 p.m. on Tuesday. The cause of death was exhaustion, intimately connected with mental alienation. - The Coroner remarked that the case was a melancholy one, as SIR WM. GORDON stood high in his profession, and had won laurels at home and abroad. A verdict "That deceased committed Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 February 1870
EXETER - Fatal Railway Accident At Axminster. - A fireman in the employ of the London and South Western Railway Company named BENJAMIN OXENHAM, aged 27, died on Friday in consequence of an accident which occurred on the previous day. On Thursday he was stoking the engine of the 2.30 p.m. down train from Salisbury. When about one mile from Axminster, the driver (Samuel Reed) observed the danger signal; and the deceased went forward for the purpose of strewing sand on the rails, in order to stop the train as quickly as possible. While so engaged, he fell off the engine upon his head. Reed pulled up, and went back to the poor fellow's assistance; and deceased was then taken to an inn, where Dr Elliott attended him. He was found to have fractured his skull. Having taken on the train to Exeter, the engine driver returned directly with a first class carriage, in which deceased was conveyed to the Exeter station, and he was thence taken to the hospital. The poor fellow was insensible when admitted and he did not recover consciousness. - Mr Ley, the house surgeon, stated at the Inquest, which was held yesterday before Mr Coroner Hooper that death resulted from concussion of the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The deceased had not been married long. He was spoken of as perfectly sober and respectable. He had worked on the engine from which he fell nearly four years.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 February 1870
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Coroner and a Jury yesterday investigated the death of a female child named SPURR. The mother of the child is an elderly woman, and is married, but her husband left her about 16 years ago. She has since been living in Truro, but finding herself in an unfortunate condition she came to Devonport in December last. For a fortnight she stopped with her sister, a MRS BAKER, the wife of a marine, who occupies a room in Princess-street-ope. Whilst staying there she slept in the same bed with her sister and her husband. Subsequently she obtained work in Stonehouse and on the 11th of January was confined in the Stonehouse Workhouse. She left there in a fortnight and returned to her work at pipe making. Owing to the recent severe weather, however, she could not continue in this employment, the clay having become frozen, and on Saturday she again went to the house of her brother-in-law. They all slept in the same bed, the child being placed next the wall. On the following morning the child was found to be dead, and Mr Delarue, surgeon, was of opinion that it had died by being overlaid. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, with the addition that it had been overlaid accidentally.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 February 1870
DARTMOUTH - The Late Fatal Wreck Off Dartmouth. - Mr J. M. Puddicombe, Coroner, held an Inquiry on Tuesday evening at Dartmouth concerning the deaths of EDWARD KING, 25 years of age, and WILLIAM EVENS, 16, found at Blackstone Cove that morning. - Wm. Loughton, the only man saved from the wreck of the Courser, said they left Swansea on the 1st inst. for Fecamp, and left Fecamp on the 11th in a strong gale from the east, bound to Torbay for orders. On the morning of the 13th they lost their mainsail, and at daylight found themselves about four miles off Dartmouth. The fore, jib and sky sails were furled, and they ran for the harbour. When near the Castle Ledge Buoy, the helm was put down, but it failed to bring her to. They dropped anchor, ran out about 40 fathoms of chain, and signalled for assistance. The anchor did not hold and they were fast driving on shore, when the tugboat Guide came to their assistance. When she was within about 100 yards of the Courser, the crew of the latter manned their boat and made an attempt to board the Guide, which being herself in danger did not come near enough for them to do so. She threw out a cork fender with a line bent on for them to catch, but they missed it, and she then steamed ahead. Finding that they could not board her the Courser's crew made for shore, hoping that the people there would be able to save them. When about three yards from the shore the boat capsized and the men were thrown in the water. There were six in all - Capt. Brusey, John Guildford (mate, Daniel Long, KING, and witness (able seaman), and EVENS ( a boy). The people on shore did all they could, but all perished but himself. If the tug had been out before they might have been saved. No boats came to their assistance. [A pilot boat had gone out to them in the morning, but there being such a heavy sea could not round the castle, and was compelled to put back. A lifeboat or rocket apparatus could have assisted them.] - This was the only evidence adduced, and the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased were Drowned in landing from the schooner Courser.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 February 1870
EXETER - The Suspicious Death At Exeter. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of JAMES MILLER, late a currier of Exe-lane, Exeter, was resumed yesterday. The result of a post mortem examination had proved that death was not caused, as was certified and supposed, by perforated ulcer of the stomach, and the Inquest was adjourned for a chemical analysis of the contents of the stomach. The analysis was made by Dr Taylor, of London, who, after giving a detailed description of the appearance of the various parts of the viscera sent to him, said "the only conclusion to be drawn from the examination and chemical analysis is that no poison was present in the viscera of deceased submitted to examination, and there is, therefore, no chemical evidence to shew that poison had been administered or taken, or that it had operated as a cause of death." - The Coroner remarked that Dr Taylor had not suggested the cause of death, and the case remained enveloped in mystery. - A Juryman said it had been reported that pounded glass had been given to the deceased. - The Coroner: The analysis shows that that could not be so. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

BARNSTAPLE - An Inquest was held at Barnstaple before Mr J. H. Toller, Deputy County Coroner on Monday evening, on the death of a servant girl living at Beercharter Farm, near Barnstaple, who committed suicide on the previous day. It appeared that the deceased, ELIZA CHUGG, lived with Mr [?] as a servant and was about 21 years of age. During the morning she was missed by her fellow servants, and on a search being made she was found hanging by the neck in an outhouse. There had been no indication that her mind [?]. Her mistress had given her notice to leave, after she had confessed to having taken some things which did not belong to her. The notice to leave would have expired today. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased came to her death by Hanging herself, but there was no evidence to shew her state of mind.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 February 1870
BARNSTAPLE - An Inquest was held at Barnstaple yesterday by Mr R. I. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, on the body of an elderly man, named THOMAS WOODWARD, who was found dead in his bed on the preceding day. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 March 1870
EXETER - The Exeter Coroner (Mr H. W. Hooper) held an Inquest yesterday on the infant daughter of a man named DAWE, who died on Saturday of convulsions. Mr Cuming, surgeon, was sent for in the morning, and promised to attend; but neglected to do so. The child died in the evening. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Convulsions," and censured the surgeon for his neglect.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 March 1870
TOTNES - The Fatal Accident To A Farmer At Totnes. - An Inquest was held last night by Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, at the Plymouth Inn, Totnes, concerning the death of MR THOMAS DEWDNEY, a farmer, residing at Hareden, Ugborough, who was killed on Tuesday night, when returning home from Totnes market, by his horse running against a wall. - HENRY DEWDNEY, son of the deceased, stated that the horse his father was riding at the time of the accident was a young one, which had been in his possession for about six weeks, and had not been ridden much. The deceased was 51 years of age. - John Hosking started for home, in company with the deceased and Mr Codd, at about seven o'clock. MR DEWDNEY had difficulty in holding his horse at first, but it was quieter afterwards. At the corner of the Plymouth road the deceased and Mr Codd left witness. They first trotted and then got into a gallop. He walked his horse on, and when he came to the Union he met Mr Codd coming back. He said, "Oh Farmer Hosking, this is a bad job," and rode towards the town. When witness came to Broomborough-gate his horse did not care to pass. He could not see anything, but got off and feeling about found the deceased's horse in the drain. It was quite dead. He called the deceased by name, but received no answer. Someone then came with a lantern, and he saw MR DEWDNEY about twenty feet from the house. He had examined the spot that day, and found on the gate pillar the hair of the horse about breast high. The horse was lying on the opposite side of the road to the pillar, and the deceased the same side, but some feet further from it than the horse. When the lantern was brought the deceased was quite dead. The deceased at the time he left the Plymouth Inn he should say was quite sober. Mr Codd was also sober. MR DEWDNEY was a very temperate man. - The Coroner said it would be necessary to adjourn the Inquiry, as although Mr Codd had been told to be there he had not thought fit to come. He was informed that he was advised not to attend. He regretted that he should be obliged to adjourn the Inquiry, but after the evidence of the last witness he could not but do so. A man in Mr Codd's position ought to have known better. - Mr Pack, the landlord of the Plymouth Inn, said the deceased was perfectly sober when he left Totnes. He brought the lantern referred to by Mr Hosking, and found MR DEWDNEY lying on his face and breathing, with a gurgling noise in his throat. He lifted deceased's head on his arm, but he died immediately afterwards. - Mr Hains, surgeon, came to the spot about a quarter of an hour after Mr Pack, and found the deceased quite dead. On examination he found he had a lacerated wound which quite divided the left nostril, two slight bruises on the forehead, but he could detect no fracture of the skull. The head could be moved in any direction. He believed the bones of the neck were broken. This would produce instant death. The face was perfectly placid, and it appeared as if the deceased had not suffered any pain. The injuries were such as might have been produced by the deceased being thrown violently against a stone wall. - The Inquiry was then adjourned until Monday that Mr Codd may attend.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall, respecting the death of EVELINA PALMER, 14 years of age. The deceased resided with her father in King-street, and whilst blowing the fire on Friday morning the flame communicated with her clothes. The fire was extinguished, but not before the poor child had been severely burnt about the legs and body. She was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where every attention was paid her, and where she died. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 March 1870
DEVONPORT - The Mayor of Saltash, Mr Wm. Rundle, held an Inquest at Mutton Cove, Devonport, on Saturday, on the body of the man HALL, a superannuated painter from the dockyard, who was found drowned under Longroom Point, on Thursday. The Jury, however, was composed entirely of watermen from Devonport. The evidence shewed that on Thursday morning deceased left his home at 41 Ker-street in order to go to Keyham-yard, to do some painting work, as he had agreed. He was seen going in that direction, but at about 10.25 he was observed going down over the rocks near Longroom Point in search, as a witness thought, of some wood which was being washed ashore there. A quarter of an hour afterwards he was found in the water, and quite dead. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. The son of deceased is not, as stated on Saturday, undergoing penal servitude for a series of burglaries which, in conjunction with another lad, he committed in this neighbourhood a year ago, having been liberated from custody in July last, after serving four months' imprisonment.

NORTH MOLTON - An Inquiry was held on Thursday by Mr J. H. Toller, Deputy County Coroner, concerning the death of MARY PERRIN, of Northmolton, who committed suicide by hanging herself from an iron bar of a window. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased hanged herself, but that there was no evidence to shew the state of her mind at the time.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 March 1870
EXETER - SAMUEL CANN, a quarryman, died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday from injuries received on the previous Tuesday, while at work in a quarry at Drewsteignton. He was engaged in blasting, when a large quantity of earth and stones fell on his head. At an Inquest held at Exeter yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TOTNES - The Late Fatal Accident At Totnes. - The adjourned Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of MR THOMAS DEWDNEY, who was killed on Tuesday night last when returning from the Totnes Cattle market, was resumed at the Plymouth Inn, Totnes, last night. At the Inquiry on Wednesday, the principal witness (Mr Codd) did not attend, and it was adjourned for his attendance. - The Coroner pointed out to Mr Codd that he had acted unwisely in not attending on Wednesday, and that it might have placed him in a very curious position. - Mr Codd explained that he had expected to be summoned to attend, and stated that he, the deceased, and Mr Hosking left Totnes a little after seven in the evening. The deceased's horse was restless and suddenly started off at nearly full speed. Witness galloped behind, but did not at any time come up to the deceased. He saw him as he passed the lamp-post in the Plymouth-road, and shortly afterwards heard a crash and scramble. Witness came within about two paces, and heard a struggling in the drain as from a horse's hoofs, but his horse would not go forward. He then turned and came towards Totnes, when he met Mr Hosking. They both went towards the spot and Mr Hosking got off his horse and felt about with his stick. In a few minutes he said here's the horse, quite dead. The witness then rode back to Totnes to get a light. He believed the deceased was quite sober. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that he thought the Jury would safely arrive at the conclusion that the deceased could not manage his horse. The gate was in a straight line with the side of the road coming from Totnes. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," coupled with a recommendation to the Town Council to place a lamp at the spot, in order to shew the direction of the road, and also to Mrs Phillips to cut the growth of the shrubs on her side of the road.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 March 1870
PLYMOUTH - Death From Burning At Plymouth - An Inquest was held by Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, at the First and Last Inn, Plymouth, last evening, concerning the death of a child named CLARA LOUISA KINGDOM, seven years of age, daughter of a boat builder residing at Alma Cottages. On the morning of the 21st of February MRS KINGDOM left her kitchen, in which was the deceased, who was imbecile, with another child 18 months old. She was not absent more than a minute when she heard the child scream, and on going to her room found her clothes on fire. She soon extinguished the flame, but the child died yesterday. There was a stove in the room, which was closed when the mother left, and also when she returned, and her opinion was that the child's clothes were ignited by a cinder falling from the fire. - The Coroner, in summing up, referred to the emaciated state of the deceased, which was probably attributable to the disease of mind she was suffering from. The burns she received were slight, but in consequence of her wasted condition, she had not strength to bear them. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 March 1870
PLYMOUTH - A somewhat sudden death occurred yesterday morning at the Plymouth Railway Station. A man, 41 years of age, named HEATH, a roper, had been brought by his mother from St Austell, where he had been working, by the first Cornish train. He was in rapid consumption, and had been in bed three weeks. At the Plymouth station he was helped out of the carriage, and was taken to the waiting-room to await the departure of the next train for Launceston, where his mother lived. The poor fellow became much worse in the waiting-room, and died there in a short time. An Inquest was held later in the day and a verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

BRIXHAM - An Inquiry was held at Brixham yesterday by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, concerning the death of MR WM. MICHELMORE, the landlord of the Rising Sun, who died on Friday. In December the deceased, in the course of a disturbance in his house, was severely injured, and had one of his thumbs broken. He had not been able to work since, and had been in bed for the past month. Mr Green, surgeon, stated that since the deceased had taken to his bed he had gradually lost the use of his arms and legs He believed the immediate cause of death to be disease of the lungs, which set in about a month ago, and the loss of the use of the limbs to be caused by paralysis, the effect of the assault. The fall at the time of the assault might have developed the lung disease. The Inquest was adjourned until the 14th of next month for the production of material evidence. Deceased was 43 years of age.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 March 1870
BRATTON CLOVELLY - Fatal Accident To A Gentleman In North Devon. - Shortly after six o'clock on Friday evening MR JAMES REDDAWAY, of Burdon House, Highampton, was found lying in an insensible state in the road near the village of Bratton Clovelly. The deceased gentleman was returning from a run with the Hon. Mark Rolle's hounds, and it is supposed that after passing through Bratton Clovelly, and whilst descending a steep hill his horse, which was high-spirited animal, shied, and one of the stirrups breaking he was thrown to the ground. MR REDDAWAY was conveyed to an inn, where he was attended by Mr Willis, of Lewdown, who pronounced the case to be hopeless, and his sad prediction was verified by the death of the unfortunate gentleman some hours afterwards. At an Inquest held on Monday by Mr R. Fulford, Deputy Coroner, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. MR REDDAWAY, who was 62 years of age, was well known in North Devon, where he was held in general esteem.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 March 1870
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Deaths. - Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, held two Inquests yesterday concerning the sudden deaths of two persons who, strange to say, were nearly related to each other. MRS SARAH ANNE HEARN, 33 years of age, wife of a carpenter's mate on board H.M.S. Jason, and residing at 27 Queen-street, has been unwell for some time past, and was attended on the 9th of this month by Mr Eccles, surgeon. Although in a weak state, she was not considered to be dangerously ill; and on Sunday afternoon her mother, who lives with her, left her home while she went to the house of her sister. She had not been gone long before a Mrs Gidley, who lives in the house, went into the room, and found the woman dead. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.
The Inquest on the aunt of the deceased in the last case, who is a widow named SARAH GRIGG, 65 years of age, residing at 25 Cambridge-street, was held last evening. Deceased spoke of the death of her niece on Sunday evening to her neighbours, and complained that she had a pain in her side. A Mrs Hawkings advised her to seek the assistance of one of the parish surgeons, and offered to go and fetch an order for one on the following morning. She had volunteered to get such an order on that day, but deceased said they could not get an order for the attendance of a surgeon on a Sunday. She then went to her room, and was not seen again until eight o'clock on Monday morning, when a woman named bird, at the solicitation of the landlady of the house, carried her a cup of tea, and found her dead in her bed. Mr Graham, surgeon, was sent for, and was of opinion that she had died from the effects of diseased heart. He added that had he been sent for on the Sunday he would have come to see her without waiting for any order. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was also returned in this case.

EXETER - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Exeter on the body of MISS ANNE ELIZABETH HARINGTON, sister of the REV. CHANCELLOR HARINGTON, who, as we yesterday stated, was found dead in her bed on Sunday morning. The evidence adduced shewed that deceased, who was about seventy years of age, retired to rest in her usual healthy on Saturday night about ten o'clock. She had been better than usual during the day and evening, and had paid a visit to the Dean and Mrs Boyd; but when she retired for the night she complained of a headache, and had some sal volatile brought her. She slept alone; and nothing was seen of her until the next morning at half-past nine when her maid-servant having an hour after her usual hour for rising, knocked at her door and received no answer - the door was broken open by the direction of Mr Kempe, surgeon, who had been sent for, and the lady found dead in bed. Mr Kempe, who was her medical attendant, had no doubt death resulted from apoplexy, and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect. The chancellor left home on Saturday morning; and not having communicated his destination to anyone but deceased, his friends have been unable to communicate with him. He had not returned yesterday afternoon.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 March 1870
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Suicide Of A Boy. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exwick, near Exeter, before Mr Coroner Crosse, concerning the death of HENRY ALLEN, a boy 14 years of age, who committed suicide on the previous day by hanging himself in a hay loft. The deceased was the son of a guard on the Bristol and Exeter Railway. The evidence at the Inquest failed to reveal any cause for the commission of the rash act by the boy, who was said to be of a very sulky temper. His step-mother was sharply examined by the Jury as to whether she had not ill-treated him, but she denied that she had done so, and some neighbours gave evidence confirming this statement. Life was quite extinct when the boy was discovered by his father hanging in the loft. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 March 1870
OKEHAMPTON - MR H. LEE, solicitor's clerk, at Okehampton, has died suddenly, according to the verdict of the Coroner's Jury, of heart disease.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 April 1870
DOWN ST. MARY - The Suicide On The North Devon Railway. - An Inquest was held at Coplestone on Saturday by Mr Crosse, Coroner, concerning the death of WM. WOODROW, whose shocking death on the railway we recorded on Friday. - Henry Mitchel, a porter at the Coplestone railway station, deposed that about 4.10 a.m. deceased, who drove the mail cart to Launceston, came to the station as usual to await the arrival of the mail train. Witness remarked to him that he had a cough. He replied, "I have, and one might fancy that I was drinking last night, but it was not so." Witness then, hearing the train approach, left deceased to attend to the signal. After the train had left, witness observed that the mail bags were remaining on the platform, and not seeing the deceased, he sought for him, and presently found him with his head (which was all but severed from his body) towards the station, and his legs between the metals on the down line. His hat was about five or six yards distant. - JOHN WOODROW, a son of the deceased, who travels for Mr Leach, spirit merchant, of North Tawton, deposed that his father drank tea with him on the evening previous to his death, when he mentioned that he was summoned to appear before the Lifton magistrates on the next day at the instance of a woman who declared that he was the father of her illegitimate child; and the deceased appeared altogether in a depressed state of mind. Witness added that deceased's father and grandfather had both been afflicted with insanity. - The guard, driver and stoker of the train deposed that they did not see the deceased on the morning in question. - Other witness were examined, and the Jury found that deceased had committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity

STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Coroner held an Inquiry on Saturday afternoon into the death of ANNIE MERRIFIELD, daughter of JOSEPH MERRIFIELD, chief gunner's mate of H.M.S. Impregnable. About three weeks ago the child was playing in the court of her father's house, 41 Monument-street. She fell down, and knocked her head against a stone and died on Wednesday from the effects of the accident. A verdict in accordance with the evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 April 1870
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, Plymouth, concerning the death of GEORGE WILSON, two years and nine months old who died the previous evening in a convulsion, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 April 1870
PLYMOUTH - Mysterious Death In Plymouth. - Yesterday morning, about five o'clock, Joseph Webby, a labourer, employed at Mr Marshall's ship-breaking yard, Plymouth, going to his work by the cliff at Queen Anne's Battery, saw just outside Mr Westcott's lime kiln, and about six feet from the foot of the cliff, a man lying on his left side. His left arm was inclined under his body. The left side of his head was on the ground in a pool of blood, and he was quite dead. P.C. Gill then took charge of the body, which was taken to the deadhouse at the Guildhall. Mr Connell Whipple there inspected it, and found a wound at the root of the nose extending across the forehead, and a little below the right lower lid of the right eye. The jaw was broken. A ship's certificate was found on deceased, and by this paper Mr Deacon, clerk in the Mercantile Marine Office Exchange, was able to identify him as a man named SAMUEL HUNTING, who had the previous day asked him to report his continuance on board the vessel Hope, of Truro. Mr Deacon had entered the circumstance into the certificate, which was found upon the deceased, and had paid him £1 10s. in gold as retainer. HUNTING was then perfectly sober. These facts were elicited at the Inquiry yesterday, and at the instance of the Coroner the Inquest was adjourned until Monday afternoon for further inquiries. The Jury visited the cliff with the Coroner immediately after the adjournment.

PLYMOUTH - Death By Burning At Plymouth. - An Inquiry was held by the Plymouth Coroner yesterday concerning the death of a girl five and a half years of age, named MARY ELIZABETH WILLIS, daughter of HENRY WILLIS, quarryman, living at Cattedown, who died from the effects of burning. A few days ago the mother of the deceased left her and a baby for an hour in a room in which a fire was burning. In her absence the child caught herself on fire, and it was entirely through the efforts of a little girl, eight years of age, living in the same house, named Sarah Coles, who rolled the deceased on the floor to extinguish the flames, that the deceased was prevented from being burnt to death at the time. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the mother was blamed for having left the two children alone in the room, and was allowed no expenses. The girl Coles was warmly praised.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 April 1870
BRIXHAM - The Inquest concerning the death of MR W. MICHELMORE, of the Rising Sun, Brixham, was resumed yesterday, having been adjourned from about a month since, when evidence was given to the effect that the deceased on the 11th of December last had been knocked down by a drunken man during a quarrel with another man, and medical testimony that he had died from paralysis and inflammation of the lungs, which might have been accelerated by the fall. Corroborative evidence was given yesterday, and the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased had died from Disease of the Lungs.

PLYMOUTH - The Mysterious Death In Plymouth. - The adjourned Inquiry into the death of RICHARD HUNTING, of the Steam Reserve, who was found dead at the bottom of the cliff at Queen Anne's Battery, Plymouth, on Wednesday morning, the 6th instant, was held yesterday by the Coroner, at the Guildhall. The whereabouts of the deceased were traced from eleven o'clock on the morning of the day previous to his being discovered up to about eleven o'clock in the night, when he was seen near the cliff in a drunken state. During the day mentioned he had been in the company of women of bad character, and had become intoxicated. The money (£1 10s,.) he had previously had was partly accounted for, and there was no evidence to shew that the deceased had been murdered. Mr Connell Whipple had made a post mortem examination of the body. The head was literally knocked to pieces, but the clothes were clean. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased had fallen from a considerable height into the road below, and had received such injuries as to cause instantaneous death, but how the fall was occasioned there was no evidence to shew. - The Jury considered that some protection, such as a barrier, should be placed at the entrance of the road at the kiln head, which was under the cliff, and also that the boarding should be considerably extended and strengthened between the kiln and the precipice adjoining. They also thought that the attention of the police should be drawn to the fact that many persons assembled near the kiln at night, and that the policeman on that beat should never fail to give his attention to that spot every night.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 April 1870
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest held yesterday afternoon upon the body of the little boy, WM. WYATT, son of MR WYATT, auctioneer, Union-street, Plymouth, who was run over by a horse and waggon the previous afternoon, just outside his father's door and killed almost instantly, a verdict of Accidental Death was returned, but it having transpired that the driver of the waggon - Foxaway, in the employ of Messrs. Hitchins and Walter, forage dealers, Britonside - was seated on one of the shafts at the time of the accident, although holding the reins, and having full command over the horse, the Jury pointed out that the drivers of such waggons should always walk by the side of the horses, so as to be able to see straight before them, which would be impossible when seated on one of the shafts.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 May 1870
PLYMOUTH - JOSHUA REYNOLDS, who met with a severe accident at the Delabole Slate Quarries, Camelford, about five months since, died almost suddenly on Saturday morning at the Plymouth Railway Station. He was going to Bodmin-road by train, and was attended at the railway station by his daughter, MRS STANBURY, who keeps wine and spirit vaults at Millbay. He suddenly complained of lightness in the head, and was helped into the station with the assistance of a porter, but was eventually put into a cab and carried back towards his daughter's house, but died before he got there. The deceased had complained many times recently of pains in his head, and had not been well since the accident. An Open Verdict was returned at the Inquest held the same afternoon.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 May 1870
PLYMOUTH - An inquest was held at the Jubilee Inn, Plymouth, yesterday concerning the death of a child named PHILP, three months old. The mother of the deceased stated that her husband was a basket-maker, and that she resided in Friary-street. About seven o'clock on Saturday evening she left the child with its grandmother while she went to market. She retired to rest at twelve o'clock, but did not give the child any nourishment as it was asleep. She awoke shortly after five, and saw that the child's eyes were rolling, and that its mouth was open. She called her mother, who took the deceased up, but it died in a few minutes. Mr Harper, surgeon, was called, but declined to express any opinion as to the death of the child. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and considered that the sad event should be a lesson to the mother to be more careful in future.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 May 1870
COLYTON - Murder In East Devon. - A brutal murder has just come to light in East Devon. On the 22nd of April a man named PEPPERELL, thirty years of age, after attending the East Devon races at Colyton, arrived at the White Hart Inn, Colyton, about nine o'clock in the evening. Though somewhat the worse for liquor he was not drunk. About ten minutes after he came in a man named Harris, a labourer of Lyme Regis, entered the house and drank with PEPPERELL, who paid for the liquor. Harris left about eleven o'clock, and ten minutes afterwards PEPPERELL also left, taking the same road as Harris. PEPPERELL had been in the habit of leaving his home for a week or a fortnight, and his absence from home was unnoticed. Nothing was seen or heard of him until Tuesday, when his body was found in the river Axe, about a quarter of a mile from the White Hart Inn, with serious injuries about the head, face and neck. A post mortem examination was made, and the body found to be perfectly healthy, there being not a single trace of disease. Upon opening the head several contusions were found, and one of the eyelids and one ear were cut. The cause of death was a severe blow on the left side of the head, under the ear. Harris was apprehended on Friday morning, and upon being charged with wilful murder said he was innocent. - The Inquest was held on Friday afternoon. The evidence was to the effect that Harris had a large stick in his possession, and that he left the house just before deceased. It is supposed that Harris, who bears a bad character, thinking that PEPPERELL had money, waylaid him after he left the White Hart, knocked him down at the bridge, beat him to death, and then threw him over the bridge into the river. A stick was found near the bridge which witnesses stated was similar to that in Harris's possession on the night of the murder. The Inquest was adjourned, and Harris removed in custody.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 May 1870
COLYTON - Murder In East Devon. - Yesterday Mr S. M. Cox held an adjourned Inquest at Colyford, near Seaton, on the body of JAMES PEPPERELL. The deceased, a labourer, of Membury, was thirty years of age, and of rather dissolute habits. On the 22nd of April he went to the East Devon steeplechases, at Colyton, where he indulged pretty freely in drink, and on the same evening he was drinking at the White Hart, Colyford, with James Harris, a labourer, of Lyme Regis, and a woman of ill-fame, named Gunn. At eleven o'clock Harris left, going in the direction of Exminster, and PEPPERELL followed alone about ten minutes afterwards. Nothing was seen of PEPPERELL until a fortnight afterwards, when his body was found floating in the river Axe, about a couple of hundred yards from the White Hart - where he was drinking on the night of the races. When taken out of the water his head was found to be covered with bruises, and it was evident that he had met with foul play. Suspicion at once fell on Harris, who bears but an indifferent character; on his being apprehended he denied any knowledge of the affair, stating that he was at home at two o'clock on the morning of the races, and that he never had any stick in his possession on the night in question. (A stick, which was stated to be similar to that carried by Harris on the night of the murder, was found near the spot.) When the Inquest was opened about a week since evidence was given shewing that the statements respecting the hour on which he arrived home, and that he had not any stick with him, were false. Yesterday other evidence was called, corroborating this. It was also stated by a Mr Fowler, a farmer, that about half-past eleven on the race night he heard loud cries as if of a man in distress coming from the direction of Axe Bridge - near where the body was found - but the cries did not frighten him, as he thought it was merely a row between people returning from the races. His daughter also stated that she heard cries of distress. - Mr Hoare, a miller of Shute, said he found the prisoner sleeping in a field about half a mile from the scene of the murder on the day after the races. The prisoner complained of being cold and thirsty, and when witness offered to give him some beer if he came as far as the public-house he took off a "slop" he was wearing, remarking that if he kept it on, as it was torn, people would think he was a rough fellow. When nearing the bridge, where the body was afterwards discovered, Harris crossed from one side of the road to the other, and on coming to the bridge he looked over into the water on the same side as where the body of deceased was found. Sergeant Gunn apprehended Harris and on his "slop" were marks of blood, which he said were caused by a rabbit which he caught. - The Jury, after a short consultation returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder against James Harris," who was afterwards removed in custody to Axminster.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Recent Fatal Fall At Devonport. - The Inquest on the body of the lad JOHN FEDRICK ROBINS, who was killed by falling from the top to the bottom of an old building at the back of Clowance-street, Devonport, on Friday, was held yesterday at the Devonport Guildhall, before the Deputy Coroner. The facts attending the fatal fall, which we have already given, were detailed by one witness; another who was offered was unable to read or write, although thirteen years of age, and his evidence was therefore, in the opinion of the Deputy Coroner, inadmissible. A third witness, a respectable looking lad named Franks, was objected to by one of the Jury, on the ground that he was a thief, and known to speak falsely. In fact it was proved that he had even in this case invented a sensational account of the accident, although all the other boys declared that he never witnessed it. - Mr Pearse, the owner of the property where the accident occurred, stated that he had sent men to look after the place, and had boarded it up four times since he purchased it. He had not got a man there at the time of the accident, because it took place in the middle of the day, at which time he considered the presence of a man unnecessary. - The Inspector of Nuisances for the Borough complained that a weekly journal, in speaking of the building, had over-stated its bad condition, alleging that it was calculated to create an epidemic and that one person had been obliged to leave his house in consequence of the stench arising from it. - The Deputy Coroner and Jury, agreeing that there was a nuisance occasioned by the building, thought that no such results were calculated to arise from it as stated. - A verdict of "Accidentally Killed by a Fall" was returned, and Mr Pearse announced that he should at once proceed to tear down the premises, and carry out his original intention of building on the land.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 May 1870
EXETER - A farm labourer named WILLIAM AVERY, a resident of Northtawton, died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital on Tuesday morning from injuries received on the 6th inst. He was riding on the shafts of a waggon near Eggesford when the horse bolted, and in jumping off he sustained a compound fracture of the thigh. Deceased, who was 20 years of age, was in the employ of Mr Salter, of Barton Farm, Northtawton. A Coroner's Jury yesterday returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 May 1870
ROBOROUGH - Child Murder Near Roborough. - A few days since we reported a child murder at Meavy, near Roborough. Yesterday afternoon the Inquest was held at the latter place, and the evidence taken was to the following effect:- On Wednesday morning last, about eleven o'clock, a young woman named MARY ANNE TREWIN left the Tavistock Union Workhouse with a strong healthy illegitimate female child, five weeks old, and went to Clarebrook, a small village near Meavy. When she arrived there she told her friends that the child had died about ten days previously in the Tavistock Union, and had been buried at Tavistock. The following Friday a man in charge of the leat on Roborough Down found the body of the child in the water of the leat. A woman resembling TREWIN was seen near the spot where the body was found by a boy in the afternoon of Wednesday last; and about the same time TREWIN was seen going towards Clarebrook, and shortly after was lost sight of. It was proved that the woman had lied a great deal in the many statements she put forth as to the whereabouts of the child. The body of the child was examined by Mr Willis, Horrabridge, who certified that it had died from drowning. After deliberating for two hours the Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against TREWIN. The Inquest lasted six hours. she will be brought up before the magistrates this morning at Roborough. It is stated that TREWIN has several times attempted to commit suicide, but there appears to be not the slightest foundation for this statement. The woman was present during the Inquiry, accompanied by some friends.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 May 1870
PLYMOUTH - A Coroner's Jury returned a verdict yesterday that the sudden death of MR MARTIN, of 2 Abbey-place, Plymouth, early on Tuesday morning, resulted from Natural Causes, a post mortem examination having shewn he was suffering from a disease near the heart.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 May 1870
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at the Devonport Guildhall yesterday on the body of BESSY UFFEN, aged 4 ½ years, who was burnt to death on Wednesday, and who resided at the Half Moon Inn, George street, Devonport. The deceased, who slept with her brother in the same room with the servant, caught fire by playing with matches just after the servant got up. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 May 1870
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held in the Royal Albert Hotel, Morice Town yesterday by Mr A. B. Bone, on the body of a man supposed to be called JAMES DAVENPORT. The deceased was a performer about the streets, and one of his feats was t allow anyone to break a stone on his chest. He went to Cawsand, performing on Wednesday; and whilst there he arranged with two men - Richard Clemens and Henry Hicks - to break a stone as usual, before having the stone placed in position saying, "I don't know after whether I shall be dead or alive." After striking several blows with the hammer, Hicks broke the stone; and Clemens following quickly, and not perceiving that it was broken, struck the poor fellow's breast. It was at once seen that he was injured, and they helped him up; but he said that he could walk by himself. He came home to his lodgings at the Lifeboat Inn, Morice Town, and Mr May, surgeon, was called in. DAVENPORT, however died on Thursday. Mr May made a post mortem examination of the body and found two wounds on the small intestine, from which death arose. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure."

Western Morning News, Monday 30 May 1870
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of MR ROBERT WHITE STEVENS. - It is with deep regret that we announce the sudden death on Saturday last of MR ROBERT WHITE STEVENS, one of the most respected and valued inhabitants of Plymouth, at the age of 64. For some time past symptoms of declining health had manifested themselves, though not to such an extent as to give any cause for alarm, or, indeed, to render medical attendance necessary; and up to the hour of his death MR STEVENS continued to be engaged in his business avocations. On Saturday afternoon he was at the Winter Villa, Stonehouse, with MRS STEVENS, and some of his family, and there saw Mr Charles Skardon, appearing at that time to be in a fair state of health. Half an hour afterwards, as he was passing Mr Skardon's offices in Bedford-street, alone, he was seen by a bill-poster named Banfield to totter and fall. Banfield at once lifted him, and took him into the office. He was then still alive, but insensible, and without recovering consciousness expired within a quarter of an hour, evidently from disease of the heart. Mr Stephens, surgeon, who was sent for, was almost immediately in attendance, but the deceased gentleman was past all human help. An Inquest was held at seven o'clock by Mr T. C. Brian, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" returned, the proceedings being of course merely formal; and the body of the deceased was then removed to his late residence in Windsor-terrace. - MR R. W. STEVENS was the brother of MR THOMAS STEVENS, who died in December last at the age of 70, also from heart disease; and like him was the architect of his own fortune. He was a Plymothian by birth, his father being the landlord of the Maritime Inn on the Parade. Whilst his brother took to the sea he became a printer, and entered early in life into trade for himself. By his industry, perseverance, and ability he succeeded in establishing the flourishing business of mercantile stationer and chart dealer on the Parade, which up to the time of his decease he continued to direct. He was the author of a work widely known and valued in commercial circles - "STEVENS ON STOWAGE " - which is recognized as the authority upon the important subject whereon it treats. This book has passed through several editions and MR STEVENS was engaged in revising it for another issue. In another capacity he was also well known, as correspondent for the Times at the port of Plymouth, which post he filled with real discretion and acceptance for nearly forty years up to the time of his death. - MR STEVENS, in addition to the successful prosecution of his private affairs, found time to discharge important public duties. For many years he was continuously a member of the Town Council, with the exception of his rejection for a twelvemonth in 1853, with several other good men and true, on account of his support of the then unpopular water bill. In 1854 he returned to his place, and in 1859 he attained to the aldermanic bench, upon which his decease will create a vacancy. He acted at various times as chairman of the water, special works, and other committees, in which capacities his business tact and foresight enabled him to render good service to the town, in the progressive capabilities of which he was a firm believer. Hence works of improvement found in him a staunch supporter. He was never given to much speaking, and his remarks were always practical and to the point. In politics the deceased gentleman was a Conservative, and he was a member of the Church of England, having been churchwarden of the parish of Holy Trinity. He was twice married, and has left a widow and a family of twelve children. In token of respect for his memory the Corporation flags at the Guildhall and on the Hoe are at half mast.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 June 1870
PLYMOUTH - A Man Drowned In The Sound. - The Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest last evening at the Guildhall on the body of ROBERT CHAFFE, a porter. The deceased was last seen alive at five o'clock yesterday morning, when he was proceeding along George-street, apparently in a sober state towards the railway station. Two hours later his body was seen by a young man named George Thomas washing against the rocks at Rusty Anchor, at the back of West Hoe-terrace. Two gentlemen passing at the time told Thomas to fetch the Hoe constable, and he at once ran to Kessel's house. In the meantime a waterman towed the body into the Pebble Beach east of the West Hoe Baths. The Jury thought that when the body was first discovered an effort should have been made to have got it on shore, as life might not at that time have been extinct. - Thomas explained that he was too much frightened at what he saw, and he hastened to do as directed by the gentlemen. - The Coroner considered such assistance was not given as they had a right to expect. - The deceased, who was about fifty years of age, had of late been in a desponding state, and for the last three weeks he had been out of work. The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased was Found Drowned, but how he got into the water there was no evidence to shew."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 June 1870
TRURO - SAMUEL THOMAS, of Plymouth, who has been in the habit of attending fairs with a cup and balls, fell in Kenwyn-street, Truro, on Sunday and died within a few minutes. The deceased, who had been in Truro in a destitute condition for some days, had just partaken of bread and butter for tea, which had been given to him by the landlord of the Golden Lion Inn. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" has been returned by a Coroner's Jury.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 June 1870
PETER TAVY - An Inquest was held at Petertavy, on Monday, before Mr A. B. Bone, County Coroner, on the body of an old man called ROBERT ASH, aged 72, who was killed at Wheal Friendship on the previous Friday. He had been working a machine on one of the landings at the surface, and was missed for a few minutes. On looking for him it was found that he had fallen over an embankment about 10 feet high, and must have been killed instantly, as he fell on his head. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 June 1870
PLYMOUTH - On Saturday morning, at nine o'clock, Mr Brian, the Coroner for Plymouth, held an Inquest at the Guildhall on the body of EDWARD PLACKETT, one of the soldiers drowned on the 22nd May last in the Sound. The evidence was similar to that given in the case of SETH WILLIAMS, and the Jury, of which Mr Thomas Brown was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Morning News, Friday 17 June 1870
BRIXHAM - The Jury at the Coroner's Inquest on the body of the coal-porter ELLIS, who hanged himself on Wednesday at Higher Brixham, have returned a verdict of "Committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 June 1870
PLYMOUTH - Coroner's Inquest At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall upon the body of JOHN IFE. A labourer named James said he was walking that morning near the ladies' bathing place under the Hoe, and seeing something black in the water took off his cloths and brought the body of the deceased to the beach, where a hat, supposed to belong to the dead man, was found. - EMMA IFE stated that she was the wife of the deceased, whom she had last seen alive about half-past four on Tuesday morning, when he went out for a walk,. He had been several years servant to Mr Mulley, and appeared to be comfortable. She could not imagine any reason for his committing suicide. - P.C. Jones found two books, a newspaper, 10s. 6d. in silver and 1s. 0 ½d. upon the deceased, who, in his opinion, had been for several hours in the water. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 June 1870
PLYMOUTH - A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday at Ford, concerning the death of GEORGE PENGELLY, 37 years of age, who committed suicide by hanging himself in a wood near Camel's Head. The deceased, who has been in a desponding state for the last two months, left his home on Tuesday afternoon, telling his wife he was going to Plymouth, and was not seen again until Wednesday afternoon, when his lifeless body was discovered. The Jury found that the unfortunate man committed Suicide while in an Unsound State of Mind.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 June 1870
TORQUAY - Death By Drowning At Torquay. - An Inquest was held by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, yesterday, on the body of DAVID WHITE, who was drowned in the new harbour works last Saturday night. Several witnesses were examined, and from their evidence it appeared that the deceased and three or four others were engaged in extending the outer staging of the new pier head, and were carrying out some railway metals for the purpose of laying down. Deceased had hold of one end of a rail and was walking backwards with it, and in stepping from the permanent work to the plank staging the deceased missed his footing and fell into the sea, his head coming in contact with a cross beam as he went down. The water was 25 feet deep. The body was recovered in about half an hour. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and gave their fees to Acting Police Sergeant Board to hand over to the deceased's widow, who has been left with five young children.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 July 1870
PLYMOUTH - Suspected Child Murder At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening by Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, concerning the death of a newly-born male child found in the closet of 132 King-street West. About seven o'clock on Sunday morning a young girl went to the closet, and saw a child which had been thrust, head downwards, into the narrow portion of the pan. She informed the landlord, Mr J. Heals, who took the child out. Upon his doing so, some coloured fluid, which filled the closet up to the feet of the child, ran off. This fluid, it was considered, must have been thrown in after the body had been forcibly placed in the position described, as the closet contained no trapand; the water must otherwise have run away. A policeman was called in, and spots were traced from the court through the passage and up the stairs to the door of a room occupied by a labourer named VICARY and his wife, who is 21 years of age, and has been married for about two years, having had no children previous to Sunday. A stone in the court bore the impress of a child's body. Between ten and eleven o'clock Inspector Daw and P.C. Evens of the Plymouth detective police, went to the house and saw MRS VICARY washing some plates in the room of her mother, MRS WARD. When asked, MRS VICARY raised no objection to the officers going to her room, where spots were found upon the floor, for which she accounted by saying they were marks of red paint. Her husband was not in the house at this time. An attempt had apparently been made t wash the stains outside Mrs Ward's room, and in the room of MRS VICARY. In reply to a remark of P.C. Evens, she said, "I have had no child, and you can send for as many doctors as you like." Dr Pearse came to the house and examined her, she freely submitting. She presented all the appearances of a woman recently confined, without having had any of the ordinary attention paid to her. Inspector Daw took her into custody, and conveyed her in a cab to the Workhouse, where she now remains. In the afternoon some stained underclothing, identified by the husband and mother of MRS VICARY as belonging to her, was found wrapped in an apron, and concealed under the bed. An attempt had been made to wash the articles. Mrs Ward, the mother of the woman, positively asserted that she had no idea that her daughter was enceinte, and that she did not see her between half-past eleven on Saturday night, when she went to her room, and the discovery of the body on Sunday morning. The husband, who thought his wife was enceinte, stated that he went to bed about half-past one on Sunday morning, went to sleep, and did not wake until half-past eight, about an hour and a half after the body was found. Dr Pearse made a post mortem examination of the body yesterday. It was that of a fully-developed and well-formed child, although small for a male. The placentia was attached to the body. There were no marks of violence. The lungs were partially inflated, and of a light pink colour, thus shewing they had come into contact with the air. They floated both when entire and when divided. The child had breathed but imperfectly. The lungs crepitated slightly on pressure, and their appearance might be accounted for by the child having breathed in the act of parturition, not having been completely born. Children might be born alive and yet breathe imperfectly, dying after a few gasps. He could not undertake to say that the child was fully born alive. It might have lived with a proper amount of care, and might have died in the act of parturition. - The Jury, a double one, found that the child was that of SARAH VICARY, that it was found dead, but that whether it was born alive or how it came into the closet there was no evidence to shew. - The Inquiry lasted for more than three hours. The woman when sufficiently well will be brought before the magistrates.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 July 1870
EXETER - WILLIAM EASTERBROOK, a tailor, residing in Paul-street, Exeter, committed suicide yesterday morning by hanging himself. Deceased had for some time been a sufferer from epileptic fits, and had been in a desponding state. His wife carried him a cup of tea to his bedroom yesterday morning, and half an hour afterwards found him hanging by a rope to a clothes hook behind the door. He was quite dead when cut down. At an Inquest held in the afternoon a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 July 1870
PLYMOUTH - Mr Brian, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Sailors' Home concerning the death of GEORGE MORRIS, late a seaman on board the barque Viking, at present lying in the Great Western Docks. Deceased, who had been lodging at the Home since Monday, was a strong, muscular man, in the prime of life, and apparently in good health. Yesterday morning he went to a dormitory to lie down, and upon a messmate proceeding to the room about an hour afterwards to arouse him, in order that he might come to dinner he was found lying on a bed, dressed and in a dying state. Mr Hicks, surgeon, arrived about ten minutes afterwards, but life was extinct before he came. The master of the Viking, Charles Gentles, tendered himself as a witness in consequence of reports having been circulated that deceased's health had been impaired through being compelled to sleep on deck during the last six weeks of the voyage from Constantinople. Witness stated that the cargo, consisting of maize, having become heated the crew had been in the habit of sleeping on deck to avoid the steam rising from the hold. He had ordered a house on the deck to be cleared for the use of the men, but only two availed themselves of it. Witness further stated, two of the crew corroborating, that deceased had no cause of complaint, and that the food was good, both as regards quantity and quality. The Jury, of whom Mr Putt was Foreman, were perfectly satisfied that no blame was to be attached to anyone, and returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 15 July 1870
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday, before Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, concerning the death of SAMUEL FARLEY. Deceased, who carried on business as a baker in Briton-side, went into his bake-house shortly after five yesterday morning and complained of being unwell. Shortly before seven he assisted in mixing, and suddenly fell to the ground, groaned, and died. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. MR FARLEY was 49 years of age.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 July 1870
TORQUAY - An Inquest was held on Saturday at the Country House Inn, Ellacombe, Torquay, on the body of GEORGE POTTER, a labourer, aged twenty-nine years. He was engaged at a quarry beneath Daddy Hole, and while hauling along a "tilly" or truck he slipped over the edge of the precipice and fell into the sea. James Matthews and Robert Northcote, fellow workmen, hastened to the rescue, and threw ropes to him, but he sank immediately. Grapples were used and the body was recovered in half an hour. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 July 1870
TOTNES - The Death From Drowning At Totnes. - An Inquest was held at Totnes yesterday by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, concerning the death of HENRY HARRIS, nine years of age, who was drowned in the river Dart on Friday evening by accidentally falling from the shooting marsh into the water. Some boys who were bathing near the spot having been informed of the occurrence by a boy, who, although with deceased, did not see him fall into the river, drew the attention of some people on board a small steamboat passing at the time. A man put off from the steamer in a boat, pulled to the spot, and endeavoured with an oar to find the deceased. He did not succeed, and went back to the steamer, which then went on her way to Dartmouth. Mr W. W. Holman stated that he recovered the body by means of a fluking rake after several hours' search, and after he and others had dived several times to endeavour to recover it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned;" and at the suggestion of the Foreman, Mr Theodore Hannaford, they desired the Coroner to communicate with the mayor of the Borough their opinion that so many cases of drowning having occurred, it was a reproach to the inhabitants of the town to remain any longer unprovided with drags and other appliances for the rescue of life and the recovery of bodies. They recommended a supply of such drags, &c., for different parts of the river, and handed in their fees towards the purchase. The Coroner referred to the conduct of Mr W. Holman and the others who dived for the deceased as most praiseworthy.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 July 1870
PLYMOUTH - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday concerning the death of GEORGE SKELTON, aged 50 years. The deceased was in the employ of Mr Rew, brewer, Richmond-street, and when engaged at his work in a loft, on the 12th February last, had occasion to descend a ladder to attend to a copper of hops, which had but a few minutes previous stopped boiling. The ladder slipped, and precipitated the deceased into the copper. He was conveyed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he was found to have been severely scalded about the back and lower parts of the body. Notwithstanding the careful attention bestowed on him the deceased expired on Thursday last. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 August 1870
TORQUAY - A Shocking Sudden Death At Torquay. - WM. EDWORTHY died suddenly at Torquay on Sunday morning. He was about thirty years of age, had served in the navy in the East Indies, and as a petty officer. About six months ago he was paid off, and came home to Torquay. Subsequently he had spent his money very loosely with dissipated people. Last Saturday he was drinking a great part of the day at a public-house near the quay - the Steam Packet Inn. In the evening he got amongst some rough characters and picked up with some of the girls of the town. Later on he took a cab and went home with one of the girls to her lodgings in Ellacombe. When the girl woke about five o'clock next morning the man was lying beside her dead. A Coroner's Inquiry was held last evening.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 August 1870
NEWTON ST CYRES - Murderous Folly At Newton St. Cyres. - An Inquest was held yesterday, near Newton St. Cyres, on the body of THOMAS BASTIN, a child twelve months old, who was shot on Sunday afternoon by Peter Cann, a sawyer, about 18 years of age, under circumstances reported yesterday. The evidence shewed that the gun with which the child was fatally shot belonged to a pensioner named Gibson, who resided next door to BASTIN. Cann went to Gibson's on Sunday afternoon to buy some nuts, and seeing a gun behind the door he took it up. He said to James Perkins, a farm labourer who was in company with him, he would try to frighten the folks next door. He went to the doorway of BASTIN'S house and thrust in the barrel without entering himself. He then pulled the trigger without putting the gun to his shoulder, and shot the child dead, severely wounded the mother, and injured a young man named Elworthy who was in the room. Cann gave evidence at the Inquest and said he believed it was a nut gun, and that it was unloaded. It was part of an old musket which had been fixed to a stock by Gibson, and fastened with a piece of tin. Gibson, who attended fairs with a nut stall, said he had loaded the gun some days before to shoot a blackbird. It was capped, but the hammer was on the cap. - The Coroner censured Gibson for leaving a loaded gun in such a place; and the Jury, after a long deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner (Mr Crosse) told Cann he hoped it would be a warning to him.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 August 1870
TORQUAY - A Torquay Victim To The Drink Trade. - The Coroner's Inquest concerning the death of WILLIAM EDWORTHY, a seaman, who was found dead in a house of bad repute at Ellacombe, Torquay, on Sunday morning, was resumed on Tuesday night, at the Infirmary. A great number of witnesses were examined, and the evidence was to the effect that the deceased was paid off six months ago; that he came to Torquay with more than £100 in his pocket; that he daily frequented the Steam Packet Inn; that he was invariably carried to the house at Ellacombe drunk; that on Saturday he was at the Steam Packet from twelve o'clock in the day to midnight; that he was taken to Ellacombe helplessly drunk, and put on a bed; and that the next morning he was found dead. He had evidently turned his face on the pillow, and, being unable to help himself, was suffocated. The medical evidence was to the effect that the various organs were healthy, but very much congested. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased was Accidentally Suffocated whilst in a state of helpless intoxication." - The coroner severely reprimanded Crocker, the landlord of the Inn, for supplying the man with so much drink when he was already drunk. The woman Farmer was sharply lectured for keeping a disreputable house.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 August 1870
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At Milehouse. - An Inquest was held at the Britannia Inn, Milehouse, on Saturday, by Mr A. B. Bone, the Devonport Borough Coroner, on the body of SUSANNAH MORTIMER, 60 years of age, who died from injuries received by being thrown out of a trap on Friday. Deceased, with three other women and two children, were driven in a light spring trap from Devonport to Milehouse by a man named Muchmore, to whom the pony and trap belonged. They stopped at the Britannia Inn, Milehouse, where they had a quart of porter, and then the head of the pony was turned to proceed down the Saltash road - which is almost at right angles with the Milehouse road - to go to Devonport Workhouse. In turning the corner the trap capsized on the near side where deceased was sitting, and she fell out, receiving internal injuries from which she soon after died. The trap met with no obstruction in turning the corner, and the only explanation of the occurrence was that the spring on deceased's side gave way slightly, and that she then caught hold of Muchmore, pulling him over, and thereby causing him to tighten the rein. It was first stated that the man was drink at the time, but all the witnesses at the Inquest denied this, and the mayor of Devonport also asserted that he was sober, although very much excited. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 August 1870
PLYMOUTH - Mr Brian, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Dolphin Inn last evening concerning the death of the infant daughter, one month old, of MR STANBURY, baker, Southside-street. The child had previously been in good health, but upon the parents awaking at half-past six on Sunday morning, she was found to be dead. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.
Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 August 1870
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Exeter Workhouse on the body of a newly-born child. A young woman named ADAMS, who had been lodging for a few days in Smythen-street, but who belonged to Topsham, was on Monday removed in a cab for the purpose of being taken to the Workhouse to be confined there. While in the cab the child was born, but before medical assistance arrived the infant had died. Medical evidence shewed that it had been Accidentally Suffocated, and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 August 1870
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at the Townhall, Devonport, on Saturday, with reference to the death of GEORGE WHEELER, 50 years of age, a retired sergeant in the artillery militia, who died the previous evening. On Friday morning the deceased drank a pint and half of ale, besides taking laudanum. Later in the day he went into a grocer's shop, sat on a chair, and shortly afterwards became insensible. Mr R. J. Laity stated that the deceased died from apoplexy, which might have been accelerated by drinking laudanum. A verdict in accordance with this testimony was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Destitution And Death At Plymouth. - Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry on Saturday at the Queen's Arms Inn, North-road, Plymouth, concerning the death of BELLA NELSON, who had died in circumstances of great poverty and destitution. Deceased was the wife of a Dane, a bandsman on board H.M.S. Royal Adelaide, who, together with a daughter by a former husband, a child 13 years of age, resided with her. The husband was in receipt of 8s. per week and his rations. Deceased has been suffering for a considerable time from consumption, and about a fortnight since sent her daughter to Mr Mayell, relieving officer of the district, who, finding that the child's stepfather was a bandsman, and slept at home every night, hesitated to give her a medical order. Eventually one was given and Mr Graham, surgeon, saw the deceased. He prescribed medicine for her, and subsequently gave a recommendation for the supply of meat. This was taken to the office of Mr Mayell, who declined to accede to it, telling the child that her stepfather should call himself. Mr Graham stated that finding the recommendation was not complied with he desisted from giving any further aid in the case, which was clearly one in which not medicine, but nourishment of an extra kind, such as beef, arrowroot, and wine were required, things which [?] in the circumstances of deceased could not obtain. If his recommendation had been complied with he should have given others for articles of the same description. Although the illness of the woman was sure to have had a fatal termination; yet, if she had had extra nourishment her life might have been extended, and she might have been living at the present time. - Mr Mayell gave evidence, and Mr J. W. Matthews, clerk of the Plymouth Board of Guardians, explained to the Jury that recommendations such as the one given by Mr Graham were not obligatory on Mr Mayell, who was bound to exercise discretion as to whether he ought to comply with it. In the present case the husband received as good as 10s. per week, and it was not Mr Mayell's duty to comply with the medical recommendation. - The Coroner having summed up, and pointed out the law bearing upon the case, the room was cleared. After a long deliberation, the Jury, of which Mr George Rogers was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Died from Natural Causes," appending a statement that they considered the husband was to blame in not making a personal application to the relieving officer and that Mr Mayell should be censured for not complying with the medical officer's recommendation, or at least for not going himself personally to inquire into the case.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 August 1870
PLYMOUTH - A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday at the Marine Hotel, Coxside, Plymouth, concerning the death of JOHN SAMUEL REED BUNCEHALL, who fell over and was found lying dead at the bottom of the stairs by his wife, with whom he resided at Teat's-hill. Deceased received an injury to his head at Keyham factory about twelve months since, and was very excitable. He had had an altercation with a man just previous to his death on Saturday evening. A verdict of "Death from an Accidental Fall" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 August 1870
PLYMOUTH - Two men in the employ of Messrs. Barter and Jordan were on Wednesday evening pushing a cart down Harwell-street, Plymouth. When near Glanville-street they felt a jerk, and immediately after they saw that they had run over a child. One of the men quickly took the child to Dr Square, who pronounced the case hopeless, and the child died two hours afterwards. No one seems to have seen the deceased until the cart had passed over it. The child was two years old, and was the son of JAMES EDWARD NAPPER, cooper in the Sugar Refinery, Mill-lane, Plymouth. An Inquest was held last evening, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 September 1870
EAST STONEHOUSE - A Brutal Sergeant Of Marines. - Mr Allan B. Bone, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Stonehouse concerning the death of SARAH MARIA RYAN, who, it was said, had died from injuries received from her husband, WM. RYAN, a sergeant in the Marines. The deceased had been attended during her illness by a girl named Jennett, and she had several times complained of severe suffering. On Monday, the 15th, the deceased, who was pregnant, went to the house of her brother, ALFRED ARNOLD, High street, Stonehouse, where she met her husband, and there was a quarrel. RYAN asked her why she did not come back, and struck her violently. ARNOLD, who was in the room at the time of the occurrence, gave his evidence in a very loose and ambiguous manner. He said he did not see the occurrence because his sight was bad. He was frequently told by the Coroner to tell all he knew about the affair, and not to perjure himself. - Evidence was given that the deceased had several times complained of her husband's ill-treatment, and that he frequently threatened to stab her with a knife. - Mr Bulteel, who made a post mortem examination on the body of the deceased, said he could arrive at no other conclusion than that she had died from natural causes, and added that fright might have caused miscarriage. - After consideration, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and added that they wished the Coroner to censure RYAN for his cruel conduct towards his wife. - The Coroner strongly admonished him for his cowardly conduct in striking a woman, and especially who was his wife, and who was in a debilitated physical condition. As a soldier and a man, he should always be humane; and he ought surely to be ashamed and disgusted with himself at having ill-treated his wife in a manner so shameful and deplorable. The deceased was 34 years of age, and leaves three young children.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 September 1870
DARTMOUTH - A Coroner's Inquest was held last evening at Dartmouth, before Mr Puddicombe, concerning the death of WILLIAM DAVIDGE, who was drowned at Redlap Cove, near Dartmouth, on the 22nd of August. The body was identified by the widow. Robert Godfrey deposed to finding the body. Henry Coaker deposed that on the 22nd ult., he was out in a yacht and saw a lighter coming out of Redlap Cove. She was deeply laden, and appeared to roll over and go down. He attributed the accident to over-loading. He bore down on the lighter and was on the spot in about five or six minutes, but could see nothing of the men; a few planks were floating about. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." - The body of the other man Godfrey, has not yet been recovered.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 September 1870
SANDFORD - A Man named HARFORD, accidentally set fire to his clothes in a limekiln at Sandford, near Exeter, on Monday week last received injuries which resulted in his death. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 September 1870
EXETER - THOMAS SULLIVAN, railway clerk, the young man who fell out of a train on the North Devon Railway, near the Eggesford station, some weeks ago, died on Friday last at the Devon and Exeter Hospital. It will be remembered that the deceased was missed from a compartment of a train, the both doors of which were locked, and early the next morning he was discovered sitting on an embankment close by the line of rails, about a mile and a quarter on the Southmolton side of the Eggesford station. An Inquest was held on the body on Saturday, when the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." No evidence as to how deceased got out of the train was given at the inquest.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 September 1870
PLYMOUTH - Mr Brian, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday, concerning the death of MARGARET MARTIN, 83 years of age. The old woman lived in a room at 6 Moon-street, alone, and received 3s. a week parochial relief. A neighbour, named Eliza Wright, who had been very kind to her, found her dead in her bed at seven o'clock yesterday morning. There was no fireplace in her room, and the deceased was in great destitution, having hardly anything but rags about her. She had been a widow for years. Many of the Jury thought it was a pity that the old woman could not have been induced to go into the Workhouse, and in this the Coroner concurred. A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident On Board The Inconstant. - Mr A. B. Bone, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on the body of SAMUEL SHATTOCK, who was killed on board H.M.S. Inconstant on Friday whilst on her way from Vigo to Plymouth. The captain of the vessel, Captain Aplin, ordered the men to be at quarters on Friday and exercise the guns. Among those who were working the after pivot gun was GUNNER SHATTOCK, aged 23, a native of Taunton. The gun "fetched away," throwing the men who were attending the "falls" off it. It then surged round, and no one being there to stop its course, knocked down SHATTOCK, who was at his proper station, killing him instantaneously. Several of the Jury asked questions of the witnesses with the view of ascertaining what their opinions were as to the propriety of ordering the men to quarters on a day when there was a stiff breeze blowing with a good sea on. The answers given were contradictory, and the Coroner adjourned the Inquest until Thursday, in order that Captain Aplin might attend.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 September 1870
KINGSBRIDGE - Two Inquests were held at Kingsbridge yesterday by Mr Michelmore. The first was on HENRY CAMPION, who committed suicide by cutting his throat and a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.
The second was on THOMAS STONEMAN, aged 22 years, a man in the employ of Mrs Jarvis, Phoenix brewery, Dodbrooke. The unfortunate man, while engaged in his work on the 30th of August, had to walk across a large cauldron, in which was boiling liquid 22 inches deep. The plank slipped, and he fell into the liquor on his legs, being immersed half-way up his thighs. Although he sprang out immediately, the scalds were so severe that he lingered in great pain until yesterday morning at five o'clock, when he died, lock-jaw having seized him a short time previously. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 September 1870
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Accident On Board The Inconstant. The Captain Censured By A Coroner's Jury. - The adjourned Inquest concerning the death of SAMUEL SHATTOCK, gunner Royal Marine Artillery, who was killed on board the Inconstant on the 9th instant, was held yesterday at the Stonehouse Police Station by Mr A. B. Bone, jun., Deputy County Coroner. Deceased was engaged in working the after pivot gun, when it "fetched way," and threw off the men who were attending the falls. It then surged round, and, no one being there to stop it, knocked down the deceased, who was 21 years of age, killing him instantly. Captain Elphinstone, D'O. D'A. Aplin, who was in command of the vessel at the time, attended the Inquiry yesterday, and produced the ship's log book. - The Coroner, addressing him, said the Inquest had been adjourned as he (Captain Aplin) had given orders for the guns to be worked, as several of the witnesses swore that they believed at the time they went to work the guns there was danger, and that working the after pivot gun caused deceased's death. He (the Coroner) mentioned this as no man was bound to make any statement that might prejudice him. - Captain Aplin said the responsibility for what occurred on board the ship rested entirely with him, but he wished to know before he was sworn why he was called on to attend an Inquest when he was not present at the time the accident occurred. - The Coroner: Because in pursuance of an order you gave the man met with his death. - Captain Aplin said he was quite willing to assist the Jury, and being sworn, gave evidence, of which the following, omitting several slight altercations with the Coroner, is a summary:- At the time the accident took place - shortly before ten in the morning - the ship was heeling over 16 degrees to starboard. With proper care there would be no danger in working the guns with the ship heeling over to such an extent. There was nothing whatever at the time to prevent the guns from being cast adrift, and he had no hesitation in ordering the ship's company to go to quarters, considering the weather and everything relating to the duty the men had to perform. The witness here insisted that the exact words he had uttered should be taken down. - The Coroner said it was very unusual in a court of justice to dictate what questions should be asked. - After some further remarks the witness stated that he had been on the bridge and saw what the roll was ten minutes or quarter of an hour before giving the order to go to quarters, and immediately after giving the order he went on the bridge again. Previous to giving the order he satisfied himself that the weather was sufficiently fine to go to general quarters. - The Coroner inquired if the witness thought it was perfectly safe to work the gun when the ship was heeling over to 16 degrees? - Witness considered walking along the streets dangerous, for a chimney pot might fall. There was danger in any weather, and it would be "rather strong" for any man to say on oath what was perfectly safe. - The Coroner: You expressed an opinion to me that no Inquest was necessary; will you be kind enough to explain why you think so? - Witness, in reply, stated that his official instructions did not require an Inquest to be held in the event of a man dying or accidentally meeting with his death on board ship, unless the captain desired it. At the time of the accident the Inconstant was from 130 to 140 miles from land. - The Coroner remarked that something was said at the previous Inquiry that the deceased would have been buried at sea, if it had not been for the wish of his messmates. - Witness replied that whenever a man met with his death at sea, if there were a probability of the ship being soon in harbour, he was buried on land; if not, or if his messmates did not wish it, he was buried at sea. He had had deceased's messmates consulted upon the subject, and the answer was that they thought they would wish him to be buried on shore. - The Coroner wished to know whether witness considered it was perfectly safe to work the after pivot gun, 6 ½ tons in weight, when the ship was heeling over 16 degrees. He would be glad of a specific and not a general, answer. - Witness: Certainly, with proper care. - The Coroner remarked that that opened another question. Did the witness mean with more than ordinary care? - Captain Aplin said he saw the gun moved up. It appeared perfectly safe. By proper care he meant ordinary care under the circumstances. He was not aware of any peculiar danger in working the after pivot gun. They were under steam and sail, and going at the rate of twelve knots an hour. He should not think there was more danger in working a pivot gun than another, but there was more difficulty. They would have to fight when the ship was heeling over 16 degrees, and it was their duty to become accustomed to it. There was a stop handspike as well as a table to stop the gun. - Lieutenant Donald, R.M.A., who was in command of the party working the gun, here remarked that the gun had not arrived at the point where the stop handspike should be used. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it appeared to him on the day the Inquiry commenced that it should be adjourned, in order that Capt. Aplin might be present. The only question was whether proper care was observed. Several of the men who were working the gun expressed the opinion, before they went to work, that there was danger. The captain, who gave the order, was on the bridge three or four minutes before the accident. [Capt. Aplin observed that he could not be positive to a minute.] If Capt. Aplin meant thirteen or fourteen minutes, there was no reliance to be placed upon his statement made on oath. Many of the men said before working the gun that they considered it would be dangerous, and the deceased himself observed that it was a "leg breaking" case. - Lieut. Donald, being referred to , interposed to explain what he meant by the evidence he gave on the previous occasion. He did not think they would have gone to general quarters when the ship was heeling over so much; not because of any fear of danger, but because it would be very hard work for the men, and very little good would result from it. There would not have been any danger if he had had a turn taken in the lee tackle. - The Coroner, in the course of some further remarks, said it was not respectful to the Court to come there and slur the questions that were asked. His remarks were not meant to apply to Lieut. Donald, but in another quarter. Did Mr Donald think it safe to work the gun with the ship heeling over 16 degrees? - [Lieut. Donald: Certainly.] The Inquest ought to have been held by the Coroner of Saltash, who had jurisdiction over the neighbouring waters, but the body having been landed in his district he had no alternative but to hold it. - After about twenty minutes' private deliberation, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Foreman adding, "the Jury are of opinion that the captain did not use sufficient discretion in going to quarters in such weather."

Western Morning News, Saturday 17 September 1870
LYNTON - Sudden Death Of A Q.C. In North Devon. - A Coroner's Inquest was held at Lynton on Thursday concerning the death of MR ALEXANDER NORMAN. Q.C., a gentleman between 50 and 60 years of age, residing at Rutland-square, Dublin. The deceased arrived at Lynton alone on the previous morning, called at the Valley of Rocks Hotel, where he ordered a place to be kept for him at the table d'hote at seven o'clock, and a bed for the night, and then left, saying he was going for a walk. In the afternoon, as Mr A. Ditchfield, of London, a visitor at Lynton, was returning with several ladies from Lynmouth from a drive, he saw the deceased lying on his face by the side of the road. He lifted him up, and found him to be quite dead. - Mr F. R. Fairbank having given evidence, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from Natural Causes - probably disease of the heart.

TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at Torquay yesterday on the bodies of two workmen named STRAWBRIDGE and VEALE, who were killed on Thursday at the new harbour works by the falling of a crane. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday, at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on the body of ELIZA JANE STREET, eight years of age, who died from injuries received by falling into the fire in a room. The evidence went to shew that deceased accidentally met with her death, and the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the circumstances.

Western Morning News, Monday 19 September 1870
ASHBURTON - Fatal Accident At Ashburton. - Mr Michelmore, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Market Hall, Ashburton, on Friday, on the body of MR GEORGE EDGECOMBE, saddler, of that town, who died from injuries sustained by being thrown out of a trap whilst returning from Widdecombe fair on the previous Tuesday night. Deceased was in his trap alone, the person who had accompanied him to the fair returning home on foot, starting before deceased, believing that he would overtake him. He did not consider MR EDGECOMBE in an unfit state to manage the horse. Messrs. Easterbrook and Northcott, farmers, who rode on their horses in front and behind deceased respectively, stated that the trap upset in rounding the turn at Chittleford Farm. Deceased had a wound in his right temple about two inches long, from which a large quantity of blood was lost. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," appending a suggestion to the effect that the Coroner should communicate with the Highway Board relative to the dangerous state of the road, and the turning near Chittleford Farm. At the conclusion of the Inquest the Coroner asked whose duty it was to keep the room - the Market Hall - in repair, and on being informed that it was the lord of the manor, who intended visiting Ashburton the following day, he expressed a hope "That he would find it necessary to sit there," referring to the dust on the bench, tables and forms in the room.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 September 1870
DAWLISH - JOHN BATTEN, aged sixty-three, a resident of Dawlish, was found hanging behind his room door in that town on Monday night, and at the Inquest yesterday evidence was given shewing that deceased's mind seemed impaired of late. A verdict of "Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind" was returned.

PAIGNTON - The Coroner's Inquest on the body of GEORGE LEAR, who was killed by falling into an open quarry at Paignton, has resulted in a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Jury recommended that Mr Belfield, the owner of the quarry, be requested to build a wall around his property, which the Coroner undertook to communicate to him.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 October 1870
EXETER - Strange Suicide At Exeter. - Mr Hooper, Coroner, held an Inquest at Mount Radford, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, on the body of SARAH LEY, a young woman 26 years, the daughter of the landlady of the Mount Radford Inn. According to the evidence of her mother, a widow, deceased has been in a feeble state of health for some time; and her mind suffered. At night she would wander about the house declaring there was somebody on the roof, whistling down the chimneys. Deceased was missed on Friday afternoon; but her mother, thinking she had gone to Countess Weir, two or three miles distant, was not uneasy about her, and does not appear to have been alarmed at not seeing her for the night. ~She had noticed that the door of one of the rooms on the ground floor was locked, but this raised no suspicion in her mind. The next morning she found that there was no key in the lock of this door. Still she waited until the evening, when she had the door broken open. In one corner of the room huddled up she found the body of her daughter quite dead. On Sunday morning she found a bottle of laudanum in an upstair room, which had been taken from a drawer which MRS LEY kept locked, but the lock had been forced. No post mortem examination had been made; but acting on an opinion expressed by Dr Elliott, the Jury returned a verdict that deceased had poisoned herself with laudanum while in an Unsound State of Mind.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Effects Of A Mother's Drunkenness. - The sad and it is believed fatal results of parental neglect will form the subject of a Coroner's Inquest at Stonehouse today. On Tuesday last a child named JOHN LORD, two years of age, whose parents reside at Cleave's Cottages, George-street, Stonehouse, was conveyed to the Workhouse by order of Mr Perry, the medical officer, who visited the child in consequence of an information given to the relieving officer. The little fellow was in a most deplorable condition. He was covered with vermin, his hair was closely matted to his head, and he was suffering from water on the brain, but principally from starvation and neglect. He gradually sank, and died between eight and nine on Saturday morning. As we stated on Friday, the Guardians decided at their meeting on the previous day to prosecute the mother, in consequence of the report given by Mr Bignell, the relieving officer, who said when he visited her she had a pack of cards telling her fortune, the child lying asleep on a heap of straw in a corner of the room, which was in a most filthy state. Her husband is a marine, at present in the hospital, and when the lieutenant of marines made his periodical visit he was shewn into the clean room of a neighbour instead of her own dirty apartment, in order that her husband should not be ordered to reside in the barracks. The woman although young, is said to be of very intemperate habits, and the deceased was her only child.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 October 1870
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sad Death Of A Child At Stonehouse. - On the morning of the 4th of the present month Mr Bignall, the relieving officer of Stonehouse, went to 1 Cleave's cottages, George-street, and found a child about two years old in a shocking condition. The child was named JOHN LORD, and was the son of a marine, who is addicted to drunkenness, and who now lies in hospital with the worst of diseases. The mother, an Irishwoman, was sitting on some straw in a corner of the room with a broken chair in front of her, on which were a few playing cards, the remainder of a pack she had in her hand, and she was apparently "telling her own fortune." There was a portion of a bedstead in the room; some of the posts were against the wall, and others on the floor. There was nothing on the bedstead, and this and the chair were the only articles of furniture in the room. The child was lying on the straw apparently asleep, with a small piece of rag over him. Grease was literally piled up in some places on the chair, which had served for a candlestick. The room had a very dirty appearance, and indicated general neglect. Mr Bignall went to the Marine Infirmary. Dr Burnett visited the child, who was taken to the Workhouse. Every attention was paid to it in the Workhouse by the nurse, but it died on the Saturday following the relieving officer's visit. At the Inquest on the child yesterday, it was stated by a person named Hawthorne, living in the cottage, that the child was delicate and sickly from birth and that the mother fed it with arrowroot and other meat, but it vomited as soon as it was fed. She had seen the mother drunk once. She had frequently lent the mother of the child money to buy eatables, and had often attended to the child by night. Another neighbour asserted that the mother and her husband were both too fond of drink, and it was also elicited that the woman was in receipt of 5s. 10d. per week, the smallness of the sum being accounted for by the deductions from the usual pay while her husband was in hospital, and that she spent 6d. a week in tobacco for her husband, and 1s. 3d. for rent; also that she had had arrowroot and wine supplied her from the Dispensary. A post mortem examination was made by Mr Perry and Mr Bulteel at the request of the Coroner, Mr A. B. Bone, sen.; and Mr Perry, who gave evidence, believed that the child died from disease of the brain, but that this was not occasioned by deficient aliment or personal attention. The Jury returned a verdict to that effect, but the Coroner strongly censured the mother, who was present, for her "disgraceful conduct."

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 October 1870
PLYMOUTH - Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Dock Hotel, Plymouth, yesterday, to Inquire into the cause of the death of a man named BATHURST, fifty-five years of age. It was shewn that the deceased received injuries, which resulted fatally, in the lower part of his body while engaged in rolling a cask of sugar in the Great Western Docks, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 October 1870
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Captain, R.A. - CAPTAIN ANDREW HENRY, R.A., V.C., commanding the 4th division of coast brigade, died suddenly at Plymouth on Friday night. The deceased was a gallant soldier, and greatly respected, having by his own exertions and merit won his way to the position he held. He has been for many years stationed in the Western District, and on Friday he had been over a Bovisand (accompanied by his wife and one of his children, and a lady friend) to superintend gun practice by a detachment of his division, on which occasion he appeared to be in his usual excellent health and spirits. The practice over, he returned to the Citadel about 6.30 p.m., and whilst sitting at the table in his quarters, in cheerful conversation with his family and friends, including Captain Grier, he was suddenly observed to put his hand to his head, at the same time complaining of an unusual sensation of giddiness, and changing colour. Before medical aid could be procured he had fallen from his chair. Dr McAdam, who attended immediately afterwards, pronounced him quite dead. - On Saturday evening the Borough coroner, (Mr T. C. Brian) held an Inquest on the body, and the Jury, after hearing the facts, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Captain Grier desired that the expenses which he was allowed as a witness might be handed over to the Captain Relief Fund. - CAPTAIN HENRY, who was only 45 years of age, served in the Eastern campaign, of 1854-55, including the battles of Alma, Balaklava, and Inkerman, and the siege of Sebastopol (medal with four clasps and Turkish medal), and received the Victoria Cross for defending the guns of his battery against overwhelming numbers of the enemy at the battle of Inkerman, and continuing to do so until he had received 12 bayonet wounds. An older brother of the deceased, who will, we understand, be present at the funeral, which takes place on Wednesday at the Cemetery, is captain-commanding the 8th Division of Coast Brigade R.A., at Dublin, and who also distinguished himself in the Crimean war. A younger brother lost his life in the service of his country, having been blown up, with many others, at the great magazine explosion in the Crimea.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 October 1870
DAWLISH - Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday, at Dawlish, concerning the death of WM. JOHN MAYS, late of Devonport, who was found dead early on Wednesday morning, in the pond near the railway station. - ANNIE MAYS, deceased's wife, said she resided at 7 Charlotte-terrace, Morice Town, Devonport. The deceased had been master-at-arms in the Royal navy, but was discharged on account of his suffering from paralysis, of which he had several attacks. He left home unknown to her on Tuesday morning. About three months since he had a seizure, and had since complained very much of severe pains in the head. She had been in the habit of dressing and undressing him, as he was incapable of doing so himself. The Jury found a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 October 1870
PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was held yesterday at the Dock Hotel, by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth, into the cause of the death of WILLIAM ALLEN, 88 years of age, who was found dead in bed. He was heard to get out of and into bed about four hours previous to the discovery of his death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH CHARLES THE MARTYR - The Fatal Accident On Roborough Down. - The Inquiry into the death of SERGEANT MOLES, of the South Devon Militia, was held yesterday at the Mutley Barracks. Deceased and his wife went on the 12th inst. to Tavistock Goose Fair, where they dined and took tea. They left Tavistock at about seven o'clock sober, according to the evidence of a witness who saw them there. A little after eight o'clock they had a small quantity of spirit and water at the Roborough Inn, and soon afterwards left, the deceased driving the trap. Between nine and ten o'clock a cabman, returning from the fair with a party, found the deceased and his wife lying insensible in the road opposite to Sir Massey Lopes's lodge gate. Mr Langford, surgeon, attended to them, and they were taken to the Mutley Barracks, where the deceased died early on Saturday morning, having been insensible throughout his illness, with the exception of about a quarter of an hour. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 October 1870
HOLNE - A Surgeon Censured By A Coroner's Jury. - An Inquest was held at Holne, near Ashburton, on Saturday evening for Inquiry into the cause of the death of a labourer, named FRENCH, who died the previous day. The deceased and another man, both of whom were in the employ of Mr Savery, of Holne Court Farm, were, about a fortnight since, engaged in driving a young horse, when it became restive; and one of the shafts of the cart struck deceased a violent blow in the side, and jammed him against a post. Mr Kiernan, surgeon, Buckfastleigh, was called in to see him, and said he had received a shock but would be all right again in a few days. On the Sunday after the accident, however, a friend of deceased's persuaded him to seek further advice, and consequently Mr Ubsdell, another surgeon of Buckfastleigh was sent for, but not being home at the time did not see him until the next day. When he came he stated that several of the deceased's ribs were broken, and one or more of them thrust into his lungs. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", coupling with it a censure upon Mr Kiernan and Mr Savery, the former for his indiscreet advice, and the latter for his non-attendance at the Inquest.

Western Morning News, Monday 31 October 1870
TOTNES - The Strange Suicide At Totnes. - An Inquest was held at the Albert Inn, Bridgetown, on Saturday, by Mr Henry Michelmore, County coroner, concerning the death of the man who, as we stated on Saturday, was found drowned in the River Dart on the previous day. MRS SUTHERLAND, of Harberton, near Totnes, identified the body as that of her father, MR WM. ELLIOTT, a greengrocer of Clerkenwell, London. The deceased had been in a desponding state since the death of his wife, which took place about two years ago. She had received a letter from her brother in London, stating that the deceased left home without saying where he was going, and on hearing that a man had been found drowned at Totnes, she proceeded there, and found that it was her father. He was seventy-one years of age. The Jury returned a verdict that "Deceased Drowned himself while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 November 1870
EXETER - The Infant daughter of MRS SANSOM, a nurse at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, died on Monday in consequence of injuries sustained through her clothes having caught fire. The child was kept by a Mrs Kendall, of St Thomas, and while she was putting her own children to bed the deceased's clothes came in contact with the flame of a lamp. At an Inquest held yesterday afternoon a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - A Coroner's Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday, concerning the death of HENRY ALLEY, aged 64. The deceased was formerly a groom, and lived with his wife. He retired to bed on Monday night in good health, but yesterday morning his wife was surprised that he did not answer her call and found he was dead. The deceased had attended St Andrew's Church on the previous day. It was stated that the man and wife had 5s. a week from the parish, and that that was all they had to live on. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Sad Case Of Sudden Death. - A more than ordinarily solemn and painful instance of sudden death was the subject of Inquiry yesterday before Mr Brian, Borough Coroner. The deceased was MR THOMAS LATIMER LATIMER, second son of MR ISAAC LATIMER, of St. Michael's-terrace, Plymouth, a member of the Town Council. MR THOMAS LATIMER, who has for some years past held a responsible position in connection with the commercial department of the Western Daily Mercury, of which his father is proprietor, left his home on Monday evening about nine o'clock, and in passing the house of Mr MacGuinness, in James-street, dropped in and partook of a glass of ale; at that time he appeared well and cheerful. Before he left the house he complained of pain in the nape of his neck, but after a little time this passed off, and he left the house. A few minutes afterwards a postman coming through the lane leading from Endsleigh-place to James-street, met him walking slowly, and supporting himself by the wall. He asked MR LATIMER if he was all right, and received the reply, "Yes, thank you;" but returning to the lane after a lapse of a few minutes, the postman saw him sitting on a doorstep, groaning heavily. He assisted him to Mr MacGuinness's house, where he received careful attention, and was left at his own request in a sitting room, he saying that a little sleep would refresh him, as he believed he was suffering from a bilious attack. Mr MacGuinness looked into the room ten minutes afterwards and observing that an alarming change had come over MR LATIMER'S countenance sought medical aid. Mr W. J. Square, F.R.C.S. was promptly in attendance, and stated to the Jury at the Inquest that upon his arrival he found deceased reclining in an easy chair and unconscious, in which state he remained until his death. He applied the usual remedies but feeling convinced that he would die speedily sent for his relatives. The deceased gradually sank, and died at about quarter-past eleven. At that time Mr Square felt very uncertain as to the cause of death, and therefore made a post mortem examination of the body yesterday. He found the various organs of the chest and abdomen perfectly healthy, but the blood vessels of the surface of the brain were much injected or full of blood. A large clot of blood was upon the cerebellum, and the ventricles of the brain itself were also considerably distended with blood, and it was evident that there had been disease of the brain of some standing. This represents an unusual and intense form of apoplexy, always rapidly fatal, the situation of the blood producing general, and not local paralysis. He was decidedly of opinion that sanguineous apoplexy, and nothing deleterious received into deceased's system, was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and recorded their high opinion of the kindness of Mr MacGuinness to deceased, and the clear manner in which Mr Square had explained the cause of death. - MR LATIMER was 25 years of age, and was a member of the 2nd Devon Light Horse Volunteers.

STOKE DAMEREL - A fortnight since JAMES MILFORD, stoker, employed at the Devonport Gasworks, whilst engaged in assisting to carry a scoop of coals to one of the "retorts," was injured by the handle striking him in the abdomen, the blow being caused by the scoop coming in contact with the retort before touching the mouth. Up to Sunday last he was considered to be steadily recovering, but on that day bad symptoms set in, and he died on Monday from, as Dr Rolston certified, "Inflammation of the Bowels after Injury." At the Inquest held yesterday by Mr Bone, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 November 1870
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday, before Mr Brian, Coroner, concerning the death of RICHARD PROCTOR, aged 60. Robert Edwards, inspector of the Plymouth police, stated that about a month ago deceased came to the station-house between 11 and 12 p.m. for a night's rest. He said he was engaged in bringing wood from Beeralston to Plymouth. Witness was called about 10.30 yesterday night to the Napoleon Inn, High-street, and there saw the deceased dead. - Mr Pellow, of the Napoleon Inn, said that he had known the deceased about 12 months. He came on Tuesday night for a bed, and went to bed about ten o'clock, saying that he was very poorly. After he had been in bed about an hour, witness heard some knocking, and on going up to deceased's bedroom saw him lying on his right side with his eyes open, apparently dead. - Henry Blackmoor, a labourer of Tamerton Foliott, stated that he knew the deceased. His home was at Beer. He believed he was receiving parish pay. He did not think deceased had any other means of subsistence. - The Jury, after hearing some further evidence, returned a verdict that "The Deceased died from Want of the Common Necessaries of Life."

Western Morning News, Monday 7 November 1870
COOKBURY - Killed By A Chaff-Cutting Machine. - Mr R. Fulford, Deputy Coroner for Devon, held an Inquest on Friday, on the body of JOHN HARRIS, a labourer, in the employ of Mr Charles Saunders of Upcott, in the parish of Cookbury, who had been killed on the previous day by becoming entangled in a chaff-cutting machine, worked by water power. The machine was under the charge of Mr Saunders's son, who requiring to stop it in order to get assistance in uncoupling the shafting, told HARRIS to go down and shake the fly. Just as the belt was shifted the fly-wheel went round with a whirl, doubling deceased up round the axle, and killing him on the spot. Dr T. Linnington Ash, of Holsworthy, attended immediately, and found that the injuries which had caused death were chiefly of the head. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," in which the Coroner concurred, recommending, however, that for the future the key of the wheel-room should be in the custody of one person only, and that no one should be allowed to touch the fly-wheel, so long as the gear was on.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 November 1870
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on the body of MARY THOMAS, aged 60. On Sunday the deceased, who has cohabited with a man called THOMAS, left her home, and meeting a woman named Jones they, together, drank a pint of brandy. Parting from her co-sot she is supposed to have walked into the mill-stream by Commercial-road. The man with whom she had lived becoming alarmed at her non-appearance went to the police-station and reported her absence. A search was instituted, and the body, with torn clothes and bruised flesh, was found in the stream. The Jury returned an Open Verdict, the Coroner censuring a publican named Lee for refusing to take the body into his house.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 November 1870
STOKE DAMEREL - Mysterious Death Of A Devonport Waterman. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Devonport Guildhall, by Mr Bone, on the body of BENJAMIN OLDRIDGE, a waterman, which was found floating in the water near Mount Edgcumbe Park on Wednesday morning. There were marks of violence on the body, which at first led to the belief that deceased had met his death by foul means. The evidence adduced shewed that on Tuesday night deceased and his brother-in-law, THOMAS BOSWORVA, who always pulled in the same boat with him, took a soldier and a young woman from North-corner to Torpoint. They had a quart of ale there, and prior to their leaving North-corner they had had a similar quantity. About one o'clock on Wednesday morning deceased was met in Cornwall-street by Lieutenant Charles Edward Bell and Assistant-Paymaster James Bell, both belonging to H.M.S. Cambridge, who had previously engaged him and Bosworva to wait for and take them off to their vessel. Bosworva was in the Globe public-house at this time, and deceased fetched him. According to Bosworva, neither he nor OLDRIDGE was sober at this time, whilst both Lieut. and Assistant-Paymaster Bell were of a different opinion. Before embarking Bosworva asked Lieut. Bell to give them a glass of grog each, but he declined, not caring, he said, to wait whilst they drank it. [The Coroner remarked that he inferred from Mr Bell's refusal that he had a better reason for declining than he had given.] The officers were satisfied with the way in which the men pulled them off to their ship, and when on board they gave each of them some rum and water - less than a gill of rum each. This they drank, and then thanked the officers, wished them good-night, and were seen to walk steadily along the orlop deck of the vessel until they came to the ladder leading to the deck above. Bosworva says at this time they were both drunk, and he went into his boat, lay down at the bottom and went to sleep. He remembered nothing more until he awoke the next morning, when it was light, and he was then in the boat by himself. The oars were gone, and with a piece of bottom board he tried to get his way into Mutton Cove, but was unable to do so, and ultimately he was towed there by John Miller, a waterman. He was then very drunk. Just at the time he was picked up in his boat deceased's body was found floating in about six feet of water, near the rocks under Mount Edgcumbe. He was taken to Mutton Cove, and later in the day the oars of the boat, which was owned by Bosworva, were also found. Inspector Bryant mentioned that he saw Bosworva twice on Wednesday, and on the first occasion he was very drunk. He examined his boat and found blood at the bottom, with a little hair mixed with it. There was also blood on the gunwale of the boat. Mr Bryant added that the boat was in a most dilapidated condition, and not fit to be used. - Mr J. Bazeley, F.R.C.S., made a post mortem examination of the body. He found all the organs free from disease; there was a slight superficial wound over the left eye. He believed deceased died from drowning, because if he had died before he fell into the water some of the appearances on the body would have been absent. After a careful summing up by the Coroner, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Monday 21 November 1870
NEWTON ABBOT - Mr Michelmore held an Inquest on Saturday evening at the Townhall, Newton, concerning the death of ALICE EDITH WOLLACOTT, three weeks old, the illegitimate child of SARAH WOLLACOTT, found dead by her mother's side the night previous. A verdict of "Accidentally Suffocated" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 November 1870
EXETER - A Coroner's Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday concerning the deaths of two men lying at the Devon and Exeter Hospital. SAMUEL SALTER FROME, a young labourer, was returning from Budleigh Salterton to Ottery on Friday with a waggon and three horses, and when near East Budleigh the horses took fright. Deceased fell from the shafts of the waggon, where he was riding, and the wheels, it is supposed, passed over the lower part of his body. He was taken to Exeter, but died before he reached the hospital. Mr Ley, house surgeon, said a rupture of the intestines was the cause of death. Verdict, "Accidental Death."
The other case was one of sudden death. An elderly man named JOHN LORAM, a porter, a formerly a private in the 10th Hussars, was walking through Queen-street when he fell. He was conveyed to the Hospital, but died within a few minutes of his admission. The house surgeon attributed death to undue extension of the bladder. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 November 1870
PLYMOUTH - Inquiries were held yesterday by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, into the causes of death of two men. The first named, ROBERT LANG, 73 years of age, died suddenly in bed, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.
JOHN COLLINGS EDDY, a bargeman, received on Saturday, as we have already stated, a fearful blow in the face from the handle of a winchlock, by the giving away of the chain of an anchor which he was endeavouring to haul up. He was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 November 1870
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Saturday concerning the death of ANNE CHUBB, 69 years of age, residing in Providence-street, Plymouth, where her husband kept a dairy. Deceased was found about seven o'clock on Saturday morning hanging to a partition in her room, by a little girl who wanted some milk. The body was warm, but life was extinct. Her husband said she was very steady, but for the last three or four months her mind had been wandering. The Jury returned a verdict that "Deceased hanged herself while in a fit of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 November 1870
KINGSBRIDGE - An Inquest was held at Kingsbridge yesterday concerning the death of MR JAMES FAIRWEATHER, of Skindle Mills, who about six weeks since was thrown out of his trap and received injuries which terminated fatally on Saturday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 December 1870
TORQUAY - Child Murder At Torquay. - An Inquest was held yesterday, before Mr R. R. Crosse, Coroner for the Exeter District, concerning the death of a newly-born male child, found in a house known as Fern Hill, on Tuesday. - The housemaid, named West, stated that ELIZABETH SMITH was Miss Trant's maid, and that they had been living together as fellow servants for the last eleven months, four of which had been spent in Ireland, returning to Torquay about a week ago. Never had any reason to suspect SMITH of being in the family way. On Thursday last she was taken unwell, complaining that she had a "boil" on her stomach. The other servants helped her in her work, and supplied poultices for this supposed boil. On Saturday SMITH became worse, and was confined to her bed. Her mistress, Miss Trant, aged eighty-two, wished the girl to have a surgeon, but she steadily refused. Subsequently, from certain appearances, suspicion was aroused, and on examination, the body of an infant was found in a box in prisoner's bedroom. Mr W. Pollard, surgeon, stated that when he first called SMITH told him that she had a boil on a part of her body which she could not have examined, and that she was getting better. On a subsequent visit, having been informed that something had been noticed, he taxed her with having been delivered; and after some time she said that she had had a miscarriage, and that the body was in the box. Witness opened it and saw the body with a ligature round the neck. The girl told him that the room door was open when she was confined; that she did not think it was born alive, because it did not cry nor move; after looking at it for half an hour she tried to put it in the box, but it slipped out of her hand; she then put a string round the neck, and lifted it into the box. This statement was voluntarily made. Witness then gave information to the police. - Dr Powell, house surgeon to the Torbay Infirmary and Dispensary, had made a post mortem examination, and the result convinced him that respiration had been established. Death had been caused by suffocation, produced, in all probability, by a piece of tape which was passed twice round the child'[s neck, and knotted in two places. - Police-Sergeant Ockford deposed to taking the body and charging ELIZABETH SMITH with concealing the birth; her answer was, "Oh dear, oh dear, what shall I do?" The Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against ELIZABETH SMITH.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 December 1870
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday, relative to the death of the woman named JONES, the wife of a marine residing at 9 Market-lane, Stonehouse, who on Sunday week last fell from a window, which it was at that time thought she had mistaken for the door, and received such injuries to her head that she died from the effects on Wednesday. A witness stated that the deceased had had some liquor with her dinner, but was at the time of the accident, which occurred in the afternoon, perfectly sober. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 December 1870
PLYMOUTH - Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the Plymouth Guildhall with reference to the death of JOSIAH TAYLOR, 17 years of age, a seaman of the schooner John Ellis. On Saturday morning, when the vessel, which was on her way from Lisbon for Berwick, with a cargo of phosphate, was about 100 miles west of the Lizard, and during a breeze, the deceased, with others, went aloft to reef the topsails. Suddenly he lost his hold, and fell to the deck, a distance of 60 feet, fracturing his skull and breaking his neck. No blame was attached to anyone, as the order to go aloft was not an improper one. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Killed," and expressed their satisfaction at the conduct of the master of the schooner - Captain Fugh - in bearing up for Plymouth, thereby going out of his way in order to land the body.

Western Morning News, Monday 19 December 1870
ROBOROUGH - Concealment Of Birth At Horrabridge. - The Deputy Coroner for South Devon, Mr Allan Bone, held an Inquest on Saturday afternoon at the Roborough Police Court, respecting the death of a newly-born male child, which had been found in the possession of a miner named Holman, on the previous Wednesday night by a county policeman. Holman had been kept in custody since that time, and Captain Cunningham, superintendent of the county police, allowed him to be present at the Inquiry on Saturday. Shortly before eight o'clock on Wednesday evening P.C. Border was on duty near Roborough Rock when he observed a man going on his way towards Roborough. The policeman followed, and when he had nearly come up to him, the man - the prisoner Holman - stooped down. Border asked him what he was doing there, and he replied, "Waiting for Bickleigh pair," meaning that he was waiting for two miners who lived at Bickleigh. The policeman then asked him what he had with him, and to this question he replied, "Nothing." This not being satisfactory he was requested to rise up, which he did, and underneath him was a bundle containing the body of a child. Holman, in answer to the constable's question as to how he became possessed of it, said "he picked it up on his way from Horrabridge." He was taken to the police-station, and on his way there he repeatedly begged "to be let go." On Thursday Sergeant Butt went to prisoner's house at Horrabridge, where he saw his wife and her sister - EMMA JANE KEMP. He asked KEMP some questions, telling her it was optional with her whether she would answer them or not. She said "she would tell the truth, that on the previous morning she left her father's house and went into that of Holman. She was confined in the path of the garden attached to the house of the latter, and she wrapped the child in a sheet which was hung up to dry. As it was quite dead she asked Holman to get rid of it for her. If it had been alive she should have taken the greatest care of it." She was then removed to the station and put to bed. - Mr R. Willis, surgeon, examined KEMP, who is about 22 years of age, and found that she had been recently confined. He also made a post-mortem examination of the body of the child found in Holman's possession, and came to the conclusion that it was born alive, and that it died from haemorrhage from the umbilical cord. He did not think the child lived more than a minute or two, and could not say that it had had a separate existence. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - The prisoners will be brought before the magistrates at Roborough on Wednesday; the woman charged with concealment of birth, and Holman with being an accessory to the crime.

