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Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1839 and 1840

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:-  Adams; Alford; Aller; Bailey; Bennett; Bill; Bolt; Brailey; Bray; Brock; Budge; Buller; Burrows; Carpenter; Collins; Connett; Cook; Cottrell; Couch; Crocker; Curtis; Davy; Dibble; Doidge; Downing; Dustin; Edmunds; Ellacott; Elliott(2); Elston; England; Floyd; Ford; Hall; Hammett; Hewett; Hill; Hopkins; Horndon; Horsewill; Jackman; Jeffery; Jerred; Jones; Lancy; Litson; Loosemore; Middleton; Mitchell; Moore; Norris; Nurton; Palmer; Partridge; Pearse; Pleydell; Portbury; Potter; Prideaux; Robins; Robinson; Rowse; Rumbelow; Russell; Searle; Skinner; Southard(2); Squire; Stark; Stevens; Tree; Trenhick; Tucker; Veale; Vosper; Wakeley; Webb; White; Winyard; Yelland.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 January 1839
MARTINHOE - An Inquest was held on Monday last, at Martinhoe, before T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a woman named GRACE BRAY, aged 47 years, who died suddenly on the night of Sunday, after having made a hearty supper. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 February 1839
EXETER - Awful Occurrence. - An Inquisition, which excited much interest from reports in circulation that the death of the deceased had been accelerated by ill-treatment, was held before J. Warren, Esq., the Coroner for this City, on Friday last, at the Red Lion Inn, in St. Sidwell's, on the body of BARBARA SOUTHARD, aged 60, who, it was said, had met her death in consequence of injuries received from her husband. From the evidence of John Johnson, whose wife was sister to the deceased, it appeared that she and her husband, who was a plasterer, occupied two rooms in his house. On the afternoon of the previous Wednesday, he found deceased in her apartment cold and very ill. He fetched her husband, who came in about five o'clock. The deceased was then very faint and fell off her chair. The husband said she was drunk, and struck her several blows in the head. He then threw her down on the bed. The deceased did not speak again after that and at eleven o'clock W. Land, Esq., Surgeon, was sent for, who pronounced her to be dead. The deceased was subject to fits, but Johnson deposed that she was a sober woman. This evidence was confirmed by Johnson's wife, who further deposed, that after having thrown his wife on the bed, SOUTHARD refused to allow a doctor to be sent for, and actually left her insensible there. The deceased never spoke, but groaned a good deal after receiving the blows. Mr Land was then called who deposed that he had attended deceased professionally for some time, and had supposed her to labour under an affection of the heart, which might have caused sudden death, had no blow been inflicted, and as this gentleman seemed to wish to make a further examination of the body, the Inquest was adjourned till the evening. The Jury having then again met, Mr Land continued his evidence. He had examined the body of the deceased, assisted by his partner Mr Besley, Dr Coster and Mr Warren. He opened the head and found disease of the brain of long standing, which was sufficient to account for her death. He found no marks of violence on the exterior of the head, excepting a bruise on the temple, which might have been caused by a fall. He thought apoplexy was the cause of the death of deceased, and did not deem it necessary to examine her heart. Dr Coster confirmed this testimony. He thought that any violence would be likely to hasten the death of a person, labouring under a disease like that of deceased, but he would not undertake to say, whether it had done so in this instance. The Jury in consequence, returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