Western Morning News, Friday 23 December 1870
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by Mr Brian, Coroner, yesterday, at the Laira Hotel, on the body of MARY JANE WOTTON, aged thirty-four years, who was found dead in her bed yesterday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 December 1870
KINGSTEIGNTON - A Farmer Drowned Near Newton Abbot. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, concerning the death of MR WILLIAM HAMLYN, a farmer, residing at Preston, Kingsteignton, whose body was found on the previous day in Hackney Canal, between Kingsteignton and Newton Abbot. From the evidence given at the Inquest, which was held at deceased's residence, it appeared that the deceased left home about one o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, and went to Newton Market. At Newton he bought several articles, including a coat for himself, and sent them home. About half-past ten in the evening he called at the King's Arms, at Kingsteignton, and had some beer, but did not remain long, and after he had left the house he called for a light; on one being taken out to him by John Bowden, it was ascertained that he had lost his hat, which was found near where he was standing. Several persons who saw him at the time considered that he was slightly intoxicated. Instead of going towards Preston, the deceased must have returned in the direction of Newton, but so far as could be ascertained he was not seen alive afterwards. About five o'clock on Thursday afternoon Mr Henry Partridge, clerk to Messrs. Whiteway and Co., clay merchants, having occasion to go to the cellars, observed a hat floating on the water. A search being instituted, the body was found at the bottom of the canal. In the absence of evidence as to how deceased got there, the Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 December 1870
PLYMOUTH - A child about four months old named GEORGE EDWIN RENDLE, the son of MR RENDLE, living at 25 Gascoyne-street, Plymouth, was found dead by the side of his mother early on Saturday morning; and at the Inquest held by Mr Brian, Coroner, later in the day, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.
Western Morning News, Saturday 31 December 1870
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Cambridge Inn, Plymouth yesterday, by Mr Brian, Coroner, in reference to the death of MARY FOLLEY, aged 46. The deceased's husband stated that at about five o'clock that morning he heard his wife coughing a great deal, and upon obtaining a light saw blood issuing from her mouth. She soon afterwards died. It was shewn that death was caused by the breaking of a blood vessel, and a verdict in accordance with the evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 January 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - Strange Fatality To A Warrant Officer. - An Inquest was held at the Falcon Inn, Ford, yesterday, by the Devonport Coroner, Mr Allan B. Bone, on the body of MR JOHN HODGE, second-class gunner in her Majesty's service, who died on the previous Saturday under somewhat curious circumstances. Deceased was serving on board the Cambridge, Capt. the Hon. F. A. C. Foley, gunnery ship in the Hamoaze, and on Friday morning, at 10 o'clock, Lieutenant Jenkins, of the Cambridge, was putting half of a battalion of seamen through the sword-bayonet exercise. Deceased was one of the battalion, and stood in the supernumerary rank. The battalion first advanced, and at the word of command from the officer in charge they turned about to repel the supposed attack of an enemy in the rear. Job Taylor, able seaman, one of the men in the battalion, went about swinging his rifle, when the sword at the top of it flew off, described a kind of arch in the air, and, falling, struck into the left arm of MR HODGE. The latter had his drawn sword in his right hand, and as Taylor's weapon struck him he dropped his own sword, and caught hold of his arm with his right hand. He remained on deck attending to his drill for about five minutes and then the men were ordered on the lower-deck to clean arms. Edward Toms, chief gunner's mate, then examined Taylor's sword, and found that the spring at the hilt, which kept it fastened to the rifle, did not work well, which might have been caused by a little dirt getting into the spring; the drill was the first which had taken place since the men returned from their Christmas leave; but Taylor affirmed that he had thoroughly cleaned his sword several times during the past three weeks. Everything connected with the drill was carried out strictly, and Toms did not believe there was any negligence shewn on the part of Taylor which caused the sword to escape from its holding on the rifle. - Taylor said he was using the sword for ten minutes before it flew off, and had he thought it was not securely fastened, he could have stopped and remedied it. After the exercise was over deceased went to Assist. Surgeon Farr, of the Cambridge, who examined his arm, and found a wound about four inches above the elbow, and on the outer side of the left arm. It had an external opening of about half an inch, and a probe was passed into it about an inch and a half between the muscles and integuments. There was little or no blood from the wound, and deceased did not complain that it pained him; MR HODGE treated it very lightly, expressing his surprise that the wound was so deep. Mr Farr put one stitch into it, bandaged the arm, and told deceased to keep quiet. He asked to be allowed to go home, and this was agreed to, Mr Farr telling him if he got worse to be sure to send on board the Cambridge, and if all went well to present himself at the ship in two days. Deceased walked home to his house at Kent-road, Ford, and his wife, at his request, unbound the bandage on his arm, and did it up again, as he complained that it was at first too tight. An hour afterwards he complained of his arm paining him, he vomited and was purged. This continued until the next day, when, as he became worse, his wife sent for Dr J. Rolston, who found deceased suffering from symptoms of a severe shock to the nervous system. He was vomiting, was purged, his pulse was rapid and weak, and his extremities were cold. Deceased died at 11 o'clock on Saturday night. Dr Rolston made a post mortem examination of the body yesterday morning. The wound on the arm shewed nothing from which fatal results might be anticipated. Most of the organs of the body were healthy, but the heart was pale, soft and flabby to the touch, and its condition was such as to lead him to think that deceased was not fitted to bear any great strain or shock, as would be caused by receiving the wound which he had heard described. Deceased died of fatty degeneration of the heart, death from that cause being accelerated by the shock he must have sustained. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and expressed the opinion that the wounds were inflicted accidentally. Deceased was 30 years of age, and leaves a widow, but no children.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 January 1871
PLYMOUTH - Death From Drunkenness At Plymouth. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening, at the Cambridge Inn, Cambridge-street, Plymouth, on the body of CHARLOTTE CHOWN. The deceased, aged 44 years, was the wife of a butcher, and lived at 2 Willow Plot. She enjoyed pretty good health, notwithstanding that she was addicted to habits of intemperance. Shortly before Christmas she fell downstairs at her own house, and received a blow on the back of her head. Her state at the time could not be spoken to. On Christmas Eve, while intoxicated, she fell down a flight of stairs in a neighbour's house, but made no complaint that she had received any injury. On Monday afternoon last she asked a girl, named Elizabeth Searle, living in Morley-lane, to come and do her work as she was bad in her head. The deceased then appeared to be sober, but shortly afterwards Searle saw her put a bottle to her mouth, and drink off at one draught a noggin and half of neat gin. She then laid down on the sofa, and in the evening, after being partially undressed by Searle, she went into the inner room and laid on the bed. Searle soon afterwards returned to her own house. The husband, who was in the habit of attending the market every day, came home at nine o'clock on Monday evening, an d not seeing his wife he thought she was out as usual. After shaving himself he looked into the inner room, and finding the deceased on the bed partially undressed he exclaimed, "Halloa, what do you call this?" She looked round and tried to speak, but was unable to do so. He then went for Mr Jago, who had been in the habit of attending the deceased, but the surgeon having already in hand a dangerous case told the husband that he was unable to attend. MR CHOWN described the condition in which he had found his wife, and then Mr Jago said he would give him a mixture, but he would not take any responsibility, and if he (the husband) were not satisfied he must go to someone else. The medicine was taken home, but the deceased was unable to swallow any of it. A nurse was sent for other surgeons, but MR CHOWN stated she could not get any answers at their doors. The deceased, to whom the husband was uniformly kind, did not recover consciousness, and died at two o'clock on Tuesday morning. - Mr Jago stated that from what he knew of the deceased, who was of full habit, and what he had heard stated in evidence, he was of opinion that she died from sanguineous apoplexy, in all probability induced by drink. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Sanguineous Apoplexy, induced by Excessive Intemperance." The girl, Searle, aged 14 years, when asked to sign her depositions, stated that she could neither read or write.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 January 1871
BARNSTAPLE - THOMAS CHAPPLE, a man who, at the Barnstaple Quarter Sessions, was sentenced to four months' imprisonment for stealing joiners' tools, was found dead in his cell on Friday afternoon. He had not been previous indisposed. A Coroner's Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr Alan Bone, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon, at the Fisherman's Arms, Richmond-walk, Devonport, on the body of BETSY ANNE STEVENS, aged 45 years, the wife of a caulker in Devonport Dockyard, living at 17 Baker's-place, Richmond-walk, who committed suicide by cutting her throat with a razor in an outhouse at her dwelling on Saturday last. The brother, husband and a neighbour deposed that the deceased had been in very low spirits for some time previous to her death, in fact, since it had been discovered that she had run into debt and had pledged her things some time ago; and it was their opinion that whilst thus depressed she had committed suicide. Deceased had an uncle who died insane. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned. Deceased leaves a family of five children, of which the eldest is eleven years of age.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 January 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - The cause of the death of ELIZABETH T. SOLLICK, four years of age, formed the subject of Inquiry at an Inquest held at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, by Mr A. B. Bone. The deceased was sitting in front of a fire when a kettle of boiling water fell upon her. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - Mr R. R. Crosse, Coroner for the Exeter District, investigated a sad case yesterday. Living with an elderly couple named Mugford at Little Northbrook Farm, Countess Wear, near Exeter, was SARAH ELIZABETH LOVING, a girl about eighteen years of age, who acted as general servant. For some time Mrs Mugford had suspected her of being enceinte, and had charged her with being so; but she denied it. Her mistress, however, did not believe her denial, and gave her notice to leave. On Friday she complained of being unwell, and Mrs Mugford gave her some of Kaye's Worsdell's pills. The family retired to rest about eight o'clock, and when Mrs Mugford called the girl the next morning she received no answer. Opening the bedroom door, she found her lying on the bed dead. Mr Grigg, surgeon, was soon in attendance, and found that the unfortunate deceased had given birth to a child, which was also dead. The deaths had been caused by want of assistance at the birth. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 January 1871
EXETER - At an Inquest held at Exeter yesterday with reference to the death of MR JOHN SLEEMAN, who was found dead in his house under circumstances reported yesterday, the Jury returned an Open Verdict. Evidence was given shewing that deceased was suffering under mental aberration. The surgeon who examined the body was of opinion that apoplexy was the cause of death.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 January 1871
REVELSTOKE - The Wreck Of The Eleutheria. - Mr Alan Bone, Deputy Coroner for South Devon, held an Inquest at Revelstoke on Thursday concerning the deaths of PHILIP NOYES, carpenter, and JOHN LINDEMAN, and FRANCIS INGRAM, able seamen of the barque Eleutheria, who, with two others, whose bodies have not yet been recovered, were drowned on Monday morning. - William Butchart said he was captain of the late barque Eleutheria, 764 tons, classed A1 at Lloyds. She left Sunderland on the 3rd of January with 1,120 tons of coal - her full cargo - for Point de Galle, and had a crew of 18, all told. All went well until Sunday morning last about 5.30, when, the barque being close hauled on the starboard tack. a brig was observed on their lee bow, standing close hauled on her port tack. As the brig approached, all hands shouted, but she came on, and struck the Eleutheria with her stem on the after part of her port fore rigging, carrying away part of it, coming along and levelling everything right before her, and carrying away all the port main rigging. The brig was repeatedly hailed but made no reply. Seeing the damage to his vessel was enormous and in the impulse of the moment, he jumped on board the brig to ascertain her name, never doubting but that he should be able to get back to his own ship again. The vessels immediately separated and he asked the master of the brig to wear his ship round on the starboard tack to see if he could get on board his vessel to render her assistance. The master of the brig complied, and in doing so the bow of his vessel was stove in. She made so much water that she could not be pumped free with the pumps, and she bore up for Plymouth, taking him with them, and arriving in the Sound at 10.30 a.m. On coming into the Sound he (witness) hailed No. 5 pilot boat (Surprise), stated the circumstances to the pilot and said his ship's bearing was W.S.W. of the Eddystone, about ten miles. He asked to be taken off to her, and the pilot replied at first he would do so, but subsequently said he had no time to take him on board. At 2.30 he secured the services of the steam-tug Secret, and went out to search for the ship. He stopped on the bridge and swept the horizon with a glass, but could find no trace of the Eleutheria. The Secret went on until a quarter to 5 o'clock, when they were about two miles to the west of the Eddystone, and then the steamboat master would go no further. He (the witness) entreated him over and over again to go on, but he said he would go no further, stating it was no use. The Secret reached Plymouth at a quarter to 7 o'clock, and he made arrangements before leaving to renew the search the next morning. At the time of the collision his port and starboard lights were burning very brightly. He saw the brig five minutes before he observed a light, and the first he saw was a green one. At this time he considered the brig was from a mile to a mile and a half distant. The wind was S.S.W., blowing a fresh gale. They had a speaking trumpet on board, but it was not used. All hands were on deck, and "sung out at the pitch of their voices" when the brig came on. There was a little moon. The collision happened between showers, and when there was no rain there was no fog. At the time of the collision the Eleutheria had a foresail, two lower topsails, foretopmast and mizen stay-sails. They had a good lifebuoy at the proper place, and three boats. When he saw the collision was inevitable he ordered his helm hard down, and the ship answered. Before that he did not touch his own helm more than to keep the ship before the wind. He saw no alteration in the brig but once, and then she gave a small bit of a "wipe" off. He thought she was going to clear. She was then three of her lengths off. In going out in the Secret, the Dulvall and two other vessels spoke them, and they all said the Eleutheria's bearing was S.W. of the Eddystone, two to three miles. That must, of course, have been a mistake. Instead of that the Eddystone must have been from two to three miles west of the vessel. He thought still he was right in his reckoning that the vessel at the time of the collision was from ten to twelve miles W.S.W. of the Eddystone. - James Gordon burr, chief mate of the Eleutheria, said the captain's statement was in accordance with the facts as far as his knowledge went. He saw the captain jump on board the brig, and immediately the latter got clear he (witness) ordered the mainyard to be squared, the helm to be put up, and the ship kept before the wind. With the wreck left and the braces being fouled, they were unable to do this, and in making the endeavour the foremast went by the board over the starboard side. While the officers and crew were cutting away the wreck of the foremast the mainmast also went by the board over the starboard side. They exerted themselves to clear this, and he ordered the helm to be put down, to keep the ship by the wind, and set a sail on the mizen mast - the only one left. He ordered the carpenter to sound the pumps and the second officer to muster all hands to the pumps, but the latter were disabled by the mainmast going over the side. After some time the starboard pump was got partially to work, and all hands worked it as long as possible. The vessel shipped one heavy sea, washing one boat and the cook house overboard, breaking another boat into pieces, tearing the ring bolts and lashings on deck, and staving the longboat. He then ordered the crew to endeavour to throw everything overboard to prevent their legs being broken when working the pumps. The carpenter, in going forward, got his leg "jammed" between the spars, and it was broken. He was carried to the cabin and laid on the sofa. They kept the ship's head to sea as much as possible, all hands stood by the pump, and the ensign was hoisted at the mizen-mast "union down." About noon they saw a ship standing towards them, which he believed to be the John Armstrong. She spoke to them, and he begged the captain to endeavour to turn the Eleutheria's head round, by bringing a warp with his vessel's boat, as the boats of the disabled ship were all gone. This was done as quickly as possible, the captain of the John Armstrong heaving his ship to, and sending a boat with a small warp to endeavour to turn their head, but the warp parted in doing so. He (witness) then said he thought the ship could do no good, and that she had better proceed on her voyage, which she did. The brig Dulvall of Blythe, bore down on them, and asked what assistance he could render, and he was told that by sailing direct for Plymouth and sending a steamer he would do good, and this he immediately did. A pilot then boarded from the Surprise, pilot cutter, and he said he could get the vessel's head round with the cutter. She endeavoured to turn the head of the barque, but could make no impression on her. He then ordered the cutter to leave, and go to Plymouth and communicate with the expected steamer, to let her know the whereabouts of the Eleutheria and how she was driving. They saw no vessel after that. The pilot remained on board, and his crew went away in the cutter to Plymouth. The barque was then, he judged, from 4 to 5 miles off the Eddystone, which bore W.S.W. of them, the barque then driving in a N.E. direction. At dark they commenced to shew "flare up" lights every four or five minutes, and these were continued to be shewn throughout the night and after the ship struck. They saw the land about 1.30 on Monday morning right to leewards, and about ten minutes after the vessel struck. The mizen-mast went by the board immediately, and the vessel broke up. He called to the men to save their lives as best they could. He did not see the five deceased men in the water. He partly swam and partly scrambled on shore, being assisted by a portion of the wreck. He thought when he sent the pilot boat away that the ship was sufficiently near the land and the Eddystone to ensure assistance. He accounted for no assistance coming by the fact that the Secret went, as he heard, too far to the westward. He told the carpenter when the ship struck that he must try to save himself, and he did crawl to the bottom of the companion ladder, but he never saw him afterwards. The two anchors were ready to let go, but the spars that had broke adrift interwove themselves with the cables, and it would have been dangerous to let them go. - Edward Glin, pilot of 25 years' experience in the port of Plymouth, who was put on board the vessel, and was one of those saved, said if any assistance had come to the barque between nine and ten o'clock on Sunday night it would have been useless. In his judgment no vessel could have come at all with safety to render assistance. - Thomas Collinson, master of the George and Richard, brig, 323 tons register, of Sunderland, bound for Alexandria, with coals, said about five minutes past five on Sunday morning, he sighted a vessel right ahead, about half a mile from his brig. He saw her first through the haze. At times there was smart rain. When he saw it was a vessel on the starboard tack he ordered his helm to be put hard up, and to be kept there. This was immediately obeyed. He saw the port light of the Eleutheria perhaps a couple of minutes before the collision. He never saw the green light. The lights of his brig were burning brilliantly, having been trimmed by the second mate at four o'clock. His helm was hard up all the time, being kept there as ordered, but his vessel would not answer properly owing to the terrific sea and the low sail which the brig had set. She answered her helm a little. He thought she was two points off the wind at the time of the collision. After the collision he thought his brig was in a foundering state. The weather was hazy at the time the vessels struck. He was the only one on the look-out, the rest of the crew working the pumps. He had night glasses and used them. - John Seagrew, chief officer of coastguard, stationed at Noss, Yealm, said it was part of the coastguard duty to watch the coast at night. Thomas Thorn had the beat on Sunday night, which included that part where the Eleutheria struck. He (witness) visited the wreck at five o'clock on Monday morning, having been called by Mr Martin, chief officer of the station west of him. They had no rocket apparatus nearer the spot than Mount Batten, neither had they any life lines or buoys. - Wm. Martin, chief officer of the station west of Noss, first saw the lights of the ship at 12.30 on Monday morning, and he passed word to Mr Seagrew at three o'clock in the morning. He should have done so before, but he could not cross the river. The force of the wind on Sunday night was, in his judgment, ten. - John Payn, chief officer of the coastguard, saw the signals of distress from the Eleutheria at 9.30 on Sunday night. He saw the vessel at 5 p.m. the same afternoon; he then saw her outline. At 9.30 it seemed that she had drifted three miles to the eastward. He sent one of his men to Mount Batten to report that he had seen a vessel, and the reply was "that it was all right; that the pilots and the authorities knew all about it." He also reported to the station east of him. The lights were about five miles from the shore when he saw them at 9.30. They must have been quite apparent to the ships in the Sound, from Mount Wise and the Hoe. He tried to lower a boat at the Bovisand station, intending to go to one of the ships in the Sound to ask her to render assistance to the distressed vessel, but the sea was so rough that he could not do so. - After a careful summing up from the Deputy Coroner the Jury found "That the deceased were found dead, being part of the crew of the barque Eleutheria, which was wrecked near the parish of Revelstoke on the night of the 15th instant, having on the morning of that day been damaged by a collision with the brig George and Richard."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 January 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held last evening by Mr Brian, Plymouth Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Workhouse, relative to the death of a child named MARY ANN RUGG, whose body presented a most skeleton-like appearance. A double Jury, of which Mr Henry Lethbridge was Foreman, was empanelled. The deceased, who was four years of age, was the child of FLORENCE RUGG, who was tried at the last Borough Sessions for neglect of the deceased. Evidence was given by Mr Webber and Inspector Edwards of the condition of the poor child on the 25th November last, when it was taken from its mother's house, since which time it has received the greatest care in the Workhouse. - Mr J. N. Stevens repeated the evidence given by him on former occasions, adding that the child greatly improved, but that a week ago it was attacked by dysentery, of which it died. The Coroner summed up carefully, pointing out all the legal bearings of the case, drawing attention to the words of the medical witness - that in this case, independently of all other circumstances, the attack of dysentery was sufficient to account for death. - The Jury were divided in opinion, but a majority (more than twelve signed the inquisition) returned a verdict that the child did from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 January 1871
HOLSWORTHY - A Pauper Committed For Manslaughter. - An Inquest has been held at Holsworthy relative to the death of JOHN HARRIS, who in an affray with John Earle, another inmate of the Workhouse, received such injuries on the 20th as caused his death. The evidence produced was to the effect that on Friday morning last HARRIS, Earle, and a man named Piper, also a pauper, were working together by the master's direction in the garden. HARRIS was an idiot, but harmless and quiet. Some time afterwards Earle was heard to say to HARRIS, "Now thee heave thicker stone," and subsequently to strike him. In return HARRIS kicked Earle, when the latter struck the deceased two or three times on the head with an iron bolt. HARRIS was afterwards found sitting on a piece of wood holding some straw to his head, which was bleeding profusely. He said Earle had struck him, and the nurse, discovering three cuts on his head, applies some sticking plaster. Mr Pearse, the surgeon, saw the deceased, and observing that the plasters had been well put on by the nurse, simply "pressed the head with his fingers." HARRIS ate his dinner with the others, and at 4 o'clock went to bed. The doctor was sent for at 6 o'clock, but did not come. He, however, sent a powder and at 8 o'clock the master went himself to see Mr Pearse, who was not home, but his assistant Mr Euston, recommended that some brandy should be given to HARRIS and that cold water should be applied to his head and hot water to his feet. At 8 a.m. on Saturday it was found that deceased's right arm and leg were paralysed, and the doctor was sent for an hour later. He came at 11 o'clock, and saw him twice during the day. HARRIS died on Sunday, and a post mortem examination shewed that death had been caused by the blows on the head. Earle, in reply to the master, stated that he was on his way to the pig-house to bolt the door with a piece of iron, when the deceased asked him to help him. Earle replied that he could not, as the matron had told him to bolt the door; whereupon HARRIS kicked him, and he (Earle) struck him with the iron. - The Coroner (Mr Braund) in summing up, expressed the opinion that the provocation on the part of HARRIS was not sufficient to reduce the crime to manslaughter, and that a verdict of Wilful Murder was necessitated by the evidence. - the Jury, however, found Earle "Guilty of Manslaughter under strong provocation."

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 January 1871
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At The Plymouth Railway Station. - JAMES JOHNS, a "lumber taker," employed on the South Devon railway, was, as has been previously stated, killed yesterday morning between one and two o'clock, while engaged in shunting trucks at the Plymouth railway station. Several trucks were stationed in No. 1 road near the goods shed, and there was a portion of a train with an engine attached on No. 2 road. The train was in motion, and was proceeding slowly up the line. JOHNS was between the two roads, in company with John Staddon, a "shunting porter." As the train came up, JOHNS said t Staddon, "Be careful; there is no room there. I don't want to see you killed, or don't want to kill myself." Staddon then left JOHNS, and went over on the arrival platform, and he believed that JOHNS was following him. About twenty minutes to one o'clock George Biddlecombe, the guard of the goods train, saw JOHNS standing between the lines, with a lamp in his hands, about 20 feet from the junction of the two lines. As the train was moving at the ordinary speed, Biddlecombe saw a side of a truck strike him, knocking him against the trucks that were standing still, rolling him swiftly round and drawing him along the line for about two yards. Biddlecombe, who was walking towards JOHNS between the lines, immediately ran towards him and found him motionless. He heard him moan once. He was then taken to the porters' room. - Francis Bibbings, a switchman, who was on duty, went for Dr Rendle, who came and found that JOHNS was dead. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Coroner's Inquiry held last evening at the station, the Jury believing that no blame whatever could be attached to the railway company. It was stated that the deceased was perfectly sober at the time of the accident, and that the engine driver could not see him. There were lamps on each side of the lines, in addition to the lamps which the men engaged in shunting carried. The deceased had been in the employ of the company for four or five years, and was a valued servant. He leaves a widow and two children, who will get some assistance from the provident society which is subscribed to by the officials of the company.

Wednesday Morning News, Tuesday 31 January 1871
EXETER - MRS PIDSLEY, wife of MR R. H. PIDSLEY, auctioneer, of Exeter, died very suddenly on Saturday. Her youngest child had been with his father to Wombwell's menagerie, and had remained behind to see the beasts fed. As he did not return with his father MRS PIDSLEY became greatly alarmed for his safety. The boy, however, soon returned, but the revulsion of feeling was so great that MRS PIDSLEY, who was a sufferer from heart disease, expired before medical assistance could be obtained. The Coroner's Jury, at an Inquest held yesterday, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

PLYMOUTH - WILLIAM HALL, cook and steward on board the barque Ela Beatrice, of West Hartlepool, from Sunderland to Alexandria, died somewhat suddenly in that ship when off the Goodwin Sands on Saturday last. About 10.30 on the morning of that day Captain Charles Smith went below to consult the chart, and saw the deceased lying struggling on the sofa. He was unconscious and continued so until his death, about a quarter of an hour afterwards. The deceased joined the ship on the 18th inst. at Sunderland, and down to the time of his death appeared to enjoy perfect health. He was a native of Sunderland, and was 52 years of age. The ship came into Plymouth yesterday, and at the Inquest held in the evening a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 February 1871
EXETER - A waggoner, named JOHN DRAKE, 24 years of age, on getting off his waggon on the Topsham-road last Friday, slipped and fell under the wheels, which passed over his body. He was taken to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he died on Sunday, from rupture of the intestines. A Coroner's Jury yesterday returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Frightful Sufferings Of A Child. - The Exeter Coroner (Mr H. W. Hooper) investigated yesterday a shocking case of alleged parental neglect. From the evidence adduced it appeared that on the 11th November last ELIZA CLOAD, the wife of a farm labourer, living at Uffculme, left her little daughter, a child seven years of age, at home in charge of two younger children while she went out to work. During the morning information was brought the mother that "ELLEN was burning." On hastening home she found that the child's clothes had caught on fire while she was sitting by the grate, and that she was severely burnt about the left thigh. She applied linseed oil to the wound, and sent for Mr Bryden, the parish doctor. He did not come until the next morning, but he continued his visits after that until the 28th January, when he brought a physician with him to see the child. A day or two after he recommended her removal to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, and she was taken there last Thursday. The mother in her evidence said the doctor never dressed the wounds; she always did it. The child lay on one side for three months; she used to scream a good deal when a fresh bandage was put up. - Mr Richard Ley, house surgeon at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, said he received the child on Thursday last. She was in a very bad state. He endeavoured to examine her, but the stench was so offensive that he could not do so, and he was obliged to leave the ward, as were several of the patients and his pupils. The child was lying in a bundle of filthy rags. The nurses thoroughly cleaned the deceased and lotions were used to take away the smell. He then examined her wounds, and he could say that they had not been cleaned from the day of the burns. Deceased was very emaciated. There was a severe burn on the left thigh and buttock, and a slight sore between the abdomen and the thigh. The abdomen and the thigh had grown together from neglect, not having been kept properly apart. On the right side of the body there was a large wound, and there were several other wounds on different part of the body, all of which he believed to be bed sores, and to have arisen from neglect. He believed that if the child had been brought to the hospital after she had recovered the first shock she would have lived, for the burns were not deep enough to cause death. Four ribs were exposed on the right side, and he believed that the deceased died from exhaustion, bad living, and inattention. After the nurse had been examined the Coroner said that it would be advisable to have a post mortem examination, and procure further evidence, and the Inquest was adjourned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was held by Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday, relative to the death of ALFRED GEE, 17 years of age, cook of the ship Nonparfel. It appeared that the cause of deceased's death was shock to the nervous system, the effect of burns received by falling against a stove in the forecastle, his system, however, having been greatly weakened by long indulgence in vicious habits. A verdict in accordance was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 February 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - AGNES LIVINGSTONE, a middle-aged woman, the wife of a leading stoker belonging to H.M.S. Valorous, was yesterday found dead at the bottom of the staircase of the Steam Reserve Inn, Newpassage, Devonport, where she resided. An Inquest was subsequently held, and although it was stated that she was at times addicted to drunken habits, there was no evidence to shew whether this caused her death. A verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 February 1871
EXETER - Inhuman Neglect Of A Child. - The adjourned Inquest on ELLEN CLOAD, the daughter of labouring people living at Uffculme, was resumed at Exeter yesterday, before the Coroner, Mr Hooper. The child, it will be remembered, died at the hospital, and the evidence of the house surgeon shewed that it had suffered from shocking neglect. In November last the deceased's clothes caught on fire, and she was burnt on the thigh. The burns although severe were not dangerous, but the poor child had been allowed to lie at her parents' for three months in a most wretched state. When taken to the hospital a fortnight ago she had "bedsores" all over. some of the wounds were four inches square. One of them revealed three ribs, and in several of the others bones were disclosed. This was quite independent of the burns, which had healed to a certain extent; but, owing to want of attention, the thigh and abdomen had grown together. Mr Ley, the hospital surgeon, had made a post mortem examination since the previous Inquiry, and he found all the organs healthy. Death, he believed, had arisen from neglect and want of proper nourishment. Although seven years old, the body weighed only 28 lbs., and was, in fact, nothing but skin and bone. Prior to the child's removal to the hospital she had been attended by Mr Brydon, one of the medical officers of the Tiverton Union, and his evidence was taken yesterday. The child, he said, was dreadfully burnt, and he believed the injuries would prove fatal. He ordered oil dressings. She got on well at first, but screamed a good deal when the wounds were examined. He told the mother particularly to guard against the adhesion of the thigh and abdomen. The child was kept in a filthy state; and he at length directed her removal to the hospital, and wrote the relieving officer directing him to provide an easy waggon to remove her. - Mr White, the relieving officer, said he did not get the note, but he allowed her 1s. to get the child removed to Exeter. The mother employed a donkey-cart, which occasioned the child great suffering. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," appending to that verdict their opinion that death had been accelerated by exhaustion, bad living, and bad attendance; and that the conduct of Mr Brydon, the relieving officer, and the mother was highly censurable. The Coroner concurred with this expression of opinion, designating the conduct of the relieving officer as inhuman.

PLYMOUTH - THOMAS WILTON, two months old, died suddenly on Sunday whilst in bed with his parents, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by a Coroner's Jury, which met yesterday at the Cambridge Inn, Plymouth.

EXETER - A young woman, named ELIZA BREWER, is in custody at Exeter, on a charge of concealing the birth of her illegitimate child. The accused was a domestic servant at Sir John Bowring's. On Saturday night the dead body of a female child was found in a box in her bedroom by a fellow servant. Mr Stonard Edye, surgeon, saw the body and made a post mortem examination. He was of opinion that the child, which was very much decomposed, had been born a fortnight, but that it was not born alive. The Coroner's Jury returned a verdict of "Stillborn." The prisoner will be brought before the justices.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Affray In Plymouth. Verdict Of Manslaughter. - The carpenter RICHARD UNDERHILL, who, as we stated yesterday, was knocked down in King-street on Saturday night by Edward Hallett, an engineer's apprentice, living at 31 Flora-street, and was lying in a precarious condition, has since died. Hallett was yesterday morning brought up at the Plymouth Petty Sessions, before the Mayor (Mr R. C. Serpell), and Mr J. B. Wilcocks, magistrates, on a charge of striking UNDERHILL, and thereby causing his death. The evidence shewed that about twenty minutes past eleven o'clock on Saturday night, Hallett and UNDERHILL were seen by a labouring man, named William Hodder, in the Prince Alfred public-house, Cecil-street. They were talking together, but were not quarrelling. A few minutes afterwards Hodder told UNDERHILL it was time for him to be home. He replied he was not going yet. Hodder then discovered that the conversation between the two men was about a man named Hallett, and heard Hallett say to UNDERHILL, - "You are very glad that Hallett is ...... ." Some place was mentioned, but what Hodder could not tell. Hodder again advised UNDERHILL to go home, when, pointing to Hallett, he said he was telling a parcel of lies. UNDERHILL looked viciously at him, was about to drop a dog he had under his arm, and had uttered the words, "Although you are big, I can ....," when Hodder stepped between them. Hallett said if UNDERHILL struck him he would not strike him again. Hodder then left them. They then appeared to be sober, and to know what they were about. A short time subsequently Hodder saw them again in Cecil-street. They then appeared to be having some words. He saw UNDERHILL drop his dog, raise his right hand and strike Hallett, he believed, in the breast. There was a person near who exclaimed to Hallett, "Give it him, he has struck you;" whereupon he struck UNDERHILL, who was on his defence at the time. UNDERHILL then took off his coat, and gave it to Hodder, who told him he had better not fight. UNDERHILL took no notice, and Hodder put the coat in the public-house. When he came out he saw them in a fighting attitude. He saw Hallett aim a blow at UNDERHILL, but whether it "came home" or not, he could not say. At all events UNDERHILL staggered and fell backwards. Hodder and Alfred Toop, carpenter, of 5 Wyndham-street, went immediately to Underhill, who was insensible, and paid every attention to him. According to Mr Toop he was then lying with the lower part of his body in the gutter and his head on the kerb stone. There were a few drops of blood about the road, which was thought to have come from his nose. UNDERHILL appeared to recognise the mention of his name, but answered questions with a moan and a nod of the head. He was then put on a chair, his face was washed, and he became sensible, and he was taken to his home, 3 Gloucester-place, Hallett, with others, assisting in carrying him thither. Toop asked Hallett why he struck UNDERHILL. Hallett replied that he had been knocked down twice by UNDERHILL, and that then he knocked him down. Hallett added that UNDERHILL had been throwing up things about his (Hallett's) father. UNDERHILL was found to be seriously ill. Hallett was apprehended by Police-constable Rodd about 10.30 on Sunday night at his house. He said he had knocked UNDERHILL down, but he had been struck first. - Mr Supt. Thomas applied for a remand for a week. - Hallett asked for bail. - The Mayor said it was a very serious charge, and bail could not be granted. He was then remanded for a week. - Last evening an Inquiry was held by Mr Brian, the Borough Coroner, in the Guildhall, before a double Jury. Similar evidence to that adduced before the Magistrates was given. The additional evidence given was that of Jane Baker, a married woman, who lived in the same house as the deceased, and who chiefly attended him until his death, at five minutes before three o'clock yesterday morning. He never recovered sensibility. - Mr G. Jackson, surgeon, who also attended the deceased, deposed that he was called to see him at half-past three on Sunday afternoon. He found him quite insensible, with paralysis and rigidity in all the limbs. He was breathing heavily, and had the symptoms of compression of the brain. There was a slight bruise over the nose, but he could discover no other mark of external violence. He considered the case hopeless from the first. Since his death he had made a post mortem examination of the body. He found on removing the scalp a distinct fracture of the skull, extending from the back of the head to about half-way down the frontal bone. This injury was sufficient to occasion death, and might have been caused by a fall backwards on a hard road. - In reviewing the case to the Jury, the Coroner pointed out that the man Hallett, who was seriously implicated, was not present. To his mind and it must appear so to the Jury, it appeared to be a very un-English kind of proceeding. It was an almost invariable rule that when an examination had been gone into against prisoners that they had been always present, and had an opportunity of asking questions. It was not his fault that Hallett was absent. He had written to the Mayor asking for Hallett to be present in the custody of one of the borough police, as the Inquest would be held within the precincts of the Guildhall, where the prisoner was confined. He also added in his letter that he need scarcely point out how undesirable it was that evidence similar to that given before the justices should be taken in the absence of a party likely to be seriously affected thereby. The application, he also wrote, was not made to raise a controversy concerning a question of privilege, but simply that justice might be done, and that the prisoner might not be prejudiced by absence from the Inquest. At six o'clock that evening he received a reply from the magistrates' clerk, by order of the Mayor, simply stating that Hallett had been before the justices and had been remanded for a week. That, Mr Brian continued, was the answer he got to his appeal. It would be superfluous for him to comment upon it. - Several Jurymen expressed displeasure at such an abrupt reply. After a short consultation they returned a verdict of "Manslaughter." - Hallett is a powerful young man, about twenty years of age; UNDERHILL was a small man, and was about 45 years of age. He is described by those who knew him as a "quiet and inoffensive man."

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 February 1871
FALMOUTH - Strange Occurrence At Falmouth. - A somewhat strange affair has occurred at Falmouth. On Saturday last a young woman, apparently about 22 years of age, arrived by the 1.15 p.m. train, and obtained lodgings at Florence-terrace. She conducted herself in a very creditable manner, and there was nothing unusual in her behaviour, but on Wednesday morning her bedroom door being locked, and no reply being given to repeated knocks, access was obtained by the window, when she was found lying on the floor and dead. An empty bottle, which had contained prussic acid, was discovered in the room, and at an Inquest held on Thursday the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased had died from taking poison, but that there was no evidence to shew the state of mind she was in at the time. The deceased stated that her name was ISABELLA VAUGHAN, and it is believed that she belonged to or near Exeter.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 February 1871
WINKLEIGH - A Boy Shot Dead. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. Fulford on Friday to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN PICKARD, 11 years of age. It was stated in evidence that the boy, whose parents reside near Winkleigh, asked the wife of a labourer to lend him a pistol belonging to her husband. She refused, but the deceased took the pistol away, the woman being in bed ill. Some time afterwards he came to his parents and told them that he had been shot, and that he had seen smoke issuing from a stable. It is supposed, however, that the unfortunate boy was carrying the pistol in his pocket when it exploded the charge, which according to Mr Dingley, surgeon, consisted of powder simply, entering the lower part of his body. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The pistol has not yet been found.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 February 1871
EXETER - The fatal effects of an excessive use of intoxicating liquors was exemplified at an Inquest held at Exeter yesterday on THOMAS STAMP, whose body was picked up in the Exe. A verdict to the effect that deceased committed suicide while labouring under Temporary Insanity was returned, and it was stated in the course of the Inquiry that deceased had been suffering from delirium tremens for a week prior to drowning himself.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 February 1871
EXETER - The Mysterious Disappearance Of A Lady From Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Cowley-bridge Inn, Exeter, on the body of MRS ANNE DICKER, 40 years of age, whose body was found near Stafford's Weir, in the river Exe, on Wednesday. Deceased was the widow of a clergyman, who had served as a missionary on the West Coast of Africa, and who died about five or six years since. In 1865 MRS DICKER was placed in the Wonford Asylum, Exeter, and Mr Thomas Lyle, M.D., the resident medical superintendent of that establishment, noticed then that her state of mind generally was one of depression, whilst her general bodily health was good. She was not at all violent. She left the Asylum in 1865 with the consent of her friends, but returned in a month. During the last two or three years she repeatedly wrote to the commissioners in lunacy, maintaining that she was sane, and urging that she should be discharged from the Asylum. The commissioners wrote to Dr Lyle, but he did not then feel so satisfied with her state of mind as to discharge her. On the 28th of September, 1868, the commissioners who inspected the Asylum, after a conversation with the deceased, made a note in a book recommending that she should be allowed to leave, but with this Dr Lyle did not concur, and she did not go. After this deceased gradually got better, and in 1870 again urged that she was in a fit condition to leave the Asylum. Before consenting to this Dr Lyle allowed her to go out whenever she pleased to call upon her relatives, and then return to the establishment. This went on for some months, and as she continued well, on the 14th of September last deceased finally left the Asylum and went to her friends. On the 26th of November she went to the house of Mrs Townsend in Friars Walk, Exeter, where she stopped until the 21st of January last, when she removed to 3, Southernhay. During her stay at Mrs Townshend's she was very quiet, but appeared much depressed. On one occasion when Mrs Townshend asked her what troubled her, she said "perhaps she would tell her one day." On the morning of the 26th of January she came down to breakfast at nine o'clock and then wore a brown dress. She left the house at ten o'clock the same morning, and as the ladies who occupied the premises - Miss Allen and Miss Mayo - knew she had been invited to visit her cousin, Miss Medland, at Hill's Court, nothing was thought at her going out in that way. She did not return that night, and inquiries at Hill's Court on the following morning led to the discovery that she had not been there. Her bedroom was then entered, and it was discovered that the brown dress which she had worn at breakfast was hanging up behind a door, and a black one, with white spots, taken away. Her watch and chain, purse (containing money), and keys were also found in the room. Every possible inquiry was made, and advertisements giving a description of MRS DICKER were issued; but nothing was heard of her until Wednesday. At about twelve o'clock on that day William Sirey, of Stoke Canon, who said he was employed "in looking after the river Exe," whilst walking in the marshes near Stafford's Weir, noticed something white between two elm trees, and on going to the spot found it to be the body of a woman, clothed in her under garments only. She was lying on her back, with her knees bent up, one shoulder resting against a railing and the other against a tree. Near her head was found a red flannel petticoat, but no other garments could be seen, nor had any been found, although a very careful search was subsequently made. The body was a considerable distance from the river, and had not been in the water at all. On her finger were found her gold wedding ring and keeper. The body was much decomposed. - Dr Lyle said he saw deceased in December and she was then very sadly depressed, and he advised her to take a little medicine. She had been with her husband at Sierra Leone, and had had a fever there, and he had often thought that the climate must have affected her. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead," it being the general opinion that deceased had died of cold, one of the Jurors remarking that "a more bitter night than that of the 26th of January he had never known. " - Deceased has two daughters, one aged 18 and the other 14.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 February 1871
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At The Barbican, Plymouth. - An Inquiry was held yesterday at the Plymouth Guildhall, by Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, concerning the death of WILLIAM PEARSE, land surveyor, 73 years of age, who resided at Varna Cottage, Stonehouse. - A waterman named Burns stated that shortly before ten o'clock on Thursday night he was standing on the Barbican pier when a man - the deceased - passed him, and went to the top of the old steps. Thinking this was a person who had previously engaged his services he went towards him, when the deceased suddenly reeled, fell over a few steps, and then head foremost into the water. Witness in running after him also fell into the water, but he caught hold of the deceased and shouted for help. P.C. Yabsley came immediately to his assistance, and took the deceased to the Barbican station. He appeared to be in a stupor, and was quite unconscious. Mr J. N. Stevens, surgeon, was sent for, and after a "rather long period" came and examined the deceased, whose pulse was full and quick. Mr Stevens ordered him to be taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, and a cab was accordingly sent for, but before he was half way to the Hospital, deceased expired. By a Juror: Mr Stevens did not stay at the Barbican station for more than two minutes. The deceased was not in the water for longer than half a minute. - P.C. Yabsley gave corroborative evidence. When the deceased was brought to the station he appeared to be in a fit. Witness went for Mr Stevens, who arrived at the station about twenty-five minutes after he (witness) left his house. The deceased recovered a little, and said he lived at Yealmpton. - George Craton, armourer to the Plymouth Volunteer Corps, saw the deceased the same evening as the accident. He was quite sober and appeared to be in perfect health. - John Nicholls Stevens, surgeon, stated that when P.C. Yabsley came to his house he was weighing out medicine, but he went shortly afterwards to the Barbican. The deceased's pulse was quick and full and his heart was beating in a proper manner. He did not think quite twenty-five minutes elapsed between the time he was called and when he saw the deceased. - R. Anderson, house surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, saw the deceased shortly before 12 o'clock on Thursday night. He was lying on a bed, and was quite dead. Witness subsequently made an examination of the body. There was nothing on the brain to account for death, but the vessels of the heart and chest were somewhat congested. This would be quite consistent with drowning or suffocation. Sudden immersion in the water might prove fatal to a man of deceased's age. - The room having been cleared the Jury discussed at some length the advisability of censuring Mr Stevens, but the majority were against such a course, and ultimately a verdict was returned that the deceased died from Shock to the Nervous System, caused by sudden immersion in the water in consequence of an accidental fall. The Jury also expressed themselves very greatly pleased with the conduct of Burns and Yabsley.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 February 1871
DARTMOUTH - An Inquiry was held at Dartmouth on Saturday by Mr J. M. Puddicombe, Coroner, relative to the death of JOHN PEEK, 79 years of age. The deceased complained on Thursday night of being rather unwell, and on Friday morning a relative going into the room to call him and his wife found that the former was dead, and had been so for a considerable time, the latter lying by his side asleep. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Visitation from God."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Deaths At Plymouth. - The circumstances attending two sudden deaths formed the subjects of Inquiry at two Inquests held on Saturday by Mr Brian, the Plymouth Borough Coroner. The first Inquest was at the Harvest Home. JOHN CROSS, 39 years of age, ostler at the inn, went to bed on Friday night in apparently good health, and was found the next morning quite dead. His body, which was partially out of bed, was covered with blood, and there was also a pool of blood on the floor. It was shewn that death was caused by the rupture of a blood vessel, and a verdict that deceased died from Natural Causes was returned.
The second was held at the Dock Hotel on HARRIET CULVERWELL, 69 years of age, who resided at 7 Bath Cottages. The deceased's husband went to bed on Friday night at nine o'clock, and extinguished the light, leaving his wife, who appeared in her usual health, sitting in an arm-chair. He awoke at one o'clock, and finding that the deceased was not in bed, he searched for her, and found that she was still sitting in the chair, her head resting on her right shoulder, and quite dead. She was of somewhat intemperate habits, but, according to her husband's statement, had never had a day's illness. There was no suspicious element in the case, and a verdict similar to that in the previous Inquest was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 February 1871
PLYMOUTH - Another Sudden Death At Plymouth. - Another sudden death has occurred at Plymouth. A man named CHARLES TIPPER, 47 years of age, belonging to Mr Luscombe's boarding gig, entered the boat yesterday afternoon in apparently excellent health and spirits. The gig shortly afterwards left for the Sound, and when she had got just outside the Cobbler Buoy, the deceased placed his oar across the boat and leant upon it. Mr Williams, the chief boatman, inquired if anything was the matter with him, and he replied, "I never felt such a thing in all my life before; I was giddy and for the time as blind as a bat." About a minute and a half after Mr Williams asked the deceased if he was better, and he replied in the affirmative, and resumed pulling, which he continued until they reached the vessel they were sent to. Mr Williams boarded her, and during his absence TIPPER'S head was observed to drop, and he would have fallen if one of the boatmen, named Harding, had not caught him. Mr Williams was called, and he directed the men to pull for the shore; but before they had got half way to the Barbican TIPPER died. An Inquest was held later in the day, and in summing up the evidence adduced the Coroner (Mr Brian) referred to the advisability of a place for the reception of bodies provided nearer the Barbican than the present dead-house. The Jury found that the deceased died from the Visitation of God.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 March 1871
TORQUAY - A Young Woman Burnt To Death. - An Inquest was held at the Clarence Hotel, Torquay, yesterday, on SARAH COLES, aged twenty-three, who died on Sunday from the effects of burning. The deceased, who was a servant at Normount, was cleaning out the kitchen on Saturday, and was moving backward towards the stove, when her clothes caught fire. She was so frightfully injured that she died on Sunday afternoon. Jane Ham, her fellow servant, exhibited much intrepidity in putting out the fire with a blanket, for which she was complimented by the Coroner and Jury. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 March 1871
ST. MARYCHURCH - An Inquest was held by Mr Michelmore, Coroner, at Babbicombe, yesterday, on RICHARD FORD MATTHEWS, whose body was washed ashore on Oddicombe beach on Wednesday morning. The deceased, who was a labourer, and forty-five years of age, left his home on the 18th of January, and has not since been seen alive. It is presumed that he fell into the sea under Walls Hill, and his body became embedded in the sand, from which it was dislodged by the strong swell during the last few days and thrown up on the beach. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 March 1871
PLYMOUTH - A housemaid named DAW, living at Cromwell Lodge, Higher Compton, Plymouth, complained on Tuesday of being in great pain, and subsequently told a fellow servant that a baby was in the closet. Upon a search being made it was discovered that the child had been pressed down the pan so tightly that the syphon had to be broken, and the masonry taken away to get the body out. Before DAWE informed the servant respecting the child being in the closet it was not suspected that she was enceinte. At an Inquest held on Thursday Mr G. Jackson, surgeon, stated that he did not think the child had had an independent existence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 March 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held yesterday at Devonport on RICHARD HOSKINS, a mason and builder. Deceased had been depressed in spirits for some time past, owing to the death of a son, and marriage of his only daughter, who had taken charge of his home. He was heard to say that he would destroy himself as life had become a burden, and he was found in an outhouse yesterday morning hanging from a beam quite dead. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - A Child Drowned At The Hoe. - A girl, about thirteen years of age, named ANNIE LAPTHORNE, living with her father and mother in Finewell-street, Plymouth, was drowned last evening off Pebbleside steps, at the Hoe. She and others were on the steps looking at the strong waves rushing in on the beach, when she was knocked off the steps by one of them, and while on the beach was carried off by a succeeding wave. An elderly gentleman took off his coat and made two attempts to rescue the child but was unable to do so the waves carrying him against the wall. The body of the child was recovered about nine o'clock, and the Coroner's Inquest will be held today. When the father and stepmother of the deceased were made acquainted with the circumstances they were under the influence of intoxicating liquors, and appeared but little concerned in the matter.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 March 1871
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At chemical Works In Plymouth. - Mr William Harvey's cement and chemical manufactory, Plymouth, has been the scene of a very lamentable accident. PHILIP CANNAFORD, a steady and intelligent man, but rather careless, was employed in manufacturing sulphate of ammonia, work which eight years' experience had made him minutely acquainted with. In order to make this substance the gas liquor from the gas house is brought by pipes into tanks in the ammonia house. Sulphuric acid is then let in by a sealed syphon, and its contact with the gas liquor frees sulphurated hydrogen. this is heated in the tank, but it is possible, under careless management, that some may escape and float into the ammonia house. CANNAFORD was at work early last Saturday morning in this house, with a boy assistant named William Turner. He sent the boy on an errand, and when the latter was returning he looked into the window of the house, and saw CANNAFORD sitting down on the ground, leaving against a pan, just under the window. His eyes were shut, and his head was on one side. He was quite insensible, and appeared to be dead. He was taken to his home near Deadman's Bay, where he was attended by Mr Square, jun., surgeon. At the Inquest yesterday, Mr Square said he found the deceased totally unconscious with violent spasmodic contractions of nearly all the muscles of his body. His pulse was very rapid and his respiration very quick and laboured. His skin was of a dark, almost copper colour, from lividity. He was sweating an extremely acid sweat. The only treatment Mr Square could give him was fresh air. He tried to give him some brandy, but could not get him to swallow it. The deceased died on Sunday evening. Mr Square explained that the only thing that could have saved the deceased at the time he first saw him was the inhalation of oxygen, but there was no apparatus in Plymouth for applying it to the lungs of the deceased. It would have taken several hours to make a rude apparatus, and by that time it would have been the wrong treatment, because he would have passed through the stage at which it was necessary. He believed the death of the deceased was caused by chemical decomposition in the blood, from the inhalation of some noxious gas. Sulphurated hydrogen and carbonic acid gas combined were sufficient to produce a fatal effect. - Mr Harvey stated that the works were considered rather healthy than otherwise. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died from the effect of Poisoning of the Blood, which was entirely the result of an Accident."

PLYMOUTH - Shocking Disclosures At A Coroner's Inquest. - A case of shameful brutality was brought under the notice of a Coroner's Jury at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening, when an Inquest was held concerning the death of HANNAH LAPTHORNE, 14 years of age. - Henrietta Rogers, a playmate of the deceased, stated that they with two or three other girls were playing on the steps at Pebbleside, under the Hoe, shortly after 4 p.m. on Monday, when a wave came in and carried deceased off. Witness heard her cry, "Catherine, Catherine - Hetty, Hetty, come and save me," and a man ran down, threw off his coat, and rushed into the water. At this time the deceased was struggling near some pieces of timber, about 30 feet from the steps, and the man's effort to reach her were fruitless, the water knocking him back against the wall. The witness then proceeded to the deceased's residence to inform her parents of the occurrence. they were not at home, and she went to a beerhouse at the bottom of Finewell-street, which she knew the deceased's father frequented. Here she found him and his wife - deceased's stepmother - sitting at a table with a pint of beer before them. The witness, who was crying, went up to LAPTHORNE and said, "Your HANNAH'S drowned;" to which the miscreant replied, "Let the little ...... go." He was drunk at the time. In continuation the witness stated that the deceased, who had no frock on, told her that her stepmother had pawned the garment, and the poor girl appeared to be vexed that her clothes were so ragged. - Mr Williams, Coroner's officer, stated that he went to deceased's home on Monday night, and found the stepmother crouching in a corner. He told her to get up, which she did, with the assistance of another woman, but she was so intoxicated that she could not stand without holding to the table. He went away and returned shortly afterwards, by which time the body had arrived. He saw deceased's father, and said to him, "This is a pretty state of things; here's the mother beastly drunk, and you're very little better." LAPTHORNE replied that he could not help it, and, leaning over the body, observed, "I may as well die too." Witness then went to look for the mother, whom he found crouching behind the door of an empty room. He said to her, "You have pawned the child's frock for a shilling;" and she replied, "Well, what of that? Yes, I did it to buy food." - Mr Brian, the Coroner, in summing up, said the case was the most deplorable and disgraceful that had ever come before him, the more so because it did not seem to have the slightest effect on the parents, of whose culpable negligence they had had evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and severely censured the parents for their neglect of the child, and their disgraceful conduct. The man and woman were both present, and appeared little concerned at the tragic occurrence. In fact, when asked if they wished to say anything, they made statements so evidently false as to elicit cries of "shame," and to induce the Coroner to observe that he was glad he had not sworn them. LAPTHORNE is a quarryman and has been in the receipt of 17s. pr week for the last three months. A neighbour present stated that the deceased had been supported by a brother, her parents having thoroughly neglected her.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 March 1871
PLYMOUTH - Singular Death At Plymouth. - The circumstances attendant on the death of RICHARD TREVELOR, cattle drover, formed the subject of an Inquiry at an Inquest held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday by Mr Brian. The deceased, who was 31 years of age, resided at 27 Richmond-street, and a neighbour named Charlotte Parker stated that on the evening of the 2nd instant she was called to deceased's room by his wife. She found a quantity of blood on the floor, and was informed by deceased's wife that he had crept under the bed, whence witness and her niece pulled him. She asked deceased, who was intoxicated, what was bleeding, and he replied, "It's my finger," at the same time holding up his right hand, from which a great quantity of blood was coming. Witness washed the hand, and applied sticking plaster. He went to work on Monday and Tuesday last, and on the latter day, Mr Jackson, surgeon, called and gave him a prescription. On Wednesday morning he was very ill, and Mr Jackson was sent for. Mr Jackson, on his arrival, scolded them for calling him out of his "warm bed" at six in the morning for such a "foolish matter," and then told deceased to pen his mouth. The latter muttered through his teeth that he could not, and endeavoured to do so with both his hands. Mr Jackson, then, having procured a spoon, tried to force deceased's mouth open, and said to him, "You can open your mouth if you like." MRS TREVELOR remarked "If he could he would see", and Mr Jackson replied that he could do nothing with him, he would not open his mouth, and said he would return in company with another gentleman and chloroform him. Deceased had had a fit of convulsions before the arrival of Mr Jackson, and cried out "Oh, my back." Mr Jackson returned at one p.m., but deceased had been removed to the hospital under Mr Eccles's direction. - Louisa Cragg, niece of the last witness, corroborated a portion of her evidence, and said on Saturday morning deceased was intoxicated and ran after his little boy, upsetting the table and cutting his big toe slightly by the side of the nail. Witness bound it up for him. The deceased was a tolerably healthy man, but she had heard him complain of pains in his back. - Harriet Pratt, acting nurse of the accident ward at the South Devon Hospital, stated that the deceased was received shortly after noon on Wednesday, and was put to bed and attended to by the house surgeon. His jaw was firmly set, but as he had lost one of his teeth, a little brandy and water was supplied to him through the aperture. Witness heard him say, "I fell I am dying." He died at a quarter past 3 o'clock. - George H. Eccles, M.R.C.S., stated that on Wednesday he was attending a person living opposite to the deceased, when he received a very urgent message asking him to come and see a dying man. He went immediately, and found deceased in bed, lying on his back, with a peculiar fixed smile on his countenance, and perspiring profusely. He told him to pen his mouth, and deceased opened his teeth just far enough for a double sheet of paper to have been passed between. Witness examined him, and found the muscles of his body rigid, but not quite so much as is usual in such cases. There was a jagged wound across the top joint of the fourth finger of the right hand,, from which a humour was exuding, and a considerable quantity came out on a slight pressure. He asked deceased the cause, and deceased murmured that he was carrying half a bullock on Thursday week last and slipped and split his finger. The deceased fancied he had cut a vein, as it had bled very much. Witness incised the finger, ordered a turpentine injection, and powdered calomel to be thrown between his teeth, and caused him to be removed to the hospital. Witness thought that deceased's death was caused by tetanus, induced by the cut on his finger, and aggravated by intemperate habits. Witness was not aware before the Inquest that deceased was being attended to by Mr Jackson. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Tetanus from a cut on the finger caused by a fall."

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 March 1871
SOUTH TAWTON - An Inquest was held by Mr R. Fulford, at South Zeal, on Thursday, on WM. COOMBE, ten years of age, who was killed by being crushed between two waggons on the Okehampton Railway, now in course of completion. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 March 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by Mr T. C. Brian, at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday, on a man named TOZER, found drowned at the Hoe. The deceased when last seen alive, at 6.30 on Monday morning, stated that he was going to work, but from his recent conduct it seemed that he was of unsound mind. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. The deceased was 58 years of age.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 March 1871
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr A. B. Bone held an Inquest at the Queen's Arms Inn, Stonehouse, yesterday, on WILLIAM GLANVILLE, aged 55, pork butcher, Edgcumbe-street, who about ten days since, when riding from Liskeard to Lerrin, was violently thrown, and received injuries which proved fatal, by his horse running against the pole of a mail phaeton. It was stated that the deceased was blind in one eye, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall by Mr T. C. Brian, relative to the death of a child named WILLIAM JOHN HUGHES, son of a labourer in the Victualling Yard. The child fell about four months ago, and a few days since a swelling appeared on his back, and although medical assistance was obtained he died on Monday. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 April 1871
PLYMPTON - A charge of concealment of birth was preferred against an unmarried woman named MARY ANNE MARTIN, a domestic servant, at the Roborough Petty Sessions yesterday. Mrs Adams, the prisoner's mistress, charged the girl with being enceinte, but the latter denied it. Mrs Adams, however, told her she had better go home, and MARTIN left on the 5th March, returning on the 19th. The body of a child greatly decomposed was found in a tub in Mrs Adams's coal cellar, and at an Inquest held at Plympton on Saturday the Jury returned an Open Verdict, the body being too much decomposed to allow of any certainty as to whether the child was born alive. Prisoner was committed for trial.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 April 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - Starved To Death. - Mr Allan B. Bone, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday, at the Devonport Guildhall, on MARY ANN CHAPMAN, 33 years of age, who had been married twice, her second husband being at the present time a private in the 2nd (Queen's) Regiment. - ELIZABETH ANN LOUTH, aged 13 years, daughter by the first marriage, stated that she and her mother lived in an upstair room in a court at the back of 12 Queen-street. They were maintained by the money obtained on rags and bones which she (LOUTH) picked up on the parish quay. She generally made about 2s. a week, 1s. of which went for rent. Her mother, who was partially blind, had been ill for a long time, and was obliged to keep her bed for two months. She never applied to the parish for relief. When she (LOUTH) went away to pick up rags and bones her mother always made her lock the door, and take the key, as she was afraid that if the neighbours came and saw her they would get her removed to the Workhouse. The deceased told her if people asked her whether her mother had a doctor she was to say "Yes." About two months ago the husband, CHAPMAN, paid three visits to the deceased, who complained that she wanted nourishing food and clothing. On the first occasion he gave her 6d.; on the second, a pint of porter, half of which he drank himself; and on the third, two pennyworth of potted conger and two pence. Last Sunday her mother grew worse and died. - On being asked by the Coroner if she went to school, LOUTH said twelve months ago she attended the Naval and Military Free Schools, and her mother paid a penny a week. At that time they lived with her (LOUTH'S) grandmother, who maintained them by picking up rags and bones. - Elizabeth Julian saw the deceased about a month ago, and on asking her if she had a medical man she replied "Yes." There was no bedstead in the room. Deceased lay on the floor. The bedding consisted of a tie filled with straw and flock, an old quilt, and two black skirts. She saw in the room a pound of treacle and a half-quartern loaf just cut, one candle and a small quantity of coals. Deceased told her she had not applied for relief, because she would rather die than go into the Workhouse. - CHAPMAN, the husband, stated that he was sent out to the East Indies in 1866, and after he arrived there he had to spend a lot of money in clothes. In 1867 he sent home to the deceased 30s., and asked her to send out "the marriage lines," as he would try to get her on the strength of the regiment. She sent out word that she did not want to come. For more than two years he never heard from his wife. While he was in the East he drew his pay, which he spent in tobacco and other things he required. He arrived home on the 28th November last, and on finding out the deceased he asked her whether he should try to get her on the strength of the regiment. Her reply was that she did not want to have anything to say to him. Two days afterwards he went away on a six week's furlough with £4 in his pocket. The last two months he had been in the hospital, and was still under the doctor's care. - Mr Bazeley, surgeon, who had made a post mortem examination of the body, said there was a tubercular disease in the left lung, with slight adhesions from old pleurisy. Deceased had not, however, disease to any extent. Judging from the condition of the body, which was emaciated, with very little fat, he thought that if she had been supplied with proper food and medicine, under favourable circumstances, her life might have been spared for some time. The cause of death was want of proper nourishment, coupled with the disease which existed in the left lung. - The Coroner thought from the evidence the woman was in a proper condition to provide for herself, because she had been living with her daughter, whom she might have instructed to apply for parochial relief. - The Jury found that the deceased died from Want of the proper Necessaries of Life. They said they could not censure the husband, because when he went to the deceased she said she did not want to have anything to say to him. - The Coroner told CHAPMAN that he had had a very narrow escape. It was the duty of a husband to provide proper necessaries for his wife, and if the deceased had been in such a condition as would have prevented her from applying for parochial relief, it was clear there would have been a verdict of manslaughter.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 April 1871
TEIGNMOUTH - Suicide At Teignmouth. - An Inquest was held on Thursday evening by Mr H. Michelmore, at Higher Holcombe Farm, Teignmouth, on JOHN WILCOX, retired grocer, aged 58, who lodged at the farm, the occupier of which is Mr Brimage. The deceased left the London Hotel at about quarter to eleven o'clock on Wednesday night, arriving home at half-past eleven, at which hour Mr Brimage, who was in bed, heard him fasten the door. Shortly after midnight Mr Brimage heard one of the chairs moved in the kitchen, but thought little of the occurrence, as the deceased was accustomed to take refreshments before retiring to rest. Between five and six o'clock on Thursday morning some farm labourers upon entering the kitchen found MR WILCOX dead and rigid, hanging by a flag from a hook in the ceiling, and did not attempt to cut down the body until the arrival of Police-sergeant Coles. It was evident that the deceased, who for some time past has been in a desponding state of mind, had retired to rest, but had shortly afterwards risen to carry out his fatal intention. It is supposed that the noise heard by Mr Brimage was caused by the deceased kicking away a chair found close to his feet. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 April 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - The Death From Shooting At Milehouse. Verdict Of Manslaughter. - Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday at the Britannia Inn, Milehouse, on RICHARD JOHN FRANCIS CRUMP, aged 14 years. On the previous day (Good Friday) James Wedlock, confectioner, living at Rendle-street, Plymouth, erected a "shooting gallery" in the path field, behind Rose Cottage, Milehouse, and left it in charge of Elizabeth Hannah Gibbs, his servant, who was accustomed to the management of such an apparatus. Firing commenced shortly before midday, and was continued until between three and four o'clock in the afternoon. At that time Sergeant Walter Thompson, 2nd (Queen's) Regiment, had four shots, the rifle being loaded each time with powder, sufficient to fill the gauge of a powder flask, and a bullet. The last ball fired went through the target and entered the head of the deceased, who fell upon the ground insensible. He was picked up by Richard Partridge, a carpenter, and carried to the Britannia Inn, where he died shortly before six o'clock. At the request of the Coroner, John Eva Pearce, smith and fitter, in the employ of Mr E. Couch, Fore-street, Devonport, had made a careful examination of the shooting gallery. Many parts of the tube, he said, were eaten out with rust and wear. The target box, which was about two feet square, fitted into the end of the tube. In the middle of the box was a round iron plate, and in the centre of this plate was a hole which was called "the bull's-eye." Behind this hole was another plate of iron called "the striking plate," which worked on a pivot, and to which was attached three bells fixed on a stem of iron, and which stem was inserted into the rod of the striking plate. On the top of the box was a square piece of wire netting, with a square hold in it, about two inches in size, through which the rod of the striking plate passed. There was no protection for the bells, which were above the wire netting. The box, the outside of which was wood, appeared to be thoroughly worn out, being patched in all directions. Had the box been in perfect order the accident could not have happened. The wire netting should have been a fixture, whereas it was moveable. Had it been fixed, firing would have been perfectly safe. Owing to its being moveable, whenever a rifle was fired the force of the shot would move the wire netting, and the striking plate being in consequence put out of position allowed a shot entering the "bull's-eye" to pass out through the end of the box. Taking the condition of the machine as he found it, he considered that an accident was probable. - The witness, on being cross-examined by Mr T. C. Brian, who watched the proceedings on behalf of Wedlock, who was in custody, said he had never constructed shooting galleries, but had often examined them. The box seemed to have been constructed in the usual way, and the iron plates were about the ordinary thickness - half an inch. The striking plate was a good deal larger than the "bull's-eye". The plate, therefore, might be very much out of place, and yet a shot might make the bells ring. The shot, however, would have to go through the "bull's-eye" to make them sound. Whilst there was enough of the plate to cover the "bull's-eye" there was no danger of the bullet passing out at the back of the box. He thought every shot was calculated to displace the striking plate a little after once being moved, and each successive shot a little more. Both plates in the box were perfectly strong enough for tall the purposes intended. - The servant, Gibbs, said Good Friday was the first day that the machine was worked by Wedlock, who purchased it from a man named Brewer. Saw Wedlock put on the wire netting, but could not tell whether he fastened it. During the day the bells rang several times, which indicated that the bullet had entered the "bull's-eye." When the last shot was fired by Sergeant Thompson she did not hear them ring. - Partridge, who picked up the deceased, said there were in the field at the time three shooting galleries, besides roundabouts and whirligigs. - Mr Brian contended there was not sufficient evidence to shew criminal negligence on the part of Wedlock, who put up the machine in full and perfect confidence and belief that it was fit for the purpose for which it was intended. Had anything happened immediately after the gallery was erected, it would have borne out Mr Pearce's opinion that an accident was probable, but the firing lasted four hours, and the bells rang several times. An accident, then, at the time it commenced was rather improbable. He submitted that no impact by firing would have the effect of drawing the striking plate one way or the other, and that it was more likely some mischievous person tipped it on one side, and thus allowed the bullet to pass through the box. - The Coroner pointed out to the Jury that they should not allow any feelings of disgust arising from the scandalous, he had almost said blasphemous, desecration of one of the most solemn days of the year to influence their judgment with regard to the verdict. They had simply to consider whether Wedlock, who brought the shooting gallery into the field for the purpose of its being used, took the trouble to acquaint himself with its proper condition. The circumstance of his having been so recently in possession of it did not, in his opinion, make any difference. It was Wedlock's duty to have satisfied himself that it was safe. If, after the evidence they had heard, they believed the youth died in consequence of a bullet from that machine striking him, and if they also believed that the shooting gallery was in such a defective state as to make it probable that an accident would happen, then he thought their verdict must be manslaughter. If they had any substantial doubt - if they thought the machine was fit and safe for use - then it would be one of accidental death. He was sorry he could not find any law affecting the disgusting practice of sporting on that solemn day - Good Friday. He confessed it would have been a great satisfaction to him if all the parties in the field on the previous day, who were engaged in promoting these unseemly and scandalous sports, could have been brought before a proper tribunal and punished. There was no doubt that the man Wilcox would hear from his lessee, that the terms of his lease had been violated by allowing shows to be erected in the fields on Good Friday. - The Jury, after a quarter of an hour's private consultation, returned a verdict of Manslaughter against Wedlock, who stands committed for trial on the Coroner's warrant. - Mr bone said he would be willing to take bail, Wedlock in £40 and two sureties in £40 each. - Wedlock was brought up at the Devonport Guildhall on Saturday morning, and charged with causing the death of RICHARD CRUMP, in a field at Milehouse, by having a defective shooting gallery there on the 7th of April. - Mr Brian appeared for the prisoner. - Mr Superintendent Lynn said he was at Milehouse on the previous day, and saw the boy die. Afterwards witness came to the police-station, where he found the prisoner, who said he did not know that the shooting gallery was defective, as he had bought it from a man named Brewer, and that was the first day he had used it. There was a young woman named Gibbs present, who said she was in charge of the gallery, and he (Mr Lynn) asked her if it were in the same state while she were using it as prisoner left it? The prisoner answered, "I erected it in the morning." - Wedlock was then remanded until this morning.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 April 1871
HARBERTON - An Inquest was held last night at the Maltster's Arms, Harbertonford, by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on JAMES ANDREWS, who was killed on Monday evening by being thrown from a dray. The evidence adduced was in accordance with the facts detailed yesterday. The position of the barrels in the drag led to the supposition that the deceased must have been jerked out. At the place where the accident happened two deep gutters cross the road, and the sudden jerk caused by crossing the gutters was supposed to have been the cause of the accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and recommended that a representation should be made to the highway authorities that the spot in question was dangerous to travelling, and that the gutters should be carried under the roadway.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 April 1871
ST MAWES - CAPTAIN FOGWILL, of the Royal Tar, of Brixham, which had put in at St. Mawes, for orders, was accidentally drowned by walking over the pier when proceeding to join his boat. The body was recovered in about 45 minutes, but life was extinct. An Inquest was held on Thursday, when a verdict of Accidentally Drowned was returned. The deceased leaves a wife and five children.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 April 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was held yesterday by Mr T. C. Brian, Plymouth Borough Coroner, on CHARLOTTE HOCKING, found dead in her bed on the night of the 15th inst. The deceased was a woman of very intemperate habits, and a verdict was returned that the deceased died from Natural Causes, accelerated by intemperance.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 April 1871
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Inquiry into the death of WILLIAM HILL, stoker, belonging to the Indus, who, as we yesterday stated, was found dead in the mud in Stonehouse Lake, close to the shore, on Monday morning, was held yesterday by Mr Bone, Coroner, and a verdict of "Found Dead" was returned. One of the toll collectors at the Stonehouse Bridge, named Henry Lang, heard a gurgling noise, as if someone was drowning, between one and two o'clock on Wednesday morning of last week. He looked over the bridge, and went down the slope between the bridge and the brewery, but could see no one, and he did not hear the noise repeated. The Coroner called attention to the great need of some fence, or barrier, to prevent persons from going down this slope. He was sure that if the attention of the lord of the manor were called to it, he would do what was possible to make it safer.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 April 1871
PLYMOUTH - A man named TEMPLETON, aged 62 years, residing in Plymouth, died suddenly in bed yesterday morning. He had not been seriously indisposed. An Inquest was held, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - A painful case was investigated by the Devonport Coroner yesterday. HENRY MOORE, who had formerly been in the Metropolitan police, from which he was invalided, committed suicide by hanging on Thursday, in consequence, it is supposed, of depression of spirits caused by being told that he would never recover from his illness. A verdict of "Suicide whilst in a state of Unsound Mind" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Workhouse yesterday on JOHN MAYNE, aged sixty-nine years. The deceased was admitted in the hospital ward about a month since suffering from a carbuncle, and if anything he asked for was not given at once he would grumble, and say he would throw himself out of the window. On Wednesday he went to the closet, and a few minutes afterwards thrust himself through a small window, and falling on an earthen pan, received a severe wound on the right temple, which proved fatal. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 April 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest on MINNIE KING ATWILL, aged four months, who, as was stated yesterday, was found dead in bed by the side of her mother, who resides at the Post-office Inn, Plymouth, was held by Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, yesterday, and after evidence shewing that the deceased was very delicate, and subject to convulsions, had been received, a verdict of "Suffocation from Accidental Pressure" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Harvest Home, Plymouth, yesterday, by Mr T. Brian, Borough Coroner, on a man named HILL. Mary Askell stated that on Saturday, between 7 and 8 p.m., she saw deceased walking up Week-street rather unsteadily, and upon going to him he told her that he had been running. He was taken to Mr Cole's stores, and died in a few minutes. Mr Cole, china merchant, said the deceased, who had been in his employ for the last thirty-three years, was very intemperate, but he had not noticed him intoxicated for the past fortnight. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 28 April 1871
PLYMOUTH - The injuries sustained by the boy - GEORGE ROWLAND, aged 8 years - who fell over the rocks at the ladies' bathing place at Plymouth Hoe, on Wednesday, proved fatal; and at an Inquest held yesterday by Mr T. C. Brian, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and recommended the erection of a fence to prevent boys climbing the wall.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 May 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Brian, Plymouth Coroner, on HENRY BURN, labourer, aged 64, who died suddenly from heart disease, whilst working at the Prince Rock limekilns. Deceased told his wife an hour or so before his death that he never felt better in his life. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 May 1871
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident To A Marine. The Jurisdiction Of Coroners. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Naval Hospital Inn, yesterday afternoon, by Mr A. B. Bone, County Coroner, on the body of a private in the Royal Marines, which was found floating in the Hamoaze on the previous day. Mr Nicholas James Wood, carpenter of the Terrible, observed the body in the water a hundred yards north of Keyham, and he took it n tow. On the great coat which it had on was, "A. SHERRIFF, R.M., 1866." The body was taken to H.M.S. Indus, and by order of the commander of that vessel to the Naval Hospital. - The Coroner said, on the night of the 21st March last a marine named SHERRIFF, while on duty as sentry on board the Agincourt, fell over-board and had not since been heard of. There could be no moral doubt that this was the body of the poor fellow, but the fact of names being on the clothes, and nothing else, was not a legal identity of the body, and the only verdict that the Jury could return was that the deceased, who was not known, was found drowned. - One of the Jurors said there was no doubt in his mind that it was SHERRIFF'S body, and if the Jury could return a verdict to that effect whatever money or effects he had would be restored to his relatives. - The Coroner said they must be bound by the law .. (hear, hear) - and the suggestion of the Juror could not be carried out. - A verdict as suggested was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 May 1871
PLYMOUTH - ELLEN LASHBROOK, 13 months old, daughter of a wheelwright residing at Laira, near Plymouth, was scalded on Saturday night by boiling over of water in a kettle. The child died on Monday, and at an Inquest held by Mr Bone, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - Shocking Accident Near Barnstaple. - Early yesterday morning JOHN SMITH, aged 26, went to the Playford paper mills, where he was employed, and, it is thought, opened the cover of the manhole of a revolving boiler. Through this the steam rushed with great force, hurled SMITH to a considerable distance, fracturing his skull and severely scalding him. He appears to have been the only man on the premises, and as he staggered towards Barnstaple, a Mr Vickery residing in the first house on the road heard the poor fellow's groans, and, getting out of bed, dressed and went to seek a conveyance to convey the sufferer, whose skin in several parts was peeling off, to Barnstaple. No less than three persons who were applied to refused a conveyance, but the fourth, Mr Allen, immediately acceded to the request. The poor fellow, who had a wife, and child, subsequently died in great agony in the North Devon Infirmary. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed great disapprobation at the unfeeling manner in which the parties refusing their conveyances acted. The Coroner, Mr I. Bencraft, concurred in this censure, and said it was scarcely credible such cold-hearted people could be found in the present day. The individuals referred to are a dairyman named Laverton; Wm. Harding, a labourer in the employ of Colonel Harding; and a nurseryman named Ireland.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 May 1871
EXETER - Mr H. W. Hooper, the Exeter Coroner, held two Inquests last evening on children who had met their deaths by accident. In one case the grandchild of MR HANCOCK, a brickmaker, of St. Sidwell's, fell into a stagnant pool of water, and was not discovered until she was quite dead.
In the other the infant son of a man named HORWILL, living in Bartholomew-street, had his head injured by a mangle which his father was working, and died in a few hours. The child had crept into the room unnoticed, and got between the end of the mangle and the wall. In both instances verdicts of "Accidental Death" were returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 May 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, yesterday by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, relative to the death of a lad named GEORGE HENRY JEFFERY. Mr Worth, farmer, Bugle Farm, near Shaugh, stated that on Monday week the deceased was driving the horses attached to the machinery for crushing corn. Witness was in an adjoining compartment attending to the crushing, when suddenly the machine stopped and he heard a shriek. On going out he found that the deceased had entangled one of his legs in the horse gear. Mr Ellery, surgeon, Ridgeway, was promptly in attendance, wrapped the wound up, and ordered the lad to be taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. There was no danger if the deceased had kept in the right path, but according to his own statement he stood on the wheel of the horse gear, and touched the horses with the whip when they jerked him off, and his leg came in contact with the wheel. - Dr Anderson, surgeon of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, stated that on Tuesday, the 9th of May, the deceased was admitted into the Hospital with a fractured leg. All went favourably until Thursday, when the deceased had slight fainting fits, and gradually got worse until he died on Monday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 May 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest on a woman named JANE TAMLIN, aged 43 years, the wife of a tailor, was held yesterday at the Plymouth Guildhall by Mr Brian, Coroner. The deceased had been in delicate health, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 May 1871
SALCOMBE REGIS - The Mysterious Affair At Salcombe. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Michelmore, on ZENAS SHARIZER DREW, a lad about 10 years of age. It has been previously stated that the deceased on Saturday last went out in a boat with a man of unsound mind, named Steer, who returned without him, and that a pilot named Jarvis subsequently found the boy's body in the water, being attracted to the spot by seeing a hat, which it was proved the deceased had been wearing, on a rock. Jarvis asserted that it was impossible for a boy to reach the spot where the hat was found. - Samuel Clark, labourer, stated that on Saturday morning Steer and a lad about eight years of age came into Spray Cove, where the witness at that time was at work. Steer invited witness to come down to the boat, and they had some bread and butter and cider together. Steer gave the deceased, to whom he appeared very kind, a piece of bread and butter, and then sculled away with him. Witness subsequently saw Steer go up the harbour alone. - Richard Cook, miner, deposed that he met Steer near the spot where the deceased was found, and the latter said to him he was looking for a little boy whom he had lost somewhere, and had been calling for ten minutes. - Joseph Winsor, mariner, was spoken to by Steer upon his return to Salcombe after the cruise he had taken in company with the deceased. He said in conversation, "I am a curious old fellow, and there is mischief belonging to me." - P.C. Matthews found traces of two persons walking through the wood near the place where the body was picked up. Saw a mark as if someone had slipped over the cliff. - J. M. B. Langworthy, surgeon, had examined the body. There were two wounds on the head, just above the right ear, and two slight bruises on the arm, caused, he thought, by a fall, and not by a sharp instrument. Considered it dangerous for children to ramble about with Steer, who was not responsible for his actions. - Police-Sergeant Knight said the cliff above the spot where deceased's body was found was very dangerous. It was overhung with ivy, upon which in some places a person might step and imagine he was about to tread upon firm ground. - Steer was called, but his manner appeared to convince all present of his insanity, and the Coroner gave the man's son instructions to carefully watch him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 May 1871
BIDEFORD - The Suspected Infanticide At Bideford. - An Inquest on the newly-born male child which, as was stated yesterday, was found decapitated and minus one leg in a house in Honestone-lane, Bideford, was held yesterday. The evidence shewed that ZENA MAYNARD, thirty-six years of age, domestic servant to Mr Murray, Rowenna, Westward Ho! was suspected by her mistress of being enceinte, but she denied such was the case. On Tuesday last she performed her work as usual, but in the evening Mrs Murray observed that she was looking unwell and believing that she was about to be confined caused her to be conveyed to the residence of her aunt at Bideford. Information was given to the police, and upon Superintendent Vanstone visiting her she at once admitted that she had been delivered of a child at Rowena, and upon being asked for the body shewed the mutilated remains, stating that the child was born dead, and that she cut off with a knife the head and a leg, which she burnt in the stove at her mistress's house. - Dr Ackland expressed the opinion that the child had lived, and had had an independent existence, and the Inquest was adjourned until June 16th.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 June 1871
SOWTON - Concealment Of Birth By A Widow. - At the Woodbury Petty Sessions yesterday, ELIZA HAY, the mother of eight legitimate children, the proprietress of a dairy at Sowton, near Exeter, was charged with concealing the birth of an illegitimate child. For some time past rumour had alleged that the prisoner, whose husband died two years ago, was enceinte, but she stoutly denied this to the rector, the Rev. Preb. Sanders. On the 3rd June, when the dead body of her child was in her bedroom, she again denied to Mr Sanders that she had been pregnant and consented to submit to a medical examination. This examination was made by Mr Gibbs, surgeon, of Topsham, and he came to the conclusion that MRS HEY had not recently given birth to a child, and gave a certificate to that effect. On the night of the 1st of May, a midwife, named Harris, was sent for by the prisoner and found that she had given birth to a fine male child. She told the woman that her mother and sister were coming next morning from Cullompton and would take away the child. Mrs Harris left before daylight. One of the prisoner's daughters in the morning heard the child cry, but it was not seen alive afterwards. On the 5th Detective Hurson went to the house of the prisoner, who admitted that she had given birth to a child and that it was dead, and shewed him the box in which she had placed the body. She stated that after the nurse left she gave the baby some brandy, and when she awoke in the morning she found it dead. Later in the day Hurson apprehended her on the charge of murder. - Mr Somers, a surgeon, of Broadclist, proved that death arose from suffocation. - On Thursday last an Inquest was held, at which the Jury returned an Open Verdict, and afterwards the charge of murder was abandoned. - The Bench committed the prisoner for trial to the assizes, but accepted bail. Mr W. Friend prosecuted, and Mr Toby defended.

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 June 1871
PLYMOUTH - JOHN TUCKER, a farm labourer, of Hooe Meavy, aged 35 years, who a month ago was knocked down by a train while trespassing on a railway viaduct near Horrabridge, died at the South Devon Hospital on Tuesday. An Inquest was held yesterday, when the railway officials were entirely exonerated, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 17 June 1871
BIDEFORD - The Infanticide At Northam. - The adjourned Inquest on the illegitimate male child of ZENA MAYNARD, domestic servant, who had been residing at Rowena, Westward Ho! prior to the birth of the child on the 23rd of May last, was resumed yesterday at the Bideford Townhall. The woman, who appeared to be in a weak condition, was present, and after the reading of the evidence of Police-Sergeant Vanstone, who stated that she confessed to him that she had cut off the head and one of the legs of the child and burnt them in a stove, and that when he apprehended her she gave up the rest of the remains, which she had concealed in a house in Honestone-lane, Bideford, the prisoner admitted that the statements were quite correct. The evidence of Dr Ackland went to shew that the child was born alive, but Sabina Slater, who slept with the prisoner, stated that she did not hear a child cry, and had it done so she must have heard it. Prisoner asserted that the child was stillborn. The Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder," upon which the Coroner remarked, "How could you bring in that verdict?" Two of the Jury, asserting that the verdict was theirs, protested against the Coroner making any such observations, and the latter then said, "I think the child was destroyed some way or other." This, however, was not the only difficulty. An attempt was made to alter the manner in which the Jury had couched their verdict, and in which the murder was stated to have been committed at Northam, in which parish Westward Ho! is situate. Again the Jury protested against the Coroner's interference, and insisted upon their written verdict being recorded. The accused will be brought before the County Magistrates on Monday.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 June 1871
TORQUAY - An Inquest was held by Mr Michelmore at the Torbay Infirmary, Torquay, on REGINALD GEORGE PEDERICK, aged three years and nine months. Deceased in endeavouring, on Tuesday afternoon, to pull some field flowers from some grass which was in a timber waggon, fell under the wheels and was crushed to death. No blame could be attached to the man in charge of the waggon, as he was walking by the side of his horses and knew nothing of the accident until he heard a shriek. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 June 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at Vosper's Arms, Devonport, by Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner, on THOMAS BERRYMAN, superannuated joiner in the dockyard, who committed suicide that morning by hanging himself in his room. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 3 July 1871
SOUTH HUISH - The Lamentable Death Of A Lady Near Kingsbridge. - An Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of MRS BALKWILL, who was found dead early on Thursday morning, was held by Mr Michelmore on Friday evening, at the deceased's residence, South Huish, near Kingsbridge. Mr Joseph Earle, of Alston, was elected Foreman of the Jury. - George Brown, commissioned boatman in the Coastguard, stationed at Hope Cove, stated that on his round on Wednesday night he had to pass Thurlestone Sands. He passed at one o'clock in the morning, and saw nothing particular then, but on passing again at twenty minutes to three o'clock, when it was just getting light, he saw something white lying in the wash of the sea and moved by the motion of the waves. He went towards it, and discovered it to be the dead body of a female lying on her face and hands. It was then about high tide. He took the body a short distance up on the sands, to prevent the waves taking it away. Knew MRS BALKWILL, but did not then recognize her features. she had on a nightdress, a knitted cap on her head, and a flannel jacket, boots unlaced, and stockings. Getting assistance from a man who lived at a limekiln nearby, they unhung a door at the kiln, laid the body on it, and placed it in a cellar, the door of which he (witness) locked, and took the key in his pocket. He went to Hope Cove, and informed his officer of the occurrence. The officer sent to Malborough and informed the police of it. On returning to the cellar where the body was he met a man, who told him MRS BALKWILL was missing. He then recollected that the features of the corpse resembled MRS BALKWILL. Saw no trace of footmarks on the sand leading him to suppose that a struggle took place. - MR HENRY BALKWILL, husband of the deceased, was the next witness. He was led into the room in an almost unconscious state, apparently overwhelmed with grief by his irreparable loss. In answer to the Coroner's questions he stated that he was married to the deceased on June 1st. They went away together after marriage, and returned to that house (South Huish) on the 23rd. He never had a quarrel with his wife. They lived happily together. She appeared to be in good health lately, and on Wednesday night was apparently quite well. They went to bed together at ten minutes past ten, and she was then very cheerful. They talked together about a quarter of an hour after they were in bed. He went to sleep before his wife. Awoke next morning at half-past five o'clock and found his wife was not in the room. He took no notice of it, thinking that as they were to have company that day she had got up early to make preparations. She was very nervous about this party for several days previous and appeared to be afraid that it would not pass off all right. He dressed leisurely, and hearing someone in the stairs, who he thought was his wife, spoke, and was replied to by the servant. He asked her where her mistress was, and she replied that she did not know. He then went downstairs, looked in all the rooms, garden, outhouses and all the premises, but could not find her. The front door he found unlocked and unbarred; the night previous he had locked and barred it. Sent for Mr Jellard, a neighbour, who continued the search, and he sent also for his (MR BALKWILL'S) brother, who rode away and soon came back with the fatal news. Had never known his wife to walk in her sleep. She had never by word or deed given him the least idea that she meditated self-destruction. - Thirza Skedgell, the servant of MR BALKWILL, said she had lived with MR and MRS BALKWILL since their return after marriage. During the past week her mistress appeared quite happy, and on Wednesday night MRS BALKWILL told her she expected company, and wanted the work done early. Witness got up the next morning at six o'clock, and went about her work. She heard no noise during the night, but shortly after she came down her master called, and asked if her mistress was down. She looked in the parlour and kitchen, and told her master that she was not down. The front door was closed, but unlocked and unbarred. Had known deceased for the last six years, but had never heard that she walked in her sleep. - MR THOMAS ADAMS, of Hope Barton, brother of the deceased, stated that she was extremely nervous. Five years ago, when she lived with him, she was very much frightened by a man knocking at the door at night. From this fright she never recovered. She had told him that she had passed sleepless nights; that was two or three years ago. Saw his sister the day before this sad occurrence; she then appeared quite happy. Had never known her walk in her sleep. - The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned as their verdict "That the deceased was Found Drowned on Thurlestone Sands, but how, or by what means, there was no evidence to shew." - It should be mentioned that there was nothing of a pecuniary nature to trouble the deceased lady's mind, as she had not only a comfortable competence settled upon her, but her husband was also a well-to-do young farmer.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 July 1871
PLYMOUTH - Manslaughter By A Woman At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday on JAMES RIBLEN, a labourer, who resided in Queen-street, Plymouth. - Bessie Trenoweth, wife of an assistant relieving officer, deposed that the deceased was of intemperate habits. She saw him on Monday morning, when he left her house to look for work. She last saw him at the Hospital on Tuesday evening, when he was quite sensible and recognised witness. She asked him "how he came by the accident," and he said "The woman knocked him down." On witness leaving RIBLEN asked her to come and see him on Thursday with his wife. He had then no fear of death. Deceased's wife was blind; she (witness) had never seen him come home "beastly drunk." - Emma Scown, keeper of the Cadogan Inn, King-street, stated that deceased called at her house on Monday afternoon, and had two glasses of ale. He was slightly under the influence of drink. Whilst deceased was there a woman named Emma Creed, accompanied by another woman, came in and asked RIBLEN for a glass of ale. He refused to give her one, and she accused him of owing money at Millbay. Deceased then used abusive language to Creed, who gave him a slap in the face. Witness got between the deceased and the woman, and parted them. Deceased shortly afterwards left and Creed followed him, the other woman remaining behind. A few minutes afterwards Creed passed the house in the custody of a policeman. Creed was quite sober. - James Ley, a baker, residing at 161 King-street, saw deceased walking up the street and a woman running after him. The woman caught deceased by the collar of his smock-frock, which she pulled over his head and struck him all around the head. She then pulled him into the gutter and on to the curb, where he fell, his legs seemingly being doubled up under him. Witness was of a decided opinion that the deceased fell from the woman's treatment and not from intemperance. After he fell the woman caught him by the collar and pulled him in further on the pavement. She struck him several times, and then walked rapidly away. Witness seeing deceased trying to get up went across the road to assist him. He caught him by the arm and endeavoured to get him up, but could not. RIBLEN said, "Oh, my leg," twice, and witness put his hand down and found the leg was completely broken, the upper part of the bone projecting from the lower. With the help of two policemen deceased was brought into witness's shop, where his leg was placed on a chair. A cab was called, and deceased was taken to the hospital. - In answer to a Juror, witness said he might have prevented deceased falling, but he did not know the circumstances. He was aware the deceased and the woman were not man and wife, as he was acquainted with MR RIBLEN. - In answer to the Foreman, witness emphatically declared that the woman struck deceased the instant before he fell, and that he fell from the force of the blow. - Mr Brian (the Coroner) here strongly commented upon the absence of Creed at the Inquest. Owing to this circumstance the last witness was unable to swear if she was the woman who maltreated deceased. - Robert Lamerton, a policeman, stated that he saw the deceased walking up the street. Just afterwards Creed came out of the house, ran after deceased, and struck him. Witness saw deceased fall and Creed bending over him, but could not say if she struck him on the ground or not, as her back was turned towards him. A minute afterwards Creed walked away, and he then, with Mr Ley and P.C. Wall, helped to take deceased into Mr Ley's shop. Witness ran after Creed, whom he overtook, and brought he back to where the deceased was lying. He asked her if she knew what she had done, and she replied, "I don't know, and don't care;" and on witness telling her that RIBLEN'S leg was broken, she replied, "Oh, his leg is no more broken than mine is." Creed was brought up on Tuesday, before the sitting magistrates, and remanded until Monday. Witness also stated, that whilst in Mr Ley's shop deceased told him to take "that woman" into custody. - Wall, police-constable, gave evidence corroborating that of the last witness. He also deposed that he saw deceased in the Hospital, where he (RIBLEN) told him that the woman followed him, knocked him down, thumped his head against the stones, and stepped upon his leg. - Sedley S. Woolferstan, surgeon, stated that he was sent for shortly before six o'clock on Monday evening, and on arriving at the Hospital found the deceased, JAMES RIBLEN, in the accident ward. He examined him, and found that he had sustained a compound fracture of the left leg. There were two small bones from the upper wound, a fragment of each protruding. Witness was certain the upper two wounds resulted from a protrusion of the bone, and the lower one was probably caused in the same manner. He set the leg, having to enlarge the upper wounds before he could return the bones. Believed that deceased had been drinking, but he answered all questions very rationally. Thought that the chances of deceased recovering were very small. RIBLEN had passed a bad night on Monday, and had delirium tremens. On Tuesday night he was in a very precarious condition. Shortly afterwards he commenced to sink rapidly, and died about twenty minutes to eight yesterday (Wednesday) morning. - Richard Harrison, house-surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, stated that when the deceased was seized with delirium tremens he was almost unmanageable. Witness on making a post mortem examination of the deceased, in conjunction with Mr Woolferstan, found the brain congested, and it bore symptoms of old disease, and the heart was considerably diseased, the disease partly being of old standing and structural, and partly functional. The liver and kidneys were all organically diseased. The stomach was empty. The injury to the leg was a compound fracture, very severe. The extreme purple appearance of deceased arose probably from loss of blood. Looking at the general statement of the deceased, he was of opinion that the compound fracture of the leg might very probably cause death; it was doubtless accelerated by it. - Dr Woolferstan, recalled, stated that he considered the immediate cause of death was disease of the heart, but if he had not received any injuries in the leg, deceased would have lived for some time longer. - The Coroner, in summing up, strongly animadverted on the absence of the woman CREED, now in custody, which he said was unworthy of the English law. If the Jury considered the fracture of the leg accelerated the death of deceased they must return a verdict of manslaughter. - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of Manslaughter against Emma Creed.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 July 1871
PARKHAM - The Murder In North Devon. - The Inquest on ANTHONY CLEMENTS, whose murder we have already announced, was held on Saturday. The deceased, a labourer, 82 years of age, lived at Goldworthy, in the parish of Parkham, about six miles from Bideford. He was the sole occupant - his wife died twelve months ago - of one of two thatched cottages, separated from each other by a thin partition. A labourer and his wife resided in the adjoining premises. The cottages, which were at least half a mile distant from any other dwelling-house, were held under a lease by the deceased; who, although in the receipt of 2s. a week poor relief, possessed, it was thought, a great deal of money. For some time past the old man has expected to come into possession of a considerable fortune, and he has been to London once or twice, it is said, with a view to obtain it, in company with a known fortune-teller of Bideford. Nothing, however, resulted from it. Deceased was missed and last seen alive by his neighbour, Mary Short, on Wednesday, the 28th of June. She stated that the old man was accustomed to come into her house to have most of his meals, and on that day he came in and said he was going to Hartland to see someone who owed him some money, and asked her to change a sovereign, which she could not do. He next asked her to change half a sovereign, and as she could not comply with his request he borrowed 2s. from her. About two o'clock in the afternoon Mrs Short went into the garden behind the cottages, where he had gone to pick some gooseberries, to give him a shilling, a part of his relief, which had been brought, and she says that there she saw a strange woman who had on a sealskin jacket. She was "biggish," but her back was towards her, and consequently she did not see her face. A quarter of an hour afterwards the deceased brought in the key of the garden gate to Mrs Short, and asked her to take care of his donkey, as he thought of going to Hartland by the carrier. He went out and she heard him in his own house "lock upstairs and down," but did not hear a second person, nor did she see him leave for Hartland, where it is known he did not go; neither did she see anything of the woman she saw in the garden. Shortly after midnight on Thursday she was awoke, she said, by a smash as if earthenware was broken in deceased's bedroom, and she then heard a groan. She heard no scuffle or voices. She awoke her husband, and told him; but he replied it might be someone outside. From that day up to last Friday Mrs Short does not appear to have said anything about the noise or the groan, although she felt distressed at deceased's long absence, as he had never been away from home before during her residence in the house. On Friday morning she told a man named Samuel Lewis, who was passing, that she was distressed at deceased's disappearance, and induced him to look into the bedroom window, which he did by means of a gate, and there he thought he saw the old man on the bed. Further assistance was obtained, and access was obtained through the window. A man named Pearson and deceased's eldest son were the first to enter, and a ghastly sight was presented to them. On a bed (there were two in the room), close to the thin partition separating the room from that in which the Short's slept, the old man lay on his right side, with his head, which appeared to be a mass of coagulated blood, hanging over. The fragments of an earthen ware article, which had been smashed, were lying by the bedside. The face was quite black, and decomposition had set in. He had on a pair of fustian trousers, stockings, waistcoat, and neckerchief. The forehead and left temple were greatly bruised. Above the left ear were marks of violent blows. The skull was broken in four different places. The blows had apparently been inflicted with a circular instrument, such as a hammer. The bones of the skull were beaten in, and a fracture extended from the middle of the forehead to the crown of the head. The blows appeared to have been struck while the old man was in a sitting position, and their force was so great that the blood had spurted out and splashed the ceiling and the partition as if ejected from a syringe. The room was undisturbed, but no money was found, with the exception of three pence, which deceased had in one of his pockets. There were a few red gooseberries in the bed, as if placed there by accident or design. There was no blood about the bedroom, nor on the fragments of earthenware. The key of the front door was searched for, but could not be found, though the door was locked and not bolted. On the upper stair there were large spots of blood, which appeared to have been accidentally wiped by the sweeping of a dress, and on the side of the wall close by the top stair was a large spot of coagulated blood, as if it had been shaken from something. The motive of the crime appears to have been to obtain the little money the murdered man was supposed to possess. The Inquest was held at the New Inn, Parkham, by Mr Toller, Deputy Coroner. Mr Superintendent Rousham watched the case for the police. In addition to the evidence to the effect of the preceding statement, Edward Pearce, miller, Parkham, who was one of the first to enter the room on Friday, said the bed clothes were partially thrown over deceased. There was no blood on the clothes, which looked as if they had been thrown over the old man after he had been killed. Deceased's arms were folded. - SAMUEL CLEMENTS, son of the deceased, stated that he met a man named Jolliffe, who said Mary Short was in distress to think that deceased had not returned from Hartland, where witness understood he went the Wednesday fortnight previous. He went to his father's cottage, and Mrs Short said she was afraid his father was dead. Witness went up to the window and saw deceased, and said so. Mary Short exclaimed, "Don't say so, don't say so; if you do I shall die." - By the Jury: He was accustomed to sleep the side on which he was found dead. He was not in the habit of taking out the key of the door, but used to bolt the door. - Dr Ackland, of Bideford, who examined the body, said he found the deceased lying in a mass of coagulated blood extending as far as his waist. The forehead, left temple, and the upper half of the face, were greatly swollen, and bruised of a bluish black colour. On dividing the scalp and dissecting the parts down to the skull, a large quantity of dark blood was found, occupying the whole half of the head. Above the left ear there were marks of violent blows, which had broken the skull in four places, the bones heaving been beaten in. From the fractures a fissure or crack extended as far as the middle of the forehead, and another in an upper direction to the crown of the head. These injuries had evidently been the cause of death. In reply to the Jury he stated that there could be no doubt that the deceased was murdered, and said the blood on the stairs had been wiped with a cloth, or swept by a dress or something of the kind. - The Inquest was adjourned until Saturday next.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 July 1871
PLYMOUTH - Mr T. C. Brian, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry yesterday at the Jubilee Inn, Exeter-street, into the circumstances attending the death of CATHERINE JANE WARE, aged 40 years, the wife of a labourer, living in Friary-street, Plymouth. Deceased died suddenly on Saturday night whilst in a greengrocer's shop purchasing vegetables. She had been in indifferent health for some time, and taking these circumstances into consideration, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 17 July 1871
PARKHAM - The Murder In North Devon. Additional Particulars. The Resumed Inquest. - The police, under the direction of Superintendent Rousham and Detective Hanson, have been very active during the last few days in collecting additional particulars concerning the murder of ANTHONY CLEMENTS. The police on Saturday morning discovered in a field not twenty paces from the cottage of the murdered man a common mason's hammer about four or five pounds in weight, on which were a few grey hairs and what appeared to be spots of human blood. It appears to have been placed in the hedge in which Mary Short was accustomed to hang her clothes, and was sworn to by a son of deceased as the property of his father. - The adjourned Inquest was held at Horns Cross on Saturday. The Coroner (Mr J. Toller, of Barnstaple) said he considered it somewhat singular that when Mary Short, the neighbour of deceased, saw the murdered man in company with a woman in the garden she did not, with a woman's curiosity, ascertain who that woman was. Referring to her statement, that on Thursday night, the 29th of June, between the hours of twelve and one, she heard the crash of earthenware and a groan, and drew her husband's attention to the circumstance, he remarking that it might be someone in the road, he (the Coroner) asked whether it was probable that anyone would have been in the road at that time of night. Mary Short said she heard nothing more than the crash and the groan, but they would have thought that with her haring quickened she would have heard the stealthy steps of the murderer: the rustling of the dress, supposing it was a woman, and the unlocking and locking of the door, but still she heard nothing. The unfortunate man went, she imagined, to Hartland, but she made no inquiry as to his prolonged absence. - The woman in custody, Izet Williams, was present at the Inquiry, and appeared very calm and collected. On the evidence of Mary Short being read the prisoner asked her questions as to her knowledge of her, and the replies of Short went to shew that they were intimately acquainted. The last question was, "You know me well?" Short: "I should not know you if your back was towards me." Mrs Short was previously cautioned by Superintendent Rousham, who had charge of the case. - LUCY CLEMENTS, about 15 years of age, deceased's grand-daughter, gave evidence to the effect that on the 28th of June, between eleven and twelve o'clock she was passing the cottages occupied by her grandfather and Mrs Short. She looked into the house of the latter and saw tea things on the table. Did not see anyone in the cottage besides Mary Short. I went on a little further and saw a woman come out of grandfather's garden door. She went into grandfather's kitchen. She had on a black hat made of straw and trimmed with black velvet, a dark jacket with wide buttons in front, and a grey linsey dress. I did not speak to her, nor she to me. When she saw me she turned her head towards the wall. Grandfather was with her. He came from the garden. He went into his own kitchen after the woman. Don't know if he shut the door. I went on. I looked back, and saw Mary Short come out of her cottage and look after me. I arrived home about twelve o'clock. I saw mother, and said to her, "Who do you think I saw with grandfather?" She replied "I don't know, my dear." I said, "I think 'tis Mrs Williams." Mother replied, "How do you know that, my dear?" I said, "It is the same woman I took into Bideford last summer in grandfather's donkey-cart." - Witness was requested to look around the room to ascertain if she knew the woman. "I think it is that woman, sir," she said, pointing to Mrs Williams. Superintendent Rousham: Look well, witness. - Witness: Yes sir; that is the woman I saw with grandfather. I have no doubt about it. - Cross-examined by Williams: I was not far from the woman, not the length of the table. I saw the woman's face before she turned it to the wall. - Q.: Was it me? - A.: Yes; it was you. - Q.: Could Mrs Short see if anyone was in ANTHONY CLEMENTS'S cottage? - A.: Yes, if the door was open. I did not see very much of the woman's face. She looked at me first, and when I looked at her she turned away. I saw all her face. - ANN CLEMENTS, mother of the last witness, gave evidence corroborative of that of her daughter's, so far as the conversation between them is concerned. In continuation she stated that shortly after the death of deceased's wife her (witness's) daughter conveyed the prisoner to Bideford in deceased's donkey-cart. She heard the murdered man then say to her daughter, "LUCY, if anyone ask you who it is, say it is Mrs Luxton." - Robert Heal, of Parkham, carpenter, said on the 28th of April last he was passing ANTHONY CLEMENTS'S cottage, and was called in by him. The deceased said, "Well, Robert, I have wanted to see you for some time. I was minded to have something done about giving away my things. I was thinking I would have a "deed of gift" made. My children have served me very bad, and what I have got left I shall give to other folks. There is my old friend in Bideford, and my neighbours." He did not mention names. Deceased asked him when he could come in and do it for him, and witness replied that he could not tell him when. They parted, and witness did not call upon him again. He did not know Mrs Williams. - Robert Barrow, brewer, Bideford, saw prisoner in Bideford about the 28th or 29th of June last. She was dressed with a light hat, and, he thought, the dress she was then wearing. - Bartholomew Parkhouse of Bideford, labourer, on the 28th or 29th of June saw the prisoner on Bideford Quay. She had on a white hat and seal skin jacket. - Thomas Lee, of Goldworthy, farmer, stated that, that morning, at the request of the police, we went to cut a hedge belonging to his farm, and about eighteen or twenty paces from the house of the murdered man, at the end of Mary Short's cottage, was the gate. The hedge was high from the road, and low from the inside of the field. Mary Short came into the field; she had some towels on the hedge drying. She said, "I will pick this in out of your way," and "You will spoil all my hanging of clothes here." After cutting two or three feet he found a hammer. It was an ordinary mason's wall hammer. there was a mark by the side of the hedge. The hammer could not have been placed in the hedge from the road. - JOHN CLEMENTS, labourer, Parkham, son of the deceased, identified the hammer as having belonged to his father. - William Hurson, detective officer of the county police force, found spots, apparently of blood, on the handle of the hammer, and what appeared to be some grey hair. There were also spots on the hammer itself. - Dr Ackland, of Bideford, had made an examination of the hammer. On the top were a number of hairs, some white, and others whitish brown. On the side of the hammer were two spots, which appeared to be blood. On the middle of the handle were three or four stains similar to those produced by blood. The injuries which caused the death of ANTHONY CLEMENTS might have been inflicted by the weapon produced. He believed the stains to be blood, but they should be subjected to a further test. He examined one of the hairs under a microscope of high power, and it had every appearance of being human hair. - Superintendent Rousham said he had several more witnesses to call, and in a few days he hoped something decisive would turn up. He therefore asked for an adjournment, which was granted.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 July 1871
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on MISS FANNY SOLOMON, aged 11 years, whose death has already been announced. It will be remembered that the deceased, the daughter of an Exeter tradesman, on Thursday afternoon was going through a narrow street, near the Guildhall, when a painter's ladder fell on her. She was immediately taken to her father's house. About 24 hours afterwards concussion of the brain set in, and she lingered until Sunday morning, when she died. She was unconscious from the time of the accident to her death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death;" and recommended that the Local Board should take steps by widening the street to prevent a recurrence of such accidents.