TIVERTON - Horrid Murder Of A Gamekeeper By Poachers, Near Tiverton. - The greatest excitement has prevailed in the town and neighbourhood of Tiverton since Sunday morning, when, at an early hour, reports were in circulation that a most ferocious Murder had been perpetrated by Poachers and that a man called COTTRELL, an Assistant Gamekeeper of Thomas Daniel, Esq., late an Alderman of Bristol, who possesses large Estates in the neighbourhood of Tiverton, was the unfortunate victim. - The unfortunate deceased was a fine athletic man, about five feet ten inches in height, of open countenance. He was much respected in his station, and has left a widow (who is far advanced with child) with four young children. After the fatal wound had been received, the body was taken to Guddle, and from thence to the Royal Oak inn, Newport Street, Tiverton, kept by Mr Parkin, where it still remains in the coffin. - Mr Macdonald, Surgeon, was, as we are told, first called, after the body was brought to Tiverton, but that gentleman was not summoned to give his evidence on the Inquest. the charge of shot, which appears to have been heavy, entered just over the left eye, perforating the lobe of the brain; a portion of it lodged in the head, being arrested by the bone flattening some of the shot; the rest of the charge went through the head, as is evident from the state of the back part of it. We hear that Mr Macdonald has since opened and thoroughly examined the head of the deceased, by authority. - The prisoner, Aaron Hagley, is a man about five feet seven inches in height; coarse brown hair; dark eyes; countenance somewhat contracted, but without marked signs of ferocity. He has altogether the appearance of a decent labouring man. - The Inquest - The Inquest was held in the Town Hall, Tiverton, before F. S. Gervis, Coroner, when the following respectable gentlemen were sworn in Jurors;- J. Berdell, Esq., Foreman, R. Lawson, Esq.; Capt. Hodge; T. L. T. Rendell, Esq; Mr Wm. Hodge; Mr Trix; Mr Chapple, Mr Goodland; Mr W. Melhuish; Mr Wills; Mr Sanders; Mr Steele; Mr Risdon; Mr Ellerton; Mr T. G. Beedell; Mr Easterbrook; Mr G. Voisey; Mr Kemp; Mr F. Pratt; Mr Sharland; Mr Merson. - The Jury met at six o'clock in the evening of Tuesday. After the Jurymen had been sworn, they went to view the body (lying at the Royal Oak Inn), and then returned to the Town Hall, when the Coroner adjourned the Inquest till Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock. The Coroner said, that it had been thought advisable to hold the Inquest privately; as, owing to the great excitement, business might be impeded; and he, therefore, announced that, by the authority he possessed, the public would not be admitted. - Wednesday Morning. - The Jury assembled, according to appointment, at 9 o'clock, and several of the Magistrates were present to assist. - James Bowerman sworn, examined by Mr Patch: Lives at Coombland, in Tiverton, is a husbandman, in the employ of Mr Daniel. On Saturday evening the 26th, he was ordered by Mr Daniel's keeper, James Vincent, to meet Wm. Winter and JACOB COTTRELL (deceased) by the side of the Chapel path on Fairby manor, the property of Thos. Daniel, Esq.; he went accordingly: He went for the purpose of taking poachers, or any others disturbing the covert by night; they met at 8 o'clock; remained watching until five minutes after one on Sunday morning, when they heard a gun fired; it was a fine moonlight night. They then removed further down the plantation, to a place called Brushford's close; hid themselves by the side of a wood rick, watching; heard a report, as of two guns close together, at two o'clock by his watch: Remained on the same spot about half an hour; they then heard another gun fired; made their way as quick as possible to Pont's close, where they thought the gun was fired; just before they came to the place, saw a man hide behind a bush; they all ran together as quickly as possible. At about the distance of five cloth yards they saw two others, all coming towards them, who ran a little way and then stopped; they discovered that one had a gun, and the others sticks, more than a foot long, with very large heads; witness and Winter had walking-sticks, and COTTRELL had a pitchfork; when they stopped, the man having the gun presented it at them, and said, he would blow their brains out; and the other two on each side said "Fire, fire!" They were then at the distance of four cloth yards from us; this was in the path, which is wide enough for a silde or cart to pass. It was light enough for us to discover the dress of the men. We then asked them their names, and what business they had there? - One replied, that they had got tipsy in the night, and had gone out of their path. We asked them what they had a gun for at this time of Sunday morning; replied he had been to some place after it and was going to carry it home. They then made their way out of the plantation towards chapel path; and came to a plantation called Long Break; by this time the light was sufficient to enable them particularly to describe their dress. The man with the gun walked backwards, pointing it at them; he had an old fustian jacket on, much torn in the left skirt; (there seemed to be something heavy in the pocket, which made it weigh down, about the size of a bird;) also corded small clothes much pieced and fustian leggings, much torn at the bottom; could not observe the face of the man with the gun, as he held it down; he had a hat on much torn and the brims hanging down over his face; had no suspicion who the man was. One of the other men with a stick had on a fustian jacket in pretty good condition, corded small clothes, with a dark patch on the right thigh, red cravat and a black hat. Knows Aaron Hagley; has known him 3 or 4 years since he lived at Mr Webber's at Coombland; had noticed it was he by his walk, but could not see his face, as he kept his arm over it when he looked towards them; the other man, with a stick, wore a dark fustian jacket, corded trousers and was a thin man, of a pale complexion; observed that his cheek bones were remarkably prominent; had a good view of his face; the man with the gun was upwards of 5 feet, and appeared to be 35 or 40 years of age; the second, whom he thought to be A. Hagley, appeared to be about the same height; the third man was taller. When we came to Long Break, the pale-faced man turned round and struck me on the head with the stick; I did not say anything to him or strike him, they all went on together through the plantation to Palfrey's Lane; They went some distance down the lane till they came to a gate; and then turned into Mr Robert's grounds; they went into a field towards Hewings's Farm; we followed close; they retreated towards the old Bampton turnpike road, and came again into Palfrey's Lane, then into the road near Long Hayne; had some conversation with one of them as we went on. We asked their names, they asked why we wanted their names in particular; we told our names upon their asking; they said "Keep back, keep your distance!" several times. They then went on the turnpike road to the cottage of Mr Dickinson's gamekeeper, and we followed; I told Winter to call Mr D.'s keeper to help to take the men into custody. I said it loud enough for the men to hear. Winter went away, the three men ran fast down the turnpike road, until they came to a large ploughed field belonging to Mrs Poole, of Chetiscombe, I and COTTRELL followed close by the bottom of the field; we went over a gate into a narrow muddy lane, in one part of which there is a pit nearly knee deep, through which we were obliged to go; we came out into a lane leading from Tiverton to Chetiscombe; they crossed the lane into a moory plot on the left hand side; coming to Tiverton. We hallooed several times to Winter to come on; they went into a field, crossed the town leat and turned a little to the right, over a pair of bars or stile, the man with the gun and another first, the other followed; I and COTTRELL went over the same bars. Winter was not come up; the best dressed man struck COTTRELL on the head with his stick as he was getting over the bars; no blows were returned, neither here or through the whole of the affair, nor was any insult offered in any way; after the man struck COTTRELL, he went on and joined the others; we walked rather wider apart after we crossed the bars, COTTRELL was on my right side. I was rather nearer to the men than he was; I was about two land rods or ten paces distance from them, and about one from COTTRELL; when we came over the gate I observed the gun was in the hands of the person whom I supposed to be Aaron Bagley; I saw the man level the gun at JACOB COTTRELL, observing at the time, "I'm d...d if I don't blow his brains out," and then fired; COTTRELL fell; I did not hear any remark made by either of the others, nor did they do anything to prevent it, they were close together; they then ran on towards Mr Chapple's without making any remark. I followed as nearly as I can say about 10 or 12 land yards; I was afraid to go further, and returned to COTTRELL; he lay flat on his back; he was quite dead, bleeding much, his face was covered with blood; the moon was not so bright then; I went to meet Winter. I met him in the field adjoining; I looked at my watch and found it quarter past four o'clock; I told Winter that COTTRELL was killed and we both went to get assistance to Mrs Poole's, Chettiscombe. We procured the assistance of the servant man; he went back with me to the place; we got a pig's ladder, and other persons came; we carried the body into Guddle Court, and left it there with the men, while I and Winter came on to Tiverton as quickly as we could. We called at James Venn's in Bampton Street, the town clocks were striking five; Venn got up and came down; I told him what had happened, and he went with me to Mr Wright's near Exe Bridge. Mr. Wright acts as Mr Daniel's Steward. Venn rang the bell and knocked and Mr Wright appeared at the window; we were about 7 or 8 minutes at the door. While we were at the door, we saw a man coming over the bridge towards us; Venn said he thought the keeper was coming; I said I thought Wm. Webber, a man who works on the manor; Winter said "That is one of the men we saw in the cover." He was coming down the middle of the road; as he came nearer he drew off towards the gutter on the other side of the street. When he was nearly opposite, I said "That is the man who killed JACOB COTTRELL." Then Venn ran and caught him; I also took him by the collar; he made no resistance. I knew him by his dress and walk; I observed him particularly, and did not speak to Venn till he was rather passed me; his walk is heavy and slow; I recognised him then as Aaron Hagley; I am certain he was the man who fired the gun and killed COTTRELL; we were quite sober, and Hagley appeared to be the same. Mr Wright came down and opened the door. Venn told him that one of his men had been killed, and that we had got one of the men who had done it. Did not observe that Hagley made any reply: Went into Mr Wright's kitchen; we examined Hagley's leggings, they looked very wet and appeared as if the mud had been wiped off with straw or grass: Mr Wright sent Venn to get a Constable; we remained there about 10 minutes; a Constable came shortly after, and with Venn took him away. I have since seen the other two men at the Police Office in Tiverton; one of them I recognised to be the man who struck me and COTTRELL, as before named; his name is Matthew Maslen; the other I recognised to be Thomas Hagley, who carried the gun in the plantation before I saw it in Aaron Hagley's hands. I am certain they were the men; Maslen had on the same jacket , but not the same trousers as before. Thomas Hagley had on a different hat, small clothes and gaiters, his jacket was the same. - By a Juror: Aaron Hagley had apparently neither gun nor stick when taken. I learnt the names of these two while at the Office. - W. Winter, a husbandman in the employ of Mr Styling at Fire Beacon Estate, in Tiverton parish, examined by Mr Patch. - On Saturday night last, was in a plantation called Ponts Close, with COTTRELL and Bowerman; we met at the Chapel Path, on Mr Daniel's property; am employed by Vincent to watch poachers. (The evidence same as the other in the material point). I followed with the others as described by James Bowerman, till we came to Mr Dickinson's cottage and there left them, for the purpose of procuring assistance. I had sufficient opportunity of observing their dress; the man who had the gun had on an old fustian jacket, torn on the left side; the pocket hung very heavily; he had an old rusty hat on, the brim hanging down over his face; corded light small clothes much patched, leggings torn at the bottom. I thought his face was rather dark; could not see more of his face than Bowerman: One of the men with the stick had on a light fustian jacket, tolerably good, light corded small clothes, with a dark piece on the right thigh, a red waistcoat, black hat (pretty good), had on leggings or gaiters. The third man, who also had a stick, was dressed very neatly, in a dark fustian jacket. I saw his face; had very high cheek bones, sunk cheeks, thin and of a pale complexion; very good black hat, corded trousers; he appeared to be the tallest of them. I went to the cottage