EXMINSTER - Fatal Gun Accident At Exminster. - A fatal accident, caused by the incautious handling of firearms, occurred at the Devon and Exeter Boys' Industrial School, at Exminster, on Sunday. The victim was a servant girl, named ANGELINA WERE, employed at the institution. It seems that on Saturday evening the schoolmaster, Mr F. T. Dickson, who had been shooting birds in an orchard attached to the institution, placed his gun -which was loaded and capped - in the entrance hall, behind a glazed double door. Being at the moment called to attend some visitors, the fact that he had placed the gun there escaped his memory until the following morning, when he noticed that the weapon was not in its usual place in his study. He then ordered one of the inmates of the school - a lad named George Ash, about 15 years of age - to fetch the gun and bring it to him. Scarcely had the boy left the room than a report was heard, and directly afterwards Ash ran in with the smoking gun in his hand, looking fearfully pale, and exclaiming in broken accents that the gun had gone off and hurted "ANN," as the deceased was known in the house. Mr and Mrs Dickson and several other persons, at once went to her assistance, and found her lying on the steps, with a frightful wound in the head, from which blood was flowing fast. Dr Kingdon, of Exminster, was called, and he ordered her removal to a bedroom, where she lingered for an hour and a half and died. The wound was a large one; the scalp was driven in, the base of the skull was fractured, and a portion of the brain had been blown out. An Inquest was held on the body by Mr Coroner Crosse yesterday afternoon. The evidence adduced shewed that the occurrence was a pure accident. The boy Ash stated that when he took up the gun, he lifted the hammer to see whether or not there was a cap on the nipple. At the moment the deceased, who was on the steps outside the hall door, spoke to him; he looked up suddenly, the hammer slipped through his fingers, and the gun went off. In the course of the Inquiry it came out that the deceased and Ash had frequently had trivial quarrels, but they had always become friends again very shortly afterwards, and on the very morning of her death the unfortunate girl had given him some of the dripping which she received as a "perquisite" from the kitchen, to spread upon his bread - a fact shewing that the two were then on the most friendly terms, as the boys generally have to eat dry bread with their porridge at breakfast time. - The Coroner observed that the conduct of the master in leaving a loaded gun in such a place, and sending a boy after it instead of fetching it himself, was very reprehensible. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr J. Trehane, jun., Solicitor to the institution, appeared to watch the case for the managers.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 July 1871
A man named RICHARD DART, aged 61, whilst in a hay field at Waybrooke farm, on Wednesday, fell from a waggon on his back, and sustained injuries which resulted fatally on Saturday. A Coroner's Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 July 1871
CREDITON - THOMAS GREENSLADE, aged two years and five months was drowned in a mill cistern, at Fordton, Crediton, by, it is supposed, accidentally falling in, in an endeavour to reach some apples floating on the water. At the Inquest it was stated that the path leading to the tank was not fenced, and was accordingly very dangerous, but it was promised on behalf of the owner of the mills that something should be done to prevent a recurrence of such an accident. "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 July 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - Death By Drowning At Devonport. - The body of a man belonging to the Army Service Corps was discovered at 5 a.m. yesterday by a labourer named Richard Wood lying on the mud in Joll's Canal, at the bottom of Tamar-street, Morice Town. Later in the day an Inquiry was held at the Ferry Inn, Newpassage, by Mr Allan B. Bone, Coroner for the Borough of Devonport. The principal witness was a constable named Squires, who stated that he saw the deceased, MICHAEL HEANEY, at 40 minutes to one yesterday morning at the end of John-street, Morice Town, when he heard the landlady of a public-house refuse to give him any ale, as he had no money. Deceased then went away in the direction of Tamar-street, but at 1.30 am., upon arriving at the Tamar Inn, he saw deceased sitting on the ground with his back against a post quite near the water. Witness ordered him off, and deceased got up, staggered a little, and walked away. He was slightly under the influence of drink, but on being spoken to he replied, "All right," and seemed quite capable of taking care of himself. Deceased walked by the side of the canal, and witness followed and caught him by the shoulder, saying, "You shall not go that way any further, you will be very likely to fall into the water." The deceased replied, "I shall not do that," and turned up an ope leading into John-street, Morice Town. Witness never saw him afterwards. - Sergeant-major Richardson stated that he had known deceased 13 years. HEANEY had been in the service 25 years, and had two medals, but no good conduct stripes. The last time he saw him was on Monday evening. He ought to have been in barracks at 10 o'clock that night but at a quarter past ten he was reported absent. Deceased was a very quiet man, and not addicted to excessive drinking. - Mr R. Wood and P.C. Brooks gave evidence relative to the finding of the body, on which no marks of violence were visible, and stated that the canal was in rather an unprotected state. There were chains, but they were not fastened in some places, as carts had to pass for unloading the ships in the canal. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 August 1871
SALCOMBE REGIS - Death From Morphia Near Sidmouth. - A gentleman named WALL, aged thirty-three, living at Salcombe Regis, near Sidmouth, who was in the habit of taking morphia, sent the other day a prescription to a chemist named Webber, for a mixture containing a small quantity of that narcotic. Having received the medicine he took a dose of it and went to bed. Meanwhile the chemist discovered that he had put a scruple instead of a drachm of muriate of morphia into the mixture, and immediately despatched a messenger to obtain possession of the bottle, but too late, half of the quantity taken being enough to kill an habitual morphia taker. Everything was done by the medical men who attended MR WALL, but he did a few hours afterwards. "Death by Misadventure" was the verdict at the Inquest, and the chemist was admonished to be more careful for the future.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 August 1871
TEIGNMOUTH - Yesterday an adjourned Inquest was held at the Queen's Hotel, Teignmouth, on the body of MARY JORDAN, who died on Friday night last, at Brook-street, Teignmouth. It appeared that the deceased was taken ill at six o'clock on Friday evening, when Dr Workman was sent for and prescribed for her, but she died at half-past 11 the same evening. An Inquest was held on Saturday night, when a post mortem examination was ordered. From this it appeared that a small blood vessel had burst on the brain, and a verdict was returned yesterday of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 August 1871
EXETER - Near the Quay at Exeter, at a place called Haven Bank, there are several large timber yards, through which a public thoroughfare runs, at a few feet from the water's edge. On Sunday afternoon a boy named GEORGE BELWORTHY, about eleven years of age, mounted a piece of timber to look at some boats, when it toppled over and rolled down the bank towards the river, passing over the luckless lad, and crushing the life out of him. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned yesterday at an Inquest held by Mr Crosse, Coroner, who expressed a hope that the owners of the yards, policemen, and adult passers-by generally would in future do what they could to prevent children playing with the timber, as this was not the first fatal accident that had occurred at or near the spot in question.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 August 1871
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Suicide Through Jealousy. - Mr Crosse, Coroner, held an Inquest at St. Thomas, Exeter, yesterday on EPHRAIM LUKE, who committed suicide on Monday evening by jumping into the river Exe, just below the city. The deceased who was a married man, 27 years of age, was in the employ of Mr Lang, corn merchant. He was seen struggling in the water, and a policeman and three other men went to his assistance in a boat; but the body was not recovered for ten or twelve minutes, and all efforts to restore life were then unavailing. Deceased, it appeared, was jealous of his wife, and had just accused her of being unfaithful to him, alleging an improper intimacy with a man lodging in his house. The wife denied it, and left the house and the husband following her, saw her speak to the lodger. He immediately afterwards went to the river and drowned himself. He had been in a desponding state for some time. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased committed Suicide while in an Unsound state of Mind.

PLYMOUTH - Singular Suicide At Plymouth. - The circumstances attending a somewhat strange suicide were investigated at an Inquest held at the Plymouth Guildhall. A young man, named FROST, was found dead, and hanging from a beam in an empty room of the New London Inn. Upon him the portrait of a female was found, and on the back was written:- August 7th. JANE E. FROST. - May she feel her heart full of sorrow now I am dead and gone. I have written to Emma and mother today." - Emma Skelton, the young woman referred to as "she," stated that she had been engaged for sixteen months to the deceased, who told her on Sunday that that would be the last time she would see him, but that she had done nothing to offend him. The letter he spoke of she received on Monday. The father of the deceased said his son had for some time been in a desponding state, the result, he believed, of a blow from a stick. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 August 1871
NEWTON ABBOT - An Inquest was held at the Newton Townhall by Mr H. Michelmore, on JOHN MULLINGS, labourer, who hanged himself in Birdwell-court, East-street. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased destroyed himself while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 August 1871
HIGHWEEK - The Inquest on JOHN HORWELL, who was killed on Tuesday night by falling under the wheels of a waggon of which he was in charge, was held yesterday at the Swan Inn, Newton Bushel, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Deceased was only 20 years of age, and was the sole support of his aged mother.

EXMOUTH - Melancholy Tragedy At Exmouth. - About midnight on Wednesday MR WALTER SHRIMPTON, station-master at Exmouth, Mr Nankivell, draper, Mr Bickford, Chemist, and Mr Maynard, watchmaker, of the Strand, who had been spending the evening together, were in the house of the last mentioned. Mr Maynard, according to custom, placed his stock in a box, preparatory to removing it to his bedroom. After the jewellery was placed in the box, MR WALTER SHRIMPTON jocularly remarked, "Let's garotte him, and take away his watches." Mr Maynard, entering into the joke, went into a room adjoining the shop, and returning with a breechloading revolver in his hand pointed it at MR SHRIMPTON, observing, "This is what settles garotters!" Mr Bickford exclaimed, "Don't point it, it may be loaded," and Mr Maynard replied, "Oh, it is not loaded," but he had no sooner spoken than the pistol exploded. MR SHRIMPTON said, "Oh, George, you've shot me!" and it was ascertained that a ball from the pistol had entered MR SHRIMPTON'S body, near the right shoulder, and striking the collar bone had turned aside and entered the lungs. He was taken to his residence, and Messrs. Turnbull and Langley, surgeons, were quickly in attendance, but MR SHRIMPTON after rallying a little expired shortly before two o'clock. The deceased was greatly respected and the sad affair has cast a gloom over the town. MRS SHRIMPTON was away from home at the time, but she was immediately telegraphed for. Deceased, who had no family, was about 35 years of age. - At the Inquest held yesterday afternoon Mr Maynard, who appeared deeply affected by the sad occurrence, stated that he and the deceased were great friends. Witness met him at the billiard-room on Wednesday, about a quarter after ten o'clock. They played together, and were very friendly. They left there about twelve o'clock, and went to his (witness's)( shop. He proceeded to take down his watches, and the deceased said something about burglary in a jocular manner. Witness remembered he had the revolver, and he thought he would shew MR SHRIMPTON the action of it. Deceased said, "Let's garotte him;" and witness replied if the revolver were loaded he should be able to fire six shots before a man could garotte him. The pistol then exploded, and the deceased said he was shot. He stood for a few minutes and then fell. Witness was not quite certain when he last used the pistol, which he was in the habit of keeping loaded in his bedroom. He might have fired off the pistol three weeks ago, and he must have reloaded it then, for he had not touched it since. - Mr John Langley examined the deceased, and discovered a wound on the right side of his neck; it lay downward between the right collar bone and through the right lung. No ball could be felt, as it probably was buried in the substance of the left lung, and it was not wise to make further search for it. The symptoms generally were those of a gunshot wound. The deceased died two hours after the accident. The cause of death was Suffocation from effusion of blood in the cavity of the chest. Deceased said it was an accident and that he forgave George (Mr Maynard). A verdict of "Homicide by Misadventure" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 August 1871
SHALDON - The Sad Occurrence At Shaldon. - On Saturday morning an Inquest was held at the Crown and Anchor, Shaldon, by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on DAVID SMITH, who, as was stated in Saturday's Western Morning News, was drowned on Friday afternoon. MRS SMITH, the wife of the deceased, said her late husband was a schoolmaster at Brixton, London. He bathed on the beach whilst she remained on the rocks. He was an excellent swimmer, and she saw him swimming, but after a while she lost sight of him, and found that he had altogether disappeared. Previously he did not call out, or make any sign of being in danger. Her impression was that the body of her husband was not in the water longer than half an hour, but other evidence made it almost certain that it had been there about two hours. MRS SMITH was deeply affected by her loss. - A fisherman, named Scown, deposed to finding the body. It was first seen by Captain Beer; then a number of fishermen joined hands and brought it to the shore, near the targets of the rifle corps. - As the deceased entered the water opposite to Clifford's tunnel, his body must have drifted 500 yards. As the deceased made no sign of distress before disappearing, it was suggested that he might have been seized with the cramp, or some kind of fit; but the roughness of the sea and the strength of the undertow (the tide having just turned) are quite sufficient to account for the catastrophe. A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 August 1871
DARTMOUTH - Dead and hanging by his neck in a cellar at the back of the Town Arms, Dartmouth, a man named CHARLES SAUNDERS, 63 years of age, has been found. The deceased had for some time previous to committing suicide been in a desponding state, and at an Inquest held by Mr J. M. Puddicombe yesterday the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased put an end to his existence whilst Temporarily Insane.

PLYMOUTH - Mysterious Death In Plymouth. - The resumed Inquest on WILLIAM SANDERS, who died after drinking some coffee in a somewhat mysterious manner on Tuesday last, was held at Holy Trinity Church Schoolroom, Plymouth, yesterday. Mr Jackson stated that he had further analysed the crystals found in deceased's stomach, but could say nothing definite concerning them. He had tried their effect on a puppy of his own, and they put the animal in great pain, but did not kill it. He could find no traces of poison in the stomach, but he considered that it was lost when deceased vomited. - Mr Williams, Coroner's Officer, deposed that he had made every endeavour to discover where SANDERS drank the coffee, but had been unable to do so in consequence of deceased being unknown to the coffee vendors. - The Coroner, in reviewing the case, said he did not consider the deceased had wilfully poisoned himself, as his manner tended to prove the contrary, but he thought it unlikely that time would add any additional evidence to the matter. He concurred with Mr Jackson in believing that the poison had been lost in vomiting. The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict "That deceased died from the effects of poison, but of what character the poison was, or where deceased received it, there was no evidence to shew." A vote of thanks was accorded Mr Jackson for the energy he had shewn in the matter.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 August 1871
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter, by Mr Barton, Deputy Coroner, on MR J. NICHOLS, who was killed on Thursday by falling from a cliff at Mount Dinham. Evidence was given shewing that the occurrence was purely accidental, and a verdict to that effect was returned. It appears that there is a rail fence some feet from the edge of the cliff, at the place where the deceased fell; but the Jury considered it an insufficient protection, and requested the Coroner to call the attention of the trustees of the property to the matter.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Morley Arms, In Plymouth, yesterday by Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, on URIAS HANNAFORD, who was drowned on Thursday. Deceased was in a boat, in company with his brother and two men and his three children, when it capsized in Pomphlete Lake, near the iron bridge. All the occupants of the boat, with the exception of the deceased, were quickly rescued by small craft lying near, but deceased, who was a very stout man, disappeared from sight. The river was dragged, and he was shortly found, and taken to the Morley Arms. He did not, however, survive long. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 28 August 1871
EXETER - A Girl Burnt To Death At Exeter. - Mr H. D. Barton, Deputy Coroner for Exeter, held an Inquiry on Saturday into the circumstances attending the death of ELIZABETH DANIEL, whose mother carries on a fancy business in High-street. The deceased, who was eleven years of age, was kindling the kitchen fire on Thursday, when her apron caught fire. She called to a younger sister and asked her to blow out the flames, which the little girl vainly tried to do. The deceased then ran upstairs, where she met her aunt, Miss Gibbs. By that time her dress was in a mass of flames. Miss Gibbs the deceased's mother extinguished the fire as quickly as possible, and Mr Woodman, surgeon, was called in. He found her very severely burnt on the upper part of the face, chest and arms. The usual remedies were applied, but the poor girl never rallied, and she died at ten o'clock on Saturday morning. The verdict of the Jury was "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 August 1871
PLYMOUTH - Supposed Suicide In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Dorchester Inn, Cecil-street, Plymouth, yesterday by Mr J. Shelly, Deputy-Coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of a woman, about 21 years of age, who assumed the name of ELLEN JARVIS, which has been ascertained to be an alias. - Hannah Ough, a widow, residing at 8 Cecil-street, said the deceased had lodged in her house for about five weeks. She said her name was ELLEN JARVIS, and was brought to the house by a person unknown to her (witness). She noticed that deceased was enceinte on her taking the lodgings, and after her arrival she gave birth to a fine male child, which died on Saturday. On Monday morning, at nine o'clock, deceased, who was then partly dressed, called for a jug of warm water, and about ten minutes afterwards she again called for witness, who found her lying on the bed with her face downwards. Deceased said, "Oh my stomach! Oh my stomach! Mrs Ough, don't cry for me!" Witness told her to put her trust in God, and then deceased moaned, "My Jesus! My Jesus!" Witness sent for Mrs Johns, the nurse who had been in attendance during the confinement, and deceased was laid on the bed and a doctor sent for, but before he could come she died. She was dead within a quarter of an hour from the time witness was first called by her. She had had tea that morning before she got up, but nothing else that witness knew of. During the time deceased lodged with her no one had been to see her, and she went out once only, and that previous to her confinement. She was in continual receipt of letters, which she destroyed, and had received two the morning of her death, which witness had given to the Coroner's officer. Deceased was always in low spirits. - Mary Eleanor Johns stated that she attended deceased during her confinement as nurse. She never mentioned where she came from, and spoke of her father as being in grief about her, but that he did not frown at her. She understood that the deceased was not married. When she was called in the room she got some brandy for the deceased, which, however, she refused to drink. She bathed her temples with it, and on deceased complaining of pain in her stomach, applied a flannel dipped in warm water. Mrs Ough put the tea in the teapot for deceased's breakfast and the witness poured some water on it, and made her some toast. No one was present whilst deceased was at breakfast. There was nothing to indicate that she had taken anything besides the tea and toast. During the time she was ill she appeared anxious to get better. On Monday she took two letters up to deceased, who appeared to have cried after reading them. She seemed to bear the loss of her baby well. Witness in reply to a Juryman stated that she made some purchases for the deceased, who, on paying her for them, said playfully, "If my friends don't soon come I shall be short of money." Witness stated that she slept with deceased the night before her death. - W. Bray Stephens said he was a medical practitioner, residing at 4 Buckland-terrace, and attended deceased during her confinement. He first saw her on the 16th inst., and attended her up to the 24th. He also saw her on the 25th and 26th, when attending the child, and she was then progressing very favourably. He knew her as MRS JARVIS, and thought she came from Dartmouth. The child died on Saturday of diarrhoea. He was called to the house on Monday morning, and found on his arrival deceased laid out. It was about noon when he got there. His suspicions being aroused at the suddenness of her death, he communicated with the Coroner, who ordered him to make a post mortem examination. He found the body very well nourished, but the food in the stomach was mixed up with something intensely acid. The stomach in some parts was congested, and the lips were charred with the acid. The lower part of the palate was congested. The heart, lungs and liver were perfectly healthy. The cause of her death was some irritant poison, probably oxalic acid. Not having made the analysis he could not positively say what it was. He looked about the deceased's room, but could find no trace of poison. He also examined the teapot, which did not contain acid. He also looked at a piece of stocking found in the jug of water, and at a piece of paper which was the advertisement of a Dartmouth chemist, and in which something had been wrapped up, but without discovering any poison. There was nothing in the course of his attendance on her to lead him to suppose that she intended to make away with herself, or to attach suspicion on any person. On Saturday she was very much distressed at the death of her child. - J. Williams, Coroner's Officer, stated that he was called to the house at 3 p.m. on Monday. He examined the room, and asked if there were any letters, and received two which had arrived that morning, one containing an enclosed note, apparently from her sister, which bore the Sherborne post mark, and was addressed to MISS H. HAWKE, South Town, Dartmouth. The letter in which the note was enclosed was signed E. Tucker. The other letter was in a man's writing, and was as follows:- "My dear NELLY, - From day to day something seems to prevent my coming down to see you, and I am all the more amazed that I did not manage to get down last week, as by today's post I have received a letter from the doctor telling me of the loss of the baby. I know very well this, dear NELLY, that you feel this very much; but we must not give way; it, no doubt, is all for the best, and however much we now feel it, it must be looked at with a knowledge that the dear little thing is now happy, far more than if it had been spared to you. So, my dear NELLY, be of good heart, and make yourself as easy so to soon get strong again. I long to see you again; if you can write me a line, the Dr. will post it, and I will come as soon as I can possibly get away. I have a William Faithful staying with me, an old man; as soon as he goes I will run down. I don't know any news. The regatta is tomorrow, but it will be a poor one. There is not any dancing this year. Good-bye, my dear old lady. Make haste and get well. Much love, from yours as ever, G. M. - P.S. - I will tell father Kitty has gone out as cook in Wales." - The Deputy Coroner said it was evident that the deceased had lived in Plymouth under an assumed name. They were ignorant as to who her friends were, and the Inquest would be adjourned until Thursday to see if any one claimed her. In the meanwhile an Officer would be sent to Dartmouth for the purpose of endeavouring to find out the friends.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 August 1871
SALTASH - A Youth Drowned Near Saltash. - An Inquest was held at the Townhall, Saltash, yesterday, by Mr J. L. Clark, mayor and Coroner, concerning the death of ALFRED CHOPE, aged nineteen years, a servant of Captain Fellowes. Deceased was one of a picnic party from Devonport, which had landed at Antony Passage, and being desirous of bathing he pushed off in a boat with a youth named George Roberts. CHOPE dived from the boat, and when he came to the surface appeared to be in distress, either because he was suffering from cramp or could not swim. Roberts, without waiting to take off his clothes, gallantly jumped into the water to render assistance to the deceased, but his garments becoming saturated he could make little or no progress, and was obliged to give up the attempt whilst CHOPE drifted away with the tide, and was found some time afterwards in water only fourteen inches in depth. He was then dead. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and concurred with the Coroner in his eulogium of Roberts's bravery.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 September 1871
PLYMOUTH - Mysterious Poisoning At Plymouth. - The adjourned Inquest held yesterday on the young woman who died at 8 Cecil-street, Plymouth, on Monday, resulted in her identification, and also in the discovery of the man who "kept" her. She was known to Mrs Ough, the landlady of the house in which she lodged, as MRS JARVIS, but her real name, as we stated was more than probable, was ELLEN HAWKE, an unmarried woman, belonging to Dartmouth. No clue was obtained as to the means by which deceased became possessed of the oxalic acid of which she had partaken, or by whom it had been administered. - Mr J. Shelly, the Deputy Coroner, told the Jury yesterday that Williams, the Coroner's officer, had been to Dartmouth, and had obtained the attendance of an aunt of the deceased and of another person, both of whom had seen and identified the body. Her father would have been in attendance, but he had unfortunately injured his leg, and was unable to travel. Williams had made inquiry of the chemist whose name was on the paper produced at the last Inquiry, as to what he had sold to the deceased. The chemist (Mr Cutcliffe) recognised the young woman's name, and in a letter he had written him (the Deputy Coroner) he said:- "Neither my assistant nor myself can recollect selling ELLEN HAWKE any poison, and on reference to my registry I find that the only poison sold has been to farmers for farm purposes." The first witness examined was:- Eliza Tucker, housekeeper, residing at Dartmouth, who said she had visited 8 Cecil-street, and identified the deceased as MRS JARVIS, whom she brought to Plymouth about five weeks since. Her real name was ELLEN HAWKE about twenty years of age, and she was the daughter of EDWARD HAWKE, a carter, residing at Southdown, Dartmouth. She came to Plymouth in consequence of her being enceinte, and witness left her at the house in which she died. She cried very much then, but there were no appearances of insanity about her. - A Juror: Did anyone engage you to bring the deceased to Plymouth? - A.: A gentleman had got her an engagement with Dr Stephens. - Q.: did you know the gentleman? - A.: Yes, perfectly. - Q.: What is he? - A.: A retired captain from the East India Company. - Q.: Is he married? - A.: Yes, but he is separated from his wife. - Q.: What money had the deceased when you left her? - A.: Not much, but the gentleman sent her £5. - Q.: Did you hear anything about the death of her child? - A.: I heard it from the gentleman, who came and told me of it. - Q.: Do you know if she obtained anything of a druggist? - A.: No. - Q.: Do you know if she employed anyone to do so? - A.: No; before she came down to Plymouth I was always in her company. I live with her father. - Q.: Does the gentleman you speak of live at Dartmouth? - A. He used to, but he now resides at Kingswear. - Q.: Have you had any correspondence with this gentleman since the death of the child? - A.: No. - Q.: What is his name? - A.: Arthur Brooking; he is between 53 and 54 years of age. - Q.: Did he go to the house of deceased's father? - A.: Not before she got into trouble. She had a sister a cook in his service. - Q.: Did deceased appear depressed when she came to Plymouth? - A.: No, because she was looking forward to going back again. - A friend of the relatives of the deceased asked, through the Coroner, under whose instructions witness came to Plymouth with the deceased? - Mrs Tucker replied that she was sent by Brooking. Deceased was a dressmaker. Witness saw Brooking on Monday, and he appeared very much depressed. Brooking was not divorced from his wife, and deceased could have had no hopes of ever becoming his wife. - The Deputy Coroner said he had received a communication from Brooking, who was in Plymouth, and ready to be examined. - Williams, the Coroner's officer, said he went to Dartmouth, and saw the father of the deceased. He appeared very much grieved, and said that Brooking had called on him, and informed him that he had arranged for the funeral. The father expressed his belief that his daughter had not poisoned herself. Witness saw Brooking, who appeared to feel his position very much. Witness had also called on Mr Cutcliffe, the chemist, and asked whether deceased's father, Brooking, or any person connected with the family, had purchased any poisonous article of him, and he replied in the negative. Brooking told him that he was sorry anything of this kind had taken place. - The Jury desired that Mr Brooking might be sent for. - W. Bray Stephens, surgeon, had made an analysis of the contents of the stomach of deceased, and although not sufficiently skilled to make a thorough analysis, he still considered that deceased had been poisoned with oxalic acid. That poison was very frequently used for cleaning, and could be obtained easily. He had seen a glass found in deceased's room after he death. It contained ale only. Three drachms of oxalic acid had been known to cause death, but not so rapidly as in this case. He should think an ounce was taken by deceased. - The Deputy Coroner observed that he had learnt from one of the leading chemists in Plymouth that persons in that trade were not bound to record the names of purchasers of oxalic acid as they were in the cases of other poisons. - A Juror asked why Mr Stephens did not tell the Jury who the gentleman was that signed himself "F. M." in his letter to deceased? - Mr Stephens said he was not asked the question. - A Juror said the letter was read after Mr Stephens left, and knowing the difficulty the Jury were in with regard to the case, he (the speaker) thought Mr Stephens, as a gentleman, should have communicated to them the name of his correspondent and employer. (Hear, hear.) - Mr Stephens: If you had asked me his name I would have told you. - The Foreman asserted that he asked Mr Stephens the name of the gentleman, and he replied that "He had had a communication from Dartmouth, but did not know the name of the writer." He (the Foreman) naturally felt that, as a gentleman, Mr Stephens could not tell the name or he would willingly have done so. - The Deputy Coroner said even, supposing Mr Stephens had done so they would have had to adjourn the Inquest, and would not have been much further ahead. - Mr Stephens said medical men had secret communications, and he did not think unless asked they were bound to reveal those communications. - The Foreman urged that in such an important case as this Mr Stephens should have done so to clear up the mystery. - Mr Stephens, in answer to the Jury, said he had known Capt. Brooking for three or four years. He lived at Plymouth at one time. He was not a personal friend of his. - A Juror asked if Mr Stephens had ever done anything of this kind for Capt. Brooking before? - The Coroner observed that this did not appear to be the question before them, and said it was undesirable to wander from the point. - The Foreman thought it was to the point, and yet it was not. It might shew the Jury that the cause of this young woman's death might apply to others. - Mr Stephens said he would rather say nothing about the matter. - The Foreman replied that witness was not bound to answer, and the Jury would take silence for consent. - Elizabeth Prior, wife of William Prior, labourer, Devonport Dockyard, residing at Woolsden-place, Plymouth, was called to see deceased on Monday. She was lying on a bed in the greatest agony, and said to witness, "Rub my stomach; is the doctor coming?" She afterwards said, "Oh, Jesus! Jesus!" and in a few minutes died. Deceased did not fret, after the loss of her baby, any more than she had before its death. She was always low-spirited. - Captain Brooking then tendered himself as a witness, and was asked by the Deputy Coroner if he was ready to give evidence? He replied that he was ready to do anything which might be required of him. He then said: My name is Arthur Brooking, and I am a retired captain from the East Indian Company's service. I reside at Kingswear. I have known the deceased for several years; I cannot say exactly how long. During the whole time I have known her I have never observed anything whatever which would lead me to suspect that she was insane, or anything like it. She was sent to Plymouth by my directions, and at my cost. She was supplied by me with everything she wanted. May I add that she was sent to Plymouth with the consent of her parent - her father. - The Deputy Coroner: As far as you know, did she obtain any poison, or anything of a poisonous nature, before she left? - Witness: I have not the remotest idea of her ever having a thought in that direction. I had no reason whatever to believe that she had any poison in her possession. She never spoke or communicated to me in writing about this. - The Coroner: I am going to ask you a question which you need not answer unless you like. Did you in any way communicate with her about poison. - Witness: Not in any way. - The Coroner: Is there anything you would like to add relating to the matter? - Witness: If I may add a word, I may say that I have always found her to be truthful and upright in every way, and I had no reason to suppose she would ever commit an act of this sort. I have not seen the body since I have been down, but I suppose it to be that of MISS HAWKE. I have had no direct communication with her since she was confined. I have had intimations about her through Mr Stephens. I wrote to Mr Stephens about her confinement, telling him to get it all over and I would pay all expenses. Mr Stephens kindly undertook to attend to her. The money I sent deceased was always sent in letters directed to her. I cannot afford the Jury any clue whatever as to how she got the poison. - The Foreman remarked that it was a curious thing that within half an hour after letters arrived on Monday - one from "F. M." - the young woman was found dead. The letter did not seem such as to cause any rash act to be committed. - Witness: I cannot recollect the exact words I wrote, but I was always in the habit of writing in one manner, because I had great esteem and regard for the young woman. I had made arrangements with Mr Stephens, with reference to her confinement, previously to her coming to Plymouth and taking lodgings. I made no agreement with him whatever as to the money he should be paid. He would be paid his usual fee, and I would pay the landlady for the lodgings. I have known Mr Stephens for about four years. - A Juror: Did you ever happen to know anything of this kind take place before with Mr Stephens and anyone else? - Witness: I cannot tell of anyone else; but even if I did I should appeal to the Coroner as to whether I was bound to mention it. - The Coroner said they must confine themselves to the case in question. - The Foreman said the reason for asking such questions was, that they wanted to see where the poison came from if they could. He could not understand why deceased should wish to destroy herself when she knew her child was dead, and she could then make a fresh start in life. Did witness know if anyone sent poison to her to give to her child? - Witness: I have no knowledge whatever. With regard to her making a fresh start in life, her friends were quite prepared to receive her back. I cannot tell, unless I had my account book, of the money I sent her. Whenever she said she wanted any money, I used to send it to her. I don't know how she became so badly off as only to have 3s. 7 ½d. when she died. I should say I sent her £10. I think she had £5 before she left. - Hannah Ough, re-examined, said she had not used oxalic acid in her cleaning work for five years. A servant who worked for her five years ago used it. There was no one in her house who would be likely to use it. Deceased went out once for a short time before she was confined. - The Deputy Coroner said they had all the evidence which would throw light on the case, which was one of considerable mystery and difficulty, and the Jury had taken great pains in the investigation of it. The actual cause of death, after the surgeon's evidence, was quite clear, that deceased had been poisoned by oxalic acid, which was not a poison coming under the Act of Parliament by which chemists were bound to keep a record of the person to whom they sold it. It was therefore impossible to ascertain how the deceased came by the poison, as it was quite easy to obtain it. She might have been the victim of some terrible mistake, drinking out of a cup which contained the oxalic acid which had been inadvertently left behind, and which she thought was sugar. They had no evidence that she ever appeared to contemplate committing suicide, and it was therefore utterly impossible for them to say in their verdict that she poisoned herself. This might be so, as the surgeon had told them that women soon after child-birth required to be carefully watched, being at times unaccountable for their actions, and it was possible that in some temporary state of that kind she might have taken away her life. Then she would not be accountable for her actions. All that was a mere supposition, and the evidence only shewed that she died from the effects of poison. It was unfortunate that they could carry the case no further. It would be interesting and useful to know exactly how death arose, whether by deceased's own act, or by accident which could be guarded against in the future; but the whole affair was a mystery and likely to remain so, the truth being known only to God. He did not think a further adjournment would tend to throw more light on the case, and it must be obvious to the Jury that the only verdict they could return would be that the deceased died from poison, but how the poison was obtained, or by whom it was administered, they were unable to ascertain. - A Juror would like a post mortem examination of the child to be made. - The Coroner pointed out that it was stated that the child died of diarrhoea, and Mrs Ough, who saw it die, said although racked with pain it did not display the same symptoms as its mother did before her death. - A Juror remarked that it would have been more satisfactory if a second surgeon had assisted in the post mortem examination of the mother. (Hear, hear.) - The Deputy Coroner said he had a double duty to perform in the case. His duty compelled him to take the best possible means for inquiring into the circumstances of every case, and he was bound not to saddle the ratepayers with too much expense. It was distinctly laid down that in a case where a surgeon attended a person who died suddenly, and an Inquest was held, another surgeon would be requested to make the post mortem examination. Where, however, as in this case, the patient had not been attended for some days, and had apparently recovered, this would not be necessary. - Mr Stephens said he asked Mr Graham to assist him, but that gentleman could not attend. - A Juror was sure the inhabitants would not have minded the little extra expense. - The Coroner knew that. - Ultimately the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the views the Coroner expressed at the end of his summing up.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 September 1871
WINKLEIGH - By falling from a barley rick at Hole Farm, Winkleigh, a man named THOMAS WHEATON, 53 years of age, dislocated his neck. An Inquest was held, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

WEMBURY - Mr Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest at Wembury yesterday, on the body of the man which had been picked up there, as already reported. An almanack was found on deceased in which "EDWARD ELLIS" was written. A verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

RINGMORE - An Inquest was also held at Challaborough coastguard station on the body of a man found there yesterday morning. Mr Pyke, stationer, of Devonport, identified the body as that of WILLIAM WELSH, who was lost in the yacht Minnie. A verdict in similar terms was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 September 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - The Murder At Devonport. - On Saturday morning the man, James Taylor, who, as has been stated, murdered on Friday morning an old man named HENRY RIDER, at 8 George-street, Devonport, was brought up at the Devonport Police Court before the Mayor (Mr J. May) and Messrs. J. W. W. Ryder, and T. Crossing, magistrates, charged with having committed the crime. The greatest interest was manifested in the case. Taylor, who is a fine, broad-shouldered young man, about six feet in height, while in Court looked despondent. - Superintendent Lynn was examined, and said he saw the prisoner at the station-house soon after half-past twelve o'clock on Friday morning. he went to 8 George-street, and in an upstairs room found RIDER dead, lying on a bed. There were several marks of violence on his head. On returning to the police-station he charged the prisoner with having wilfully murdered HENRY RIDER. The prisoner replied, "Yes, I did it. When I came home from sea his daughter robbed me of all I had. Yesterday I went and asked the old man if he could do anything for me. The old man ate his own dinner and gave me a bit of dry bread and this morning (Friday) he offered me a penny. I slept in the house last night on a sofa." Witness asked the prisoner his address, and he replied, "I live in Devonport, but I have no fixed place of residence. I slept in the house last night with the man I have murdered." Witness said, after taking the charge, "Constable Blackler has found a most murderous implement in the house, which would appear to shew that this act was not done under a sudden impulse." The prisoner replied, "It was not so, and I intended it." - No more evidence was then offered, and the prisoner was remanded until today. - The Inquest. - The Inquest on RIDER was held by Mr Bone at the Guildhall in the afternoon. The first witness examined was:- Samuel Blackler, a police-constable, who said on Friday, about a quarter past twelve o'clock, he went into George-street, where he saw a man named James Taylor looking out of the window of a house No. 8 in the street. He said, "Policeman, I want you to come up here, for |I have committed murder. I want you to examine the room before you take me away." Witness at once rushed up the stairs of the house in company with the Port Admiral's coxswain. On the landing of the second pair of stairs he saw Taylor standing at the door of the front room. He said, "Policeman, I have committed murder; I have murdered that old man. I have done it with the "flat," and you will find it in the bed. I intended doing it. I have known the old man for years. I have a reason for doing it. He's brought me to what I am." Witness told him he would have to go to the station with him on a charge of murdering this old man. He said, "I have not done it for any robbery. His (the old man's) watch and chain are hanging up by the side of the mantelpiece." Witness told him he must go to the station with him, and he replied, "I am prepared to go." Witness saw the dead body of the deceased in bed, lying on his right side, with the head towards the foot of the bed, covered with blood. There was a quantity of blood on the bed, and some of the clothes were thrust in his mouth. Also saw spots of blood on the floor of the room, and also spots of blood on Taylor's hands. Saw severe cuts on the skull of deceased. At the station-house he examined the cap which Taylor wore, and saw a spot of blood on the peak. Prisoner at the police-station said, "Yes, I am the man who did it." Examined the dead man's pockets, and found them undisturbed. In about five minutes from the discovery of the murder Mr James Bennett, surgeon, arrived, and said the man was quite dead. Just afterwards he (witness) examined he bed, and then saw an instrument lying by the side of the head of the deceased. It was stained very much with blood and human hair was upon the heavy end of it, which appeared to be a "flat" iron covered with canvas. Charged Taylor with murdering the old man, and he replied, "Yes, I intended doing it." Taylor was perfectly sober. - At this stage of the Inquiry a Juryman asked that Taylor might be present, but was told by the Coroner that no one was charged with anything at the Inquest. They met for the purpose of Inquiring how the deceased came by his death, and until the evidence was adduced there was in point of law no charge against any person, and it was not usual to call for a prisoner in such a case. - Eliza Rowe, the wife of Richard Rowe, printer, Devonport, said she resided at 8 George-street, where the deceased rented a front room. He had occupied the room for some months past. About 10 o'clock yesterday morning saw Taylor go through the court of the house, and at about 12 o'clock heard the old man RIDER go up the stairs towards his room. Heard him say to someone, "Tis 12 o'clock." About ten minutes after, whilst in her own room, which was on the same landing as that which RIDER occupied, she heard a strange scream. Two or three minutes afterwards witness's daughter knocked at the door of RIDER'S room. There was no answer, and she then tried to open the door, which did not open. The key was in the door, and in trying to unlock it she locked the door. About two or three minutes afterwards heard a knock from the inside of the door, and then went to the door and found it locked. Turned the key and opened the door. Then saw Taylor standing in the middle of the room. He said, "I've killed him; his watch and things are all safe. I have called the police from the window, and they are coming upstairs." When she heard the scream witness looked through the keyhole of the door of the deceased's room, and saw a man leaning over the bottom of the bed with his hands down on the bed. - Mary Ann Snow, wife of Robert Snow, innkeeper, Devonport, had known the deceased two years and a half. On Friday morning, about a quarter before ten o'clock, called upon the old man, and saw him in his room. There was a man in the room mending some clothes for the old man. He was a smart and nice looking man, but she had not seen him in court, and therefore did not know that he was the same man that had been before the magistrates. - James Bennett, M.R.C.S., said on Friday, about half-past twelve o'clock in the afternoon, he went to a room up two flights of stairs of 8 George-street, and saw the body of a man on a bed. The man was dead, but warm, probably had been dead ten minutes or quarter of an hour. Particularly noticed a long incised wound on the right side of the head, which divided the scalp to the bone of the skull. Also saw a great deal of blood over the face and head on the right side, and on going to the left side of the man saw another scalp incised wound on the left temple, which divided the scalp to the bone, and a little beneath the end of that incision saw another and lacerated wound which was not continuous with the incision, but a small interval of scalp intervened between the two wounds. There was a fracture of the skull at the lower end of the incision on the right side of the head, and on the left side of the head at the lower end of the incision there was also a much depressed fracture of the skull, more evident there than on the right side. There was an incision also on the left side of the face an inch and a half in length. Had no doubt the instrument produced would cause such injuries as described, and they were quite sufficient to account for the death of the deceased. - John Lynn, superintendent of police, was again examined, and detailed the conversation which he had had with prisoner, and which he gave in evidence that morning. Some trouble, he said, had, in his opinion, been taken to make the instrument with which the murder was committed. It was made of canvas rolled up and then sewn, and answered the purpose of what was popularly called a sling shot. - In answer to a Juror, Mr Lynn said, as far as he could judge, prisoner was perfectly sane; and whole in his custody he never exhibited any signs of being otherwise. - The Coroner, after repeating the evidence which had been given in the case apart from the admissions made by Taylor, said had that man made no admissions whatever it would be for the Jury to consider whether the evidence given was not so strongly as to induce them to return a very serious verdict in the case. The man Taylor was not only seen in the room, but he pulled up the window, calling upon a policeman and others to come up, as he had murdered a man, and repeatedly to Mr Lynn did he make a similar admission, and also that he intended it. He (the Coroner) need not say much to them - intelligent men as they were - with regard to manslaughter. That meant the death of a man arising out of the impulsive act of another without an intention to do grievous bodily harm. But here was a man who said "I intended to murder him," and offered what he seemed to consider as reasons for doing it. The question was whether the Jury could feel any doubt at all in the present case. Did they believe that the deceased's death was attributable to the act of the accused, and that he intended to do grievous bodily harm to him? and from the instrument found in the bed they must judge this, combined with the remark accused had made, that he intended to murder. - The Jury, after a minute's deliberation, returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against James Taylor.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 September 1871
MAKER - A private in the 57th Regiment, stationed at Maker, named ALLAN DEVONSHEN, a native of Okehampton, was drowned on Saturday whilst bathing. The deceased, with two other privates, went under the cliffs at Maker for the purpose of bathing, and the deceased, who could not swim, was last seen by his companions in about three feet of water. They swam off, and the deceased must have walked further out and fallen into a pit, from which he did not rise. The two privates on returning to the shore could not find the deceased, and after dressing they reported their companion's absence to Colour-Sergeant Healy, who proceeded to the spot and discovered DEVONSHEN lying on his side in about four feet of water. An Inquest was held yesterday, and a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" returned. The deceased will be buried with military honours at Maker Church this afternoon.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 September 1871
BRENT - An Inquest was held at the Anchor Inn, Brent, by Mr H. Michelmore, coroner, to Inquire into the cause of death of a mason named WILLIAM MORGAN, aged 53, who was found dead in a linhay at Stidston Farm on Friday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 September 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday by Mr J. Shelly, Deputy Coroner, relative to the death of WILLIAM DARK, aged 37. - John T. Demellwick, fisherman, said on Thursday, about 1 p.m., he and deceased went out together in a fishing-boat, and proceeded about twenty miles from land. The deceased complained of toothache at about 4 p.m., but little notice was taken until eleven o'clock, when the deceased lay down, groaning in his agony. He soon got up, however, and was dressing, when the witness, who was in the stern attending the lines, heard a noise, and on going to the fore part of the boat saw that the deceased had fallen down. He neither moved nor spoke, and the witness took him up and laid his head on a pillow. Witness then hauled up the anchor, took in the lines, hoisted sails, and made for Plymouth, which was reached about 5 a.m. on Friday. The body was then given to Inspector Manning, who took it to the dead-house. Deceased did not complain of anything but the toothache whilst at sea. He had nothing to make use of except the victuals he brought with him and some pudding the witness gave him. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 September 1871
DARTMOUTH - Fatal Carriage Accident. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Wall's Trafalgar Inn, Dartmouth, by Mr J. M. Puddicombe, Borough Coroner, on a child named ROBERT LIME, aged 18 months, who was driven over in the New-road on Saturday. From the evidence it appears that whilst Mrs Burr, of Stokefleming, was driving up the New-road, her dress caught in the wheel of the carriage, and she was in the act of passing the reins to a gentleman when the child, who was running across the road, was knocked down by the horse, and the wheels of the carriage passing over him, he was killed instantaneously. The father, who is a steward on board H.M.S. Britannia, was the first to reach the spot and pick up the body of his dead child. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury exonerating Mrs Burr from all blame.

BARNSTAPLE - Alleged Manslaughter At Barnstaple. - Late on Saturday night a man named JAMES CHAPPLE, about 70 years of age, landlord of the Mariners Inn, Trinity-street, Barnstaple, received injuries in a quarrel which resulted in his death on Sunday evening. Two brothers, named John Todd, 23 years of age, and Charles Todd, 19 years of age, the former CHAPPLE'S son-in-law, were apprehended and brought before the magistrates yesterday morning, and remanded by them until Monday next, on the application of Mr L. Bencraft, who prosecuted. - Last evening an Inquest was held by Mr I. Bencraft, Coroner. - Wm. Carter said he was at the Mariners' Arms on Saturday night. There was a quarrel between John Todd and the deceased's sons. The former was excited by women calling him names, and his wife interfering, he struck her, upon which deceased interfered. Todd knocked him down, and in the scuffle he and his brother Charles got on the ground also, where they all remained about an hour. On being got up the old man said he had been kicked in the lower part of the body, and could hardly stand, and, pointing to Charles Todd, said, "That young blackguard has kicked me." He did not see John Todd kick the deceased. - MARIA WOOLLEY, daughter of the deceased, said her father, thinking John Todd was about to strike her mother, got up and caught hold of him. Charles Todd, who had been sitting down in the kitchen, rose, and knocked her father down, and kicked him three times whilst he was on the ground. John Todd did not strike her father at all. She could not tell where Charles Todd struck or kicked him. Her father said Charles Todd had given him his death blow, and that he had kicked him. - William Parsley saw John Todd strike MR CHAPPLE and they both fell down. After the old man got up, Charles Todd rushed in, pushed him down and fell upon him. - MRS CHAPPLE, widow of deceased, said she did not believe John Todd struck or kicked her husband, as he was very fond of him. - James Spurway, grandson of the deceased, saw John Todd push his grandfather back, when Charles Todd got up from the seat, struck his grandfather in the face and kicked him several times in the side. John and Charles were both on his grandfather at one time. - At this juncture the Inquest was adjourned until this evening.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 September 1871
BARNSTAPLE - The Alleged Manslaughter At Barnstaple. - Mr Bencraft held the adjourned Inquiry at the Barnstaple Townhall last evening, relative to the death of JAMES CHAPPLE. - Mr Tooke, surgeon, said he made a post-mortem examination of the body of the deceased. On opening the abdomen he found a portion of the small intestines very much inflamed, and a rupture of the gut, which, in his opinion, caused death. There was no appearance on any other part of the body which would account for death. The injury was caused by a severe pressure on the abdomen, and if anyone fell on him, it was quite as likely to produce death as a kick or blows. If he had been kicked, it was somewhat strange that there were no extensive bruises. - The Jury returned a verdict of Manslaughter against John and Charles Todd.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 September 1871
TORQUAY - The Tourist Drowned At Torquay. - An Inquest was held on Thursday night at the Roughwood Hotel, Torquay, on THOMAS JOHN SMITH, who was drowned on Wednesday whilst bathing at Anstis Cove. The deceased was a clerk in the office of a firm of London solicitors, and came to Devonshire for his holiday. The body was identified by his father, the hall porter at the Royal Institution, Albemarle-street, Piccadilly, London. The deceased went into the water at the Whitebeach, close to Anstis Cove, when the water was very rough - one of the witnesses describing the breakers as ten feet high. He swam very well, but suddenly called for help. Thomas, the boatman, stripped, put a rope round his waist and waded out as far as he could, when he was flung back on the shore by the waves. Thomas and two men launched a boat, and this, too, was dashed ashore and filled with water; again launching the boat, they sculled away for the body, and found it head under water. It was brought to shore, and under the direction of Dr Bernard, a physician retired from practice, efforts to restore animation were continued for an hour and a half, but without avail. It is believed that the deceased died before being taken into the boat. From the time he cried for help until the body was taken up, twenty minutes elapsed. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned, and the Jury stated that they considered Thomas's conduct very praiseworthy.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 September 1871
PLYMOUTH - The Mysterious Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, relative to the death of JAMES BROWN, aged 21. - Thomas Rockey, waterman, stated that on Sunday, about 1 p.m., he was on Millbay-pier, and seeing some people running went to a beach at Rusty Anchor, where he found the body of a man lying face downwards. He remained by the body until Police-constable Thomas took possession of it. - Police-constable Thomas found an incised wound on the back of the head of the deceased, which might have rendered him insensible had he fallen from the rocks, which were nine feet high. There was also a small scratch on the left cheek. On searching the deceased he found a purse containing a slip of paper, on which was written "You owe 5s. 6d. for board;" and also a postage stamp and a pocket-handkerchief. He saw no signs of a struggle near the place. - LYDIA BROWN said she was the sister of the deceased and resided with him at 13 Princess-street. On Saturday, about 9 p.m, he said he was going to tell a policeman to call him in the morning, in order that he might attend to his duties at the Post-office, where he was employed as a clerk. He went out, but did not return. He was 21 years of age last birthday. - The father of the deceased said his son formerly worked at Mr R. Langford's wine and spirit merchant, but left and went to London, where he endeavoured to get a situation. Not succeeding he went to Dublin, where he was also unsuccessful. He then returned to Plymouth, and was taken on at the Post-office. He was always cheerful before going to London, but on his return he seemed depressed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 September 1871
ST MARYCHURCH - An Inquest was held at the Cary Arms, Babbicombe, yesterday, by Mr H. Michelmore, concerning the death of a young man named ALBERT JACKMAN, who was drowned on the 10th instant at Teignmouth. Evidence was given by Henry Stoneman and Frank Hannaford, who were bathing with the deceased at the time. The sea was very rough, and, although they both endeavoured to save him, the waves separated them. The body was picked up on Tuesday in Babbicombe Bay by William Stiggins. The Coroner condemned the reckless manner in which young men persisted in bathing when the sea was too rough. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidentally Drowned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 September 1871
NEWTON ABBOT - The Mysterious Death Near Newton. - The resumed Inquest concerning the death of EDWARD THORNE, aged 66 years, who was, on the 12th inst., found in an insensible state in Gappah-lane, Ideford, and who subsequently died in the Newton Workhouse, was held yesterday. No important facts were brought to light, and the manner in which the deceased came by the wounds in his head which were the cause of death, is as deeply shrouded in mystery as ever. The general belief is that the deceased, whilst in a state of intoxication, fell from a gap in a hedge to the road beneath, and pitching on some stones received the injuries, but nothing has been elicited concerning the dead man's hat, "slop," basket, and stick, which were in his possession when he bade the men with whom he had been to Ideford "revel" "good night." The deceased was addicted to drunkenness, but when he left the men referred to he was, according to their story, perfectly sober. The woman who, with her husband, a sailor, passed through Gappah-lane at a late hour on the night during which it is supposed THORNE met with his death wounds, gave evidence at the resumed Inquest, and stated that the deceased was not lying in the lane when she and her husband passed through it, as the road at the spot where he was found was so narrow that they must have walked over him if he had been lying there. The Jury returned the following verdict, which accorded with the evidence of Mr F. J. Gillard, house surgeon at the Newton Workhouse, who made the post mortem examination:- "That the deceased was found in Gappah-lane in an insensible state on the 12th September, and that the cause of death was effusion of blood on the brain, and fracture of the skull, but how the deceased came there, there is no evidence to shew."

Western Morning News, Monday 25 September 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide By A Soldier At Devonport. Verdict Of Felo De Se. - A few additional details relating to the suicide of JAMES FREWIN, private soldier of the 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment, transpired at the Inquest held by the Devonport coroner on Saturday. - The young woman Waycott, who, as stated in the account published in the Western Morning News on Saturday, had "walked" with the deceased, was examined at some length. After leaving the public-house in which they had been drinking, the deceased refused to go to barracks, and they went for a walk to Richmond-walk. There deceased said, "I will do it," and on witness asking him what he meant, he said, "You will see." She said, "Then my dream" (referring to one she had had) "is coming true." FREWIN asked her to tell him the dream, and she refused to do so. He said, "Won't you tell me the last dream for the last night?" Afterwards he again said he would not go to barracks any more, and she said he was only saying this to frighten her. He replied that he would do it, and then she made the remark about "making a hole in the water." Deceased got on the wall overlooking Mr Winlo's quay, and said "the water was looking very smooth, and the moon shining beautifully." She told him that he would break his legs if he went over the wall as there was no water there, and added, "You are not game to do it." He then flung his belt to a comrade named McCaffery, who was with them, jumped off the wall, and fell to the quay below. He got into a stooping posture, with one hand on the ground, and one on his knee, and having crept to the edge, of the quay threw himself overboard. He was intoxicated, but knew what he was saying. Three weeks since she passed the Stonehouse Pool with deceased, after having had a few angry words with him, when he looked towards the water, and said, "If I go in I will take you with me." A day or two after he told her "if he saw her looking at, talking to, or walking with any young man he would murder her and himself too." - McCaffery corroborated Waycott's evidence relating to Friday night's procedure, except with regard to that portion where she said she saw deceased leap from the quay into the water, after jumping from the wall. He did not see this, he said, and thought he must if it had occurred, as he had as good an opportunity of seeing as Waycott had. He believed FREWIN rolled from the quay into the water. - Mr Symons related his endeavours to save deceased on Saturday. - Captain Thacker, 18th Regiment, proved that deceased was 18 years and 8 months old. He came from St. Pancras, having joined the regiment last January. While in the regiment he bore a very high character indeed. - The Coroner, in summing up, put it to the Jury whether they believed that deceased committed suicide or not. He referred to the discrepancy in the evidence of Waycott and McCaffery about jumping into the water, and told the Jury that if they believed that in jumping off the wall he intended to destroy his life, that was sufficient to justify a conclusion of suicide, without caring if he jumped into the water or not. Then, if they thought it a case of suicide, they must consider whether the evidence shewed that he was of unsound mind at the time he committed the act. - The Jury, after a quarter of an hour's deliberation with closed doors, returned a verdict of Felo De Se. - A Juror wished it to be known that ten of the double Jury dissented from this verdict. - The Coroner said he only wanted the verdict of the majority. - The body was carried to the cemetery about eleven o'clock on Saturday night, by soldiers of the regiment, and consigned to its last resting place, without ceremony or mourners.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 September 1871
EAST STONEHOUSE - the Suicide Of A Naval Officer. - The Inquest on JAMES RICHARD JACKSON, engineer, of the turret ship Prince Albert, who, as we mentioned yesterday, had died at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, from the effects of poison, was held yesterday by Mr Bone, County Coroner. In addition to the particulars already published further information was given. - Charles Marks, gunner of the Prince Albert, said he had been in the ship five months. Deceased had been in a state of depression during a great portion of that time, and would not speak to his comrades as he used to. On Friday he saw deceased walking on the deck, and said "Good morning" to him. He made no reply, and witness put his hand upon his shoulder, and said "What is the matter again, old man? Bad?" Deceased replied "No," turned round, and went below. At five o'clock the same day he met deceased, and said, "Come, JACKSON, the liberty men are piped to 'fall in;' get yourself ready to go ashore." The liberty men got into the boat and witness went in, and as MR JACKSON did not come, he sent a servant to say that the boat was ready and waiting for him. Deceased replied "that he was not going on shore that night." - John Sanders, gunner, said MR JACKSON had been on board the Prince Albert for sixteen months; for the past six months he had been very low spirited. He related the circumstances - already published - under which deceased was found clinging to the rudder chains of the ship on Friday night. - William J. Baird, M.D., surgeon of the Cambridge, was called to see deceased on Friday night. He found him weak, cold and pulseless, but conscious. He vomited frothy mucus mixed with blood. He asked him what he had taken adding, "You must have taken something." After some persuasion deceased said he had taken corrosive sublimate. He gave him egg and fluid, placed him in a cot and had him conveyed to the Naval Hospital at Stonehouse. He encouraged deceased to vomit in the cot, and he did so several times, both on board and while in the cot. At the Hospital he asked deceased how much of the poison he had taken. He replied, "A teaspoonful," and that he had bought it. He had taken it at four o'clock. This quantity was sufficient to cause death. - Thomas Carter, engineer's servant, found a piece of corrosive sublimate about the size of a bean in deceased's coat pocket on Saturday. It was wrapped in paper, which contained directions relative to medicine, but the word "poison" was not observable. - The Coroner asked if the paper could be produced, because it was an offence to sell poison without indicating in print what it was. - Dr Baird said he had not seen the paper. Corrosive sublimate was used on board ship for bronzing metal. - Henry Lander, assistant-surgeon at the Hospital, stated that he saw deceased on Friday night, when he was in a state of collapse, almost pulseless, and cold. He vomited mucus mixed with blood. The usual remedies were applied, but deceased never rallied. Having made a post mortem examination, he found the stomach in a complete state of disorganization, such as would be caused by some strong irritant: corrosive sublimate would create such appearances. He examined the brain, and found that disease had commenced in it, and the softening of the brain, which existed was calculated to affect the reason. All the other organs of the body were healthy. He analysed the contents of the stomach, and found evidence of the presence of corrosive sublimate. The poison killed deceased and not his immersion in the water. - T. H. JACKSON, brother of deceased, said the latter was 31 years of age. He had been a very persevering, studying young man. So long ago as last April twelve months he complained of dizziness in his head. - Geo. Park, retired naval officer, with whom deceased lodged prior to his marriage - 11 months since - said although some time ago he was an exceedingly lively young man, within the past six months he had become reserved and taciturn. When he saw him, ten days ago, he appeared a little better than he had been. - The Coroner, summing up, said the Jury must agree with him that the evidence clearly shewed that deceased was the author of his own death. Regarding the state of his mind, he imagined they could feel no doubt upon the subject, for not only was there evidence of peculiarity of manner and despondency, for some months past, but, what was much more material, for despondency was not insanity, he was found to have disease of the brain quite sufficient to account for want of reason. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst labouring under Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 September 1871
TOTNES - The Coroner's Inquest concerning the two little girls - HANNAH ALLERY and GRACE STANNING - who were drowned in the mill lake, Totnes, buy falling into it while at play, was held yesterday. The Jury appended to their verdict a direction that the timbers in the water on which the children were walking should be at once removed by the race committee, by whom they had been left in the lake.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 October 1871
TOTNES - The Fatal Accident At Totnes. A Missing Witness. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the William IV Inn, Totnes, by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr Angel was Foreman, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of MR WILLIAM EWINS. - William Harvey, farmer, Ashprington, said he and the deceased, a butcher residing at Ashprington, were together on Tuesday last (Totnes market). At about seven o'clock they were at the Railway Hotel, where deceased had a glass of brandy and a bottle of ginger-beer. They left the house together. Witness's pony being ready first, he rode towards the town, deceased saying he would overtake him. He rode quietly into the town, and waited for MR EWINS at the corner of the William the Fourth Inn. Shortly afterwards he heard two horses coming, but one suddenly appeared to stop. A man on horseback, and wearing shiny leggings, then came on the road and rode down the street, and about a minute after the horse the deceased had been riding came in the road without a rider. The deceased was quite sober when he left the Railway Hotel. The horse was a quiet one; it was the same on which MRS EWIN'S former husband was riding when he met his death. He had no reason in riding away from deceased, except that his pony was ready first. He believed deceased was 33 years of age. Nicholas Ball, landlord of the Railway Hotel, considered the deceased was quite sober. - Joseph Roe, merchant, residing at the Rectory, Totnes, was walking on the road with a man who had brought him a horse, to shew him the way to his stables, when he heard horses coming at a rapid pace. They got out of the way, and called to the riders to pull up, and his impression was that the deceased tried to pull up. One of the horses, he thought it was the deceased's, ran against the hind quarters of witnesses horse, and the rider (deceased) instantly fell. The two men were riding side by side. He did not think the other man drew up. The deceased was not dragged at all. Had no idea who the other man was. - T. E. Owen, surgeon, Totnes, was called to the deceased, and found him totally insensible, with blood oozing very fast from the ears, nose and mouth. He examined him thoroughly. He found a lacerated wound at the back of the head and a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner, in summing up, said in reference to Mr Roe's evidence, that it appeared that in coming in contact with Mr Roe's horse, the stirrup gave way, and deceased was thrown off, and met with the injuries which caused his death. There was no evidence to prove that the man who was riding with deceased knew that he was thrown off. If the man, however, knew that the poor fellow met with an accident, and did not pull up, then he would not be criminally but morally to blame. The stirrup leather was quite rotten, and the girth was a single one, and ought not to have been ridden with. He believed butchers to be the most careless class of men in this respect. He had stopped butchers in his own town, Newton, and told them they ought not to send boys out with one girth, and he had also told them he should hold them culpable in case of accident. But still for all this he found they still sent them out with this imperfect material. The Jury then returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 October 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest has been held at the Plymouth Guildhall by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, to Inquire into the case of CHARLOTTE ROWE, who committed suicide on Sunday evening by hanging herself. The husband of deceased, who is a retired tradesman living at 43 Ebrington-street, stated that of late deceased had been in the habit of talking incoherently to herself. On Sunday evening she was left alone for a short time, and soon afterwards was found by her husband hanging by a piece of cotton print. Dr Hingston stated that he had recently attended deceased, who, he found, was out of her mind. She accused her husband and all her friends of ill-treatment, which statements he afterwards discovered had no foundation. The Jury instantly returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 October 1871
YARNSCOMBE - The North Devon Tragedy. - An adjourned Inquest was held at Yarnscombe on Wednesday, concerning the deaths of the two children murdered by their mother, JANE PETHERBRIDGE, under circumstances which have already been reported. The only additional evidence offered was that a bed gown was found from which a string had been torn, with which, it was supposed, one of the children was strangled. - Mr Jones, surgeon, said he thought that as the woman was paralysed on one side, and could have used only one hand, that she jammed her eldest girl against the side of the bed to produce strangulation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against the mother of the deceaseds.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 October 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Saturday at the Plymouth Guildhall concerning the death of JOHANNES JORGENSEN, cook and steward of the Norwegian barque Lucie, Capt Larsen. The barque is last from Shields, with coals, for Smyrna. The deceased, who is 31 years of age, for the first few days appeared to be in very good health, but subsequently became ill, and on the vessel arriving at Shields was taken by the captain to a surgeon, who prescribed for him, said he would soon be all right, and that he might go on in the barque. On Tuesday last deceased was obliged to take to his bed, and on Thursday he died. The captain put in at Plymouth to bury the body, and on a post mortem upon it by the house surgeon of the South Devon Hospital, it was discovered that the deceased had been suffering from a very severe case of hernia, which had become aggravated with a violent inflammation of the bowels, from which he died. Verdict, "Died from Natural Causes." Deceased was buried at the Plymouth Cemetery yesterday morning.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was also held respecting the death of MR NUGENT, egg merchant, of Cambridge-street, Plymouth, who died in the South Devon Hospital from injuries received by falling into the water between Millbay Pier and a Cork steamer on October 6th. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 October 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - A Coroner's Inquest was held yesterday at Devonport concerning the death of MATHEW HENRY LONG, boiler--maker, in Keyham Factory, who died suddenly from excess of drink and Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 October 1871
PLYMOUTH - Shocking Occurrence At An Inquest. - An Inquiry was commenced yesterday at the Prince Arthur Inn, Cecil-street, Plymouth, by Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, for the purpose of investigating the cause of the death of CHARLES KEY, aged eleven months, who had died under somewhat suspicious circumstances. Among the Jurymen was a Mr William George, an elderly man, a fruiterer, residing in Cecil-street. The Jurors had been sworn, and were returning from visiting the body, when Mr George complained that he could not walk fast, as his heart was fluttering. On entering the room he appeared to be very warm, and he took a seat by the door. The first witness had been called, and had repeated her name, when Mr George made a peculiar noise, and was falling to the ground, but was caught by Police-Sergeant King, the Coroner's officer. At this moment Mr Connell Whipple entered the room, which was at once cleared, and the man laid upon the floor, his scarf removed, collar loosened, and a pillow placed under his head. Mr Brian obtained some brandy and sent for leeches, and prevented Mrs George, who had arrived, and was in an exceedingly excited state, from entering the room where her husband lay. Before the leeches were brought the unfortunate man had expired, death occurring within three minutes of his being attacked. The deceased was very stout, and, inasmuch as he died in the presence of the Coroner, and Mr Whipple, who has certified that death resulted from Natural Causes - whether from apoplexy or heart disease is not known - it has been deemed neither necessary nor desirable to hold an Inquest. The Inquiry concerning the death of the child Key was postponed until today.

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 October 1871
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at the Royal Albert Hotel, Morice Town, yesterday, concerning the death of MR THOMAS BUCHAN. The evidence adduced was to the effect that the deceased, a shipwright, forty-eight years of age, was in September last working on the fore topmasthead of the Doris. He was engaged in shipping an outrigger, which, he being unable to place over the stud, struck him on the breast, and jammed him against the mast. Since that time he has always complained of a pain in the chest, from which he did not suffer prior to the accident. On Wednesday he was carrying a "collar" on which the boom rests 36lbs. in weight on his shoulders, when he suddenly threwed it down, staggered, and fell to the ground. He was at once conveyed to the surgery, but died before reaching it. Upon a post mortem examination being made it was discovered that there had been a great effusion of blood and serum into the pericardium. The medical officer (Mr Mair) who made the examination said he considered that this was sufficient to have caused death, which, he believed, had been accelerated by the injury to deceased's chest. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from Natural Causes, having been accelerated by the accident which befell him on board the Doris.
The Inquest concerning the death of MR THOMAS BUCHAN, who died suddenly in Keyham Factory on Wednesday last, has resulted in a verdict that he died from Natural Causes, death being accelerated by an accident which befell him some time ago whilst working on board H.M.S. Doris. We presume, therefore, that the annuity usually allowed to the wives of artisans in her Majesty's dockyards whose husbands are killed whilst engaged in work will be allowed to the wife of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 November 1871
TORQUAY - The adjourned Inquest on HENRY CHING, four years of age, who was found drowned in the Torquay harbour on Thursday evening, was resumed on Monday. The Inquiry had been allowed to stand over to test the accuracy of a statement made by a child of the same age, named Blanchett, from which it appeared that they were playing together, and that Blanchett pushed the deceased into the water. There was, however, no reliable testimony to prove this, and the Jury returned a verdict of Found Drowned.

PLYMOUTH - Singular Death In Plymouth - The circumstances attending an extremely singular death were investigated at an Inquest held at the Seymour Inn, Plymouth, yesterday, by Mr T. C. Brian. An unmarried woman, named MARY POLL, aged 63 years, has for the last three weeks been lodging at 24 Regent-street, where she acted in the capacity of attendant to a Mrs Nicholas, 83 years of age. The evidence of Dr Square and other witnesses tended to shew that during Sunday night the deceased, probably because she felt sick and faint, was in the act of getting out of bed, with a lighted candle in her hand, when she overbalanced herself, and her head fell on the round. When discovered on Monday morning the upper part of her body was out of the bed, and her face rested on the candlestick, a part of the bottom of which was in her mouth, and the top of the socket pressing against her windpipe. She was quite dead. It is supposed that when she fell her faintness increased, and that being unable to move the pressure of the top of the socket caused suffocation. The various organs of the body were healthy. Mrs Nicholas was lying in the bed at the time the deceased was found, but Dr Square stated that the old lady was in her dotage. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 November 1871
EXETER - A shocking suicide has taken place at Exeter. The deceased, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL STIRLING, who formerly served in India, was 77 years of age. For some time past he has been in a strange and depressed state, induced by family troubles; and a month or two ago was closely watched, having been found one day on his knees with his necktie off and an open razor in his hand. When interrupted he said he feared he must be going mad. On Thursday last he possessed himself of a small pistol, the barrel of which he placed in his mouth, and then fired it. One side of his face was greatly shattered by the bullet, and death was almost instantaneous. At an Inquest held on Saturday the Jury returned a verdict that deceased committed Suicide while labouring under Temporary Insanity.

EXETER - A fatal accident occurred at Exeter on Thursday night. MRS PETHERBRIDGE, a widow, living at Heavitree, was driving from Exeter about seven o'clock, and when on the Heavitree road, just beyond the Training College, she came into collision with another cart. Neither had lights. MRS PETHERBRIDGE'S trap was upset, and the occupants thrown into the road. MRS SARAH MITCHELL , a nurse, belonging to Broadclist, was in the trap, and she fell on her head and sustained concussion of the brain. She was taken to the Hospital, but died the same night. At the Inquest on Saturday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest on the body of FREDERICK COOK, a child about five years of age, was held at the Guildhall on Saturday. The child was walking with its mother in Vauxhall-street on Friday, when his leg caught in the wheel of a passing cart, which turned the child over on his side and broke two of his ribs, causing death some time after. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 November 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Harvest Home Inn, Plymouth, by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, to Inquire into the cause of death of JOHN ROGERS, aged five months, the illegitimate son of ELIZABETH JANE HAYMAN, 17 years of age, who stated that the deceased was born at Kingsbridge, and left in the care of an aunt, who, unknown to witness, put it in the Union. Witness in consequence brought it to Plymouth, and obtained a room in Park-street, the child being supported as well as the witness by her sister, who lived in James-street. The child was always delicate. On Saturday, unknown to her sister, she applied to Mr Nicholson, relieving officer, for an order for the child to be taken into the Workhouse, as he was sick, and had an eruption on his face. Mr Nicholson gave witness an order to see Mr Prynne, surgeon, but on Sunday morning the child died. She understood that she was to see Mr Prynne on Monday morning. - Mr R. J. Nicholson said that HAYMAN told him quite a different story. She said that the child's mother was called Brown, and that the child had been left at her sister's house by some woman. He gave her an order for Mr Prynne, telling her that she was to take it at once. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 November 1871
PINHOE - An Inquest was held at Pinhoe, Exeter, yesterday to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of MR JOHN R. HICKS, of Plymouth, who received fatal injuries from a carriage accident which occurred some days ago. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Tradesmen's Arms, Octagon, Plymouth, yesterday, by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, to Inquire into the cause of death of THOMAS SOBEY, aged forty-one years. The deceased is in the employ of Messrs. Skardon and Sons, and yesterday morning he left the Freemason's Hall in company with two men to go to Mr Wyatt's Auction Rooms, Union-street, where Mr Skardon was to have held a sale. About 10 a.m. the deceased complained of a pain in the pit of his stomach, and after sitting for about five minutes resumed his work. On going upstairs, however, he fell backwards, and Dr Peard was sent for, but SOBEY died before medical assistance arrived. The deceased had complained of a pain in the stomach on the day previous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 November 1871
PLYMOUTH - A very sudden death occurred at Plymouth yesterday. A man named JOHN NORTHCOTE, aged 69 years, who had been and was apparently in very good health, went to work at 2 Clarence-street, about 9 o'clock in the morning, but had been there scarcely any time when he fell, and died within three minutes. An Inquest was held, and a verdict of Death from Natural Causes returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 November 1871
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall on Saturday, by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, concerning the cause of death of THOMAS FARLEY KERSWILL, packer on the South Devon Railway. On Friday last the deceased was employed at the Laira junction. About six o'clock a goods train was shunted off the line on which the down express was to pass, and after the express had passed a signal was given for the goods train to go on. The train had just started when the guard, Ball, heard a voice calling out. He turned on the red light, the train was stopped instantly, and on going to see the cause of the call he found that KERSWILL had been run over by one of the trucks. A telegram was sent to Plymouth, and a special train (containing Dr Stevens and Mr Welsh, of the South Devon Railway) was at once despatched to the spot. It was found expedient to send the poor fellow to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he was immediately attended to by Dr Anderson, house surgeon, but died within half an hour. No account can be given as to how he got under the wheels, but it is surmised that he wanted to get a ride into Plymouth in the trucks, and in getting up became entangled in the wheels. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 December 1871
KINGSBRIDGE - An Inquest was held by Mr Michelmore at the Kingsbridge Townhall last evening, respecting the death of the newly born male infant of EMMELINE HYNE, a widow, whose husband has been dead four years. According to the evidence of a Mrs Crispin, who MRS HYNE sent for a few days ago to attend her, as she was ill, she had no suspicion at first that MRS HYNE was enceinte, but Mr Sherrard, the surgeon who attended upon MRS HYNE told witness that he expected she was enceinte. Witness then charged MRS HYNE with it, but she denied such was the case, and said "it was a yarn of the neighbours." On Saturday night witness slept with MRS HYNE, and early in the morning she awoke and saw her out of bed. She said she was in great pain and should die, but afterwards came into bed. About nine o'clock witness got up and MRS HYNE told her not to touch anything under the bed. She, however, looked and saw the dead body of a child. Mr J. Elliot, surgeon, who had made a post mortem examination of the body, gave a decided opinion that the birth was premature, and the Jury returned a verdict that the child was Stillborn. A further investigation of the case will take place before the magistrates, as soon as MS HYNE is sufficiently recovered to be brought before them.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 December 1871
KENTISBURY - Young Lady Drowned Near Barnstaple. - MISS JULIA FROST, a young lady governess in the family of Mr F. L. Smyth, Westland Pound, Kentisbury, about nine miles from Barnstaple, went skating on a pond within a short distance of Mr Smyth's house on Thursday afternoon. The ice gave way, and the young lady was immersed. Every effort was made to rescue her, but as the water in the pond was deep she sank, and was drowned. An Inquest was held yesterday, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Loss Of The Yawl Dabb. A Merchant Captain Censured. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr Brian, and a Jury, of which Mr Silas Lillicrap was Foreman, yesterday Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of RICHARD LAPIDGE, a fisherman belonging to the yawl Dabb, of Plymouth, which foundered after striking on the wreck of the Ajax, which was wrecked some years ago at the Mewstone. Deceased went to sea about a month ago in the Dabb with the owner, who was named Frank Morley, and another man. The yawl was wrecked on the 17th of November, and on Thursday the crew of the fishing boat Augusta picked up the body, which was floating three miles off Stoke Head, and about four miles from the Mewstone. The corpse was identified by the deceased's brother, who recognised it by warts on the left hand, a boot, and a muffler. The body was conveyed from the Barbican to the dead-house in the Guildhall by Damerell, the Barbican constable, who told the Jury that the effluvia arising from it was very offensive. - The Coroner told Damerell to consult with his officer for the future before removing a body found at sea from the Barbican to the Guildhall. A place had been procured in that neighbourhood for the reception of dead bodies, in preference to their being carried to the Guildhall through crowded streets. A place could instantly have been procured on the quay for the reception of the corpse, as had been done in other cases where it was found impossible to bring them through the town. - Damerell said he saw one of his superior officers before removing the body; but was again told by the Coroner to consult with his officer, Mr Williams. - John Gill, until lately ordinary seaman on board the schooner Pandora, of Salcombe, Pepperell, master, stated that on the 17th of November, at ten minutes to four in the afternoon, he was at the wheel, and an able seaman named Cooksley, and also a passenger, were on deck. The crew of the Pandora consisted of five hands, exclusive of this passenger. At the time mentioned he put the schooner "about" in order to weather the buoy off the Mewstone, and then he saw a little hooker to windward of their vessel, which had apparently been "put about" at the same time that the Pandora had. There was a nice breeze, but not much sea running. The hooker had not got over her tack more than five minutes before he saw her strike against something; she rose once, and then turned over and went down. The Pandora was then quite half a mile from her. Just at this time the master came on deck, and the witness said to him, pointing in the direction in which the accident had occurred, "There is a hooker gone over with all hands." When she struck the Dabb was between the Pandora and the Mewstone, and when he spoke to the captain he could see no one in the water. In reply to his remarks the captain said, "It is no good; we can't save them." He then told witness to "keep the Pandora full," as he had kept her "shaking" prior to attempting, as he thought, to bear down on the spot where the hooker had gone down. When he spoke to the captain witness with his naked eye thought he saw a small portion of the gunwale of the vessel above the water, but the captain, who used his glass, said he could see nothing. - In answer to questions, witness said he did not know if the Pandora could have borne down to the spot where the Dabb sank, but at any rate she might have made the attempt; he thought, however, there would have been danger in doing so. They had a boat on board, but no attempt that he saw was made to lower it, although there was nothing to prevent the boat pulling to the Mewstone, if properly manned. The day after the ship arrived in Plymouth he left her, not liking to be with the captain because he was always drunk. [A Juror thought this "finished the yarn."] A boat could have been got out if the captain had wished. The captain was tipsy when he came on deck. - Some Jurymen thought that the Pandora might have been taken within two cables length of the wreck, and others remarked that whether sober or dunk the captain ought to have endeavoured to save the men, that his conduct was disgraceful, and that he ought to have reported the occurrence of the wreck to the coastguard officers when he landed. - In summing up, the Coroner said he was glad Gill was enabled to come before the Jury, and expressed a wish that others could have been forthcoming. From the evidence which was given on oath, there appeared to be nothing to prevent a boat being lowered to the assistance of the unfortunate men, even supposing the ship could not have been brought nearer to the spot, which, however, many Jurymen thought might have been done. Even supposing the captain did not send to the assistance of the Dabb when he might have done so, he would not be criminally liable, because an omission of that kind, however inhuman, however contrary to common ideas of what was right and what was wrong, did not make a man criminally liable unless he had been in a position which obliged him as a matter of duty to render assistance to anyone in danger. They could have but one feeling and opinion, after hearing the evidence, concerning the omission on the part of Captain Pepperell. Regarding the remains of the Ajax - a paddlewheel - still remaining on the rocks off the Mewstone, and on which the Dabb was supposed to have struck, the Coroner told the Jury they might add a remark to their verdict if they thought the remains encumbering the rocks made them more dangerous than before. - A Juryman said a buoy was placed in the neighbourhood denoting that there were the remains of a wreck on the rocks, and vessels were supposed to keep outside this buoy. If the buoy was taken away the danger would be greater, as other vessels might be wrecked. - Other comments were made on the conduct of the master of the schooner, and ultimately, in returning a verdict of "Found Drowned," the Jury added, "according to the evidence considerable blame attaches to Captain Pepperell in not having gone to the rescue of the men of the hooker at the time when the disaster which had befallen her was reported to him, considering that he had a boat at his command and there was nothing to prevent her rendering assistance."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 December 1871
EXETER - Victims To Drink. - A shocking affair has occurred at Exeter, a widow named JANE MACVITTY having sustained injuries from burning whilst in a state of intoxication which caused her death. It appears that about a fortnight since the deceased, who was addicted to drinking habits, was seen to take a large bottle of gin to her room. She must have consumed he greater portion of the gin, as the bottle was afterwards found on a table by her bedside with only a little spirit in it. Having drunk the gin, it seems she lay down on the bed, without divesting herself of any of her clothing except her outer garment. A little child, who was in the room, commenced playing with some lucifer matches which he found on the floor, and accidentally set fire to the bedding. The child's cries attracted some of the neighbours, who found the room full of smoke, and saw the bed-clothes and MCVITTEY'S petticoats, &c., in flames. They extinguished the fire as quickly as possible, and then took the deceased to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where it was found that she had sustained serious injury to her chest, arms, and neck. Deceased, when discovered, was so much under the influence of the ardent liquor she had taken, as to be unable to understand what had happened and resisted as much as she could the attempts made to remove her. Mr Tosswill, the house surgeon at the Hospital, stated at the Inquest held yesterday, that there was from the first no hope of the deceased's recovery. She died on Friday from exhaustion, caused by the shock to the system. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at the Tradesman's Arms, Plymouth, relative to the death of ELIZABETH COOMER, who resided at 92 King-street. The deceased, it appeared, cooked supper for an old man named Carter, with whom she lived, at about half-past eight o'clock, and then went out, returning to the house intoxicated at about a quarter to eleven. She was then seen going upstairs by a man named Carter, who told her to "mind herself," and went out. Five minutes afterwards he returned, and found the woman at the bottom of the stairs insensible. He called Carter and a Mrs Allen, and deceased was taken to her room and put into bed. Her head was bleeding a little. She had many times fallen over stairs before, and Carter thought she would sleep off the effects of the accident as previously. The woman, however, died about two o'clock, no medical assistance having been called in. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased fell over stairs and received fatal inquires whilst in a state of intoxication.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 December 1871
PLYMOUTH - Mr T. C. Brian held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday concerning the death of ELIZABETH SMITH, aged 88. The deceased, who was found dead in her bed on Tuesday morning, had previously been very infirm, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 15 December 1871
EXETER - Fatalities At Exeter. - The dead body of a man named ROWE, who had been missing from Alphington (Exeter) a short time, was found late on Wednesday evening in the canal near Salmon Pool drawbridge. It is supposed that owing to the fog he accidentally fell into the water. Upwards of £4 and other valuables were found in the man's pockets. An Inquest will be held today (Friday).

EXETER - Mr Hooper, Coroner, held an Inquest at Exeter on Wednesday, concerning the death of SAMUEL VICKERY, 44, who died in the Hospital the previous day, in consequence of injuries sustained at Thorverton Mills a few weeks since. The deceased was engaged in working a chaff-cutter, when in some way he got entangled in the belt, and was carried two or three times through a small aperture made in the wall for the passage of the belt. He marvellously escaped instant death, but his lower limbs and head were so much hurt that recovery was hopeless. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 18 December 1871
PLYMOUTH - Mr Brian, Plymouth Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday afternoon concerning the death of an old woman named SARAH HOWELL, who was found dead that morning in her house in Regent-street. She was deaf and dumb, and had been delicate all her life. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Disaster Off The Mewstone. A Second Censure. - The body of JOHN STOOKES, one of the men drowned when the fishing hooker Dabb went down off the Mewstone on November 17th last, was picked up by Thomas Huggett, of the fishing lugger, Mary Anne, off Stoke Head, on Saturday morning, and brought into Plymouth. At the Inquest held in the evening by Mr Brian, Coroner, no evidence was forthcoming as to how the hooker was capsized, but important testimony was given by a seaman named George Cooksley, belonging to the schooner Pandora, Captain Pepperell, hailing from Salcombe, which was near the Dabb when she was seen to go down. the Pandora, he said, passed the Mewstone at four o'clock in the afternoon on her way to Plymouth. The weather was fine, and there was no "sea" running. When nearing the Mewstone an ordinary seaman named Gill was at the wheel and the captain was below. Just after Cooksley had told Gill to go about, a passenger on board, who was a seafaring man, and who acted as chief mate, ran forward to Cooksley and said, "There is a boat gone down," pointing towards the Mewstone. Cooksley looked, but could see nothing then. He thought the Pandora was a mile and a half from the Newstone. About five minutes afterwards he saw the foremast of the boat and then it sunk. He did not see any man in the water. Just as he ran aft the captain came on deck. The passenger told the captain a boat had just gone down, and pointed in the direction of the Mewstone. The captain replied, "I can't see her," and went below again. The captain was then drunk. At that time the vessel was shaking, and he (Cooksley) told Gill to put the tiller over, but the captain told gill to keep the vessel full, to make her go through the water. Before the captain came on deck he (Cooksley) ran forward to catch hold of the boat to launch her, expecting the captain when he came on deck would order them to do so. He (Cooksley) did not like to lower the boat without orders from the captain, and nothing was done to save the men who were in the water. Witness asked the chief mate if it was well that they should lower the boat, and he replied, "With all my heart, if the captain gives orders." The day after he heard in Plymouth that the fishing boat had gone down. He left the Pandora four days afterwards, having discharged himself. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that what had been elicited respecting the captain could not be made the subject of any criminal charge, although it shewed unmistakeably that he was a very cruel man. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, and appended to it was the following:- "In the opinion of the Jury there was a great lack of humanity on the part of the captain of the schooner Pandora in not sending his boat off to render assistance to the crew of the fishing hooker Dabb."