for assistance, but could not get any, not being able to make anybody hear; staid only a few minutes, and went after my party, who were out of sight. I went on the turnpike road towards Tiverton; passed a ploughed field on the left hand side; I hallooed, and my party answered; I then turned and went in through the bottom of the ploughed field into a muddy lane; before I came into the muddy lane I heard a gun fired; I went in that direction and met James Bowerman coming towards me. I went with him into the next field and saw COTTRELL lying on the ground dead, his face was covered with blood. I could not see where the blood came from; I went with Bowerman to Chetiscombe and procured assistance; we then took the body to Guddle Court; then went with Bowerman to Tiverton. No insult was offered by our party. (Then followed a recapitulation of the evidence given by the former witness). When he (Hagley) came nearly opposite, I said, "That is one of the men we followed," and Bowerman said it was the man who shot COTTRELL; he knew him from his dress. Venn went and took him. I did not hear anything said by him. Venn told Mr Wright that one of his men was murdered, and they had got the man who had done it. I saw a man strike J. Bowerman on the plantation; one of the men I saw in the Police Office; he was a thin faced man, was called Matthew Maslen. I knew Thomas Hagley by his jacket, size and sound of his voice; his face was dark like the person I saw in the plantation; sometimes we were close to the poachers, not a cloth yard distant at times. I never knew of any ill-will between Aaron Hagley and J. COTTRELL - James Venn examined by Mr Patch: - I am an occasional servant of Mr Wright; I was called on Sunday morning last just before the clock struck five, by James Bowerman; I looked out of the window and asked him what was the matter. In consequence of what he told me, I got up and dressed myself as soon as I could, and found Bowerman and Winter at the door; I went with them to Mr Wright's house; Mr Wright looked out of the window; I waited at the door, close to the gutter. I saw a man coming at a fast walk over the bridge towards us. I said, "Vincent is coming, James." Bowerman and Winter were standing in the recess of the door. Bowerman put out his head and said, "No, it's not Will, Webber." I said, "No, it's not Will Webber, he does not walk like him. Be who it will, I will see who it is." He was walking on the off side of the street in the roadway. As he came towards us, he altered his pace very much, and walked very slowly indeed; as he came nearer to me, Bowerman went over to him and spoke to him. He and Winter said, "That is one of the party." The man passed on a few yards, when Bowerman said, "That's the man that shot COTTRELL." I then ran across the street and took him by the collar; I looked in his face and immediately recognised him. I said, "Is that you, Hagley?" He said he had been to Bickleigh and came round by Batterleigh. I said, "You are the man we want." He seemed to draw very much from me and I pulled him about. He cursed me, and said, "I have not killed a bird for the season, nor shot off a gun." Bowerman then took hold of his collar on the other side. When Mr Wright came out, he asked me what was the matter. I said, "One of your men is killed and we have got the rogue that did it." Mr Wright then brought a light. Bowerman said, "if that's the man, he has got a dark patch on his breeches." We took him into the kitchen, and asked him how he came so dirty, but he made no reply; the patch was above the knee, on the right side, on the back part; his jacket was buttoned, and the patch could not be so well seen, but it was very visible when the coat was unbuttoned. Mr Wright then desired me to go for Perkins the Constable, which I did; he came with me; we took the man to the Bridewell; He had on a red cravat, but neither gun, game, nor stick with him. - Joseph Perkins, examined by Mr Patch. - I am a Constable of the Borough of Tiverton; I was called by James Venn on Monday morning, a little before 6 o'clock, went with him to Mr Wright's house in Bridge Street, Tiverton; went into the kitchen; Mr W. said to me, "Here is a man here, whom you must take and put in prison;" there were three men there, strangers to me; I said, "Which of the men is it?" Mr W. said "That is the one," pointing to one on my left hand; I then took him to Bridewell; said nothing to him, nor he to me while going to the Bridewell; when there, I asked him his name. He said "Aaron Hagley;" I said, "You are very wet and muddy, where do you come from?" He said he had come from his cousin's at Bickleigh, up through Baxwood; I asked him his cousin's name, he said it was Jacob Hagley; the jailor and myself searched him; in the waistcoat pocket was a box of lucifer matches; I asked him what he had done with them, as they looked quite new? He said he had bought them last night to light his pipe, at Henry Gould's, on the Leat; I said, "How came you up Baxwood? He said he bought the matches about 8 o'clock on Saturday night, and went from thence to Bickleigh and came up Baxwood on Sunday morning. I left him and went to Mr Wright's again, who desired that I would accompany Mr Macdonald, Surgeon, to Guddle, to see the man that was killed. I did so; it was about 7 in the morning. When I got to Guddle, I saw the man laid down on the pig's ladder, his face covered with blood; I perceived that the left eye was knocked in; I considered that the greatest portion of the charge went into the eye; there were marks of several small-shot about the forehead; the body was warm when I came; Mr Macdonald put his fore-finger about 2 ½ inches into the socket; Mr M. and I then left. On Sunday afternoon I had the warrant to go to Templeton to apprehend Samuel Hagley. Before I started I went to Bowerman and winter to get descriptions of the persons of the two others; I then went to Templeton, but could not find Samuel Hagley at Thomas Hagley's house, where he lodged. I saw Thomas Hagley, who said he did not know where Sam was; I went to an adjoining house, which was Maslen's, and saw Maslen, though I did not then know him; but his dress and appearance, as well as that of Thomas Hagley struck me as being very much like the descriptions given by Bowerman and Winter. I then returned to Tiverton and on Monday morning obtained a warrant against Thomas Hagley and Matthew Maslen; I then went towards Templeton; Wood (who had a warrant to apprehend George Hagley) accompanied me. Coming near Mr Chichester's house, I said to Wood, "Let us go to Aaron Hagley's house, perhaps we may learn something about then:" On entering the house I saw a man sitting smoking his pipe in the corner, who turned out to be George Hagley. Wood apprehended him; I found a gun under a furze-faggot, loaded with shot and slugs; thence I went to Templeton and apprehended Thomas Hagley and Matthew Maslen. I first took Thomas Hagley in his own house, he had a ragged fustian jacket, breeches and leggings, the same that he had on the previous day when I saw him; I said to him, "You must go to Tiverton with me; if you go quietly I shall not hand-bolt you, but if not, I shall." He trembled very much; I left him in custody of Venn, and went to Maslen's house, and told him he must go to Tiverton with me; his countenance altered and he trembled much; he had on a velveteen jacket; I told him to put on his fustian jacket and the boots that I saw lying by and which on the Sunday I had observed to be very dirty. I went upstairs and found a very good fustian jacket, which I brought down and told him to put on; there was a pair of corded trousers hung on a rail, dirty and darkish corded trousers, which were particularly dirty at the lower part of the legs. I told him to put on the clothes he had on, on Sunday, which he did; I then brought Thomas Hagley and Matthew Maslen to Tiverton to the Police Office. At Thomas's house I noticed a gun on Sunday night, over the chimney-piece. It was a flint-lock; I observed on Sunday, that it had been very recently discharged, as there were marks of powder on the lock. On Monday it was cleaned. It belonged to Thomas Hagley. - Matthew Wreford, examined by Mr Patch: - I am a butcher living in Bampton Street, in this town. I keep a shop and have license to sell game. On Saturday evening last on my return from market, I found four men in my house. It was about 9 o'clock. These were Aaron Hagley, Thomas Hagley and Samuel Hagley. I did not know the name of the other; at the time I saw him at the Police Office on Monday, he answered to the name of Matthew Maslen. They told me that they came to buy some bacon, but I had none. They purchased some hogs-pudding, they remained in my house about half an hour after I came in, they had some ale to drink in my house, and ate the hogs-pudding. I saw the barrel of a gun on the table; I believe it was a single barrel. I think to the best of my knowledge it was Tom who put the barrel in his pocket. All their pockets seemed full, but the impression on my mind was that Tom Hagley had a stock of a gun in his pocket; the barrel was a short one, about two feet long. Did not see the stock. I saw a little bag in the possession of Tom; can't say what was in it. It was something heavy, a little bigger than an egg. He put it in his waistcoat pocket. (By a Juror:) - I gave them the ale; they left the house altogether. I have seen them before. I have sole them meat. I have seen Samuel Hagley, Thomas Hagley and Matthew Maslen. I have not seen Aaron Hagley. I have seen Aaron's wife. She came to my house on Sunday morning about 9 o'clock. She asked if her husband was at my house last night. - Samuel Hagley, examined by Mr Patch:- I am a labourer, and quarter with Thomas Hagley, who lives at Lagg, in the parish of Templeton. On Saturday evening I heard that Thomas Hagley and Matthew Maslen were coming to Tiverton to buy salt. Thomas is no relation of mine. I called at my brother's house (Aaron Hagley). We came into Tiverton about eight o'clock. Aaron bought in my presence a box of lucifers, at Henry Gould's. After he bought the matches we went to Mr Wreford's in Bampton Street, the game-seller; we went in together, and found Thomas Hagley and Matthew Maslen there when we went in. I have been at Wreford's and met all there before, it was understood that we were to meet at Wreford's on that evening. There were two guns in the company; I carried the percussion gun; there was only one produced at Wreford's. It was the one I had; we had something to eat and drink at Wreford's. We left Wreford's house about ten o'clock. Part of what we had was paid for by Aaron Hagley. Aaron and Maslen were first out of the house. I went next and Thomas next. Went up Bampton Street to the Castle gate. We were all four together at the Castle gate. We went on to Bolham Village and on the road (passing butcher Newton's house) more than three miles, and then we turned up into a wood on the right hand side. Had no dogs with us. I remained with them until twelve o'clock. We went through woods and fields and plantations. I had a gun with me during that time. So had Thomas Hagley. The gun produced is the one I carried (same as before, the percussion one.) I left them between Twelve and One o'clock. I left them because I was by myself and heard someone say "Come on, come on." I thought then it was time for me to be off. I was about thirty or forty yards from the others; I thought it was a strange voice I heard. I was a strange signal to me. Before I left, there was a gun fired by my party. I t was fired a few minutes before I left; about half an hour before this, both guns were fired off quicker than a double-barrel gun could be fired. The gun last fired was fired by Thomas Hagley. When I left I took my gun with me. We fired at birds. I went across the bottom away towards Ewings's; before I came to this place I heard a voice say, "Come on;" I went through the court, across to Cove chapel, thence to Cove bridge, and then went down the lane to Hamesford, until I came to Little Hatswell. I remained in a linhay at Hatswell until daylight. Went thence to Lurleigh to my brother Aaron's house. I took my gun with me there, and left it there in the cupboard, where it was taken from. It was loaded, but no cap on it. The gun belonged t Aaron. I know that Thomas Hagley has a flint gun, but am not certain of the one produced so that I can swear to it. I think it the same, I left at Aaron's house on Sunday evening, about four o'clock, and slept at Whitnoll, Stoodley Parish. - About twenty minutes after eight o'clock on Wednesday evening, the Coroner summed up the evidence. The Jury afterwards retired to consider their verdict, and found Aaron Hagley Guilty of "Wilful Murder." and Thomas Hagley and Matthew Maslen Guilty, as there and then aiding and assisting. - The Jury was then adjourned till this day (Friday) two o'clock, for the purpose of giving time to complete the documents. - It is expected that the prisoners will be removed from the Borough Prison to the Devon County Gaol, tomorrow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 February 1839
WOOLFARDISWORTHY - Inquest held last week by Mr Vallack, of Great Torrington, County Coroner, at Woolfardisworthy, on the body of a child, called ELIZABETH WAKELEY, who was burnt in consequence of her frock taking fire.

MERTON - An Inquest was held by Mr Vallack, Coroner, at Merton, on ELIZA ELLACOTT, aged 5 years, who was accidentally burnt during the temporary absence of her elder sister who was left in charge of her.

WEMBWORTHY - An Inquest was held by Mr Vallack, Coroner, at Wembworthy, on the body of a tailor, called SAMUEL STEVENS, who whilst sitting and conversing by the fireside in perfect health, fell from his chair and instantly expired. "Died by the Visitation of God."

SAMPFORD COURTENAY - An Inquest was held by Mr Vallack, Coroner at Sampford Courtenay, on the body of WILLIAM JACKMAN, a farmer's son, aged 16 years. The deceased with others had, on Thursday last, been for some hours tracing a fox in the snow, which they succeeded in destroying about the middle of the day. He, with two men, proceeded the same afternoon with their fox, with a view of collecting money, to the houses of the neighbouring farmers, by whom they were too liberally supplied with beer and cider. The three parted company in the evening, all much intoxicated; about 7 o'clock the poor lad was met, without his hat, rambling towards his home, being then within a quarter of a mile of it, and the next morning about daybreak he was discovered lying by the side of the road within a hundred yards of his Father's house, frozen to death!

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 March 1839
BARNSTAPLE - Inquest In The Barnstaple Union Workhouse. - An Inquest was held on Friday last, in the Union Workhouse at Barnstaple, before T. Copner, Esq., on the body of RICHARD JEFFERY, a labourer, of Braunton. On the previous Tuesday morning, the Relieving Officer, at Braunton, was applied to in consequence of the illness of the deceased, and gave an order for his removal to the Workhouse. He was soon afterwards taken to the house of a common carrier, where he remained about half an hour, during which time the women of the house gave him some coffee, which he said relieved him. He was afterwards placed in the waggon and covered with a great coat and cloak, and appeared comfortable, but very weak. The disease under which he laboured proved to be an inflammation on the chest, of which he died the following Thursday. The deceased told the Governor of the Workhouse, that while in a state of great perspiration, he drank profusely of cold water. This, no doubt, accelerated his dissolution. The Coroner told the Relieving Officer that it was his duty, not to give an order on the Union, but to refer to the Surgeon of the district, the medical man being, in all such cases, the best judge as to the propriety of removal and directed him to do so in all similar cases that may occur.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 March 1839
TIVERTON - An Inquest was held by Mr Jervis, Esq., the Borough Coroner, on the body of SUSAN YELLAND, a woman of very weak intellects, who, in the absence of the person with whom she lodged, caught her clothes on fire, and before it was discovered, she was burnt in some parts literally to a cinder. Surgical assistance was promptly rendered and she survived in agony nearly a day, before death relieved her from her intense suffering.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 April 1839
EXETER - Sudden Death. - A respectable man, named WINYARD, who was yesterday attending at the Guildhall to give evidence in a case to come before the Mayor and Magistrates, was taken suddenly ill in the Private Hall. he was immediately removed to the Council Chamber, and attended by John Harris, Esq., Surgeon, one of the Magistrates, but expired in a short time. It is supposed that he died of some affection of the heart. An Inquest was held on the body at the Turk's Head Inn, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, and the Jury returned a verdict - "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 April 1839
PLYMOUTH - Distressing Occurrence. - On Monday last an Inquest was held at the Richmond Inn, Plymouth, before Richard Jago Squire, Esq., Coroner, and a highly respectable Jury, on the body of LIEUT. J. P. PLEYDELL, late of the Royal Marines, whose death was unfortunately occasioned by throwing himself from his bedroom window into the area of his dwelling-house in Oxford-street, while labouring under the effects of a phrenzy fever. After examining Dr Young and Mr Seccombe, his medical attendants, the Jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity. The lamented deceased, who was highly respected, served as Lieutenant on board the Phoenix frigate, in the engagement between Sir Richard Strachan and M. Dumaroir's squadron in 1805 and was the officer on whom the command of the Marines of that frigate devolved in her brilliant action with the French frigate La Didon in the same year, on which occasion LIEUTENANT PLEYDELL'S coolness and intrepidity secured him the personal friendship and esteem of the gallant Captain, the present Admiral Sir Thomas Baker.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 April 1839
EXETER - Fire And Fatal Accident. - A fire broke out on Friday evening last, in some outhouses attached to the premises of Reynolds, a dairyman, residing near the bridge, at Alphington. An alarm was immediately given and the fire engines proceeded from this City to the burning buildings. The "West of England" was the first to arrive at the spot, quickly followed by the "Norwich Union" and "West Middlesex"; - and a supply of water having been obtained, by the spirited exertions of the firemen, the flames were soon got under; not however until a cow in one of the stables had been burnt to death, and several others more or less injured. We are sorry to have to record a still more melancholy accident arising out of this fire. As the West Middlesex Engine was proceeding at a rapid pace towards the fire, in consequence of a sudden jerk, several of the firemen were thrown down. Among them was a respectable and industrious young man named HENRY CARPENTER, by trade a tailor, residing in St. Sidwell's. He was thrown headlong before the engine, the wheels of which passed over his head, completely smashing it and before he had reached the Hospital, where he was immediately taken on a shutter, he had breathed his last. An Inquest was held on the body of the deceased before J. Warren, Esq., the Coroner for this City, on Saturday last, when a verdict was returned of "Accidental Death," with a deodand of 1s. on the engine. The injuries sustained by the unfortunate deceased were of the most dreadful description, and his remains presented a frightful spectacle.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 May 1839
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Saturday last before John Warren, Esq., Coroner for Exeter at Wilcocks' Valiant Soldier Inn, Magdalene Street, on the body of WILLIAM TREE, of Sowton, 63 years of age, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital on the preceding Thursday night. The deceased was a labourer and helper in the stables at the residence of the Rev. Dr George Barnes, and on the preceding Sunday had received a severe kick from a horse he was attending. He was removed to the Hospital where amputation of the left leg was found necessary and performed with great skill; but he sunk under the injury he had sustained and a verdict was returned accordingly.