[NOTE: No newspapers in the Archive for 1872]

Western Morning News, Monday 13 January 1873
PLYMOUTH - An illegitimate child having died at the house of Mrs Mary Ann Webb, Treville-street, Plymouth, under circumstances calling for an Inquest, Mr Brian held an Inquiry on Saturday at the Guildhall. Mrs Webb's evidence was to the effect that the mother of the deceased infant - JOSEPH STANGER FRY - came to her house from London about a year ago, and was confined: that she went away within a week, leaving the infant in witnesses charge. Mrs Webb had but once seen or heard from the mother - LOUISA FRY - since that date, but money and clothes for the child were sent to her regularly by Mrs Bell, living, witness thought, at Vinegar-hill, but she knew neither her address nor that of the mother or any relative. The infant became blind soon after birth, owing to weakness, and last Friday died "in a fit," no medical man being called. Witness, who said that she was the mother of 22 children, 17 of whom were living, did not concur with the Coroner in thinking the infant to be the smallest she had ever seen, and did not think it strange that she was content to go on keeping the child without knowing the whereabouts of the mother. The child's life was insured in the "Liver" Friendly Society, but had died too soon for the insurance to become payable. - The Coroner commented on the peculiar features of the case, but remarked that he did not blame Mrs Webb, who appeared to have been kind to the child. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 January 1873
PLYMOUTH - A woman named MARY ANN COLE, aged 47, has died from an accident she lately met with on the china clay tramway, near Plym Bridge. while walking by the line, contrary to regulations, she was overtaken by a waggon, which seems to have caught an umbrella she was carrying, wheeled her round, and then cut off her left foot on the rail. The waggon being loaded, the bones of the poor woman's ankle were crushed to splinters. Amputation was promptly performed by Mr Miles, but the shock of the accident to the system had been too great to allow of her recovery. Mr Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Plym Bridge Cottage yesterday (Mr Pillipp, Foreman) at which a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 January 1873
BRENT - Fatal Accident At Totnes. - On Monday night as Mr T. E. Owen, surgeon, of Totnes, was riding in the road leading from Totnes to Brent he came across a man lying in the road. His horse having stopped he got off, and on examining him found he was quite dead. Being near the Carew Arms he obtained assistance from that house, and the body was removed there. On examination he found that several of his ribs were broken, and he had also sustained fatal injuries to his head; he was quite dead. The Coroner having been communicated with, he held an Inquest last night at the Carew Arms, Brent, when the body was identified as that of a man called FRENCH, in the employ of Mr Churchwood, wool dealer, of Buckfastleigh, and it was stated that he had been engaged riving a waggon containing wool on the day mentioned. The deceased was a very steady man, but it is supposed he must by some means have been thrown from the waggon, and the wheels passing over him, death must have been instantaneous. The evidence of Mr Owen having been taken deposing to the finding of the body, and the nature of the injuries he had received, and the body having been identified, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 24 January 1873
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide At Devonport. - The Inquest on ELIZA BATE, 60 years of age, who cut her throat at her residence 19 Chapel street, Devonport, on Wednesday, was opened yesterday by Mr Bone, and a double Jury. Evidence was given by deceased's nephew and brother which shewed that she was a weakly woman, and had been low spirited of late, but had never been heard to make statements which would lead anyone to suppose she intended to take her life. On Wednesday morning when her brother came home from his duties at the post-office (where he is a stamper) he found her with her throat cut. Mr Bazeley, surgeon, was sent for, and a woman named Worsley heard deceased say several times, "I have done it; let me die." Mr Bazeley ordered her removal to the hospital and while one or two witnesses said they did not think he bandaged the wound, Mr Worsley said he believed he saw something round her neck. The woman was kept outside the Hospital in a cab, it was said, for fully a quarter of an hour before being admitted. She died at the Hospital. Mr T. Leah, surgeon, who had attended deceased previously found her low spirited and nervous. She told him she was low spirited about her nephew. She was sane, and he did not think she would take her life. - The Coroner: If the wound had been carefully bandaged at the time when deceased was first seen, might her life have been saved? - Mr Leah: That is a difficult question to answer. Supposing the wound had been bleeding very freely, and there was a free opening into the windpipe, the effects of putting a bandage would be to have driven the blood into the windpipe and caused suffocation. - The Coroner, having ascertained from one of the medical officers of the Hospital (Mr Boase) that a post mortem examination would determine if blood in the windpipe had caused suffocation, adjourned the Inquest until today for that examination to be made.

EXETER - Death From Inhaling An Anaesthetic. - An Inquiry was held at Exeter yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of MISS IDA WYNDHAM, a lady whose death occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the residence of Mr J. T. Browne-Mason, surgeon-dentist, of Southernhay, Exeter, after the extraction of a tooth while under the influence of nitrous oxide gas. Considerable interest attached to the case, inasmuch as it is believed to be the first instance of fatal results attending the administration of the gas, which for two or three years had been largely used instead of chloroform for the purpose of dentistry. The deceased lady, who resided at the Manor House, Seaton, went by appointment to Mr Mason's on Wednesday, in company with her brother-in-law, Dr Pattinson, of Seaton, for the purpose of having her teeth examined. MISS WYNDHAM was advised to have a double upper-tooth extracted, and she consented, but expressed a great wish to be put under the influence of nitrous-oxide gas. Mr Mason, foreseeing that the operation of drawing the teeth would be a very painful one, made no objection, and proceeded to administer the gas. After a few respirations, Dr Pattinson, who held the deceased's wrist, noticed that the pulse was getting weak, and told Mr Mason, who at once withdrew the nitrates, and commenced to draw the tooth. They had evidently had no effect beyond that of quieting the pulse a little, as the patient manifested symptoms of great pain. After an ineffectual attempt to extract the tooth had been made, MISS WYNDHAM asked for water, with which she washed out her mouth, and then said she must have more gas if anything more was to be done, remarking that she had no idea that she was such a coward. Mr Mason proceeded to administer more gas, and himself took charge of the pulse. When a sufficient quantity had been inhaled Mr Mason finished the extraction of the tooth. Dr Pattinson noticed the features become suddenly livid, but he was not alarmed as he was given to understand that was a usual symptom. It soon became evident, however, that something was wrong, and Mr Mason went in haste for Dr Drake, a physician residing near, who came immediately. Everything was done that the medical men could think of - ammonia was applied to the nostrils, and an attempt was made to set up artificial respiration - but they could not restore the patient to consciousness, and she died in the course of a few minutes. - Dr Pattinson stated at the Inquest that he had for many years been the deceased's medical adviser, but he had no reason to believe that she suffered from weakness of circulation, and she was in good health and capital spirits up to the commencement of the operation. In his opinion, as a medical man, Mr Mason used due caution in administering the gas. Mr Browne-Mason, tendered himself as a witness, being anxious to give every explanation. He said the deceased was not in any degree rendered insensible by the first inhalation. It was his practice, if he gave a patient two effective inhalations at one sitting, to insist on a long interval between, but in this case the only effect of the first inhalation was to quiet the pulse a little. The second time the patient took the gas in the usual way, no symptoms occurring to make him uneasy. She did not appear faint. When witness considered she had taken as much gas as was necessary, he removed the inhaler, and recommenced to extract the tooth. He had to split the tooth and remove the fangs separately. It was after he had completed the operation that he first observed the lividity of the face, which at that stage was a most unusual symptom, because if it occurred at all it generally accompanied the inhalation and disappeared when the patient breathed pure air instead of gas. The features commenced to swell, and the tongue protruded. Witness then went to summon Dr Drake, who came immediately. In answer to questions Mr Masons aid he obtained his gas from Messrs. Ash and Sons, of Broad-street, Golden-square, London, who are the first manufacturers. He was quite satisfied as to its purity, because he had previously administered gas from the same flask to two patients, and he had that morning himself inhaled a gallon and a half of it. He had almost daily used the nitrous oxide gas for dental purposes during the past two years and never with any untoward results. - Dr Drake stated that he knew the effect of nitrous oxide gas by hearsay only. He believed death to have been caused by paralysis of the parts which regulate the breathing, apparently arising from the inhalation of nitrous oxide gas. In his opinion there was a combination of paralysis of the lung and of the muscles which expand the chest. Deceased was as powerless to breath as though she had been immersed in water. - The Coroner (Mr H. W. Hooper) asked witness if he had reason to suspect anything abnormal in the state of the heart? - Witness: Certainly not. - Mr Mason asked Mr Drake if he considered, from MISS WYNDHAM'S general appearance that she was a bad subject for an anaesthetic? - Witness: There was a disposition to corpulency, and possibly that, with other things, might be considered an objection; but she had such an excellent chest, and the organs seemed to be in such a healthy condition, that I do not think there could have been, in the judgment of anyone, any objection to her breathing the gas; nor do I think any forethought in the case could have prevented what occurred. It might have happened to any doctor or dentist in the ordinary course of his practice. - The Coroner carefully summed up, pointing out that if the Jury considered Mr Mason had exercised proper caution, both before and during the administration of the nitrous oxide gas, their verdict would be one of "homicide by misadventure;" if, on the contrary, they thought he had neglected hid duty in any particular, they would have to return a verdict of manslaughter. - The Jury, after a brief consultation, returned a verdict of "Homicide by Misadventure." The Foreman said they wished to express their unanimous opinion that every possible precaution was taken by Mr Mason, and they entirely exonerated him from blame. - The Coroner said he quite concurred in the verdict.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 January 1873
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide At Devonport. - The adjourned Inquest on ELIZA BATE, who committed suicide at Devonport on Tuesday, was resumed at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday afternoon, before Mr Coroner Bone, and a double Jury. - Dr Thom said he had made a post mortem examination of the body, and found that the razor had cut three inches into the windpipe. The lungs were filled with blood, and there was also a small quantity of blood in the stomach. The heart was fatty, and there was a slight ossification of the valves. When deceased was brought to the Hospital her pulse was weak. Witness sent for brandy and meanwhile was engaged in stopping as many of the cut vessels as he could. Witness tried to pour some brandy down her throat, but she gradually sank, gasped and died. From inquiries made he thought that from the time at which the cab arrived at the Hospital gate to the time she was admitted was ten minutes, and unless they had been expecting somebody it could not have been done quicker. Deceased died from the loss of blood which entered into the lungs. When she came into the Hospital she had a piece of flannel on her throat, which he thought answered its purpose of keeping out the cold air. - William Bazeley, surgeon, who saw the deceased before removal, said he found her lying a little on her right side, and a razor by the side of the bed on a chair. She was perfectly conscious, and on witness saying she ought not to have cut her throat, she said, "I didn't know what to do," or something of that sort. Witness, in cleaning the wound, found a clot of blood which he did not remove as there was little or no haemorrhage. He considered from the state of the woman, the state of the room, and the want of appliances that it would be much better to remove her to the Hospital, and on mentioning it she jumped at the idea, and said she should like to go. A cab was sent for, and after deceased had taken out money from her dress, and directed it should be given to her brother, she was assisted into it. he had tied a piece of flannel round her neck to keep the cold air out. He did what 99 out of 100 medical men would have done. If there had been active haemorrhage he would not have thought of removing the deceased. - The Jury, after a short deliberation, found that deceased cut her throat whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 January 1873
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter on the body of the woman STONE, who after having been with a young child missed for two or three days, was found dead in a mill leat at Exeter. Nothing new was elicited, and a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned by the Jury. It was stated at the Inquest that all efforts to find the body of the child had failed.

TEIGNMOUTH - A Coroner's Jury at Teignmouth yesterday Inquired concerning the death of MR C. SYMONS, who was found dead in bed on Monday morning. His head was lying in a basin by the side of the bed, and his feet entangled in the bedclothes; there were superficial cuts about the head and face, and the evidence of Mr Edwards, surgeon, shewed that deceased had been seized with apoplexy and had fallen out of bed.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - The door porter at St. Thomas's Union Workhouse committed suicide on Sunday by cutting his throat. JOHN ELLIS, the deceased, who was about 58 years old, had given notice of his intention to leave the situation, and it is supposed that he repented of the step he had taken, and brooded over it, until his mind became affected. As he did not make his appearance on Sunday morning at the usual hour, the door of his bedroom was broken open, and he was found leaning over the bucket with his throat cut, a closed razor being near him. A doctor was sent for, but before his arrival the poor man was dead. At an Inquest held by Mr R. R. Crosse yesterday afternoon a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Borough Coroner held an Inquest last evening at the Houdiscombe Inn, James-street, concerning the death of ELIZABETH EMMA STONEMAN. ELIZABETH STONEMAN, mother of the deceased, about three weeks since left her room and went to a neighbour's house to get a piece of stick to light her fire, leaving the deceased in bed with three other children. While she was away the deceased's clothes were ignited - her brother ALFRED setting fire to her chemise with a candle while looking for his stockings. The eldest son was left in charge of the children in bed, but he for some reason left the room. The child that did the mischief was about two and a half years old. The Coroner said there was no doubt but that the child died through being burnt in consequence of some neglect. If the candle had not been left in the reach of such a young child the Jury would not have been sitting there that day. The children were left all awake in a small room playing in the bed, with only one, who was ten years of age, to look after them, and he left the room. Even if the candle had been put out for a short time it would have been a better plan. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 January 1873
EXETER - The child of MRS STONE, who was found drowned in the Bonhay Mill leat, Exeter, on Sunday, was discovered on Tuesday in the same stream. An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon when an Open Verdict was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 February 1873
EAST STONEHOUSE - An Inquest was held at Stonehouse yesterday before Mr Rodd respecting the death of the infant child, aged three months, of ELIZABETH HORNER, which was found dead in bed by her mother's side. There was no evidence imputing misconduct, and a verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 February 1873
STOKE DAMEREL - Another Child Scalded To Death. - The Devonport coroner (Mr A. B. Bone) held an Inquiry yesterday relative to the death of EMMA JANE SEARLE, a child four and a half years of age. The mother of the child, who lives in King-street, on Monday dinner time left the child in a room whilst she went to speak to someone, and on returning just afterwards found the child had pulled off the fire a kettle containing boiling coffee. MRS SEARLE took the clothes off deceased, and carried her to a neighbour's house, after wrapping her up in a shawl. The child was subsequently conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital, where its mother did not go to see it until the following morning. The child previous to the accident was sitting on a box before the fire, and there were children with her - one about eleven years of age. The injuries were about the face and neck. - The Coroner deprecated young children being left for one instant within reach of such dangerous articles, but the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 February 1873
BARNSTAPLE - A case of sudden death has occurred in Barnstaple. On Thursday night MR RICH. LABBETT, landlord of the Bear Inn, Green-lane, Barnstaple, a man about 65 years of age, was found by his family lying dead in his stable. It is thought he died through sudden exposure to the cold. An Inquest was held last night, when a verdict of "Death from Syncope" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 February 1873
PLYMOUTH - Mr T. C. Brian, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Workhouse yesterday, touching the death of JOHN LILLICRAP, who died on Sunday last. The deceased was a waterman, and reduced in circumstances, and had to go into the Workhouse, where he became unwell. Mr Thomas, the house surgeon, attended him for a slight cold, and to all appearances he was getting on well. On Sunday evening, on his entering a water closet, blood came flowing out of his mouth, and he fell to the ground. Two inmates being near conveyed him into the wardroom, where he soon expired. The deceased did not appear to be worse that morning, and was not suffering from any stage of consumption, for had he been so Mr Thomas would have attended him as the case required. The Coroner said there was no reason to believe that the deceased died from any other than Natural Causes, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 February 1873
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - An Inquest was held by the County Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd, at the White Hart Inn, Horrabridge, on Thursday evening, on the body of JOHN HARDING, an old man aged 61 years. The deceased the previous day hung himself and the Jury found he committed the deed whilst in a fit of Temporary Insanity.

BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, the County Coroner, yesterday held an Inquiry at the Industrial Home, Buckland Monachorum, concerning the death of MARY BURROWS. The deceased, who was 84 years of age, fell over a flight of stairs, and thereby sustained mortal injuries. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 February 1873
EXETER - Death Accelerated By Eating Pork. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter on the body of MISS TUCKER, an elderly lady, who for some years has carried on the business of a grocer in the High-street of that city, and who was found dead in her bed on Saturday morning. It appeared that she ate some pork for her supper on the previous night, and the medical man who was called in stated that such food was likely to produce indigestion, which might have caused a spasm of the heart, from which he believed MISS TUCKER died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

CLAYHIDON - Death From Starvation. - Mr Coroner Crosse held an Inquest a few days since at Clayhidon, near Wellington, on the body of a woman named BETTY REDWOOD, aged 49, residing at Hessle Bottom, in the parish of Clayhidon. The woman was found dead in her bed with her clothes on; her clothes were in a very tattered condition. At the time of her death no article of food of any description was found in the house, with the exception of a small piece of hard bread, about the size of a walnut. Dr Morgan gave it as his opinion that the deceased died from starvation, and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 February 1873
BERE FERRERS - Death From Lock Jaw At Beeralston. - On the 29th of last month a young man named WILLIAMS was with others witnessing a pigeon-shooting match, being held at Hole's Hole, and whilst a man called William Toll was loading his gun - a breech-loader - the charge exploded, and the shot entered the right side of the left foot of WILLIAMS. Mr Kent, surgeon, stated at the Coroner's Inquest, which Mr R. R. Rodd held at Beeralston on Thursday, that the bones in the foot were broken and two of the front tendons completely smashed. The deceased was removed from the hotel he had at first been taken to, to his lodgings at Beeralston. He ate food and appeared to be doing well, but on Sunday week a change took place, and slight symptoms of tetanus set in. The deceased gradually sank, and died on Sunday. He suffered very much during his illness. A verdict of "Death from Tetanus" was returned. The man Toll has sailed for America, but no blame is attached to him.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 February 1873
BRIXHAM - A Coroner's Jury assembled at Brixham yesterday concerning the death of MR WILLS, a smack owner, aged 53, who was found floating in the harbour. He had been subject to fits. No one could tell how he came into the water. Four other fatal accidents having lately occurred at that place, the Jury asked the Coroner to endeavour to secure some protection at the quays.

PLYMOUTH - Sad Death From Drowning At Plymouth. - Mr T. C. Brian, the Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening, concerning the death of EMMA CHAPMAN, aged 41 years. Mr G. Cox was Foreman. William Pepperel stated that shortly before midnight on Tuesday he was on the North Quay, when he heard a splash in the water about forty yards off. He at once went to the spot, and heard someone struggling in the water between a vessel and the quay. He procured a boat and with help got the body out of the water and landed it on the quay. The tide was high at the time. He could not say whether she was dead or not at the time. - The Foreman: How long do you think she was in the water from the time you heard the splash until you got her into the boat? - Witness: Not more than two minutes. No one was near the spot when he heard the splash, but there were many some distance off. - Police-sergeant Henry Hill deposed that about eleven o'clock on Tuesday night he saw the deceased in Higher-street under the influence of liquor. She said to him, "You want to lock me up, but you won't get the chance tonight." He had not said anything to her previously, nor threatened to arrest her. About twenty minutes after she had left Higher-street he went to the North Quay, and saw the last witness, who had the charge of the deceased, and said he was the first man that picked her up. Witness rubbed the deceased, and turned her over on her side, but without avail. Another constable felt her pulse, but found no sign of life. The deceased could not have been in the water long, as her stockings were quite dry. She resided in Batter-street, Plymouth. About midnight Dr Harper arrived at the Guildhall, and pronounced her to be dead. Deceased had been committed to prison thirteen times since June, 1870, having in some instances three months' imprisonment for drunkenness. She had been very troublesome for many years. The Coroner said that the deceased was in a very emaciated condition. The evidence did not shew how the deceased came into the water. She might have jumped over or accidentally fallen, or been pushed into the water, but as to this no evidence could be procured. No doubt the deceased was under the influence of liquor at the time. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict. Some of the Jury felt dissatisfied at the unprotected state of the quay. They considered that chains ought to be placed around the edges of the quays. The quay was a public thoroughfare, and a very dangerous one. The Coroner remarked that at the spot where the deceased was found there was no protection whatever.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 March 1873
PLYMPTON - The Sad Death By Drowning Near Plympton. A Dangerous Road. - Mr Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Ring of Bells Inn, Underwood, Plympton, last evening, on the body of ABRAHAM RYDER, a publican of Turnchapel. From the evidence of the wife of the deceased, it appeared that her husband left home at about midday on Tuesday, and she had not seen him alive since. It would seem that the deceased went to Oreston, and called upon another publican there named Richard Skinner, and they both went off to Battisford, and after being there some time returned to Plympton, where they went to Mr Kinsland's public-house. Late in the evening, after they had been together for about nine hours, the deceased was missing, and up to the time that Skinner left he had not returned. The deceased had been drinking; but he seemed to be sober, and to know what he was about before he was missed. Skinner left Plympton about eleven o'clock and saw nothing more of the deceased, though he passed up the same road on the way back to Oreston as the deceased must have done to have returned to his home. After the deceased left the public-house at Plympton he appears to have gone to the Union Inn, Underwood, and asked Mr Pitts, the landlord, to accommodate him with a bed. Mr Pitts could not do that, but he made arrangements for him to go to sleep at another person's house in the vicinity. The deceased then said he had decided to go home, and as the night was stormy and dark, and the deceased appeared to have been drinking - though he was not drunk - Mr Pitts got a man named Bray to accompany him. The roads had been altered and were very rough and Mr Pitts thought the deceased might lose his way. A glass of gin was supplied to the deceased at the Union Inn, but not till he had been there some time, for the landlord considered that he had had sufficient previously. After leaving the Union Inn with Bray, the deceased walked on with him to the main road, at the top of Kinnel-hill, where they separated, the deceased being, according to Bray's statement, quite capable of taking care of himself. In this main road is a pond, which, on being full, is on a level with the road. Into this pond deceased must have walked or fallen, for nothing more was seen of him till about 3 o'clock on the following morning, when P.C. Rowe, on his way to Plymstock, noticed something unusual in the pond. He went into the water, and found the body of the deceased there, life being quite extinct. Later in the morning Rowe examined the road, and found a footmark corresponding with the size of the deceased's boot near a portion of the pond which extended into the road. When found the deceased was lying in a depth of water of about eight inches, with his face downwards, and his head under water. The pond is about 150 feet long, and the road at that point only ten feet wide. The pond is considered so dangerous that Rowe stated that he never passed it at night without looking into it, for it was very easy for a stranger or an intoxicated man to get from the road into the water without perceiving it till he was there. As the deceased was about ten feet from the road when found, the probability is that he walked into the water, missed his footing, and thus got drowned. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned by the Jury; but they omitted to make any public united recommendation as to the enclosure of the pond, although they freely expressed individual opinions to that effect.

EXETER - Death At Exeter From A Criminal Attempt. - The City Coroner for Exeter, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquiry yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of a domestic servant, aged 18, named ANN SERCOMBE. The deceased was in service at a Mr Collins's house, on the Friars Walk, and was taken very ill last Saturday night. She was attended upon by Mrs Collins and one or two others, and as she seemed to be in great pain, a surgeon was sent for. He (Mr Hunt) attended and found that she was in great pain. He considered that she was suffering from the effects of abortion and taxed her with it; but she firmly denied that it could be possible, and he then prescribed some medicine. On the following morning (Sunday) he visited her again, and found her in about the same state, and she continued so till Monday afternoon, when she died. At the instigation of the Coroner he made a post mortem examination of the body, and found that the deceased was enceinte, and that she had certainly aborted. From the state of her stomach she had evidently taken some irritant, but of what description he was unable to say. The immediate cause of death was uterine haemorrhage. The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died from the effects of some irritant, but what or by whom administered there was no evidence to shew." The deceased was engaged to a Plymouth sailor, and had always appeared to be well conducted.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 March 1873
TORQUAY - An inquest was held at Torquay on Friday night on the body of PHILIP R. STODDART, six years of age, son of CAPT. STODDART, the superintendent of police. Some weeks ago the child got out of bed, and, by some accident, his bed-gown became ignited,. and he was much burnt, and he has since died. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 March 1873
EXETER - Mr H. W. Hooper, the Exeter Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on the body of SAMUEL PILE, a middle aged single man. The deceased, who lived at Exeter with his parents, was in the employ, as labourer, of a Mr White. On Friday, while driving home a load of Indian meal from Exeter, he fell from the shaft of the waggon, the wheels of which passed over him and inflicted injuries from which he died on Sunday at the County Hospital, whither he was removed directly after the accident occurred. Evidence was given which shewed that the poor man at the time of the accident was under the influence of drink. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 March 1873
PLYMOUTH - On Saturday morning JAMES STIBBS, who has for many years carried on trade at the Commercial Wharf, Plymouth, was discovered in his house lying on the floor, quite dead. At an Inquest subsequently held, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. Deceased was 62 years of age.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 March 1873
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death From Excessive Drinking. - It was last evening the duty of Mr Coroner Rodd and a Jury to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of a master blacksmith of South Hill, named WILLIAM ROWE, aged 48, who was found dead in a Stonehouse brothel on Thursday morning. On Tuesday night deceased came to Plymouth to see his niece, who was going to London. He saw her off the next morning, and during Thursday he was in the company of his cousin, Benjamin Rowell, a tailor. Rowell says when ROWE left him at five o'clock on Thursday evening he was not drunk, although he had had two or three glasses of brandy and water. He then said he was going to Hatt Farm, near Saltash, to pass the night. After leaving Rowell, deceased seems to have met a soldier of the 2nd (Queen's) Regt., and with him went to the old Black Boy, a house in Fore-street, Stonehouse. A woman living in the house deposed that deceased was drunk at this time, and he fell against her. She accompanied him to North-corner to see him on board the Saltash steamer, and as they were too late for the steamer, she got a boat to take him to Saltash, but he would not go in it. They then had several glasses of brandy at a public-house at North-corner, afterwards returning to the Black Boy. She fetched many noggins of brandy after this, deceased telling her he would drink nothing else, although he said he had not had any for 14 years previously. He went to bed at eleven o'clock, having previously drunk a half-pint of brandy raw. At one o'clock, when Bartlett went to the room, she found deceased lying on his face and hands. He was quite dead. - Mr Thomas Leah, surgeon, examined the body, finding no marks of violence. From the evidence he had heard he thought deceased might have died from excessive drinking. He saw nothing to induce him to believe that the deceased had been poisoned; he had not vomited in the room. - The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased died from Excessive Drinking."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 March 1873
NEWTON ABBOT - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was yesterday returned at the Inquest on the body of MARY JACKSON, who was found dead in a sandpit near Newton, where she went on Saturday, as was her custom, for sand, and got buried by the falling of a large quantity of that article.

TAVISTOCK - A watchman named JOHN BURLEY, working at the Wheal Friendships mine, near Tavistock, was on Saturday last oiling the crank of a water-wheel. Whilst thus engaged his coat caught on the crank, and he was carried round, and fatally struck in the head by the crank. Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 March 1873
PLYMOUTH - WILLIAM RUNDLE, a man-of-war's man, who was invalided after the Russian war, died in his bed yesterday morning, and the Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest in York-street yesterday evening, when the Jury were satisfied that he died from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Monday 31 March 1873
CREDITON - The Inquiry on Saturday concerning the death of MR DREWE at Crediton, terminated in a verdict of "Found Drowned". Mr Hambly, a fellow clerk as the deceased, deposed that on the day when he was first missed he complained of great pain in his head and Mrs Warren, with whom he lodged, gave evidence that from deceased's general manner, and his being under an impression that his "books were wrong" she had, before he left her house on the evening on which he so evidently disappeared, arrived at the conclusion that he was labouring under some mental infirmity. Deceased's watch and his purse, containing seventeen shillings, were found on him. Some surprise has been expressed that the police did not succeed in finding the body, but it is well known that many volunteers assiduously laboured with them for several days, and they considered that every food of the river had been searched.

EXETER - The Exeter Coroner held an Inquest on an aged woman, who died from injuries caused by fire. MARY MANN, the deceased, was an inmate of St. Catherine's Almshouses, and was about 80 years old. At the time the accident occurred she was ill in bed. It appears that the poor woman was trying to extinguish her candle, when the sleeve of her night-dress caught fire, and being in a very weak state she was unable to prevent the bed-clothes igniting. A neighbour who went to her assistance found the bed enveloped in flames and the room was full of smoke. He took the deceased in his arms and carried her to Cross's Country House Inn, and after she had partly recovered the shock, and the fire had been put out, he took her back to her own house. For some reason no medical man was sent for until the following day, and a few hours after she had received professional attendance, she died. At the Inquest it was shewn that she was severely burnt on the left side of the body. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

[Note: No newspapers in the Archive for March and April 1873.]

Western Morning News, Monday 2 June 1873
NEWTON ABBOT - MR SAMUEL MATTHEWS, of Newton, who threw himself from his bedroom window on Wednesday, died on Friday evening from the injuries he received. An Inquest was held on Saturday and the Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity." Deceased was 66 years of age.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 June 1873
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday relative to the death of MR RICHARD FRIEND, baker, of Emma Place, Stonehouse, aged 51 years. - HELEN FRIEND, daughter of the deceased, about 12 years of age, stated that on Monday evening she accompanied her father to Plymouth to see the illuminations. About half-pat nine witness and deceased were in the midst of a great crowd in George-street, and as the coloured light was displayed from Messrs. Moon and Sons, an alarm of fire was raised, and there was a great rush down the street. The deceased reached as far as the offices of Messrs. Hicks and Co., Wine Merchants, when he fell down exhausted, and appeared to be dying. Before leaving home her father, who had been suffering from disease of the heart, said he was feeling better. - Eleanor Corin said she saw the deceased lying on the footpath close to Messrs. Hicks and Co.'s, office. She lifted him up and let him rest partly on her arm and partly on the office windowsill. She saw he was dying. A cab was sent for, and he was taken to the Hospital. - Mr Whipple, surgeon, stated that the deceased had been a patient of his for some time. He had been treating him for disease of the heart of a serious character. Witness told him that he must not lift any heavy weights or walk very far. He believed that death was accelerated by MR FRIEND'S walking to Plymouth and being in such a crowd. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he thought no blame could be attached to the deceased, who must have thought that as he was better a walk would do him no harm. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 6 June 1873
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Railway Accident At Newton. - MR DODGE, a boiler-smith, employed at the locomotive works at Newton, was crossing the goods siding yesterday in order to get some beer while the engine was making a "flying shunt." He was struck by a buffer of one of the trucks, and so seriously injured that he died shortly afterwards. An Inquest was held by Mr H. Michelmore last evening, and Mr Wright, superintendent of the locomotive department, stated that no workman had reason to cross the line. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 June 1873
SALTASH - Suicide through Blighted Hops. - A sad story was told yesterday at an Inquest held at Saltash by the Mayor, Mr Wm. Rundle, relative to the death of MARY ANNE LYNE, whose dead body was found on Sunday, on the beach at Drake's Island. P.C. Bennett Tallack, of the Plymouth Police Force, having deposed to finding the body, Jane Hamblyn, residing at 17 George-street, Stonehouse, was called. She stated that on the 17th May the deceased, passing by the name of MARY ANNE MILLER, came to live in a furnished room in her house. She asked her if she was married, and deceased said she was not, but that she was about to be soon to a soldier at Tregantle Fort. A few days after a Mrs King, of Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse, wanted a nurse to tend on her by day, and the deceased was engaged. She returned every evening in good time up to Friday last. At half-past twelve that night deceased had not come, and witness accordingly locked the door and went to bed. The next day she found in the letter box two communications addressed to Mrs King, to whom she handed them. - In answer to a Juror, witness said she had heard deceased say, "I have not seen my sweetheart for a fortnight," to which witness replied, "never mind, don't trouble about that." - Uriah King said he knew the father of the deceased, but did not recognise the deceased whilst she was with his mother, being misled by her passing under the fictitious name of Miller. She behaved herself well during the time she was with his mother. On Thursday she came late, and when his mother asked the reason she said she had been out all night, having met her young man, who had told her he was going to India. She was in low spirits, and his mother encouraged her to build up her hopes, but during the day she seemed to be very excited and depressed. As the deceased did not come to work he went to her mother at Millbrook and asked her if she had a daughter called POLLY. On her answering in the affirmative she was shewn the letters, and as soon as she saw them she exclaimed, "My daughter is dead." - ROBERT LYNE, father of the deceased, said she was 22 years of age. She had been living at Kingsbridge but the work being too heavy she came back to Millbrook. Whilst there she fell in with a soldier and witness took her to task for it, as did also her mother. The soldier promised he would marry her, but his wife went to the Fort and ascertained that he bore a bad character. The deceased had obtained a situation at Tiverton, but would not go there, although she sent on her boxes. - The two letters written by the deceased were read, and from them we give extracts. The first began:- "Dear Mrs Hamblyn. - I am sorry to have given you this trouble, but will you post these letters if I do not claim them? My mother is in Millbrook. She will fetch my boxes. I am sorry that I had not listened to her, and not have given up my situation; for I should have been happy now if I had gone there, and not have come to this. I thought to have remained here until I had something to do; but everything is against me. Do not be alarmed about me. All my boxes will be fetched if you will send the letters to my mother. I was not served as I ought at home. My father told me not to come there again. My sister put my mother against me. I never forget that; it rang in my ears from morning until night. I know Mr King, he has been to my father's more times than once. I was afraid he would know me, but he did not. My name is LYNE, not Miller. I could not go on the town, I should be ashamed to do so - I would rather die at once. So if you will send this letter, I should be very obliged to you. Your unhappy servant - POLLY LYNE - 91 West-street, Millbrook."
The other letter commenced:- "My Dear Mother, - Ere you receive this I shall be no more. Oh, that I had never heard the words that he spoke; I have never forgotten them. I never should have acted like I have, if it had not been for that, and father watching me like he did, and then telling me he never wanted to see me any more. You are all to blame for my unhappy end. I have been with Mr King's mother by day. I have seen him; I was afraid he would know me, and ask for father, but he did not do so. There are several of my things over there; you can fetch them. My blue dress and velvet jacket give to LUCY, the pincushion for BOB; the rest you can do as you like by. Walker is going to India. That I should ever have met him, but one thing I am not disgraced. Give my love to all my sisters and my two brothers; tell them to forget that they ever had a sister POLLY. That I could have seen them once before I took this fatal step! it is no use now. You are to blame; you would insist upon tea[?] my life out about it. It only made me worse; but I never thought he would deceive me like this. I shall be out of your way now altogether; I never shall want to come home again. Give my love to all home. Tell Annie Miller if I had listened to her I never should had anything to say to him; but I loved him as I never loved another. If he had only been true to me! He may now, for all I know. I never heard anything against him, only what I took in my own head: it may be my fancy. My head has been bad all the week, and my spirits are completely broken down. I have no one to speak to, to tell my little troubles to. There are two or three aprons and slippers at Mrs King's. You can fetch them; I wish you to keep as much of my clothes for yourself as you can, and the rest for Lucy. Give my love to all, good-bye! I am in despair now, I must do it for father won't let me come home there, and what am I to do? Good-bye ever more. My dear mother, oh that I had listened to you. Say good-bye to all. I never thought to come to this. Give my chain to Lucy as well.
The Inquest was adjourned in order that the young man Walker may be examined, and his whereabouts at the time of the supposed suicide ascertained.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 June 1873
SALTASH - A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned at the adjourned Inquest held at Saltash yesterday relative to the death of MARY ANN LYNE, who had committed suicide by drowning. John Walker, a private in the 33rd Regiment, to whom the deceased referred in her letters, gave evidence, but could throw no more light upon the sad occurrence.

PLYMOUTH - Death Accelerated By Excitement. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough County Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at the Plymouth Workhouse relative to the death of ELIZABETH STEWART, aged 74 years. Sarah Royal, an inmate, stated that the deceased had complained of a pain in the back two days previous to her death. Whilst at tea on Tuesday she became very excited because she had a wrong cup and when she left the dining-hall she said "She would be served as well as the others, or she would die first." About fifteen minutes afterwards she fell back upon her bed and died. The Coroner thought it was clear that the excited manner in which the deceased put herself hastened her death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 June 1873
A Boy Crushed To Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Volunteer Inn, Laira, yesterday, relative to the death of JOHN STEPHENS, aged fourteen years. On Thursday evening five trucks were being drawn by horses from Plym Bridge to Lee Moor crossing, when the deceased, despite the admonition of the driver, placed his sister on the buffer of the last truck, and, it is thought, got himself between the first two trucks. Some little time afterwards James Moore, the railway policeman at Lee Moor crossing, saw the deceased under the trucks, and shouted to the driver, who brought up. The trucks were then going at the rate of three miles an hour. On going to the spot it was found that deceased, who had been dragged some twenty yards, was lying on his face, and that the second truck, which had been thrown off the line, was on his back. Moore placed his hand on the head of the boy, who asked to be taken out. Moore replied "My dear fellow, I can't," and the deceased, who saw his sister standing by, aid to her "Never mind, my dear MARIA." The trucks were dragged back, and the poor boy was then taken up. He was frightfully mangled and died within a short time. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 16 June 1873
An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Workhouse on Saturday, relative to the death of a man named BAKER, a labourer, aged 34 years, who had died from injuries to the spine received on the 2nd April last, by falling, in consequence of a fit, on a heap of stones whilst carrying a heavy weight on his shoulders. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 June 1873
SOMERSET - The Suicide of Captain CAREW - The Inquest on the body of CAPT. CAREW, only son and heir of SIR WALTER CAREW, Bart, of Castle Haccomb, near Newton Abbot, whose melancholy suicide was reported yesterday, was held last evening by Mr R. Baggs, Deputy Coroner for Somerset. The evidence shewed that the deceased, who had previously exhibited eccentricities, had within the last fortnight become subject to symptoms which caused his friends to feel the necessity of placing him under medical restraint. He was sent to an asylum near Bristol. Here, at his own urgent request, he was allowed to sleep without an attendant being placed in the same room. One, however, remained outside. During Saturday morning the deceased was heard walking about the room till four o'clock, and between five and six he was found lying dead on the floor. A small dinner knife was in his hand, and his throat was fearfully cut. He was quite dead. It is supposed that he must have secreted the knife during a previous meal. In summing up, the Coroner, while paying a very high compliment to the admirable management of the asylum generally, said that there appeared to him to have been a want of caution on the part of the attendants in allowing a patient to have secreted a knife, and although the proprietor could not be expected to enter into minute details, he was answerable for the acts of his servants; on the other hand, there was this great extenuation in this case, that the servant who laid the meal was not the same who removed it, and this accounted for the knife not been missed. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 June 1873
YEALMPTON - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Pitten Farm, Yealmpton, with respect to the death of MRS SARAH HORTON. On the 20th May last, MR HORTON was banging a loaded gun up when his foot slipped, and he fell to the ground. In falling the gun exploded and the charge was lodged in deceased's leg. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Borough Coroner held an Inquest yesterday relative to the death of JANE GUSWELL, who resided in Looe-street. The deceased had recently been confined, and had for some time been in very low spirits. Her husband died seven months ago, and she appears to have anticipated her confinement with great apprehension. She was in great distress on Thursday, and grieved respecting her children. About half-past three o'clock yesterday morning she spoke to her nurse, who was in bed in the same room, remarking that she had had no rest again that night. The nurse fell asleep and upon waking about half past six found that the deceased had strangled herself by tying a pocket handkerchief around her neck. A verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 June 1873
PLYMOUTH - Unsatisfactory Evidence At An Inquest. - Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, held an Inquest on Saturday relative to the death of CHARLES BRADFORD, aged 6 years. The deceased's father is a shoemaker residing in Flora Cottages. The mother stated that the deceased was well when he went to bed on Thursday night, and became unwell about one o'clock the next morning. At six o'clock he was seized with fits, and he died about an hour and a half afterwards. Dr Pearse saw the deceased about three-quarters of an hour after. The witness was recalled, and then stated that she gave the deceased a powder on Thursday evening, as he appeared to be unwell. The discrepancies in her statements as to the child's health when he went to bed were commented upon, and the Inquiry was adjourned until this evening, in order that a post mortem examination of the body might be made. In the course of the proceedings the Coroner expressed a hope that medical men would refuse to give certificates in cases where they did not see the deceased persons before death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 June 1873
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an adjourned Inquest held last evening by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, relative to the death of CHARLES BRADFORD, aged 6 years, a post mortem examination of the body by Mr W. Square, jun., surgeon, having failed to discover any traces of a deleterious substance.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 June 1873
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accidents In Plymouth. - Two Inquiries have been held by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth. The first, which took place at the Cambridge Inn, was relative to the death of JONATHAN BOLT, aged 72 years. Thomas Collings deposed that on the 13th instant, the deceased and others were engaged at the North Quay in unloading a schooner laden with coal. A basket was being drawn up by a winch when a piece of coal about five pounds in weight, fell from the deck into the hold and struck the deceased on the head. A rope was passed round deceased's waist and he was hauled up to the deck by the winch. Mr Harper, surgeon, stated that when he first saw the deceased he was suffering from a wound of the head. By the following Wednesday he had recovered from that injury, and then suffered from inflammation of the stomach caused by the pressure of the rope passed around his body. Death resulted from inflammation of the stomach. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

The second Inquest was held at the First and Last Inn, Jubilee-street, and was relative to the death of WILLIAM PENGELLY, aged thirty-three years. Samuel King, a labourer, stated that on Monday afternoon he and deceased were engaged in loading a truck at the Sutton Harbour station. After the truck had been loaded they proceeded to cover it with a tarpaulin, and deceased stood between the rails. A train came up, and witness called to deceased to get out of the way, but before he could do so he was crushed between the buffers of two trucks. Witness did not think the deceased heard the engine whistle. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and recommended that some person should be employed at the Sutton Harbour station to see that the line was clear when a train was approaching.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 June 1873
DAWLISH - Fall Of Cliff And Loss Of Life At Dawlish. - A Coroner's Inquest was held at the South Devon Inn, Dawlish, on Saturday, before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on the body of THOMAS FRADD, of Torquay, who was killed at the Langstone cutting, on the South Devon Railway, the same morning, by several tons of earth falling upon him whilst at work for Mr Crookham, contractor under the South Devon Railway Company. The deceased, with several others, were engaged in removing the cliffs and cutting under them, when a portion gave way unexpectedly, falling upon him and two others, who were not hurt. Evidence was produced that every necessary precaution was taken by the contractor to avoid accidents. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the widow and children (four); the Coroner also kindly added five shillings to make it a guinea. The deceased had been working at the same cutting about fifteen months.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 July 1873
EXETER - Fall From A Railway Carriage. - Mr H. W. Hooper held an Inquest at Exeter yesterday touching the death of ALICE JANE TOMKINS, aged 4 ½ years. The mother and the deceased were returning from London on Saturday last, and when between the Ottery-road and Whimple stations on the London and South-Western Railway the deceased fell out. On arriving at the last named station the mother alighted and went back, in company with the station master, in search of the child, and found her walking along the line towards them. She was covered with blood, and after being attended to, she was removed by the next train to Exeter, where she was taken to the Hospital and died. The guard in charge of the train and the station-master at Ottery-road spoke to having secured all the carriage doors on the train leaving that station. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," entirely exonerating the guard from blame.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 July 1873
DARTINGTON - The Fatal Accident At Dartington. - An Inquest has been held by Mr Henry Michelmore, County Coroner, relative to the death of MR NATHANIEL EDMONDS, of Bellany Farm, Dartington, near Totnes. NATHANIEL EDMONDS said he was deceased's son, and was engaged with his father on Monday in mowing a field of grass. There were three horses attached to the machine, and he was driving them, the deceased being in front attending to the machine. He had been trying to get out a cork from the pipe leading to the connecting rod, but was unable to do so, and he told his father it would be as well to wait until they got round to the gate, where he had left a corkscrew. One of the traces had got displaced, and he asked his father to put it right. Deceased did so and told the horses to go on. The witness was stooping to put a chisel into the tool-box, and on looking up saw his father fall just behind the machine. He picked him up and found the deceased had received a dreadful cut just above the ankle on the right leg, which was bleeding profusely. He placed him on one of the horses, but had not gone far when deceased fainted. Deceased was then put into a trap and taken home. Deceased merely said there was no one to blame but himself, and died from loss of blood in about a quarter of an hour after he was got home. The cutter it appears was four feet six inches in length, and no doubt deceased thought as he stepped aside, that he had cleared the knives. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 July 1873
EXETER - A case of suicide was that of an elderly man, named THOMAS BLUNT, butler to Mr Miles, of Dix's Field, whose body was found in a well on his employer's premises. The deceased was missed from the breakfast table, and it was at first thought he had gone away by train, but his non-appearance after several hours induced search to be made. The coachman, on going into the garden, found the cover of the well had been taken off, and on his looking down he observed the deceased at the bottom. The body was immediately taken out and removed to a surgeon's house, but life was extinct. The deceased had been in a despondent state for several days previous to the sad occurrence, and this had been observed by the other domestics in the house. At an Inquest, held before Mr H. D. Barton, Deputy Coroner, a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 July 1873
KINGSTEIGNTON - The Clay-Pit Accident Near Newton. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of ROBERT STATT was held at Kingsteignton yesterday. We have already reported that the death of the deceased was caused by a box of clay falling upon him on the 24th ult., while at work at the bottom of a clay mine belonging to Messrs. Whiteway and Mortimore, clay merchants, Kingsteignton. At the first sitting of the Jury, evidence was taken that the rope by which the box was being hauled to the surface gave way at a splice and the Inquest was adjourned to obtain information as to its condition. - Joseph Hall, mariner, of Teignmouth, now said he was accustomed to splice ropes, and having examined the rope at the mine he considered the splice not long enough and was dangerously weak. - Edward Lake, mariner, said he was accustomed to splice ropes, and made the splice in question, which was as long as the last witness said it ought to be. He stated that when the rope was given him to splice it was old, and unfit for the purpose, and was told to make the best he could of it. He answered that he could not make it better than it was. He admitted that the rope was dangerous to use for the purpose for which it was required, and said he cautioned the men to watch it. - Another witness, who was on the surface, said he observed that the strands of the splice were slipping, but there was no time to give notice to the men at the bottom of the pit, which was 70 feet deep. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and recommended that in future the ropes should be regularly inspected to prevent accidents of a like nature.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 July 1873
NEWTON ABBOT - Inquest On An Infant. - An Inquest was opened on Saturday at Newton Abbot by Mr Henry Michelmore, Coroner, on the body of KATE HARRIS, an infant about a month old, daughter of MR HARRIS, butcher, of Newton, who died that morning under rather peculiar circumstances. The child had been poorly for a day or two, and on Friday night between nine and ten o'clock the servant was sent to Mr Ponsford's, chemist, for some medicine. He gave her some dillwater mixture. A half a teaspoonful for a dose was the exact quantity. By mistake the child had a teaspoonful; but Mr Ponsford remarked that if it had taken the whole it would not have caused death. The nurse stated that the child had not been well since it was born, as it had always had a difficulty of coughing. The Inquest was adjourned for an analysis of the medicine.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 July 1873
SYDENHAM DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At Devon Great Consols. - Yesterday afternoon Mr Coroner Rodd held an Inquest at South Sydenham, near Tavistock, on the body of WILLIAM LANGMAN, a miner, 29 years of age, who was killed on Saturday at the Wheal Emma section of the Devon Great Consols. Deceased was in company with another miner, called Watts, at the plat of the 130 fathom level, waiting for the skip. Watts suddenly heard a noise, and immediately missed his comrade. Concluding that LANGMAN had fallen down the shaft, Watts at once descended to the 160 fathom level, where he found deceased in about three feet of water, much mutilated and senseless, and in about five minutes afterwards he died. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Dr Le Leve Foster, Government Inspector of Mines, was present to watch the Inquiry.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 July 1873
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - Mr T. C. Brian held an Inquest last evening at the Seymour Inn, North-street, relative to the death of MR CARY SYMES LE LEIVRE, who had resided in Seymour-terrace. The evidence shewed that the deceased had been suffering from shortness of breath, and at times was compelled to have assistance to reach his house. On Wednesday evening he left home for a walk, and had returned within a few yards of his residence when he became unwell, and was taken into a gentleman's house, where he died before medical assistance could be obtained. - Mr Henry Greenway, surgeon, said he attended the deceased about eighteen months ago for indigestion, and shortness of breath, but not for any serious complaint. He believed that death resulted from heart disease. - The Coroner again complained of surgeons giving certificates in cases where they had not attended persons before death. Mr Greenway having given a certificate, although he had not attended the deceased for eighteen months. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 July 1873
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner held an Enquiry yesterday respecting the death of WILLIAM HOBLIN, aged 81 years. The deceased fell down stairs a fortnight ago and sustained concussion of the brain. Under the care of Mr Lewis, surgeon, however, he appeared to be recovering, when he was attacked by bronchitis, and death occurred a short time afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that the stairs were exceedingly dangerous.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner for Devonport, relative to the death of a child named JOHN BROMLEY, aged six years. A cab was on Friday passing the Raglan Barracks, when a tram was approached and the driver of the cab turned nearer the footpath. At that moment the deceased ran in front of the horse, and being knocked down a wheel of the cab passed over his body, inflicting fatal injuries. The cab was going at an ordinary rate, and in returning a verdict of Accidental Death, the Jury exonerated the driver from all blame.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 July 1873
EXETER - A Boy Drowned In His Parents Presence. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday, relative to the death of a lad named HAKE, son of the organist of St. Sidwell's Church. On Monday evening the lad was walking on the canal banks with his parents. The latter were in front and on the father turning his head he saw the boy falling into the water. MR HAKE could not swim, and as the water was deep he did not go in after him. Efforts to reach the struggling boy with his walking-stick failed, and an appeal for assistance to a canoeist who paddled up was not responded to, the occupant being afraid to risk capsizing his frail craft. The distressed father got a boat and rowed to the place where he had left his boy battling for life, but he had then sank. The body was not removed until the following day. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 July 1873
PLYMOUTH - Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, held an Inquiry yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of a child named KATE FORD, aged eight months. On Sunday the deceased's sister was pouring some boiling water into a basin, when she let the kettle fall. The girl at the same moment held the basin near the deceased, who seized it, and threw the contents over herself. The scalds were dressed by Mr Pearse, but the child died within forty-eight hours as after the accident. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Inquest At Newton. - Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, at the Newton Townhall last evening, resumed the Inquest respecting the death of an infant child, named KATE HARRIS. The deceased was three weeks old, and had been weak from its birth. As it appeared worse MRS HARRIS sent her servant to Mr Ponsford, chemist, for a mixture to expel the wind, from which it was thought the child was suffering. Shortly after taking the medicine - dillwater - it became much worse and died. In the interval between the first Inquiry and yesterday the dillwater had been analysed by Dr Stevenson of London, who found traces of morphia in it, but so slight that he was unable to ascertain the exact proportion. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Mr Creed, solicitor, watched and took part in the proceedings on behalf of Mr Ponsford.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 July 1873
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Drowning. - Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner for Devonport, held an Inquest at the Falcon Hotel, Ford, yesterday, relative to the death of JOHN REED, printer, aged 23 years. William Mitchell stated that the deceased was his nephew, and came from Falmouth on a visit on Saturday last. On Monday evening witness and deceased were walking on the Saltash-road, and when near the western end of Camel's Head viaduct, the deceased, who was unable to swim, said he wished to have a bathe. Both went into the water, and witness swam for a log of wood about 400 yards distant. After deceased had walked out some 200 yards on level ground, he came to the lake, which was out of his depth. Witness heard a scream and upon turning round saw the deceased holding up his arms and sinking. He swam to his assistance, and deceased catching hold of witness they sank together three times. About two hours afterwards the deceased was discovered by a boy named Pinch, lying in the lake. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 July 1873
PLYMOUTH - Sad And Mysterious Fatality At Plymouth. - A melancholy affair occurred at Plymouth yesterday. MRS JULIA MUNDAY, a middle-aged lady, left her residence in Caroline-place, Stonehouse, about eleven o'clock in the morning, in order, it was thought, to visit a relative. She was not afterwards seen alive by her friends. About noon a boy, whilst passing the Western Hoe Baths, noticed a lady sitting on the rocks under the Hoe; and a quarter of an hour afterwards some boys called the attention of a man to a body floating in the water, face downwards. The body was some fifteen or eighteen feet off a rock, the top of which was ten feet above the water. The boy, who could not swear that the deceased was the person he had seen, said the lady was sitting two or three feet from the edge of a low rock. As the body could not be reached, the man spoke to a policeman, named John Rodd, who was close by, and the body was speedily landed by a boat. The policeman, seeing that there was a fresh colour in the face, thought at first that the lady was alive; but afterwards concluded that she was dead, from the circumstance of there being, as he stated at the Inquest, held in the evening, froth around the nostrils and mouth, and because "she did not move in the slightest degree, and no pulse was beating." The body was taken to the Guildhall. No medical man saw the deceased, although the policeman said he sent for one as soon as he could. MRS MUNDAY, who was married only about five weeks ago, had complained of pains in the head during the past few days, and was also subject to lightness of the head. At the Inquest Mr Brian, the Coroner, referred to the fact that the rocks under West Hoe-terrace were much frequented by ladies who read books there, and suggested that MRS MUNDAY had fallen into the water through tripping her foot when in the act of rising, or through being seized with lightness of the head. He said he thought that no blame could be attached to the policeman who did everything he could. An Open Verdict was returned.

CHUDLEIGH - Fatal Accident At Cricketing. - A young gentleman, named LLEWELLYN OLDHAM, son of MR JOSEPH OLDHAM, of Oakfield, was playing cricket at Chudleigh, on Tuesday evening, when a ball, bowled by a youth named Edward Wright, of Coburg, rebounded and struck him on the left side of his head. He was conveyed to his father's residence, where medical attention was bestowed upon him by Dr Lillies, but without avail, as he died at about four o'clock yesterday morning. An Inquest was held last evening at Oakfield by Mr H. Michelmore, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, Dr Lillies having given it as his opinion that concussion of the brain was caused by the cricket ball. The deceased was 18 years of age.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 August 1873
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth last evening relative to the death of a journeyman butcher named JOHN WILLIAMS, who on the 17th July fell from a loft and sustained concussion of the brain. He appeared to be progressing favourably up to Wednesday last, when inflammation of the brain set in, and resulted in death. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 August 1873
MEAVY - Mr R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Wednesday evening, at Meavy, relative to the death of ISAAC PETTS, driver in the Royal Engineers. The Rev. J. Abbot was Foreman. The deceased, who was about 22 years of age, became unwell whilst on duty, and was attended to by the military surgeon. Deceased died soon afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 August 1873
BARNSTAPLE - Mysterious Death At Barnstaple (Special Telegram). - An Inquest was held last night at Barnstaple on the body of MRS YEO, wife of an innkeeper, who died mysteriously. The medical testimony was to the effect that she died through poisoning by arsenic. It appeared that she suffered from cancer, and called in a friend who thought he would cure her. It is believed that arsenic was applied to the woman's breast, and that it got into her system. The Inquiry was adjourned until Saturday to allow a post mortem examination of her body being made.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 August 1873
STOKE DAMEREL - Sad Death Of A Child At Morice Town. - Mr A. B. Bone, District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Alfred Hotel, William-street, Devonport, in relation to the death of a child named FREDERICK LEE, aged 4 years and 11 months. ANN LEE, the mother, deposed that on Tuesday evening last the deceased partook of his tea as usual, and with it eat half of a potted pilchard. About eight o'clock the same evening the deceased was put to bed, and during the night he became very restless and convulsed. The following morning the child was put into a bath, but was still convulsed. Witness went to Dr Wilson about nine o'clock, but he did not attend until a quarter past ten, when the child was dead. Doctor Wilson said when he examined the body he found several blotches on it. The immediate cause of death was convulsions, occasioned by the poisoned condition of the blood, caused by eating a quantity of fish. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

TAMERTON FOLIOT - Fatal Accident At Tamerton. - Last evening Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, aided by a Jury, instituted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of JANE DUNN, aged about 70 years, who was thrown out of a trap about a mile from Tamerton whilst returning from witnessing the military manoeuvres at Princetown. The accident occurred about half past six on Wednesday evening. From the injuries sustained death immediately resulted. The evidence adduced at the Inquest was to the effect that deceased, with some others, was returning home in a cart from the manoeuvres and on getting near "Lofer's-hill" the pony became restive. In endeavouring to control the animal both reins gave way, and on trying to get out of the cart deceased fell on the road, sustaining the injuries from which she died almost immediately. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 18 August 1873
BARNSTAPLE - The Mysterious Death At Barnstaple. - On Saturday night the adjourned Inquest upon the body of MRS YEO, wife of MR JOHN YEO, landlord of the Farmers' Inn, Holland-street, Barnstaple, was held at the Guildhall in that town, before Mr J. Bencraft, Coroner, and a respectable Jury. It transpired in evidence that the deceased, who was an elderly woman, suffered from a cancerous affection of the breast, and instead of applying to a doctor or surgeon for advice, she consulted a Mr Goss, herbalist, of Braunton, who gave her something to apply to the sores. On Tuesday night last she became worse and expired soon after. It was thought necessary to hold an Inquest on the body, and the medical officer called in thought some poisonous lotion had been used by MRS YEO to her breast. It is thought arsenic had got into her system, and that death was caused thereby. The Inquiry was further adjourned for a fortnight to allow of the stomach being examined by an analytical chemist.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 August 1873
PLYMOUTH - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall yesterday on the body of a man named WILLIAM HALL, aged 33 years, who, it appeared from the evidence, came by his death by being thrown from a cart he was driving through Woodland-terrace on the 11th inst., the horse having become restive. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 August 1873
PLYMOUTH - Horrible Mutilation Of A Child. - Mr T. C. Brian and a double Jury met at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening to investigate the circumstances attending the death of the newly-born female child of JANE PARNALL. - Ann Eyres, a middle-aged woman, deposed that she resided next door to JANE PARNALL in Stillman-street. On Saturday night last, about eleven o'clock, she went to MRS PARNALL'S room and noticed a very large fire, in which there was something crackling. After receiving what she wanted, witness went to the grate, and saw fingers protruding between the bars. She asked MRS PARNALL what she had done, and the latter replied, "I am burning some stinking meat." Witness told her that it was not meat, but it was human flesh, which MRS PARNALL denied. She had seen that MRS PARNALL was pregnant, and about three weeks ago spoke to her upon the subject, but she denied that such was the case. After witness had left the room MRS PARNALL followed and said, "What do you mean? You hold your noise. You will either hang me or transport me." Witness answered that she saw human flesh in the fire, to which MRS PARNALL again replied, "You are mazed; you saw nothing." - John Eyres, husband of the former witness, stated that after his wife had told him what she had seen, he went to MRS PARNALL'S house, and saw her go to the closet holding a bundle under her apron. There was a smell as of burning hair in the room. He at once ran for the police, and brought back Sergeant Farmer. - William Hinman, who lived in the same house as PARNALL, stated that the woman went to the closet twice within the space of two or three minutes at half-past eleven on Saturday night, and afterwards threw water down the closet. - By the Coroner and Jury: About half-past five o'clock that morning heard a weak cry, as of that of a baby, but was unable to say from whose room it proceeded. - Philip Judd found, at about midnight on Saturday, part of an arm and a portion of the entrails of a newly-born child, near a wall opposite to the door of PARNALL'S house. - Sergeant Farmer said he went to MRS PARNALL'S residence in Stillman-street, and on arriving there saw MRS PARNALL standing on the opposite side of the street, just at the spot spoken of by the witness Judd. He asked her to go indoors, to which she replied, "Yes my dear, I'll go with you; I'm not afraid." He considered she had been drinking. After getting into the room he said, "This man tells me that you have been delivered of a child, and you have been burning of it; " and she replied, "It's a lie; they envy me, and they are afraid I am going to do well." Witness examined the room, and MRS PARNALL said, "You can search everywhere, you won't find anything." Ultimately he examined the closet and found pieces of human flesh upon the seat. There were spots of blood on the floor of the room, near the bed. MRS PARNALL seemed to laugh, whereupon witness said, "You treat this matter very lightly. I can tell you it is a very serious matter if it is true?" MRS PARNALL replied "I don't care what they say about me; they can't prove it." According to witness's instructions three women entered MRS PARNALL'S room for the purpose of examining her to see whether she had been recently confined. Shortly after they entered witness heard a strong altercation and ultimately they stated that she had been recently confined. The witness then went on to describe the various discoveries made in the closet of portions of a child's body, and stated that neither the skull nor feet could be found. Some parts of the body had evidently been burnt. He further stated that Mr F. A. Thomas examined PARNALL, and asserted that she had been recently confined, but this she at first denied. Mr Thomas asked her what she had done with the head of the child, and she replied "I'll tell you the truth. I suppose the head is burnt, I don't know what I done with it in the fright." She said that she was confined on Saturday morning about seven o'clock and witness asked her where she kept the child all the day, to which she replied, "under the bed." Witness heard Mr Thomas ask her if the child cried, and she answered "No; if it had I should not have done what I have. I put it all in the fire with the head down first, fearing the public would know it, and I should lose the bread from my little children's mouths." Witness saw MRS PARNALL that morning and she said that "the head was burnt and that was the truth." He asked her whether she was confined alone, to which she answered, "Yes, and there was no witness but God alone, as my children were in bed, asleep. - Frederick Aubrey Thomas, M.R.C.S., stated that he examined MRS PARNALL, and found that she had been recently confined. He received all that had been found of the child's body. He examined a large quantity of loose bones and flesh, which were apparently in a parboiled condition. He did not believe the child was born alive, and felt confident that it had not had an independent existence. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict.

BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - The Death of COLONEL MACKENZIE. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Rock Hotel, near Horrabridge, yesterday, relative to the death of COL. KENNETH DOUGLAS MACKENZIE. Mr Samuel Tremayne was elected Foreman. - The Coroner said he had thought at first that he would have a post mortem examination, but he had consulted a medical man who knew the deceased, and who stated that he had been a sufferer from heart disease. Consequently the examination had not been made, but if the Jury thought necessary the Inquest could be adjourned. - After proceeding the Gratton Farm and viewing the body the Coroner and Jury returned, and John Charles Ready Colomb, of Ireland, late in the Engineers, was called. He stated deceased was his brother-in-law and was just under 60 years of age. He was colonel and assistant-quartermaster general at the Horse Guards. He was on duty at Dartmoor in the manoeuvres and his office was a Greenwall Farm, in the parish of Meavy - about a mile and a quarter from the scene of the accident. Witness with deceased left there at about three o'clock on Sunday afternoon in a two-wheel cart to go to the head-quarter camp near the Rock Hotel. On coming down to the ford below Gratton Farm at Meavy (this was about half-past three), witness observed that there was an unusual flood in the river, and remarked it to the deceased. Witness said, "I wonder if it's quite safe?" and deceased replied, "I wonder so, too; but it can't be so deep." Witness was driving. They entered the river and had crossed the centre. The horse was evidently getting up to the bank on the west side, but stopped. Deceased said, "Keep ahead, up-stream as much as you can." Witness touched the horse with a stick, and the animal moved forward. The trap then rose on the side on which witness was, either from the horse stumbling to the near side, or from a stone under the right wheel. Just as deceased stood up the cart turned over. Witness was under the trap, and on getting to the surface he saw deceased standing up to his middle in the stream, holding on to some bushes on the Gratton bank of the stream, some distance below. Witness called out "All right," and deceased said something he could not catch. On getting out witness ran to him, but he let go before witness reached him. He was carried to the middle of a rapid below. Witness took off his heavy great coat, and got him out. Deceased had on his uniform and great coat. They held on to the bank, and when he was got out witness said, "Thank God, we're all right." Deceased smiled and said, "All right." He walked, leaning on witness, about five yards from the river. He was much exhausted, and witness sat and then laid him down, with witness's coat under his head. He said he would run for some brandy to Mr Andrews' house at Gratton Farm, and Mr Andrews came down with him. On returning witness found deceased had entirely changed his position and was lying over on his right side. He turned him over, and gave him some brandy, just as Mr Andrews arrived, and held his head, while witness undid his things, and then ran up the lane for a doctor. Deceased was evidently dying. Dr Don arrived in three or four minutes. Witness had been in the habit of crossing the stream, and had ridden the same horse across it before. - William Gerard Don, M.D., surgeon-major on the staff, was called shortly before four o'clock on Sunday afternoon to see COL. MACKENZIE, who was reported to be nearly drowned at Gratton Farm. He immediately went to the spot, accompanied by Major Durnford, R.E., and Mr Andrews. Deceased was apparently then quite dead, pulseless, with dilated pupils; but the surface of the body was moderately warm. Witness pulled off his heavy great coat, and tried artificial respiration, as employed for the resuscitation of the apparently drowned, and put brandy to the chest and limbs. He persevered in this for half an hour, assisted by men from the head-quarter camp, who had arrived with blankets. He did not come round. There was a slight scratch on his left eye, and several on his hands and arms - also on his leg, these scratches being evidently caused by the bramble bushes. At Mr Andrews' house, where deceased was removed, bricks were applied to the spine, but no sign of life was exhibited. Witness had no doubt that deceased died from syncope (faintness) occasioned by fright of being in the water. There was no froth at the mouth to indicate suffocation, nor any evidence of a struggle in dying. From deceased's age and appearance witness had no doubt he suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Jury returned an unanimous verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, accelerated by immersion in the water," and Mr Andrews was thanked for his humane kindness in supplying restoratives immediately when applied to. - The remains of the gallant officer will be interred on Thursday morning next at Bickleigh with military honours. Great regret has been felt among the troops remaining in the camp at the fatal occurrence.


Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 August 1873
BARNSTAPLE - At the Inquest on THOMAS ISAAC, the labourer killed through being crushed between the buffer of two trucks at the Barnstaple Railway Station on Saturday afternoon, the evidence went to shew that the accident happened through deceased's own negligence.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 September 1873
BARNSTAPLE - Alleged Manslaughter By An Herbalist At Barnstaple. - On Saturday the adjourned Inquest upon the body of MRS YEO, wife of MR JOHN YEO, landlord of the Farmers' Inn, Barnstaple, was held before the Borough Coroner. It will be recollected that the deceased died suddenly three weeks ago, and on Mr Fernie, surgeon, being called in, he thought death had been caused by arsenic, in a lotion she had used at her breasts, getting into her system. MRS YEO, instead of calling in a medical man for her bad breast, had applied to a herbalist, named Goss, of Braunton, and he gave her some lotion, the application of which, according to medical testimony, was calculated to be "serious." The Jury, after one and a half hour's deliberation returned the following verdict:- "The Jury are of opinion that there is no positive evidence as to the immediate cause of death, but believe it would have been accelerated by the unskilful treatment of Mr Goss, of Braunton." - The Coroner said that was such a decision as would entail on him the necessity of recording a verdict which in effect would be that of Manslaughter. - Mr Goss was apprehended in the evening, and charged before the magistrates with manslaughter. He was committed for trial, bail being taken in two sureties of £100 each.

RATTERY - Fatal Accident At Rattery. - The wife of a labouring man named TOZER, living in the village of Rattery, between three and four miles from Totnes, came by her death in a very distressing manner on Friday afternoon, by falling into a well, to which she went for water, and where she was found by her daughter, a little girl aged nine years. A portion of the railing which she held by having given way, caused her to fall into the well. An Inquest was formally held on the body and a verdict in accordance with the circumstances of the death returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 September 1873
DAWLISH - JOHN TUCKER, the foreman mason, who sustained serious injuries by the falling of a wall near the Dawlish Railway Station, on the South Devon Railway, as reported in our issue of Monday, has died on his wounds, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Coroner's Jury who held an inquest on the body yesterday.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 September 1873
SIDMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Sidmouth. - On Saturday, an Inquest was held at Sidmouth, before S. M. Cox, Esq., Coroner, on the body of THOMAS WHEATON, labourer, who had been engaged on the works of the Sidmouth Branch Railway. From the evidence adduced it appears that he was engaged with others at the deep cutting near Bulverton Farm, about a mile from Sidmouth, and that whilst the poor fellow was engaged in excavating or undermining what appeared to be solid earth at about ten feet from the surface it gave away, completely burying the deceased and a man named Mutters. They were speedily extricated and taken to their homes, where Dr Mackenzie, the surgeon of the works, attended them. Deceased had both his legs - one of them in two places - and his ribs broken. He had also suffered injury to his back and thigh, and died early the following morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Imputed Negligence Of A Midwife. - Mr A. Bone, Coroner, on Saturday, instituted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of MRS EMMA WEIGHTMAN, aged 24 years, and wife of a private in the 57th Regiment, who, it was alleged, came by her death by negligence in not procuring timely medical aid. A.M. Oldfield, midwife, was in attendance on the deceased, who was confined on the 26th ult., and who suffered severely from an illness which set in immediately after. It was imputed that the midwife failed to act upon the suggestion to send for a medical man, but that allegation she denied. Dr Wilson, surgeon, was called in on Tuesday last - eight days after her confinement - and then found that death was imminent. He applied the usual remedies to prevent the deceased vomiting. He was of opinion that if a medical man had been in attendance upon deceased at her confinement, her life would in all probability have been saved. Mrs Oldfield, the midwife, volunteered to give evidence, and distinctly denied that any suggestion was offered to her to send for a doctor. Witness asked deceased whether she should send for a surgeon, and she (deceased) replied that if a doctor came she knew she should die. The Coroner asked witness why she suggested a surgeon, and she assigned as her reason that deceased was looking weak, and did not recover as she ought to. The husband of the deceased deposed that he heard the last witness say something about a surgeon, and his wife said she was afraid. - MARY ANN PIERCE, mother of the deceased, deposed that her daughter fainted several times after her confinement, and complained of pains in her head. In answer to the Coroner, witness said she blamed herself for not calling in a surgeon, but she thought "midwives always had surgeons upon whom they could call." - Mr Wilson, surgeon, was of opinion that a patient was rarely lost under such symptoms as manifested by the deceased if properly attended to. From the number of days during which deceased battled with the illness, he thought that by proper means there was a great chance of saving her life. In his opinion no midwife ought take upon herself the responsibility of such critical cases, unless they were thoroughly trained. The Inquest was adjourned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 September 1873
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Cattedown. - Last evening Mr Eliot Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Cattdown on the body of CHARLES SYMONS, aged 31 years, who came by his death while basting rocks in Mr Sparrow's quarry. In the afternoon of yesterday, deceased having charged a hole, gave the usual alarm, and retired about sixty yards from the spot. After the explosion his fellow workmen heard him cry out, and hastening to his assistance found him lying insensible, with his face very much injured by fragments of rock which had struck him. The injured man died whilst being conveyed to the Hospital, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Dangers Of Unprofessional Midwifery. - The resumed Inquiry relative to the death of ELIZABETH ANN WEIGHTMAN, wife of a private in the 57th Regiment, was held yesterday at the Devonport Guildhall by Mr A. B. Bone, Borough Coroner. The deceased had died eight days after her confinement under circumstances that led to the inference that the midwife who attended her had been guilty of gross negligence in not calling in the services of a medical man and of strongly dissuading deceased's smother from doing so when she urged that a doctor ought to be called. The midwife, Mrs Oldfield, however, denied that she had any objection to a surgeon being called in, and stated that she urged on one occasion that the advice of one should be sought, but the deceased was very much opposed to it. At yesterday's Inquiry Dr Wilson was recalled, and said that what was amiss must have been seen by those who attended the deceased and he had no doubt that death resulted therefrom. His opinion was that with proper and early medical attendance life might have been saved; but he could not undertake to declare positively that death had been caused by the absence of such attendance. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that everyone, whether professional or non-professional, who undertook the office of accoucher, and who, through gross ignorance, negligence, or inattention, caused or accelerated the death of anyone was guilty of manslaughter. According to the evidence of her mother, the deceased suffered for some days from what was caused, as had been shewn, by a portion of the placenta remaining in the uterus, and that should have been removed by a medical man. It appeared to him (the Coroner) that Mrs Oldfield was responsible for the proper care of the deceased, notwithstanding the presence of her mother and husband. The Jury would have to consider, first, whether the deceased died from the cause assigned; second, whether Mrs Oldfield had been guilty of gross ignorance, negligence, and inattention; and third, whether such was the cause of death, and if they were of this opinion their verdict would be one of manslaughter. It must, however, be borne in mind that Mrs Oldfield denied having seen anything to shew what was wrong, and asserted that she heard nothing about it until the day the medical man was called in. Mr Bone went on to explain that erring in judgment or discretion was not criminal, and must not be confounded with gross neglect and carelessness, and he concluded by quoting the opinions of learned judges on the subject. - The Jury retired, and upon returning into Court, the Foreman said they were of opinion that the deceased died from the cause assigned, and whilst there was no evidence to shew any neglect on the part of the nurse, they believed that great blame was to be attached to the mother for not calling in the services of a medical man. - The Coroner remarked that it was the midwife and not the mother who had the care of the case. - The Foreman replied that notwithstanding this they did not think much blame was to be attached to Mrs Oldfield. - The Coroner, addressing Mrs Oldfield, said he was sorry he could not concur with the Jury, for he considered that she, having charge of the case as a midwife, the care of the deceased devolved upon her. He thought the mother had great reason to blame herself for not calling in a doctor; but Mrs Oldfield was there, as it were, in a professional position, and it was her business and duty to have obtained the services of a medical man. In places where it could be obtained, medical aid should in general be sought in all such cases; but it appeared to be quite clear that it was incumbent upon a midwife, who had no official diploma, or certificate, immediately there were any unusual symptoms to get medical assistance. He could not tell why Mrs Oldfield had not attempted to enforce what she said was her wish, despite the objection of her patient, for it would have made no difference in her remuneration. - Mrs Oldfield said she went out of charity, and had had no money; indeed, she did not receive anything in half the cases she attended. - The Coroner thought this was very kind, but hoped the present calamity would be a lesson to her. - The verdict, omitting the reference to the mother, who Mr Bone observed would not receive her expenses, was then formally agreed to.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 September 1873
MAKER - The Suicide At Whitesands. - Yesterday, at Withacre Farm, near Millbrook, Mr John Jagoe, County Coroner, instituted an Inquiry into the circumstances connected with the death of ELIZABETH BLACKWELL, whose body was found at the Whitesands on Saturday. - The first witness examined was Richard Willcocks, who deposed that about six o'clock on Saturday evening he was working in his farmyard, when he suddenly heard whistling as if in the direction of the Whitesands. He noticed four young gentlemen coming apparently from the sands. Witness walked in that direction and met them, when Mr William Bennett informed him that there was a body lying on the sands. Witness accompanied them to the spot, where he saw the body of a female. He examined the clothes, and found them to be very wet, evidently recently released from the water. Witness noticed two dogs with the four young gentlemen, and these, he was informed, were the means of finding the body. On Sunday the uncle of the deceased arrived at witness's residence, and identified the body as being his niece. FREDERICK BLACKWELL, Devonport, stated that the deceased was his niece, and she resided with his mother. On Friday evening she left home, and as was thought, going into Devonport to transact some business. Deceased did not return home on Friday night, and the first intimation witness received as to her whereabouts was on Saturday evening when he received a letter which had been forwarded to him by the deceased. The letter was as follows: "I am mad. I have drowned myself at the Whitsands. - E. BLACKWELL." - The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Terrible Catastrophe At Stonehouse. Several Workmen Buried Alive. Seven Lives Lost. - In the vigour of manhood and youth seven human beings were yesterday struck down by death whilst pursuing their ordinary labours. The scene of this sad calamity was the same where a few weeks ago a fierce fire raged, and destroyed some dozen houses. The place is well-known to every person resident in the Three Towns, for its frontal abuts on Union-street, and it was here that Messrs. Snawdon and Sons, furniture dealers and upholsterers, had their shop, and Mr E. A. Northey, auctioneer, his office. The fire extended from Union-street back to Union-place, and left only a few walls standing, and it was to the fall of a portion of one of these walls that the lamentable sacrifice of life is attributable. The wall in question ran between the premises of Messrs. Snawdon and Mr Stevens, china merchant, and was about forty-five feet in height. Its length was also very great, and as there was no support, grave doubts respecting it were entertained by many persons. About ten days ago Mr William Snawdon received notice that the Surveyor of the Local Board considered it to be dangerous, and he was requested to remove a specified number of feet. Mr Snawdon, who had had men working on the ground since the fire complied with this request to a certain extent, but so inadequately that on Friday last Mr Snawdon had handed to him a formal summons from the Local Board to take down the wall. It appears, however, that Mr Snawdon had been advised that the danger was not so great as had been represented, and he was desirous of utilising the wall in the building he purposed erecting. - Yesterday morning a gang of men and boys, about a dozen in number, set to work under the direction of Mr Blight, builder, of Plymouth, to clear away stones and rubbish, and to prepare for the foundations of the piers on which would rest the longitudinal girders. no undermining was going on, but there can be no doubt that the wall, already weakened by the fire, had suffered greatly from the late boisterous weather. A strong gale, accompanied by violent showers of rain, had prevailed during the whole of Sunday night, and continued at intervals yesterday morning. The wind was chiefly from the north-west, and sweeping down over the Brickfields and Mill-lake beat fiercely against the strip of unprotected masonry that checked its progress. At about eleven o'clock the men were working on steadily and Mr John Snawdon and Mr Blight were talking together near the wall, when someone suddenly cried, "Look out, it's coming." A glance upwards and they saw the wall coming right down upon them. Running backward, however, Mr Snawdon and his companion just succeeded in avoiding the crash, but the escape of the former was so narrow that a stone struck and cut one of his hands. Two of the men at work had a few minutes previously gone into the next building and were saved, but their eight companions were instantly crushed and mangled beneath the fallen wall, about forty feet of the middle part of which had given way. Those who saw it fall say that as it toppled over the centre bent outwards, and came with a crash into the back part of Mr Steven's premises, where it demolished a spacious store just erected by the insurance company with whom Mr Stevens had been insured previous to the fire. About £100 worth of goods and the building were entirely destroyed. - The search for the unfortunate victims was promptly commenced. As many men as could find room worked with a will, the majority using their hands to remove the super incumbent stones. Some twenty minutes elapsed before the first man was reached. he was between 60 and 70 years of age, and had received some fearful gashes over his bald head. Shewing signs of life, however, some brandy, which a gentleman in the crowd had in his flask, was offered him, and he drank a little. The poor fellow, whose name is Wm. Foster, was at once conveyed to the Royal Naval Hospital close by, where he promptly received attention. He is suffering from three scalp wounds and a severe wound on the jaw, besides minor injuries about the body; but he is doing well, and hopes of his recovery are entertained. Foster was the only one of the eight who was living when found, the remainder - four men and three boys - having apparently been killed instantaneously. Next were discovered the bodies of two boys, and then those of two men, the face of one of whom was tranquil as if in sleep, whilst the other had been buried head downwards. The bodies were quickly covered with sheets, and the whole of them were afterwards removed to a house belonging to Mr James Taylor, which had been greatly damaged by the recent fire, where they lay until the Inquest. The work of disinterment had been carried on regardless of the danger from the remaining portions of the wall, and after the two men last referred to had been taken out a tall chimney in the central wall which had divided Messrs. Snawdon's and Mr Northy's houses was pulled down by means of ropes as it threatened to topple over on the bystanders. The last body was taken out nearly two hours after the accident, and it was then found that the dead were WILLIAM VODEN, mason's boy, 15 years of age; JAMES MCCARTHY, labourer; FRANK BENNETT, mason, married; RICHD. HARVEY, mason, married; DENNIS SULLIVAN, labourer's boy; EDWARD NEWBERRY, a boy in Mr Snawdon's employ; and JOHN STRATFORD, mason, married and father of one child. All the deceased appear to have seen their impending fate, though too late to avert it, for in every instance the death-blow had been received on the front part of the head, and the poor fellows were lying on their backs. One man was overwhelmed as he ran, and it was in digging him out that the great difficulty was experienced, for his whereabouts were unknown. The features of the deceased presented a frightful spectacle. A lad had his face and nose crushed in; one poor fellow, with a smashed forehead, lay with wide-open eyes; whilst another had his arm doubled in under his head. The injuries about the bodies were also very great; and one of the deceased had a broken thigh. - News of the calamity spread rapidly, and an immense crowd speedily congregated. Among them were the relatives and friends of the men at work, and they gave expression to loud cries and lamentations. As body after body was brought up, fathers and mothers, wives and lovers, pressed forward in horrified eagerness to see if they could recognise their relative. And then, as recognition took place, the sobs and wailing were redoubled. At length, however, the last lifeless body was found, and the crowd rapidly diminished. - In consequence of the disaster a special meeting of the Works Committee of the Local Board was convened, and held in the afternoon at the scene of the disaster, under the presidency of Mr Hubbard. There were also present - Messrs. Thomas James Taylor, Walker, Thomas Taylor, Mason, Bulteel, Kent and Treverton. The walls and ground were carefully examined, and the following resolution arrived to:- "The committee, after hearing the opinions of the surveyor and Mr Hammett as to the dangerous character of the remaining portion of the east and west party walls of the premises, resolved that Mr Hammett be forthwith instructed to take down the whole of the wall considered to be in a dangerous condition." - It would be difficult to adequately describe the sadness of the scene at the Inquest which was opened in the evening by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner. It was held in the Police Court, behind St George's Hall, and a double Jury of which Mr F. A. Graham was the Foreman, was summoned. Many of the relatives of the dead had assembled in the dimly-lighted room, and their sobs and suppressed groans were most painful to listen to. Each time the list of dead was called over, there was a fresh outburst of grief. The mother of MCCARTHY fainted in the intensity of her grief, and had to be supported by a kind friend. She would not leave the court, but kept wringing her hands, and amidst her ejaculations of "My darling, my darling," kept inquiring why he (the Coroner) was so long, and did not let them go. To her the formalities of an Inquest were scarcely endurable; what she wanted was to obtain [?] was mortal of her darling, and to mourn over him in her own home. - Mr Rodd explained to the Jury that he had simply convened them that evening with a view to identify the bodies of the deceased prior to their removal for interment. With this view Mr Blight was called and the necessary identification having been formally made, the Coroner suggested that the services of a surveyor to inspect the place should be obtained, and that the Inquest should be adjourned until Monday next. With these suggestions the Jury concurred, when Mr Bulteel rose and remarked that there was a general feeling among those around him that the question should be asked whether it was not possible to make a shorter adjournment as in cases of this kind wounds were kept open until the Inquest was over. [Murmurs of Hear, hear.] He said this with all due deference and without at all disputing the Coroner's authority. - Mr Rodd replied that he had himself thought of this, but time was required, as some points in the evidence might have to be worked up. Still, he was quite prepared to take an earlier day; and it was then arranged that the adjournment should be until Thursday. It having been agreed to employ the services of two surveyors. Mr Bulteel then rose and said that as chairman of the Local Board he felt bound to bring before the notice of the Coroner and Jury, the fact that the Works Committee had visited the scene of the accident that day and found it necessary to employ the services of a builder to remove parts of the wall thought to be dangerous, as they felt that many persons and the public generally were still exposed to danger. If, however, the Jury and Coroner wished them to wait until their surveyors had visited the premises he, as chairman of the Local Board, was prepared to promise that the work should be delayed. - The Coroner expressed a wish for such delay, and Mr R. G. Edmonds, who was present in the interest of Mr Snawdon, interposed, asking who, seeing that the Works Committee had thought it necessary to remove the wall, would bear the responsibility if it fell in consequence of the delay, and more persons were killed or injured. If such a thing occurred the blame ought to rest upon none but those who were responsible for the delay. - Mr Bulteel again offered to postpone the work, but Mr Rodd declined any responsibility in the matter. Ultimately, however, it was understood that the wall should be surveyed early this morning, so that its demolition should not be delayed.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 September 1873
PLYMOUTH - Last evening Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Workhouse on the body of MRS SARAH ROWE, aged 55 years and wife of WM. ROWE, landlord of the Freemasons' Arms, Millbay. Deceased left her home on Monday morning to see Dr Shepheard and having had a fit on the way she was taken to the Workhouse for medical treatment. The medical testimony was to the effect that she died of Apoplexy, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 September 1873
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Calamity At Stonehouse. The Resumed Inquest. - The resumed Inquest on the bodies of WILLIAM VODEN, JAMES MCCARTHY, FRANCIS BENNETT, RICHARD HARVEY, DENNIS SULLIVAN, HERBERT NEWBERRY, and JOHN STRATFORD, was held before the County Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, assisted by Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner, at St. George's Hall, Stonehouse, yesterday afternoon. The Jury was a double one, and Mr F. A. Graham was the Foreman. - Mr J. W. Shelly, solicitor, appeared on behalf of the Local Board, and said he would be glad to assist the Inquiry in any way in his power. - The Coroner said he should be very glad of Mr Shelly's assistance. - Mr R. G. Edmonds, appeared on behalf of Mr Snawdon, and Mr J. E. Dawe for Mr Stevens. - The first witness called was Michael Burke, labourer, living at 2 Granby-lane, Plymouth, who said that on Monday he was working on Mr Snawdon's buildings at Union-street, East Stonehouse. As far as he could understand Mr Snawdon's brother employed him. - [Mr Edmonds said he was the agent of Mr Snawdon.] - Witness went to work at nine o'clock on Monday morning, and all the deceased, with three more, were working there. Witness started work (the foreman of the work, Mr Blight, being present) on the piece of an arch in the centre of the building; and when he had finished that he set about taking out some of the foundation of the floor. They were taking out the foundation east to west - parallel to Union-street. Witness was working about fur yards from the west wall - the wall that fell. He was digging, and as he dug a mason in front and a mason behind cleared away the rubble he loosened. He did this work for about an hour and a half. The men working in front and behind were BENNETT and HARVEY. He was called by two men to push a partition on which they were engaged, as it was too heavy for them. These men were John Harrington and Patrick Callaghan, and witness and a man named Patrick Donovan were "heaving" as heavy as they could, when the wall came down across them, without their having time to notice it. They had had nothing to do in the work with the foundation of the wall itself that morning. It was fifty feet high, and was about two feet wide to the first storey, and eighteen inches upwards. not a word had been said about the state of the wall by the men that morning. The wind was blowing very stiffly from the west when the wall fell in, and the deceased were soon after taken out dead. Witness pointed out where each lay, and they were taken out. At the time of the accident witness was on the opposite side from the wall that fell in, pushing the partition. The partition was on the other side of the building (by the public-house), and had nothing to do with the western wall. He was not at work at the place before that morning at nine o'clock. The partition was nine yards from the western wall. - James Radmore, labourer, deposed that he was working on the building on Friday last. He helped tearing down the centre wall, and finished work in the middle of the afternoon, and then Mr Snawdon sent for witness to go upon the high wall that fell in. Witness got up on the ladder and thought the wall was in a dangerous state. he considered it dangerous because it was then all of a shake. Witness came down as soon as he could, fearing it would have fallen in. On coming down to the bottom of the wall he saw Mr Snawdon's nephew, and told him he was not going to risk his life up there. He also told him that if he went up and got killed his wife had not enough money to bury him. The young man said, "The workhouse will bury you," and witness said, "Thank you, sir." He was then told to go on "screening" a little lime which he did until half-past five. Then the young man said he had nothing more for him to do if he did not go up and take down the wall. Witness refused saying he could not risk his life. He was paid his money, took up his tools and had not been there since. He was asked to go up on the wall for the purpose of pulling it down. The ladder was in the courtlage of Mr Stevens' building, about twelve feet from the bottom of the wall. The wall was very nearly two-double and as round as a hoop. Did not know the wall was dangerous or hear anyone say it was until he got up. The top of the wall was laying right in, and overhanging some feet, and witness could not see down straight. - William John Quint, carpenter, 10 Melbourne-street, Plymouth, said he was present when the accident occurred, and was working on the premises. He was employed in taking the joist out of the kitchen and putting them on the shop floor. He was looking at the men throwing the end partition from the Forester's Arms, and on looking up saw the wall fall in, and Mr Snawdon and Mr Blight run away. He had no conversation with anyone about the wall previously, nor had he noticed its condition. - John Stevens, china dealer and naval pensioner, of 42 Union-street, (the adjoining house to Mr Snawdon), said that on the 22nd of July Mr Snawdon's establishment was destroyed by fire. Witness pronounced against the state of the wall immediately after the fire, when he observed the west wall separated about twenty-five feet perpendicular with his (witness's) back-room; it had separated at the top four inches, and one-eighth of an inch at the bottom. He pointed out the state of the wall to the surveyor of the insurance company, Mr Greenwood, who surveyed it, and witness said the wall would have to come down, but Mr Greenwood said "No; if it does Mr Snawdon will have to rebuild it." Three weeks ago the crack opened and varied from an inch downwards. Witness went and saw Mr John Snawdon and told him the wall had "left him" again, and asked him to accompany him to see it. He, with his nephew, and witness, ascended by a ladder to the top of the wall. He told him if he did not take it down and it began to blow, it would leave him altogether. Mr Snawdon said he would proceed with it at once, but nothing was done. The evening of the day after he saw Mr Wm. Snawdon and they went inside his (Mr Stevens') house. Next morning he witness went to St James's Hall, and saw Mr Wm. Snawdon. Addressing his brother, John, Mr Snawdon said, "Here is Mr Stevens uneasy about his house, I will proceed with it at once." Witness saw Mr J. Snawdon at a subsequent part of the day, and told him nothing had been done. he said he would "shore" it, but it was not done. Seeing nothing was done, witness applied to the Local Board on the 4th of Sept. Next day he went before the Board, and pointed out that if it came on that night to blow from the westward the end of the wall would go out - it would go east - before the morning. On retiring from the Board he was told by the surveyor he would not be wanted any more, and he thereupon asked him if the Board intended to act promptly, and the surveyor said "Yes." Next morning Mr W. Snawdon came into witness's shop and said, "Who has advised you?" I said "No one. The fact of your not paying any attention to my appeals, I expect the Board to act." He said, "If you want to act cross-purposes there's not a fellow better able to do it than I am." Seeing nothing was done on the first three days of the next week, witness went to the clerk of the Local Board, but he was in London. He then went to Mr John Roberts, the Board surveyor, and told him nothing had been done, and he said he would speak to the Board about it. Witness said if they would cut off the wall a foot on his side he would be satisfied. On the 6th of September, the surveyor, with Mr Walker, a member of the Local Board, went through witness's house and on to the roof. They said there was a reason for the complaint that had been made. Nothing whatever was done up to the time of the accident. he often saw men working on Mr Snawdon's place, but not on the foundation of the wall. At the time of the fire the wall was so hot that one could not put his hand to it. On the morning of the accident, witness was at the back of the premises looking at the wall. He saw Mr John Snawdon, and on the latter approaching, said to Mr T. Bloom (to whom witness had been talking), "This gentleman is the owner of the property." Mr Bloom said, and Mr Snawdon must have heard, "It is in a very dangerous condition." He subsequently said "The wall will fall today." Before the crack was plastered, one could see through it. After it was plastered it separated again, but not so much. - By Mr Edmonds: I was advised by Mr Stevens it was not a party wall. Used a portion of the wall after the fire. A shed was erected two years ago, and the highest part did not exceed ten feet. A shed forty feet long had been erected since the fire, and had bearings in the wall. - Mr Edmonds asked why witness did not take the wall down, as it was a party wall? - Witness said he had no right to take it down. He was advised by the Local Board. - Mr Edmonds: Oh, the Local Board were your legal advisers. Take better advice another time. (Laughter). - Witness did not say anything to the men working about the danger. None of the west wall was taken down. The chimney on the front wall was taken down, but not more than four feet of the wall itself. - Mr Edmonds asked the cross-examination of this witness might be deferred until the lease was procured to show if the wall were not a party wall, in which case Mr Edmonds said it would be Mr Stevens' duty to take down the wall. - Mr Dawe said such was not the case. - Mr Edmonds said this was a fundamental point. - In answer to Mr Dawe, witness said he did not build any part of the wall, which was there when he bought the house. He did not build anything against the wall except the shed, which was there before the fire, and had been re-erected since. The bearings of the shed were not two inches in the wall. Mr Snawdon did not once say it was his (witness's) duty to take down the wall, and he had not heard of it. He saw the dangerous position of the wall before rebuilding it; but Mr Snawdon said he was going to take down the wall, though it would not be taken down so far as where the shed came. - Mr Edmonds: After the fire, did not Mr Snawdon tell you he had been to the Manor-office, and the wall was a party wall? - Witness: No. - By Mr Shelly: On the 6th of September Mr Snawdon said he would not take down the wall for the Local Board. This was the day after witness made a report to the Local Board. He (witness) did not consider the wall was his. - The lease was then sent for, but members of the Jury said this was ridiculous, and had nothing to do with the accident. - The Coroner said he could not allow any such observations to be made. - Thomas Bloom, bricklayer, proved having a conversation with Mr Montgomery on the morning of the accident. He called his attention to the rottenness of the bricks and the imperfect "storing" of some of the wall. He also told Mr Snawdon the wall would fall, but he made no reply. - Henry Blight, builder, of Princess-street, Plymouth, said he employed the men for Mr William and Mr John Snawdon. They were engaged to build the walls of Mr Snawdon's house. had been to the premises several times for the last fortnight, but had never examined them. Was never ordered to pull down the westerly wall. There was a written contract between witness and Mr Snawdon. - Mr Dawe applied for its production, and the contract was read. It agreed to rebuild the walls and house, but did not refer to taking down existing walls. - Witness took breakfast under the wall that morning, and never anticipated any accident. We were going to build a cross wall, and if it had been built the wall which fell would not have been taken down. They were working without a plan, for the latter was at the Local Board office. He did not know there was anything the matter with the wall. The plans for rebuilding the place were at the Local Board office. - Mr Edmonds: This delay in getting the plans kept them from taking down the outer wall. - He (witness) did not critically examine the wall, but believed there was no danger. - Mr Dawe was about to examine the witness, when Mr Edmonds inquired for whom he appeared. Mr Stevens was threatening action for £100 against Mr Snawdon, and he objected to the Inquest being made a medium for getting information. - Mr Dawe said Mr Edmonds had himself done so by bringing the case forward. - Witness, in explanation, said he had not had any conversation with Mr Stevens about the work, but only with Mr Snawdon. The latter said those who had bearings in the wall must pay for it. He knew Radmore had refused to work, but the man was a sufferer from rheumatics. He (witness) had been waiting day after day for the plans to be passed by the Local Board. - Mr Shelly: And began without the plans being passed. - Thomas Henry Pearse proved that by the lease the wall was a party wall. - Alfred Norman, architect, with Mr Jenkin, said that at the request of the coroner they had visited Mr Snawdon's premises on Tuesday morning. The westerly wall, between Mr Snawdon's and Mr Stevens's, was a building of five stories, including the basement. He was speaking of that portion not including the front room of Mr Snawdon's house. The wall at the top is seventeen feet in length, and on getting to the first floor it extended to forty feet in length, and to fifty feet downwards. The wall hung over very considerably about the centre. The wall was about forty feet high in its highest part, and was separated from the back wall in Mr Stevens's house. The rent in the highest point was three or four inches, and diminished downwards. The crack was filled up with plaster, which had "started" since filled up, shewing the wall had moved. That rent must have been observed by everyone within and without the building. It rendered it dangerous but the hanging-over portion, and that which rounded about, shewed it was also dangerous. Did not remember ever seeing a wall that he considered in a more dangerous condition. The mortar had been considerably affected by the fire. That morning when witness was at the place, some workmen arrived without anyone to superintend them, and witness ordered them to desist from any operations until he had communicated with the Chairman of the Local Board. An hour after he cautioned Mr Hammett, contractor, to carefully "shore" the wall on both sides before it was pulled down. He found it had not been shored. The front wall in Union-street was now in a very critical condition. The present side wall was gradually giving way from Mr Stevens's house. Attention was attracted to the cubre walls, and he decidedly thought they should have been removed immediately after the fire. The heat much weakened the wall, and he thought the wall should have been examined immediately after the fire. Thought it dangerous for men to work without its being shored. - Mr Shelly: The shoring is put up now. The difficulty was to get men to put it up. - Thomas Jenkin, builder, had also inspected the premises on Tuesday morning. The day after the fire he saw the centre wall, which he thought of too great a height to remain unsupported. He should have thought any man should have critically examined the wall before sending men to work there. - The Inquiry then adjourned for a short time, and on resuming, Mr Shelly said Mr Norman was under a misunderstanding in saying the shoring to the all had not been put up. It was put up two days ago. - Mr Norman could not see the shoring, as it was on one side only. - Mr Christopher Bulteel, chairman of the Local Board, deposed that the Board met on the day of the fire, and found the wall between Mr Snawdon's and Mr Northey's in such a dangerous condition, that it was pulled down. The other walls were not considered in such a dangerous condition as to necessitate pulling down. The plans for Mr Snawdon's new place were sent in on the 28th, but were not passed, as certain things in them were objected to. On the 5th of September they were again sent in, and certain side windows were objected to. Immediately after the fire it was pointed out that the wall between Mr Snawdon's and Mr Northey's had parted. It was plastered up as a test, with instructions that if it parted again Mr Stevens should again warn the Board surveyor. At a meeting on the 5th the surveyor said he thought the wall in a dangerous condition and it should be taken down to the level of the second floor. It was intended after this portion was removed to inspect again, and see if any more should be taken away. Mr Snawdon and Mr Stevens were present, and the former was asked if he would carry out what the surveyor recommended; and he said he would the very next day. Mr Bulteel explained that the legal notice would not operate for three days, but they trusted to Mr Snawdon as a man of honour. On the Board meeting on the 12th the Board were informed that the promise had not been complied with, and a small chimney and a few stones only had been taken down. Mr Snawdon said that from the opinions of two qualified men he had consulted there was no necessity for pulling down the walls. A legal notice was then served, and before the three days, at the end of which time the notice came into operation, the accident occurred. Was on the ground within ten minutes of the accident, and his attention was drawn to a chimney-stack on Mr Balson's premises, and on his own responsibility ordered it to be pulled down. Saw Mr Blight, and asked him why they did not begin at the top of the wall before they began at the bottom, and he said because of the state of the weather. He (Mr Bulteel) was prepared to show that since the accident the Board had acted in compliance with Mr Norman's directions, and had gone even further. - Mr Edmonds said it had been remarked there were builders on the Local Board. Could not any member on the Board engage with a person to erect his building, and then vote on the very plans, in which he was interested? - Mr Bulteel said he could not say. - Mr Edmonds: Did not Mr Snawdon send to the Board's surveyor to know if they had taken down sufficient wall, and for him to come down and say, and the surveyor did not come? - Mr Bulteel said he could not say. - In cross-examination witness said that during the last fortnight he thought the fall of the wall inevitable. He looked upon it as Mr Snawdon's property, and on the 5th he offered to take it down. He would swear Mr Snawdon did not say it was a party wall. He thought it must have belonged to Mr Snawdon, or else he would not have been so ready to promise to take it down. - Mr Edmonds: Were you not asked to send down a competent surveyor? - Mr Bulteel would not swear that he was. - By the Foreman: Mr Snawdon promised to take down the wall from the second floor. There was nothing in the plans to shew whether the old wall was to be taken down or a new one put up. The limit to which the wall should be torn down was not stated in the Board's minutes; but Mr Snawdon was present at the meeting, and the part to be taken down was pointed out to him; and it was understood he would pull down the wall. - John Roberts, surveyor, visited Mr Snawdon's on the day of the fire, and ordered the centre wall, which was dangerous, to be taken down. The committee had decided on this. He had never refused to visit the premises. - In reply to Mr Edmonds, witness said he was inspector of nuisances, and those duties took him half-a-day on an average. He had been requested to visit the place by young Mr Snawdon to see if enough wall had been taken down, and he went there, but did not see the latter. He went the Monday after, when young Mr Snawdon was on the top of the building, but did not go up to him. Saw the wall hung over the foundation, but had seen walls hanging nine or ten inches over the foundations. There was nothing inconsistent with the plans in taking down what had been taken down. He did the plans and specifications for Sir Massey Lopes for twelve years. Did not suggest the wall should be "shored", as he understood Mr Snawdon would have taken it down. Knew the premises were dangerous last Friday; but did not know men were going to work there on the Monday. - The Inquiry, which was adjourned until Monday, created much excitement, and lasted more than seven hours.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 September 1873
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Late Calamity At Stonehouse. Verdict of Manslaughter Against Mr W. Snawdon And Mr Blight. - The Inquest on the bodies of WILLIAM VODEN, DENNIS SULLIVAN, JOHN STRATFORD, FRANCIS BENNETT. JAMES MCCARTHY, HERBERT NEWBERRY and RICHARD HARVEY, was again resumed at Stonehouse yesterday, before Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner, and Mr Elliot Square, his Deputy. Mr F. A. Graham was Foreman of the double Jury. Mr J. Shelly appeared for the Local Board; Mr J. J. E. Dawe for Mr Stevens; and Mr R. G. Edmonds for Messrs. Snawdon. - John Harrington, labourer, living at 2 Quarry-lane, Stonehouse, said he went to work on the gutted premises at Union-street yesterday fortnight. He was engaged by Mr Henry Snawdon (Mr Wm. Snawdon's son), and worked all the week except Saturday. He did not observe the westerly wall, but there were a good many cracks in it. On the 8th was sent for to take down the centre wall, but said he did not like it; and a good many were refusing it. Witness said that before he went to work on it he should like to have it shored, and Mr Snawdon said that before he went to work at it he could put as many spars as he liked to it, and a dozen spars were put. Witness went to work at six o'clock on the morning of the accident. He was then engaged in working on the eastern wall. The deceased came to work at about six o'clock. The week before DENNIS SULLIVAN said to him that the walls were rather high and he did not wish to go to work on them. Witness said he saw more danger in the centre wall than in the westerly one. - By Mr Edmonds: Knew the man Radmore, and he was incapable of going on the wall. Radmore said the wall was too high for him. After we had finished the wall we were about, we intended to go on the high walls. It was necessary to take down the centre wall before the other, but they had not finished the wall by Monday morning. It was necessary to take down the centre wall because it was in the contractor's way. Radmore had said he had been working for Mr Willcocks, but was not able to work because there was something the matter with his right leg. The wall (the westerly wall) was not shored. Witness was told to go to work on the westerly wall, and he said he should have 3s. 6d. a day for taking it down, as it was very high. The usual pay was 3s. - Samuel Roach, slate merchant, of Plymouth, said he knew the premises when they were first built. He visited the place after the fire, and made a survey for Mr Snawdon with respect to the claim for insurance money. He knew the westerly wall, and took notice of it at the time. He examined the wall two or three days after the fire. He included in his valuation the taking down and rebuilding it, because he thought it would be for the proprietor's interest. He was asked by Mr Snawdon (the insurance agent being present) about the valuation, and he replied, certain walls would have to be taken down. Mr Snawdon said his (Mr Roach's) price was within £50 of two other gentlemen who had been asked. The valuation was £1,770, or thereabouts. - By the Foreman: Witness made a general survey, and did not pay particular attention to the westerly wall, which was not worse than the other parts of the place. Was not afraid of the wall, it was so soon after the fire. The wall was originally quite strong, and there had been hundreds of tons on each floor of the house. He thought if the insurance had been paid quicker, the wall would have been covered in, and not have come down. If the other walls had been re-erected quicker he thought the wall which fell would have been standing now. Thought it was the place of the person whom Mr Snawdon employed to see every precaution was taken. When he went to the place a few days after the fire, the westerly wall did not look dangerous, but the centre wall looked as if it were coming down every five minutes. - John Greenwood, builder and surveyor, of Devonport, went on the 24th of July (two days after the fire) to inspect the place for Mr Stevens, on behalf of the insurance company. Next day went again, and took memoranda of the damage done to the premises, and made an estimate of it. Saw the western wall had gone off a little from Mr Stevens', but it was very little, and he thought it could be stopped. The wall was gone off in the top about two inches, but nothing in the bottom. Witness saw Mr Snawdon and asked him what he was going to do about the wall. Mr Snawdon said it was Mr Stevens' wall. Witness said it was not Mr Stevens' evidently, for his stack of chimneys were built independently of it. Witness told Mr Snawdon he would have to take down the wall, that was a sure thing, but he made some remark, saying it would not require to be taken down. He drew Mr Snawdon's attention to the over-hanging state of the wall, but he said he thought it would stand. He did not try it, but he thought it over-hung about 18 inches. During the progress of the work Mr Stevens drew witness's attention to the fact that the wall was going further out, but he told Mr Snawdon not to trouble as if it came down Mr Snawdon would have to rebuild it. - By Mr Dawe: Did not include anything in the valuation on account of the wall. - By Mr Edmonds: it is my opinion Mr Snawdon should take it down because he built it. He built it for his accommodation, and he thought he ought to take it down. Could not understand why the Local Board surveyor had not seen the wall hanging over. - Mr Shelly said he would not ask any question, but thought it was in evidence that Mr Roberts had seen it hanging over. - William Snawdon examined by Mr Edmonds, said he was one of the owners of the property burnt down. The wall that fell was a party wall. After the fire two insurance agents came and inspected the property. One said it was as good a wall as he had ever seen in his life, and a better could not be rebuilt. He received only £1,200 for the insurance. Had to get out plans for his new place, and Mr James Taylor, one of the Local Board, often came in and said the wall was quite safe, and there could not be a better. Mr Keats prepared the plan. Mr Taylor wished to build the premises by day work, and offered to pass the plans as quickly as he had passed his own. He said, "See how quickly I have passed mine." The first time the plans were sent in they were postponed, and he would not give up the area lights because Mr Taylor said the Board had no right to deprive him, but wanted to get it out of him. The passing of the plans was delayed, owing to there being certain objections. Went to the Board meeting, and heard Mr Taylor say the Board should enforce the giving up of the area lights. On the 9th he went before the Board, and was told to take down as much of the wall as the surveyor directed. The plans were returned. He took down a chimney and four feet of the wall. On the 12th again attended a meeting, and on his coming into the room they said he had not done what the surveyor wanted him. He said he wished to be treated fairly, but the surveyor was under Mr Wilkes, who was an enemy of witness, and he offered to pay for a competent surveyor to examine the wall. Was handed a notice on Friday, but on Saturday the weather was bad, and on Monday witness was away. When present at the meetings of the Local Board was not told to shore the wall, and no part of it was boarded. The plans went in on the 28th of August, and he was waiting to go on with the work. As soon as Mr Taylor found the work was going to be put to tender he quarrelled with witness. He said he passed his plans very quick, and he could do the same for him if he had given him the work. Mr Taylor said, "You'll have some difficulty in passing your plans; I belong to the Board of Works; that's the beauty of belonging to a board of works." - By Mr Shelly: As soon as the plans were drawn there were objections to certain windows in the plans. Had private conversation with Mr Taylor a day or two after the fire concerning the walls, and he said they were good. When in the Local Board room he was asked if he was prepared to make certain alterations in the plans, which would facilitate the passing of them. The week after the fire he saw the Board surveyor on his premises, but he said nothing about the walls. When the plans went before the Board there was exception to side lights in case of fire. Took away the plans from the Board after the objection had been made, and took them back again on the 12th. - By Mr Dawe: First spoke about the party wall when Mr Stevens mentioned the wall was going away from him. Swore that he said in the Board-room before Mr Bulteel and Mr Stevens that the wall was a party one. If they said he did not it was false. Witness built a portion of the wall. When Mr Stevens told him that the wall was leaving him he did not say he would attend to it at once, but said the wall was a party wall. - By the Foreman: The centre walls, if rebuilt, would have supported the westerly wall. Four weeks after the fire Mr Taylor said the wall was a good one. Did not know that Mr James Taylor had much influence on the committee, but thought he had with the clerk. (Laughter.) - Mr Edmonds said he was aware that what Mr Taylor said was not official, but much obstruction was put in Mr Snawdon's way by a person taking advantage of his being on the Board. - In answer to a Juror, witness said he would not have stopped men from working on the Monday morning if he had been at Stonehouse, thinking it was quite safe. Did not see it overhung more than six inches. - James Keats, architect, who drew out the plans, said he went before the Local Board sub-committee on the 28th of August and saw Mr Wilkes there. There were objections to the footlights, and to the side windows, but he said the neighbours could allow Mr Snawdon to have them if they liked. He said time was of importance, and they wanted to get on with the work, so they would take the plans without the windows. He was then told the plans had not been considered, and he offered to retire until they were, but then it appeared they must go before the general Board. It transpired, however, that they had been considered, and an objection, that the building was too high, was then made; but by the draught bye-laws (not yet confirmed), it was shewn this only applied to new street. - Mr Shelly: This was only a side matter. - Mr Edmonds said he was shewing why the cross wall was not built sooner. - Examined the western wall two or three weeks after the fire before he drew out the plans, and, in his opinion, it was not dangerous. Did not direct the men to go to work on the morning of the accident, nor did he know they were going to work. - After adjournment the Coroner summed up. He said it was his painful duty to address them on the subject of the investigation into which they had so patiently and completely Inquired; and painful though it was, he felt it to be wanting in his duty to the public, to the high office for whose protection it was created, he should be wanting in his duty if he did not recount the evidence brought forward. Several witnesses had been called, and some of them might be seriously affected by the verdict. After expressing a hope that all prejudice would be dismissed from their minds, the Coroner recapitulated the evidence. Mr Snawdon, he noted, acted as proprietor of the wall, and the only person who shewed he had any right over it. He asked them to dismiss from their minds the question of the party wall, which did not concern them in the present Inquiry; and their duty was to say whether the deaths were caused by accident, or whether there was a contributory negligence on their part, or whether it was their painful duty to record that the deaths were caused by the negligence of any of the parties to whom the property belonged, or who ought to have guarded against accident; and if so, who was to blame, and, however painful it must be, they must return a verdict of manslaughter. After defining what legally constituted manslaughter, the Coroner said he thought the contract between Mr Blight and Mr Snawdon with the plans, proved conclusively that Mr Snawdon was exercising right of ownership in respect to the wall which caused the accident, and that Mr Stevens was never considered to have any claim or right to it either by contributing to its erection or otherwise. The notice served on the 12th had been commented on as vague in its terms, and not definitely pointing out the portion of the wall to be removed. But was explained by Dr Bulteel and Mr Roberts, both of whom said, that before the notice was served Mr Snawdon distinctly promised to pull down the wall, and it was clearly shewn to him what part was to be pulled down. They must consider whether in this case there was on the part of anyone negligence or want of ordinary precaution. If, on consideration of the evidence, they decided that such was the case they must return a verdict of manslaughter; but if otherwise, the verdict must be one of accidental death. - The Jury, after deliberating about an hour, returned into Court. They had agreed on their verdict, and found Mr William Snawdon and Mr Blight were guilty of Manslaughter; and the Local Board were severely to be censured. - There was some applause, which was immediately suppressed. - Mr Edmonds applied for bail for Messrs. Snawdon and Blight, and it was accepted in each case - two sureties of £100 each. - Mr Rodd, before the public retired, said the Jury had very kindly and properly given up their fees for the relief of the sufferers, and would also start a fund for their relief. Mr Broom, a working man, had kindly given £1. The Inquiry lasted nearly six hours.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 September 1873
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - At an Inquest held yesterday in the Devonport Guildhall, before Mr A. B. Bone, Borough Coroner, and a double Jury, on the body of JANE FRANCIS, aged thirty-five years, who had committed suicide the same morning at her residence, 63 James-street, by cutting her throat with a razor, the evidence given by the husband of the deceased and others shewed that she had been in a desponding state for some time, and that several members of the family were insane. The Jury found that the act was committed while deceased suffered from Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 September 1873
STOKE DAMEREL - Terrible Suicide By A Soldier At Devonport. - Mr A. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest at the White Lion Inn, Devonport, yesterday, on the body of JOSEPH SMITH, private 11th Regt., who committed suicide that morning at the Gunwharf, Devonport. From the evidence it appeared that the deceased's parents resided at Galway, Ireland, where his father held a high position in the constabulary. About sixteen months ago the deceased enlisted into the 11th Regt., he then being 21 years of age. During his service he had appeared to be in a melancholy state of mind, and had been often seen speaking to himself in the guard-room, but no one had heard him say he disliked the army. From the evidence of Metropolitan Constable Samuel Pitt it appeared that, having heard the report of a gun, he at once went to No. 3 post at the Gunwharf, where he saw the deceased lying on his back into the sentry-box, and quite dead. Shortly afterwards Sergeant Scott, of the 11th Regiment, and officer in charge of the guard, arrived, and on examining the deceased found that the boot was off from his right foot, and his rifle lying down on the ground before him. Sergeant Scott made examination of the spot, and found the shake of the deceased about eight yards from the sentry-box, and lying alongside was a piece of deceased's skull. The back of the deceased's head was blown away, and some of his teeth blown out. This led Sergeant Scott to believe, from the fact of his boot being off, that the deceased pulled the trigger of the gun with his toe, placing the muzzle into his mouth. The empty cartridge was in the barrel of the gun when found. Deceased was paraded at three o'clock yesterday morning in company with other soldiers who formed the relief guards, and he then appeared in his usual state of mind. The Jury, of whom Mr William Burt was Foreman, returned a verdict, "That the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 September 1873
REVELSTOKE - Mr Rodd, Devon County Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at Noss, concerning the death of HAROLD TUCKER, aged 4 years, who died suddenly on Saturday. The cause of death not being certainly known, Mr Atkins, of Yealmpton, at the request of the Coroner made an examination, the result of which was that the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 October 1873
PLYMOUTH - The Drowning Off Lambhay Point. - Yesterday morning a waterman named Samuel Michell, who had been dragging, succeeded in finding the body of SAMUEL REED, who was drowned the previous afternoon by losing his footing whilst in the act of casting the anchor of the schooner Leader, of Plymouth, off Lambhay-point. An Inquest was held last evening by Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner, and a verdict of "Accidental Drowning" returned.