SOUTH MOLTON - A Coroner's Inquest was held in this town last week, before T. Copner, Esq., on the body of a little girl, daughter of MR W. RUMBELOW, tailor. the mother, as it appeared, left the child in bed in the morning and on going upstairs, about two hours afterwards found in dead. The Jury returned a verdict "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 May 1839
ST GILES IN THE HEATH - Melancholy And Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held on Friday last at St. Giles-in-the-Heath, by Mr Vallack, County Coroner, on the body of THOMAS ROBINS, jun., a promising young man about 18 years of age, son of THOMAS ROBINS, ESQ. of Venn, in Launceston, and brother of MR ROBINS, attorney, Tavistock. The deceased, & a particular friend of his called Carlyon, were riding together on a horse towards Launceston - the deceased riding behind & carrying in his right hand a loaded percussion gun. Mr Carlyon's hat having fallen off in the road, the deceased drew the ramrod and whilst endeavouring to reach the hat with it on the near side of the horse, the gun accidentally went off and the whole load entered under the right ear and killed him on the spot. It is probable that the gun discharged by the right foot or strap of deceased coming in contact with the gun on the right or off-side of the horse. The testimony given by Mr Carlyon was very clear and satisfactory and the main points were corroborated by a labouring man, who was within four yards when the fatal accident happened. - The deceased and Mr Carlyon were articled clerks with Messrs. Gurney and Cowland, solicitors, Launceston. - Verdict - Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 June 1839
EXETER - Fatal Accident. - The materials of the house lately occupied by Mr T. Knott, Chemist, in High-street, having been sold at Auction, the owners of the several lots proceeded yesterday morning to take down the premises. They first removed much of the under part of the building, when some children wandered about the ruins to pick up the laths, and a chimney with part of a ceiling suddenly coming down, two of them were buried beneath the bricks and rubbish and a workman received some injury. One of the children was immediately taken up and carried to the Hospital much bruised, but it is hoped not seriously: The other, a little boy nine years of age, named MITCHELL, son of a plasterer, was afterwards dug out, but had been so crushed that life was extinct. There appears to have been much mismanagement or neglect, by some of the parties concerned in taking down this building - it was three hours after the accident before the body of the poor boy was taken out, and much apathy was evinced by some of the workmen, who appeared to be under no regular control or direction. An Inquest was held on the body this morning at Taylor's Barnstaple Inn, North-street, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - On Monday last, an Inquest was taken before John Warren, Esq., Coroner, at Edwards' Plume of Feathers Inn, Lower North Street, in this city, on the body of ELIZABETH JERRED, aged 66. The deceased, with her husband, resided in Exe-lane, and she had suffered for two years from the kick of a horse. For ten days previous to Saturday last she had not been downstairs, but about six o'clock that evening went out for the purpose of purchasing a bit of mutton for their Sunday's dinner. She had, however, scarcely got outside her door, when she became palsied and being taken back into the house, died about ten o'clock the same night. - Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

EXETER - Suicide. - An Inquest was held at the City Workhouse, on Tuesday evening, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of RICHARD HALL, late a pauper in that establishment, who destroyed himself by cutting his throat. It appeared from the evidence, that about four o'clock in the morning of the 20th instant, the deceased was observed by another pauper to be lying in an unusual posture, with his head over the bed; and on examination, it was found that he had inflicted a deep wound in his throat, from which a large quantity of blood had flowed. A clasp knife was found in the blood, with which the deed had been done. On being asked why he had committed the act, he replied, "Let me alone, I wish to die." - Mr William Warren, pupil of J. Tucker, Esq., Surgeon, was sent for, and was most promptly in attendance, a messenger having been also dispatched for Mr Tucker, who speedily arrived, when the wound was sewed up and dressed, and it was expected his life would have been saved; but on Monday evening, about ten o'clock, he died. He was a quiet, inoffensive man, and very reserved: He had been labouring under a dropsical complaint and expressed alarm at the swelling of his legs and arms, and was observed on Sunday to have shed tears on several occasions, but would give no reason for his distress. Every attention was paid to the unfortunate man by the Medical officers and Governor of the Workhouse; and before his death he expressed his thankfulness and said "I hope the Lord will forgive me for what I have done." The Jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity."

EXMOUTH - Suicide. - A melancholy circumstance occurred at Exmouth on the 23rd instant, when a man named ENGLAND, 84 years of age, formerly a tailor of Starcross, took a loaded fowling piece, placing the muzzle of it in his mouth and, with the aid of a tailor's yard fastened to the trigger, fired it off, which caused instant death; the report of the piece greatly alarming his neighbours. A Coroner's Inquest sat on the body on Saturday, and gave a verdict of Insanity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Saturday 15 June 1839
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Monday on the body of JANE ELLIOTT, aged 13, who committed suicide by hanging herself. The poor girl had found a bundle of clothes in the road, and taking it home, her mother (a poor honest woman) becoming alarmed, charged her with having stolen it, and spoke of the consequence that might follow, which had such an effect on the mind of her daughter, as to cause her to commit the rash act. - Verdict, "Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 22 June 1839
EXETER - Supposed Infanticide. - The Inquest held on the body of the Infant found dead at the bottom of Paris-street on Friday (as stated in our last) was adjourned, after the examination of witnesses at much length. The Inquiry was resumed on Saturday and after a patient investigation the Jury returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased is the child of MARY ANN EDMUNDS, single woman, and was born alive on the 13th of June, that it was found dead on the 14th of June, having several fractures of the skull, which fractures had caused its death. But that no evidence appears how, or by what means, these fractures were occasioned." - We understand that four of the Jury were desirous of returning a verdict of "Wilful Murder" but their opinion was outweighed by that of the remaining eleven. The prisoner, who is now confined in the City Gaol, and is seriously ill, is a prepossessing young woman; she is respectably connected.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 July 1839
SOUTH MOLTON - An Inquest was held by T. Copner, Esq. on Monday last, at Southmolton, on the body of a boy aged about thirteen years, named LOOSEMORE, a relation of and living with MR LOOSEMORE, linen-draper, of that town. He was found drowned on the preceding day, in the river Mole; but whether he met his death intentionally or by accident, there is some doubt and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 August 1839
SALCOMBE REGIS - Loss Of A Vessel And All Her Crew. - It becomes our painful duty to notice the loss of the schooner ~dispatch, belonging to Salcombe, and all her crew. The Dispatch was a fine schooner, the property of Messrs. Diddon, Pearce and others, of Salcombe and its neighbourhood, being built in that harbour, by Mr Vivian, a short time since, and was fitted out by her spirited owners in the first style. She had taken on board a cargo of coal, for Denia, in the Mediterranean, and in her way down Channel put into Salcombe, from which port she again sailed on Monday 29th ult. It came on to blow very heavily shortly after she sailed, and continued bad weather on that and the following day, though no fears were entertained for her safety; but on Thursday, her boat with its fastenings, was picked up by the Mothecombe Coast Guard. This led to a belief that all was not right, and on the following day the worse fears were realized, the vessel having been discovered sunk about three miles off Stoke Church Point. On Thursday, Mr Bothway, R.N., of Devonport, on the part of the owners, proceeded to the spot to survey, in order to determine whether it was practicable to weigh her. He reports that it is practicable should the weather be fine; and we understand the owners intend to make application to the Dockyard for assistance. The vessel is about 6 miles to the east of the Mew Stone, and about 3 miles off the shore, nearly abreast of Stoke Church - her head lying in the N.N.W. direction. - Mr Bothway is of opinion that she must have been run down. From what he could see of the wreck at low water, it appears that her main-boom has been carried away; it shows about 8 or 10 feet above water, hanging to the wreck, either by the sheet or the main sail; the fore top mast is seen about 8ft. down at low water; the yards and sails appear in a very deranged state; the fore-mast and part of the top mast are also clearly visible. On Mr Bothway and the boat's crew leaving the spot, after the survey on Thursday, they picked up the body of a man about half a mile off, which was immediately identified to be the body of JOHN RUSSELL, a native of Salcombe, and one of the crew. The remains of the poor fellow were taken to Salcombe, where an Inquest was held on his body on the following day, and a verdict returned of "Found Drowned." The Master of the Dispatch was a fine young man, aged 23 years, universally respected. He was the son of MRS ADAMS, of Kingsbridge, and nephew of Messrs. P. and T. Adams of this town; five of the crew also belonged to Salcombe.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 24 August 1839
EXETER - On Tuesday an Inquest was taken before John Warren, Esq., Coroner for Exeter, at Jolly Queen's Arms public house, Lower Melbourne Street, on the body of SARAH FLOYD, 59 years of age, a dealer in fish, and resident at Topsham, from where she had come on the preceding day, and died suddenly. Verdict - Died from the Visitation of God, from attack of Apoplexy.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 31 August 1839
SHERBORNE, DORSET - Sudden Death. - A man named JAMES DIBBLE, currier, left Bampton, in this County, on Friday evening last, on his way to Sherborne, on a visit to his sister: He arrived at Taunton on Sunday morning, at four o'clock, in a cart; from thence he proceeded on foot the distance of twenty miles, and reached his sister's house at two o'clock the same day, very much fatigued. On Sunday morning, about eight o'clock, his nephew, who slept with him, found him dead by his side. - An Inquest was held on the body by Mr Caines, when a verdict was returned of "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 September 1839
OTTERY ST MARY - Fatal Accident. - On Tuesday week, as MR JOHN WEBB, of the Five Bells Inn, Ottery St. Mary, was returning from the Justice Meeting At Woodbury, where he had been to obtain his license, his horse fell and threw him, whereby he received a violent blow in the head which occasioned a concussion of the brain. The poor sufferer lingered in a state of apparent insensibility till Saturday last, when he expired. - An Inquest was held before Mr Aberdein on Monday, when a verdict was returned of Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 September 1839
MODBURY - An Inquest was held at Modbury on Tuesday last, on the body of MR ADAMS, formerly master of the schooner, Dispatch. The body was found off the cliff of Kingston on Sunday morning last. No evidence could be adduced as to the cause of death, and a verdict of Found Drowned was returned. It is supposed that the Dispatch was lost, and all on board perished.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 October 1839
EXETER - Distressing Accident. - A woman named CHARLOTTE PEARSE, with a female infant in her arms, aged about eight months, went to Pengelley's brickfield, Heavitree, on Wednesday week, for the purpose of taking her husband, a labourer there, his dinner. Having given it to him, she sat down by his side, on a stack of wood, to partake of it; and while doing so, a man named Barnes, who was also at work in the field, snatched up a haypick, and carelessly threw it behind him, to the spot where CHARLOTTE PEARSE was sitting, by which one of the prongs entered the poor infant's head, and caused so deep a wound, that after intense suffering she died on Sunday morning in the Hospital. - An Inquest was held on the body at the Valiant Soldier Inn, on Monday evening, when the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 October 1839
EXETER - Sudden Death. - On Tuesday, an Inquest was held by John Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of THOMAS PALMER, who for very many years was a porter in the employ of Messrs. Kingdon, of this City. The deceased was in perfect health up to the time of going to bed; but afterwards his wife thought that she heard him breathe hard, when she attempted to rouse him, and found him dead. He was a man of excellent character, and much respected by his employers; his sudden death has left a widow and seven children in a state of the greatest affliction and distress. It is a case well worthy the attention of the charitable and humane, and any subscriptions for the relief of the distressed widow and family will be received by Messrs. Kingdon, his late employers, or at the Office of this Paper. Verdict, Died by the Visitation of God.

DREWSTEIGNTON - An Inquest was held on Wednesday last, at the New Inn, Drewsteignton, before Mr Gribble, one of the Coroners for Devon, on the body of MR ROBT. MIDDLETON, aged 70, a respectable tradesman, who was found drowned in a small stream of water. It appeared from the evidence adduced, that deceased was returning from his usual employment the previous evening, and having had an occasion to pass a gutter where there was a running stream of water, in crossing, it is supposed deceased stumbled and fell on his face; he became immersed in the water so as to occasion his death. - Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 December 1839
TOTNES - Extraordinary Case Of Poisoning In The Totnes Union Workhouse. - A woman of the name of SEARLE came into the Workhouse from Staverton with an illegitimate child about 8 months old on Friday evening last, when she was, as is customary on such occasions, placed in the probationary ward and being afraid to sleep alone, a woman of weak intellect named Peggy, who is a constant inmate of the Workhouse, was allowed to sleep with her. On retiring to rest, they partook of some herb tea, and in the morning they were both found senseless, in a state of stupor and apparently dying, the child being quite dead, having been overlaid and smothered by them during the night. Mr Gillard, Surgeon, was immediately sent for, and gave it as his decided opinion that both were labouring under the effects of poison. On examination, however, no trace of poison could be found. The tea was all drank and nothing was left in the vases. The stomach pump was applied and other remedies of a violent kind administered, but without effect, and both women remained during Sunday in a state of complete stupor, with but faint hopes of their recovery. On Monday morning one of the women was better. A Coroner's Inquest was held on the child and a Verdict returned of Died by Suffocation.