EXETER - Fatal Railway Accident At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, at Exeter, touching the death of ALBERT J. PICKARD, a lamp trimmer, aged 20, engaged at the St. David's station of the Bristol and Exeter Railway. On Monday afternoon an engine and carriage was being shunted with the view of making up the five train to Plymouth, when the deceased, who was standing on the platform, caught hold of the handle of the carriage with the intention of jumping on the step. He fell between the platform and the carriage, three wheels of the engine passing over his thighs, both of which were fractured in a frightful manner. He was removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, but he died shortly after his admission. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". It was stated by Mr Inspector Green that the employees of the company were strictly forbidden from jumping on carriages whilst in motion.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 October 1873
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at the Freemasons' Arms, Morice Town, by Mr A. B. Bone, Borough Coroner, and a double Jury, on Saturday, relative to the death of JOHN HORRELL, aged 64 years, who committed suicide the previous evening by hanging himself to a beam in his stables at the back of Gloucester-street, Morice Town. The son of deceased said his father was a coal dealer, and a man who had enjoyed very good health, but of late he had complained of pains in his head, and at times had been in a very desponding state. Deceased had given away to drink very much during the last four months. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At The Plymouth Workhouse. - Yesterday Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Workhouse relative to the death of MARIA HILL, who died suddenly the previous day. The evidence adduced shewed that the deceased was an inmate of the Workhouse, and had apparently enjoyed good health. On Sunday she became ill and before medical assistance could be procured she expired. Dr F. A. Thomas had made an external examination, but could not say what was the cause of death. The Jury were of opinion that a post mortem examination should be held and the Inquiry was adjourned until tomorrow in order that this should be made.

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 October 1873
PLYMOUTH - In Bed With A Corpse. - CAROLINE PAIN, 75 years of age, was found dead in her bed beside her aged decrepit husband yesterday morning at their house, 45 Neswick-street, Plymouth. Deceased was out the previous day, and although she received parish pay, her friends took care that she wanted for nothing. At an Inquest held last night before Mr Brian, the Plymouth Coroner, a verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Necessity Of Post-Mortem Examinations. - The adjourned Inquest relative to the death of MARIA HILL, aged 46, wife of REUBEN HILL, gardener, who died suddenly in Plymouth Workhouse on Sunday - the day after she became an inmate - was resumed last evening before Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner. - The woman before her death had a fit and vomited. Mr F. Aubrey Thomas, surgeon, stated at the Inquest on Monday that he believed she died of apoplexy, but he would not swear so. The Jury thought a post mortem examination necessary, and the Deputy Coroner mentioned that he had not ordered it in consequence of a statement made before the Plymouth Guardians to the effect that unnecessary post mortem examinations were ordered. - In opening the proceedings last evening, Mr Square made a lengthy statement, first mentioning that the Coroner, who had returned to Plymouth, approved of the course taken. He (Mr Square) considered that in all cases of sudden death, where the deceased had not been attended by a medical man, or where nothing of his or her bodily infirmities were known, an Inquest should be held. (Hear, hear.) Some time ago an Inquest was held by him at the Workhouse on a woman named Rowe. She left her home comparatively in perfect health, and having been suffering from headaches, she was going to Mr May, the surgeon of the family. She was taken ill in the street, was conveyed to a public-house and there seen by Mr Shepherd, one of the parish surgeons. He thought she was seized with apoplexy, and ordered her removal to the Workhouse for attendance. Here she died; but no medical man, none having attended her, could be found to give a certificate, which was as binding upon them as an oath, as to what she died of. He then ordered the post mortem examination, and this was subsequently objected to, he supposed because the individual who ordered it was the Deputy and not the chief officer. In fact, he believed it was hinted that he so ordered the examination because he was somewhat connected with the medical profession; but this, in his opinion, was rather a recommendation than a disqualification for a Coroner. He need only say that he held his profession and the medical profession to be far too honourable to have examinations if unnecessary, and it would be a bad thing if the Plymouth professional men had to resort to such means to get a few shillings of the ratepayers' money. In this case he ordered no examination, and at the Inquest Mr Thomas declined to say positively of what she died. Then the post mortem examination was ordered by the Jury, no one knowing anything of the woman's antecedents, and now they were assembled to hear the results of it. - A Juror complained of the waste of time which they were subject to by the Coroner not using his discretion as to when a post mortem was necessary. - Mr Thomas stated that he had made the examination, and found that the deceased died of epilepsy, caused by two tumours on the brain. The tumours were of long standing and were no doubt the cause of the woman being sent to Salisbury Asylum 18 months' since. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 October 1873
PLYMOUTH - Worried To Death By A Drunken Wife. - The Plymouth Borough Coroner investigated a case on Thursday evening which exhibited some distressing features. FREDERICK WILLIAM COVE, a pensioner and working as a porter for Mr E. B. Whipple, ironmonger, was on Wednesday found drowned in Gill's Greek, at Millbay. The man and his wife were formerly employed by Colonel Elliott, of St. George's-terrace, Stonehouse, the man being temperate and industrious, while the woman was always causing unpleasantness by her intemperate habits. Being unable to submit to the wife's conduct Colonel Elliott discharged both, but eventually re-engaged deceased. The wife then took to visiting him when in a state of drunkenness, and being unable to submit to this annoyance, Colonel Elliott had to again discharge COVE. Soon after this he attempted to drown himself off Longroom, and when brought before the magistrates for this offence, by the intercession of his late master, who proved how he was harassed was discharged. The wife then promised amendment, and Col. Elliott took both into his service again. Soon after the woman's old habits re-appeared, and both were once more sent out of the Colonel's house. Deceased subsequently got into Mr Whipple's employment, where he remained for eighteen months, giving great satisfaction. His wife continued to be as bad as ever, annoyed her husband, and threatened to burn Mr Whipple's house down. The poor fellow was noticed to be continually depressed, and more than once tried to effect an arrangement whereby he could be parted from his wife. This never came to anything. On Tuesday evening he was in worse spirits than usual, and having had a glass of ale in a public-house in Market-place, told the landlord, Mr Collacott, that he should cut his throat, shewing a razor which he had in his possession. The next day his body was found in Gill's Creek, suicide having been committed by drowning, the razor deceased spoke of was found in his pocket. - The Coroner remarked that although no criminal proceedings could be taken against anyone, there was no doubt as to who was morally responsible for the death of the deceased. The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity, such insanity being caused by the intemperate and cruel conduct practised towards him. At the suggestion of the Jury, the Coroner remonstrated with the wife as to her conduct; but she did not seem to be affected by his words.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 October 1873
A Naval Officer censured By A Coroner's Jury. - On the 24th of August last JOHN BURNETT, a seaman, of the Resistance, ironclad, was drowned in Plymouth Sound. His body was not discovered until the 7th of September, sand an Inquest was opened the next day by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, when it was adjourned in order that two of the men who were in the punt at the time with the deceased might give evidence. Mr Rodd subsequently wrote to the Admiralty, stating that he had adjourned the Inquest for the attendance of the two men in the boat, and pointing out that they were then on board their ship. He asked that the Admiralty would procure their names and order their attendance; he would further adjourn the Inquest if the Resistance was likely to return to Plymouth. The reply from the Admiralty stated that it was not possible for the men to attend. The adjourned Inquest took place yesterday, when the letters were read. - The coxswain of the steam launch of the Resistance was examined. He stated that on the 25th of August he saw four men in a copper punt alongside the Resistance, which was moored in Plymouth Sound. Witness subsequently noticed the punt about twelve feet ahead of the Resistance when she was under way; in a few seconds he saw three men thrown into the water. A man jumped from the stem of the vessel to save BURNETT, but did not succeed in doing so. In answer to the Foreman witness said that it was usual for copper punts to be got out when a ship was at moorings after trial trip, but not when she was under way. There was a slight sea on at the time. The Resistance was going about five knots an hour when the accident happened. In answer to the Coroner witness said that if the painter of the punt had not been attached to the vessel the accident would not have happened. - After an hour's deliberation the Jury returned the following verdict:- "The Jury are of opinion that JOHN BURNETT was Accidentally Drowned by the capsizing of the copper punt attached to the Resistance, there being neglect of duty on the part of the officer of the watch in not taking the punt on board previous to drifting the ship to other moorings in the Sound while under steam."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 October 1873
EGG BUCKLAND - An inquest was held at Egg Buckland yesterday by Mr Rodd, County Coroner, respecting the death of a labourer named GEORGE COLE, who died whilst on his way to work at the Lee Moor Clay Works. Deceased was found lying dead on the tramway, and as it was shewn that he had suffered greatly from epileptic fits a verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned. COLE was formerly in the Royal Marines.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 October 1873
PLYMOUTH - Death Cheating The Law. - The first Inquest for five years at the Plymouth Borough Prison was held yesterday. This long immunity from Coroners' Inquiries is all the more remarkable from the fact that the law requires an Inquest to be held whenever a death occurs in gaol. The deceased was a butcher named EDWARD VINCENT, who, with another butcher named Trethewy, was committed for trial in August last on a charge of stealing a sheep, the property of Mr Pitts, of the Plymouth Market. VINCENT was to have been brought up at the quarter sessions on Saturday, but the day previous he was suddenly attacked by illness, and complained of severe pain in the stomach. He vomited blood and his pulse became very weak. Dr J. N. Stevens, the prison surgeon, attended to him, and on Saturday morning the deceased appeared to rally, but he was still too ill to appear before the recorder. Mr Stevens attended the sessions to explain the reason VINCENT could not be present, and was about to make a statement when information was brought that the man was dead. Up to Friday the deceased had not complained of being unwell, and Mr Stevens was of opinion that death had resulted from natural haemorrhage. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and concurred with the Coroner in according great praise to Mr Wm. Brewer, the chief warder, for the attention and kindness shewn by him to the deceased.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 October 1873
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of an infant child that had been suffocated whilst in bed with its mother, MARY ANN ARNOLD. The evidence went to shew that death had been Accidental, and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 October 1873
PLYMOUTH - Censure By A Coroner's Jury - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Regent Inn, Plymouth, yesterday, on the body of HARRIET FORQUHAR, a woman fifty-six years of age, widow of a quartermaster in the 42nd Regiment. Deceased lived in North-street with a married sister named Parrott, and on Thursday morning was engaged in folding mangled clothes, when she was suddenly taken ill and put to bed. While there a person named Cave went to her and lifted her up, but no answer was returned to her inquiry what was the matter; deceased looked sleepy. Two hours after, on going to the bed, the woman was found to be dead. No stimulants were applied, or medical attendance obtained. - The Coroner, in addressing the Jury, thought the deceased might have been attacked in the first place with syncope, and had she been attended to in a proper manner might possibly have lived. He severely commented on the conduct of the sister in taking no means to restore her, and for not procuring medical assistance, pointing out that putting a woman attacked with syncope to bed was the worst thing that could possibly be done. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," expressing concurrence with the views of the Coroner. The latter disallowed Parrott's expenses, advised her to procure assistance next time anyone was taken ill, and to remember the golden rule to do to others as she would be done by.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 October 1873
EXETER - A Young Woman Burnt To Death. - An Inquest was held at Exeter, by Mr Barton, Deputy Coroner, relative to the death of EMMA LANGDOM, aged 18 years. the deceased was the daughter of a labourer residing at Trusham, near Chudleigh. She suffered from fits, and on Monday last was attacked by one, and fell upon the fire that was burning on the hearth. A younger brother ran to an aunt who lived next door, and who found the poor girl's clothes on fire. She quickly extinguished the flames, and the sufferer was taken the same evening to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, where she died the following morning. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 November 1873
TAVISTOCK - Concealment Of Birth At Tavistock. - Last evening Mr Coroner Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock on the body of a newly-born child, the daughter of a domestic servant named SCOTT. The accused was a cook with Mr Roseveare, of the Manor House, and had only been in his service since Saturday last. On Thursday, at dinner time, she asked the groom if he could keep a secret; and then told him she had been confined about seven o'clock the previous evening. She had put the child into her box, and wanted him to carry it away. He told her to be very careful, for it was a bad job, and he then thought it right to tell his master, and afterwards he made the police acquainted with it. P.C. Porter afterwards saw her, when she gave him the key of the box, which he unlocked and found there the body wrapped up in an apron and jacket. - Mr Northey, surgeon, yesterday, at the request of the Coroner, made a post mortem examination, and found that the child, which was between six and seven months, had a separate existence, but in his opinion died from Natural Causes. A verdict in accordance with that evidence was therefore given.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 November 1873
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening at the Cambridge Inn, Plymouth, concerning the death of WILLIAM PACKER, who died suddenly the previous night. Mrs Rendle deposed that the deceased had lodged at her house, in Morley-street, for about five years, and lived upon an allowance made by his friends. His habits were intemperate, but his health was good. About half-past nine o'clock she went to his bedroom to ascertain what he would have for supper. He was in bed, and had been there all the day, it being no unusual thing for him to lay in bed for many days after drinking freely. For a month previous to that day week he had not been home, but off on a drinking bout with two others. He gave her directions for his supper, and she went out to procure what he wanted. Upon her return she found the back door open, and to her surprise was told that MR PACKER had fallen down in the back court. She then saw him sitting on the stones, and asked him what made him leave his bed, but he made no reply. With assistance she got him up, and was able to get him to bed. The deceased complained of being dizzy, and thought that he had cut the back of his head, but the blood came from the nose. He had had another fall by which he bruised his face and nose. He asked for brandy and drank some, but could not distinguish it from water. He then complained of the closeness of the room, and almost immediately afterwards said he was dying and begged her to send for Dr Rendle which she did. In the meantime she called in Mr Eales, who was in the neighbourhood, but before that gentleman arrived the unfortunate man was dead. The deceased was 33 years of age and she had communicated with his friends in London. About two or three hours previous to his death he was singing cheerfully and was sober. - Ann Lethbridge corroborated the evidence of the first witness. - The Coroner (Mr Brian) congratulated Mrs Rendle on the prompt manner in which she had acted, and the clear way she had given her evidence. There was no doubt that congestion of the brain was caused by the injury resulting from the fall, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - In a paragraph inserted on Saturday it was erroneously stated that the deceased was apprehended some fourteen months ago on a charge of complicity in the death of a woman whose body was found in the Dart at Totnes. At the Inquest held at the time, it was stated that the woman had been in the deceased's company a short time before her death, and he was accordingly ordered to appear at the adjourned Inquiry. This he neglected to do, and was in consequence apprehended on the Coroner's warrant, and brought up in custody to give evidence.

CULLOMPTON - Killed Whilst Crossing A Railway. - On Saturday afternoon Mr R. R. Crosse, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Cullompton respecting the death of a middle-aged man named JAMES PARKIN, who was on Thursday afternoon knocked down and killed by the down express train. The evidence shewed that at half-past three o'clock, when the up train from Exeter was leaving the station the express was due. The passengers by the up train were prevented by Mr Ward, the station-master, from crossing the line until the express had passed, but it seemed that the deceased, who intended to proceed by the next ordinary train down, had gone over by the signal-box, and , not noticing Mr Ward's caution, attempted to cross as soon as the up train had cleared, in utter ignorance of the near approach of the express. The engine of the latter caught him and carried him along some distance. The poor man then fell and the train passed over him, literally cutting off the top part of the skull and otherwise mutilating the body. Death was, of course, instantaneous. The deceased, it transpired, had but recently been discharged from the artillery, and it is supposed he had intended to go to Hele to seek employment at Mr Collins's paper mills there. His widow came from Woolwich to attend the Inquest. She is left with three children. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" but recommended that a bridge should be erected at the railway station to enable passengers to cross from one platform to the other in safety. They attached no blame to anyone in the present case.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 November 1873
PLYMOUTH - A Warning To Parents. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth on Saturday concerning the death of the infant daughter of WILLIAM DINHAM, cab proprietor. The deceased was sixteen months old, and had been in good health up to Friday last, but on that day some beef-steak pudding was given to it to eat, and, according to the evidence of Mr Jackson, surgeon, this caused fatal syncope, as so young a child was unable to digest such food. Mr Jackson thought that possibly he might have saved the child's life if called in when first it became unwell. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Fatal Fire At Stonehouse. Inquest On The Child. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Stonehouse Guildhall on Saturday, on the body of the child FREDERICK EXWORTHY, who was burnt to death on Friday morning by the fire which occurred at 107 Union-street. - EMANUEL EXWORTHY, tailor, father of the deceased, said the boy was aged about 2 ½ years. Witness occupied three top rooms in the house 107 Union-street, and his family lived with him there. On the night of Thursday, the 6th inst., he went to bed at 10.30. Deceased was in the cradle when he went to bed, but his mother, who retired at eleven o'clock took him from there and brought him into their bed. About ten minutes after two o'clock on Friday morning, witness was disturbed by something falling at the bottom of the house, and with the same he heard Mr Hill, landlord of the house, saying "Oh, my God, MR EXWORTHY, there is a fire." He got up and with Mr Hill went downstairs. Hill ran to his shop when he came to the bottom of the stairs, and witness went to the front door. Hill caught hold of the back parlour door to open it, and at that moment the door fell inwards; the flames flew out, and knocked Mr Hill backwards. He ran upstairs, where witness's wife and children were, and sung out to them to shut the door. They would not, but followed him, with the exception of the deceased, and even he got over the bed. The eldest girl got into the street by the door; the others were taken out of the window. - By the Foreman: did not hear anyone at work after he had gone to bed. Heard Mr Hill come from the back parlour at 10.30 and go to his bedroom. All that he believed was in the back parlour was Venetian blinds, and no mattresses. - James Swiggs, foreman of the West of England Fire Brigade, stated that the brigade got to the burning premises soon after three on Friday morning. The back part of the house was all in a blaze. One hose was got through the passage, and played into a back bedroom. There was a great body of fire in that room; witness heard no one crying. When he got into the room he found the body of deceased under the head part of the bed, with his feet towards a partition of lath and plaster at the west end. This partition had fallen in and buried him. Witness removed the burning timber which covered the deceased to the throat, and carried him into the street. He was dead and much burnt. It seemed as if deceased had been crawling towards the door when he was knocked down or fell down from suffocation. - Sergeant Helwill, of the Devon County Constabulary, stated that at 10.30 on Friday evening he visited Union-street beat and stopped directly opposite the house which had been burnt. Everything was all right, and he smelt nothing burning, but at 2.20 a.m. he heard that the place was on fire. He went to the spot, and at once sent to the Marine Barracks for the fire-engine. He took a boy from a first-floor window, and afterwards a girl was taken off the ladder by him. He sent for Mr Leah, surgeon, who attended to the children. - John William Hill said he was a cabinet-maker and resided at 107 Union-street. He went to bed at 10.45 on Thursday night. Prior to going to bed he went to the back parlour, which was used as a workshop, to get a candle to go to bed by. Not being able to find one, he took some matches, struck one, and lit a candle in the parlour. After he lit the candle he put the match on the floor and put his foot on it. Previous to that, the candle having a long wick to it, after lighting it he blew the wick off and re-lighted it with the first match he had struck. There were some straw bands close by the place where he lit the candle; also some old carpeting and sacking. He only effected an insurance on the property last Saturday or Monday for £200. At two o'clock the next morning he was awoke by a noise like a knock at the door, and found his room, which was immediately over the back parlour, full of smoke, so that he was nearly suffocated. On getting out of bed the floor was so hot that he could not bear his feet on it. He managed to call MR EXWORTHY. He locked the shop after he left it, and no one could have got into it. - Mr Sloggett (one of the Jury): Was it not a very careless thing to let the snuff of a candle fall on a floor where there were things which might catch fire? - Witness: Certainly it was. - Mr Sloggett: Did you see the snuff go out after you blew it off? - Witness: I did not see it go out. I blew it across the counter as I thought. There might have been something dropped. - Mr Sloggett: It was a very careless thing. - Witness: Yes, I know it was. I had not been out of bed a quarter of an hour before my bedstead fell into the parlour beneath. - The Coroner having summed up, remarked that although the case was a painful one, it was quite clear. - Whilst the Jury were considering, a man named Stephens, who lives near the burnt house, said he could give some information to the Jury. Turning to Mr Hill he said, "Will you swear that you turned the gas into the street?" - Mr Hill: I have no gas in the house whatever. - Mr Stephens: Will you swear that there was nothing put ----- . - The Coroner, at the instigation of the Jury , said he must protect the witness, and that Mr Stephens had better make a statement than ask a question. - Mr Stephens said he was one of the first at the fire, and when he came down the front door of the house was open. He begged that the door might be shut, and the people got out from the window, as there was a blaze coming out of the parlour. - Mr Randall (one of the Jurymen) appealed to the Coroner to say if this was evidence. - The Coroner: It has nothing to do with the present Inquiry. People aroused in the middle of the night were not as discreet as they would be in the daytime. - Mr Stephens: I will swear that when the first shutter was knocked the fire blazed up more than six feet. - The Coroner: We have nothing to do with that. (To the Jury) Would you like to have Mr Stephens examined? - Several Jurymen replied, "Certainly not." - Mr Stephens: I should like to know what it was in the corner of the shop to make an illumination. (Laughter). - Mr Sloggett: Can you tell how the fire occurred? Otherwise it is no use listening to you. - Mr Stephens: But no one took notice of that illumination. - Sergeant Holwill explained that this was caused by the air, which got in when the first shutter was taken down. - In answer to Mr Sloggett, Mr Hill said there was no one in the house but the EXWORTHY family and himself. - The Jury after a short deliberation, returned as their verdict "That deceased died from Suffocation caused by Fire," and expressed their approval of the way in which Mr Hill had given his evidence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 November 1873
PLYMOUTH - A boy named HENRY JESS was attempting to get on the shaft of a cart at Coxside, Plymouth, on Monday evening, when the horse started, and he fell off. The wheel passed over his body, and he received fatal injuries. An Inquest was held last evening by Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 November 1873
HOLBETON - THOMAS ANSTICE, of Holbeton, was killed at that place by a wheel of a cart passing over him, after the horse he had been driving ran away and he had been thrown. A Coroner's Jury, at the Inquest held by Mr R. R. Rodd, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 17 November 1873
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident At Devonport Dockyard. - An Inquest was held at Stonehouse on Saturday, by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, relative to the death of SAMUEL ALLEN, ordinary seaman, serving on board the Royal Adelaide. The deceased, who was 20 years of age, was standing on the upper deck of the Tamar troopship at about half-past 9 on Friday morning, assisting in shipping tent poles. The poles were being shipped by means of the steam hoist, and after Mr Fudgelow, boatswain of the Tamar had shouted "stand clear," deceased placed two more poles on the hoist, and before he could get away he was struck and knocked down the hatchway to the troop deck, a distance of eight feet. He fell on a protecting rail, between which and the frame of the hoist he was jammed, there not being time to reverse the engines. He received severe internal injuries, and died the same evening at the Royal Naval Hospital.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 November 1873
SIDMOUTH - Infanticide At Sidmouth. - An Inquest was held at Sidmouth yesterday relative to the death of the child of ELIZABETH JANE PIKE, of Honiton, aged 21. Mrs Webber deposed that the girl was in her service, and on Friday last noticing that she was very pale, asked if anything was the matter, and the girl replied, "Oh, ma'am, I've had a child and destroyed it. I must be mad." She told where the body was, and it was found with the throat cut. - Elizabeth Taylor said she assisted to put the girl to bed. She told her that she was mad with pain and hearing the child crying she cut its throat for fear others would hear it. - Dr Mckenzie deposed that the child was well formed and mature. - P.C. Watts said that the girl stated that the child was born a month before she expected. She had baby linen at home and intended giving notice that week, and she was mad when she cut its throat. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 November 1873
PLYMPTON ST MARY - Sad Death At Ridgway. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the George Inn, Ridgway, last evening, relative to the death of SAMUEL LANGDON. - William Wellington, cartman, in the employ of Mr Soper, forage dealer, Plymouth, deposed that he and the deceased proceeded with two wagons to Calefornia, near Modbury, where they arrived at 11.30 a.m. They left Calefornia, loaded with hay, at about seven o'clock, and on arriving at Chaddlewood-hill witness called out, "We must make haste, SAM, or else we shall miss the gate." He did not receive any answer, and on looking towards deceased's cart could not see him. Witness at once made for Lee Mill, where he had last spoken to deceased, and on the way there the horse jumped at something lying beside of the hedge, which proved to be the body of the deceased. He was lying on his back, and his neck was broken. At Lee Mill hill the deceased and the witness sat on the shafts of the cart, and then proceeded at the pace of four miles an hour. Witness and deceased were quite sober. Both horses were quiet, but the night was very dark. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". Some of the Jury handed over their fees to the deceased's wife.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 November 1873
IPPLEPEN - Fatal Accident To A Farmer. - A fatal accident befell MR J. B. MASON, a farmer, of Ipplepen, on Thursday night. He arrived at Newton by the eight o'clock train from Exeter, where he had been to visit his niece, who was ill. He then proceeded home in his trap. At nine o'clock he was found lying in the road, 200 yards from his house, by Mr Berry, who previously occupied deceased's farm. He was removed to his residence, and surgical assistance procured. An examination of his injuries shewed that he had received a fracture of the skull. The horse arrived home with the trap before MR MASON was discovered, and the harness being much damaged it is supposed the animal took fright, and the deceased, in jumping out, fell backwards and pitched on the back of his head. An Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. MR MASON leaves a widow and seven children. he was well known at Totnes and the neighbourhood, having formerly resided in the parish of Harberton, where he will be buried on Monday. The deceased was 48 years of age.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 November 1873
PLYMOUTH - A Child Fatally Burned At Plymouth. - Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall on Saturday relative to the death of a child named CORNELIUS MAHONY. The mother of the deceased, whose husband had deserted her, went to work on Thursday morning, leaving the deceased and two elder children in her room. About noon a neighbour saw the child running out enveloped in flames, which she speedily put out, and then bathed the little sufferer in oil. The child was afterwards taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where it died on Friday evening. The Coroner, in summing up, said that no blame could be attached to the mother, as it was necessary for her to leave her children in order to gain a livelihood; but he hoped that, before long, an institution in which such children would be taken care of, while their parents were at work. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 November 1873
TORPOINT - At the Inquest held at Torpoint yesterday, relative to the death of PHILIP CROCKER, who was drowned some six weeks ago, and whose body was picked up on Saturday, a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. Deceased, who was a labourer in the Devonport Dockyard, was 26 years of age. He leaves a wife and two very young children.

PLYMOUTH - A Fatal Kick. - Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest last evening relative to the death of CHARLES FREDERICK ALFORD, stableman, in the employ of Mr Jackman, Caprera Mews, Plymouth. Deceased was in a loose box with a mare, and the animal kicked him in the stomach. He was taken in a cab to his home, after Mr Square, surgeon, had given him some medicine. He continued in about the same state all night, and died in the morning. Most probably he died of rupture of the liver. Mr Jackman thought that when the deceased went into the box he might have dropped the bucket on the horse's heels, or that in opening the door the animal's tail was struck, and it reared. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BRIXHAM - Suicide At Brixham. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Bolton Hotel, Brixham, by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, with respect to the death of WM. TAYLOR, aged 52 years, who was found suspended by a rope in the wash-house of his residence, on Saturday last. The evidence shewed that the deceased had been in a desponding state of mind for some time past, and on Saturday morning about five o'clock he rose, intending to prepare a cup of tea for his wife, who was unwell. He returned to the bedroom two or three times, and about half-past seven his wife, finding that he did not come with the tea, sent her niece to get it. When she got downstairs she saw her uncle hanging by a rope and upon raising an alarm a man named Harris came in and cut him down. Mr C. Green, surgeon, was soon in attendance, and found life was extinct. The Jury returned a verdict that "The deceased committed Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 December 1873
NEWTON ABBOT - Sudden Death At Newton. - An Inquest was held at Newton yesterday by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, relative to the death of THOS. B. WRIGHT, a man between 50 and 60 years of age. The deceased appears to have been an engraver, and to have had friends residing in Manchester. He came to the Market House Inn, at Newton, on Thursday and remained there up to the time of his death. He had been ill for some days, and during his stay at Newton he drank rather freely. On Sunday he became worse, and Mr Haydon, surgeon, was called in, but WRIGHT died in the evening. Mr Haydon considered that death was caused by Apoplexy.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 December 1873
PLYMOUTH - Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner for Plymouth, held an Inquest at the Harvest Home, Tavistock-street, relative to the death of ANN GRIBBLE eighty years of age, who died from injuries received on the 19th ult. Deceased, who was very deaf, was crossing a road, and, not hearing the shouts of the driver, was knocked down by a cab horse. One of her legs was broken, her ear nearly severed from her head, and she received a lacerated wound over the left eye.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 December 1873
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry at Plymouth relative to the death of ELIZA HOCKADAY, who died suddenly. The Coroner mentioned that there would be no medical evidence that evening in consequence of Dr Pearce having begun a post mortem examination only a quarter of an hour previous to their meeting, and he knew that no medical gentleman could make a satisfactory examination in so short a time. The evidence adduced shewed that the deceased went to her brother's house in Ashley-place, the previous evening, and whilst there he and his son quarrelled. The deceased was of an excitable temper, and complained of pains in the side. She returned to 11 Ashley-terrace, where she was employed as housekeeper, and retired to rest in her usual health. About five o'clock the next morning the daughter of the deceased, who slept in the same room, heard the deceased sighing very heavily, and before any medical assistance could be procured she expired. Deceased was a widow, and about 50 years of age. the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 December 1873
PLYMSTOCK - An Inquest was held at Turnchapel yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, concerning the death of DANIEL WILLIAMS, aged 7 years, who died from injuries received by burning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

YEALMPTON - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Yealmpton Arms yesterday, relative to the death of ROBERT CAWES, colt breaker, aged 70 years. The deceased was seized with a fit whilst on horseback, and was found in a state of exhaustion in Gorlaven-lane. Medical testimony shewed that death resulted from Natural Causes, and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 December 1873
PLYMOUTH - The Collision On The Cornwall Railway. Fatal Termination. The Inquest. - On Saturday evening, Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner, opened an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall on the body of RICHARD HOCKING, late driver of the engine Brutus, who died on Friday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, from the effects of injuries received in the collision between two goods trains on the Cornwall Railway on the 2nd inst. - The Coroner, in opening the proceedings, said the cause of the accident was well known to the Jury. At present he only proposed to examine two witnesses and then adjourn the Enquiry for the presence of persons who were in the collision. These parties would have to be brought from Truro. He did not think they would have any difficulty in coming to a verdict and he must say that the Cornwall Railway officials had evinced every desire to assist him in finding out everything which would cast any light on the cause of the accident. - The first witness called was William Storey, who said: I am foreman of engine drivers to the Cornwall Railway Company. On the morning of the 2nd of December I received information of the accident, and I went by the 6.55 a.m. train (which being late did not start until 7.30 a.m.) to about three miles beyond St Germans. I found there had been a collision, and from the place where the collision had been I went to a farm house, Mr Compton superintendent of the line, went with me, besides several other persons. I found the deceased, RICHARD HOCKING there being attended by a doctor. About nine o'clock, deceased and the other men were carried to the railway, placed in a carriage of a train and brought to Plymouth. I accompanied them all the way, and did not leave deceased until after he had been put to bed in a ward of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. When the train arrived at Plymouth deceased walked from the side of the carriage to the cab which took him to the Hospital. He spoke to me complaining of his hands being severely scalded. I had known deceased between nine and ten years. He resided at Truro, and was 31 years of age. - The Foreman (Mr Hutchings): You say that the 6.55 train did not leave until 7.30 that morning. Was there anything attributable to negligence in this? - A Juror: That train has nothing to do with the accident. - The Foreman: But the train was half-hour and five minutes behind time. - Witness: That was owing to the collision. - The Foreman: I merely throw out the suggestion, you was a half-hour and five minutes late. - Mr C. E. Compton, traffic superintendent of the Cornwall Railway, explained that the train would have started punctually, but hearing of the accident it was kept a few minutes to take officials to the scene of the accident. - George Payne: I am house surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. On the 2nd of December deceased was brought to the Hospital about ten o'clock in the morning. Four other men were brought with him. I had him placed in the accident ward. I examined him, and found him suffering from general shock and scalds to the hands and face, also cuts on the head. He was quite conscious. I sent for the surgeons of the hospital. Mr Connell Whipple came, and deceased was partly under his care at the time of his death. Deceased went on very well at first, but last Tuesday a change for the worse set in. He had incipient tetanus, commonly called lock-jaw. He had pains in the throat and neck, and gradually became worse, dying on Friday about 11 a.m. He said nothing to me about the accident. - The Coroner suggested that the case be adjourned until Tuesday at one o'clock, so that the officials who had to come from Truro might go back the same night. The Inquest was adjourned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 December 1873
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Deaths At Stonehouse. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held two Inquiries at the Red Lion Hotel, Stonehouse, yesterday. The first was relative to the death of FANNY NEATE, aged 45 years, who had for several years been suffering from asthma. On Tuesday night she retired to rest in her usual health, and early yesterday morning she asked her daughter to give her some water, and died almost immediately afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."
The second Inquiry was concerning the death of ANNE DAVEY, aged 56 years. The deceased had for some time past been suffering from lumbago. Yesterday morning she rose about seven, and left her room with the intention of washing her clothes, and about eight o'clock the husband of deceased found her lying dead in the court, with a cut upon her head. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead." The husband, in the course of his evidence, stated that his wife was in the washhouse when he went to bed on Tuesday night, and was not in the room when he awoke in the morning, and he could not tell whether she had been to bed for the night, but other evidence went to shew that she had been. The deceased women resided within a very short distance of each other.

Western Morning News, Monday 22 December 1873
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths. - At the Plymouth Guildhall, on Saturday, Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest relative to the death of ELIZABETH COLLACOTT, who was found dead that morning. JANE COLLACOTT, deceased's step-daughter, deposed that on the previous evening the deceased was very much intoxicated, and had been in the habit of frequently getting in this condition. - The Coroner: Have you ever seen her drink anything? - Witness: I have not, but have seen her greatly intoxicated, and I have found bottles of spirits secreted under her bedtie. About seven o'clock on Saturday morning her father asked her where the deceased was as she was not in bed, and witness found her sitting in a chair in the kitchen. She was dead, and her hands were quite black. Last saw her mother alive at half-past twelve o'clock, when she was lying on the bed very much intoxicated, and with her clothes on. There was a lemonade bottle in a cupboard in the kitchen, which had contained spirit. No spirit was sold in the house, and she had never fetched any spirits for the deceased. - RICHARD COLLACOTT, landlord of the Old Cattle Market Inn, who wept bitterly whilst giving his evidence, said that the deceased had been of very intemperate habits, and he had begged and entreated her not to drink. If she could not obtain ale in the house, she would go out and get spirits. Deceased was in very good health, but when she drank a great deal of spirits, she could not eat anything. - DINAH SIMMONS, deceased's sister, said that she had often entreated the deceased to leave off drinking, but she took no notice of her. She believed that MR COLLACOTT had been a kind husband. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he thought there could be no doubt that the deceased had died from Natural Causes, and that death was accelerated by drink. - The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased was Found Dead, but that death was accelerated by Excessive Drinking."

TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at Torquay on Saturday night concerning the death of JOHN HILL, aged 63. It appeared that on Tuesday afternoon he attended a funeral with his employer, and on returning he proceeded to take off the traces, and put the horses in the stable. While so doing the animals moved off, knocking the old man down, and the hind wheel of the vehicle went over him. He did not appear much injured, but said he was stiff and sore. He died on Thursday night from compression of the brain, caused by the shock to his nervous system. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

SHALDON - Shortly before ten o'clock on Thursday night a sad accident occurred in the playground attached to Mr Pridham's School, at Shaldon. There had been some penny readings at the schoolroom; and one of those who attended was a youth named WILLIAM NATHAN BRYANT, aged 18, who had only that day come home from Devonport to spend the Christmas holidays. On leaving the room he went with some other boys to a swing, commonly known as a "giant's stride." While running round, the other boys stopped, but the deceased continuing his career was dashed against the post, falling down and was picked up by his companions dead. An Inquest was held on Tuesday evening at the Clifford Arms, by Mr Michelmore, Coroner, and a Jury of which Col. Brine was the Foreman. DRUSILLA HOSKING stated that the deceased, who was her cousin, was a boy in the training ship Impregnable. - Samuel Tucker, apprentice to Mr Walling, painter, said he saw the deceased after the readings come to the swing and take a rope from a little boy named Harry Denley. They all ran round and then stopped, except BRYANT and Underhill. BRYANT continued running, running, and was swung round against the post, striking his head. He dropped down, but did not speak. they went to him when he groaned, and they took him up and carried him home. There was no larking or quarrelling, and no one gave any signal for them to stop. - William Henry Hugo, surgeon, was sent for shortly after ten o'clock, and found BRYANT dead. there were no external injuries or bruises upon any part of the body, and he believed that the deceased had met with some internal injury, either the rupture of a blood vessel or a fracture of the base of the skull; the latter he thought was the cause of death. The neck was not broken. - A verdict in accordance with the evidence was returned; and the Jury gave their fees to the lad's mother, who is a widow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 December 1873
PLYMOUTH - Last evening an Inquiry was held at the Guildhall by Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner for Plymouth, concerning the death of ANN LAMPEN, who died suddenly on Sunday. Deceased had suffered from asthma and heart complaint for twenty-seven or twenty-eight years. On Sunday she was in her house in Vauxhall-street preparing dinner, when she complained of headache. She laid down on the bed for some time, and her husband heard her snoring heavily. Shortly afterwards she died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest relative to the death of a child named MARY JANE WILLIAMS, aged 1 year and 7 months, who died from injuries received through falling from a chair, resulted in a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Another Inquiry was with reference to ELIZABETH DENLEY, who died suddenly on Saturday. The deceased had been of intemperate habits during the past twelve months, but previous to this was a teetotaller for eighteen years. On Saturday evening last, notwithstanding that she had been very ill, she left her house in New-street to go to the market where she had a fish stall, and about ten o'clock was returning home when she died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr Square also held an Inquiry at the Workhouse concerning the death of CHARLES GREET, a pauper lunatic, who died on Saturday last from injuries sustained. Henry Mitchell Drew, master of the house, stated that the deceased, who had been master of a vessel, was admitted in August last. He was very harmless and never quarrelled with any of the inmates. On the 3rd instant he was informed that the deceased had fallen over some stairs, and he at once ordered him to be put to bed. William Paull Jeffery, workhouse schoolmaster, said that on the night in question he found the deceased lying on his back at the bottom of the stairs leading to the room in which the inmates slept. Witness asked deceased whether he had any pain, to which he replied in the negative. Mr F. A. Thomas, house surgeon, said he attended the deceased, and on examining him, found him to have a broken thigh besides internal injuries, and these resulted in death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. Sleeman, Deputy County Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday, relative to the death of J. PARKHOUSE, a Marine pensioner, who died suddenly on Sunday night. The deceased had been unwell for the past two months, and on Sunday night he was taken worse, and before any medical assistance could be procured he expired. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was held at the Tavistock Union Workhouse by Mr R. Sleeman, Deputy County Coroner, respecting the death of MARY ANN BARKER, a widow, about 30 years of age, who fell over the stairs early on Sunday morning, while under the influence of a violent fit, and sustained fatal injuries. A verdict in accordance with the evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 December 1873
PLYMOUTH - ELIZABETH EALES, aged 65 years, and residing in Clifton-street, Plymouth, was found dead in her room yesterday afternoon, with a cup and cloth by her side and a poker near her. Her daughter had left her in the morning when her mother seemed very well, although she was a delicate woman and had suffered from palpitation of the heart. There were no marks of violence on the body. Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest last evening, when a verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Railway Guard. - Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner, yesterday held an Enquiry into the death of JOHN GUEST, a railway guard, who died on Friday in consequence of injuries received by his falling from a train on the 12th instant. Deceased was second guard of a train which left Exeter on the night of the 11th instant, and on reaching Kingsbridge-road station was seen to be in his van all right. coming down the Hemerdon incline the head guard, Roger Partridge, noticed that GUEST had not put on the break, and on pulling up at Cornwood "junction" deceased was found to be missing and the door of his van had been knocked off. Meanwhile the unfortunate under guard had got into serious trouble. Standing on the step of his van he was suddenly knocked off by something - he knew not what - falling on his arm. He managed to get to Denniton Farm, some distance from the railway, but had to get over some railings before he could reach there. He arrived in a deplorable condition, but his arm, which was not bleeding very much, was bandaged by Dr Holmes, and Mr Hanton, who occupies the farm, telegraphed to Plymouth to which place deceased was ultimately removed. He was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he was attended by Mr Square, surgeon, who found it necessary to amputate his left arm. Deceased bore the operation well and was getting on very favourably up to last Sunday week, when he was afflicted with sickness. He never rallied, but expired on Friday last. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 1 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday, by Mr Deputy Coroner R. Sleman, at the Carlton Inn, Eldad, on the body of JOHN COLE, a maltster, aged 60 years. It appeared that on the previous morning the deceased went into the cistern at the Eldad malthouse with another workman to throw out some barley. He had not been there longer than ten minutes when he staggered and fell. The other workmen sent for a doctor, but within a few minutes the deceased was dead. The Jury, of which Mr Kent was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Sad Death On The Bristol And Exeter Railway. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at the Valiant Soldier Inn, Exeter, on Monday, on the body of RICHARD HOOPER, guard on the Bristol and Exeter Railway, who was fatally injured at the Tiverton Junction a week since. It was proved by John Tucker, engine driver, that deceased was intoxicated and incapable of taking care of himself at Wellington on the night of the accident. When the train arrived at Tiverton junction, Mr Sweetland, the head guard, saw the deceased on the engine with Tucker, and after they had taken in water he went into his van thinking deceased was still on the engine. On arriving at Hele station, however, the driver told him that HOOPER got off at Tiverton Junction. The train then proceeded to Exeter. Mr Oaten, station master at the junction, proved seeing deceased, soon after the train arrived at the junction, at a crossing point which led from the up to the down line. It was very dark and he could not tell whether deceased was sober or not. He asked him to turn the point for him, and he did so. He did not see him until the next morning when he was suffering from the injuries which resulted in his death. John Babel, a policeman on the line, proved finding deceased lying on the line between the metals the next morning. He was insensible. There were several scars on his face, and a nasty wound on the back of his head. The accident happened on a Saturday, and deceased remained at the junction until the Monday, when he was taken to the Exeter Hospital. He was suffering from laceration of the brain, from which he died on Friday last. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from injuries received on the railway, but that there was no evidence to prove how he came by them.

EXETER - Suicide Of An Artilleryman. - An Inquest was held at the Hospital in the Higher Barracks, on Saturday morning, before Mr Coroner Hooper, touching the death of WILLIAM BEATTIE, a gunner in the K. Battery 11th Brigade, R.A., aged 38. The deceased was a married man, and his wife and four children were on the strength of the regiment. He was addicted to drink. He had served in America and in the Crimea. He joined the K Battery from Sheerness on the 19th December. A witness said he saw the deceased on the 20th, when he came to be examined by the medical officer as is usual when men join a fresh battery. He again saw him on the 21st in bed in the Hospital. At 8.45, witness told him to go and see the doctor. The deceased asked him to fetch his clothes from his quarters, and also to lend him his razor, because it was in his quarters. He then went to get the deceased's clothes. When he came back he saw the deceased lying on the bed on his back with his throat cut. Witness found a razor in the grate. Surgeon W. E. Riordan, R.H.A., said he examined the deceased, and found two gashes across his throat a couple of inches deep, almost severing the windpipe. He should say that from what he had seen of the deceased since the occurrence, he was suffering from delirium tremens when he committed the act. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 7 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - At the Brunel Hotel, Millbay, yesterday, before Mr Deputy Coroner Square, an Inquest was held on the body of an old woman named MARY NELDER, who resided with her husband at 6 Prospect-road. It appeared that on the night of her death deceased, who had been ailing from asthma for some considerable time, complained of being unwell, and a neighbour who was present, gave her some brandy, after which she felt considerably better. The next morning, however, she was found dead in her bed by her husband. The Jury, of which Mr Joseph Hicks was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Distressing Suicide At Stoke. - Mr Coroner A. Bone, and a double Jury, of which Mr John King was Foreman, met at Beaumont House, Stoke, yesterday afternoon, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of MR JOSEPH WHITTLE. - The first witness called was Mark Treleaven, an officer of the Plymouth Police Force, who stated that on Sunday evening last he went to the deceased's house, where he saw the body of the deceased lying on the floor. The witness found a letter on the floor of the dining-room some time after he entered, which he handed to Mr Metham, surgeon. - Mr Metham, surgeon, who was called, identified the letter produced as that given him by the former witness. The letter read thus:- "January 4th, 1874. My dearest wife, - I am in such trouble, I cannot longer live. I fell I am only a trouble to you and all my dear friends. My sins have been the cause. God bless you my darling JESSIE, and ever dear children. Kiss them all for their poor wretched father. God grant you my dear parents, brothers and sisters less unhappiness than you have lately had, and may they be your comfort and protector under all your trials. Do not regret your poor dear unhappy husband, but look to a brighter future, which I sincerely trust God will grant you. With kindest love to your dear self and all, believe me your loving husband, - JOE. P.S. - Keep the dear children with you if you can. Train them up to serve their God better than their poor unfortunate father has done. Kiss them all for me, dear. Good-bye. God bless you. I enclose cheque for £10. My book is at the bank." - Elizabeth Churcher, a domestic servant in the house of the deceased, said she had observed the deceased to be very strange at times. Sometimes he would fill the bath full of water and throw the dirty clothes into it. He had thrown bottles of scent over her and her fellow servant without saying anything. Sometimes he was sober and sometimes not. The witness saw deceased about 11 o'clock on Sunday morning, and he then appeared very melancholy. Shortly afterwards he left the house, returning in about half an hour with his wife. He applied his hand to his side, and said, "A nasty spasm; I felt it coming on." He scarcely appeared to be able to get along. He sank down on a chair and was apparently in great pain. Some brandy was procured and at the deceased's request Mr Metham was sent for. - Mr Metham said he had known the deceased between two and three years, and had seen him since then very frequently. He had been constantly on his list mostly through occasional outbreaks in drinking, and in the intervals he would be all right. The frequent excesses of drink no doubt produced an injurious effect on the brain. The witness saw the deceased on Saturday last, when he appeared to be more than usually depressed, and being incapable of collecting his thoughts. On Sunday the witness visited the deceased at his residence, when he complained that he was suffering violently from spasms. On the witness asking him for particulars, he requested his wife to leave the room. He then had a violent spasm which showed the witness that he had taken poison. He told the witness that he had taken, at half-past twelve o'clock, strychnine and prussic acid, which he said he had bought in Plymouth at several places. The witness continued to remain with the deceased until he died, which was about seven o'clock. When the witness asked the deceased why he had poisoned himself, he said, "I don't know why I did it; I was mad." - Mr Joseph Allen, chemist, carrying on business in Bedford-street, stated that the deceased came to his premises on Saturday, stating that he had a favourite dog, which he valued very much, and as it was getting old he wished to poison it. He asked which was the best poison, whereupon the witness informed him that strychnine was the best. The witness served him with two grains (in weight) of strychnine, and the deceased signed the register book of sales of poison with his name and address. - Mr Frederick Henry Foster, carrying on business at 2, Bank of England-place, said the deceased came to his shop about a month ago, and applied for some strychnine to kill a dog. Witness told him two grains would be sufficient to kill a dog, whereupon the deceased expressed a desire to have the dog killed as soon as possible. Witness then supplied the deceased with five grains. - Mr John Dampney, a chemist at Millbay, said the deceased came to his shop on Saturday and was supplied with a quantity of prussic acid, for the purpose, as the deceased stated, of poisoning a dog. - Mr Chandler deposed that there had been discrepancies in the deceased's accounts, and on the witness examining them, he found a considerable balance against him. The witness then discovered that although the deceased had no means he had purchased Beaumont House, Stoke, for £2,000. The witness told the deceased his acts were those of a madman, and that it would be necessary that his connection with the firm should cease. The deceased expressed a desire to go and see his friends at Sherborne, and accordingly the witness accompanied him there. It was there pointed out to him the absolute necessity of giving up Beaumont House, which he had bought and also that it was utterly impossible for him to live in the house, because of the inadequacy of his means. About the 21st of December the deceased's brother brought the witness a letter which the deceased had written, stating that he was in want of assistance, and also that his life insurance for £1,000 was due in a day or two, and that he was unable to pay it. The witness then wrote to the deceased, asking for a statement of his accounts, to which the deceased replied that the witness's letter had altered the aspect of affairs, and that he would go to them. That he did, and it was then made clear that the deceased was insolvent. The deceased appeared quite shocked at his position. - The Jury were unanimous in returning a verdict that the deceased died from the effect of administering to himself a quantity of strychnine whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 January 1874
EGG BUCKLAND - Fatal Accident At Laira. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Laira Inn, near Plymouth, last evening, relative to the death of WILLIAM JOHNS, a railway porter, who was killed on Tuesday night. The evidence shewed that the deceased and a guard named Ball were engaged in coupling up trucks at the Laira junction, and on Ball's calling out to deceased that they intended to go on the main line, and receiving no answer, he went to the deceased and found him lying down between the trucks dead, with his left leg, which was broken, under the wheel of one of the trucks. Both Ball and the deceased had their hand lights at the time of the accident, and the former believed that JOHNS was caught between the buffers. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 13 January 1874
PLYMPTON - Suicide At Plympton. - On Friday afternoon, shortly after four o'clock, an inmate of the workhouse, named JOHN PERRING, 56 years of age, committed suicide by hanging himself to the hand railing of the staircase leading to the male wards with five threads of rope yarn twisted together. This he must have taken from the oakum shop, where during the day he had been at work. Deceased in July last attempted to drown himself in the brook near the Workhouse, since which time he has conducted himself pretty well, but latterly he had been in very low spirits. An Inquest has been held by Mr R. Rodd, County Coroner. I verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 14 January 1874
SAMPFORD SPINEY - Mr Coroner Rodd held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Parlby Arms, in Sampford Spiney, on the body of JOHN MARTIN, a stonemason, aged 26 years. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 15 January 1874
BRIXHAM - Inquest At Brixham. - The adjourned Enquiry on the body found on the beach near Bury Head last week, was held yesterday at the Queen's Hotel, Brixham, before Mr W. H. Michelmore, Coroner. Charles Collier, one of the seamen on board of the Torbay Lass, identified the trousers found on the body as being the same as he sold to C. BENNET, ordinary seaman on board the same schooner, which arrived in Torbay on the 1st ult. The same evening C. BENNET was missed from the schooner. J. Binmore, also one of the crew, gave evidence which tended to show that the mate and BENNET were heard to create noises on deck by night. C. Collier said that the Captain told him that while they were at Savoni, BENNETT went on shore early one morning and reported to the Vice-Consul that the mate had treated him unkindly, threatening to heave him overboard twice; once he nearly succeeded in doing so. There was nothing on the official log to corroborate this statement. The Coroner said that the evidence produced led them to require further evidence on the matter, and therefore the Enquiry would be adjourned for two months in order that further evidence might be produced. The Enquiry occupied about two hours and a half.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 January 1874
PLYMPTON - Mysterious Death At Batten. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Castle Inn, Mount Batten, near Plymouth, relative to the death of GEORGE PRIESTLEY, who was found drowned the previous afternoon in Batten Bay. - HARRIET PRIESTLEY, wife of the deceased, said her husband was 64 years of age, and had been an innkeeper, but at the time of his death kept a lodging-house at No. 4 Southside-street. On Tuesday evening, between six and seven o'clock, after partaking of tea, the deceased left his home, but did not say where he was going. Lately he had said that he thought he should spend every pound he had, and then he did not know what he should do. During the past two months he had been in a desponding state of mind and in the last two weeks much more than before. - George Hine deposed that about 2.30 on Wednesday afternoon he saw the body of the deceased lying in the water off Batten beach, about five feet from the shore. He might have fallen over at the place accidentally. - John Pardon, sergeant Royal Marines, stated that about noon on Wednesday he saw the deceased in Batten field, going towards Batten, from Turnchapel. He saw him the previous night about ten o'clock at the Borringdon Arms, Turnchapel, where he was going to bed. When witness saw the deceased in the field he thought that he was looking very miserable, but he was perfectly sober. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Monday 19 January 1874
TEIGNMOUTH - The Fatal Boat Accident At Teignmouth. - An Inquest was held at Teignmouth on Saturday, by Mr W. H. Michelmore, County Coroner, respecting the death of CHARLES JOHNSON, who was drowned by the upsetting of his boat on the 9th inst. The deceased was 50 years of age, and his body was found on Friday floating close to the shore. The principal witness was John Thomson, and as he was too ill to attend the Inquiry, the Coroner and Jury went to his house. He stated that on the 9th instant he went out fishing with the deceased. There was a heavy sea on the bar, but a light wind. They remained out until about six o'clock, when the wind began to freshen from the east, and the weather to look dirty, in consequence of which they determined to make for the harbour. As they came near the bar a sea struck the boat, filling it with water, and shortly after another wave turned the boat bottom up. He and his companion caught hold of the keel, got on the bottom and called for help for about ten minutes. It was very dark, and they could not see the shore. Witness said he thought that it would be a bad job, and he should hold on to the boat, as his sea boots were so heavy. Deceased replied that he had hold of an oar, and should swim ashore. Witness then saw him about a boat's length ahead, and making for the shore. The chief boatman of the Shaldon coastguard picked Thomson up about a quarter of an hour after JOHNSON left. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 21 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Tradesmen's Arms, near the Octagon, yesterday, before Mr Deputy Coroner Square, to Enquire into the cause of the death of SARAH POTTER, aged 59, who lived at 3 Martin-street. Helen Wyatt, daughter of the deceased, said she visited her mother on Saturday evening and found her in bed very unwell. On her becoming worse she despatched her little brother for Doctor Pearse and the latter said he could not come at that time, but would do so in the morning, and gave the messenger two powders for her mother's relief. The deceased was then unconscious and could not take the powders. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and at the same time censured the conduct of Dr Pearse, who they considered should have sent an assistant if he could not have attended himself.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 January 1874
BISHOPSEIGNTON - Sad Occurrence At Bishopsteignton. - A painful occurrence has taken place at Bishopsteignton. A young woman named ANN PETHRICK, 27 years of age, a lady's maid to Mrs Huddlestone, at The Lodge, returned from London, where she had been with her mistress on Monday, the 5th inst., and on the following Tuesday she was taken ill. She went to bed, and it was supposed that she had taken cold whilst on her journey down. She refused to see a doctor, saying that "it was very cruel of them to bring a doctor when she had no wish to see one." On the Wednesday and Thursday there were no signs of her getting better, and she was again advised to have medical advice, but she refused, stating that she would soon recover. On Saturday last Mrs Gater, wife of the gardener at "The Lodge", on going to a cupboard in the young woman's room, found the dead body of a male child wrapped up in a shawl. A doctor was sent for, and PETHRICK was accused of being the mother. She at first denied it, but on Sunday evening confessed to Mrs Huddlestone that she had given birth to the child. On Monday Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest, at which Mr Edwards, surgeon, gave evidence to the effect that the child was fully developed, but he could not say whether it had had an independent existence, and an Open Verdict was returned. The matter has had a still more tragical termination than is usual in such cases, for from the time the discovery was made, the unfortunate mother sank gradually and yesterday she died.

PLYMOUTH - Medical Certificates of Death. - Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the Tradesman's Arms, Octagon-street, Plymouth, relative to the death of SARAH POTTER, who died on Sunday morning last at her residence, 3 Martin-street. The Coroner said that about a month ago the deceased was attended to by Mr Pearse, surgeon, residing in Flora-place. On Saturday night last she was taken ill, and Mr Pearse was asked to come to her. He said that Mr Lewis, his partner, should see her the next morning, and he sent two powders for her to take, but she was unable to take them. No medical man saw the deceased between Saturday night and Sunday morning, when she died; but in the evening the surgeon came. If Mr Pearse could not have attended he should have sent someone else; and, had he done so, an Inquest would not have been held. As it was, however, he (the Coroner) had found it necessary to hold an Inquiry to ascertain the cause of death, more especially as the life of the deceased was insured. Ellen Wyatt, daughter of the deceased, deposed that when the powders from Mr. Pearse were brought her mother was unconscious and could not take them. Mr Pearse, sen., did not come until between five and six o'clock on Sunday evening, and he did not see the body when he came. - CHARLES POTTER, son of the deceased, said he saw Mr Pearse on Saturday night between nine and ten o'clock, and told him personally that his mother was very ill. Dr Pearse said that Mr Lewis was not at home, but that he should come the following morning. - Ann Crop stated that she was present during the whole of the time of the illness of the deceased, and up to the time of her death no medical man saw her. - The Coroner read the following certificate, given by Mr Lewis:- "I attended MRS POTTER, of Martin-street, a month since, for general dropsy and apoplexy. She was taken ill on the night of the 17th, and died of convulsions early on the morning of the 18th. - Lewis Lewis, surgeon." He (the Coroner) could not tell how anyone could give a certificate if he had not seen the person during illness. Certificates given in such a manner took away the protection due to the public. - A Juror said he thought a medical man should attend to a person that was ill, whether poor or not. - Another Juror considered that when the relations of the deceased found that Mr Lewis did not come, they ought to have sought another medical man. He thought that Mr Pearse was very attentive; but in many cases children were sent after a doctor, and did not bring back proper answers. It was not right for children to be sent upon such errands. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 24 January 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Sad Death of A Naval Pensioner At Devonport. The Coroner And The Medical Evidence. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr Deputy Coroner A. B. Bone, jun., at the Barley Sheaf Inn, Catherine-street, Devonport, touching the death of JOHN LUKE, aged forty-five years, who was a naval pensioner, and lived at Doidge's Well. - Jane Williams stated she lived in the same room with deceased. Last Thursday week, about half-past nine o'clock in the evening, she went downstairs and found the deceased lying at the bottom of the steps outside the house. He was a naval pensioner, and drew on the 1st of the month, 30s. He left home about seven o'clock the same evening, saying he was going out to get some biscuits for the child. When the witness found the deceased she sent for a man named Haynes, who went for Dr Bennett. The deceased was unconscious. The doctor did nothing that night for the deceased, who passed a very bad night. The following day the witness sent for Mr Bennett, but as he did not come she sent to the Relieving Officer for an order, which was brought to her, and which she sent to Dr Bennett about five o'clock. Dr Bennett came about seven o'clock, examined the deceased, but gave him no medicine as he was unable to take it. He ordered the witness to give the deceased some beef tea. On Sunday he gave him a powder. The deceased expired on Thursday afternoon. - William Haynes said that the deceased was at his house, at Doidge's Well on the night the accident occurred. The deceased was quite sober, and was not addicted to drink. The witness was called about ten o'clock and went to the room of the deceased, where he saw him lying on the floor on his back, covered in blood. At the last witnesses request he went for Dr Bennett. The latter came soon after and looked at the deceased, saying he had better be taken to the hospital as it was a hospital case. The doctor then asked to be paid 2s. 6d. for his visit, whereupon the witness told him that the deceased was a pensioner, and he might rely upon his being paid when the deceased received his pension. The doctor said if he could not be paid, it was no use for them to call him again as he would not come. It was very hard he should be brought out of his bed for nothing. - Mr Bennett, M.D., M.R.C.S.E., said that on the night in question he went to the deceased's house and found the deceased upon the floor with a quantity of blood on his head and clothes. He did not examine the wound, but looked at it. From the examination he formed his opinion that the case was a fatal one. He was convinced that it must have been a most violent blow that produced the wound in the deceased's head. He said it would be better for the deceased to be taken to the Hospital as it was a hospital case. He visited the deceased daily up to the time of his death. The woman that was with the deceased said he had only taken two spoonfuls of beef tea on the following day. On the first occasion of his calling he formed his own impression of the case and left. He directed that the deceased should be put to bed as soon as possible. His opinion was that the deceased was suffering from concussion of the brain, caused by violent injury to the head. Fracture of the skull was the nature of the disease, and he did not ascertain that until after the deceased was dead. - The Coroner: When was the memorandum made in the District Medical Relief Book to the effect that the deceased's skull was fractured? - Witness: That was made on the day the deceased became a district patient. - The Coroner: How did you know it was a fracture of the skull if you had not examined the deceased? It would be much better if you would explain that. - The Witness: Is it necessary for me to explain that? - The Coroner: If the Jury are satisfied, I am not myself. Did you cut off any part of the hair? - The Witness: No. The deceased was bald-headed. - Hayes: He was not bald-headed. - The Witness: It was not necessary because the cut was quite distinct from the hair. - The Coroner: I believe you made a superficial examination of the body of the deceased, did you not? - The Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: When was the first time during life that you carefully examined the wound? - The Witness: I did not examine the wound carefully until after death, because from the symptoms of the case I saw that no advantage would accrue to the deceased from such examination. - The Coroner: Then you made no careful examination until after death? - The Witness: No. - The Coroner: The statement made by the two witnesses was that you refused to attend to the case unless you were paid 2s. 6d. - The Witness: When I asked them to pay me 2s. 6d. they said they could not pay it, and I said I could not come any more. I thought that the proper thing in a case like that was to take the deceased to the Albert Hospital. I was rather indignant because they refused to pay. - The Coroner: Am I to understand that you refused to attend to the case because they would not pay you? - The Witness: I did not prescribe anything then, nor did I do anything to the wound myself, or examine it carefully. - A Juryman: Was it not your duty to examine the wound? - Witness: No. It was my duty to do the best for the patient. - The Coroner: That was to do nothing. you go on to say that it was a most fatal case, and that the man would die. Now how could you form an opinion of the case without an examination? - The Witness: There was nothing serious in the wound itself. - The Coroner: How could you tell that the deceased had fractured his skull if you did not examine the head? You need not try to answer that question, because it is impossible; and I ask you still further whether it was not your duty as a medical man not only to make an examination of the head, but a careful examination? The first thing you ought to have done was undoubtedly to carefully examine the wound. - The Witness: I did examine the wound. - Hayes: The deceased had blood in his right ear, and I told Mr Bennett of it. As soon as the blood was taken out of the ear it would fill up again. The deceased could not move his left arm or leg, and the doctor never examined his body at all. - Dr Bennett: There was an abrasure on the left hip not worth mentioning. - The Coroner: How was it possible for you to tell that the deceased had fractured his skull? - The Witness: Even supposing that the deceased had his skull fractured actually as long as no bone was pressing on the brain I could tell. - The Coroner: What light did you have? - Hayes: A rushlight candle. - The Coroner: What light did you get to examine the wound? - The Witness: There was plenty of light to examine it. It was moonlight. - The Coroner: Do you mean to tell me that you could examine the deceased in the condition he was by the light of the moon? In the first place you said that there was nothing serious in the wound itself, and then you go on to say that the case was a fatal one from the first. Those remarks are certainly very inconsistent. - The Witness: I don't think they are. The wound was more of a contusion than a direct cut, but if it had been made with a knife it might not have been serious. - The Coroner: Did you examine the head of the deceased at all carefully during life? - The Witness: I examined it on the first visit and on several occasions afterwards. I cannot tell when or how many times. On the first visit I satisfied myself by the cursory examination (made on Thursday night) as to the extent of the injury. I thought it was concussion of the brain, and that was all. - The Coroner: Will you undertake to say that there was no bone pressing on the brain. - The Witness: yes, because he did not suffer from symptoms of compression. Those symptoms are very deep sound sleep. - The Coroner: Did not the deceased sleep sound according to the evidence of the woman. - The Witness: There was no deep sleep in a medical aspect. - The Coroner: It was on the night of the 15th inst. you went first to see the deceased, and on the 16th you formed an opinion that the skull was fractured. - The Witness: Yes, and not before the 16th. - The Coroner: Will you undertake to say there was a fractured skull. - The Witness: No. In my opinion the deceased died from concussion of the brain caused by the injury referred to. - A Juryman: How long did you remain in the room on the first occasion? - The Witness: About ten minutes. I was told the deceased was drunk by Hayes. - Hayes: I did not tell you. - The Witness: How can you contradict it? (To the Coroner, quietly). Don't listen to him, he is an Irishman. - The Coroner: I observe that you are very clever in evading the questions put to you. - After the Jury had held a lengthy consultation in private, the Enquiry was adjourned until today. In the meantime a post mortem examination will be made on the body of the deceased by another surgeon.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 26 January 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Important Enquiry At Devonport. - Mr Deputy Coroner Bone and a Jury held an adjourned Inquest at the Barley Sheaf, Devonport, on Saturday, to further Enquire into the circumstances under which JOHN LUKE, a naval pensioner, 45 years of age, came to his death in Doidge's Well upon the 21st instant. The Inquiry was adjourned, because at the preliminary investigation it was alleged that Dr Bennett, junr., did not make a sufficient examination of the wound upon the head of the deceased (caused by his falling downstairs) to enable him to form an opinion as to its severity or extent, and it was decided that a post mortem examination should be made with a view to ascertaining if death was accelerated by inattention. - Dr Christopher Bulteel, of Stonehouse, was now called and stated that he had that day made a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased. He found a severe ecemosis on the right eye, with a diffusion of blood under the first membrane. There was also a scalp wound under the left side of the head. There was no depression of the bone at any part, nor could the fracture have been felt or recognised by manipulation during life. He had no doubt the injuries he had described caused death. - The Coroner: I should like to ask you if you think anything could have been done for him. - Witness: Nothing in the world could have saved him. - The Coroner: What should you have done, had you been called in? - Witness: There is nothing to be done beyond careful nursing. No medicine is of the slightest value. - The Coroner: Did the wound appear to have been dressed? - Witness: I could not judge. The dressing one would apply in such a case would be water, and that would not leave any mark. - The Coroner: Do you think it would have been desirable to dress the wound? - Witness: I should have put on a damp linen rag myself. - The Coroner: We have this difficulty, and should be glad to have some explanation from you. Suppose a patient suffering in the way described, the wound being caused by a fall, would it appear desirable for the wound to be examined and the extent of the injury ascertained? - Witness: In any case of this kind one always carefully examines the wound to ascertain if there is any fracture or not. - The Coroner: Quite so, but what would you have done in this case? - Witness: I would have examined it carefully. - The Coroner: You can only do that by manipulation, I presume? - Witness: Quite so. In this case there was bleeding at the ear, and that would denote that there was a fracture. - The Coroner: My difficulty is that this bleeding was not mentioned to the medical man until the next day. The medical man is called, and sees the patient suffering from a severe wound in the head, and without any manipulation, and with no other light than that of a small rushlight looks at the wound, and goes away without anything being done for the patient. Now, I fell bound to present it to you in that way, and ask you if you think that that was the mode in which the patient should have been treated? I should be glad if you could reply to that question. - Dr Bennett here interposed, but the Jury immediately protested against his saying anything, and he resumed his seat. - Witness: I think I had better reply to that question by saying what I should have done. I should certainly examine the wound carefully with my hand, and satisfy myself that there was no fracture within reach which I could relieve by attention. I should carefully enquire into the symptoms and if I found there was bleeding of the ear I should come to the conclusion that a fracture existed, and look at the case as a very serious one. - The Coroner: I should like to ask you whether you think the symptoms of themselves which the man would show during a quarter of an hour would have enabled you to form an opinion that there was a fracture at the base of the skull? - Witness: The bleeding of the ear would. - The Coroner: Without that? - Witness: No, it would hardly be sufficient. - The Coroner: What symptoms irrespective of the bleeding of the ear? That is the difficulty I have, and upon which I am seeking an explanation. What symptoms would you depend on? - Witness: The scalp wound or insensibility would certainly show that he had some serious injury. - The Coroner: Continuous insensibility or insensibility after the injury? - Witness: Insensibility after the injury. - The Coroner: I am confining the time to ten minutes or a quarter of an hour. That is the difficulty. - Witness: I don't see the drift of this. - The Coroner: This man falls over the stairs, the doctor goes to see him, is with him for ten minutes, sees he has a wound in the head, does not examine the wound with his hands, but simply looks at it, the man being insensible and saying nothing. I want you to tell the Jury whether it was possible without examination, and without an examination of the symptoms beyond that of insensibility to have ascertained that there was a fracture? - Witness: Certainly not. - The Coroner: It might have been a scalp wound or drunkenness? - Witness: Yes, or insensibility simply arising from temporary depression of the brain. I think simple insensibility combined with a scalp wound examined by the eye only would be insufficient to enable a medical man to form an opinion that the patient was suffering from a fracture of the skull, or what the extent of the injury was. - (In answer to Dr Bennett): You might still have symptoms of compression, with extravasation of blood. - Dr Bennett: If in going to see a patient such as the one described I found that there were no symptoms of compression, and was decided upon the point, would it not be superfluous to examine into that which I felt convinced did not exist? - Witness: I cannot say it would be superfluous to examine scalp wounds. - Dr Bennett: I don't deny an examination is necessary but in this case there was a considerable haemorrhage of blood from the wound and I did not like to insert my finger especially as I saw the symptoms were so strongly marked for I did not want to increase the haemorrhage. The symptoms were decidedly those of concussion. - The Coroner: You tell us you thought it was a fatal case, but at present I cannot see how you arrived at that opinion. - Dr Bennett: This was a severe concussion. - The Coroner: From what you said, this man might have got right again in half-an-hour. - Dr Bennett: No, sir, the degree was so distinct. - The Coroner: How did you ascertain the degree? - Dr Bennett: I can only tell you what I have from general appearance. - A Juror: I should like to ask Dr Bulteel, if he was called on this particular case, on entering the room and looking down at the patient in the manner in which it has been stated Dr Bennett did, if he could come to any decided opinion on the case? - Dr Bulteel: No, I could not. - The Coroner, in summing up, said: That is the case, gentlemen, - a very simple one so far as the cause of death is concerned. This poor man on the night of the 15th was well before falling over the stairs; he receives an injury, is ill for seven or eight days, and dies. Those circumstances alone would be sufficient to induce you at once to come to the opinion that the man died from the effect of this fall. The only point in the matter demanding any observation from me is the one we have been discussing so long - the mode in which the patient was treated upon the night of the 15th. I think it is but due to Dr Bennett to say that no doctor or anyone is bound to attend upon a patient unless he is paid for it. I have no doubt that medical men are very greatly taxed in their kindness, and I must do Mr Bennett the justice to say he is not bound to attend any case unless ordered to do so by parochial order, but Mr Bennett went, and he says he did attend to the case. We have clear evidence from Mr Bulteel, which you have heard, that whatever attention had been given to the patient on the night of the 15th or subsequently, nothing could have been done for him, so that it is quite clear that no want of attention did in the least contribute to his end. That disposes of the leading part of the case, but at the same time so much has been said about it that it is necessary that these observations should be made. I certainly think that it is to be regretted that notwithstanding the result, the manner in which the case has terminated, and the injuries from which the deceased was really suffering at the time, I think it is to be regretted that a more careful examination of the patient was not made when the doctor was called. - At the request of the Jury, the court was then cleared, and after an animated discussion in private, the following verdict was unanimously agreed to: "That the deceased met his death by an Accidental Fall. The Jury added that, whilst the omission did not, as the case fortunately resulted, either cause or accelerate the death of the deceased, yet they feel bound to express their regret that the patient was not more carefully attended to and examined by Mr Bennett on the night in question.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - A Drowned Man Found At Millbay. - Early on Saturday morning a labourer named Gilbert, working in the Great Western Docks, Plymouth, observed something floating in the water which he ultimately discovered to be the body of a man in a very decomposed condition, the body having evidently been in the water for three or four weeks. The clothes consisted of a shooting coat and waistcoat of mixed material, a new pair of pilot-blue trousers, two flannel shirts - one striped and the other dark-brown - and a pair of blutcher boots. In the afternoon Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Waterman's Hotel, Millbay, and he read a letter which had been received by the Great Western Docks' Company from a person named Rowling, living at Penzance. It was to the effect that a man named RICHARD ODGERS, who had been a seaman on board the schooner Eliza Baines, lying at the pontoon in the Great Western Docks on the 27th December, had since been found to be missing, and that Mr Rowling was afraid he was drowned. The Great Western Dock Company replied to the letter stating that the Eliza Baines had been towed down to Looe to load with copper, and that one of the crew was missing. The Coroner further informed the Jury that he had telegraphed to Penzance that morning a description of the clothes and had received a telegram from a MRS ODGERS, at Penzance, saying, "I am convinced he is my husband. Am not in power to have him brought to Penzance; please bury him there." The Coroner said the telegram was not evidence and he should have to adjourn the Inquiry in order that the clothes might be identified by MRS ODGERS. The Inquiry was accordingly adjourned until Friday next.