EXETER - Strange Case. - On Sunday and Monday last various reports were in circulation in this City, as to the death of a mother at the time of giving birth to her illegitimate offspring, at a house on Lower Southernhay, of which she had been left in charge. An Inquest was held on Monday, on the body, at Pratt's Old London Inn, before John Warren, Esq., Coroner. The deceased was named MARY ROBINSON, late servant of Miss Woollcombe. The examination of the witnesses was as follows:- Frances Eleanora Bingham, wife of Capt. Bingham, of the Royal Navy, said the deceased was servant to Miss Mary Woollcombe, who is my sister. - My sister and the deceased were the only persons living in the house. - My sister left Exeter on a visit, on the 12th of October last, leaving her house in charge of the deceased. I last saw the deceased on Friday, the 6th of this month. She appeared as usual, and came to my house with a message from her mistress. On Saturday night, the 14th inst., in consequence of some information which I received from a person of the name of Coleman, I applied to Mr John James, and afterwards went to my sister's house, in company with him, and Captain Back of the Police, and some other persons. I saw the front door opened. The other persons went upstairs, but I did not. In consequence of what was discovered upstairs, Mr James was put in possession of the servant's room, and has kept the key of it ever since. The deceased had been about a year and three quarters in my sister's service. My sister had a good opinion of her and placed confidence in her. - Wm. Back: - I am an officer of the Police in Exeter, and was on duty at the Station House on Saturday night last, as captain of the night. About 10 o'clock, in consequence of information which I received, I went to the house of Miss Woollcombe, Southernhay, in company with Mr Allen, a smith. I found at the door Mr John James, Mrs Bingham, Capt. Bingham and George Coleman. The front door being opened by Allen, I, Mr James and Coleman, went upstairs. On going to the servant's room we found it locked on the inside and the key was in the lock. The door was also opened by Allen, and on entering the room we discovered the body of the deceased lying on the floor on her face, to the best of my belief just as the Jury has now seen it. By direction of Mr James, I searched the room to find if any medicine was in the way, but found nothing but one pill, and a few empty pill boxes. I do not know what became of the pill. - I think a pupil of Mr James, who was then present, took it. I locked the bedroom door, and gave the key to Mr James. - Wm. Symons:- I am by trade a baker and work as a journeyman with Mr John Baker, of Catherine Street. Mr Baker has for the last twelve months or upwards supplied Miss Woollcombe with bread and it was my duty to deliver the bread, and take orders, for which purpose I was in the practice of calling at the house about every other day. Miss Woollcombe has been absent for several weeks. I last saw the deceased on Wednesday the 11th of this month, about half past eight in the morning. She appeared cheerful and as usual, I delivered bread to her then. On Friday morning, about the same hour, I called at the house as usual, I rung the bell, but did not get any answer. On Saturday morning about the same time, I went again to the house, partly in consequence of not having delivered my bread on the day before, and partly on account of the following day being Sunday. I rung as usual, but got no answer and I have not seen the deceased since. - Sarah Dobell:- I am a widow residing in this City, and have known the deceased for the last five years and upwards. About a fortnight ago I saw her at my house in Catherine Street. - I suspected that she was enciente, and mentioned my suspicion to her, but she denied it and gave me such reasons as induced me to suppose I had been mistaken. She complained of cold, and that her legs were swelling. I recommended her to take a dose of Spirits of Wine, Juniper and Guaicum, and at her request I procured three pennyworth from Mr Knott, the druggist. She afterwards told me that she had taken it, and that she was a deal better. On Monday last I procured a similar quantity from Mr Knott, and gave the deceased. On the following day I drank tea with the deceased, and she then told me that she had not taken the second dose. I never afterwards saw her alive. - When I had the medicine at Mr Knott's, the person who served me, told me that what I asked for was a very good thing. That was after I had described the state of the person for whom it was wanted. - John Haddy James:- I am a Surgeon, residing in this City. I was at the house of Miss Woollcombe on Saturday night, in company with Back the Police Officer, Allen the smith, and other persons. I was present when the servant's bedroom door was opened, as described by William Back in his deposition. The body was found just in the position in which it has been seen by the Jury this morning. I found the bed clothes scattered about the room in extreme confusion: a chair upon which the deceased had apparently been leaning, placed near the fire-place; and near it the body lying on the face and hands. From the mouth and nostrils had proceeded a considerable quantity of fluid of a dark green colour, which I preserved. She was slightly dressed n a night gown and flannel petticoat. On raising the petticoat the head of a child was perceived. I made a diligent search but could find no appearance of any kind of medicine having been recently taken, nor any substance apparently of a poisonous quality in the house. I found a bottle, half full of a fluid, and near it an ill written paper, describing some drugs of no injurious quality and one pill in a box. This was in the kitchen. I think it probable (but have not tasted it,) that the bottle may contain Spirits of Wine, Juniper, and Guaiacum. - I have this morning in company with Dr Shapter, and Mr Kempe, made an examination of the body. I found on the right side of the head the mark of a bruise; another on the cheek, and another on the right hip, such as may be accounted for by a heavy fall. The arms were under the chest, and the hands strongly clenched. The body was rigid; but there was a slight smell of putrefaction: The pupils of the eye dilated. There was no appearance on the abdomen to indicate that the deceased had borne a child previously. In the examination of the head, the first thing that presented itself was a large extravasation of blood on the right side, corresponding with the external bruise. On removing the skull cap it was found to adhere very strongly to the membrane below. On the right side, and nearly corresponding with the extravasation before described, there was an extravasation of blood on the surface of the brain, and extending between one of the convolutions. There was also a slight extravasation on the opposite hemisphere of the brain. There was no other unhealthy appearance of the brain. The stomach was found nearly empty. It contained a small portion of food, part of which was ascertained to be potato, and some greenish matter, which did not readily diffuse itself in water. The appearance of the stomach was that of perfect health. A portion of the intestine was also examined and appeared quite natural. A small quantity of blood was effused on the right side of the abdomen, but had probably escaped from one of the appendages of the uterus, and not improbably from a fall. There was also found the body of a child whose head had passed into the world. The child was one of full time, and probably dead from the pressure of the umbilical cord round its neck, as should appear from the dark colour of its face. I am of opinion that the deceased had got out of bed, and becoming faint, and falling with great violence on the floor, received a severe injury of the head and died either in consequence of that, or its effects combined with the illness under which she was otherwise labouring. It is mere conjecture, but I think it probable that the death may have taken place as far back as Thursday night. - The Jury, after consulting together, returned a verdict - That the deceased was Found Dead on the 14th of December; that she was in the act of giving birth to a female child at the time of her death: But that by what means she came to her death (except as aforesaid) no evidence appears to the Jurors.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 December 1839
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Saturday, on the body of a girl, six years of age, named VEALE, who during the temporary absence of her mother, whilst at play with her sister, fell against the fire, on which was a tea-kettle full of boiling water, which she upset, and the contents falling on her, scalded her so dreadfully that she died a few days after. - Verdict - "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 January 1840
BARNSTAPLE - An Inquest was held on Monday last, in Barnstaple, before Thomas Codner, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MARY DOWNING, aged 3 years, who was killed by the wheel of a cart passing over her body. The child was coming out of a house in Ebberly-street, to pass across to her mother's with a jug in her hand, when a cart drawn by two horses came down the street, and the fore-horse touching the child, she fell and the wheel passed over her body, before the driver had time to pull up. Two women were near the spot at the time, who gave their evidence that the man was driving at a steady pace, and they thought the driver did not see the child before the horse knocked her down. The man had the reins in his hand. The Jury returned a verdict "Accidental Death," with a deodand of one shilling on the wheel.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 February 1840
SHALDON - On Monday an Inquest was held at The Clifford Arms Inn, Shaldon, before Mr Gribble, Esq., Coroner, on the body of SAMUEL COSTER PORTBURY, a child of about five years of age; - it appears the poor boy was left in the house alone, when his clothes unfortunately caught fire, and, before his screams could be heard, he was so dreadfully burnt that, notwithstanding the prompt attendance and skill of Messrs. Lake and Scarbrough, the little sufferer survived a few hours only. - The Coroner animadverted most strongly on the impropriety of mothers leaving their infants alone in a room with a fire; and the Jury after a patient investigation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 February 1840
PLYMOUTH - On Friday evening last, an Inquest was held at the Maritime Inn, on the Parade, on the body of JOHN DUSTIN, who was found dead in the morning, in a shed situated in one of the gardens near the garrison. - It appeared that the deceased, who was a kind of porter to the merchants at the port, hung himself: He had been observed to be low-spirited a few days before, but the Jury delivered a verdict of Felo-De-Se, and the body interred without Christian burial.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 March 1840
PLYMOUTH - The Coroner's Jury, at the close of the Inquest on the remains of MAJOR HORNDON, who perished in the fire at Elliott's Hotel (as stated in our last) returned the following verdict:- "That the said JOHN DOIDGE HORNDON died from the effects of fire, which from some cause unknown to the Jurors, took place in the said Hotel." - The unfortunate Major was a native of St. Dominic, near Callington; a brother of the late Col. HORNDON, of that place, and also the Rev. DAVID HORNDON, of Bicton.

EXETER - On Saturday an Inquest was held at the Workhouse, before S. Warren, Esq., who acted as Deputy for his father, J. Warren, Esq., Coroner for the City, on the body of a child named SARAH ANN MOORE, aged 11 years, who had been admitted into that House on the previous Monday, together with her father, by an order from the Clerk to the Corporation of the Poor, and had since died there. A considerable sensation had been excited from the melancholy appearance the poor child presented on its first application to be admitted, and from the rumour that it had been refused admission into one of the county Union Houses, while in a dying state. On viewing the body one of the most emaciated spectacles in human form presented itself. The bones literally protruded from the skin, and the limbs were not larger than those of a child a month old. After a long investigation, the Jury returned a verdict, "Died from Natural Causes," adding the following resolution:- "We are of opinion that we should be wanting in our duty, if we abstained from expressing our approbation of the humanity and kindness shown to the deceased by the Nurse, and the several Officers of the Workhouse, whilst in that establishment, and we wish that the same may be communicated to them."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 March 1840
BARNSTAPLE - On Thursday the 19th instant, the remains of JOHN CURTIS (late pilot) who was drowned in our river about 7 weeks since, was picked up a short distance from where the accident occurred. A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body, when the evidence of several seamen went to show that the cause of the accident was the weir on which the boat struck. Several lives have been lost in a similar manner, and it is suggested that a petition, praying the removal of those dangers, may speedily be set on foot. - A few years since, an action was brought against the proprietor of one of those weirs, for its removal; when, on the evidence of an individual nick-named "Jemmy the Black", who was in the habit of plying his boat between Appledore and Barnstaple, - who said that he had passed over the weirs at all states of the tides, without any danger, - the parties suing were defeated; but this very person, within 12 months after, lost his life on one of the same weirs of which he had sworn there was no danger.