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 January 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Injuries To A Somnambulist. - Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Newton Townhall relative to the death of MRS SUSANNAH SOPER, aged 84 years. The deceased resided at Hill View-crescent, and a few nights ago she walked out of window whilst asleep, and falling on the pavement, fourteen feet below, broke an arm and leg, and received severe internal injuries, from which, and the shock to the nervous system, she died on Sunday last. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Fearful Murder In Plymouth. - Yesterday afternoon great consternation was excited in the vicinity of Clifton-place, Plymouth, on an alarm being given that MR SWEET, who, although a young man, is a well-known resident in that thoroughfare, had murdered his wife. About three o'clock some children, who were playing near the house in which the dreadful crime was committed, heard screams and cries, and by congregating in front, drew the attention of several neighbours thereto. No one, however, then had the slightest idea that an awful tragedy was being enacted within. The screams were not heard by any but the children, and the noise appears to have suddenly ceased. Soon, however, the dreadful fact became known that a wife had been murdered, in a most savage manner, by her husband. - The murdered woman was MRS SWEET, a daughter of MR ISAAC WATTS, of the Globe Hotel, who had only resumed cohabitation with her husband a few months ago, after a lengthened separation consequent upon a suit for nullity of marriage instituted by her. The suit was unsuccessful, and after MR SWEET had been abroad for a few months he returned, and the two settled down together, residing at 46 Clifton-place. They have since September last been living together, apparently one excellent, indeed, most affectionate terms. The commencement of the quarrel is not clearly known. About an hour previously Mr Watts, the deceased's father, in company with Mr Bates, called at the house to canvass MR SWEET for his vote, and held a brief conversation with both MR and MRS SWEET, with the former on election matters. MRS SWEET was ironing and there was then nothing to indicate that there had been or was likely to be ill-feeling between her and her husband. The visitors took their leave and almost immediately afterwards MR SWEET asked for some pomatum. There happened to be none in the house and MR SWEET proposed to send the servant out for some, but MRS SWEET objected. The servant (Emily Donovan) was, however, sent, and on her return found that a fearful crime had been committed during her absence. Her mistress was lying on the floor, fearfully wounded, blood gushing from many wounds, and completely saturating her clothing, and portions of the carpet, and other furniture of the room. What took place between the unhappy couple during the servant's absence can only be inferred. MR SWEET said, when at the police-station, that his wife and her friends had frequently taunted him and threatened to get him placed in a lunatic asylum. - Upon making the horrible discovery of what had taken place, Donovan, the servant, rushed to the front door, where she stood trembling and doing all she could to raise an alarm. Quickly the news now spread, and a large crowd soon surrounded the house and filled the street. A few of the more immediate neighbours entered the house and went upstairs, where they found the unfortunate woman lying on the floor, writhing in agony and literally soaked in blood. Mr Bickles, Mr Cornish, Mrs Chubb and one or two others were among those who at once rendered what aid they could to the dying woman. Others ran to P.C. Berton's house, which is regarded as a local police-station, in Mount-street. He happened to be at home and lost no time in proceeding to Clifton-place. Others ran for surgical aid. Mr Eccles, Mr Square and Mr Eales, surgeons, quickly arrived; but in the brief interval the poor woman had nearly succumbed to the fearful injuries she had received, and in a few minutes afterwards quickly died. She had previously been lifted on to the bed, and the blood having been partially washed from her face, head and hands, it was seen that she had been cut, hacked and stabbed most barbarously. The weapon with which the awful deed was committed was a kind of cutlass, about twenty-eight inches long in the blade, and an inch and a half broad, blunt, but sharp pointed. From the appearance of the wounds there is no doubt that the murderer must have attacked the deceased with great fury, and have continued his onslaught until his helpless wife lay dying at his feet. It is clear that she resisted desperately so long as strength remained. Her hands are fearfully cut, and one wrist was broken by the force of one of the blows she endeavoured to ward off. Across the top of the head were two deep gashes; there was another deep cut from the bridge of the nose across the right eye; a deep stab in the right temple; and a large open wound across the left ear, and far into the left cheek. Altogether, it is said that the deceased received no fewer than thirty cuts and stabs. - Up to this time no one knew what had become of the murderer, and search was commenced to be made after him, but the arrival of several police constables shewed that the shocking event had become known at the Guildhall police station, and it was then ascertained that SWEET had voluntarily given himself up. - It seems that on the servant's return with the pomatum the want of which alone appears to have been the immediate cause of the quarrel, the murderer left the house ran to the cab stand at the head of Torrington-place and ordered the cabman to drive to the Guildhall. Arrived there, he went into the magistrates' room, and began to throw about the books, and the cabman being unable to obtain his fare, seized SWEET'S hat and went round to the adjoining police office and gave information. Inspector Murch went up to where SWEET was and found him gesticulating wildly. He took his keys and money out of his pocket, and threw them out of the window, and raved incoherently. He was led down to the police-office and laid on his back, where for a considerable time he groaned and muttered about Bates and the election, about not being asked to the Globe, and other nonsense. The police could not detect any smell of drink in his breath, but as he asked repeatedly for water, and seemed so strange, the divisional surgeon, Mr Stevens, was sent for, and soon arrived. SWEET spoke something about having been subject to fits, and about having taken nitrate of soda three times a day to ward off attacks, but little importance could be attached to such intimations, as he was manifestly either partially intoxicated, or was afflicted by real of feigned madness. - For hours after the murder became known large crowds gathered around the house in which the deceased lies, and around the police station. The servant was, as may well be imagined, greatly frightened, and had to be taken to her home in a cab. -
Opening Of The Inquest. - Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner, and a double Jury, of whom Mr John Hicks was Foreman, opened an Inquiry at eight o'clock last evening, at the Wellington Inn, Wellington Street. - The Deputy Coroner informed the Jury that it would be necessary for time to be given to the Inquiry, and remarked that he had no doubt all present were aware of the painful circumstances of the case. He had ordered the Inquest to be opened that evening simply for the purpose of identifying the body and viewing the scene of the tragedy. When the body had been viewed, he should give his certificate of burial. He should have to adjourn the Inquiry, when somewhat lengthy evidence would be taken. At the present time he did not intend to make any remarks relative to the cause of death. The statements already circulated had cast a deep gloom over the town. He wished them to dismiss from their minds any reports they had heard and also to avoid, as far as possible, any conversation upon the subject between the present time and the adjourned Inquest. He need not tell them that it was one of the most serious Inquiries that a Coroner's Jury could hold, and it was important that they should weigh the evidence which would be brought before them upon oath with dispassionate minds. - The Jury then proceeded to view the body and the scene of the murder, after which some necessary evidence was taken:- A relative of the deceased deposed that the deceased was the wife of SYLVANUS SWEET, who resided at 46 Clifton-place, Plymouth. They were married about four and a half years ago, and were subsequently separated; but they had lived together again since August last. On Saturday night last witness saw the deceased alive, being the last time. She and her husband appeared to live comfortably together. The deceased was ANN ELIZABETH SWEET, and she was in the 28th year of her age. - John Bickle, landlord of the Clifton Inn, Clifton-street, deposed about quarter past three o'clock that afternoon from information he had received, he went to 46 Clifton-place, where he found man named Yabsley. Witness inquired if a surgeon had been sent for, and was answered in the affirmative. Witness saw the servant of the house at the door; she was trembling very much. He went upstairs, and on going into the bedroom he found deceased lying on the floor. She was alive, but appeared to be quite unconscious. She opened her eyes but seemed to take no notice of him. She was struggling very much, and witness held her hands. Dr Eccles soon arrived, and witness assisted to put deceased on the bed. Soon afterwards Mr William Square, surgeon, arrived, and each of them remained until deceased expired, at twenty-five minutes to four o'clock. - P.C. Benton next deposed that he found the deceased lying in a pool of blood, with her head towards the room door. She was covered with blood; and was struggling greatly. Witness went to get a surgeon, but did not succeed, but on his going back, a surgeon was present. Witness found lying near the deceased and near a chest of drawers, a weapon similar to a "Jew's knife," the blade being twenty-eight inches in length by about inch and half wide. It was covered with blood and hair. Witness ultimately reported the circumstances at the Guildhall. - Inspector Murch stated that he was on duty at the Plymouth Guildhall that afternoon, when he received a message that a gentleman wished to see him upstairs. Witness went into the magistrates' room and saw MR SWEET, who appeared to him by his manner to be very drunk. He was greatly excited. Witness asked him what he required, when he began to cry, and said "Mr Bates, Mr Watts and my wife are going to send me to the asylum." He was detained in custody. - No further evidence was taken, and the Jury were bound over in £10 each to attend at the Plymouth Guildhall on Thursday next, to which day the Inquest was adjourned.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 31 January 1874
STAVERTON - Found Drowned At Staverton. - On the morning of the 8th of December last, a married man, named GEORGE WINSOR HAMLYN, a baker, 37 years of age, left his home at Broadhempston, and not returning, his friends became alarmed, and fearing some ill had befallen him, they offered a reward to anyone giving information of his whereabouts, whether dead or alive. This notice appears to have brought them news to the effect that he was working on the line at Dawlish, as a navvy, which occupation he sometimes followed. The friends did not trouble to go to see or enquire whether this information was correct. The other day two young men named Lowe, who were out shooting, observed something in the river Dart, near Staverton Mills, and informed a man named Wyatt, in the employ of Mr H. E. Mathews, of the mill, of the fact, and he, with the policeman stationed in the village, took it out, when it was subsequently identified by Mr James Barter, of Broadhempston, as the body of the missing man. The body was in a very decomposed state. This leads it to be presumed that he must have been in the water ever since he went missing. An Inquest has been held on the body by Mr Coroner Michelmore, when a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. The deceased had lived apart from his wife for many years. They had one child, which she maintained.

PLYMOUTH - The adjourned Enquiry into the circumstances attending the death of a man whose body was picked up near the Great Western Docks, was resumed yesterday at Cross's Hotel, before Mr Rodd, Coroner. ELIZABETH ODGERS said she had examined the clothes of the deceased and recognised them as belonging to her husband, RICHARD ODGERS, a seaman on board the schooner Eliza Baines. The Jury found a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 4 February 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Carlton Inn, St. Aubyn-street, Devonport, before the Coroner, Mr A. B. Bone, and a double Jury, touching the death of SARAH AUSTIN, who committed suicide by hanging herself on the morning of the 2nd inst. Anne Nugent stated that she was a servant to Mrs Ross, who resided with the deceased, who was her mother, at 26 St Aubyn-street. Witness had been in her present situation about nine months, and slept in the same room as the deceased, although not in the same bed. On Sunday the deceased appeared in her usual health, and partook of her meals with the rest of the family. Witness remarked that when eating her supper, which consisted of some meat and a glass of ale, MRS AUSTIN appeared to be rather more cheerful than usual. About half-past ten deceased went to bed, witness retiring at the same time. On the following morning, about seven o'clock, she was preparing to rise when deceased told her she need not get up yet, as daylight had not appeared. However, she got up and went downstairs, leaving the door of the bedroom ajar. Deceased not making her appearance at ten o'clock, Mrs Ross told witness to call her down, and she, therefore, went upstairs to do so. She noticed that the door of the bedroom was closed. She opened it and found the deceased in a half sitting, and half kneeling posture, with her face resting on the bed. A skylight was immediately over head, and from it was suspended a rope, which was twisted around her neck. Witness hurried downstairs and related to her mistress what she had seen. - Witness further stated that deceased, who had lost three of her sons at sea, was subject to fits of melancholy, and would sometimes sit in the kitchen for several hours without speaking. Witness had a suspicion that she had taken to intemperate habits. - The Jury, of which Mr Henry Simcox was Foreman, returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 5 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - Inquest In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held on Monday at the Brunel Hotel, before Mr Deputy Coroner Square, touching the death of a child of JOHN COOPER, a labourer. The child was five weeks old. ELIZA COOPER, the mother, stated that about half-past one on Sunday night, she took the infant in her arms to nurse it to sleep, and then placed it in bed. It was then in its usual health. The next morning, at about half-past eight, she found it dead. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 6 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Wife Murder In Plymouth. The Adjourned Inquest. - Mr Deputy Coroner E. Square, and the Double Jury, of whom Mr J. Hicks was Foreman, empanelled to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of ANNE ELIZABETH SWEET, re-assembled at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon and proceeded with the Inquest. Mr G. Pridham watched the case on behalf of the prisoner, and Mr Pearce on behalf of the friends of the deceased. - The depositions taken at the opening of the Enquiry were first read over, and Mr Thomas, uncle of the deceased, made a correction as to dates, stating that his niece was married in May 1868, was separated from her husband in February 1869, and resumed cohabitation on the 26th August 1873. She returned to her husband with the consent of her friends. - Inspector Murch gave additional evidence to that deposed by him at the opening of the Enquiry, but the whole of which he stated when examined before the magistrates. He also produced the clothing of the prisoner SWEET. The trousers and the handkerchief were spotted with blood, and the waistcoat was torn down the right side, shewing that there had been a severe struggle. In answer to Mr Pridham the witness said from what he could judge of the prisoner, he was out of his senses. - P.C. Venton, on being re-examined, stated that the prisoner recognised him when he came to the Guildhall, called him his friend, and made some allusion to the deceased being enceinte. He also informed him that his wife had desired him to allow her so much money, that he had made £50 a year over to her, and that now he could not rest. - Mr George Henry Eccles, M.R.C.S., gave evidence as to the nature of the wounds he found on the body of the deceased. In answer to Mr Pridham he said it was quite possible that a person subject to epilepsy might have become suddenly infuriated as SWEET appeared to have. - Mr Pridham: More than that, is it not a frequent occurrence that people subject to epilepsy fall into fits of frenzy? - Mr Eccles: It is not of frequent occurrence, neither does it follow as a natural consequence. - Henry Doney, cabman, deposed to SWEET coming to him on the afternoon of Wednesday week last and of his asking him to drive him as fast as possible to the Guildhall. - In answer to Mr Pearce, witness stated that there was nothing to lead him to treat SWEET otherwise than as an ordinary customer. He appeared to be reasonable, but hurried. - Mr Edward Bates, M.P., was then sworn, and stated: I was out canvassing on the day of the murder, and Mr Watts, took me into a house and introduced me to his daughter. I there saw the prisoner SWEET, and I noticed nothing particular in his manner. - Mr Pearce: Was there anything at all in his appearance, his actions, or his manner, to lead you to suppose he was other than perfectly sane? - Mr Bates: I did not take any particular notice, I do not think I even asked him for his vote. - Mr Pearce: But there was nothing at the time to lead you to suppose there was anything wrong with him? - Mr Bates: Certainly not. - Mr Pearce: Was there any mention of an asylum? - Mr Bates: Nothing, whatever. I did not know the man previously, and I was unaware, up to that time, that Mr Watts had a daughter. - Mr Pearce: You were all on very friendly terms? - Mr Bates: I saw nothing to the contrary. - Mr Pearce: Did you ask him for his vote? - Mr Bates: I cannot say I did. I am not sure, but I generally ask the ladies. - Jane Hext was next called and deposed that she was the servant of MR SWEET for some two or three years, and he was then subject to violent attacks of madness for days prior to a fit coming upon him, and that, whilst in such a condition he used to break up the things. When he recovered he used t tell her that he knew nothing about what had occurred. On one or two occasions when in such a condition she had seen him go to the cupboard in his bedroom, take out the sword, look at it, and put it back again. - The Foreman: Were you not afraid of him? - Witness: No, I felt I could conquer him. - A Juror: You could plainly see when the fits were coming on? - Witness: Yes, for days. - Mr Isaac Watts was then called by Mr Pearce and stated: On the 28th January last I left my house in Bedford-street in company with Mr Bates to canvass the neighbourhood of Clifton-place. About three o'clock in the afternoon I was passing my daughter's residence, and went in. MR SWEET came towards me, and shook hands heartily with me. My daughter was ironing, and I asked if all was well. My daughter said "Yes," and I then introduced Mr Bates to them, saying MR SWEET would vote for him and Mr Lloyd. MR SWEET wished to have something to do, and I told him to assist in the canvassing. On leaving I asked my daughter whether she wanted anything, and she said no. MR SWEET then appeared to be perfectly rational, and I saw nothing strange in him. My wife and myself have assisted in promoting their happiness in every way we could, and every time I have seen my daughter she has said she was perfectly happy. - The Coroner here objected to receive such evidence. They had nothing to do with anything other than the cause of death, and if any further evidence of a like character was brought forward he should exercise his prerogative and decline to receive it. - The Foreman: For myself, I should like to satisfy my mind as to whether SWEET was in his right senses or not. - A Juror: Have we to ascertain whether he was in his right mind or not? - The Coroner: Certainly not. You have only to say what was the cause of death. - MR CHARLES SWEET, the brother of the accused, testified to his having given his brother the sword, and also to the fact of there having been two instances of insanity in his family. - Mr Pearce hereupon said if this kind of evidence were admitted he should feel himself bound to produce evidence as to the sanity of the man. - The Coroner: I shall decline to take it, although you can call it if you like. We are not here to deal with the man's insanity, but only to Enquire into the cause of death. The opinions of people as to whether the man was sane or not cannot be admitted, but the authority of medical men might be taken. - Mr Pridham pointed out that the question for the Jury was whether they were to find that SWEET did wilfully and with malice aforethought kill his wife, or whether at a time when he was in a state of mental aberration and not knowing what he was about he committed the deed. At the present time he did not think the Jury had sufficient evidence to enable them to come to either conclusion, and he should therefore offer some evidence upon the point. He called, John Lewis Cocks, who stated that he was a master painter. Whilst at work near the Guildhall on Wednesday week last he saw SWEET drive down in a cab to the Guildhall. He was in a very peculiar condition, looked and acted strangely, and talked about being put into an asylum. Altogether he behaved in so irrational a manner that witness looked upon him as being mad. - The Coroner again objected to this evidence. - The Foreman: I don't know what the feeling of the Jury is, but so far as I am concerned I should like to hear every item that could be brought out in evidence. We have been called together either for a purpose or for no purpose, and if we have to come to any decision at all it is important that those persons, who can speak as to the mental condition of SWEET, should have some consideration, and of course it cannot be considered unless you allow the evidence to be called. - The Coroner: I will allow you to hear it, but I shall not take it. - Mr John Sims, the Governor of the Plymouth Gaol, again stated the conversations which he had had with the prisoner SWEET, and which have already appeared in the columns of the Mercury. - Dr Hingston stated that he had attended SWEET for over two years, consequent upon his suffering from apoplectic fits, the essential element of which was absolute unconsciousness. - Mr Pridham: From what you have heard today, and giving your opinion medically, do you believe this unfortunate man knew what he was about or not? - Dr Hingston: I am confident he was unconscious. - Mr Pridham: You think from what you have heard, and from what you know of him, that it would have been impossible for him to have committed this crime when in a sound state of mind, and with malice aforethought? - Dr Hingston: Most certainly. - A Juror: Might not domestic unhappiness, such as he has passed through, have the effect of aggravating the disease for which he has been treated? - Dr Hingston: It would certainly tend to excite it. Assuming it is true that he was labouring under the mental delusion of being about to be sent into an asylum, sufficient excitement might have been brought on as to throw him into fits. - Dr Allridge gave corroborative evidence. He stated that he was connected with the Plympton Asylum, and was intimately acquainted with epilepsy, having in times past at a certain hospital had to deal with so many as 500 epileptic patients at a time. When not under the influence of the disease, those persons were perfectly rational, but when under its influence they might commit any act without being aware of it. Any man who suffered from epilepsy might commit a most atrocious crime and would be perfectly unconscious of what he was about, for epilepsy was not epilepsy without utter unconsciousness. Besides that, it was subjective and not objective. A man might have an epileptic fit before their eyes and yet they could not notice it, as it was not necessarily attended with convulsive movements. In its early stage the disease was as he had described it; convulsions came on as a later symptom. Speaking medically he did not believe the man was responsible for his actions when he committed the murder. Epilepsy was most sudden and he knew of instances where persons had been taken when most dangerously engaged, such as in shaving, sitting before a fire, or cooking. - A Juror: Was it not strange he should have immediately gone to the Guildhall? - Dr Allridge: No; because to me it appears that he was labouring under the delusion that he was going to be sent away to an asylum, and he went to the Guildhall to seek protection. - A Juror: Would violence usually follow a fit? - Dr Allridge: Not as a necessary consequence. You may have violence, or you may have convulsions. - After one or two other witnesses had been re-examined, the Court was cleared, and the Jury proceeded to deliberate upon their verdict. After a lapse of about half-an-hour, the Court was again opened, and the following verdict was then returned:- "The Jury, after hearing the evidence, find that SYLVANUS SWEET killed his wife, ANNE ELIZABETH SWEET, on the 28th January 1874, but that there is no evidence of premeditation or malice aforethought."

Western Morning News, Monday 9 February 1874
BERE FERRERS - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Beeralstone, relative to the death of an elderly woman named JANE ELLIS, who, on Thursday was found dead by the roadside on her way home from Denham Wood, where she had been gathering sticks.

BRENTOR - Mr Rodd also held an Inquest concerning the death of JAMES YELLAND, an old man 77 years of age, who cut his throat early on Thursday morning at Brentor, and died from the effects on the same day.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 February 1874
BRIXHAM - The Suspicious Death In Torbay. - The Inquiry by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, respecting the death of CHARLES E. BENNETT, who was drowned in Torbay in December last, was resumed at the Queen's Hotel, Brixham, last evening. The deceased was a seaman on board the schooner Torbay Lass, and whilst the vessel was lying in Torbay, he and the mate were on one occasion left alone on board, and BENNETT was never afterwards seen alive. Previous evidence had gone to shew that the deceased and the mate were on bad terms; and John Glanville, a shipmate of BENNETT'S, stated that the deceased had wished to leave the vessel in a foreign port in consequence of this ill-feeling. The witness added that the mate had repeatedly told BENNETT to jump over-board, as he was of no use on board. Edward Bryan stated that shortly after BENNETT was found to be missing he went on board the Torbay Lass and found the mate sound asleep in his cabin. He was quite sober. The Inquest was further adjourned until March 10th.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 11 February 1874
TORQUAY - Death From Burning. - An inquest was held at the Torbay Infirmary on Monday evening, before H. Michelmore, Esq., Coroner, on the body of LOUISA ROW, aged 10, of Paignton. The deceased, it is supposed, was in the act of taking a kettle of water off the fire when her dress became ignited. Her cries brought to her assistance two men named Smith and Pope, who extinguished the fire, and she was afterwards taken to the Torbay Infirmary, where she lingered until Saturday afternoon. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees, through Sergeant Ockford, to the father of the deceased.

TEIGNMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Teignmouth. - An Inquest was held by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on Monday, at the Teignmouth Infirmary, on the body of a little boy named NEWBERRY, who was killed on the previous Saturday. It would seem from the evidence adduced that the deceased, on the day named, was riding on a timber waggon, when he fell off and the wheels passed over him, resulting in his death shortly afterwards. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 February 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Concealment Of Birth At Devonport. - Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon, at the Royal Albert Hotel, Morice Town, Devonport, relative to the death of the newly-born male child of EMMA TONKIN. The evidence shewed, that in October last TONKIN was in the service of Mr Hitchings, forage dealer, Stonehouse, and on Tuesday last complained of being unwell and consequently went to bed for a few hours. She had previously had notice to quite, Mrs Hitchings having discovered that she was pregnant, and before leaving on Wednesday Mrs Hitchings gave her some brandy and ultimately she left in a cab. About five o'clock TONKIN went to a Mrs Donovan's house in Gloucester-street, Morice Town, where she remained. Mrs Donovan noticed that she had a bundle under her arm, which TONKIN subsequently put in with her clothes. Mrs Donovan's suspicions being aroused, she searched, and discovered that the parcel contained a newly born male child. Dr May made a post mortem examination of the body, but could not say whether the child had had a separate existence. Respiration had never been perfectly established. The lungs were slightly inflated. The Jury returned the following verdict:- The Jury are of opinion that the deceased was born dead, but there is no evidence to shew whether it had a separate existence."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 14 February 1874
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at the Torbay Infirmary, before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on Thursday afternoon, on the body of WILLIAM BURNETT, a marine store dealer, who resided at Brunswick Square, Torre. On Wednesday February 4, about six o'clock in the evening, the deceased was walking along the road leading from Torre station, when in trying to get out of the way of a carriage which was passing, he fell under the wheel of a waggon, and fractured his ankle joint. he was at once taken up and conveyed to the Infirmary, where his leg was amputated just above the ankle joint. The deceased, an old man about 67 years of age, never rallied from the shock. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating the driver (Richard Crute) of the waggon from all blame.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 16 February 1874
MARIANSLEIGH - Shocking Accident. - An Inquest was held on Friday at the King's Arms, Mariansleigh, touching the death of WALTER EASTMOND, who fell from a corn rick the Wednesday previous, and was impaled through the body by a stake or pole. Mr Deputy Coroner Toller and a Jury, of which the Rev. Gurney was Foreman, found a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 February 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident In Devonport Dockyard. - Mr W. Rundle, Mayor of and Coroner for Saltash, held an Inquest at the Devonport Dockyard relative to the death of CHARLES STANSWOOD, aged 26 years, an able seaman of H.M. lighter Falmouth. - John cocks, metropolitan policeman, said that about ten minutes past ten on Sunday night he was on duty in the dockyard and several seamen belonging to various vessels lying off the yard were passed through the gate, and amongst them was the deceased. It being low tide at the time, deceased had to descend to his vessel by means of an ordinary ladder and when, as witness thought, deceased was nearly on board, he heard a splash. He immediately procured assistance, and after a ten minutes' search they succeeded in finding the body near the bow of the vessel, a considerable distance from the spot where deceased fell. He was immediately brought on shore, and a surgeon from H.M.S. Royal Alfred, who was in attendance, tried every means of restoring life, but without effect. John Bond, seaman of the Falmouth, was descending the ladder at the time deceased was going down, and when deceased was only one step from the ship, witness was nearly thrown off the ladder by deceased falling from it. There were only three feet of water where deceased fell and he must have struck against the drain pipe which runs along the wall. Deceased was perfectly sober at the time. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 February 1874
TORQUAY - Poisonous Matches. - Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Townhall, Torquay on Monday night, respecting the death of an infant two years of age, named SABLE, the daughter of a labourer. The child, in crawling about on Saturday, got hold of some matches and sucked off the tops, the phosphorus poisoned the child, which died on Sunday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - Death By Burning At Plymouth. - Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the old Guildhall, Plymouth, yesterday, relative to the death of MAUD M. NORSWORTHY, aged 7 years. The deceased on Monday morning came downstairs in her night-dress, and whilst putting some coke on the fire her chemise ignited and in a second was in a mass of flames. Deceased ran to her mother in the parlour, who extinguished the flames, and ultimately took her to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where she was attended to by the house surgeon, Mr C. Gill, until she expired on Tuesday afternoon. In answer to the Coroner the mother said that she did not know the deceased was downstairs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 20 February 1874
MARWOOD - Fatal Mining Accident Near Barnstaple. - On Wednesday forenoon a man named GAMMON, a native of Marwood, was engaged in sinking a pit at Plaistow, in connection with the iron mining operations now going forward in that neighbourhood. Through some lack of care on his own part, a portion of the soil fell upon him, and he was buried beneath it. Assistance was at once obtained, but, when released, life was found to be extinct. Yesterday an Inquest was held on the body and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 24 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Warne's Hotel, Neswick Street, before Mr Deputy Coroner Elliot Square, relative to the death of JOHN RAWLINSON, a naval pensioner, 61 years of age. HENRY RAWLINSON stated that deceased enjoyed very good health, although he occasionally complained of pains in the side. - Mary Rogers, residing at Frederick Street, said deceased, who acted as the collector to the Prudential Club, used to call every Wednesday to receive the club money. Last week he also called on Saturday, when he appeared unwell and asked witness for some water. She got some and held it to his lips; he did not drink any, and laid himself down on the floor. He then rose and again sat down, but shortly after expired. Deceased was a very temperate man. The Jury, of which Mr Wellesley Hook was Foreman, returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 February 1874
EGG BUCKLAND - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquiry yesterday at Egg Buckland respecting the death of an unmarried woman named FANNY SAUNDERS, aged 29 years, who died in childbirth. A post mortem examination had been made by Mr C. Eccles, of Knackersknowle, and in accordance with this gentleman's testimony a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Death Under Singular Circumstances. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, held his first Inquest since his serious illness, yesterday afternoon at the Plymouth Guildhall, on the body of MARIA VEALE, aged about 60 years, who resided in a garret at the top of a house in Lower-lane. - JANE VEALE, the sister of the deceased, stated that the deceased, who was a single woman, had been in service until seven years ago, since which time, in consequence of some bodily ailment, she had been living on her means alone. - Mary James, who lived in the same house as the deceased, said she last saw her on Friday in the passage, where, in a conversation about some spoons, she remarked that she would take one of the spoons into the workhouse and sell the others, as her money was almost expended. On Monday the rent for the room (6d per week) was due, and the witness accordingly went to see the deceased for the purpose of receiving the money, but found that she could not gain admittance, the door being locked from the inside. Witness procured P.C. Williams, who, upon breaking open the door, found the room in a state of great disorder and confusion, the smell arising from the filthy state of the house being intolerable. The deceased was undressed and lying on the floor. In the pocket of her dress there was 11s. 9 ¼d. and provisions were found in the room. The Coroner remarked that it seemed strange that it was possible for a human being to retire to her apartments and lie dead from Friday until Monday without being discovered. The Jury, of which Mr Loyd was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TAVISTOCK - Death From Suffocation. - An Inquest was held at Tavistock Workhouse on the 23rd before Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, on the body of a male child named DAVY. The child was found dead in bed. The Jury of whom Mr Stephens was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Suffocation."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 26 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - Medical Men And Their Certificates of Burial. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Cambridge Inn, Cambridge-street, on the body of SIDNEY SMITH, aged two years and nine months. - MARY ANN SMITH, the wife of a tailor and grandmother of the deceased child, whom she kept, said the child had been weak since its birth. The deceased had bronchitis in December last, when Mr Shepherd, surgeon, attended him, but he had not seen the child since. The witness had had charge of the child ever since his mother left him, which was last August twelve-months, during which time his mother had not seen the deceased. On Sunday the child was taken in a fit, and the witness sent for Mr Shepherd, surgeon, who came in a quarter of an hour, the child having died in the interval. Mr Shepherd told the witness to call on him on the Monday, when he gave her the following note in addition to the certificate to take to Mr Codd, the registrar:- "31 Portland-square, Plymouth, Feb. 23rd, 1874. Sir, - I have attended SIDNEY SMITH, aged 2 ¾ years of 40 Morley-place, Plymouth, on many occasions, seeing him last in December 1873. Last night I was called to see him as he had been suddenly seized with convulsions, but on my arrival I found he had expired. I think it probable the fit was occasioned by the accession of measles, which is frequently so ushered in, and from the known debility of his constitution it was just what was likely to prove fatal. - I am, sir, yours obediently, R. Shepherd, surgeon. - To the Registrar." - Elizabeth Brown, who lived in the same house stated that the surgeon was sent for after she got into the room, and the child just then breathed his last. - The Coroner said the case was not a satisfactory one. It was one of the class of cases that left a good deal of dissatisfaction on the mind. He could not call any more evidence before them. He merely said it belonged to a class which he did not like, and he was bound to speak out. The deaths amongst children were extremely numerous, and there were many cases of children dying which they passed over without notice. It was most singular, that in a great number of cases of children who died about the age of the one in the present case, the friends of the deceased were most remarkably slow in calling upon the doctor. There was a system, and it seemed a most easy thing of procuring the certificate of a medical man, upon which they could bury. It had come to his knowledge that some of the certificates were given with great carelessness because some of the forms were filled up with "male" where it ought to be "female", and vice versa. Mr Shepherd was not present, but if he was he should not hesitate in saying that he was not justified in sending that letter to the Registrar, and he would ask the Jurymen whether any respectable man could bury upon that note? Did they think that was a certificate upon which any certificate of burial should be given? - Mr Codd very properly would not act upon it, and what authority had he to say that the circumstances were all right? Someone would have to take the responsibility of causing the child to be buried upon a medical certificate. This was a system that he wanted to put down. If people could get medical assistance for the child t be buried, why could they not also get it for the purpose of saving the child's life. The doctor had not seen the child, and how could he give a certificate? He would be obliged if medical men, when they were called after death, would leave the case to take its course, and not give a certificate. - The Foreman: you see if a child gets a little unwell it is not always convenient for the mothers to procure a doctor. - The Coroner: The Coroners are not the doctors, and the doctors are not the Juries. - The Foreman: It is scarcely a correct thing to give a certificate. - The Coroner: Still it was enough to act upon Mr Codd's mind. - The Jury then returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 27 February 1874
ASHBURTON - The Death By Burning At Ashburton. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Market Hall, Ashburton, by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, respecting the death of the girl WHITE, who died on Tuesday night from injuries caused by the catching on fire of her clothes on that day. The evidence was identical with the facts stated yesterday. MRS WHITE, her grandmother, stated that the deceased had always shewn a great fancy for going close to the fire, and this had made them very careful of her. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 27 February 1874
PAIGNTON - The Fatal Accident To An Actor At Paignton. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday evening, at the New Pier Inn, Paignton, by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on the body of MR FRANCIS WALTER WATTS, an actor at the Bijou Theatre in that town, who met with his death on the previous day by falling over the stairs. - Mrs Dowell said the deceased used to lodge with her. He first came with her about three week ago, bringing his wife with him. About a quarter after one o'clock on Tuesday morning, after she was in bed, she heard the deceased and his wife enter the house. They usually returned home shortly after eleven o'clock. Before the deceased went upstairs, she heard some angry words pass between him and his wife, but she could not say what they were. She remembered, however, his wife ordering him to doors and he replied "I'll go ANNIE dear, give me my hat." he then went out of doors and she heard the door locked, the wife afterwards going upstairs. Just afterwards the deceased knocked at the front door and then he went round to the back of the house and threw gravel up to her (witness's) window. She got up and let him in at the back door. She tried the front door but found that the key had been taken away. She saw the key the next morning on her table, so that it had been taken out by someone. When she let the deceased in he did not speak to her, but made a sign with a little stick he had in his hand to go to bed quickly, and he went into his sitting-room. She then went to bed, and she thought "dozed" a bit. Presently she heard the wife go downstairs and enter the room where he was, and some words, as though in anger, spoken by the wife, but the deceased seemed penitent - she meant his words seemed those of kindness. She did not hear him make use of any angry words at all. The deceased afterwards went upstairs leaving his wife down, and presently she heard her come up, and directly she came up she asked deceased to go downstairs again to fetch the matches. He said "I will ANNIE my dear," and she fancied he then left to go downstairs. She thought she heard him go down over one or two steps when he fell to the bottom. He made no noise after the fall. His wife said "Then you are down, FRANK?" She thought this was also said angrily, as though she could not help her temper. After this she heard a gurgling sound as if in the throat, and she (witness) exclaimed to her husband, "The man is dying," and then the wife of the deceased came into her room and took a light which she had just struck, and went downstairs, she (witness) following her. When the wife got to the bottom of the stairs she cried out dreadfully, saying that he was murdered, or killed, or something of that sort. The deceased was lying at the bottom of the stairs insensible, but not dead. His wife held up his head, and she (witness) called a neighbour, named Joseph Elliott, who came at once. She did not hear any footsteps from the bedroom to the top of the stairs but the deceased's. There was one step from the bedroom to the landing, and to come down the stairs, which were rather steep, deceased must turn to the right. Her bedroom door was opposite the deceased's and she heard no scuffling at all; nor did she consider the deceased was drunk, as she saw him walk from the back door to the sitting room. Deceased died about two hours after she went to him, and about half-an-hour before Mr Pridham came. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 28 February 1874
DARTINGTON - Suicide Near Totnes. - On Tuesday night a married man, named JOSEPH TURPIN, 46 years of age, landlord of the Cott Inn, in the parish of Dartington, was found to have committed suicide by hanging himself in a linhay, situate near the rear of the inn. The deceased was last seen at Cott-court. At the Inquest held on the body on Thursday by Mr Coroner Michelmore, and a Jury, of whom Mr Edward Shinne, was Foreman, it was shewn that the deceased had been ill for some time past, and had consulted several medical gentlemen, who were rather afraid he would destroy himself, consequently they advised his wife to keep a close watch on him. The deceased had also been very much affected of late, owing to money matters. The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased committed Suicide by hanging himself whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 3 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at the Brunel Hotel, Millbay-road, on the body of SARAH SHORT, aged about 43 years, who resided at 44 Station-road, and was the wife of a pensioner. The deceased got up on Sunday, and appeared cheerful and in her usual health, until about seven o'clock in the evening, when she was taken in a fit, and expired before medical aid could be procured. The Jury, of which Mr Cousins was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 13 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Guildhall, before the Coroner, Mr Brian, on the body of JOHN ELLIS, a pensioner, who resided in Zion-street. John Walters stated that on Wednesday deceased was taken ill in the street, and was removed to the house of the witness, where he became slightly better. A doctor was sent for, but before he arrived the deceased had expired. The deceased, whose age was between 70 and 80, was described as a temperate man. The Jury of which Mr Richard Layers was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Sailor. - Mr Brian (Coroner) held an Inquest last evening at the Tradesmen's Arms, Plymouth, on the body of JOHN MAY, aged 17 years. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased left Plymouth last Saturday week in a sloop called the Victoria and whilst at sea he fell from the mast head to the deck. The vessel was put into Falmouth, where the captain landed the deceased and sent him by train to his home in Plymouth. Mr Lewis, F.R.C.S., stated that he was called in to see the deceased on the following Wednesday, and found him very much bruised in the region of the spine, symptoms of inflammation having appeared. He saw him on three subsequent occasions. On his first visit he strongly advised the father of the deceased to have him taken to the Hospital, and was very much surprised when he came again to find that this had not been done. Witness further stated that deceased should have been provided for at Falmouth, and considered that his illness was much aggravated by the journey in the train. The Jury, of which the Foreman was Mr Toop, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Fatal Canoe Accident Near Torquay. - the body of ALFRED ERNEST CROWDY, the young gentleman who was drowned whilst canoeing off Anstis Cove, on Thursday last, was picked up on Wednesday off Hope's Nose, and an Inquest was held the same evening before Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, at Ilsham, a villa in the Middle Warberry-road, the residence of the parents of the unfortunate deceased. The evidence went to show that the deceased, though Thomas, the boatman, tried to persuade him against it, went out from Anstis Cove in a canoe about three o'clock, the water being very smooth at the time. He was able to manage the canoe well, but after being out about half an hour, and when three parts of a mile from shore, the deceased was noticed to lean over on one side, apparently for the purpose of catching hold of some floating object. The canoe immediately turned over and capsized, and the deceased fell into the water. He called out for Thomas, made an unsuccessful attempt to catch hold of the keel of the canoe, and then sank. A young man who had seen the occurrence through a glass on a high hill overlooking Anstis Cove at once gave the alarm, and within a few minutes two or three boats were pulled to the spot. The canoe was found bottom up, with the deceased's cap, the footboard and the sponge floating close by. No trace of the body was seen, however, and although lines and creeps were used, the efforts to find it were not successful until Wednesday. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental death, and through Sergeant Board gave their fees to the Torbay Infirmary. The Coroner advised Thomas not to allow young gentlemen who could not swim to go out in his canoes in the future.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident To A Fireman. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall on Wednesday relative to the death of JAMES BAILEY, aged 73 years. - James Swigg, foreman of the fire brigade of the West of England Insurance Company, said the deceased was a member of the brigade. On the morning of the 21st ult. he was in attendance at a fire on board the ketch Sophia Holton, which was lying alongside the Brunswick Wharf, Admiral's Hard, Stonehouse, and was engaged in directing a hose along the wharf. There was a large quantity of coal upon the wharf, leaving only about six feet clear to the edge of the quay. About ten minutes after witness and deceased had been conversing together he heard a cry of "A man overboard," and found that the deceased had fallen over the wharf into a dry dock, a distance of about fifteen feet. Assistance was procured and it being so intensely dark, he held a torch for them to see by. Deceased was got up, and taken in a cab to his home. Both witness and Mr Marshall asked him if he would go to the Hospital, but he refused. Witness asked deceased on several occasions how the accident occurred, and he replied, "I do not know; I fell over the quay, it being so very dark and I could not see where I was going." - Mr C. Chapman, surgeon, said that deceased was admitted into the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Friday last and died on Monday. He had since made a post mortem examination, and found that the third, fourth and fifth ribs were broken; the sixth, eighth and ninth fractured; and that there were internal injuries. He was of opinion that if deceased had been brought to the Hospital when the accident occurred he would have had a better chance of recovery. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 March 1874
EXETER - Mysterious Death At Exeter. - Early yesterday morning an Exeter policeman saw a hat on the bank of the river Exe, at the Quay. Inside the hat was the name and address of its owner, W. G. STONE, of Victoria road. Inquiries were made, and it was found that STONE, who was a shoemaker, but had lately been working at the Wheeler and Wilson sewing machine depot - had not been home for the night. This led to a search being made in the river, and at a place a few yards from where the hat had been found, the searchers also found the body of MR STONE. An Inquest was held last evening by Mr Hooper, Coroner. WM. CASLEY STONE, shoemaker, of Cathedral-yard, identified the body as that of his son, who was in the habit of working for him as a journeyman. He last saw deceased in his workshop about half-past one on Monday, when he appeared to be in his usual health. It seemed that he did not go home to dinner, and that he was not seen by any of his relations afterwards. MR STONE said his son was a moderately temperate man, and when he left him on Monday he was in good spirits. He had no knowledge of anything having occurred to give him no trouble. Miss Southwood, daughter of the landlord of the Britannia Inn, South street, deposed to having seen the deceased in the taproom at seven o'clock in the evening. He drank a glass of ale, and left in a perfectly sober state. The Coroner's officer had been unable to discover anyone who saw the poor man after this, but a woman at the ferryboat house - a few yards from where the body was found - said she heard a noise in the night, as if somebody had rambled against her door. The body bore no marks of violence, and there being no evidence to explain how the deceased got into the water, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 18 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Distressing Suicide. - Mr Coroner Brian, and a Jury of whom Mr F. J. Kerswill was Foreman, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Royal Mail Inn, Richmond-street, to investigate the circumstances attending the death of MR WILLIAM BLAKE PEARSE, 50 years of age. - The deceased on Monday morning breakfasted as usual with his wife and daughter at his home in Tavistock-place, and subsequently left to go to his workshop in Morley-place. The deceased was evidently low-spirited, for he scarcely spoke during the whole time he was seated at the meal, and had indeed been much depressed for some time past, from what cause his wife had been unable to ascertain, but she had a suspicion that he was grieved because he was unable to let a house belonging to him in Garden-street. At a quarter to twelve a milkman named Alfred Dyer was in Cambridge-street, when he received information which induced him to proceed to the deceased's workshop in Morley-lane, and on gaining the room by a ladder attached, he found a coal dealer, named Mills, holding the deceased in his arms, the body having previously been hanging from a beam in the centre of the roof, with his feet several inches off the ground. The body was speedily cut down, and finding that life was not extinct, as was evidenced by feeble pulsations and weak breathing, the witnesses used all their exertions to induce respirations, but their endeavours were unavailing, and by the time Dr Thompson had been fetched all signs of animation had departed and he pronounced him to be quite dead. Witnesses, not connected, but acquainted with the deceased, gave evidence that he had been exceedingly depressed and that they were not astonished at the rash step he had taken. The deceased's landlord, Mr Hoare, was the first to open the door to see him for (it was understood) rent which was overdue, and he was so shocked that he ran off without staying to discover if the deceased was dead or alive. The Coroner, in summing up, considered that certain men most unnecessarily and foolishly sometimes got into their minds that which was termed by the French a fixed idea to which they paid such importance that it gradually, unless they took a firm determination to draw themselves out of the slough, drove them into putting an end to their existence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity," a Juror expressing his opinion that Mr Hoare was not a hard landlord, and that he was of too nervous a disposition to have saved the life of the deceased had he remained with him.

PLYMOUTH - Singular Death Of A Female. - An Inquest was held later in the evening by Mr Brian, at the Guildhall, on the body of MARY ANN INKESTER, 56, the wife of a naval pensioner, at present serving in the merchant service, and living in Bilbury-street. The deceased was last seen about six o'clock on Sunday evening by a neighbour when she was noticed going into her room. From this she was not perceived to stir up to yesterday morning, and then her fellow tenants becoming alarmed burst her door and found the deceased lying dead on the floor, resting with her face against the edge of a washing pan, against which, judging from the presence of blood on the floor, and marks on the face, the poor woman had evidently fallen. The deceased had been addicted to habits of indulgence, but as the Jury were not of opinion that death was the result of any accident, and as they suspected the deceased to have been rather seized with a fit, they returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday respecting the death of the infant child of MATILDA STRATFORD, a single woman, residing with her mother in Morley-lane. The child was born about three weeks ago, and the services of a midwife were engaged, but no medical man saw it until after death. A post mortem examination by Mr C. Whipple, shewed that it was impossible for the child to have lived in consequence of its weakness, and of being affected by its mother's misconduct. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 24 March 1874
BRIXHAM - Inquest At Brixham. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of CHARLES BENNETT, seaman on board the Torbay Lass, of Brixham, who was found drowned on the beach near Berry Head on January 6, was held at the Queens Hotel, Brixham, yesterday, Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner. The Jury gave a verdict of "Found Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - Found Dead In Bed. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, yesterday afternoon, by Mr Coroner Brian, to investigate the circumstances attending the death of the male twin child of JANE STARK, living in Buckwell-street. The mother of the deceased stated that the child was seven months old, and had been delicate in health. A verdict of Natural Causes was returned by the Jury, of which Mr William Pearson was the Foreman.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 25 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held yesterday, by Mr Coroner Brian, on the body of EDMUND BOYCE, a plasterer, aged 29. Daniel Normand, a plasterer, said he was working with the deceased on the 11th instant, at the St. Andrew's Church, Plymouth, when a board fell from a scaffolding near them, and struck the deceased on the chest. He did not at first seem to suffer much from the blow, but the day after the accident he became very ill, and died on the 23rd instant. Mr Thorold, M.R.C.S., in accordance with the Coroner's request, had made a post mortem examination and he gave, as his opinion, that the deceased had been suffering from disease of the heart, and this much accelerated the effects of the blow received. The Jury, of which the Foreman was Mr James Harley, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 26 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr Brian, Coroner, at the Golden Lion Inn, Fore-street, on the body of RICHARD HOCKING KEAST, who committed suicide by hanging himself on Tuesday last. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased, who was a pensioner from the dockyard, and aged 61, had been suffering for some months from melancholy. On the evening of the 24th inst., FRANCIS KEAST, the son of the deceased, knocked at his bedroom door and receiving no answer, he endeavoured to open it, but found it to be locked. Feeling alarmed, he forcibly broke it open, and on entering the room, was shocked to discover the deceased suspended by a cord from the ceiling. Mr Wilson, surgeon, was soon on the spot, but found life to be extinct. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

PLYMOUTH - Mr Coroner Brian held an Inquest last evening at the Laira Hotel, concerning the death of JOANNA WARREN, who was found dead in bed on Tuesday morning at her residence, in Laira-street. The deceased, who was an aged person, lived with her daughter, with whom she also was in the habit of sleeping. She retired to rest on Monday night in her usual health, and her daughter on awaking in the morning found her mother dead by her side. The Jury, of whom Mr Sawyer was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Died from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 1 April 1874
WEMBURY - Fatal Accident At Wembury. - Mr Deputy Coroner Richard Sleman held an Inquest at Pryn's Farm, in the parish of Wembury, yesterday afternoon, on the body of PHILIP LEIGHT ANTHONY WILSON, aged 15 years, who was the son of a farmer, and died on Saturday under the painful circumstances related below. It appears that the deceased, on the 16th March last, was playing with some other boys in a field about a mile from his home, when he ran towards another lad named Hammett, and fell on an iron rake lying on the ground, one of the teeth of which pierced his head. The deceased was placed on a horse and conveyed to his home, being visited by Dr William Mould, M.R.C.S., of Plymstock, shortly afterwards, who attended him until he expired. His opinion was that the deceased died from a fracture of the skull and injury to the brain, apparently caused by the iron rake. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 4 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Mysterious Disappearance In Plymouth. Recovery Of The Body Of MRS SEYMOUR. - The mysterious disappearance of a Plymouth lady has at length been solved, and the body of MRS SEYMOUR, aged 49 years, for whose recovery a large reward was offered, has been at length found under the Plymouth Hoe, where it was generally supposed, from the fact of her umbrella being found near the Ladies' Bathing-place, that the deceased had committed suicide. The Inquest was held on Thursday last at the Plymouth Guildhall, by Mr Coroner Brian and a Jury, of whom Mr James Blake was Foreman. - Mrs Eliza Adams, wife of a tradesman carrying on business in Millbay-road, stated that she knew the deceased perfectly well, as she had been in the habit of dealing with her. The last time she saw the deceased was at half-past nine on the evening of Saturday, March 21st, when she called and settled a small bill, the receipt of which she placed in her pocket. She remained there but a short time, and there was some small conversation about the bill, in the course of which the deceased appeared quite calm and collected. She left shortly after, and witness noticed that she then carried the umbrella produced by Mr Kessell, the Hoe constable. - Mary Ann Knapp, living at 52 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, deposed to having on Sunday, 22nd March, whilst standing in the Ladies' Bathing-place, under the Hoe, picked up the umbrella, which was lying open, by the side of the dressing houses. She kept it in her possession until recognized by the friends of the deceased, when she handed the article over to them. - Robert Gardner, living at 2 Twickenham-place, Stonehouse, stated that he knew the deceased very well, and had been on the search for her ever since she disappeared. He had been frequently underneath the Hoe, but on that day, at twelve o'clock, he went to the Ladies Bathing Place with a young man. Leaving his companion in the roadway, he went down, and on turning the corner of the rocks he found the body several feet away from the wall enclosing the bathing place, but between two rocks, half submerged but not jammed; a gale was blowing at the time, and fearing the corpse might move he caught it by the dress and pulled the body in towards the shore, and with his companion, whom he now called down, he safely landed the body. He had several times previously searched the same spot. - Mr E. Kessell, the Hoe constable, said that about eleven o'clock on the day in question, he was called to the Ladies' Bathing Place where he saw the body of the deceased in charge of the former witness. He caused it to be removed to the tool house. On the body the witness found a pocket handkerchief, which was marked with the name of the deceased. He also found two rings, but no letters or anything that would throw any light upon what had occurred. - MR JOHN SEYMOUR, son of the deceased, stated that it was a custom for his mother to go out frequently alone for long walks. Sometimes she would be accompanied by her daughter. The witness knew that the deceased used to walk under the Hoe, even as late as half-past nine at night, and that she occasionally visited the Ladies' Bathing Place. The deceased was very near sighted. The witness noticed that Saturdays she would be rather more quiet than usual, that being the day on which her husband died. The witness had carefully examined all the deceased's papers, but had found nothing relative to the occurrence that had happened. The deceased was not in the habit of carrying much money about with her. The witness had not the slightest suspicion that she would make away with herself. Nothing whatever had transpired in the house to displease the deceased. - The Coroner, summing up, said there was no evidence whatever to show how the body got into the water, and that no one had any right to say that the deceased committed suicide. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," adding that as to how and by what means MRS SEYMOUR got into the water there was no evidence to shew.

Western Daily Mail, Tuesday 7 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - Mr Coroner Brian held an Inquest last evening, at the "London Mail Inn," Richmond-street, Plymouth, respecting the death of HANNAH LEECH, aged 76, who resided at 15 Willow-street. It appeared that the deceased had been suffering from a complaint in her leg, and when a neighbour first discovered her after her death, she appeared to have expired in the act of bandaging the afflicted limb. The Jury, of whom Mr Wm. Stanbury was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 April 1874
BARNSTAPLE - Suicide Through Religious Mania. - Yesterday Mr Bencraft, Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of DOROTHY QUICK, aged 65, an inmate of the Barnstaple Workhouse, who hanged herself on Sunday morning. The deceased was admitted into the house ten days ago, and had frequently been in a very desponding state of mind. She told the nurse and another inmate that "It was no use talking to her, for she was going to hell and the devil, and was lost," and so forth. They did all they could to shake off this hallucination, but could not succeed. On Sunday morning, at five o'clock, the poor woman was missed from her bed in the sick ward, and was found sitting in an adjoining room quite dead, with a handkerchief round her neck, the two ends being fastened to a crook above. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in an Unsound State of Mind."

PLYMOUTH - The Death Of MAJOR DUPERIER - The Borough Coroner of Plymouth and a double Jury, of whom Mr R. E. Waddington was Foreman, assembled at the St. Peter's Schoolroom, yesterday afternoon, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of MAJOR CHARLES DUPERIER. - The Coroner, in opening the proceedings, remarked on the sadness of the event which had brought them together, and reminded the Jury that there were two points for them to consider: first, whether deceased caused his own death; and secondly, if that was so, in what state of mind he was at the time. - After the Jury had viewed the body witnesses were examined. - HENRY DUPERIER said: I am a lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. The late CHARLES DUPERIER was my father. He had been a major in the army. On Sunday morning last, about eight o'clock, I was in bed in my room in the house in which I lived with deceased. I heard a report of firearms, which proceeded from deceased's dressing-room, and I immediately hastened thither. On entering the room, I saw my father lying on his face on the floor. He had his night shirt, drawers, and socks on. I saw blood proceeding from the right temple, and there was blood on the floor. MRS DUPERIER had also hastened to the room. Deceased was living, but perfectly unconscious. I noticed two small pistols on the ground close by deceased. I afterwards found that one had been discharged, but that the other was still loaded. Medical aid was instantly procured. Deceased died at 4.15 a.m. on Monday. I have noticed that of late he had become more depressed than he used to be. He had been for some time depressed. He complained sometimes of pains in his head. Three or four days before he shot himself, I heard him complain of lightness in the head. He came into my room on Sunday morning just before he shot himself. I asked him how he had slept, and he said "Very bad," and added that he seemed to be like a person in a "maze." He said nothing more as to his condition. He was formerly of a very cheerful disposition; but of late that cheerfulness has given way to depression. In consequence of his physical condition Mr May had been in attendance on him for some time past. I do not believe my father would have committed this act had he been in possession of his right senses. I firmly believe that he was of unsound mind. - By the Foreman: The pistol, which was undischarged, was at full cock when I went into the room. - J. H. S. May said: The deceased was a patient of mine. I have been in immediate attendance on him this time for a fortnight previous to Friday last. I was requested to see him in consequence of his having twice sprained his leg, once when walking and once when riding. I noticed during the whole fortnight, and a long time before - even in 1870 - that he was depressed, sometimes more so than others. He complained greatly of dyspepsia, and did not like society. He would shun people if he could. That was opposed to his former disposition. I did not consider him in such a state of mind as to necessitate his being put under any restraint. I saw him on Saturday last. He was out for a drive, and called at my house. He was very excited, his great anxiety being to get out of the carriage, so that the ladies and horses should not be kept waiting. He said he had had bad nights for two or three nights previously, and that the medicine did not give him an appetite. He was perfectly rational, and did not shew the depression so much. On Sunday morning I was sent for at 8.30 and on arriving at deceased's house I found him lying on his back in his dressing-room, with his head on an ottoman. He was breathing. I noticed a quantity of blood on the floor and on his head mixed with brains. On examining the head I found a wound into which I could pass my finger on the right temple. A portion of the temple was fractured. I removed several pieces of bone, which were mixed with brain and blood. The brain was protruding. Deceased was unconscious, and remained so until between 9 and 10 o'clock that night. I cleansed the wound, and had deceased put to bed. From the first the case was a hopeless one, but I sent for Dr Prance, and he confirmed my opinion. The symptoms were more characteristic of a wound from powder and shots, and not powder and ball. If a bullet had taken the direction the balls had it would most probably have killed him on the spot. I drew the charge from the loaded pistol, which consisted of powder and shot. - By the Foreman: I had no conception of deceased ending his career in this way. From my knowledge of him I considered deceased always had a great horror of death. His great desire and wish was apparently to get well. Cannot say if he was always a temperate man, but certainly of late he was. Had great difficulty in inducing him to take any kind of stimulant. - C. G. Edwards said: The deceased for several years has been in the habit of visiting my shop frequently. I last saw him on Saturday, at noon, when he came to my shop. He produced from his pocket a small pistol powder flask, and asked me for a small quantity of powder to kill a cat. I supplied him with it. He asked what he had to pay for it. I told him "Nothing." He said, "I must pay you for it," and I said I could not think of such a thing. I noticed nothing particular in his manner. He was not the least excited. Had I noticed anything peculiar in his manner I should have hesitated to have supplied him with the powder. - Richard Hill, jun., said: Deceased was my brother-in-law. Formerly he was a person of very cheerful disposition. I have noticed no change in his mind lately. I visited the house last Sunday evening at 6.30, and remained with deceased until his death, which occurred at 4.15 a.m. on Monday. He never recovered consciousness. - LIEUTENANT DUPERIER, recalled, said: I could not say for the last ten or twelve years that deceased kept his pistols loaded. He was very fond of firearms, and had a large collection. I produce a letter. It is in deceased's writing. It was found on the chest of drawers in his dressing-room shortly after the occurrence, written in pencil. It bears on the back the simple word "ANN" (the Christian name of MRS DUPERIER), and is as follows: - "My dear, darling ANN; my dear, dear good wife, - I am driven by my nerves to commit this offence. Oh, forgive me, my darling wife; also dear HENRY and FLO, Pray them to forgive me. I dread the madhouse, and have long striven to keep down my feelings. Oh, I cannot live. Oh, my dear, good, guardian angel, pray all forgive me. May the Almighty be kind to you and the children. My head is on fire." - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said he did not propose to call any other witnesses. There could be no doubt that deceased killed himself; and then came the second question which he had alluded to at the beginning of the Inquiry. Supposing a man in full possession of his senses, and with full command over his mental resources, killed himself, it would be murder, because a man had no more right to take his own life than he had to take that of a fellow-man. But if the Jury came to the conclusion that a man was of unsound mind at the very time he committed such a deed, then it would not be wilful murder, but killing and slaying when in a state of temporary insanity, and when he was not responsible for his actions. In the present case they had it proved that deceased was formerly of a cheerful disposition, and that of late he was very much depressed, sometimes more so than at others. He might have multiplied the evidence on this point, but when they considered the letter which deceased wrote he thought they could have no doubt whatever that he was at the time he committed the deed in such a state of mind as to be unable to control himself, and not in the possession of his right senses. The letter was very incoherent, but two or three sentences stood out more obviously than the others in support of the condition of mind in which deceased was in at the time, especially the last words, "my head is on fire." - The Jury immediately found that deceased committed Suicide whilst suffering from "Temporary Insanity," and expressed their deep sympathy with the family. - The deceased officer was the son of the late LIEUT. HENRY DUPERIER, of the 10th and 18th Hussars, and was born at Ipswich in 1808. His father's career was one of great activity. He served under the Duke of York in the campaigns of 1808 and 9, and also in the Peninsular wars of 1813, and was severely wounded at Waterloo. His son, the deceased, commenced his military life at a very early age, and was selected for special service in Persia in 1833. He was engaged in re-organising the army of the Shah, and was so employed for six and a half years. For his services the Shah presented him with the gold medal of the Lion and Sun. Deceased was afterwards promoted to the 26th Regiment (Cameronians), and he served in the wars in China from 1840 to 1843. He was wounded in a night attack on Ningpo, and assisted in the storming of Shapo. He was present at the taking of Shanghai, and was wounded at the storming of Chin Kean Foo. He was present at the taking of Nankin, in the Yang-tza-Kan, and received a medal. On returning with invalids to England deceased was employed with the depot in Edinburgh, Chatham and Upnor; but being anxious for more active service, he was transferred by the late Duke of Wellington, in 1844, to the 80th Regiment. He served with them in the Sutlej campaign, in 1846 and in the campaign in Burmah in 1852-3, receiving a medal at the close of the wars. He retired with the rank of major in 1854. In 1859 he was solicited to assist in the volunteer movement, and organized the 2nd Devon (Plymouth) rifle volunteers in 1859. He served as adjutant of the 2nd Administrative Battalion Devon Rifle Volunteers from 1860 to 1870 when he retired.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 11 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - A Melancholy Death. - Mr Coroner Brian held an Inquest at the Tradesman's Arms, Octagon-street, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of ADELAIDE THOMAS, a married woman, living in Rendle-street. Mr Isaac Scoffern was Foreman of the Jury. - WILLIAM THOMAS, husband of the deceased, stated that her usual health was bad. She had not been under regular medical attendance. On the previous day she complained of being unwell, but no notice was taken of it, as she was frequently so. About 8.45 p.m. she became suddenly worse. He sent for a doctor, and also went himself, and on returning with Mr Lewis he pronounced her dead. Witness's son was sent out, between five and six, by his mother to fetch some laudanum. He returned shortly after six with the drug, which he gave to her. He was constantly in the habit of getting laudanum and taking to deceased without witness's knowledge. She was addicted to drinking this diluted in water, and also a quantity of brandy, which was always smuggled into the house without his knowing of it. He had known his wife to go a fortnight without eating anything, but latterly she had taken more food. She had been in the habit of taking laudanum for two years and a half, in quantities of three halfpenny worth at a dose. She had told witness that she had gone to the counter and drank three-penny worth at a time. He believed that her death had been accelerated through drinking the poison, she being a sickly person, and also through drinking large quantities of spirit. - WILLIAM HENRY THOMAS, 11 years of age, and son of the deceased, said: I have been in the habit of going errands for my mother. I have fetched a drop of ale, but no spirit for a long time before yesterday, when she sent me twice for three pennyworth each time. I also fetched some laudanum, which I used to do every day and she would drink it evenings. I have fetched as much as two or three shillings worth of spirit a day. She would take all the laudanum at one dose in water. She never used to eat much. Father "jawed" me for getting spirits and laudanum for her. - Mr Williams, the Coroner's Officer, found the deceased in a very emaciated condition, looking sallow and wasted. he discovered a great smell of laudanum, and found a bottle containing a small quantity on the mantel-piece. The Coroner described the case as a very melancholy one, and he thought with the Foreman that it was a matter to be deprecated that boys should be supplied with laudanum without any questions being asked. If a person meditated suicide it would be easy for them to make a store and have half-a-pint in a few days. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes", greatly accelerated by the undue use of spirits and laudanum. They thought it very undesirable and a very injurious practice that lads such as the one in the present case, should have such facilities for obtaining laudanum as had been shewn at this Inquiry.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 15 April 1874
PLYMPTON ST. MAURICE - Fatal Accident At Plympton Maurice. - An Inquest was held, yesterday, at the "Forester's Arms" before Mr Coroner Rodd, on the body of an old woman, aged 87, named MARY SALTER, who was killed by falling down a flight of stairs. MARY ELIZABETH SALTER, the granddaughter of the deceased stated that her grandmother rose on Monday morning about half-past six and without dressing herself went downstairs. Witness hearing a noise soon after, also went downstairs at the bottom of which she saw the body of the deceased lying on the ground. Witness lifted her up, when she found a deep cut on her head. A doctor was at once sent for, but before he arrived, the deceased had expired. The Jury, of whom the Foreman was Mr Robert Shepherd, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 April 1874
TAVISTOCK - Mr Coroner Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock on the body of a little girl called CATHERINE EMILY MOLLARD, about 15 months old. A few days since some carts laden with stone for the Kelly College were passing down Bannawell-street from the quarry at Hardwick, and the child, in running across the street, was caught by the wheels of one of the carts, and received such injuries that she died after lingering a week. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

YEOVIL - Sudden Death In Church. - An Inquest was held at Yeovil yesterday respecting the death of MISS MARY ANN HALLETT, whose relatives reside at Teignmouth. Deceased carried on business at Yeovil as milliner and dressmaker and had been treated for heart disease, but on Wednesday last the doctor who had been attending her discontinued his visits, as deceased appeared to have recovered. On Sunday evening she went to St. John's Church. On entering her pew she knelt in prayer, and on attempting to rise from her knees gave a faint shriek and fell down. Three medical men who were in the church at once hastened to her assistance, but found life to be extinct. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EAST STONEHOUSE- Child Murder And Mutilation At Plymouth. The Magisterial Examination. - The Plymouth Police Court was densely crowded at the holding of the Petty Sessions yesterday, when ELIZABETH HAAR, alias WARREN, was charged before the Mayor (Mr A. Rooker) and Mr H. Brown with the Wilful Murder of her child, FREDERICK HAAR, on the 16th inst. - Grace James, living at Rendle-street, said the prisoner, who had three children, lived about nine days in her house under the name of HOAR, and left last Thursday. She (witness) had seen the youngest child, but not its face. On Thursday morning she heard prisoner walking about overhead, and when she was dressing she saw the prisoner going down the yard with a tin pan covered over with a cloth. Prisoner emptied the pan at the bottom of the yard, and washed the pan out. She saw nothing of the children. - By the Mayor: It was unusual for prisoner to get up early, for she usually lay a-bed late. Heard the noise, which was simply that of walking, at daylight. It did not continue long; not up to the time that prisoner went into the court. Prisoner threw what was in the pan into the water-closet and did not stay there more than a minute, but washed out the pan at the tap and went into the house. - Elizabeth Bone, living in the same house as the last witness, knew all the prisoner's children, and last saw the youngest about noon on Wednesday, when it was sitting on the lap of another child. She had seen it dead at St. George's Hall, with the head severed from the body. - THOMAS HENRY WARREN, private R.M.L.L. had been confined to barracks since the 10th of the month. Prisoner had three children. He had been cohabiting with her since the 8th of March. He had seen the dead child at St. George's Hall, and it was the one he had seen with the prisoner on the last occasion he was with her. - The case was then remanded for a week in order that further inquiries might be made, and that the prisoner might obtain information necessary for her defence.
The Inquest - The Inquest on the remains of the murdered child was resumed last night at the Stonehouse Townhall by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner. The Jury were re-sworn, in consequence of the head of the child having been found in Plymouth since the last Inquiry. - THOMAS HENRY WARREN, a marine, said: I have seen the body of the child produced. It is that of FREDERICK HAAR, who was, I believe, between 6 and 7 months old. I know this from what his mother, ELIZABETH HAAR told me. She is a widow, I believe. I last saw the child alive on the morning of the 10th instant, at 7.45 and he was then in bed beside his mother, in her room at 37 Rendle-street, Plymouth. I have known the woman, ELIZABETH HAAR since the 8th of March last, but did not cohabit with her until the 7th of April, and ceased to do so after the 9th, and I have not seen her since until today at the Guildhall, Plymouth. I never had any conversation with her on this matter, nor did she say a word to me about changing her residence, nor did I know, until today, that she had done so. The shirt now produced, which the body was wrapped in, I have seen the child wear. The reason I have not been to the house since the 10th instant was that I have been confined to cells. - By the Foreman: HAAR always treated the child very kindly, and never expressed any desire to get rid of it - at least not in my presence. She has told me it was her child, saying that the father of it was dead, he having died seven or eight months ago. the father was her late husband, I believe - at least, she told me so. - A man named Trant (not one of the Jury) here put this pertinent question to the Coroner. "If this yer be her own lawful child who is the murderer?" The Inquiry caused some amusement, and was felt to be unanswerable. - John Boyce said: I live at 3 Adelaide-lane, Stonehouse, and am a cabinetmaker. I found the body of the deceased last Thursday morning, about ten minutes before six, in a bundle in the lane. The bundle was tied very tightly, the old garments produced being round it. The head, feet and hands were missing. I gave the body to P.C. Reep. Whilst the body was being looked at a woman came by, but it was not the accused. - P.C. Reep proved receiving the body from the last witness, and that the wrappings produced were those which were around it. - Joseph James Essery, a lad residing in Stonehouse, said he was under the Hoe, near the women's bathing-place, on Friday morning between ten and eleven, and saw a parcel on the beach. He opened it, and found that it contained a child's head, wrapped up in a piece of linsey, of precisely the same character as that in which the body was enveloped. - Emma Townshend, wife of a carpenter, residing at 37 Rendle-street, Plymouth, said: The woman HAAR had three children when she lived in the house where I reside, and hearing that she only had two when she went to 42 Rendle-street - last Thursday morning - I told P.C. Monkley of it. The body of the child produced was that of her child. I saw him alive last Wednesday morning in the court. The woman's eldest boy was then nursing him. The child, to all appearances, was in good health then. I never saw him afterwards. I have seen deceased wear a shirt like the one produced, but I cannot say it is the same. - By the Foreman: I don't think the woman treated her children unkindly. I saw her empty a pan in the court on Thursday morning between six and seven, but I don't know what it had contained. I never saw the woman drunk. MRS HOAR (she was always called HOAR in the house) only lived at 37 Rendle-street for ten days. I never saw her up so early as I did last Thursday. I generally saw her for the first time about dinner-time. I don't know whether she left the house early that morning. - Elizabeth Bone, wife of a fireman, residing at 37 Rendle-street, Plymouth, proved seeing HAAR empty the pan on Thursday morning. It was covered over with a brown cloth. She afterwards washed out the pan. She gave notice that she was going to leave her room on the Thursday, and went out of it the same day. She appeared very kind to her baby (the deceased). Warren was the only man who visited her. Told HAAR last Tuesday that on the previous night her baby was crying for hours, and she said it had a pain in its inside. - P.C. Monkley, of the Plymouth Police, said: On the 18th inst., from information I received, I went to 49 Rendle-street, Plymouth. I went to an upstairs backroom, where I found a woman. I asked her name, and she gave that of Ward first, and subsequently that of Warren. I told her that I had been informed that she had three children, and asked where the youngest was. She said "My mother took it away." I asked where her mother lived, and after a long time she said in Cornwall. I asked what part, and she said near St. Cleer, adding, "My mother has taken it to my sister." I asked where she lived, but she would give no answer. I took her to the Octagon station, having told her that I did not charge her with anything then, but as one child was missing she must go with me. I went back to 49 Rendle-street and under the bed on the floor there was a quantity of wet clothing which had been recently washed. I examined it, and Inspector Anniss took off one article a piece of human flesh, or apparently it was such. Some of the clothes appear to be stained with blood. I took HAAR to the Guildhall. - By the Foreman: There were no marks of blood on the floor. I saw the mother, but she had no child with her. - Silas Rendle Anniss, inspector of the Metropolitan Police, said: About ten minutes before six on Saturday evening I went into the room occupied by ELIZABETH HAAR at 49 Rendle-street. There were wet clothes under the bed, which appeared to have been wet for twenty-four hours. There were undoubtedly marks of blood on many pieces, although they were well washed. On one of the pieces I found a piece of flesh, which had been cut and hacked by a knife. I gave it to Mr Leah, surgeon. A pair of woman's drawers were deeply stained with blood, although they had been well washed. - Thomas Leah, M.R.C.S., said: On the evening of Thursday I made a post mortem examination of the body of deceased. I should say the child had not been dead more than twenty-four hours. It was mutilated, as the Jury have seen, but had no other marks of violence. It was a well nourished child and I found all the organs perfectly healthy. There were no marks of vaccination on the stumps of the arm. The body was almost entirely bloodless. I saw the head on Saturday, fitted it to the body, and was satisfied that it belonged to it. The brain was perfectly healthy, and I could discover no natural cause of death. The body had evidently been cut by some very sharp instrument. I cannot say how death was caused. It was either caused by mutilation, or the mutilation took place immediately after death - which might have been caused by suffocation. The cause of death might have been decapitation. The head and limbs, if removed after death, must have been cut off soon after, or the body would not have bled as freely as it undoubtedly did. On the evening of the 18th I received from Inspector Anniss a small portion of animal matter, which I produce. I believe it to be ribrin, the colourless portion of a clot of blood. It was so much decomposed that I cannot speak confidently about it. - By the Foreman: The arms are fractured; the bones evidently having been broken with a blunt instrument. - The Jury, after consultation, suggested that the case should be adjourned to the 5th of May, in order that the spots of blood on the wet garments found by Monkley might be analysed. - Warren, in answer to the Coroner, said he could not swear to whom the clothes found by Monkley belonged. - The case was then adjourned to the 5th of May.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 23 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Accident At Sea. - Mr Coroner Brian and a Jury, of whom Mr Robert Frost was Foreman, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall on Tuesday afternoon, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS HARRISON, a merchant seaman, 20 years of age, who came to his death from injuries received on the 11th instant on board the ship Hetta, of Hartlepool, from Rotterdam, bound to Cardiff in ballast. AGNES HARRISON, the mother of the deceased, and a native of Hartlepool, stated that she received a telegram and subsequently a letter, from the captain of the Hetta, in which he stated the circumstances of the accident, telling her he had put into Plymouth to land the young man, and saying he had left £2 at the Hospital and his wages with the agent, and sailed for his destination. In consequence of the letter witness and her husband came directly to Plymouth, and soon after their arrival they went to the South Devon Hospital where her son was lying greatly injured and unable to move. He was perfectly conscious, and she was with him continually except at night until the time he died on Sunday. The deceased told her that after 11 o'clock on the night of Saturday, the 11th, he was coming along the deck to get a drink of water when he caught his toe against the framework of the main-hatchway into which he fell, it being entirely open. He said he laid there a considerable time feeling quite numb and he called out constantly until at length some of the men came. He was removed into his bunk, where a blanket was thrown over him, and he was left to himself, after the engineer had given him a glass of wine. During the night the poor fellow cried aloud for water, but none was brought him, although he seemed to be choking. The deceased told the witness that he had been served shamefully, and that the captain was the cause of his being in the Hospital. When witness came to Plymouth the vessel had left, but the captain had fulfilled his promise of presenting the Hospital with £2 to take care of the deceased, and he had also placed the balance of his wages in the hands of the agent. THOMAS JOHN HARRISON, the father, corroborated the evidence of his wife. He said his son seriously complained that the captain should have allowed the hatchway to remain open by night and also that he should have had no attendance during the night. Witness believed that the captain bore up for Plymouth as quickly as he could to put the deceased ashore. Dr Chapman, South Devon Hospital, said the deceased was received on Tuesday last. He was suffering from injuries to the spine, and from the crew the witness understood that the deceased fell eighteen feet. He saw nothing to complain of in the manner which the deceased was treated as far as he knew. Witness was given to understand that the captain administered the deceased some medicine. - The Coroner, in summing up, alluded to the complaints of the deceased about the hatchway, but said it was impossible to fix the blame on the captain, and they must be cautious under the circumstances in receiving statements alleging neglect. The captain put into a good port to land, and the letter he sent was not that of a careless or indifferent man. It was very hazardous to cast reflections on an absent man. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 24 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Accident At Sea. - Mr Coroner T. C. Brian, and a Jury, of which Mr Mann was Foreman, assembled at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a seaman, named ROBERT CURRETHERS, aged 29 years, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Wednesday, at three a.m. Captain James Brown stated that the deceased was the chief mate of the full-rigged ship Turkestan, of Liverpool. She sailed from Middlesbrough, and was outward bound. On Sunday, the 12th at noon, she was in lat. 48.12 north and long. 8.20 west. At midnight the wind commenced to blow, and all hands were summoned on deck for the purpose of shortening sail. After this had been completed, about ten a.m., and the ship was lying-to, shipping immense quantities of water, and labouring heavily, the bolts fastening the starboard spare spars broke, and the spars were washing about the deck. The deceased was endeavouring to secure them, and in doing so the sea came over the ship and washed him under the spars towards one of the ports which had been thrown open to allow water to pass through. The crew just got to the deceased as he was half out of the port hole, and on pulling him in found his earl had been almost entirely cut through against the side of the port. The witness gave orders that the deceased should be taken into his cabin, in order that he might ascertain the extent of the injuries. He discovered that the right leg of the deceased was smashed below the knee, the bone penetrating through the skin. The witness proceeded to set the broken limb to the best of his ability. He was quite sensible at the time. The witness then bore up for Plymouth, which port he reached on the 17th inst., just about midnight. He had the deceased conveyed to the Hospital on the following morning, and visited him every day until he expired, mortification having set in and caused his death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 April 1874
DARTMOUTH - Tossed To Death By A Bullock. - Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday respecting the death of a man named SAMUEL RYDER. On Monday Richard Lightfoot in the employ of Mr Burgoyne, butcher, of Dartmouth, went to Mr Huxham, farmer, of Charlton, for a fat bullock. He drove it all right on his way back until he had passed Slapton Sands, and reached Street-hill, where he met deceased, who had been very ill, and was now out walking, supporting himself by two sticks. The bullock set upon RYDER and tossed him three times, each time he came down his head coming in contact with the ground with great violence. He lingered until Thursday, when he died. The bullock turned on its driver after the attack on RYDER, but Lightfoot fortunately got out of its way by climbing a wall. Finally the animal was got into an orchard where it remained until the next day, when it was shot.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 April 1874
BARNSTAPLE - A Suspicious Case Of Baby Farming. - An Inquest was held at Barnstaple respecting the death of the female child of a girl named ELIZABETH MACKEREL, who, until recently, was in the service of M. Jacquot, teacher of languages. From the evidence it appeared that about thirteen weeks ago, without any previous warning, or any suspicion on the part of Madame Jacquot, the servant was delivered of the deceased child, which appeared to be weak and delicate. The nurse who was fetched, named Goss, subsequently gave it to her daughter-in-law, at the request of the mother, to keep; but after taking charge of it a fortnight she brought it back. It them seemed to be all right. On the day after the baby was returned a second guardian was found for it in Mrs Cowell, wife of a rural postman, who kept it a month. In the meantime the mother had left M. Jacquot's service and gone to London; and M. Jacquot himself became security that the weekly allowance of 3s. 6d. per week, which Cowell was to receive, should be duly paid. At the end of a month, however, Cowell brought the child to M. Jacquot's and saw his wife, whom he forced to take back the infant, saying he would have nothing more to do with it. According to Madame Jacquot's evidence, at that time the child was in a frightful state - nothing, in fact, but skin and bone. She was afraid to touch it lest it should "fall to pieces," and even the nurse Goss, who was immediately called in, and who had all along contended that it was a fine baby, said she had never seen a child so emaciated before. It had evidently not received proper treatment, and had not been given either proper or sufficient food. The poor little thing was in this state consigned to the care of a Mrs Davy, a dry nurse, in whose house it died on Wednesday. Mr Cooke, surgeon, saw it on the same day, and at the Inquest said it had certainly not received the care and attention which such a delicate child required. - The Coroner, in summing up, said no doubt the child's death was caused by neglect and by want of proper treatment; but as it had passed through so many hands it was difficult to say on whom condemnation must fall. He did not think it necessary that the case should be carried further, and therefore directed the Jury to return a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 28 April 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - An Idiot Poisoned In The Newton Abbot Workhouse. - An Inquest was held last evening in the Board-room of the Newton Abbot Union by H. Michelmore, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ELIZABETH HELMORE, an inmate of the house, who died from the effects of having taken poison on the previous day. The deceased, who was an idiot of about 16 years of age, had been an inmate of the house for the last five years. On Saturday last some carbolic acid, contained in a jar, was placed under a chair in one of the wards for the purpose of disinfecting. The deceased, on the following day, suddenly fell ill whilst in this ward, and although no one saw her drink any of the liquid, it is conjectured she did so, as her clothes, from the effects of vomiting, smelled very strongly of the poison. She soon became insensible, and notwithstanding Dr Haydon, who was quickly in attendance, did all he could for her, she died shortly afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased took the poison whilst in a state of Unsound Mind, and requested Mrs Bartlett to exercise more care in giving out this kind of liquid for the future.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 May 1874
PLYMOUTH - Carelessness Accelerating Death. - The Plymouth Borough coroner held an Inquest at the Guildhall relative to the death of JAMES STREET, a porter, aged 54 years. John North, a labourer, said he saw the deceased fall down in East-street on the previous evening about half-past eight o'clock, and helped him to his residence, where he died shortly afterwards. MARY STREET, wife of the deceased, stated that the health of her husband had been very bad for the last twelve months, and he had been under the care of Mr J. N. Stephens. He was of intemperate habits. Mr Stephens said that the deceased came to him on Tuesday morning last suffering from an attack of acute pleurisy. He ordered deceased to go home and have a mustard poultice applied to his chest, and take some medicine which he gave him, and he also told him not to drink any intoxicating liquor. Deceased, however, instead of going home, remained out in the cold air and death, which was caused by pleurisy, had been accelerated by exposure, and possibly from drinking intoxicating liquor. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 1 May 1874
WALKHAMPTON - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on Tuesday, at the Manor Inn, Walkhampton, on the body of WILLIAM HARDING. The Jury, of whom Mr Pearse was Foreman, after hearing the evidence of Mr Willis, surgeon, returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Golden Lion Inn, Fore-street, Devonport, by Mr Coroner Bone, on the body of a boy, named HENRY GIENSEPPE SHEAD, who met his death under the circumstances narrated below. SARAH ANN SHEAD, whose husband is a ship's corporal, on board H.M.S. Northumberland, said that she was the mother of the deceased. On Tuesday she went out with him to Mr Wise, in order that they might see the Northumberland being towed out of harbour. Having accomplished that object witness returned home without being accompanied, however, by the deceased, who remained behind to watch the ship being moored. Not very long afterwards the deceased was brought home insensible, and expired the next morning, without having uttered a word. He was twelve years of age. Daniel Sleeman deposed to having on Wednesday last about 4.30 p.m., been walking near Mount Wise. He was watching several boys playing on a sloping piece of ground, when he saw the deceased run down the slope and suddenly slipping his feet, strike his head a fearful blow against a low wall. He immediately ran to his help, and found him unconscious, with blood flowing from his nose, and a severe cut on his temple. He at once summoned assistance and had the deceased conveyed to his home, at 44 Princess-street. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 May 1874
HOLSWORTHY - An Inquest was held at Holsworthy respecting the death of JAMES HEYSITT, a miller living with Mr [?] at Milton Mills. The deceased was drowned whilst bathing in the river Weldron, and a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Accidents On The South Devon Railway Works. - As the workmen were employed in widening Forde cutting, near Newton, on Thursday afternoon for the purpose of laying down the third line of rail from Newton Station to the Torquay junction, a fall of earth suddenly took place without any warning, and the men began to run to save themselves; but one unfortunate fellow did not get away in time, and was buried under the debris. He was dug out as soon as possible, and was found to be dreadfully crushed and bleeding. He was taken to his lodgings in East-street, and on being put to bed he asked for some water, and died immediately. Another accident happened in the hurry of removing the earth that covered the deceased. Two of the workmen lifted up one of the metals which impeded the operations, and threw it aside, when it fell across the foot of a Newton labourer, named Mance, and cut off one of his toes. Mance was removed to Newton Station, and placed in one of the waiting-rooms until the arrival of the up North mail train, when he was forwarded by it t Exeter and taken to the County Hospital. An Inquest was held yesterday at Newton Abbot Workhouse by Mr C. Gaye, the Deputy Coroner for the district, when the deceased was identified as WILLIAM STOCKMAN, a labourer of Torquay. - William Rowell, labourer, said that he and the deceased were employed with other workmen in the cutting. Witness was digging, and the deceased was filling the wagons. A man called out that the earth was falling, and witness and the other men immediately ran; but the deceased stopped to pick up his shovel, and was knocked down by the earth and buried up to his chest. Deceased was taken out and removed to his lodgings. The earth that fell was about two tons weight, and it broke from the middle of the bank. There was a man placed on the top of the bank to give notice when the earth began to crack; but they had no warning from him. The earth was being removed in the usual way. - Thomas Isaac, the ganger, said he was on the bank watching the earth, but saw no sign of its being about to fall. He observed the men run away, but did not see the deceased. The fall was about ten feet, and the earth went down in a solid block. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 6 May 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Plymouth Child Murder Case. Verdict Of Wilful Murder. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of FREDERICK HOAR, the infant child of the woman ELIZABETH HOAR, alias HAAR, who now stands committed on the Plymouth Magistrates' warrant on a charge of Wilful Murder, was re-opened by Mr Coroner Rodd at Stonehouse yesterday. - The first witness examined was Grace James, the landlady of the house in Rendle-street in which the woman HOAR resided for a short time. She detailed the same circumstances as deposed by her when before the magistrates, and in answer to the Foreman, stated that she had no reason to suppose that the woman HOAR neglected her children. On the contrary, she herself was very clean, and kept her children in a similar condition. - Dr Leah, re-examined, stated that he considered it most probable that the child died from loss of blood occasioned by some cut, but whether the throat was cut previously or the head directly cut off he could not say. He believed, however, it was one of the two. The fact of the heart being so free from blood was put forward by him so as to bear out this argument that the deceased died from a loss of blood. - The Foreman here intimated that the Inquest was adjourned for the purpose of enabling the clothes to be analysed, so that the Jury might ascertain whether the blood on the clothes was human or animal. - Dr Leah: You cannot distinguish between human blood and some kinds of animal blood. - The Coroner then summed up. there was no doubt but that the deceased was the son of the woman HOAR, and that the child met with its death foully. It became a question whether the murder was committed by the mother of the deceased, and as reasonable men they would have to consider this point upon the evidence adduced before them. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict, and on returning, unanimously found "That the deceased was Wilfully Murdered; that the mother of the deceased was ELIZABETH HOAR; and that ELIZABETH HOAR was the murderess."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 7 May 1874
HARBERTON - Fatal Accident Near Totnes. - On Monday afternoon last, a married man named GEORGE FOSTER, in the employ of Mr J. Knapman, of the Edge Tool Works, Hill Mill, Harberton, about three miles from Totnes, met with his death under the following circumstances:- He was engaged in sharpening the edge of a tool on a grinding stone, worked by water power, when the stone burst, the plate hitting the poor fellow under the chin, and rendering him lifeless almost instantaneously. An Inquest was held on Tuesday at Hill Mill by Mr Coroner Michelmore and a Jury, of whom Mr Henry Whiteway was Foreman. the stone was stated to be a new one, and was fixed only three weeks ago. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury, who gave their fees in aid of the widow of the deceased, who is left with four young children.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 12 May 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death Under Singular Circumstances. - While P.C.'s Lampen and Osborne were on duty in Union-street, Stonehouse, on Saturday evening last, they observed a man named FITZ-GURROLD, aged 58, rolling about the street as though he were under the influence of drink. The policeman accosted him, and being under the impression that he was drunk, took him to the police-station, when it was discovered that their prisoner was in a dying state. Dr Leah was sent for, and a short time after his arrival the man expired. The Inquest was opened last evening by Mr Coroner R. Rodd, at the Stonehouse Workhouse. SUSAN FITZ-GURROLD, the wife of the deceased, stated that her husband was a plasterer. The last time she saw him was about twenty minutes to eight o'clock on Saturday evening, when he remarked that he was in good health. He was then in King-street west, Plymouth. The deceased had only recently been unwell. The Inquest was adjourned until this evening.
[Note: Later adjourned Inquest gives the name as Fitzgerald].

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Coroner Brian, at the Tradesman's Arms, Octagon-street, on the body of a man named JOHN HARRINGTON, who died suddenly on Sunday night. - William Martin, a mason, said that on the 18th ultimo, he was working in company with the deceased on some works in Castle-street, and the scaffolding on which they were standing suddenly gave away, and they both fell to the ground injuring themselves very severely. Witness walked to the Hospital, where he saw the deceased, who was so hurt as to necessitate his being kept there. - Bridget McClucland deposed to having visited the deceased at the Hospital, from which he was subsequently removed. - Mr Whipple, M.R.C.S., stated that he was surgeon in the South Devon and Cornwall Hospital, and that he examined the deceased on the day of the accident, and found him to be very much injured about the head. The deceased rapidly recovered, though he had a slight attack of erysipelas and on the 6th instant he asked to be allowed to leave the Hospital. He was, however, cautioned by the witness not to do so. Deceased, notwithstanding the advice of the doctor, eventually left the Hospital. Mr Whipple considered that the death of the deceased was very much accelerated by his leaving the Hospital before the was fully convalescent. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 13 May 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death Under Singular Circumstances. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of JOHN FITZGERALD was resumed yesterday by Mr Coroner Rodd, at the Stonehouse Workhouse. Mr Butcher stated that he observed the deceased in Union-street on Saturday last, when he seemed to be very unwell. P.C. Lamping deposed to having seen the deceased on the same day, when, by his staggering along the street, the witness concluded that he was intoxicated, and took him to the police station, where it was seen that he was in a dying state. Dr Leah was sent for, and when he came he saw that the man had not long to live. From a post mortem examination made it was found that the liver and heart were affected, and the medical gentleman was of opinion that death was caused by Heart Disease, and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 May 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident On The South Devon Railway. - An Inquest was yesterday held by Mr Brian, the Coroner for Plymouth, respecting the death of JAMES YELLAND, who died from the effects of an accident on the South Devon Railway, under circumstances already reported. The deceased was acting as under guard of a goods train, and was putting a "sprag" between the wheels before going down an incline, when the sprag struck him violently on the lower part on the body. Elias Cole, the chief guard of the train, stated that he strictly cautioned the deceased not to put the sprag in until the train had stopped. It was an awkward thing t do in the way the deceased was doing it, supporting the sprag between his bent arms, and holding his lamp in one of his hands. the lamp was generally put between the legs, and the sprag held by both hands. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and added that they did not consider that there was a shadow of blame to be attached to anyone connected with the railway company.

PLYMSTOCK - Death From The Kick Of A Pig. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Elburton, near Plympton, relative to the death of JOHN LEIGH, aged 30, farm labourer, who had died from lockjaw. The deceased and another man were killing a pig on the 29th of April last, when the pig suddenly kicked the deceased and broke his right thumb. Mr Mould, surgeon, of Plymstock, amputated the thumb, and the deceased appeared to be improving until last week when lockjaw set in and he died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Suicide Of A Torquay Tradesman. - An Inquest was held last evening at No. 9, Strand, Torquay, respecting the death of MR EDWIN BRADFORD. - The first witness called was one of deceased's servants - Jane Maria Redaway - who said as she went upstairs at a quarter t seven on Sunday morning she saw a body stretched out on the landing, and the top stairs were covered with blood. At the time she saw the body she did not know whose it was, and she ran down and called MISS BRADFORD. In cleaning the landing after the body was removed she found a knife covered with blood. It was a bread knife, which had been used at supper the night before. The deceased had been in a low state for some time. She saw him in bed the night before, and asked if he was comfortable, and he said he was. - DENIS BRADFORD, the brother of the deceased, said he last saw the deceased on Saturday night, when he was much depressed and fancied there was something growing in his throat. Deceased and his wife had always lived happily together, and he had been greatly depressed since her death in September last. - Dr Radclyffe Hall who had been attending MR BRADFORD, said he was suffering from general feebleness of health and a relaxed throat, which a change of air and scene would restore, and preparations were being made for his removal as soon as the weather became more favourable. He was informed that he had expressed a desire to his own daughter not to be sent to Plympton, meaning to an asylum. - Mr W. Pollard, surgeon, was called early in the morning to see the deceased. He found him stretched on the landing in his shirt and socks, covered with blood. He must have been dead some hours, as the body was cold. There was a large knife lying by his side; it looked as if he had just dropped it. Believed the act must have been committed about eleven or twelve o'clock. - In reply to a Juryman, witness said the deceased's father died in an asylum. The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased was in an Unsound State of Mind when he committed the act." The Jury gave their fees to the Torbay Infirmary.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 20 May 1874
TEIGNMOUTH - The Late Cases Of Drowning In The Teign. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by H. Michelmore, Esq., Coroner, at the Queen's Hotel, Teignmouth, on the bodies of ARTHUR FREDERICK HILTON and GEORGE CAMPBELL, who met with their death on the previous Sunday through the capsizing of a boat in the Teign. The evidence given bore out the facts of the accident, which have already appeared in the Mercury, and the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

NEWTON ABBOT - Inquest at Newton. - An Inquest was held yesterday before H. Michelmore, Esq., Coroner, at the Town Hall, touching the death of JOHN WILLIAM WOTTON, aged three months, the illegitimate child of MARY WOTTON, living in Newton. The child was found dead in bed on Sunday morning. The Jury having heard the evidence of several witnesses, including a surgeon, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 21 May 1874
BARNSTAPLE - A Boy Drowned. - A boy named JOHN LOCKYER, between eight and nine years of age, son of MR LOCKYER, glover, of Bradford, was drowned in the river Taw on Saturday evening last. There were a number of large rafters floating just above Rolle's Quay, inside the Railway embankment, one of which the deceased ventured on in order to reach a bird's nest in the side of the river wall. As he was doing so the timber moved away from the wall and he fell into the water, the rafters preventing his rising. After the deceased had been in the water nearly twenty minutes a young man named John Rolston stripped off his clothes and dived for the lad, and succeeded in bringing him to the surface. He was quickly removed to his parents' house and as the body was still warm, efforts were made to restore animation, but without avail. An Inquest was held on Tuesday night by Mr Deputy Coroner J. H. Toller (in the absence of the Barnstaple Coroner), at the Chichester Arms, Pilton, when a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 22 May 1874
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Torquay. - An Inquest, the second held this week in Torquay, was held at the Country House Inn, at Ellacombe, on Wednesday evening, before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on the body of a little child named ERNEST MARK STIDWORTHY. The deceased, who was nearly two years of age, fell under the wheel of a water cart which was passing Ellacombe-terrace, on Tuesday morning about eleven o'clock. The child was severely bruised across its face and chest, and the upper part of the ribs were fractured. He was immediately attended to by Mr Gill, a surgeon, who was passing at the time of the accident, but died during the afternoon. The Jury, of whom Mr John Riley was the Foreman, returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and gave their fees to the parents of the child.

PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Railway Accident At Coxside. The Coroner's Inquest. - Mr Coroner Brian and a Jury, of whom Mr John Westcott was Foreman, held an Enquiry at the Eagle Tavern, Coxside, yesterday afternoon, to investigate the circumstances attending the death of MARY ANN BLOYE, a girl 11 years of age, who, as reported in our issue of yesterday, was killed by being run over by the train on Wednesday. After viewing the body and the scene of the accident, the Jury proceeded to hear the evidence. Mr Compton, superintendent of the South Devon Railway Company was present, and Mr Thomas, superintendent, watched the case on behalf of the police. - JANE BLOYE, mother of the deceased, and wife of MR BLOYE, the landlord of the Eagle Tavern, deposed that the deceased was her daughter. About one o'clock the previous day deceased went out, as she thought, to play with her friends. Her daughter had been afflicted from her birth - she could hear very well, but very little. She required no one to look after her and watch her actions. - Fanny Baker, a child nine years of age, stated that about half-past one she was standing on the Plymouth side of the Sutton Harbour Branch railway near the gate. There was a part of the gate shut, the other half being open, but the gates on the Coxside side were shut. Whilst standing by the closed half the witness watched some trucks coming from the country side to the pool side with an engine behind. On the opposite side to which she was standing she saw a man whom she did not know. Just as the train was approaching the gate, witness saw the deceased just entering the open gate on her hands and knees in the direction of her home, but for what purpose she went in this position witness was unable to tell for the deceased might have walked as well as crawled. Two trucks were standing on the line; the engine came down to take them up, when they came in contact, and were bumped down to where the deceased was. Witness stretched out her hand to drag the deceased off the rail, but just as she touched her frock the wheel of one of the trucks went over her back. The deceased was picked up by a Mr Ray. She did not think the driver could see the deceased when coming down, nor did she think the man on the opposite side of the gate could see her. - James Rowley, inspector of nuisances, said he was standing, with Mr Howland, on the north side of the railway where some shunting was going on, and he was waiting to go across. His attention was first directed by hearing a scream, and he saw the engine in the centre of the road, between the gate. The driver stopped and backed at once, and witness then saw the child under the truck. The gates on the Coxside side were closed, but part of the gate on the opposite side was open, and the part was closed to which it should be locked. - John Ray, station-master, in the employ of the South Devon Railway Company, said: After the occurrence he looked to the gate, and one half of the gate on the Plymouth side was open. When shunting was going on the constant rule was that the whole of the gates should be shut. - The Coroner: Whose duty would it be to see the gates are closed? - Witness: I had a man with me generally to attend to that part of the duty. - Westlake here said that the little girl did not come through the open gate, but from her mother's house, and was caught on the other side. - Richard Wyatt said he was standing on the Coxside side of the level crossing where the gates were closed, and he should think from the position in which the child was lying that she did not come through the gate. - The Coroner said he did not conceal from the Jury the fact that if it had come out positively in the evidence that the child had gone through the open gate, which ought to have been closed, and in consequence of that gate being open she had met her death, it would have been a serious question if someone was not criminally to blame. He trusted that, as to be forewarned was to be forearmed, Mr Compton would for the encouragement of the public draw the attention of the company to the gate, because another accidental omission might result fatally. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating all parties from blame, and recommending that a porter should for the future be stationed at each side of the gate. Mr Compton promised that this should be done.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 May 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquiry was held yesterday by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, respecting the sudden death of WILLIAM HAWKINS, aged 54 years. The wife of the deceased stated that her husband was formerly a gardener, but had been unable to work at his trade for the past twelve months owing to his having hurted one of his toes by cutting the nail too close. A fortnight ago he complained of pains in the chest and right shoulder, and also stated last week that he was suffering there. On Thursday morning he got up at six o'clock and then said his toe was giving him great pain. He went to a store close by, which he was keeping for Messrs. Talbot and Goss, coal merchants, and shortly afterwards returned to light the fire. He staggered through the passage and upon witness going there she found him sitting down and motionless. Mr Lewis, surgeon, was sent for, but the deceased died before his arrival. Her husband was of a cheerful disposition, and never had a fit in his life. He was opposed to putting himself under medical treatment, but had consulted a herbalist, and had taken herbs. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 May 1874
PLYMOUTH - A Woman Burnt To Death. - An Inquiry was held on Saturday by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, respecting the death of AGNES ROWE, aged 74 years. The deceased lived with her husband, who is 77 years of age, in Claremont-court, Claremont-street. They were both very infirm, and could do little to help each other. On Tuesday night MRS ROWE was unlacing her boots by the light of a candle, which she had put on the floor, when her husband, who was reading, suddenly saw that she was on fire. He tried to make out the flames but failed and he then called in a neighbour, named Lake, who quickly extinguished them. Mr Jackson, surgeon, was sent for, and found that the poor old woman had been severely burnt about the chest, neck and face. There was little chance of her recovery from the first, and on Saturday morning she died. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 May 1874
TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at Torquay yesterday respecting the death of a child named EDWIN LETHBRIDGE between 4 and 5 years of age, when in taking a vessel of hot water from a table, upset it, and fatally scalded herself.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 May 1874
IVYBRIDGE - The Fatal Accident At Ivybridge. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Flete, near Ivybridge, yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of GEORGE MEDLAND, aged 20 years. The deceased was groom in the employ of Mr Splatt of Flete, and on Sunday last went into Ivybridge on horseback. He was returning when the horse stepped on a stone and fell, with his rider under. A lad, passing shortly afterwards, saw the deceased on the ground and as soon as possible procured assistance. Deceased was conveyed to Flete, where he was attended by Mr Langworthy, surgeon, until Thursday morning, when he died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 June 1874
TAVISTOCK - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Golden Fleece Hotel, Tavistock, relative to the death of SAMUEL EXWORTHY, a miner, aged 53 years, who committed suicide by hanging himself on Saturday last. MARIA EXWORTHY, sister-in-law of the deceased, said that the deceased, being unwell, came to Tavistock from Durham about a fortnight ago, and had been stopping at her house. He was out on Saturday morning, and told her that he was going to see her husband, who was working in a field close by. About one o'clock witness went to a cow-shed adjoining her house, and there saw the deceased hanging by his neck from a rope, which was attached to a beam. John Tyrrell, postman, stated that he went with the last witness to the cow-shed, and cut the deceased down. The man was quite dead. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 2 June 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Child. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Tradesman's Arms, Octagon, Plymouth, by Mr Coroner Brian, on the body of ALICE POWERS, the child of ELLEN POWERS. The mother, who lives at 85 King-street, stated that the child was three months old and its death occurred in the following manner. On Sunday night when the child was put to bed it appeared to be in good health. At about five o'clock in the morning the mother fancied that the deceased was looking very strange, and called to a neighbour, who took it in her arms, when it expired almost immediately. The Jury returned a verdict of Natural Causes.

TAVISTOCK - Suicide At Tavistock. - A miner named SAMUEL AXWORTHY hung himself at Tavistock on Saturday afternoon. The deceased, who was about 50 years of age, had recently come from Durham with his wife and a little boy, on a visit to his brother, who resides in Trelawny-road. Although it had been noticed by his friends that he seemed at times rather low-spirited, there appeared to be nothing singular in his behaviour on the day in question. About two o'clock, however, his sister-in-law had occasion to visit her husband's linhay in the Launceston-road, and there found the deceased suspended by a rope. The poor woman was too much frightened to take more than a glance at the sight before her, and hurried away for assistance. She met Mr Henry Tyrrell, who at once proceeded to the spot, but found that he had arrived too late to be of any service, for, on releasing the body, life was found to be extinct. The body was taken to his brother's house, where an Inquest was held yesterday, the Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity". It is stated that the deceased intended returning to Durham.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide In Plymouth. - Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr T. Lewarne was Foreman, held an Enquiry at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening, into the circumstances attending the death of OLIVER SPRY, a coal porter, who was found drowned under the Hoe on Saturday evening. - Harriet Taylor, a widow, living in St. Andrew-street, said: I knew the deceased, and have lived with him for nearly seven years. He was a porter. I last saw him alive on Tuesday, about 5.30 a.m., when he left my house, to which he did not again return. He had been in very low spirits lately, and when spoken to often would not reply. He had since Christmas lost his work at the Pontoon, Millbay. At different times he has said that rather than he would be laughed at, he would make a hole in the water. - Mr Thomas Watts, foreman to Mr Waring, Millbay, saw the deceased alive on Saturday evening at 7.30, at Mr Ash's public-house, in Prospect-row. He was sober, but scarcely spoke to anyone. - Mr John Lyans, at 8.50 pm. on Saturday was in the road under the Hoe, overlooking Pebble-side, walking towards Millbay, when he had his attention drawn to a man who had gone into the water. On looking he saw something dark in the sea and on going down over the steps he saw a hat. Witness stripped off his shoes and entered the water to his waist, when he saw the body of a man floating on his back. He caught hold of it, and pulled it towards the beach. The deceased did not show any signs of consciousness at the time. Witness succeeded in getting him on the beach before any assistance came. The body was warm, and two or three gentlemen came down when they found the pulse beating. A medical gentleman came, and efforts were made to restore respiration, but without success. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 3 June 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - Alarming Accident On The South Devon Railway. A Stoker Killed. - An accident of a very alarming character, and which, we regret to state, has already been attended with the loss of one life, occurred between Newton and Totnes, about two o'clock yesterday morning. A luggage train, made up mostly of empty trucks, left Newton for Plymouth, and proceeded all right till it had reached the bottom of the incline about a mile and a half from the Totnes station, when the engine "Hercules," which had only come out of the shed at Newton new on the previous day, unaccountably left the metals and the trucks suddenly snapping the coupling chain from it, it ran on to the up line, where it turned over on its side, throwing the driver, Charles Daw, and the stoker, WILLIAM STEVENS, violently out. The former was severely cut about the head, and was likewise scalded very much about the neck and shoulders by the steam from the engine. STEVENS was even more unfortunate, for although not so badly cut as the other, he fell where the boiling water poured on him, and he was so severely scalded that he died about two o'clock yesterday afternoon. - The trucks, some on the line and about a dozen off, after the coupling chain of the engine had been broken, proceeded at least a quarter of a mile further on the line before they came to a standstill, four or five of them being smashed to pieces, and strewn all over the line. Had the accident occurred a minute before, a collision with another luggage train was inevitable. In fact, the up train had no sooner passed than the driver of it heard a crash, followed with a great noise, resulting from the escape of steam from the engine. - Believing something very serious had occurred to the down train, they at once pulled up, and on going back they found the engine across the line, and the two poor fellows mentioned above, in a very helpless condition. They were taken up, placed in the rear of the up luggage train and taken on to Newton. At Dainton tunnel they informed the pointsman what had occurred and he telegraphed on to Newton, so that by the time the train reached the station, Dr Gaye and Dr Drake were in attendance. The poor fellows were removed to the Cottage Hospital, where STEVENS lingered in great agony for about twelve hours, when death put an end to his sufferings. He was perfectly conscious up to within an hour of his death and repeatedly inquired after his mate. So serious are the injuries Dawe sustained that faint hopes are entertained of his recovery. The traffic was interrupted for several hours. The luggage and mail bags of the down early mail train had to be transferred, as had also, that of one or two of the other up and down morning trains, but the line was cleared in time for the 8.35 a.m. fast express from Plymouth to pass. Comparatively little damage was done to the engine, nor were the trucks much damaged. The cause of the engine leaving the line is a mystery; and so quickly did it turn over on its side when off the metals that the driver had not time even to blow the alarm whistle. - The Inquest. - An Inquest on the body of STEVENS was held last evening by Mr Michelmore, Coroner, at the Cottage Hospital. JOHN STEVENS said that the deceased was his son, and was 20 years of age that day. A soon as he heard of the accident that morning he went to the station and was then told that his son was in the waiting-room. The deceased, it would seem, heard him, for he called out and said, "Father do come in and take care of me before I die." He went in and said, "My boy you may get better," to which he replied, "Oh! father, never." He accompanied him to the Cottage Hospital, and remained with him up to the time of his death. At this stage of the proceedings the Coroner adjourned the Enquiry in order to procure further evidence.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 June 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - The Fatal Railway Accident Near Totnes. The Adjourned Inquest. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of WILLIAM AUGUSTUS STEPHENS, stoker of the engine Hercules, who died from injuries received in the railway accident near Totnes on Tuesday morning, was held at the Newton Townhall yesterday, by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner. - John Waldron, porter in the employ of the South Devon Railway Company, was the first witness called. He knew the deceased and saw him on Tuesday morning last, when witness was in charge of the special goods train from Newton to Plymouth. Witness was head guard, and left Newton at 12.35 a.m. on Tuesday morning. It was witness's duty before the train left to see that everything was right. The train consisted of twenty-six trucks of miscellaneous description and one engine. Charles Dawe was the driver of the engine, and the deceased was stoker. Witness examined the train on both sides before it left Newton, and it was all right. Witness rode in the last van, and another guard, called John Haywood, rode in the brake-van, about midway in the train. The train was stopped just beyond Torquay junction and divided, as it was too heavy to get up the incline. Haywood went on with the first part of the train, and witness remained with the second part, which got to Dainton Tunnel about two o'clock. At Dainton the train was united, after about five minutes delay. At the time the accident occurred it was very dark, and witness could not tell whether the engine had steam on or not. Witness's attention was first aroused by something coming against the side of the van he was in, whereupon he immediately put on the brake. Witness heard no brake whistle. The up goods train had passed the special just before witness felt the banging against the carriage, and had stopped near the tunnel to be divided. When witness stopped his train he got out to see what was the matter, and heard the guard of the goods up train calling out. Witness walked on to the engine with his lamp, and heard the guard of the other train again call for help. The van in which witness had been and thirteen trucks remained on the line. The other trucks and the engine had gone off the line and the second half of the train had gone on in front of it before it was brought to a standstill. Witness found the engine in a field about 250 yards behind the spot where his van had stopped. The men were lying about a yard from the engine among some large stones crying for help. They were taken to a carriage in the up goods train and conveyed to Newton. Witness believed that what struck his van was the tender part of the engine, as the lamp-iron outside the van was smashed and the glass of the van broken. The tender of the engine was projecting over the line. - In reply to a Juror, witness said he accounted for the tender striking his van and not striking the trucks because his van projected more out over the rails than the trucks would. There was nothing lying on the stoker and driver when they were picked up. - John Haywood, a porter, on Tuesday morning last was second guard of the special goods train from Newton. Witness was riding in the middle (brake) van. When the train had been united at Dainton, and was going down the incline, witness was startled by a sudden gust of steam and smoke coming into his van. Witness put the brake on, and the train was brought to a standstill within half a minute. Witness got out of his van and found several trucks across the line, but could see nothing of the engine. There was a timber truck in front of the train, which had canted over between the two lines of rails in front of all the other trucks. Hearing the guard of the up-goods train calling out, witness went backwards past the trucks which were on the line, and about 350 yards behind found the engine upset in a field. The coupling links between the engine and carriages were smashed and the buffers of the engine knocked off. Witness could not account at all for the accident. The up-goods train passed the special all right, and in no way caused the accident. - George Cole, a goods train guard, was working the 11.30 p.m. goods train from Plymouth to Exeter on Monday night. At 2.12 a.m. on Tuesday morning he met the down special goods at Dainton incline. Just before the train passed witness and the other guard had divided their train (the up goods), and witness, hearing the down goods coming, got into his own van until he had passed. Just after it had passed witness heard a sudden rush of steam, and looked back, but could see nothing because of the steam blowing about. He could still hear the steam going off from the engine. When the steam cleared witness (whose van was about 50 or 100 yards from where the engine went off the line) saw the locomotive lying in the field, and STEPHENS, who was making loud cries for help, about nine yards from the engine, on his hands and knees. One part of the train had passed on, and was about 300 yards down the line. Witness thought the special, which passed the up-goods all right, was going at a rate of from twenty-five to thirty miles, which was rather a high speed. The highest rate speed at which goods trains were allowed to run was twenty miles an hour. Witness got the driver and stoker (the former of whom was lying on his back in the field as if dead) into a part of the up-goods train, and after telling the switchman at Dainton to telegraph for medical aid at Newton, the men were taken on to the latter place with all speed. Witness did not hear from the injured men how the accident happened. They were in a pitiable state, and their cries were heartrending. - Mr Wright, superintendent of the locomotive department on the South Devon Railway, said the deceased came into the company's employ in January 1873. He had been on an engine nearly the whole of the time, but never with passenger trains. He was spare fireman, and had to take the place of any fireman who was ill, or else to pilot an extra goods train. He was a steady man and a very good fireman. No men were employed as firemen under 19 years of age, and then they were put on yard pilot engines. Deceased was fully capable of undertaking the duties of fireman. - Mr Compton, traffic superintendent of the South Devon Railway, heard of the accident at about five o'clock on Tuesday morning, and repaired at once to the scene, and found the trucks as described, except that one of them was down in a field. Witness examined the line. The permanent way was injured where the engine left the rails, but not to the extent he should have expected. He traced something having been off the line for about a quarter of a mile before the scene of the accident; but he could not say whether it was a truck or the engine. There were marks of a wheel on the transepts and the longitudinal timbers. It did not follow if a truck or engine went off the line that a driver or stoker would know of the fact. He had known of such cases where they did not. He examined the permanent way at the spot he first saw the mark of the wheel, but there was nothing wrong with it. He found nothing to account for the engine or trucks leaving the line. The working book of the company, which every driver had a copy of, laid down that the speed of goods trains was not to exceed twenty miles an hour. The truck in the field was on its side, but not much injured. It belonged to the down, and not to the up-goods train. The speed of the train was limited to twenty miles an hour, as that was thought to be a safe speed. It did not follow necessarily that the extra speed would cause the train to go off the line. At the point he first saw the mark in the permanent way there was a curve, but not a very sharp one. - Mr J. J. Drake, surgeon, of Newton, saw the deceased at the station about three o'clock on Tuesday morning, and found him partly unconscious and greatly scalded about the face and hands. He was removed to the Cottage Hospital with Dawe, the driver. At the Cottage Hospital he found that deceased was scalded from head to foot; in fact, there was hardly a sound piece of flesh in him, and some of the skin came off when his clothes were taken off him. He died the same day about two o'clock from the effects of scalding. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, pointed out that there was no evidence to shew how the train ran off the line. Mr Compton found traces of something having been off the line for a quarter of a mile, but he did not fancy it could have been the engine, because, then in all probability, the stoker and driver would have been aware of the fact, though it was just possible they might not have been. In all probability, however, by the engine jerking over the line they would have known of such an occurrence, and have blown the brake whistle, but the guards of the train, and Cole, the other guard, heard nothing of the sort. Cole saw the train pass him, and it appeared to him to be all right, but they had evidence that something had been off the line for a quarter of a mile, and, therefore, when the special goods passed Cole something must have been wrong, and the probability was that a truck must have gone off the line - perhaps the timber truck, which was fourth behind the engine at Newton, but which, after the accident, was found smashed in front of the train. There appeared to be no fault on anyone's part, and if the train was being driven at too great a speed that was the fault of the men on the engine. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and gave their fees to the Cottage Hospital.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 10 June 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Fearful Fall From A Viaduct At Devonport. - Mr Bone, Borough Coroner for Devonport, held an Inquest on Monday at the Sportsman's Arms, Ford, Devonport, on the body of a man of 70 years of age, named GEORGE WINNACOTT, who met his death by falling from a viaduct situate near Ford-road, and belonging to the Cornwall railway. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased who was a naval pensioner, was much addicted to intemperate habits, and, as a witness affirmed, though he was in reality an intellectual man, yet when in drink he did things which otherwise he would not be capable of doing. The same witness, a person with whom the deceased had resided, also stated that it was his firm belief that the deceased had not for the last six weeks taken off his clothes; in fact, during the whole of that period he had been in a state of semi-intoxication, and he (witness) had observed that he had partaken of but one meal during that time. The deceased left his home on Wednesday morning without the knowledge of anyone. On Sunday a man named Pengelly saw him topple over the viaduct which is upwards of ninety feet from the road, and fall with fearful violence to the ground. He immediately ran to where the man had fallen, but found life extinct - death having been instantaneous. The Jury, which was a double one, returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased died from the effect of mortal injury occasioned by a fall from the Keyham Viaduct into the Ford-road, but whether such fall was wilful or accidental there was no evidence to determine."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 June 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday respecting the death of ALFRED BRITON, aged nine years. The deceased was ridden over about three weeks since, but did not complain of injury. A fortnight ago, however, he sprained one of his ankles, and had to be taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died on Sunday. According to the medical testimony death was caused by heart disease, accelerated by injury to the ankle; and a verdict in accordance with the evidence was given.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 11 June 1874
TAVISTOCK - Accident At Lomburn, near Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the Harvest Home inn, Lomburn, yesterday afternoon, on the body of ALFRED RICE, a child twenty months old, who on the previous day was accidentally suffocated in a tub of water. A verdict was returned in accordance with the facts.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 June 1874
BRIXHAM - An inquest was held last evening at Brixham concerning the death of JOHN MILLER, aged 14 years, who was killed whilst bird nesting on the cliffs, near Maidstone, on Monday evening. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PAIGNTON - On Monday evening at Paignton, the infant son of MR NICHOLAS HUNT, of Matthew House, Paignton, was found drowned in a tub of water near the house. An Inquest was held yesterday and a verdict of Accidental Death returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 June 1874
WINKLEIGH - The Inquest on the girl ELIZABETH PALMER, who gave birth to a dead child at Winkleigh, and died a short time afterwards, has resulted in a verdict that death was caused by some narcotic and virulent poison, taken with the view of procuring abortion, but by whom administered there was no evidence to show.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 13 June 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident By Falling Downstairs. - Yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, at the Harvest Home Hotel, Tavistock-road, on the body of WILLIAM MADDOCK, who at the time of his death was 73 years of age, and resided at 19 Clarence-street. On the 29th May, a fortnight since, at about 10.30 p.m. the deceased was ascending a flight of stairs, when he missed his foot and fell to the ground, violently striking his head and back. Mr Wm. Square, M.R.C.S., stated that he saw the deceased on the morning after the accident and found him much bruised. At the back of his head was a slight cut, and he had all the appearance of suffering from concussion of the brain. At first he became somewhat better, but not for long and he gradually sank until he expired on Thursday last. Witness said that the deceased had fallen down several times before in the street, and thought it must have resulted from attacks of apoplexy, to which the deceased had been subject. There was no doubt that death was caused by concussion of the brain produced from a fall, and to this effect the Jury, of which Mr William Maddock was Foreman, returned their verdict.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 16 June 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Coxside. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening, at the Plymouth Guildhall, on the bodies of THOMAS HENRY PHILLIPS KEEN, who, in company with GEORGE NAZARETH WATTS, met his death under the circumstances of which an account was given in our issue of yesterday. LOUISA KEEN said she was the mother of the deceased, who was eight years of age at the time of his death. He left his house at 16 Green-street, on Saturday last, at half-past twelve. - Charles Bradford, a boy said he saw the deceased bathing at Coxside. He then went away, and when he came back the deceased was nowhere to be seen. - By the Foreman: There were several boys bigger than the deceased in the water at the time. - Wm. Dawe stated that on Saturday last he was walking on the timbers at Coxside, when he saw the body of a boy floating on the water. He dragged it ashore, but found that life was perfectly extinct. Witness also stated that boys are very greatly in the habit of bathing at this place, some parts of which are very dangerous. The Jury, of which Mr John Burt was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - In reference to the death of GEORGE NAZARETH WATTS, CHARLES WATTS, the father of the deceased, said the latter was nine years old at the time of his death. The body was picked up at Coxside at 10 p.m. on Saturday. The Jury returned a similar verdict to the one given in the last case. Some remarks were made as to the desirability of preventing boys from bathing on the timbers at Coxside.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 June 1874
EXETER - An Inquest has been held at Exeter respecting the death of SABINA TARRINGTON, who had died from concussion of the brain caused by falling downstairs. The deceased who was a widow 63 years of age, resided at the College in the Close.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 18 June 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner and a Jury, of which Mr Graham was Foreman, held two Inquests yesterday afternoon at the Royal Naval Hospital, the first being on the body of ROBERT MEREDITH, aged 57 years, who was a naval pensioner, and resided in Park-street, Plymouth. The deceased fell from the side of a vessel, into the dry dock, as already reported in the Mercury. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - An Enquiry was held for the purpose of investigating the cause of the death of HENRY EAKINS, aged 54 years, who was a private in the Royal Marines. It appeared that during the past few months the deceased had complained of a pain in his left side. On Tuesday morning last the deceased amongst others was in attendance at his drill at Longroom, when he expressed a wish to "fall out" as he felt unwell. Soon after it was found necessary to remove him to the Longroom Infirmary, where, upon taking some stimulants, he rallied, and was put to bed, but expired just after eleven o'clock on the same evening. Dr Adams, on making a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased, found the cause of death to result from a fatty degeneration and enlargement of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest at Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, by Mr A. B. Bone, Borough Coroner, on the body of GEORGE PALMER, who met his death by unfortunately falling off a scaffolding. Richard Dobbs said that he, in company with the deceased and three other men, was working at Lady Devonshire's house, near the Victualling Yard, Stonehouse. They were standing on a scaffolding, which was about forty feet from the ground. The witness had occasion to go on the roof, and he had no sooner done so when he heard something giving way, and, on turning round, was horror stricken to perceive a part of the scaffolding had broken away, and the men who were upon it were precipitated to the ground. Witness descended, and finding the men much hurt, went and procured assistance. He was of opinion that the accident had been caused by the breaking of a "putlog," which is a piece of wood employed to support the planks on the scaffolding. The piece of wood was produced and appeared to be quite rotten and worm-eaten. It appeared that in the erection of the scaffolding this putlock had been put aside as unfit for use, but it had unfortunately happened that it had been taken up by the deceased who did not seem to be aware of its rottenness and was placed by him in a position which was ultimately the cause of an accident. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 19 June 1874
DAWLISH - The Case Of Drowning Near The Warren. - In Wednesday's Mercury, we gave an account of a man having been found drowned in the river near the Warren. Up to the time when an Inquest was held on the body, (name of the deceased was unknown). It has since been ascertained that the deceased was called GEORGE MORTIMER, he was a native of Teignmouth, and on the day when he met his death, he left home for the purpose of going to Exmouth. As there was a precipice near where the body of the deceased was found, it is supposed MORTIMER accidentally fell off, and thus met with his death. He has a wife in service at Torquay.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 June 1874
IVYBRIDGE - Fatal Threshing Machine Accident. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Dinnaton Farm, near Ivybridge, relative to the death of WILLIAM WALKE, aged 16 years, a servant in the employ of Mr H. Horton, farmer, who died from lockjaw on Saturday last. Mr Horton stated that the deceased was on the 12th inst. working a threshing machine, drawn by horses, when the machine suddenly stopped, and upon him going to the spot he found the deceased lying upon the ground, with his left foot caught under the driving bar of the machine. Witness asked the deceased how he came there, and he replied that he got down to tie one of the horses, which was loose, and the machine caught his foot. Mr Holmes, surgeon, said that he was called to see the deceased on the 12th inst., and found him suffering from an injured foot. He saw him again on the 14th and 15th and thinking that the deceased was progressing favourably he did not go again to see him until Friday last. On Saturday he met Mr Langworthy, surgeon, who told him that he had been to see the deceased, and thought it was a hopeless case. Witness went to the house directly, and found that lockjaw had set in, and that the lad was dying. He gave the mother of the deceased a certificate for his burial, and did not think an Inquest was necessary. - PEGGY WALKE mother of the deceased, said that on Wednesday last she went to Mr Holmes's house and asked him to come and see the deceased, because he had become worse. Mr Holmes said that he could not attend because he had other business. Witness had to go to the doctor's house several times before to ask him to come to see her son. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

ASHBURTON - The Fatal Gun Accident At Ashburton. - Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Enquiry yesterday respecting the death of MRS HONEYWILL, and her infant child under circumstances already reported. The gun was a double-barrelled one, and both barrels were charged when left in the room by deceased's husband. The charge was so heavy that the deceased was quite bespatted with shot, and when presented at the Inquest one barrel was still loaded, and was discharged by a Juryman. The funeral will take place today.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 1 July 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Murder At Stonehouse. The Coroner's Inquest - Verdict Of Wilful Murder. - The shocking murder at Stonehouse by the Marine pensioner, THOMAS MACDONALD, of his paramour, BRIDGET WELSH, formed the one topic of conversation in the Three Towns yesterday. A rumour got afloat in the early morning that MACDONALD had expired from the effects of his self-inflicted injuries, but there was no truth in the report; and so far from being dead, there is every prospect of his speedy recovery, and no fear whatever of a relapse is entertained. The Inquest, owing to a variety of unforeseen circumstances, was not held till late in the afternoon, when Dr Sleman, the Deputy Coroner, sat with a Jury to investigate the circumstances connected with the tragedy. The Enquiry was held at the Market-house Inn, from whence, previous to hearing the evidence, the Jury proceeded to the house in Fore-street, where the body of the deceased was lying, for the purpose of viewing the corpse. The body was lying in a room just adjoining the entrance passage, being upon the floor in the same position as it was when the door was smashed open by neighbours for the purpose of discovering the cause of the unlocked windows. The face was disfigured by a deep scar near the mouth; the forehead had been smashed in the centre, and across the right hand also was there the mark of a severe blow. The face had the appearance of having been washed and relieved of its bloody stains, but upon the floor the head itself was lying weltering in a great quantity of congealed blood. By the side of the deceased was a pillow upon which MACDONALD is said to have been found resting his head, and behind the pillow was a pan partially filled with blood and water, in which the man had apparently washed his hands and the face of the deceased after committing the crime. A cursory glance showed the small room to be comfortably furnished with a sofa, chest of drawers, table, and several pictures, the bedroom in which they were accustomed to sleep being, it should be understood, upstairs. After the Jury had viewed the battered remains they returned and heard the following evidence:- Jane Phillips: I live in Fore-street, in a house opposite that in which the murder was committed, but I formerly lived in the same house as that in which the body of the deceased now lies, having removed in consequence of the occurrence. It is known by the name of the Newcastle Inn, and I slept there on Sunday and Monday nights. About a quarter to twelve on Sunday night I saw the deceased in the room in which she was murdered. I went into her room because she was quarrelling with THOMAS MACDONALD, and when I entered she was crying about her children. I noticed that she had a bruise on the top of the right hand, and I bound the wound with a handkerchief. She informed me that she would have been just strangled but for her little boy having just entered the window as MACDONALD was attempting to suffocate her. MACDONALD was present, and before him the deceased pointed out the marks in her neck, but he said nothing. I stayed with them some little time and left them apparently reconciled. MACDONALD has only lately come out of hospital, and he was the master of the house. There were several single women residing in the house, but I do not care to state the occupation they follow. The maiden name of the deceased was BRIDGET CASEY; she was a married woman, and had two children - a boy and a girl. - By the Jury: I heard no noise of any kind on Monday morning. I did not rise until half-past eleven, when I was roused by a companion who asked me to run for a policeman. My sleeping room is on the topmost storey of the house. The children do not sleep with the deceased, but the boy was with her on Sunday. They live in Plymouth. I never heard MACDONALD use any threats towards the deceased. The deceased and MACDONALD were in the habit of quarrelling, but I did not see them strike one another, and I never before interfered. I could hear from the "taproom" when they fell out. I believe MACDONALD has been in good health of late. I was not surprised that they were not abed on Sunday night, but they were apparently comfortable when I shook hands and left them at twelve. I never saw MACDONALD drunk, I could not say he was generally sober. MACDONALD was not crying on the occasion I have referred to - it was only the deceased who was in tears. The bruise she told me was inflicted in the day time, it was not done on Saturday, and when the deceased requested me to bind her hand that MACDONALD prevented me from doing so. - Mr Anniss, for the information of the Jury, said he never saw the deceased worse for liquor, in fact she was quite an exception for her class. - William White: Shortly after two o'clock on Monday afternoon, I was standing outside my door in Fore-street, when I saw a number of people around the door of the private house in which the deceased lived. I knew the deceased previously, and being attracted by the mob, went into the house to see what was the matter. On entering the passage I saw a man and woman of whom I enquired the reason of the crowd, and they said they believed that something serious had happened within. To ascertain what was the cause of the door of the deceased's room being locked, I went over and smashed it open. I went into the apartment alone, and the shutters being shut the room was dark, and for a moment I could not distinctly see who were inside. The gas in the centre of the room was a little alight, and a marine who came in after me, turned on the gas, and I then saw MACDONALD lying down on the floor by the side of the deceased. I could see his throat was cut, and thinking he was dead, I felt his pulse, and when the doctor came, by his orders, I gave him some water. MACDONALD lay on his back with his arms crossed on his chest, and on the left-hand side of him an open razor was lying, with which I thought the wound was inflicted. By the side of MACDONALD was the deceased, with her face hidden by a handkerchief loosely thrown over it, and until it was removed I was unable to see what was the matter with her. The deceased's head was resting upon her own boots, the heels being removed from her, and her head upon the instep. I removed the handkerchief from her face, and placed it on again immediately. By the side of the deceased was lying the piece of a bedpost, covered with blood, the weapon being the long square piece of wood produced. I went upstairs, and saw that the bed was in a sort of rummage, but it was perfect, and the piece of post produced did not appear to have been taken from it, nor from the sofa as far as I can say. On further examination of the room downstairs, there was a deal of blood on the floor, near the fireplace, and where MACDONALD cut his throat. When I took off the handkerchief from the forehead of the deceased, I saw the wound, but gave only a rough glance at it then. The woman was dead. When Dr Pearse came, I saw MACDONALD again, and said, "MAC, why did you do it?" He answered, "for justice," and then I asked what he committed the deed with, and he replied, "With that alongside of her" (meaning the wood). On the Monday morning I saw MACDONALD about eight o'clock. He asked me how I was getting on, and if I would have a glass. I told him I did not care about it then, it was too early. This conversation occurred in my house, which he was in the habit of frequenting. I observed nothing peculiar in his manner. He ordered half-a-pint of brandy from me, and drank one-half without any water, and presented me with the other portion of it. MACDONALD had not been in the custom of drinking in my house early mornings, and on Monday morning he was not there three minutes. When he departed he told me to take for the brandy out of the three shillings he had left in my possession; he asked me for ne shilling, which I let him have, and the other he told me to keep to drink his health with, together with my missus. He told me several times he would murder the deceased, but I never took any notice of his threats. - By the Jury: It appears that the deceased was a quarrelsome woman, and was violent especially when in liquor as I have seen her. He said she behaved badly to him. MACDONALD was a very quiet-disposed man, and he has been out of the marines six months. He has lived in this house several years. One could scarcely tell when MACDONALD was the worse for liquor; he could take plenty without showing signs of it. The deceased was 33 and she was married to a man named THOMAS JONES, a stoker in H.M.S. Royal Adelaide. He was home last on Tuesday, but I do not know if he saw his wife then. - Samuel Holwill: I am Sergeant of the Devon County Police stationed at Stonehouse. Yesterday afternoon, about a quarter before one, I was on duty in Union-street, when from information I received I went into Fore-street. I went to the house in question, which is a brothel known by the name of the Newcastle, in consequence of a public-house of that name having been formerly carried on there. I saw there the last witness and several other people in the room, in which the deceased was lying on her back upon the floor. I immediately sent for a doctor, who examined the body on his arrival. I produce the weapon with which I heard MACDONALD confess to White he did the deed. It seems to be the foot-post of the bed, and the bottom of it was covered with wet blood. - The son of the deceased was here brought into the room crying, but as he was much distressed, and did not like to give evidence, the Jury dispensed with his services. - Dr Thomas Pearce: About one o'clock on Monday I was called to this house in Fore-street over which the name of the Newcastle Inn is painted. I saw in an inside room a man and woman lying side by side both apparently lifeless the woman having been dead. I remained there and found the woman cold and stiff. Certainly she had been dead some hours, having been killed probably in the night. I am not aware that this room had been the sleeping room but they were both dressed, the woman only having her boots off. The face of the deceased was covered with a handkerchief which I untied, and underneath I found the skull fractured, and various marks of severe bruises. My first impression was that the wound had been inflicted with a hammer. The brain was exposed, and the wound must have been the result of violence, and might have been inflicted with the piece of wood produced. On satisfying myself that the woman was dead I stepped over her body and examined the man, and found he had a good pulse, but he was unconscious. Some water was thrown over his face, and the cushion taken from underneath his head, and he then made various movements and gradually consciousness returned. It was a quarter of an hour from the time I entered that I noticed certain vague movements of the man, and perceived indistinct mutterings. He was not sick whilst I was present, but there was vomiting matter near him, much nearer to him than to the deceased. there is no doubt that the cause of death was the injury to the brain. There was a deal of blood about which might have come from deceased. She was blanched, but this might have resulted from death or bloodlessness, but there was no blood on her face. It was evident attention had been paid the deceased after death from the manner in which the body and the head had been arranged. - The Coroner here observed that there was no doubt whatever in his mind what was the cause of death, but still in a case of this magnitude the Jury must go further. Mr Pearse made a superficial examination of the body, just the same as he himself should have done, but there was no doubt that the fracture was much more extensive than it would appear on the face of it. Now they had heard that there was poison in the room, and consequently, although he valued the time of the Jury, he thought that they must adjourn in order that a post mortem examination might be made, so that no doubt might arise that the deceased had taken of the poison. He was himself perfectly satisfied as to the cause of death, and should be satisfied with the evidence of the medical man. He would rely on the opinion of the Jury. - A Juror asked Dr Pearse if he thought by the appearance the woman now presented that she had taken poison? - Dr Pearse replied that he had not seen the deceased since, but The Coroner remarked that there was no appearance whatever which would lead anyone to suspect that the deceased had taken poison. - A Juror said Dr Pearse thought the woman had been dead several hours, but the vomiting was near the man and not near the woman. He could not see the necessity of adjourning. - The Coroner then proceeded to sum up, and in so doing alluded to the energy the police had exhibited in the case. The Jury would need no long address from him, for the case was clear, and there was no doubt whatever that the deceased was murdered by MACDONAD. The case could not be construed into one of manslaughter. - The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against MACDONALD.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - A Violent End To A Depraved Life. - Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of ELIZABETH JANE BROWN, who was found drowned under the Plymouth Hoe on Wednesday morning. - Eliza Torrington said that the deceased was her companion, and resided at 83 Fore-street, Stonehouse. On Tuesday afternoon last she and deceased were at the Sutton Pool Regatta, and about 8.30 o'clock the same evening the deceased met a navvy in High-street, Plymouth. Previous to meeting him witness asked the deceased to go home with her, as she (witness) had borrowed the clothes which deceased was wearing. Deceased, in consequence, became angry, and a few minutes afterwards she missed the navvy and the deceased, and did not see either of them again that night. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said that deceased was rather the worse for liquor on Tuesday night, but knew what she was about. About five months ago the deceased was helplessly drunk, and on going into the room she found she had cut her throat, but not seriously. The following morning the deceased was ashamed of what she had done. - Witnesses gave evidence as to finding the body near the aquarium at Tinside, under the Plymouth Hoe, and as to her clothes - which she had borrowed - being on the rocks; and Mr Williams, Coroner's Officer, stated that he examined the body, and found no marks of violence on it. He had communicated with the friends of the deceased at Truro, but had received no answer. - Mr Marshall, the agent for the Anti-C.D. Act Association, asked if he might be allowed to say something to which the coroner answered in the negative. - Marshall said he knew more than had been stated; and the Coroner remarked that if the Jury wished him to be called as a witness they could do so. - The Jury first declined to hear what he had to say, but afterwards consented to do so. - Marshall then stated that he had had frequent conversations with the deceased during the past three or four years, and on many occasions she said she would kill herself rather than be dragged about like she had been. She seemed to be dissatisfied with her course of life, and witness offered to send her home or into some institution, but she would not agree to go. He believed she was not in her right mind at times. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that when she drowned herself the deceased did not forget that she was in possession of borrowed clothes, for which her companion was responsible. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity."

PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At Coxside. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday respecting the death of a Dutch lad named DIRKS, aged 14 years. The deceased was cook of the Dutch vessel Johanna, and was guiding a shute by which a cargo of china clay was taken on board, when he accidentally let go the rope, and the shute fell upon his head, breaking his skull, and killed him on the spot. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 July 1874
APPLEDORE - The Fatal Boat Accident At Appledore. - Happily the accident that occurred off Appledore on Friday night was not so disastrous as at first thought. It was believed by those who witnessed the accident that there were four men in the boat when it capsized, and for some time the only survivor, George Swindale, was so much exhausted to state the real facts. When, however, he became conscious, he stated that only he and another young man, named EDWARD HOOPER, were in the boat. HOOPER, who was a good swimmer, tried to reach the shore, but a heavy sea was running and he was drowned in the attempt. His body was picked up on Saturday, and at the Inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. It appears that the young men were cautioned against going out in the boat.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 July 1874
MILTON ABBOT - Fatal Mining Accident. - An Inquest was yesterday held by Mr Rodd, County Coroner, at Milton Abbott, concerning the death of JAMES SOUTHCOTT, a miner, 57 years of age, who received a fatal injury at the Hogstor Manganese Works, the property of Messrs. Sims. On the 30th ult. deceased was working on the surface with a man named Ellery, underlaying a piece of ground, which was about 15 feet high. Without any previous warning the ground fell away, and the men made haste to escape, but in doing so a small quantity struck deceased, and threw him on the metal of the railway which runs through the mine. SOUTHCOTT received such injuries that he died on Saturday morning. The Inquiry was adjourned in order that Dr Foster, the inspector of mines, might be present, and the Coroner directed Mr Northey, surgeon, in the meantime to make a post mortem examination.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 10 July 1874
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Torquay. - On Monday last MR W. HARDING, pawnbroker, of Higher Union-street, was riding on a bus to Torre Station, and in shifting from his seat received some internal injury, through falling on a lamp, and died early on Wednesday. An Inquest was held last evening, at the Castle Inn, and a verdict in accordance with the facts returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 July 1874
TOPSHAM - Killed On The Railway. - Mr R. R. Crosse held an Inquest at Topsham on Saturday, respecting the death of the man WILLIAM REED, whose death, by being run over by a train on the Exeter and Exmouth Railway, was reported in Friday's Western Morning News. The accident occurred on Thursday shortly after noon, at the Newcourt crossing near Topsham, under circumstances which raised the suspicion that it was a case of suicide, and the evidence did not altogether remove the suspicion. Henry Pope, driver of the 1.20 p.m. luggage train from Exeter, said he passed Newcourt crossing about three minutes late. He saw no one there, but it was possible that the deceased might have stepped out behind the corner of the hedge just as the train came up without his observing him. Later in the day he examined his engine at Exmouth, and found upon it traces of hair and blood, shewing that he had run over someone. - William Smith, stoker, gave corroborative evidence. - John Routley, a farm labourer, who was working with the deceased on the day in question, stated that they stopped for dinner about quarter past one o'clock. After dinner they slept a little while, and on awaking deceased asked him how much of the dinner time there was left. Witness told him "five and twenty minutes." Immediately afterwards deceased walked away towards the railway, and Routley saw him no more alive. He had heard the deceased say, on the morning of the same day, that his head was full of trouble, but he gave no explanation. - Samuel Moore, foreman platelayer, found the body at the spot named, the information that it was lying there having been brought to Topsham station by the driver of the next passenger train. The deceased's hat was lying close to the gateway of the crossing; and his body, face downwards, was about three feet from the metals. - The evidence of Mr Gibbs, M.D., who examined the body, shewed that it had been crushed by one or more of the wheels of the train. The right collar bone, all the ribs on the right side, and the right fore-arm were broken; and the right side of the skull was fractured and laid bare. The injuries were such as must have caused instant death. The Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 13 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Marine Pensioner. - On Saturday afternoon last, Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr R. Steere was Foreman, assembled at the Cobourg Inn, Cobourg-street, to Enquire into the cause of the death of THOMAS CARL, a Marine pensioner, aged 46 years, who resided at 37 James-street. The evidence was to the effect that the deceased retired to rest on Friday night in his usual health. About one o'clock in the morning he awoke, feeling very thirsty, and after drinking some water he again fell asleep. About four o'clock the deceased's wife awoke and found her husband in a state of unconsciousness, in which he continued to remain for a short time, when he expired. The deceased had recently been engaged in the sugar refinery. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 14 July 1874
SOUTH MOLTON - An Inquest was held on Friday evening on the body of a child named TOM SMITH, aged seven years, who was killed about noon the same day by being crushed beneath the wheels of a waggon laden with lime. No blame was attached to the driver, as the child attempted to strike the horses unseen by him, and was knocked down by the shaft of the waggon, when the wheels passed over his body. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 July 1874
MILTON ABBOT - Crushed To Death. - An adjourned inquest was yesterday held at Milton Abbot by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, concerning the death of JAMES SOUTHCOTT, aged 57 years, who received such injuries at the Hogster Manganese Works on the 30th ult. as to result in his death on the following Saturday. The Inquiry had been adjourned in order that Mr Le Neve Foster, Government Inspector of Mines, might be present. The evidence shewed that deceased had been working in a quarry at the mines as tram filler, when a heading suddenly fell away, burying SOUTHCOTT and another man named Ellery, who has also died since. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 16 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Death In A Cell. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr John Bickle was Foreman, yesterday met at the Plymouth Borough Prisons to investigate the cause of the death of MARY NORRIS, aged 31 years, she being a recent prisoner in the gaol. Mary Abbot, a widow residing in Lower-street, knew the deceased to be the wife of a mate of a merchant vessel. The deceased who resided at Gascoyne-street, had been recently very ill and under the care of Dr Sheppeard. The witness had attended her during her illness. She had four children, one only eleven weeks old. Since her last confinement she had been very much addicted to drink. P.C. Yabsley was aware that the prisoner had been four times previously convicted, also that on Monday she was fined 5s. and costs, and in consequence of her inability to pay the fine was sent to prison in the afternoon for a period of seven days. On the way to the prison in company with P.C. Yabsley, she complained of weakness, and in consequence the police constable allowed her to rest as often as she wished to do so. The governor of the prison, Mr John Sim, received the prisoner at about five o'clock on Monday, and it was reported to him on the following morning that she and been found dead in bed. A Juryman: Was any report made to you with respect to the weakness of the deceased? - The Governor: No communication was made to me when the deceased was brought in. Dr Stevens, surgeon of the prison, paid the usual daily visits on Monday afternoon and afterwards visited the prisoners, who had been admitted during the day, and examined the condition of the deceased, who complained of being ill. The witness noticed that she was delicate and emaciated. The deceased in reply to a question admitted that she had recently been under the care of Dr Sheppeard. The witness gave an order for the deceased to have full diet. His opinion was that the deceased died from sudden cessation of the action of the heart during sleep. A Juryman: Did you think it was necessary for anyone to have watched her during the night? - Witness: No. It did not appear that she did. The warders discovered the deceased to be dead on Tuesday morning. During the night the deceased was able to communicate to the matron by means of a bell, but this she did not do. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 17 July 1874
YELVERTON - Inquest at Hole's Hole. - An Inquest was held yesterday Mr Rodd, at Hole's Hole, respecting the death of HARRY R. SAMBELLS, aged eleven years. About six weeks ago the deceased was bitten in the thigh by a dog, and three or four days afterwards was seen by a surgeon, who did not see him again until Sunday last, when he found him suffering from typhoid fever. The child died on Tuesday, and a post mortem examination was made by Mr Kent and Mr Thorn, of the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport. The examination clearly shewed that death was caused by typhoid fever, and not by the dog bite, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 20 July 1874
TEIGNMOUTH - Five Persons Drowned At Teignmouth. The Boatman Committed For Manslaughter. - Considerable consternation was occasioned at Teignmouth, about noon on Saturday, by a report being circulated that five persons (four young women and a young man) had been drowned within a few yards of the beach, opposite the mouth of the railway tunnel, near East Teignmouth Church, by the upsetting of a boat. The report, we regret to say, proved too true. Teignmouth and Dawlish just at this time of the year are places of great resort for excursionists. On Saturday last an excursion ran for the employees at Messrs. Robinson, printers, &c. of Bristol. Nearly 200 persons, most of them being females, comprised the party. Some got out at Dawlish, and others at Teignmouth. Among those who got out at the former place were AGNES SAUNDERS, EMILY LLEWILLYN, LILLIE BOWRING, ELIZA TOVEY, and a young man whose name at present is unknown. After awhile they fell in company with some young men, and then it was agreed that they should take a boat and row to Teignmouth. It was a beautiful day, the sun shone brightly, and very little wind was astir, but such as there was blew from the east, which generally creates a deal of surf along the coast between Dawlish and Teignmouth. They engaged a boat of a man named Payne, not by any means an experienced boatman, and he agreed to take ten of them to Teignmouth at 6d. a head. The boat only measured about 14ft by 5ft., so that it was well filled. Payne assuring them it was perfectly safe, they went. They proceeded all right till after passing the rocks known as the "Parson," about a mile and half from Teignmouth, when one of the young ladies noticed the boat was making water. She drew the boatman's attention to it, but he took no notice. By and bye as they approached Teignmouth, keeping all the way near the beach, they encountered a great deal of surf. The occupants it would seem became uneasy, and what with their moving about and the surf, the boat upset, and they were thrown into the water. The struggling that ensued is described by those who witnessed it from the shore as being very appalling. The poor females, not one of them over 23 years of age, struggled desperately for their lives. They seized hold of each other, but only to render their deaths the more certain, for not one of the females could swim. One of them laid hold of the boatman who said he had to shake her off to save his own life. Thus all four of the females were drowned, and a young man, whose name has not yet been ascertained. The others swam ashore. Unfortunately there was no boat at hand to go to their assistance. Efforts were made by some of those on shore to save those who were drowned, but unfortunately they were not sufficiently timely. All the bodies were recovered within twenty minutes after the boat upset, but although every effort was made by Dr Lake, the Rev. Mr Deshon, and others, to restore animation, it was of no avail. The whole of the young girls were described as being very handsome. One of them was about to be married, and it is reported that her intended not having been able to come with her sent a companion of his, the young man who was drowned with them. - The Inquest. - The bodies were removed to the Teignmouth Infirmary, where, Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, late in the evening held an Inquest on them. The following was the evidence adduced:- William Sharland said: I reside in Clifton-street, Stapleton-road, Bristol. I have seen the five bodies of the deceased and I identify the four women. They were called EMILY LLEWILLYN, LILLY BOWRING, ELIZA TOVEY, and AGNES SAUNDERS. They all lived, I believe, in Bristol, and were employed by Messrs. Robinson. Today about 250 of our work-people, the four young women being of the party, came down from Bristol for an excursion in the South of Devon. Our tickets allowed us to get out either at Dawlish or Teignmouth. A great many of the party got out at Dawlish, but I came on to Teignmouth. We reached here between ten and eleven o'clock. I was walking along the beach towards Dawlish, intending to walk to the latter place, when I saw a boat with two men in it just off, and I heard the men say "Pull along sharp, and send for the life boat." It was then, I should say, about a quarter past twelve o'clock. In about ten minutes I saw the men pull up two bodies and bring them ashore. I went to the boat and identified the bodies as LILLY BOWRING and EMILY LLEWILLYN. I had nothing to do with the party after they left the train, and I don't know anything as to what they had been doing. I have seen the fifth body lying in the mortuary attached to the Infirmary, and it is that of a young man, but I cannot identify him. - John Stacey said: I am in my nineteenth year and work for Messrs. Robinson, of Bristol. I came down today with the excursion party from Bristol, and got out at Dawlish with several others. I, Frederick Parfitt, Frederick Thomas, and Frank Bedford, met four girls of the party and a young man with them whom I did not know, and do not think he worked at our place. We saw a boatman and asked him to take us to Teignmouth. We had seen him before we met the girls, and asked him what his charge would be, and he said 6d. a head, but four would be too few. We then asked the girls and the young man to join us. We asked the boatman if the boat would hold nine, and he said "Yes." We went into the boat, the nine of us, and the boatman and a man besides. We had been in the boat about half an hour, and had just passed a rock which the boatman said was called "Parson" or some such name. We were looking at some birds on it, and watching them fly when LILLY BOWRING drew attention to some water in the stern of the boat, which I should say was up to the elastic of her boots. She said to the boatman, "Master, I don't like the water coming in here." I don't think he passed any remark. Then the girl called AGNES showed that the water was up to the top of the elastic, and she said, "Oh, we shall get tipped up," or some such expression. We bys tried to cheer her up, saying it was all right. We asked the boatman if it was. His reply was, "It's only the water coming in at the bow." One of the young men was steering, and wanted to take the boat in, but the boatman told him not to, or the boat would get on to a rock we were passing. After we had gone on a little further, the young man again asked if he should take the boat in, and the boatman replied, "No, for if we did we should get in the surf." We went on, and all at once the boat began to fill. One or two of the girls moved, and said "Oh," but the boatman told them to keep still and he then turned the boat towards the shore, and immediately the boat sank, stern first. I flung myself off and swam ashore. We were then just opposite the tunnel at the end of the beach. When I got to the shore I saw Thomas Parfitt and Bedford, but nothing of the others. The boatman swam ashore before. - William Gilpin said: I am an apprentice to a pilot, and reside at Teignmouth. This afternoon I was standing by Beach House just at the end of the beach at Teignmouth, between twelve and one o'clock, and saw a boat with several people in it being rowed towards Teignmouth. It seemed to me the boat was too near in shore. In about five minutes or more, I saw one or two nasty seas breaking in, and as the seas came, so the young women stood up and moved to leeward. One sea came and took the boat abeam, and threw her over on her side, and she nearly filled, and when the next sea came it turned her completely over, and then some were clinging to the bottom of the boat, and some sprawling about in the water. I got a boat and went off with another man called Albert Dyer, and when we reached the boat that was upset I found her still floating bottom upwards. There were some of the people about the boat, but some few yards off I saw the four young women. I picked up two, but as the sea was so rough I could not get another. I brought the two young women ashore, but they shewed no signs of life. They were taken to the Dawlish Inn. I saw all that occurred and what I have described I saw through a telescope. I watched the boat from the time she came in sight. I consider she was too low in the water, and that with the easterly wind we had today, there were too many in the boat. I should say the boat was 14 or 15 feet long, and may be 5 feet beam. I should not like to take more than five or six in the boat from Dawlish to Teignmouth knowing the coast as I do, for the further you come down the rougher it is. I don't know the owner of the boat that was upset. - P.C. Churchward said: I am stationed at Teignmouth. This afternoon about a quarter past twelve, I was standing on the Den, at the end of the pier, when I was told a boat was upset up by the Breakwater, full of people. As I went I saw the last witness and another man going out in a boat. I then saw a man who told me he had charge of the boat, and two young men coming in from the water. A young man called Elbons, living at Brimley, swam off and brought three bodies in to the shore. When the doctor came he said they were all dead. - Isaac May said: I am chief boatman of the Coastguard at Teignmouth, I have this afternoon seen the boat that was upset when she was brought ashore on the beach. She is fourteen feet in length from out to out, and her breadth four feet seven and a half inches or thereabouts, from out to out. Her depth is one foot nine inches. Her gunwale was knocked, but that was, I should think, done in taking her ashore. I should say at the outside it would not be safe to take more than seven people in such a boat, waterman included. I mean on a calm day, but with the sea at all washy, seven would be rather many. I cannot say if there was a plug there or not. - William Henry Drew said: I am a fishmonger and live in the Commercial -road, Exeter. I was at Dawlish this morning, and on the beach I met my uncle, George Payne, who lives at Dawlish, who told me he was going with a pleasure boat, and I would go with him. He was then waiting for parties to go out. Later on in the morning, he called me to come and told me he was going to Teignmouth with a party. I have often pulled in a boat on the Exe River, but never on the sea. I have been in a boat on the sea, but never in a rough sea, so rough as it was today. It was not rough until we got to the point where we tipped over. When the party were in the boat my uncle took one oar and I the other. I do not know much about seafaring boats, and did not notice there were too many in the boat. One of the young men of the party steered. My uncle directed him which way to steer. When we had got along to the rocks, one of the young women saw there was water coming in the boat, and they got restless. The water came over the stern. Seven of the party were sitting in the stern, and sides, and four of us forward. I heard the young man steering ask if he should turn the boat in, and my uncle said "No, not until we are clear of the rocks," and he told them to sit still, but they would not. I afterwards heard my uncle tell him not to turn the boat in then as it would go into the surf. After this we all began to get afraid, and I pulled as hard as I could to turn the boat in, and just as this was done the young women moved, and the water came in again, and the boat went down. We were all thrown into the water. I can swim. One of the young women clung to me. I held on to the boat which went round and over. I managed to stand in her up to my waist, and I then had hold of the girl. I saw a man swimming out. When he came I told the girl to take hold of him as he was stronger, and she let go me, and giving a "screech" jumped to the man. I then struck out for the shore. Just after I left I heard the man say "I cannot do anything more for you." A looked around and saw the man swimming without the girl then. I did not see her again until the body was brought out. When I got nearly in shore, my uncle and another man walked out and caught hold of me. I could not stand I was so exhausted. When we started the rudder was shipped. I did not hear anyone ask the young man to steer. - William Charles Lake, surgeon, Teignmouth said: I was called this morning to the beach, being told that a boat had upset on that part of the beach near East Teignmouth Church. I went at once, and on my way I was told that the bodies had been taken to the Dawlish Inn. I went there and found two young women stretched on tables in one of the rooms, and several persons busily engaged in endeavouring to restore animation. I endeavoured to produce artificial respiration, which, in fact, those who were there were already doing. We continued at this work about twenty minutes, and then we heard that three other bodies were taken to the Infirmary. Our efforts on the two bodies were unavailing, and I left and came to the Infirmary and there I found the bodies of two young women and a young man. - George Payne, the boatman was then cautioned by the Coroner, but wished to give evidence. He said: I am a labourer, and live in Chapel-street, Dawlish. I don't keep boats myself, but that day I had a boat belonging to Mr Parfitt, of Dawlish, who keeps boats. I have once before had one of his boats and taken a party out. Mr Parfitt knew I was going to have this boat today. He told me he was going out with a boat, and I was to take the other boat and get a job if I could. I am paid by taking half of what I get on the job. By trade I am a mason, and when I have nothing to do I go fishing with the Dawlish fishermen. I have been at that in and out for two or three years. I met the party this morning at Dawlish by the viaduct, , and they told me they wanted to go to Teignmouth in a boat, and I offered to take them. At first four wanted to go, but I told them that was too few to take at sixpence each, and then they said they would get a few more, and then nine came, and I agreed to take them to Teignmouth for sixpence a head. I was told by Mr Parfitt that the boat would take fourteen, and I thought I could take nine. I asked my nephew, William Henry Drew, to go with me. He had been out fishing with me once before, and I knew he could row a boat, but I did not know anything more about his acquaintance with the sea. I did not see anything wrong until one of the young women showed me the water in the bottom of the boat. It was not very much, and I told them it was nothing, and they were to sit still. After that another of the young women said "Oh! master, I wish this water was not here." I said it was all right, the water would not hurt them, and we should soon get in if they would sit still. Before any water was in the boat I made the young man at the helm let go the rudder, as he kept the boat too far in, and I knew if we got in among the breakers we should soon get the boat full. I was pulling the boat out and as soon as the young women saw the breakers coming, they moved and the boat lurched, and another sea coming upset it. I cannot tell where the water came from that was in the bottom of the boat. I did not ask the young man to steer. He took the rudder directly they got into the boat. The party asked me to put them ashore, but not until we came down to the rocks, where, if I had done so, we should have been dashed to pieces. I do not remember if I was asked after, and refused because of the surf. When the boat upset, I was thrown into the water, and I tried to keep up and paddled about for some time, and one of the young women caught hold of me, and nearly pulled me down. I could not get rid of her for some time, but at last I did, and then looked around to see where she was to take her in; but not seeing her I swam ashore, and cold scarcely reach it. I was only engaged to bring the party to Teignmouth. I believe the dimensions of the boat, as given by Isaac May, are correct. I have often taken out other parties before in other boats than Mr Parfitt's. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said that all persons presenting themselves to the public as capable of performing any duty, or filling any office, were supposed to bring to that office a knowledge sufficient for the due performance thereof; and that the point to which the Jury must especially direct their attention, was whether the upsetting of the boat was in any way due to the act of George Payne, the boatman, or whether the upsetting was purely accidental from the moving of the parties in the boat, or from other causes. - The room was then cleared, and the Jury, after some consideration, gave as their verdict that "the five persons were Accidentally Drowned by the upsetting of the boat, but at the same time we are of opinion that the boatman was not sufficiently experienced to take the management of the boat, and we also wish to express our opinion that there were too many persons in the boat, and the boatman was to blame in allowing so many persons in." - The Coroner pointed out to the Jury that he could not accept that verdict, as it was contradictory with its nature, and after a short consultation with them, the room was cleared again. The Jury afterwards returned the following verdict:- "That the deaths of the five persons were occasioned by the inexperience of Geo. Payne, the boatman, and of his allowing the boat to be too heavily laden." - This verdict was not given till midnight. - The Coroner then committed Payne for trial on a charge of Manslaughter, bail being accepted.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 21 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Determined Suicide In Plymouth. - Mr T. C. Brian held an Inquest at the Lord Ebrington Inn, Ebrington-street, yesterday afternoon, on the body of RICHARD HOOPER, who committed suicide as reported in our paper of yesterday. Mr William Stidston was Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was JANE HOOPER, wife of the deceased, who said: I reside at No. 36 Ebrington-street, my husband was 74 years of age, and a labourer, but out of employ. He had been working for about six years at the Great Western Docks, from which employ he was discharged three weeks since. He told me they were reducing the number of labourers, and that he was not wanted. Three years since deceased lost his right eye in his work. He received a severe blow at the time which has affected his head since. He has been much more low spirited since he was discharged than he was before. About a fortnight ago he said that rather than go to the parish he would jump overboard. On Saturday evening he complained of lightness in the head, saying "mother, I fell so funny," at the same time putting his hand to his head. On Sunday morning he rose as usual from bed, and left the room without saying anything, and I did not see him alive afterwards. Deceased had work to go to on the Monday morning had he lived. - Annie Stonelake, who resided in the same house, stated: At 9.15 a.m. on Sunday I went into the back yard, in consequence of what some children told me, and on looking into a workshop I saw the body of a man hanging from the roof, with blood running over him. The door was closed. I have noticed during the last week that deceased was very depressed in consequence of being out of work. - John Baker said: Between nine and ten o'clock on Sunday morning, in consequence of an alarm that was made, I ran into the workshop in the back yard, where I found deceased hanging to the rafters, with blood on his neck and hands and also on the ground. He was hanging clear of the ground. I cut him down, and found life to be extinct. I found a razor on the ground covered in blood. The rope was embedded in the cut of the throat of the deceased. - P.C. Strang was called to the house, when he found the deceased in a sitting posture on the ground. Dr Harper was present and pronounced the man to be dead. Witness noticed that the throat of the deceased was cut, the windpipe being severed. - The Coroner having briefly put the matter before the Jury, a verdict that deceased committed "Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity" was returned. - At the conclusion of the Inquiry Mr Stidston, the Foreman and his fellow Jurors made a liberal subscription on behalf of the aged widow of the deceased, which was at once handed over to her.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 23 July 1874
TAVISTOCK - Inquest At Tavistock. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held in the Magistrate's room at Tavistock, before R. R. Rodd, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr Charles Herris was Foreman, on the body of DANIEL ARTHUR, who was killed on the previous day at the Kelly College Works. Mr Elliot West, surgeon, stated that he believed the deceased died from heart disease, which was accelerated by the shock occasioned through the falling of some ground upon him. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was therefore returned.

PLYMOUTH - Singular Death. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday, at the Guildhall, Plymouth, on the body of a man named BARTHOLOMEW FROST, who met his death under the circumstances narrated below. - John Turpin said that he was intimately acquainted with the deceased who was in the employment of his brother. On Monday last deceased was engaged in milking three cows in a shippen situate at Crab Tree. In bending down by the side of one of the cows, which appeared to be somewhat restive, the deceased, by the animal suddenly moving, was crushed up against the wall. Witness ran to his assistance, but on extricating him from his position the deceased did not seem to feel much pain though he said he thought his back was broken. Assistance was procured, and he was ultimately driven in a spring-cart to the South Devon and Cornwall Hospital at Plymouth. Here it was found that his arms and legs were perfectly paralysed, and that he had received an injury to the spinal cord, and the sixth vertebrae from the neck. From the first it looked a hopeless case, and deceased expired shortly after his entrance into the hospital. The Jury, of which Mr William Pilditch was Foreman, returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 28 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - A Strange Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, on the body of JANE ELIZA COLE, who lived in Richmond-street, Plymouth. There were, it appears, suspicious rumours in the neighbourhood with reference to this case, as marks of violence had been observed on the deceased's body. Every doubt was, however, cleared by the evidence of the witnesses at the Inquiry. The first witness called was WILLIAM S. COLE, whom the Coroner advised was not obliged to take the oath, and would leave it to his option to do so. No objection, however, was made. Witness said he was a dairyman by trade, and was the husband of the deceased, who was aged forty-six. She has for some time been given to intemperate habits. She was, with the exception of two days, intoxicated during the fortnight previous to her death. Thursday last at 10 a.m., witness came home and found his wife very drunk. She had previously told him that she intended to reform, and therefore on seeing her he exclaimed, "Hullo, you have been drinking again today!" He was somewhat angry, and gave her a slight shake. Shortly after this the deceased was proceeding to go out of the house by the front door, when witness told her that she should not go. She made to turn, and stooping very much fell forward on her face upon the stone passage. Witness took her up, and carried her to bed. He did not notice at the time that her face was injured. She never spoke again, and witness thought she did not become conscious after the occurrence. The Coroner: At any time during the morning did you put hands upon her to offer any violence? Witness: No. - Elizabeth Borlase stated that she resided in the same house with the deceased, who, she affirmed, was addicted to intoxicating liquors. Some time ago, whilst the deceased was standing at a tray, washing clothes, the tray gave way, and fell on her and crippling her in a slight degree. She had often known the deceased to fall when inebriated and injure herself. When deceased was lying dead witness saw a bruise on her forehead, and left breast. - John Julian, inspector of the market, asserted that he knew deceased to be addicted to drink. Robert J. Shepherd, M.R.C.S., stated that he was called to see the deceased on the evening of the 23rd instant. He found deceased perfectly unconscious with a bruise on the right temple. There was no evidence of any fracture. He did not find any other mark of external injury. From the appearance of the face witness at once concluded that defendant was suffering from apoplexy, and that it was not probable that she would speak again. He gave it as his opinion that a sudden attack of apoplexy had caused the deceased to fall, and that she was predisposed to this attack by her habits of intemperance. The bruise on her temple had nothing to do with her death. The Jury, of which Mr Wm. Tremain was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 July 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - JAMES TOWNSHEND, who had one of his arms torn off at Messrs. Vicary's mill at Newton, about a fortnight ago, died early yesterday morning at the Cottage Hospital. An Inquest was held later in the day by Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned. The Jury gave their fees to the Cottage Hospital.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 August 1874
TORQUAY - An Excursionist Drowned At Torquay. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Torbay Infirmary, Torquay, respecting the death of JOHN GOULD, who died by falling from the steamer Sensation into the water on Wednesday night. Several witnesses were examined, and it was stated that the passengers had to get on the quay by a narrow plank. GOULD, who had been at the Paignton regatta, was believed to have been under the influence of drink. One witness said GOULD jumped from the paddle-box to the quay, and then fell back into the water; and another witness declared that deceased stepped on the plank, tripped up, and fell over. He had not been in the water two minutes before he was rescued, but he died a few hours afterwards from heart disease, death being accelerated by the sudden immersion. The Jury found a verdict to that effect, and cautioned the master of the Sensation to be more particular in future in landing his passengers - to provide himself with a proper landing stage, and to run alongside the quay instead of just touching at the pier head.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 1 August 1874
YELVERTON - A Sad Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Tuesday last at the Tamar Hotel, Hole's Hole, relative to the death of ELIZABETH DEDLEY, aged 65 years, the wife of a gardener. From the evidence it appears that on the preceding day while the husband of the deceased was driving down a hill, the cart gave a jerk against a stone, and the deceased was thrown out dislocating her neck and killing her instantaneously. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 4 August 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - The Recent Drowning Case In The Teign. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Dr Gaye, Deputy Coroner, on the body of W. HAYDON, who was drowned in the Teign whilst bathing on Saturday last. Evidence was given corroborating the facts which appeared in Monday's Mercury, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and recommended Dr Gaye to request the Newton Local Board to provide bathing places near the town.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 August 1874
TEIGNMOUTH - Fatal Accident In A Photographic Studio. - An Inquiry was held at Teignmouth yesterday by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, respecting the death of WALTER CHARLES TAPPER, a child about 18 months old. On Saturday last the child was brought from Bovey Tracey to Teignmouth, and taken to the photographic studio of Mr Poole, to have its likeness taken. The child had been photographed, and its uncle had given it something to eat whilst he was looking over an album, when on looking around he found that the child, to whom he had spoken but a few seconds before, had disappeared. He then noticed a hole in the floor, and on looking down this saw the little fellow lying at the bottom seemingly dead. He was taken up, and Mr J. H. Edwards, surgeon, sent for. Mr Edwards came and on examining him discovered that the skull of the child had been smashed in, and he died in the course of a few hours. The hole, which was fourteen inches square, had been in the room for six years, and was for the purpose of ventilation. At the time of the accident it was, according to Mr Poole's evidence, surrounded by two cameras, a head-rest, and a chair; and the child must have pushed between the rest and the chair to get at the hole. In summing up, the Coroner remarked that there had been carelessness on the part of Mr Poole in not having the hole properly protected, and the Jury, whilst returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" admonished Mr Poole to shew greater care for the future.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 7 August 1874
TORQUAY - Inquest At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at the Town Hall, Torquay, on Wednesday night, before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, touching the circumstances attending the death of SARAH DENNIS, a poor woman, who died somewhat suddenly in Swan-street, on Monday night. The evidence shewed that the deceased, who was 35 years of age, had been in a weak state of health some time prior to her death; and that, though she and her family lived in a state of destitution, no person was to blame for this except her husband, who, at the request of the Jury, was solemnly warned by the Coroner to give up his dissipated and drunken habits. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased came to her death by Natural Causes. The Inquiry lasted three hours.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Sudden Death Of A Freemason. - Yesterday afternoon Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr Emanuel Northey was Foreman, assembled at the Metham Masonic Lodge, 1 Caroline-place, Stonehouse, for the purpose of investigating the cause of the death of GEORGE WARREN, aged 59 years, who resided at 10 Frances-street, Plymouth, and expired under the circumstances related below. - MR FRANCIS WILLIAM WARREN, chemist, stated that the deceased was his father. He last saw him at his residence about six o'clock. The witness understood that the deceased intended to be present at a lodge meeting. Recently the deceased had complained of a loss of appetite, and a slight drowsiness at times. - Mr Charles Leigh said that the deceased was in attendance at Lodge Brunswick about half-past seven o'clock on the preceding evening. After the meeting had been held some refreshments were partaken of, when the deceased, who had previously assisted in the working of the lodge, appeared in his usual health. The deceased, while responding to a toast, proposed for his health, was suddenly taken by a slight cough, and after spitting there was a great flow of blood, which lasted for about five or eight minutes. Dr Pearse was sent for and attended the deceased, who died shortly afterwards. He administered stimulants to the deceased, but he expired within ten minutes. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 10 August 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall on Friday evening by Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner, on SUSAN MARSH, of Holycross-lane, who was found dead on Friday morning. WILLIAM MARSH, husband of the deceased, said that his wife, who was 43 years of age, had been ailing for a fortnight, and complained of pains in the chest and side. He had obtained some pills for her, and she had also taken castor oil and powders. About two o'clock on Thursday, whilst he was at work, a neighbour asked Mr Annear, the relieving officer, for an order for the parish doctor, but as Mr Annear did not give one he went to him late in the evening. On his return from work he got an order, with which he went to Mr Stephens, who promised to call in the morning, and gave him a powder. When he returned home he gave deceased two eggs and a cup of tea, after which she took the powder, which eased her pain. He sat up in a chair with her all night and soon after daylight she said she had no pain since taking the powder. He went away to work at 6.30 a.m., returning home at eight a.m., by which time deceased had lighted the fire. He went out again to work, and on returning at ten found her dead. The Deputy Coroner said that as the statement of the witness who asked Mr Annear for the order would perhaps seriously affect him in his position as relieving officer; he should send for him that the statement might be made in his presence. Mr Annear was sent for and attended, and Emma Marshall then stated that she lived at 4 Holycross-lane, and had known deceased for two years. She had not known deceased to complain except of flatulence and pain in the left side; but a fortnight ago she became much worse. About two o'clock on Thursday deceased told her she felt very bad and asked her to fetch someone. Witness went out at once and met Mr Annear in Kinterbury street and asked him for an order for the doctor to see MRS MARSH. Mr Annear said he could not give it unless the husband came himself. She told Mr Annear that deceased was very ill, and asked him to go and see her. This he did not do, but said MR MARSH to come to him as soon as he came home. When Marshall came to her, deceased pointed out that she had palpitation of the heart and on witness speaking to MARSH he immediately went for an order. At 6.30 on Friday morning deceased came to witness's door, and asked her for some water. Witness noticed that her [?] was low, and did not see her again alive. One of the Jurymen expressed an opinion that Mr Annear had acted very improperly in not going to see the unfortunate woman when asked to do so by Mrs Marshall, especially as he was distinctly told that she was very ill, and at the time he was not a stone-throw from the house where she was. This remark appeared to be concurred in by all the Jurymen present. - Mr Annear excused himself, threw imputations on deceased and her husband, and contended that it was no place of his duty to call and see the woman. The Deputy Coroner told him that his attempted [?] made the matter much worse; he was paid by the rate-payers, not merely to economise the rates and cut the relief of the poor to the lowest possible limit, but was intended to be an officer in the cause of humanity, and that after he had heard what he had from Mrs Marshall, when he was not a stone's throw from the house where the woman was stated to be lying so ill, it was a gross neglect of duty and an act of the greatest inhumanity for him not to at once have made every inquiry. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 11 August 1874
TORQUAY - Strange Death. - On Thursday last ROBERT BECK, a mason 50 years of age, was found in Upton-road, Torquay, lying insensible. He was taken to his home, but continued to get worse during Friday, and on Saturday afternoon he died. An Inquest was held on the body at the Torbay Inn last evening.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 August 1874
DAWLISH - Fatal Bathing Accident At Dawlish. - MR ARTHUR HENRY FOOKS, of 5 Alsa Park Villas, Twickenham, a clerk in the Bank of England, who has been paying a short visit to Dawlish with his mother and sister, went yesterday afternoon with a friend (Mr Drever) to bathe in the gentlemen's cove. It appears they had both been swimming and were returning to the beach when the attention of Messenger, a superintendent of the bathing machines, was drawn to MR FOOKS. He called out to Mr Drever to go to MR FOOKS. This he did, and brought him to the rocks (it being low water). Holmon and Messenger had by this time made their way there, and then carried him to the beach. Instant measures were taken to restore animation. A doctor was sent for, and Mr M. Cann arrived almost immediately. Brandy and blankets were soon to hand, but were unfortunately of no avail, life being extinct. The body was removed to Piermont House, where deceased had been staying. We hear that he is an only son, and 22 years of age. Last night an Inquest was held on the body and a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 14 August 1874
TORQUAY - An Inquest was opened on Monday night and adjourned to Tuesday, at Giles's Torbay Inn, Tone, before Mr H. Michelmore, coroner, on the body of ROBERT BECK, a mason, who was found lying in Union-road in an insensible condition last Thursday, and died on the following Saturday. The deceased was 56 years of age, and was a widower with five children. The evidence showed that on the night prior to his being found he had been drinking rather heavily and the probability is that whilst intoxicated he fell in the road on his way home. The result of a post mortem examination showed that the cause of death was an effusion of blood on the brain, and the Jury returned a verdict to this effect.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 August 1874
EXETER - Fatal Accident At Exeter. - A fearful accident, which terminated fatally, occurred on Saturday to MR RICHARD PIDSLEY, the well-known auctioneer of Saint Sidwell's, Exeter. It appears he was in his office and in the act of examining, it is supposed, previous to cleaning, his gun, when by some means or other the weapon exploded, and the charge entered in an oblique direction the abdomen of the unfortunate man. He called for assistance and Messrs. Hunt and Perkins were soon upon the spot, but their skill was, of course, of no avail. He survived the accident nearly half an hour and was conscious up to the time of his death, which will be deeply regretted by many an old friend. - An inquest was subsequently held, at which evidence was given to shew that the deceased after the injuries had been inflicted, stated that he had accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun on the table. He signed a paper bequeathing all his property to his wife and son, TOM. Subsequently materials for gun cleaning were found on the table, and one of the witnesses said deceased was going to his cousin's at Moor Farm, Sowton, to shoot rabbits. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased was Accidentally Shot.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 17 August 1874
PLYMOUTH - Killed By A Horse. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, at the Old Guildhall, by Mr Coroner Brian, on the body of WILLIAM BUTFIELD, who came to his death in the manner described below. Ann Frost said she was passing the Millbay-road on Friday last, between the hours of five and six p.m. She saw a waggon, drawn by two horses, belonging to the Sugar Refinery Company, advancing along the road, with a man walking by the side of it. Suddenly she observed the wheel horse, near which the deceased was, put out its fore leg, and immediately the man fell down. Witness went to his assistance, but found life to be extinct. - By a Juror: I think the horse knocked the man down. - Robert Power, a labourer in the employ of the Sugar Refinery Company, knew the deceased as a fellow workman. He saw him leave the refinery with a loaded waggon on the day in question. Witness considered the deceased to have been sober at his departure. - FANNY BUTFIELD, the daughter of the deceased, stated that her father had been knocked down and bitten by the horse. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Some discussion arose as to whether the horse was fit to be driven through the streets, as it was a very vicious animal. The Coroner strongly recommended that the manager of the Sugar Refinery should not allow the horse to be again driven through the public streets. If such another accident occurred, it would be a serious matter for the Company. The deceased leaves a widow and nine children, who are totally unprovided for.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 18 August 1874
PLYMOUTH - Death At The Plymouth Workhouse. Ungrounded Suspicions. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr Wm. Patten was Foreman, held an Inquest yesterday, at the Plymouth Workhouse, on the body of a child named FRANCIS ROSE, whose death occurred under the circumstances narrated below. - Henry Mitchell Drew, Master of the Plymouth Workhouse, was called, and produced the admission and discharge book, wherein it was stated that the deceased was taken into the Workhouse on Monday the 10th inst., in company with another boy. Deceased was fifteen months old. Witness saw the deceased almost immediately after its admission, and at first he thought it was dead. However, he subsequently found that his conjecture was not correct, but though the child was not dead he considered that it was in a dying condition. In compliance with his order it was taken to the doctor. On the morning of the following Thursday, the death of the child was officially reported to the witness, but Mr Thomas, the house surgeon, declined to give him a certificate of the death, which induced him (witness) to communicate with the Borough Coroner, and lay the facts of the case before him. Witness afterwards saw Mr Thomas again, who gave him to understand that it was his intention to communicate with the Coroner. - Sarah Jewell was examined and spoke as follows:- I live at 23 How-street. I knew the deceased FRANCIS ROSE, who was brought, in company with another child, by its mother, about ten weeks ago to my house. She said that her husband was drowned. Last Sunday week she was taken ill with English cholera, and died on the following morning. The deceased was also ill on the Sunday. On the preceding Friday it had been taken by its mother to Dr Stevens, who had prescribed for it. I did not hear Dr Stevens say from what it was suffering. He came to see the mother on Sunday, and saw the deceased at the same time. He ordered cornflour and brandy and water to be given to it. I gave these things to the child, but it appeared as if its stomach were too weak to contain them, for it threw it up immediately. The child was in a very weak state when it was first brought to my house. I am certain that it received every care and attention from its mother by whom I have often seen it nursed. She got her living by packing fish on the Quay, and she used to go out in the morning and stop out all day. She generally took both her children with her as deceased was a somewhat troublesome child. I consider that the deceased was suffering from decline. My impression was that the child would not live. - Elizabeth Andrews said she lived in the same house as the last witness. She brought the deceased to the Workhouse on the 10th instant. She went with deceased to Dr Stevens on Friday, the 7th inst., and he said it was suffering from diarrhoea, for which he prescribed for it. She knew the child to have always been of a weak constitution. She considered that it had every care and attention paid to it. - Maria Kingsley said: I am nurse to the female ward of the Workhouse. I remember the deceased being given over to my care on the 10th instant. From the first I thought it was in a dying state, but it lingered on until Thursday. In accordance with the doctor's orders I gave it arrowroot and brandy and milk, which it took readily. It suffered from diarrhoea on Monday evening, but the brandy seemed to appease it. - John Stevens, M.R.C.S., stated that the deceased was brought to his house on the 7th inst. He was told that it was suffering from diarrhoea, and he administered some astringent medicine. He noticed that the child was rather emaciated, and especially that the arms were very thin. The pulse was somewhat low. On Sunday he saw the mother, who was suffering from English cholera, and at the same time he again saw the deceased, who, he thought, was looking much better. He did not think the child was suffering from a want of proper sustenance. - F. Aubrey Thomas was then examined, and said: I am a M.R.C.S., and am resident surgeon in the Workhouse. The deceased was brought into my surgery on the morning of the 10th inst. I t was in a state of great exhaustion. I immediately administered some restoratives. I then gave it some brandy and milk, which it devoured very eagerly. I continued doing so for half-an-hour. On making an examination of its body I found it to be in an exceedingly emaciated condition. From the fact of its being so attenuated, and its devouring so ravenously what I had given it, I came to the conclusion that it was suffering from want of proper nourishment. I thought it was then in, might have resulted from diarrhoea acting on an exceedingly weak constitution. - The Coroner: Do you think the child was in a fit state to have been brought from the town to the Workhouse? - Witness: I do not. It had no apparent symptoms of diarrhoea when under my treatment; it did not refuse to take in what I gave it. I considered it right that I should withhold my certificate of its death. - The Coroner said the question was by what means the child had come to its death. Dr Thomas when he received the child had no idea that it had been treated for diarrhoea. He had said that its condition might have been produced by diarrhoea. It should have been stated when it was brought to the Workhouse what it was suffering from. Indeed it ought never to have been brought from How-street in such a weak state. But they should not attach any blame to the woman who brought it, as it was more than likely she did it in ignorance of the real state in which things were. They have no reason to doubt the evidence of the two witnesses who had certified that the child had received every attention. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 20 August 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Michelmore, Coroner, at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, on the body of JOHN PARNELL, who was killed, as stated in our third page, by a quantity of earth falling on him while making some excavations near the Torquay junction. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 22 August 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident At The Keyham Yard. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr Stepp was Foreman, assembled at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of investigating the cause of the death of a labourer named WILLIAM MARTIN, aged 42 years, who died on Wednesday last under the circumstances related below. A pensioner residing at Torpoint, named Joseph Jemison, stated that the deceased resided at Torpoint, and was employed in the Keyham Factory, Devonport. William Williams, a labourer, deposed that on Saturday week he was working with the same party as the deceased on board H.M.S. Himalaya, then lying in the north basin of the Keyham Yard. They were engaged in putting on board a cylinder cover from the jetty, by means of some suspended gear which, having a turn in one of the ropes gave way, and the cover falling crushed the deceased's right foot very severely. He was as soon as possible removed to the Naval Hospital, where he expired from the effects of the injuries received. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 28 August 1874
DARTMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Dartmouth yesterday morning, on the body of ALBERT ANDREWS, a boy of 7 or 8 years who was found drowned in the pool at Hawke's Slip on the previous evening. The boy had been sent to Mr Hawke's to order some coals.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 August 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Boat Accident In Cattewater. - Mr T. C. Brian held an Inquest last night at the Brunswick Inn, Barbican, Plymouth, concerning the death of JOHN WILLIAMS, aged 60 years. Deceased was a waterman in the employ of Messrs. Luscombe and Bellamy, and on Thursday afternoon was in his employer's boat with another man named Lynes, near Mount Batten, having put Mr Luscombe's clerk on board the French lugger, Michel. After being alongside the lugger for about a quarter of an hour the boatmen were endeavouring to get alongside to take the clerk off, when the boat "over-shot" the vessel and came under her bows, the boat almost immediately turning over on her broadside. Lynes jumped, and succeeded in getting on board the lugger by the shrouds of the bowsprit, but WILLIAMS sank with the boat. - Coroner: How came you thwart of the vessel? - Lynes: The lugger was underweigh and the pilot starboarding the helm in order to get clear of a schooner. - Coroner: Did the pilot see where the boat was? - Witness: The pilot saw that we had overshot the vessel. - Coroner: Could he see the boat? - Witness: Yes, he could see the sails. - The last words witness heard deceased mutter were "Oh, my god," the boat then being under the bows of the lugger. - Mr Oliver, the clerk, said that he was on board the lugger. He considered that no blame attached to anyone on board the lugger. - Yesterday morning the body was discovered between Batten and Lambhay Point, near the spot where the accident happened. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" considering that no blame attached to anyone on board the lugger.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 September 1874
EXETER - Fatal Trap Accident Near Northtawton. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening respecting the death of MRS ELIZABETH PERRIAM LANGDON. - Mrs Mary Beedell, a widow, residing in Beedell's-terrace, Exeter, stated that the deceased was her sister, and was the widow of an innkeeper. She lived with the witness, but about a month since went on a visit to Mr Hole, of Crook Farm, Northtawton. On the 21st of August she received a letter stating that deceased had met with a slight accident, and the next evening deceased was brought home by road in a conveyance, and told witness, in reply to a question as to her health, that she was not hurt very much. On the following morning witness observed that she was seriously bruised on the left temple and that she did not seem so well. She had been seen by a medical man at Northtawton, and on the witness pressing her she consented to a doctor being called in. Mr Woodman, surgeon, attended her. On the 28th Mrs Hole called in to see how the patient was progressing, and explained to the witness how the accident happened. Mrs Hole was driving the deceased to Shute Farm, and on the road the horse tripped and fell, throwing them both out. Deceased received a blow in the temple, but she was able to resume the journey, and did not complain very much. The deceased, who was 65 years of age, was always delicate and nervous; and according to the statement of the summoning officer, who had been to Northtawton for the purpose of getting evidence, it seemed that she was so ill prior to the accident as not to be able to leave her bed sometimes until late in the day. Mrs Beedell stated that Mrs Hole told her the horse was the quietest her husband had; and was selected for the journey on account of its being a steady animal. - The Coroner said he had endeavoured to procure the attendance of Mrs Hole as a witness, but he had received a medical certificate to the effect that it was impossible for her to come to Exeter. Mr Woodman stated that he found marks on both temples and on the back of the head. Deceased complained of acute pain, particularly on the left side. She was naturally a weak woman. She gradually sank, and died yesterday morning. The cause of death was the shock to the brain, resulting from the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 September 1874
EXETER - Suicide At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening by Mr H. W. Hooper, respecting the death of HENRY EXELL, marine store dealer, who had committed suicide a few hours previously by hanging himself in his store. MRS HANNAH EXELL, the widow, stated that her late husband carried on business in Rack-street. For some time past he had been in low spirits and rather "deficient in temper," as the witness expressed it, and he had been attended recently by Mr Perkins, surgeon. Trade had been rather slack, and the deceased complained that he had some difficulty in getting his money in. Deceased arose at six o'clock that morning and ate his breakfast as usual. He seemed rather strange, but did not complain of anything. Shortly after six o'clock he went out, and returned at eleven. He said nothing particular beyond remarking that he expected his sister home from Gloucester about half-past one. After a few minutes he left again, and witness did not see him again alive. There had been no quarrel between her and the deceased. It was a long time ago they had any words - quite a month. There was nothing in the approaching visit of his sister to disturb him that the witness knew of. - MRS EXELL was questioned as to whether her husband had not complained of her intemperate and she replied not to her. - HENRY EXELL, son of the deceased, said he saw his father that morning. He was in his usual health, but appeared very melancholy. A day or two before he had complained to witness that trade was very bad, and said that if it did not alter it would drive him mad. About a quarter after twelve yesterday (Friday) witness saw him go into the stable to give the horse a feed as he presumed, and he noticed that on leaving the stable he was muttering. Witness went home to dinner at one o'clock, leaving his father at the stores, and about half an hour afterwards he was called to go to the stores, in the loft of which he found his father hanging by a cord from a staple in the ceiling. Witness cut him down at once. He seemed to be dead - no signs of breathing could be detected, and the heart was still, but the body was quite warm. A doctor was immediately sent for, and Mr Webb came and pronounced life to be extinct. Deceased had been low spirited on account of his business for months. The business was not really in a bad state, but he was always an industrious man, and whenever he was obliged to be idle for a day or two he would fall into a moody state, and say he was sure to "come to the bad." Another witness, named Ford, stated that for four or five months the deceased had seemed to be in a depressed state of mind, as if he had some trouble which he wished to conceal. One of the Jurors mentioned that his son, who was on friendly terms with MR EXELL, asked him the same morning for a piece of cord, which he gave the lad, but remarked at the same time that if he wanted to hang himself he shouldn't have it. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 September 1874
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Paignton. - An accident, unhappily attended with a fatal result, occurred on Sunday evening, between eight and nine o'clock near the Torquay Gas Works, between Paignton and Torquay. A dogcart, driven by Mr Croot, of the Crown and Anchor Hotel, Paignton, with whom were his wife, MR JAMES HUMPHRIES, MRS HUMPHRIES and child, was returning to Paignton from Torquay, whither they had been for a drive, when on descending the hill, near the Torquay Gas Works, the trap slightly grazed the hind wheel of a passing cab, which belonged also to the Crown and Anchor. The horse on feeling this slight touch swerved across the road, and the wheel going up over the hedge upset the trap, throwing its occupants with great violence into the middle of the road. Mrs Croot jumped out immediately before the upset, and although much shaken was not severely injured. The child is suffering from slight concussion of the brain. MRS HUMPHRIES has a severe cut in the head, and it is feared is internally injured. Mr Croot is also much cut in the face and head, and has his collar-bone broken, whilst MR HUMPHRIES received such a severe blow on the back of the head that from the time of the accident until his death (at the Torbay Infirmary, whither he was removed) on Monday morning, between one and two, he remained unconscious. MR HUMPHRIES was a young man 27 years of age, and had but recently set on business in Paignton as a boot and shoe dealer, with a very bright prospect before him. He was a favourite with all, and possessing a good voice was ever ready to render assistance at entertainments and concerts got up for any charitable object. Much sympathy and sorrow are felt in Paignton for the suffering young widow in her sad and sudden bereavement. - An Inquest was held at the Infirmary yesterday on the body of HUMPHRIES. - William Warren, an omnibus driver, said that when walking home from Paignton he heard, at a quarter past eight, a crash of wheels on the top of the hill on the Torquay side of the gas works; then a trap came down, and as it passed witness it overturned, and threw out two men, a woman, and a child on the road. The horse went on, dragging the vehicle with it. The other trap was on the top of the hill, with its lights burning. He assisted with another man to pick up the people, and put them by the side of the hedge. The cab which upset had no lights, the other had. The night was very dark. Believed the horse ran away with the vehicle from the pace at which it came down the steep hill. - William Faull, who was with the last witness, deposed to the facts as above. He added that the trap was driven by William Hosking. After the crash the trap came down the hill at a great speed, and the people were thrown out. - Mr Nicholson, the house surgeon of the Infirmary, said the deceased was admitted at half-past nine o'clock on Sunday night; he was insensible. On examining him witness found that he was suffering from concussion of the brain and a scalp wound; he died at twenty minutes past nine on Monday morning. - The Coroner then adjourned the Inquest to the 18th, as the other material witnesses were too ill to attend.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 8 September 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Extraordinary Witness. - Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough Coroner, last evening held an Inquiry at the Clarendon Inn, Summerland-street, Plymouth, into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM EDWARD WILLIAMS, aged 6 months. Mr Thomas Bowden was Foreman of the Jury. Mr Brian, in opening the Inquiry, explained the facts as they had come to his knowledge. The mother had called on him on the previous evening, and stated the name of herself and child to be BARNES, that it had been registered but not baptised. She stated that her husband was in America, and that she at present resided at 12 Staddon-terrace, near St James' Church, Newpassage. He had since found out that the child was registered in the name of WILLIAMS. The Jury then proceeded to No. 13 Union-terrace, to view the body which was in an emaciated condition. The first witness called was the mother of the child, who after some trouble had been taken in explaining the nature of an oath, said:- My name is HANNAH BARNES, but by my marriage my name is WILLIAMS, and I reside at 10 Tamar-terrace, Devonport. - The Coroner: Have you not within ten minutes stated that your name is VENNING? - Witness: My christian name is ELLEN VENNING, and by marriage WILLIAMS; but I don't know anything about it. - The Coroner: Last night you gave your name as HANNAH BARNES, and now you say your name is WILLIAMS. - Witness: By marriage. - The Coroner: What is your proper name. You have given three names, and we must have the right one. - Witness: My name is WILLIAMS and my husband is in America. - The Coroner: Why did you give the name of BARNES? - Witness: That was my name before marriage. - The Coroner: You never mentioned WILLIAMS last night and you gave the name of BARNES. What did you mean by telling the Coroner's officer that your name was VENNING? - Witness: I believe that my maiden name was HANNAH or EMMA VENNING, I forget which, and not BARNES. my father's name was not BARNES. I cannot tell you any reason why I gave the name of BARNES. I have been married five years, and my husband's name is WILLIAM CHARLES WILLIAMS. I cannot read or write. - The Witness having made so many contradictory statements the Coroner and Jury decided not to examine her any further until Mrs Searle the other witness had been called. - Mrs Searle, a widow, residing at No. 13 Union-terrace, stated that she knew the last witness. She gave her name as JANE EMMA WILLIAMS, and entrusted an infant child to the care of witness. She was lodging in her house at the time and had been for some two months up to April 2nd. She left on the evening of that day and agreed to pay 6s. per week for witness to take charge of the baby. It shortly afterwards had an attack of thrush from which it recovered and its bodily health was good. Soon after recovering from the thrush the mother called and carried it into the garden where it took a chill, and was attacked with diarrhoea, and "wasted" very much. The mother used to come and see it about once in three months. On Friday last the child was taken in convulsions, and expired on Saturday night after two or three attacks. A medical man was not called because witness thought herself competent to deal with the case. She did not communicate with the mother because she did not know where to send. She represented herself as a married woman with one child besides the infant. She also said that she was in service at Stoke, and that she had come from Durham. She would not tell with whom she was at present residing. She had told witness that she resided at Tamar-terrace, but not that her name was VENNING or BARNES. The child was registered in the name of WILLIAMS. The only way the witness could account for the emaciated condition of deceased was from it suffering from inward convulsions. It never wanted for food nor care. She had no other stranger's child in her house. - The mother was then recalled and resworn, and said: My true name is HANNAH WILLIAMS. I am a married woman, and my husband is a miner at present in America. He left England about eight months since. - The Coroner: What is your father's name? - Witness: I don't know. I was born before my mother married VENNING. I was married about five year's since, and my name then was EMMA JANE MENHENIOT, and that was my father's name. - The Coroner: What did you speak of BARNES for. You said that your mother's name was Barnes. - Witness: I was not called BARNES or VENNING. I don't know any person called VENNING and I do not know why I said what I did. I live in service at Tamar Cottage, Stoke. - The Coroner: Why did you tell me last night that you resided at Staddon-terrace? - Witness: I can't explain it, nor give any reason why I did so. Deceased is my child, and it is called WILLIAM EDWARD WILLIAMS. I don't know how old the baby was. I think it was six months. I saw it about three weeks since, when it looked quite well. I came in yesterday and paid Mrs Searle £1 4s. for keeping it. As soon as I came in I said how is the baby, and Mrs Searle then told me it was dead. I saw the body and afterwards went to Dr Eales, who attended me during my confinement, for a certificate, although I knew he had not seen it since the birth. Dr Eales, however, directed me to go to the Coroner. I had no idea when I visited Mrs Searle yesterday that the child was ill. The woman who went to the doctor's with me was named Pearse. I asked Mrs Searle about a coffin, and she told me she knew someone who would provide it, but that it would be too expensive for me. I then went and enquired of a number of people, and was directed to go to the woman Pearse. I did not know then that she was in the habit of taking the bodies of children to the Cemetery. She said she could do nothing until she had seen Mrs Searle, and knew if a doctor had been called. She also said that she could not put it away without a certificate. - The witness then withdrew and the Coroner addressing the Jury said he was bound to say that during the last few months he had had a strong conviction that the mortality of children was increasing in the streets &c., adjoining Union-street. The cases had not, however, come before him but he had heard of them, and therefore he thought it was right to make a strict investigation when he had the opportunity. This was a most extraordinary case for they could not possibly tell what the name of the mother was. She had been before them and had given no less than five different names and how could they believe anything she had stated. That she had some motive for keeping them in the dark was perfectly evident and her saying she was not a scholar was no excuse for the different statements she had made. Did they for one moment think that it all arose from stupidity. No, she must have something she wished to conceal; but still that had nothing to do with the cause of death. Mrs Searle had had the sole charge of the child, and the mother had not seen it for three weeks. Mrs Searle had nothing to gain by the death of the infant, because she was receiving the allowance of 6s. per week. If they thought it necessary to have the Inquiry adjourned and a post mortem examination made, he should be happy to accede to their wishes. He, however, did not see what they would gain by adopting such a course. - The mother was here again re-called at the request of one of the Jury, and in reply to the Coroner said: I am getting £10 per year. My husband has sent home within the past eight months about £8. My reason for giving another name and address was that I did not wish to be bothered. - By a Juror: I was married at Launceston, but the clergyman is either dead or has left. I believe the chief hotel there is called the "Royal Duchy". I do not know if there is any parish or village between Launceston and St Stephens. I was never at Launceston more than a day or two. My other child is with my grandmother, Mrs Menheniot, who I think lives near the Castle, but I cannot give her address. The child is not in the Union. When I was confined with my first child I was staying with my grandparents at Launceston and remained with her for four months. I gave my name to my master as EMMA WILLIAMS. - The Coroner: Are you called EMMA or HANNAH? - Witness: I don't know. HANNAH, I think. My grandmother's name is MENHENIOT, and that must also be my mother's. - The Coroner remarked that she was evidently purposely keeping them in the dark, and her answers about Launceston were nearly all wrong. There could not be a single Juror who believed one word of her story. - The Jury then returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" entirely exonerating Mrs Searle from all blame. They also added that they were very much dissatisfied with the evidence of the mother and they did not believe one word she had stated. - A Juror remarked that it was a fortunate thing that she was not before a court of justice for she most certainly would have been prosecuted for perjury. - In reading the above report it will be noticed that the woman stated that she could not write but on the depositions being placed before her she signed her name at the bottom of each sheet.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 September 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident In Keyham Yard. - Mr A. B. Bone, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Albert Hotel, Morice Town, yesterday, relative to the death of THOMAS PALMER, aged 65 years, who received fatal injuries whilst at work in Keyham Yard. The evidence shewed that on Monday afternoon the deceased with other men, was employed in breaking up a boiler, under Mr Lakeman, who has the contract for breaking up boilers. Whilst the men were taking off the side of the boiler an iron chain was attached to the winch, and the other end was fastened to the end of the boiler in order to pull it off; but in consequence of the end not coming down to the ground the deceased, with others, went to the centre of the plate to examine the rivets, all of which, with the exception of two or three, had been cut. The deceased turned around to come away, and whilst doing so the plate, weighing over a ton, fell upon him, crushing him to death. PALMER was superintending the work, and volunteered to examine the plate, and, it was stated, every care was taken to guard against accidents. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

CHULMLEIGH - Suicide Through Drink. - A melancholy case of suicide through drink has occurred in the North of Devon. A farm labourer named GOSS, about 50 years of age, had been for a week or ten days drinking at various public-houses in Chulmleigh He slept at the house of Richard Goss, a marine store dealer, and it was his custom to go out in the morning and stay the whole of the day, and come home hopelessly intoxicated. On Friday, the 4th September, he told Mr Goss that he was "dying with horrors." On the following day he called at a public-house and begged from the landlord a pint of beer, which was given him. Having drank the liquor he went away. A few minutes afterwards a little girl saw the man standing moodily by the side of a stream called the Little Dart; and a little later another girl observed at the same spot a man's coat. The police were communicated with, and on a search being made the dead body of the deceased was found in the water within an hour after he had swallowed his last portion of liquor. - The Coroner in summing up, said this was a terrible case of drunkenness. It appeared that the deceased had spent all his money in drink at the public-houses at Chulmleigh, and had been drunk ten days in succession. He strongly impressed upon the police-constables present the necessity of visiting the houses at Chulmleigh where the deceased had squandered the little money he had, and thus brought his life to such an untimely end. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 9 September 1874
PLYMSTOCK - The Fatal Accident At Turnchapel. - An Inquest was held, yesterday at the Boringdon Arms, Turnchapel, on the body of WILLIAM ROWSE, quarryman, aged about 50 years. - Samuel Preece said he knew the deceased. On Monday afternoon he was on the Turnchapel quay. A report of blasting at a quarry at some distance off was heard, and witness saw several stones flying through the air in the direction where deceased was standing. Witness shouted to the deceased to "look out." Deceased jumped aside, and at the same time a large stone weighing several pounds struck him in the abdomen, knocking him down. While he was on the ground he was struck by another stone of smaller dimensions. Witness ran to the aid of the deceased, who, however, soon expired. The quarry was about 500 yards from the spot where the unfortunate man fell. - Wm. Davis stated that he worked in the quarry at Turnchapel. On Monday afternoon he was blasting a rock. He employed 1 ½ lbs. of powder. After ascertaining that everything was clear, and shouting "fire," he applied the fusee. Three minutes elapsed before it exploded. He noticed that the stones were cast to a greater distance than he had ever seen before. Witness affirmed that he had been working in the quarry for 15 years, and had not known of such an accident as that which occurred on Monday. The Jury, of which Wm. Kelly was Foreman, returned a verdict of Accidental Death. The Jury gave their fees to the widow of the deceased, the Coroner adding half-a-crown.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 10 September 1874
BURLESCOMBE - The Late Fatal Accident At Burlescombe. - An Inquest was held on the body of THOMAS PERHAM, the unfortunate man who was killed on the tramway in process of construction between the Burlescombe Railway Station and Westleigh, has been held at Burlescombe. - Jesse Arthur, the first witness called, deposed that he was a packer in the employ of the Bristol and Exeter Railway Company, and resided at Burlescombe. On Saturday last as he was working on the tramway, a trolley drawn with a rope by the deceased and a man named Gollop, passed him. Another man named Morrish was riding on the trolley attending to the break. Shortly after it had passed him he saw it suddenly upset, and the metals tumble out. He immediately ran to the spot and found the deceased and Gallop under the trolley. They were both got out as speedily as possible, and taken to the Ayshford Arms Inn. Dr Grigg, of Holcombe Rogus, was sent for, and Gollop was removed to the Hospital at Exeter, the train leaving Wellington at 5.40 being stopped for that purpose at Burlescombe, but the deceased, who never spoke after being taken from under the trolley, was considered to be in too dangerous a state to be removed, and died just before nine o'clock the same evening. As far as witness could see when he removed deceased from under the trolley, his neck and head and also one of his legs were badly injured, and Gollop and Morrish also appeared to have sustained serious injuries. Morrish was removed to his own house, and had, witness believed, kept his bed ever since. The trolley, at the time it passed him, appeared to be going faster than they were usually driven along. He should think that the deceased must have fallen in attempting to jump on the top of the trolley. - WILLIAM PERHAM, brother of the deceased, who was also working on the tramway, and witnessed the accident, and William Menhennet, Scripture Reader, of Burlescombe, who was near the scene of the occurrence, gave corroborative evidence, and both said they considered deceased and Gollop must have fallen in attempting to jump on the trolley when they found it would go along of itself, and thus occasioned the accident. - Mr Grigg, surgeon, stated that the injuries deceased had sustained were concussion of the brain, a compound fracture of the left leg separating the arteries, and other severe injuries in different parts of the body. Morrish, the other man in charge of the trolley, was also under his care, and was much too ill to be present at the Inquiry. The Coroner said if the Jury wished it he would adjourn the Inquiry for the attendance of Morrish, but as far as he was personally concerned, he did not see that any good could result from it. The Jury were of the same opinion, and after a short consultation together returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 12 September 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Accident At Mount Batten. - WILLIAM HORNE, 45, a married man, who resided at 14 Claremont-street, and who was injured while blasting rocks at Batten on Thursday last, died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital the same evening. William Matters stated at the Inquest held last evening, at the old Guildhall, by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, that the deceased was an experienced quarryman. He (the witness) was the Foreman of the works at Batten, and was present when the accident occurred. The witness thought there were cracks in the neighbourhood of the hole, and from what he saw after the explosion, it appeared as though some loose powder had fallen from his hand while filling the hole. The deceased lighted one match, but that going out, he threw it away. While the deceased was lighting the second match the witness went a short distance to give warning. He had his back to the wall and hearing the explosion looked around, but missed the deceased. On looking over the hedge of the cliff, he perceived the body of the deceased lying about 25 feet below. The deceased was insensible, and his face and chest were bleeding and blackened with powder. The Jury of which Mr J. J. May was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

HUISH - An Inquest was held on Friday by Mr Rodd, the Coroner, at the Royal Oak, Newbridge, on the bodies of the two men named CUTTS and BLATCHFORD, who were found dead under a coil of wire rope near Gulworthy on Thursday. Only two persons were examined, viz. Dr Sleman and Mr Gand, of Gulworthy, there being no actual witnesses of the accident, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Accident At The Newton Station. - An accident, which proved fatal, happened to a lad named RICHARD JOHN PARSONS, 15 years of age, at the Newton goods station, on Thursday night, about 11 o'clock. Deceased has worked at the works for several years, and about six or seven months ago was engaged as stoker on the pilot engine at the station. On Thursday night he went to work about six o'clock, and about 11 o'clock he got off the engine to go to the goods shed to get some food which had been brought for him. He passed in front of the engine, and the driver not being aware it, drove on, and the engine passed over his body, mangling the left arm and leg and the bottom part of the body in a frightful manner. He was taken up and conveyed to the Newton Cottage Hospital, where he died about a quarter of an hour after being admitted. Dr Gaye, who was in attendance, gave no hopes of his recovery from the first. Deceased was a respectable lad, and was respected by his fellow workmen. The Inquest on the body of the deceased was held yesterday afternoon at the Cottage Hospital by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, when the following evidence was adduced. - HENRY PARSONS, father of the deceased, a labourer working on the railway, said his son was brought home to his house about half-past ten, and he was told that an engine had run over him. His son was on night duty on the little engine called Weasel, that runs about the yard and was acting as stoker. After witness returned from his work he called his son (who was in bed) in order that he might get ready for his work at six o'clock. - Dr Gaye and his assistant saw the deceased at witness's house and by their direction he was removed to the Hospital and died just after his admission. - James Pulman, of Newton Abbot, said his proper occupation was as fireman for the railway company. He was working with the deceased at the time. They went on duty at six o'clock, witness having charge of the engine and deceased acted as fireman. About five minutes to ten they were going back towards the goods station, when Warren (the foreman of porters) was on the footplate, and said "You must go steady back as the short points are not right," and witness then told deceased to stop the engine, which he did. He then said he thought he would go and get something to eat, when witness said "All right, my son," and deceased got off the engine to go to the cabin in the engine shed. It was very dark at the time. Just as deceased got down Warren showed the signal light for witness to come back, and he eased off the brake and backed the engine. Warren was then at the short points. As the engine was going back witness felt it go over something, and Warren and witness went back with their lamps and found that it had passed over deceased. Witness took up deceased under the arms and said to him "Why, JACK, how did you come to do it?" and he said, "Holloa Jimmy, am I dead, or am I dying," and he never spoke afterwards. Some other men took him away. The engine had only travelled about the length of the table before witness felt it go over deceased. He got off the engine the same side as the engine shed, and need not to have crossed the line to go there. - Dr H. S. Gaye, Newton Abbot, said he was called about a quarter after ten to see the deceased at his father's house, and found him lying on the floor in an unconscious state. He was very much injured and bleeding very much from a severe wound on the left elbow joint and the left ankle joint. Witness stopped the bleeding from the arm, and rallied him with the assistance of hot brandy and hot tea, and then had him brought to the Hospital. Witness thought there might be some slight hopes, but deceased died within a few minutes after admission. On examining the body after death he found other serious injuries. - James Warren, porter, corroborated Pulman's evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated both Pulman and Warren from all blame. - The Coroner entirely concurred with the verdict. - The Jury gave their fees to the Hospital.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 September 1874
The Double Fatality Near Gulworthy. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, last evening held an Inquest at the Royal Oak Inn, Newbridge, near Gunnislake, relative to the deaths of JOHN WILLIAM CUTTS, aged 18 years, and WILLIAM BLATCHFORD, aged 34 years. CUTTS was a blacksmith, in the employ of Mr Prout, millwright, and BLATCHFORD was a miner. Early on Thursday morning they went to the Tavistock Railway Station, and procured over ten cwt. of wire rope, which was placed on a cart belonging to Mr Prout. With this rope they set out for South Bedford Mine, and some time afterwards they were discovered lying in the road, near Gulworthy Cross, with the rope on them. The cart was also capsized. Both men were dead, and the evidence of Mr Sleman, surgeon, shewed that the ribs of the deceased had been broken in, and that they were otherwise injured. It was stated that they had been in the Harvest Home Inn for two hours on Thursday morning, but on the other hand, a witness who met them near Gulworthy Cross, said they appeared to be sober. They were then sitting on the wire in the middle of the cart, and it is supposed that in turning a corner, at a place where the road was 20 feet wide, the cart was driven into the hedge, and was thus upset. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Conflicting statements as to the sobriety of the poor fellows are in circulation in the district, and probably it never will be known what they had been drinking. BLATCHFORD was to have been married three weeks hence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 September 1874
DARTMOUTH - An Inquest was held last evening, before Mr R. W. Prideaux, Borough Coroner, at Dartmouth, on the body of WM. TUCKER, who was found drowned off a slip in the Lower-street, Dartmouth. TUCKER, who was a coal lumper, was subject to fits, and it is supposed that he was taken in one and fell into the water. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." Deceased was about [?] years of age.

PETER TAVY - An Inquest was held on Monday morning at Petertavy, respecting the death of JOHN FRIEND, who had his back broken at Wheal Friendship on the previous Saturday. The Inquiry was adjourned until Saturday next.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 16 September 1874
CHITTLEHAMPTON - A woman named JANE DOWN, wife of ELIAS DOWN, a groom, living at the Shallows, Chittlehamholt, has committed suicide by drowning herself in a well belonging to the dwelling-house. She had been observed to be in a low desponding state for some time, and her husband has been scarcely able to work of late on account of illness. They went to bed as usual on Wednesday evening, accompanied by their youngest child, an infant about nine months old. Towards morning the father was awakened by the cries of the latter, and on looking around saw that his wife had left the room. An Inquest was held on Friday afternoon, and a verdict was returned of "Death from Drowning, whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 19 September 1874
TORQUAY - The Late Fatal Accident Near Torquay. Adjourned Inquest. - The Inquiry into the circumstances attending the fatal accident on the Paignton-road, Torquay, on the evening of Sunday week, the 6th instant, was resumed at the Town Hall, Torquay, last evening, before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr John Rowse was the Foreman. - The evidence then given was to the effect that shortly after eight o'clock on the Sunday evening in question, two vehicles were on the Paignton-road, near the Gas Works, the one returning to Paignton and the other coming to Torquay. It was said to be dark at the time, and the vehicle going to Paignton had no lamps. When on the top of the hill the wheels of the one vehicle collided with the wheel of the other, and immediately the horse started off at a furious rate down the hill in the direction of Paignton. Almost immediately after the vehicle struck against a stone and upset, and the occupants - Mr and Mrs Crute and MR and MRS HUMPHRIES and child, all of Paignton - were thrown out with some violence, and were more or less injured. JAMES HUMPHRIES, who was a shoemaker and about thirty years of age, sustained concussion of the brain, and died six hours after the occurrence at the Torbay Infirmary. - The following additional evidence was adduced:- Elizabeth Crute, wife of Wm. Henry Crute (who appeared with his head bandaged and his left arm in a sling), said on the night of the accident she was riding in the dog cart with her husband, who was driving. JAMES HUMPHRIES and his wife and child, were in the vehicle with them. Witness was sitting in front with her husband. There were no lamps lit. They left Torquay about eight o'clock, and she did not consider it a dark night. Her husband was quite sober when they left; he went into one public-house (Swann's London Hotel) but he only remained there a few minutes. They were not in Torquay more than an hour and a half. On going down over the hill, near the gas works, she saw another vehicle coming, and as they passed it she felt a jerk, and was thrown out. She was not rendered insensible, and remembered the horse and trap passing her whilst she lay on the ground. She could then see that her husband and HUMPHRIES and his wife were still in the trap, which went on, but she could speak of nothing that happened afterwards. - William Henry Crute, manager of the Crown and Anchor Hotel, Paignton, said on the evening in question he drove his wife and the deceased and his wife and child to Torquay, leaving Paignton at a quarter to six in a two-wheeled dog cart. They went through Babbicombe and St Mary Church, and left Torquay for the return journey at eight o'clock. All he had to drink at the London Hotel was a bottle of ginger-beer, with three-pennyworth of brandy in it. He had lamps in his cart, but he did not light them because he did not think it sufficiently dark. He had driven the same horse three times before, and it was a quiet animal. He saw the other vehicle coming as he was driving down over the hill near the Gas Works; he saw it was a fly, and he could make out distinctly that it was being driven by William Hosking, a man in his employ. He (witness) was driving at a trot at the time, about six or seven miles an hour. The fly was also coming towards him very slowly, and well on the left side. Just before he came to the fly the breeching of the harness broke, the mare jumped across the road and his heel struck the wheel of the fly. The effect of the sudden plunge was that his wife was thrown out. Then the animal bolted down the hill and the cart struck against a stone in the hedge, the vehicle upset and he and the others who were sitting behind were thrown out. - William Hosking, ostler of the Crown and Anchor Hotel, Paignton, said he was driving two ladies from Paignton to Torquay on the Sunday night. He had lamps in his fly, but did not light them because it was not dark enough. As Mr Crute was passing him in his dog-cart his horse jumped suddenly across the road and the wheel of the dog-cart struck against the hind wheel of the fly and Mrs Crute was thrown out. The horse then started off and ran against an embankment and the wheels struck against a stone, the cart turning over and one of the shafts being broken directly. He stopped his fly and as soon as he could, helped the deceased into it and drove him to the Infirmary. The harness of the dog-cart was thoroughly sound about ten months ago, and he considered it perfectly safe to be used on the day of the accident. - Miss Emily Weston, residing at Olivet, VansiHart-road, Torre, who, with her maid, was being driven in the fly at the time, said she heard her driver call out twice and immediately afterwards she heard a crash. Her driver was perfectly sober, and was driving very steadily at the time. - This was all the evidence, and the Coroner, in summing up, congratulated Mr Crute and his wife on having escaped with so little injury. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 September 1874
EXETER - The Case Of Drowning In The Exe. - The Inquest on the body of the deceased man, HUMPHREY CHATTEY, who was found in the river Exe, near Countess Weir, on Friday morning last, was held yesterday afternoon at the Country House Inn, Topsham-road, before Mr R. R. Crosse, County Coroner. On the night of the 10th instant the deceased attended Tiverton races, and some time after the sports were over he was seen going in the direction of the river Exe. Immediately afterwards a splash was heard and although during the night and the following day strenuous efforts were made to find him, nothing was seen of his body until it was picked up on Friday last, when it was in a state of decomposition. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

EXETER - A Fatal See-Saw. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday touching the death of a child 7 years of age, named JAMES HOLLAND, residing with his parents in Johnson's-place, Coombe-street, Exeter. About two months since the youngest was at play in James-street, when he fell and cut his forehead. He was an out-patient of the Devon and Exeter Hospital for five weeks, but eventually got better. On Monday last week he went to the infant school in Rack-street, and when he came home complained of a sick headache, having fallen off a see-saw erected at the school. He was taken to a medical man on Thursday, but died on Friday. Mr Tosswill, surgeon, made a post-mortem examination and found an inflammation of the covering of the brain. He considered death resulted from the blow received in falling from the see-saw, which would be sufficient to cause the death of a child. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The see-saw was only two feet from the ground.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 22 September 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr Wm. Mugford was Foreman, held an Inquiry at Birkhead's Hotel, Union-street, Plymouth, yesterday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the death of MRS ELIZA CUSDEN, who died suddenly on the previous day. MR CUSDEN, Union-street, husband of the deceased, stated that his wife was aged about 33. She was advanced in pregnancy, and her general health was good. On Sunday afternoon she was downstairs and took a bath. At that time she appeared to be suffering from a cold. At half-past five in the evening the witness went out leaving his wife in the house. On returning shortly after seven he went upstairs and on calling on her received no reply. The room was in darkness and on obtaining a light he found his wife lying on the bed, undressed and dead. Mr William Belitho who was in the house on Sunday, stated that he knew the deceased and that afternoon had tea in the same room with her and MR CUSDEN. She complained of a cold. The last time he saw her alive was when her husband left and she was then in the kitchen. She wished witness "Good night" in a marked manner saying "I shall not see you any more tonight," and he did not see her again alive. John Harney, gunner, 16th Brigade, R.A., was standing in the bar of Birkhead's Hotel on Sunday night when he was called out by MR CUSDEN. On proceeding to the house he went upstairs with MR CUSDEN, where he saw deceased lying on the bed dead. He procured the attendance of Dr Pearse, but medical skill was of no avail. Mrs Salmon, who examined deceased, stated that there were no marks of violence on the body nor was there anything in the room to excite suspicion. It was not unusual for ladies when pregnant to take a bath. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 24 September 1874
EXETER - The Case Of Drowning At Tiverton Races. Inquest At Exeter. - Mr Coroner Crosse, County Coroner, held an Enquiry at the Countess Weir Country House Inn, on Monday afternoon, to investigate the circumstances attending the death of HUMPHREY CHATTEY, a native of Exeter, who was drowned at Tiverton on the 10th instant, and whose body was found in the Exe on Friday afternoon last, having been washed down twenty miles of the river. - MR CHATTEY, father of the deceased, said his son was a superannuated Metropolitan police sergeant, and he had been down to Exeter to pay the family a visit. The last time he saw him alive was on Tuesday evening, the 5th inst., and the following morning the deceased told his sister that he intended going to Tiverton races. he had with him a gold watch, a snuff box, pair gold eye-glasses, and a gold ring, but he was unable to tell the amount of money he had in his possession, as his son was always careful to conceal what he owned. - James Hookway, a mason's labourer, residing at Tiverton testified that he was at Tiverton Races on Wednesday, the 9th, and he saw there the deceased about half-past nine in the evening. He stopped outside the refreshment booth erected by the proprietor of the Palmerston Hotel, and of which witness was in charge. He seemed very drunk, and was in company with two other men, who wanted him to go to Tiverton with them, but this he refused to do unless they obtained a conveyance. The deceased remained inside the booth until after one o'clock, and then he became confidential, telling how he was related to the CHATTEY'S of that town. He stayed there until half-past three, when he walked to the other side of the booth which was adjoining the river. The witness asked him what he was doing there, and he answered that he wanted to count his money, and asked for a light to enable him to do so. Witness went to fetch him a light, and whilst he was so doing, Ward, a man who was acting as keeper with witness, called out that the deceased had run away, and on his looking he saw him running towards the river. Witness followed the deceased, but he went into the water and was soon lost sight of. Witness shouted out for the police, and there was plenty of assistance, but the deceased was not to be seen, and although drags were used he could not be found, so swollen was the river. - The Coroner strongly commented upon the fact that the deceased was supplied from the booths after illegal hours, and when he was in such a state of drunkenness that he was constantly being fleeced by those on the course. - George Lowden proved finding the body at Countess Weir. He thought it was strange the corpse should have been washed down over so many weirs, and would not say it was possible for it to have done so. - Dr Charles Fox testified that the body was not so much decomposed as to prevent making a strict examination. He could find no marks of violence about the body or limb, but there was a large extended ragged wound five inches long over the left side of the head, which had been made most probably since the body had been in the water. It was certainly not such as would have been inflicted in a fight. - The Coroner, in summing up, said no one could say that a most strict and full Enquiry had not been made. It was quite clear the man was not robbed, although there was no doubt in his mind that he was filched out of a little of his money. The law had evidently been transgressed, but that was not their business. - A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 September 1874
TRUSHAM - The Fatal Gun Accident At Trusham. - Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Wednesday evening respecting the death of MR JOHN BARBER, of the New Inn, Trusham, who accidentally shot himself that morning under circumstances recorded yesterday. The deceased had loaded one barrel of a double-barrelled gun, put a cap on the nipple, and placed the trigger at full cock, and was loading the other barrel when the charge exploded, and entering under his left jaw, killed MR BARBER on the spot. The Coroner, in summing up, said the evidence pointed undoubtedly to the occurrence being accidental, but there was gross negligence on the part of the deceased. Had the gun gone off and shot another person, such carelessness would have caused the Jury to return a verdict of manslaughter; but as it was, he thought they would have no difficulty in agreeing upon a verdict. He hoped this sad occurrence would be a warning to the public. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." This is the third fatal gun accident that has happened in the deceased's family. MR BARBER was 59 years of age in July last.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 September 1874
SHALDON - A Strange Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Shaldon on Thursday evening by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, respecting the death of HUGH MILLS, whose dead body was found in the river Teign, near a place called Daggar's-lane. The deceased, who was a mason, resided at Shaldon, and on Tuesday he rowed up the river to Newton. Here he transacted some business at the Workhouse, and was afterwards seen by his stepson, to whom he complained of being unwell, and of suffering from rheumatism. Apparently, however, there was nothing serious the matter with him, and the stepson saw him get into his boat and start down the river. At Coombe Cellars he landed, and had a pint of beer, and then got again into the boat. According to various witnesses he was at that time sober. Just after this a boat, which it was afterwards ascertained was the deceased's, was seen by Mr A. Addison, and a waterman, who were rowing down the river. In his evidence Mr Addison said:- I saw a man in a boat, but could not recognise him. It was about a quarter to seven. We suddenly heard a splash, but could see nothing but the boat. We rowed back and found a little dog sitting in the stern, a basket and a coat. We stopped about the place for half an hour, but could see no sign of the man. A boat came down the river with two or three men in it, and we asked if they had seen the man, but they said they had not, only while he was rowing in front of them. It was stated that there was no reason for supposing that the deceased had intended to commit suicide, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Deceased was 64 years of age.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 September 1874
BRIXHAM - Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Brixham respecting the death of HENRY NORTHWAY, who was fatally injured at Messrs. Dewdney's shipbuilding yard on Thursday last, by being struck in the face by a piece of timber that snapped in two whilst being cut in the steam saw mills. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 October 1874
HOLSWORTHY - The old man SAMUEL CROCKER, who cut his throat at Holsworthy on Thursday last, has since died of the wound, and at an Inquest held by Mr R. Fulford a verdict of "Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 1 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Horrible Murder And Suicide In Plymouth. - Plymouth was yesterday thrown into a great state of excitement by the intelligence that a terrible crime had been committed in Courtenay-street. All sorts of rumours were at first circulated throughout the town, and the crime, as usual, was laid to the door of several innocent people, but the actual facts were given by us in the special edition, which we published yesterday. They are as follows:- A man named WILLIAM THOMAS, who is about fifty years of age, has been a builder at Portsea, but some time since he came to the West of England to live - first at Truro and afterwards in this town. He and his wife appear to have lived an unhappy life, in consequence of THOMAS being jealous of her, but so far as can be ascertained the accusations he made against her were utterly unfounded and she has always been considered, excepting by her husband, as a highly respectable woman, and a good and faithful wife. THOMAS has repeatedly ill-used her, and of late has given way to drink, scarcely ever being sober. When in these drunken fits his attacks on MRS THOMAS have been more violent and scars are plainly visible on her forehead which have arisen from the blows which he has given her. The poor woman had for some time past wished for a separation, and the man had at length agreed to this course. During the past fortnight he has seen almost every solicitor in the town on the subject, but had again given the matter up without having come to any arrangement. At last it was decided that the matter should be entrusted to Mr Bennett (Whiteford and Bennett) and yesterday afternoon MRS THOMAS proceeded to the offices for the purpose of seeing the deed of separation that had been drawn up, and having an interview with Mr Bennett. She was shown upstairs in one of the rooms to wait for that gentleman, and while there, THOMAS came in and said to one of the clerks that he understood that his wife was there. He then proceeded upstairs, into the room where MRS THOMAS was sitting, and sat down by her side. Mr Were also went upstairs and saw them talking together. THOMAS shortly afterwards left the office and went into the street, and while he was absent, Mr Were had a conversation with MRS THOMAS, who told him that her husband had threatened to make a will depriving her of all his property, and also that he should get another solicitor, as he believed that Mr Bennett intended to alter his deeds. When THOMAS left the offices of Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett he proceeded to the shop of Mr Bruford, George-street, when he purchased a shilling razor, and armed with this weapon he returned to his wife. When he reached the office Mr Weare was still talking to MRS THOMAS, and that gentleman noticed that in sitting down by the side of his wife THOMAS dropped into the chair in a very careless manner. He, however, took no notice of the circumstance at the moment, but went downstairs leaving the two together. Almost immediately afterwards he heard a scream, and on rushing upstairs he saw MRS THOMAS coming out of the room where she had been sitting, with blood streaming over her from a cut in the throat. He called for assistance and led the poor woman into another room, where on laying her down she expired. The man was found walking up and down in the centre office, the same room where they had been sitting, with blood coming from his throat. He went towards the window, sat on a box, and leant his head against the glass, where he died almost immediately. Those who were the first to enter the room seeing THOMAS walking up and down with his back towards them had no idea that he also had cut his throat. The fatal wounds were inflicted with the razor which was found lying at the side of THOMAS. Medical assistance was at once sent for, and Mr J. N. Stevens was soon in attendance, but his services were, of course, of no avail, as the wounds were of such a desperate character as to cause almost instantaneous death in each case.
The Inquest: - At six o'clock in the evening Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough Coroner, and a double Jury, of whom Mr Samuel Hutchings was Foreman, opened an Inquiry at the Old Guildhall into the circumstances attending the death of the deceased. Before the Jury were sworn, the Coroner explained to them the reason of their being empanelled, and added that although there was no doubt that the deaths of the two unfortunate people occurred simultaneously, it would be necessary that the two cases should be taken separately. He proposed to take the case of the woman first, and he presumed there would be no objection on the part of the Jury to take the case of the man afterwards. That being so, he should now ask them to consider their view of the bodies as applying both to the husband and wife, so that they might not be under the necessity of making a second visit. The bodies were still lying at the offices of Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett, because he had thought, under the circumstances, that it would be undesirable and perhaps unseemly to have the bodies removed through the streets in broad daylight. - The Jury then went to view the bodies, which were lying in separate rooms at Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett's offices; that of the man in the room in which the murder was committed, and that of the woman in an adjoining room, into which she was taken by Mr Were after her husband had cut her throat. THOMAS was half lying, half sitting, on a box against the window with his head hanging over his left shoulder, his left hand was resting on his leg, covered with blood, and appeared to have been cut near the thumb. His right hand was on the box, and was slightly stained with blood. The wound in his throat was partly hidden by his beard, but enough of it was visible to shew that it must have been inflicted with a very sharp instrument. The floor of the room was bespattered with blood in almost all directions, the chair on which the deceased woman had been sitting before her husband entered, was overturned, so that it was probable there was a struggle before the man succeeded in his murderous attempt. In the adjoining room the woman was lying on the floor with her head supported on some matting. She presented a sickening appearance. Her face was frightfully pale, the right side was covered in blood; her mouth was open, and across her throat there was a ghastly wound, the windpipe being cut through. The wound was a very deep one, and five inches in length. - On returning to the Old Guildhall, the following evidence was taken:- Mr John Peter Were, the first witness, said: I am clerk to Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett, solicitors, Courtenay-street, Plymouth. Today, about one o'clock MRS AMELIA MATILDA THOMAS came to the office and inquired for Mr Bennett. She was alone at the time. I told her he was not there, but I expected him soon. One of the office clerks then invited her to come to his room upstairs and sit down. The room is the centre one facing the stairs, and that in which the body of MR THOMAS is now lying. She went into the room and sat down, and I saw her sitting there. At about a quarter after one, MR WILLIAM THOMAS, her husband, came to the office and also enquired for Mr Bennett, and I told him that Mr Bennett was not there, but I expected him soon. After waiting a few minutes he said "My wife is upstairs waiting isn't she?" and I said she was, and he then said, "Can I go up to her." I replied "You can if you like." He went up and remained there for about ten minutes, when he came down and went out of the office again. When he first came to the office he had a parcel under his arm, which proved to be a bundle of deeds, when he left the office he carried the bundle away with him I then went upstairs and spoke to MRS THOMAS, who said she did not know how her husband knew she was there. I replied that I thought one of the clerks must have met him and told him. She then said he had threatened to make a will, and give away all his property from her. She also said that he told her that he thought Mr Bennett was going to alter his deeds, and that he should go to another solicitor, and she added that she said that he should be transported. In about ten minutes after going out, he returned to the office, still having the bundle with him. He came upstairs whilst I was still talking with MRS THOMAS, Mr Bennett had not then returned. On coming into the room MR THOMAS sat down close beside his wife, who was then sitting on the chair in the right hand corner of the room, the chair being the same as that which had since fallen down. I told him Mr Bennett had not returned but that I expected him there soon. I then went downstairs and had only time to take my seat on my stool when I heard a low shriek apparently coming from a woman. I ran upstairs and on reaching the landing MRS THOMAS came out of the room with her hands up, and I saw that her throat was cut and bleeding very much. I took hold of her and got her into an adjoining room, where her body is now lying. I laid her down, keeping her back and head resting against my knee. I called for Mr Whiteford who was in an adjoining office, and one of the clerks. The clerk was the first to come up. I said "run for the doctor and the police." Mr Whiteford then came in, and I told him he (THOMAS) had cut his wife's throat. Mr Whiteford then left the room. From the time I first saw her with blood flowing from her throat, MRS THOMAS never uttered a word up to the time she expired, which was some three or four minutes afterwards. I have known her for several years as MRS THOMAS. - The Coroner here said he did not propose to proceed any farther with the evidence as affecting the case of MRS THOMAS, but he should now open the Inquest on the man. There would have to be an adjournment, as it was not possible to finish the case that night consistently with the ends of justice. Evidence would be forthcoming at the adjournment as to the state of the man's mind, about which he himself knew something, as THOMAS was in his office on the previous day. - The Coroner then read over the evidence of Mr Were so far as it was applicable to the death of MRS THOMAS, after which Mr Were said: When I first saw the deceased, WM. THOMAS, he did not appear to be more than ordinarily excited. When he left with the parcel under his arm, I did not notice any change in his manner, but when he came back I noticed that he threw himself down on the chair by the side of his wife in a careless manner, but I did not notice anything in his hand with the exception of the paper parcel, nor did I observe that he had one hand in his pocket. Whilst I was holding MRS THOMAS in the position I have described, THOMAS came out on the landing twice. I then observed that his throat was cut; his mouth was open, and he was making a gurgling noise. He went back into the room where his body is now lying. No words were exchanged between us. Mr Whiteford came into the room where I was a second time, and said "he (referring to THOMAS) is sitting on a box in the room." I went in shortly afterwards and there saw the deceased sitting dead in the same position in which the Jury have seen him. Mr Stevens came shortly afterwards, examined both bodies and pronounced life to be extinct. Previous to my going into the room Inspector Manning went in. I have known THOMAS for the past ten or twelve years. - Inspector Manning said: Just before two this afternoon I was called to the offices of Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett. I proceeded to a room upstairs in which I found the body of the deceased, WM. THOMAS. I found the razor now produced, which is a new one, lying by the side of the deceased on the box, open, and covered in blood. It was free from his right hand but close to it. - George Alfred Harding, an apprentice at Mr Bruford's, cutler, in George-street, said: About half past one this afternoon a man came into the shop, and said to Mr Bruford "will you show me a cheap razor." Mr Bruford asked me to shew it, and I did so. The man purchased one, which is that now produced to the best of my belief. The one sold was marked "military razor" like that one now before the Jury. I gave him a case with it; the same now produced. He paid one shilling for the razor. Shortly after two I went to Mr Whiteford's office, where I was shown the body of the deceased WM. THOMAS. I cannot say positively that it is the same man, but to the best of my belief it is. The parcel I saw on the table in the office is that which the man had under his arm when he came to the shop. - Mr J. N. Stevens, M.R.C.S., said: I was called to Mr Whiteford's office at about a quarter to two this afternoon. I went upstairs and in the centre room saw the deceased WILLIAM THOMAS sitting on a box with his head leaning back against the sash of the window. He was quite dead. I examined his throat and found a wound extending from a little beyond the central line of the neck above the windpipe, and running backwards towards the spine to the extent of three-and-half-inches. It was a deep wound, and had divided the large vessels of the neck, the bleeding from which had caused death. It was such an incised would as might have been inflicted by the razor now produced and by the deceased himself. I next went into an adjoining office where I found MRS THOMAS lying on the floor supported by Mr Were. She was also quite dead, and presented a fearful wound directly across the neck, from side to side, which was five inches in length and had divided he wind-pipe. The wound was very deep, dividing the large vessels, and death had resulted from bleeding from this wound. The wound was I think, made from left to right with great force. It had commenced about two inches below the hole of the ear. It is such a wound as might have been caused by the razor now produced. Looking at the extent and the very deep character of the wound I should say that the deceased could not possibly have inflicted such a wound upon herself. - After this evidence, it was decided, on the suggestion of the Coroner, that the Enquiry should be adjourned until three o'clock tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 3 October 1874
EXETER - A Child Burnt to Death At Exeter. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at Topsham Inn, Exeter, last evening on the body of MARTHA ELLEN WESTERN, a child six months of age, who was burnt to death at the house of its mother, Chudleigh's-court, Coombe-street, on Thursday morning. Between seven and eight a.m. the mother went downstairs and left in the room the deceased and a child, who were both asleep in bed. Mrs Cornish stated that she was attracted to the room by the smell of smoke, and on entering the apartment found the bed on fire, and the smaller child's bed-gown enveloped in flames. About the bed there were several loose matches. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BERE FERRERS - Suicide At Beerferris. - On Thursday evening an Inquest was held at Beer, before Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr Ball was Foreman, on the body of MRS ELIZABETH GALE, who was found on the previous evening with her throat cut in an orchard at Ward farm. The deceased had been staying with her friends at the above-named farm, and she seemed frequently in a desponding state. On the evening mentioned they found her as described, and the act was traced to herself. The Jury, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity.

PLYMOUTH - The Case Of Drowning In The Sound. - An Inquest was held on Thursday at the Old Guildhall, by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, on the body of JOHN FOXWORTHY, who, it will be remembered, was accidentally drowned while on board the trawler Mazeppa in the Sound. The body was found floating in the Sound on Thursday morning by Thos. Crick, a waterman, and was brought by him to the Quay. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - The Inquest And Verdict. - Yesterday afternoon Mr Coroner Brian, and a double Jury, resumed the Enquiry, which was adjourned from Wednesday evening, into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM THOMAS and AMELIA MATILDA THOMAS, the latter of whom was, on Wednesday afternoon, murdered by her husband, who afterwards cut his own throat. - Mr J. N. Stevens, surgeon, was first examined, and the evidence which he gave on Wednesday having been read over to him, he now said: On the same day, before I had seen the deceased, AMELIA MATILDA THOMAS, I saw her husband in an adjoining room. He was sitting on a box with his head reclining against the sash of the window. He was quite dead, death having been caused by the bleeding from the wound in his throat, which I described on Wednesday. I have no doubt that he committed the act with his own hands. - Mr C. C. Whiteford: I am a solicitor, and Town Clerk of Plymouth, and am in partnership with Mr J. N. Bennett. On Wednesday last on my return from the Railway Offices, about a quarter past one in the afternoon, I went upstairs to my own office, and as I passed the central office I saw Mr Were in conversation with the deceased woman, who was seated on a chair with her back against a book case on one side of the room. I passed into my own room, and I think I closed the door. I had been writing only a few minutes when I heard a noise in the passage which impressed me with the opinion that some person had been seized with an epileptic fit. The noise certainly had that character. I went out immediately and saw Mr Were supporting the woman, whom he was taking into another room - Mr Hamilton Whiteford's room. Mr Were was supporting her head, and he laid her on the floor. There was a profusion of blood on the threshold of the door through which the poor woman came, and also in the track over which Mr Were was taking her. My first impression was that the woman had ruptured a blood vessel, but I said to Mr Were, "Who is this woman, and what is the matter?" He replied, "It is MRS THOMAS, a client of Mr Bennett's, and he has cut her throat. I said "Who is he?" and Mr Were said, "Her husband, who is in the next room." I then went to the central room, the door of which was wide open, and there I saw THOMAS sitting on a large deed box which was under the window, apparently in a sort of stupor. When I looked into the room I was on my way downstairs to send for medical assistance, and at that moment I took no further notice of THOMAS. When I went downstairs I found that one of the clerks had already gone for a medical man, and upon this I returned upstairs, when I noticed that THOMAS was in precisely the same position as when I saw him before. Apparently he had not moved from the time that I saw him first. I then went into the other room, where the woman was lying, and there was every indication that she was dying fast. On being told that the man had committed this violence upon his wife, I feared that he might make a fresh attack upon her, and I therefore walked up and down watching him, to see that he did not make any further attempt. The woman was not dead then, but it was evident that her death was imminent. - The Coroner: Can you say whether, at the time you first saw THOMAS in the room, he was living or dead? - Mr Whiteford: I can only give you what my impression was afterwards. At that moment I had no idea whatever that he had injured himself, and therefore I had no reason to suppose that he was dead. - The Coroner: Was his head reclining on his left shoulder at that time? - Mr Whiteford: No, certainly not. had it been so I should probably have taken further notice of him. Seeing that he was quiet I went downstairs again to enquire if the medical man had come, and almost immediately afterwards Mr Stevens came in. He preceded me upstairs, and when he got to the top he went into the central room where THOMAS was seated. I said, "That is not the room. That is the man. Here is the woman in this room," and I indicated the room in which she was lying. But Mr Stevens first went up close to THOMAS, and said, "He is stone dead." I said, "Good God; you don't say so. He dead too!"; for I had not the least idea at that time that he had injured himself. It is true that I saw a profusion of blood on the floor of the room, but I supposed that it had come entirely from the poor woman. So far as I can recollect, his head had not then fallen. Although I used the expression, "He dead, too!" I had not at that moment positively ascertained that the woman was dead, although, as I have already said, she was evidently dying very rapidly when I first saw her. After Mr Stevens went into the room and pronounced the man to be dead, my impression was, and I still entertain it, that he was dead when I first saw him. There was no change whatever in his position; he seemed to be in a state of collapse. I had seen him at different times, when I was moving up and down in the way that I have described, and I kept my eye upon him to see that he did not attempt any fresh violence, but he never moved once. We afterwards went into the other room where MRS THOMAS was, and Mr Stevens also pronounced her to be dead. I knew nothing whatever about the relations of the people towards each other or of the business which brought them to the office. This was left to my partner. Until I went into the central room with Mr Stevens, I had not approached THOMAS nearer than about fourteen feet. - The Coroner: I do not now propose to call any further evidence with regard to MRS THOMAS. In the Inquest which will follow you will learn more about THOMAS himself. You have had the evidence of Mr Were and of Mr Whiteford who were the only two persons close to the spot where this occurred, and having heard what took place, I think you can have no doubt that this woman came to her death by having her throat cut. There was no one present who actually saw the wound inflicted, but Mr Stevens has described it to you, as well as the wound which caused the death of the man, and he has stated distinctly that the wound on the woman's throat could not have been inflicted by herself, whilst the wound in the man's throat may have been, and in all probability was, inflicted with his own hands. It is clear, then, that the woman was murdered by somebody, and it is for you to say whether, in your opinion, the evidence leads to the belief that she was murdered by any other person but her husband. As to the state of the man's mind at the time, that is a matter with which at present you have nothing to do. That will be forthcoming in the Inquest on the man which will follow this. - The Jury returned as their verdict that the deceased was Murdered by her Husband. - The Inquest on the deceased man was then proceeded with.
The evidence of Mr Were having been read over to him as deposed by him on Wednesday last, a Juror asked whether the deceased was at all excited. - Witness: I cannot say that he was; he appeared to me to be about the same as ever I saw him. He was a very reserved man. I cannot say that I was long enough with him to say for certain whether he was labouring under excitement or not. - The Coroner: You say he went out and came back again. Can you say whether you noticed any change in him on his return? - Witness: No, I cannot say that I did. - Stephen Manning, Inspector of Police, and Gower Alfred Hardy, assistant at Messrs. Bruford's, cutlers, George-street; having had their evidence read over to them. - Mr J. N. Bennett, solicitor, in partnership with Mr Whiteford, stated: I knew the deceased and his wife for the last twenty years. When I first became acquainted with them, they were living either at Gosport or Portsea, and during the interval I have transacted business for them. Two or three years after I first knew them they came to live at Plymouth, and continued to reside for many years. I was occasionally seeing them, and they seemed to live harmoniously as man and wife. About two years after this they left Plymouth, and went to live at Truro, and just twelve months ago the deceased man called on me, and informed me that his wife had left him. He was evidently in a very great state of distress, and said that he had no doubt but what I should very shortly see his wife, if I had not done so already. He called on the two following days, and enquired after her, but I had not see her. Then she came, and told me she had left him, he being far more zealous and suspicious of her than he used to be, and she had some fear of his doing her bodily injury. She said she was staying at Devonport, but she would rather not tell me where, because I could then tell him. She also said she was sure he was watching for her all day long somewhere, and she begged me to allow her to come to my house after dark, instead of coming to the office, in order that she might avoid him. She did this once or twice for the purpose of knowing his answers to her proposals of terms of separation. After that she came to my house one afternoon, and, after some conversation, walked with me towards the office. When nearly in George-street, THOMAS saw her and ran towards her with the utmost violence, seized her around the waist and neck, and kissed her in the most impassioned manner, using aloud various terms of endearment at the same time. I went on, and they shortly afterwards arrived at the office together. He then, in my presence, made most solemn promises of amendment, and after a good deal of hesitation she consented to go back with him. I heard nothing more of them until on Tuesday week last, when the deceased man called upon me and said his wife had run away again, and he was afraid she would now never be induced to return to him. He was a good deal excited, and in very great distress. He asked if I had seen her, and I replied "No." The next morning, or the same day she called upon me, and her appearance at once showed me that she had been severely ill-treated. Her face shewed severe contusions, especially on each temple, her head was bound up and she was in a very nervous, shaky, and emaciated state. She said her husband's jealousy and suspiciousness had very much increased since the time I saw her last, and that she had led a wretched life with him at Truro. She gave me these two instances. She said, "We were at Truro a month or two ago, and in the street we met a gentleman." My husband said to me, "You have seen that man before, because he looked at you; I think there is something between you, and I shall not be satisfied, unless you go to him and ask him if he ever saw you before, and I will go with you and watch your countenances." He was so urgent that I was obliged to go. I followed the gentleman, stopped him and asked him if he ever saw me before, as my husband wished to know. He said no, and that he thought it a great piece of impertinence at having been asked the question. This is a fair sample of his suspicion. If I look out of the window and a man happens to pass, he would immediately say, "You have had a communication with that man, and I insist upon knowing who he is." Something of that kind happened to me the other day. I was standing at the window of my house when I believe some man passed, and my husband made the usual charge against me. Some words ensued, and he took up a razor. I then broke a pane of glass to give an alarm. When we came into contact the razor must have jerked out of his hand and he said at once, "What have you done with the razor." I said I have not see it except in your hand. We both of us looked for it, but could not find it and he then struck me the violent blows of which you see the marks, and I became insensible. On recovering I saw my husband lying on his back on the floor, uttering loud lamentations that he had murdered his wife." Continuing her tale, she told me that her husband drank occasionally, and that when he did drink his prevailing disposition was very much increased. She further said that she would never go back with him as she was really in fear of her life, and added that she should be glad to get an allowance to live separate from him and in peace. She said she was certain he would not allow her £1 a week, and she offered to take 9s., but at a subsequent interview with the man he agreed to give 10s. out of her own property, and asked me to prepare a document and sent it to Mr Edmonds. I animadverted on his brutal conduct towards his wife, and said "To allow her 10s. a week out of your income of £150 a year would be an act of inhumanity towards her." He said he should allow her no more under any circumstances unless she liked to take proceedings. At most of these interviews, after having been in the office he would become extremely excitable, his eyes staring out of his head. He charged his wife with bad and immoral conduct. During this conversation, and on referring to his brutal conduct towards his wife, he said, "Oh, Mr Bennett, don't be too hard upon me," and fell back in his chair and cried like a child, saying he should never see a moment's happiness again because his wife would never go back with him again. Mr Edmonds called upon me the same day in regard to the deed of separation, and said the man was evidently a brutal blackguard. I told Mr Edmonds I thought he was nearly mad, and at my last meeting with the man I said, "THOMAS, I think you are getting mad." He thereupon instantly sprang from the chair and left the room. - The Coroner: Did you think he was mad? - Witness: Well, I thought he was approaching madness, if he was not actually mad. - The Coroner: At this last interview was he sober or drunk? - Witness: I think he was sober. - Mr R. G. Edmonds, solicitor, stated: I had seen the man before, but I never knew him by name until Monday last. At 11 on the morning of that day he came into my office, and said he was going to be separated from his wife, and that Mr Bennett had got his deeds, and was altering them. I tried to get some reasonable explanation as to why Mr Bennett was altering the deeds, but could get none. I asked whether his wife had any property, and he replied £100 a year. I asked if he had any, and he did not answer the question. I then asked what amount he was going to allow his wife a year, and he replied 10s. a week. I said, "Do you mean to tell me that you are going to be shabby enough to take her £100 a year and allow her only 10s. a week." He said, "That's all." I could see that his manner was exceedingly peculiar; he had a very peculiar stare. I said, "What do you want to separate for." He did not answer, and I repeated the question. He then said, "When I go and walk up and down for an hour or two alone, my wife says, "Why don't you come and talk to me", when I keep on talking, she says, "Why don't you be quiet." When I sit down in a chair and say nothing, she says, "What are you moping for." I said, "Your wife must have some reason for talking like this; have you been drinking lately?" He gave a faint "No," but when I repeated the question he admitted that he had been drinking heavily. Then I said to him, "What is the real reason that you are going to separate for>" He said, "Letters, lots of letters she gets cupboards full of them!" I again said, "What is the real reason of your separating?" And he then said, "I have beaten her, beaten her severely," and then he described how he had ill-treated her. I said first to beat his wife and then to offer her 10s. a week out of her own money was not a very proper thing. He then began to talk about cheating somebody out of the property, and of Mr Bennett altering the deeds. I told him to go and return again at one o'clock, promising to go and see Mr Bennett. He thereupon left, and I never saw him again. He looked like a man who suffered from drinking heavily. - The Coroner: Was he perfectly rational, do you think? - Mr Edmonds: No, most decidedly not. I afterwards saw Mr Bennett, and he told me he did not think the man was right - an opinion in which I entirely coincided. Mr Bennett said that one of the clerks would certainly be the trustee under the deed of separation, and I said I should think twice before I mixed up one of my clerks with a man like that. I said I should not like to act for him. Mr Bennett had told me that the gentleman whom the deceased people had stopped in the streets of Truro had communicated with the mayor of the town, that that gentleman had communicated with the wife, and that she had informed the mayor that her husband was suffering from an hallucination. I left Mr Bennett believing I had impressed him with the state of the man, and I was not surprised when I heard of the murder. I suggested to Mr Bennett that the man should be brought up and bound over to keep the peace, but he informed me that the wife would have no such proceedings taken. - Henry Hamlyn, tailor, Finewell-street, stated: I have known the deceased for many years. I knew him at Portsea, where he carried on the business of carver and gilder. For the past fortnight I fancied he was acting very strangely. Last Tuesday week he came to my house with his wife; I saw there was something wrong, and he said if MRS THOMAS wanted any money at any time I could advance it to her. He was very excited at the time, and he asked me to write a letter to his son, saying he was so excited that he could not write it himself. In the cottage at Lipson, where he was staying, he went to get the address of his son, and not being able to find it, he tore out the cornice from the top of the wardrobe, saying he did not care if he tore it all down, and that MRS THOMAS must have taken the address. He was greatly excited and then desired me not to let his wife have money. I saw him on almost every day, and he would make contradictory statements, insomuch that I considered him to be far from sane. I was shocked to hear of the murder, but it was no more than what I expected, for the man undoubtedly was not in his right senses. - John Plimsaul, staff-sergeant S.D. Militia, stated: I was well acquainted with the deceased man. He wished me to become a tenant of his in a cottage belonging to him at Lipson. I took it and went to sign the lease. He then made some most extraordinary proposals to me, contradictory to his previous arrangements, and his manner was such that I refused to sign the lease. He thereupon tore it up and laughed, saying, "Now it's all over; I did not mean what I said; I will keep you on as my tenant, and when I leave it, you shall have it. Last week I went out to see him again according to his arrangement, but he was so very peculiar that I refused to sign the agreement. Whilst I was there, his wife came down, and he then ran out into the garden, plucked an apple, returned with it into the house, kissed his wife and gave her the apple, saying, "I have been talking to Mr Plimsaul, and I do not intend to let the cottage." He had not been talking to me about it. On my leaving, he came out as far as the gate, took up a grindstone, and offered to make it a present to me. - This was the whole of the evidence, and The Coroner, in addressing the Jury, remarked that under a different state of circumstances it might have been necessary for him to have gone very minutely into the case, but the whole of the evidence had been so clearly given that he did not think he need detain them by any lengthened observations. There appeared to be no doubt whatever that THOMAS took his own life as well as that of his wife's in a most ferocious manner, and the Jury had now to satisfy themselves as to the state of his mind at the time he committed the act. On this point Mr Edmonds, Mr Bennett and two other witnesses had given clear, and as it appeared to him, conclusive testimony. His conduct for some time past had been so strange and contradictory that each of the witnesses had satisfied themselves that he was insane. He was inclined to think himself that in murdering his wife THOMAS was actuated by a sudden impulse, otherwise it was likely that he would have procured the razor when he first went to the offices of Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett to see her, and not have gone out to purchase it after having conversed with her. - The Jury immediately returned as their verdict that the deceased Committed Suicide while in a state of Insanity.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 October 1874
SOUTH MOLTON - Sudden Death Of A Chulmleigh Tradesman. - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening at the Townhall, Southmolton, by Mr James Flexman, respecting the death of MR ROBERT MARSHALL, draper and grocer, of Chulmleigh. The evidence was to the effect that the deceased left Chulmleigh in the morning, with his wife and two children, for Southmolton market. The day previous he had felt ill, and before leaving he complained of a fluttering of the heart and pain in the stomach, and was obliged to lie on the sofa. he took some gin and revived, got to Southmolton, and went to Mr Swinburn, chemist, who prescribed for flatulency, and gave him a draught. He afterwards went to the Exeter Inn and was about to leave the house when he fell down on his face and hands in the passage and expired. The Jury, without the slightest hesitation, returned a verdict that Death resulted from Natural Causes - Heart Disease. Deceased was well known and much respected. He was registrar of births and deaths for the Chulmleigh district, and did a large wine and spirit business.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Cartman. - An Inquest has been held by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, respecting the death of a waggoner named JOHN LEE, who had been in the employ of Messrs. Barter and Jordan, timber merchants. According to the evidence, Mr G. Tippett was driving near Crabtree, on September 18th when he heard a man shout "stop," and on stopping and going back he found the deceased sitting in the road and a wagon laden with timber close by. The waggon had been in the charge of LEE, and he stated that the wheels had passed over one of his legs. He was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where Mr C. Gibbs, the house surgeon, found that he was suffering from a compound fracture of the left leg. Mortification set in on Thursday and the deceased died on Sunday. Mr R. T. Jordan, one of the deceased's employers, said he had cautioned LEE not to sit on the shafts of the cart, as it was a very dangerous practice, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". Deceased was 68 years of age.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 9 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Killed By The Falling Of A Cask. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the Old Guildhall on the body of LEVI CUDDINGTON, who died under the circumstances related below. John Redman said he was mate of the schooner Wild Wave, at present lying in the Great Western Dock. Yesterday he was engaged with deceased in loading the vessel with china clay which was in casks of 10 cwt. each. Both were in the hold. The casks were taken into the vessel by means of a steam-crane on the wharf. The men had shipped five casks and were lowering the sixth, when the chain of it broke, and it fell into the hold upon the deceased. He did not die immediately, but expired while on the way to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he was removed as quickly as possible. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

EXETER - Sudden Death. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at Exeter yesterday, on the body of a man named BENJAMIN CLAPP, a baker, aged 63. Deceased whilst walking in St. Sidwell's on the previous evening was seen to stumble and fall, and when picked up by some passer-by he was motionless. On being removed to his house near at hand a medical man was sent for but he pronounced life to be extinct. The cause of death was apoplexy and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 10 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sad Death Of A Woman In Plymouth. - Yesterday, Mr Coroner Brian, held an Inquest at the Tradesman's Arms, Plymouth, relative to the death of SARAH GILLIEHAM. Elizabeth Harrison said the deceased had lived with her. She had previously been an inmate of the Workhouse Hospital, as she was suffering from scrofula. She left the Hospital yesterday week, though she was not perfectly recovered. When she came to witness she was still suffering from a bad leg, and was perfectly destitute. During the week the only money she had was 1s. 9d., which she obtained by pawning a shawl. On the morning of the day in question witness heard deceased get out of bed, and then fall down. Witness, with whom the deceased slept, on looking at her found that she was dead. Chas. Mayell, relieving officer, said deceased was admitted to the Workhouse Hospital in January last. She was suffering from bad legs and arms. Last week she left after giving the usual notice to the master. She stated that she was about to proceed to her husband, who was in Jersey. She was not in a fit state to leave the house, but the authorities have not the power to keep a person in the house who expresses a desire to depart. The Coroner, in summing up, said he thought it was a very sad case. Deceased ought not to have left the Hospital, where she was attended with every care. There was no doubt her coming out accelerated her death, as the woman to whom she went was almost as destitute as herself, and could not supply her with the food she needed in her illness. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, accelerated by privation and destitution," which was the fault of herself and there was no blame to be attached to the Workhouse authorities.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 14 October 1874
EXETER - Suicide At Exeter. - A man named STOCKER, residing in Melbourne-street, Exeter, committed suicide yesterday by hanging himself with a rope to the banisters of the stairs, during the temporary absence of his wife from the house. Much sensation was caused in the neighbourhood by the tragic occurrence. At the Inquest held last evening, before the City Coroner, at the Hour Glass Inn, a verdict to the effect that deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Unsound Mind was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 October 1874
TAVISTOCK - A Suspicious Death. - An Inquest was held at Tavistock yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, relative to the death of ANN JACKMAN, a woman about 58 years of age. About a month since deceased's husband and a man named West were fighting at the Union Inn, and in her attempt to part them, deceased was struck by one of the men. She died last Tuesday night, and it was feared that death resulted from blows inflicted at the fight, but Mr Anthey, surgeon, testified that she died from apoplexy, and not in any way from the effects of the blows. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 17 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the King's Arms Inn, on the body of ELIZABETH GLANVILLE. The deceased was an aged woman, and resided at 20 High-street; she slept in the same room as her son, who is a Naval seaman, and has supported his mother for the last twenty years. She had enjoyed excellent health all her life, but yesterday morning, about half-past three, she awoke her son, and complained of pain. He went to her, and in a very few minutes, before he could get assistance, deceased expired in her son's arms. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 20 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Killed By A Truck. - Mr T. C. Brian held an Inquest yesterday at the Freemason's Arms, Cattedown, on the body of a man named EDWARD WICKETT, whose death occurred under the circumstance given below. Richard Smith knew the deceased as a labourer in the employ of Messrs. Sparrow and Sons. Yesterday about 3 o'clock witness and deceased, and a man named King were employed in driving five trucks which were drawn by three horses. Witness was before the horses, the deceased was by the side of the truck, and King was engaged in attending to the break. They had gone about twenty paces when witness missed the deceased. The horses were stopped and witness looking back, saw the deceased lying across the rails, quite motionless. Witness on going up to him, found him dead. His body was very much cut. The deceased was lame in his right leg, and this might have had something to do in his being killed. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - The Suicide At Exeter. - Yesterday morning Mr Hooper, the City Coroner, held an Enquiry at the Fireman's Arms, Exeter, into the circumstances attending the death of the young man, HENRY EXELL, who committed suicide on the previous Saturday by shooting himself with a gun. - The first witness called was the mother of the deceased, and she stated that he was 26 years of age. He had never been ill, but since his father's death he had seemed a great deal troubled, apparently about business matters. On Saturday morning he got up as usual about half-past five, and she got him a cup of tea, but he did not drink it, and went away without speaking to her. - AMELIA EXELL, sister of the deceased, said the last time she saw him was on Friday evening, when she was in the kitchen with him. He had been thinking a good deal and talking about business matters. He said it was preying on his mind, and he did not know how he should get through it. On the Thursday he had been to the Probate Court about the will, and from that time he seemed very much altered. He was greatly depressed in spirits. - By a Juror: There has never been the slightest misunderstanding between us in consequence of the property having been divided amongst all the children. On the contrary, we have all been very happy since father died, and HARRY seemed very pleased that we all agreed with him in what he did. We let him have his way in every respect. - A Juror: It is said that the Will was not to his advantage; that it was so restricted that he would not have any benefit from it for some time. Is that so? - Witness: Well, he had his share the same as the other children, but HARRY'S share, so far as I can gather, was in stock, and he was going to trade with our money. - The Coroner: Was there any objection to that? - Witness: No; none whatever. We were all quite willing that he should do so. - Samuel Frost, labourer, gave evidence as to the finding of the body of the deceased at the stores in Preston-street. He was standing in the street when he heard someone whom he believed to be the deceased, call upon him from the inside to open the door. He tried to force it open, but not being able to do so, he ran to the deceased's mother, told her what he had heard, and she requested him to return and break open the door. This was done after some trouble, and with the assistance of others, and they then found the deceased lying on his side, and dying from a gunshot wound. He died shortly afterwards. - A witness named Ford said he was also at the stores when the door was broken open, and he spoke to EXELL before his death. He asked him what he had done, and the deceased replied, "It's trouble; it's trouble." Witness had previously conversed with him about his business affairs, and it struck him that the deceased was very much distressed. He seemed as if the business was too much for him. Witness, however, was not aware that there was the slightest ill-feeling amongst any members of the family. - Mr Tosswill, surgeon, having described the wound, which in his opinion caused death. - The Coroner said the case was a very sad one, following so closely as it did upon the death of the young man's father, who committed suicide by hanging only about six weeks ago. The only point for the consideration of the Jury was, first, whether the deceased committed suicide, and the next place whether he knew right from wrong at the time that he did it. He had taken some trouble to examine the witnesses, in order to see if he could ascertain any ground for coming to the conclusion that the deceased was in a state of temporary insanity at the time. He recollected very well when the young man signed his depositions on a previous occasion, that he appeared to be a good deal depressed on account of the death of his father, and this depression had probably been increased by what had since occurred with reference to the Will. So far as he understood it, the carrying out of the Will had taken a different turn from that which was at first anticipated, and had thrown upon the young man some excess of trouble, although in a pecuniary sense he would have been benefitted by the change. But the deceased did not appear to have been aware of this; he signed documents and papers, which afterwards distressed him; he seemed to have an idea that the business was going wrong, and this had evidently preyed upon his mind, and in all probability had thrown it off its balance. It was for the Jury to say if this was their view of the case. - The Jury immediately returned as their verdict that the deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 24 October 1874
AVETON GIFFORD - Accidental Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Aveton Gifford on Thursday on the body of ALBERT ROGERS, aged two years, who fell into a milk-can on the previous Saturday. He was severely injured, and died from the effects on Monday last. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned. Mr Pearse was Foreman of the Jury.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 26 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr T. C. Brian on the body of ELIZABETH MARY ANN AVERY, who died suddenly on Friday. The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased had died from Suffocation occasioned by her falling out of bed."

BOVEY TRACEY - Fatal Accident Near Bovey Tracey. - Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday evening at Woodley, near Bovey Tracey, on the body of JOSEPH SAMPSON, a labourer, who met with his death on the previous evening by falling off a cart. The deceased was about sixty years of age, and was known at times to get rather the worse for liquor, but whether he was soon the present occasion is not known. It was only on Tuesday last, however, that he was fined by the Newton magistrates for being drunk. On the evening in question he had called at a public-house at Bovey, and afterwards whilst returning home in a cart drawn by a donkey, he missed his footing in trying to get out, and falling heavily he broke his neck. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 27 October 1874
EXETER - Shocking Accident At St. David's Station. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last night by Mr Deputy Coroner Barton, on the body of JOHN HAMMOND, a fitter employed on the South Devon Railway, and about 66 years of age, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital from injuries received at St. David's Station yesterday morning. Mr Mears, Bristol and Exeter Railway, and Mr Pearse, for the South Devon Railway, watched the case on behalf of the companies. About nine o'clock yesterday morning, Thomas Atkins, a waggoner, was at St. David's Station, engaged in unloading some trucks laden with stones, when he noticed the deceased repairing a "C.R." truck. he was standing with his back against it, and was pushing it along, when another truck, which had been standing motionless, with twenty others, was propelled towards him by the engine, and the unfortunate deceased was caught and crushed between the buffers of the two. The fact that the trucks were not joined caused a slight rebound and the deceased fell insensible between the rails. He was at once raised, but never spoke, merely uttering a groan as he was being conveyed to the Hospital in a cab. As a general rule, the deceased should have given the signal to the shunting foreman, and the trucks should not be moved without any such instructions. According to the testimony of the assistant fitter, HAMMOND did not give any such instructions, and the engine was moved before he had intimated that all was right. Had the deceased been pushing the frame instead of the buffers, he would have been perfectly safe, and the pace at which the shunting was being conducted, was about the same as usual. Under the circumstances the assistant thought that the deceased's own neglect had caused the accident. On his arrival at the Hospital the deceased was dead, and on examination several ribs on the left side were found to be broken. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned, and the Jury exonerated all parties from blame.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 29 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Coroner Brian, on the body of a man named WILLIAM H. PEDGEON, who died suddenly on Tuesday. Deceased, who was the landlord of the Royal Oak public-house, situate in Southside-street, suffered from heart disease, which probably was the cause of his demise. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Jury.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 November 1874
DARTMOUTH - The Coroner's Inquest concerning the death of MR PHILIP PINHAY, sen., who committed suicide in his house at Dartmouth was held on Saturday, and a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned. He had a seizure six months ago, and was in embarrassed circumstances.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 November 1874
DARTMOUTH - Suspicious Death Of A Seaman At Dartmouth [Special Telegram]. - A seaman named MICHAEL LEE belonging to H.M.S. Britannia, was found lying in the road near Mr Redway's shipbuilding yard, Land Quay, on Monday night, and on being taken on board his vessel by two shipmates, it was discovered by the surgeon in attendance that he was quite dead. An Inquest on the body was held last evening before Mr R. W. Prideaux, Borough Coroner. Mr T. J. Matthews was Foreman of the Jury. - Mr John Lambert, second-class staff-surgeon of H.M.S. Britannia, said he had made a post mortem examination, and it was his opinion that deceased had died from the effects of some irritant poison. Witness had caused the contents of the stomach to be sealed up, and they were placed in the possession of the Coroner to be forwarded for analysis. The Inquest was adjourned until the 17th instant.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 November 1874
CHURSTON FERRERS - At the Inquest held at Churston Ferrers concerning the death of JOHN HOUSTON, head gamekeeper to Lord Churston, a verdict of Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind was returned. The deceased shot himself through the head, and after some evidence as to his state of mind for some time past, the Coroner (Mr H. Michelmore) remarked that it was a great pity more care had not been taken to keep firearms from the deceased.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 5 November 1874
PLYMOUTH - Mr Brian, the Borough Coroner, on Monday held an Inquest at Wyatt's Hotel, Exeter-street, on the body of a child eleven weeks old. ELIZABETH SARAH HAM, the mother of the child, said she went to bed about 10 o'clock, and next morning when she woke she found the child lying dead by her side. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 9 November 1874
PLYMPTON - Inquest At Plympton Workhouse. - On Saturday evening an Inquest was held at Plympton Workhouse, by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, touching the death of a child named BURNS, who was found dead in bed. The child had been Accidentally Suffocated and a verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 10 November 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Coburg Inn, Coburg-street, on the body of JOHN SHEPHERD who was found dead yesterday morning at about 6 o'clock on the premises of Messrs. Burnard & Co. - William Northmore stated that he was a carman in the employ of Messrs. Burnard & Co. He knew the deceased. He last saw deceased alive at the Chemical Works, Commercial Road, at about 10 p.m. on Sunday. His afternoon watch was over and deceased came to relieve him. He was in his usual health and went to do his duty. - Henry Watts said that he was in the employ of Messrs. Burnard & Co. Just before 6 o'clock he went to relieve the deceased. He proceeded to the vitrol making department where he expected to find him. He looked round and could see nothing of him. He then went to the gateway and asked the men there if they had seen anything of SHEPHERD, but they answered in the negative. He then took a lamp and went into the vitrol department and found him lying on his right side. He was quite dead and very cold, and appeared to have been dead several hours. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 12 November 1874
EXETER - An Inquest on the body of a child named WILLIAM ELI DARE, 3 ½ years old, was held at Exeter on Tuesday and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, it being elicited that it was unwell on Sunday and died as a poultice was being applied to its chest.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 November 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner for Plymouth, respecting the death of WM. DUNN, aged 55 years. The deceased, who lived in Woolsden-street, went to church on Sunday evening, and after he had gone to bed was seized with a violent fit of coughing, and died before medical aid could be obtained. He had been unwell for some time, and the Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 19 November 1874
EAST DEVON - Distressing Suicide. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, before Mr Spencer M. Cox, Coroner for East Devon, on the body of MR THOMAS CULVERWELL, aged 68, a gentleman of independent means who committed suicide on Friday, by cutting his throat with a pocket knife, which he purchased a few days since. Deceased has been for some time in a desponding state, and frequently expressed a fear that he should come to want. The Jury returned a verdict that "Deceased Destroyed himself whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 21 November 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Found Dead. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Thursday at the Exmouth Inn, Union-street, Stonehouse, on the body of a female child named LEWIS. Mr Salter was called and stated that he lived at No. 2, Clarence-cottage. He knew MARY ANN LEWIS, the mother of the deceased. She had been lodging three months with him in the cottage. On Tuesday afternoon she came home about two o'clock and said she was unwell. Shortly after she went out behind, and stayed an hour. Mrs Mary Warren said that on Tuesday afternoon she had occasion to go to Mr Salter of Clarence Cottages, and saw Mr Salter, who told her that MRS LEWIS was unwell and had been out behind for a hour and a half. When she came back she brought with her something wrapped up in her apron under her shawl, which he afterwards found to be the body of a female child. - Mr Thomas [?], surgeon, stated that he was called in to see MRS LEWIS last Tuesday night about half-past nine. He found that she had been recently confined. He was shewn the body of the child. The mother told him that she did not know that she was pregnant, and she had been suffering from diarrhoea. He made a post mortem examination and found that the child had come to its full growth. There were no marks of violence on it. The lungs contained a little air, which might have entered before birth. he could not say that the child had had a separate existence, but if the child had proper attendance he believed it would have lived. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 23 November 1874
SYDENHAM DAMEREL - Sudden Death. - On Friday afternoon an Inquest was held at Cattsbridge, South Sydenham, before Mr R. R. Rodd. County Coroner, and a Jury of whom Mr James Stawt was Foreman, on the body of JANE HEARNE, aged 52, the wife of JOSEPH HEARNE, a mine labourer, who resides at Cattsbridge. The deceased had been unwell for some time, but not so bad as to prevent her carrying out some of her domestic duties; and on Wednesday morning last the husband went to his work, not noticing anything unusual in his wife's appearance. About midday, however, she was found dead in her kitchen. Mr R. Sleman stated that the deceased had been a patient of his for many years, and he could only attribute death to Natural Causes - perhaps the rupture of a blood vessel. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 4 December 1874
HONITON - Serious Charge Of Manslaughter At Honiton. A Female Herbalist Committed For Trial. - An Inquest was held at the Star Inn, Honiton, on Wednesday, before Spencer M. Cox, Esq., Coroner, and a highly respectable Jury, of which Mr John Read was Foreman touching the death of MARY CLEAK, wife of THOMAS CLEAK, a sawyer, of Honiton. - THOMAS CLEAK stated that his wife had suffered from her breast for about three years. This arose from the kitchen maid at the Grammar School pressing her breast with her elbow whilst putting her arm around her in sport. This action caused a knob to rise which gave her considerable pain. The deceased consulted Dr Mayne about the pain but left him for what reason witness did not know or when. The deceased afterwards went to Mrs Fish to cure it and was under her treatment for several months. There was a hole in deceased's bosom when she left Dr Mayne. Deceased continued under Mrs Fish's treatment until the 13th November, and witness did not see deceased's bosom from her first leaving Dr Mayne until her calling on him and again when it was considerably worse. Witness had at different times told deceased he was afraid she was doing wrong in going to Mrs Fish. Witness had very little talk to deceased about it. He believed other people used to fetch medicines from Mrs Fish, but he never saw them. Deceased died on Sunday last, and was then under the care of Dr Mayne and his assistant. Deceased had often told witness that whilst under Mrs Fish's care she was getting better. Deceased had told witness that the disease was killed, and that all to be done was to heal the wound which was nearly an inch long when she first consulted Mrs Fish. Deceased, he believed, had never paid Mrs Fish anything, but had said that if she got cured she would have to work hard to pay her off. Witness here said she had some of the contents of the bottle at home, and was ordered by the Coroner to fetch it. - ELIZABETH CLEAK, a daughter of the last witness, said that the deceased was her stepmother. The injury to deceased's breast took place about Christmas 1871. Deceased consulted Dr Mayne within a month or two after the injury. Deceased said there was a knob forming in her bosom about the size of an egg. Witness felt something hard. Deceased continued about eighteen months under Dr Mayne's treatment, but left him because he wished to cut it out, which deceased would not agree to. Shortly after leaving Dr Mayne she consulted Mrs fish. Witness found this out from seeing deceased applying oils to her bosom, which deceased said Mrs Fish was in hopes would cure her. Deceased always used to fetch oils herself from Mrs Fish, but on one occasion, when deceased was in bed ill, she (witness) by her direction fetched it from Mrs Fish. Witness asked Mrs Fish for oils for deceased's bosom. Mrs Fish gave her a little oil in a cup. witness told Mrs Fish that deceased was suffering in her mouth, and also that her jaws seemed closed and that she could not swallow anything. Mrs Fish asked if deceased had been to anyone, and witness told her she had been to Mr Turner, who had ordered her to bathe her face with boiling water and take an alum gargle. Mrs Fish said the alum was a great injury, to which witness replied that she should be obliged to go to a doctor. Mrs Fish said she should be very glad. This interview between witness and Mrs Fish took place three weeks ago last Monday. Witness took back the oil to deceased, and Mr Mayne was called in the following day. Deceased about a month or two ago told witness that Mrs Fish said the disease was out, and that she (Mrs Fish) only had to heal the wound. Deceased had all along said she was getting better. Among other things, by Mrs Fish's desire, deceased applied marsh mallow poultice to her breast. Deceased was under Mrs Fish's care for nine months, and went for medicine every week during that time. Deceased sometimes used ointment instead of the oils, but always got it from Mrs Fish. The only internal medicine which deceased took whilst under Mrs Fish's care was a box or two of pills by Mrs Fish's direction, which she bought of Miss Williams, and sometimes rhubarb pills, bought of Mr Lee, without Mrs Fish's direction were taken. Deceased worked at the Grammar School whilst under Dr Mayne's care until the tumour broke. Witness could not say whether deceased was getting better or worse for the last six months as she did not see the wound, but deceased afterwards appeared to be in very great pain. - Mr George Turner, a pharmaceutical chemist of Honiton, said the deceased came into his shop about six months ago with a printed paper recommending some ointment. Deceased said she was suffering from cancer. Deceased asked whether the ointment mentioned in the circular was applicable to her case. Witness advised her to have nothing to do with it, but to go to a medical man. - The Coroner here stated this was just the sort of advice he should expect from Mr Turner. - Witness continued that she did not have the ointment. Witness recollected nothing about the alum gargle or the boiling water. He certainly never recommended anyone to bathe her face in boiling water. He may have recommended warm water application and an alum gargle for a sore throat, but he did not recollect it. He occasionally supplied Mrs Fish with a mixture made of Neat's foot oil and vinegar containing half pint each, and two ounces of oxide and two ounces of acetate of lead, which he supposed were to be added to the oils, but he did not mix them. He should think the bottle produced contained a mixture of the oil, vinegar, acetate of lead, and oxide of lead. - Mr R. F. Mayne, surgeon, of Honiton, said that about two years ago the deceased came to him and said she had a swelling in her breast. Witness found a tumour about the size of a walnut and a depression of the nipple, which witness told her was a very serious case. Witness applied hot fomentations and iodine and gave preparations of iodine of potassium to aid absorption. He strongly recommended excision at once as the only chance of success. Deceased objected, but remained under his treatment for some months, and ulceration had commenced, and he then treated it with a lotion of carbolic acid and the wound assumed a healthier appearance, when she left witness without assuming any reason. Witness had heard no more of deceased until the 10th of November last, when he was sent for, and Mr Gray, his assistant, visited her. Witness saw her two days after and found a great stiffness about her jaw, and she complained of sore throat. After a short time he noticed a spasm in her back, and concluded she had tetanus. Witness asked to see her breast, but she did not show it until the next day. The ulcer was much increased in size; it was a cancerous ulcer as large as the palm of a hand. She said she had been using oils supplied by Mrs Fish, some of which he was shown in a cup. Witness advised deceased to get rid of it. The cancerous wound no doubt occasioned the tetanus. Application of vinegar might aggravate the wound, and the lead also would irritate. He should say the mixture mentioned by Mr Turner would be improper treatment for such a wound. A wound of the deceased's character was a dangerous wound, but he did not consider the treatment required much skill in the stage in which he last saw it. It was not a wound any unprofessional person would be justified in treating. Irritants applied to such a would be likely to cause tetanus. Vinegar and the preparations of lead mentioned are irritants. Tetanus may have arisen without the application of the lotion. He could not say whether the lotion actually caused the tetanus. He could not say whether or not the treatment by Mrs Fish for nine months would hasten death. - Mr Frederick Archibald Grey, the assistant, gave evidence which was entirely corroboratory. - The Coroner then summed up, and told the Jury that if they considered that the deceased's death had been hastened by the use of the oils supplied by Mrs Fish, they must return a verdict of manslaughter against that woman. - The Jury, of seventeen persons, after an hour's consultation, returned a verdict of Manslaughter; and Mrs fish, who seemed to be in an intoxicated condition, was removed in custody. - The Inquiry lasted five hours, and the result was anticipated in Honiton with much interest.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 5 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Mr Coroner Brian held an Inquest last evening in Plymouth on the body of a male child, aged five months, named WILLIAMS. The mother died shortly after confinement. The child had been placed in charge of its maternal aunt, the father paying a weekly sum for its maintenance. The father married again some days ago, when the aunt took the child to its father. It died on Friday morning. The verdict was one of Natural Death, and the Jury added an expression of censure on the father.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 11 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Death Of An Infant. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at Mr Sleeman's Hotel, Harwell-street, Plymouth, before Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, and a Jury of whom Mr W. S. Rilston was Foreman, relative to the sudden death of EMILY CAROLINE ELLIS, a little girl not quite four years old. - JOHN ELLIS, father of deceased, said that she had been a very healthy child, but that on Wednesday afternoon she was taken poorly, and continued to get worse until a quarter-past seven, when she died in convulsions. Mr Williams, Coroner's Officer, said that he examined the child yesterday afternoon, and found it an exceedingly fat child, but with no marks of violence on it. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 December 1874
DAWLISH - The Fatal Bathing Accident At Dawlish. - An Inquiry was held at Dawlish on Saturday evening respecting the death of CHARLES MOORE, aged 17 years, who was injured while bathing in August 2nd, and who died on the 10th instant at the Cottage Hospital. The principal witness was Richard Cole, who was bathing in the company of the deceased. He stated that he had dived, and his head was just rising above the water when he received a blow on the left hip, the deceased, who had just dived off a wall, having struck him there with his head. Witness continued "When I came properly to the surface I heard someone from the shore calling to me. I then looked, and saw the deceased with his head under water, and his back raised up. I swam to him and brought him ashore. he did not speak to me. I did not feel much of the blow until I got on shore, when I found I could not walk. The water was about eight feet deep, and the depth from the top of the wall to the water was four feet." Mr F. M. Cann, surgeon, stated that he examined the deceased on the morning of the accident, and found fracture or dislocation of the fifth segment of the vertebrae from the head. He expected him to die in a very few days, as the spinal marrow was entirely destroyed, but he lingered for several weeks. It was a most remarkable case. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the funds of the Cottage Hospital, of which the deceased had been an inmate from the time of the accident until his death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, with respect to the death of AMELIA BARNES, aged 63 years. The deceased was married, but had not been living with her husband for about four years. She was found lying dead on the floor of her bedroom on Sunday morning. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident On Shipboard. - An Inquiry was held yesterday by the Coroner for Plymouth concerning the death of JAMES HICKS, a seaman, lately belonging to the brigantine Escort, of Plymouth, Joseph W. Baker, master. The Escort was on a voyage from Porthcawl to Palermo, and about noon on Wednesday the deceased, whilst aloft reefing sails, fell from the topsail yard to the deck, fracturing his skull and breaking one of his legs. The leg was put in splints, and the Escort bore up for Plymouth, where she arrived on Sunday, but HICKS died the day after the accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and praised the conduct of Captain Baker.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 15 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Attempted Suicide. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Guildhall, relating to the death of JOHN WILLIAM ELLIS, aged 37, who died in the Hospital on Saturday last. - JANE ELLIS, the wife of the deceased, said she lived at 5 Park-street. On the 8th of October last the deceased came home with his clothes very wet. He remarked on this fact and a moment after went to a cupboard, took therefrom a razor, and passed it across his throat, inflicting a wound. Fortunately witnesses saw his intention, and rushing to him prevented him from doing himself further injury. He was then removed to the Hospital, where he remained for eight weeks, after which he came out, but again returned last week, shortly after which he died. To the knowledge of witness deceased had nothing preying on his mind when he attempted his life. He was, however, subject to fits, in attacks of which he was like a lost person, not knowing what he was doing. - MARY JANE ELLIS, step-sister to the deceased, said she lived next door to the last witness. On the 8th of October she hard last witness screaming, and going into the house found the deceased with blood flowing from his neck and his wife bending over him. Deceased suffered from fits, in which he behaved very strangely. Mr Chapman Gibbs, B.M., surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, stated the deceased entered the Hospital on the 8th of October, when he examined him and found several incised wounds in his throat. A piece of the windpipe had been almost cut out. This was replaced and retained by a stick. Deceased progressed so favourably that in six week she was able to leave the Hospital. Last week he was compelled to again enter the Hospital, and his condition was such as to necessitate an operation. For this purpose an attempt was made to apply chloroform, but the state of deceased would not then permit of this being done. After the operation, which was performed on Wednesday last, deceased became half unconscious, but revived on Thursday morning. He again relapsed, and on Saturday afternoon expired. Witness would not undertake to say that death was immediately caused by the injury to the throat or by the operation, though he had no doubt that the latter accelerated death. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the "Deceased died from an Operation performed on him, with his consent, on Friday last, which said operation was, in the opinion of the medical man, necessary from the evil effects consequent on the injuries inflicted in his throat by himself on the 9th of October last, whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity." One of the Jurors remarked that it did not appear to him that the medical witness had given his evidence in a straightforward or voluntary manner. - Mr Gibbs: I answered each question as it was put to me. Witnesses are to give facts not to interpret them. Mr Gibbs then left the room.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 16 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Mr Sleeman's Hotel, Harwell-street, Plymouth, relating to the death of CHARLES ALFRED DUMBLE, a little boy two years of age. EMILY DUMBLE, mother of the deceased, said that on Wednesday last, between 5 and 6 o'clock in the afternoon, she poured out a cup of tea, and whilst in the act of replacing the teapot on the stove, her little boy took hold of the handle of the cup, and threw the contents of it over his breast. She saw that he was very much hurt and immediately applied oil and whiting, and sent for Mr Lewis, surgeon, who arrived shortly after, and continued to attend to him until Sunday last, and on Monday he died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Scalding."

PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of An Infant. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Swan Hotel, St Andrew's-street, Plymouth, before Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr Allen was Foreman, relative to the sudden death of WILLIAM CHARLES LAPPAGE, a child, two months old. MRS LAPPAGE, mother of deceased, said that the child had been sickly since its birth. She went to bed with it on the previous night, and when she woke up yesterday morning the child was lying on her arm dead. Mr Williams, Coroner's officer, said that he examined the body of the deceased yesterday and found no marks of violence on it. The hands were clenched, and the left arm drawn up and stiff. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 17 December 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - Found Dead. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Newton Abbot, by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on the body of an infant, three months' old, the daughter of WILLIAM CLAMPITT, goods guard on the South Devon Railway. The child was found dead in bed that morning by its father. It had not shown any signs of being ill, and Dr Haydon, who examined the deceased after its death, was of opinion that id died of convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Alleged Neglect Of A Relieving Officer. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, held an Inquest at the Workhouse, last evening, relative to the death of RICHARD BOURLACE, aged 62 years. - Catherine Bond stated that she resided at 25 Lower-street, and on Thursday last the deceased, who lodged with her, fell over the stairs and received a severe scalp wound. On the following afternoon her daughter applied to Mr Annear, relieving officer, for a doctor's order for admission to the Workhouse, but was told to call again in the evening. Her daughter did so at six o'clock, and was then told by Mr Annear that it was too late that day for a doctor's order. On Saturday witness herself went to Mr Annear, and after waiting nearly an hour, until he had finished his dinner, she received an order and the deceased was conveyed to the Workhouse in a cab. Mr Prynne saw the deceased at her residence on Friday morning, and he gave her a note to take to Mr Annear, stating that he was suffering from concussion of the brain, and that it was a fit case for admission into the house. - Mr E. M. Prynne, surgeon, stated that he was called to see the deceased on Friday morning, and found him suffering from a severe scalp wound in the back of the head. He told Mrs Bond what the deceased was suffering from, and gave her a note to take to Mr Annear. He considered it possible that the immediate cause of death was apoplexy. - Mr J. Annear stated that the first intimation he received of the case was on Saturday morning, when Mrs bond came to him and he received Mr Prynne's note. He attended to the case immediately. He did not go to the Workhouse with the deceased, but Mrs Bond went on his behalf. BOURLACE appeared to be insensible previous to leaving his house, and he believed that Mrs Bond would have informed those at the Workhouse of the nature of deceased's injuries. He did not send to the Workhouse the certificate that he received from Mr Prynne, and upon the admission order that he gave Mrs Bond there was nothing to inform the master of the Union what BOURLACE was suffering from. - By a Juror: If any person came to his office after three p.m. for an application for relief, or for an order for admission into the house, the applications would not be attended to if he was not there; but he made it a rule to be at his office from 4.30 p.m. to five p.m. on every day. He denied in toto having told Mrs Bond's daughter that she could not have an order on Friday. - Mr Drew, the master of the Workhouse, said the deceased was admitted into the House on Saturday afternoon, and being informed that the man was suffering from a fit, he ordered him to be placed in the fit ward. He received the admission order from Mr Annear, but it did not state what the man was suffering from. He saw the deceased at 7 p.m. the same day, and BOURLACE then informed him that he received his injury by falling into a drain. The deceased tore up a blanket and had to be tied in a chair for a short time. He was not right then. No medical man saw him until Monday at noon, as the medical officer did not attend the House on Sundays unless there was a very serious case. - Mr Annear, upon being recalled, said that he never saw what a person was suffering from mentioned upon the admission forms of the Poor-law Board. - Mr F. A. Thomas, surgeon at the Workhouse, stated that he was called to see the deceased at the Union between noon and one o'clock on Monday. He found him in a dying state, and notwithstanding efforts being made to restore him he expired the same day. He might have been suffering from concussion of the brain, but his opinion was that he died from apoplexy caused by the fall. - The Coroner, in summing up, said there was no doubt that death was caused by an accidental fall, but he wished to draw the Jury's attention to certain facts that had come out in the evidence respecting the witness Bond's daughter going to Mr Annear for an admission order. The girl told her mother she saw Mr Annear, and this Mr Annear distinctly denied. Mr Annear did not go with the patient himself, as was usual in some cases, and it was clear that the master did not know what the poor fellow was suffering from, whilst if Mr Prynne's certificate had only been sent to the master the man would have been treated differently. - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding "That a copy of the Doctor's certificate sent to relieving officers should be appended by them to the order of admission, stating the condition of the man, and the extent of injuries received."

Western Morning News, Monday 28 December 1874
SHEBBEAR - Fatal Accident At Shebbear. - An Inquest was held on Thursday respecting the death of MRS HARRIS, the wife of a farmer residing at Shebbear. The deceased, who was about 40 years of age, was assisting her husband at the threshing machine, when her clothes were caught in the machinery, and her leg was dragged into it and torn to pieces before her husband, who heard her screams for help, could stop the machine. Amputation was successfully performed, but death shortly afterwards occurred. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Horrible Deaths Of Children. Drunken Parents Censured. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held two Inquiries at the Red Lion Hotel, Stonehouse, on Saturday, respecting the deaths of children who had been burned to death. The first Inquiry was touching the death of EMMA CLEMENS, aged 2 years. - JOHN CLEMENS, father of the deceased, stated that he resided at 14 Newport-street, and at about seven o'clock on Wednesday evening his wife put the deceased and another child to bed. The bed was made up on the floor, at a short distance from the fire, and consisted of a straw mattress, a sheet, and a coat. He placed a piece of board by the side of the bed as a protection from the fire. The deceased was on the side of the bed near the fireplace and the board, which was touching the fireplace. He and his wife went to bed at eleven o'clock and he then blew out the candle, and made out the snuff with his finger, and put the candlestick upon a chair near his own bed. At twelve o'clock he was awakened by the crying of the deceased, and upon getting out of bed he struck a match, lighted the candle, and put the lighted match in the candlestick. The deceased asked him for a drink, and he gave it to her. He then blew out the candle again, and got into bed, and did not hear anything else until two o'clock the next morning, when his wife awoke him. The room was then full of smoke - so full that it was with great difficulty he could breathe. He then saw that the child's bed was on fire. It was not blazing, but smouldering. The screen was burnt on the inside near the deceased, and she was "screaming frightfully." His wife took the deceased, who was burnt very much, into a neighbour's room, and he went for a surgeon. - By the Jury: He did not examine the piece of board near the fire place previous to going to bed, neither did he smell anything like fire at twelve o'clock. He denied having thrown the match upon the floor when he lit the candle. The length of the bed was about five feet, and three feet breadth. The other - an elder - child in the bed was not touched at all by the fire. On Wednesday he went out at 6.30 p.m., again at 7 and again at 9.20, returning, finally, at 10.15 p.m. From quarter past 10 to the time he went to bed, he employed his time smoking his pipe. The Jury further questioned him as to the times he went in and out on the Wednesday evening, and as he contradicted himself in several particulars, the Jury expressed their unanimous opinion that the witness was not sober. - JANE ANN CLEMENS, the mother of the deceased, was then called, and said she believed that her husband had been drinking on the Wednesday evening, but he was not drunk. He went out twice during the evening, and returned finally at about eleven o'clock. he then remained up smoking about quarter of an hour, and afterwards came to bed. During the time he was smoking he lit his pipe several times from the table, but she could not say whether he lit it from the candle. The fire in the grate went out between nine and ten o'clock that evening. Witness did not hear the child cry until two o'clock on Thursday morning, when she found the child on fire, and the bed burning. There was no blazing with the fire, but "it was smoking in an awful manner." The deceased was at the bottom of the bed, and the other child at the head of the bed - some distance from the deceased. - By the Jury: She could not tell where her husband put the match he lit the candle with at twelve o'clock; but she saw him make the candle out with his fingers. The fire was in when witness made up the children's bed. Her husband put his pipe in the candlestick when he finished smoking. The deceased's bed was at the foot of her bed. - Mary Ann Bird said that she lived in the room next to that of CLEMENS, and about ten minutes to two on Thursday morning, she was called by MRS CLEMENS, who said "For God's sake come out Mrs Bird and see what he has done to my dear child." Witness opened her door, and MRS CLEMENS brought in the deceased, who was very much burnt, and placed it upon her bed. CLEMENS then said "If you (meaning his wife) don't shut up, I will throw you over the stairs." He also said she was making too much noise about it, the child was not hurt. The wife replied, "How can I shut up, seeing what you have done?" CLEMENS came to witness's door just after his wife brought in the deceased, and he then smelt very strong of liquor, but she could not say he was drunk. He appeared to be quite indifferent about what had happened. Witness left her room for about five minutes, and when she returned she found the other child, which was not injured on her bed. She believed that the mother of the deceased was not sober when she brought the deceased to her. Both husband and wife often got drunk, and were in the habit of quarrelling. - By the Jury: They treated the children kindly when they were at home, but they were in the habit of leaving them to do their best day by day, and it was a wonder that an accident had not befallen the children before. She saw CLEMENS whilst he was giving evidence, and believed that he had been drinking. - Mr Leah, surgeon, stated that he was called about a quarter to three on Thursday morning by CLEMENS, who told him that his child had been burnt at 14 Newport-street, that "He had gone to Mr Wey's to get some stuff for it," and that during his absence his wife had removed the child to her mother's house in Fore-street. he went with CLEMENS to Fore-street, where he saw the deceased, who was suffering from extensive scorching. The scorching was not very deep, but it covered a large extent of skin, and was sufficient to cause death. About one o'clock on Thursday afternoon he again saw the deceased, who was then at its own house; but it expired the same afternoon. - By the Jury: He did not believe that removing the deceased injured it in any way. When CLEMENS came to him he appeared very excited, but he answered his questions, and it did not strike him that he was drunk. It was possible that he had been drinking very heavily the previous night, and the burning of the child might have made him sober. It was possible for the father and mother to have been asleep in the room and not hear the shrieking of the deceased, and it was possible that both children might have been in bed together, and the one burnt and the other uninjured, if they were in the position the mother said she found them. - Several of the Jury, by the consent of the Coroner, visited the room and measured the bed, and upon returning said that what CLEMENS had stated with regard to its length and breadth was utterly untrue. The length was only three feet, and the breadth two feet. - A Juryman said that the evidence of the father was far from satisfactory, and he believed that it was impossible for both children to have been lying in the same bed. Everything that the father had stated was, in his opinion, false. - Another Juryman believed that the father set fire to the bed in lighting his pipe. - The Foreman of the Jury (Mr Graham): Will you say as your verdict, "Accidental Death, and that the parents be severely reprimanded." - Several Jurymen thought that this was not severe enough, and Mr Haddon (one of the Jury) believed that if the matter were sifted further they would find that the parents were not in the room at the time and he thought the Inquiry ought to be adjourned. - P.C. McNellan said he had brought all the witnesses he could, and had left nothing undone. He had had a conversation with a woman who lived in the same house and who was up until 1.30 a.m., on Thursday, and heard them come in at eleven o'clock. - A Juror: CLEMENS has perjured himself at this Inquiry. - The Coroner: We have nothing to do with that. - The Juror: Then it is time we had a public prosecutor. What are we to do? - Mr Taylor (one of the Jury): The man is not sober now, and we have evidence which proves that both father and mother had been drinking at the time the child was brought to Mrs Bird's. Shall you take any notice of their evidence, Mr Coroner? - The Coroner: No, I shall not take any notice of their evidence. - A Juryman thought that if CLEMENS and his wife were brought before them and reprimanded in the presence of the representative of the press that that would be sufficient. - Mr Taylor regretted that the strong finger of the law could not touch them; it was their duty to do it. - Mr Wakeham, a Juryman, proposed an adjournment for further evidence; and Mr Taylor seconded it. - The Coroner: You cannot have an adjournment; the evidence is closed. - The Foreman: Have you considered your verdict gentlemen? - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned the following verdict: - "That the deceased died from injuries received by Accidental burning, but there was no evidence to shew how the fire occurred; also that the parents of deceased be severely censured for the general neglect toward the children, and their drunken habits." - The parents were then brought before the Coroner, and he told them they had very narrowly escaped being committed for manslaughter. He advised them to give up drink, and pay more attention to their children. The Inquiry, which lasted four hours, then terminated.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Coroner next held an Inquiry respecting the death of ELIZABETH ELLEN TARR, aged 3 years and 7 months. - MARY TARR, widow and mother of the deceased, stated that she resided in George-street, and at about 5.45 on Thursday evening she left the deceased sitting at the table taking her tea. There was a candle burning on the table. she was away about a quarter of an hour, and upon returning found the deceased very severely burned. Previous to the deceased's death, which was on Friday morning she told witness that she reached across the table, and caught her frock on fire by the candle. The deceased just before her death sang a hymn, and was sensible up to the last. - Susan Smith, residing in the same house as MRS TARR, said she heard the deceased upon the landing of her room crying "I am afire." Witness went up and placed a wrapper around the deceased, and extinguished the flames. - By the Jury: The mother never neglected the deceased; but she had to leave her sometimes, having to work for her living. - Mr Leah stated that he was called in to see the deceased on Thursday evening, and found her suffering from severe scorching, from the effects of which she died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."