NORTH TAWTON - On the 23rd inst., an Inquest was held at Week, Northtawton, by H. A. Vallack, Esq., on the body of RICHARD BOLT. This was the case of stabbing referred to by Baron Rolfe, in his Charge to the Grand Jury, at the late Assizes. The Inquiry lasted from 1 o'clock in the afternoon till 11 o'clock at night; and after a patient investigation, a verdict of Manslaughter was returned against Thomas Nosworthy, the person now in jail for the offence. It appeared in evidence that the two youths, BOLT and Nosworthy, were parish apprentices and near neighbours, and were on friendly terms; that on the evening of the 1st of January, they met and drank at a beer shop, and there quarrelled. They returned, however, together, between 12 and 1 o'clock in the morning, and when near their respective homes, from some cause of other, Nosworthy stabbed BOLT in the side and neck. The latter wound would have proved immediately fatal, had not assistance been at hand. However, the injured boy lingered on till the 22nd instant, when he expired. Dr Wm. Budd, after a post-mortem examination, showed clearly, to the satisfaction of a respectable Jury, that the immediate cause of death, was a disease of the right lung and pleura; but the primary cause was the stab in the neck, which had penetrated to the depth of 3 inches, and had divided the external carotid artery and injured several of the nerves. The stab in the side produced no injurious effect, as the point of the knife came in contact with the 6th rib.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 April 1840
BARNSTAPLE - Caution. - On Monday evening last, a little girl, about three years of age, daughter of MR HOPKINS, one of the letter-carriers of Barnstaple, caught her clothes on fire; she lingered in extreme agony until the following day, when death put a period to her existence. - A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 April 1840
BARNSTAPLE - On Friday last a Coroner's Inquest was held on a little girl named HAMMETT, who was drowned in the river Yeo, at Rawleigh, the previous day. A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 April 1840
SOUTH MOLTON - An Inquest was held by Thomas Copner, Esq., Coroner, in this town, on Monday last, on the body of MARY FORD, aged 54, who went to bed on Saturday night last in perfect health, and in the morning when her husband got up he discovered her a corpse. - Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 April 1840
EXETER - Melancholy Suicide. - On Monday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Falcon Inn, North-street, in this City, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of GEORGE WILLIAM TRENHICK, a fine young man aged 27, who had been found the same morning suspended from a beam in an apartment occupied by him, in a house in the neighbourhood. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased was a stonemason, his friends resided at Torquay, and he was a young man of sober and religious habits. He had lodged with a Mrs Salter since September last. About that period he formed an attachment for a young woman, a female servant, which at Christmas was broken off; since the termination of this acquaintance, a marked change had taken place in the manner of the deceased, and latterly he had become silent, reserved and apparently labouring under distress of mind. On Sunday last, and for some days previously he ate scarcely anything, and his conduct at times was very strange. He returned home on Sunday night quite sober and went to bed without saying anything. On Monday morning, at half-past five, he called to his landlady, who was still in bed, to make out his bill for the week, as was her custom. Shortly after 6 o'clock he was found by Mrs Salter suspended to a beam from a rope made of small twine, carefully twisted together and formed into a running knot, in his bedroom. He was immediately cut down, but quite dead. - Verdict, Temporary Insanity.

LONDON - Fatal Occurrence. - An Inquest was held on the 16th instant, upon the body of THOMAS ROWSE, aged 32, who was precipitated from the roof of Eton (late Ebury) Chapel, Pimlico, whilst engaged at work in erecting a belfry. Verdict, Accidental Death. - The deceased was a native of Newton Bushel, in this County.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 May 1840
BIDEFORD - Sudden Death. - On Sunday last, on board the Robert (a London Trader), lying alongside the Quay died HENRY BUDGE, a young man aged about 21, one of the crew; - he had been spending the morning on shore, and was seen to go on board about half-past 11 o'clock, and at 12 the poor fellow was found dead. An Inquest returned a verdict "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 June 1840
EXETER - On Saturday last, an Inquest was held before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, at the King's Arms in Coombe-street, on the body of a man named DAVY, who was drowned in the river on Thursday evening. It appeared that DAVY had incautiously laid himself down upon a heap of lime stones, close to the water's edge, and having fallen into the river, was drowned. Verdict, "Accidentally Drowned."

EXETER - Melancholy And Fatal Accident. - On Sunday night last, MR CONNETT, brother of the landlord of the Halfway House, on the Cowley Bridge Road was unfortunately drowned in the river near the Haven Banks Inn. The deceased had been passing the evening in the neighbourhood and is supposed to have lost his way owing to the darkness of the night. His hat was seen floating on the water by some persons who were passing, and who caused immediate search to be made for the body, which however was not found until half-past two o'clock on the following morning. An Inquest has since been held on the body, and there being no doubt that the occurrence was purely accidental, a verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 June 1840
PAIGNTON - Melancholy Occurrence. - We deeply regret to have to record that, on Friday last, the family of CAPTAIN GEORGE BULLER, of Goodrington Sands, was thrown into the deepest distress by the unexpected loss of their eldest son (GEORGE HENRY) a fine promising child four years old, who was drowned. It appears that the child left the house unobserved, in company with another little companion, and in an attempt to reach a boat moored near the rocks, both were washed off the sands into the sea; an alarm was given by another boy, who managed to get out and assistance was immediately procured. His poor little companion was taken out alive a very short time after, but in the last state of exhaustion; and although medical assistance was promptly at hand, the means used for his recovery were in vain, - he had breathed his last. An Inquest has since been held on the body and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 June 1840
EXETER ST MARY STEPS - Melancholy Occurrence. - A lad named GEORGE BENNETT, aged 14 years, was drowned under the following distressing circumstances: - On Saturday afternoon last, the deceased, who could not swim, in company with another boy named Saunders, a year younger than himself, went to the Shilhay Lake, in St. Mary Steps parish, for the purpose of bathing. Saunders, who could swim very well, undressed and jumped into the water, which was eight feet deep. The deceased directly afterwards did the same, and, it being much out of his depth, immediately sank. Saunders proceeded to his assistance, and would have saved him, but deceased clung so closely to him, that, to save himself, Saunders was forced to release himself from his grasp, and with great difficulty swam ashore. Shortly afterwards a man named Rogers dived for the body and brought it up, but all efforts to restore animation were fruitless. Among those who assisted to recover the body was the father of the deceased, who, while searching for it, was himself seized with cramp, and had a very narrow escape. A Coroner's Inquest was held at the Custom House Inn, yesterday, and a verdict returned of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Occurrence. - On Wednesday an Inquest was held at the Coach and Horses, Frankfort-street, before R. J. Squire, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MR HINGSTON PRIDEAUX, who was drowned the same morning whilst bathing under the Hoe. It appeared from the deposition of a young man who was bathing with the deceased, that the unfortunate youth got among the rocks, and after the witness had landed, he sunk, from what cause is not known, as he was a good swimmer. Verdict, "Accidental Death." - The deceased, who is 17 years of age, was much beloved by all his associates, is the youngest son of MRS PRIDEAUX, of Frankfort-street, and brother to MR PRIDEAUX, of the Devon and Cornwall Bank, Devonport. He had recently joined the Devon and Cornwall Bank, Plymouth, as a clerk.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 July 1840
SLAPTON - On Friday morning last a fatal accident happened to a man named WILLIAM POTTER, who was working at a building in progress in the village of Slapton; - the poor workman accidentally fell from a wall 19 feet high and having broke his spine, died in a few minutes, although medical aid was promptly at hand. An Inquest was held on the following day, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned. The deceased, a native of Chudleigh, was in his 19th year and has left a widowed mother to lament his loss: He was a promising youth, of good disposition, and is much lamented by all who knew him.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 July 1840
EXETER - Suicide. - An infirm old man, named ALLER, who resided in the College, in this City, terminated his own existence between nine and ten o'clock on Tuesday evening, by hanging himself in one of his rooms. His wife has been a bed-layer for a long time, and trouble of mind is supposed to have induced the unhappy man to commit the dreadful act. Verdict, on the Inquest, "Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 July 1840
EXETER - On Saturday last, before John Warren, Esq., Coroner for the City, an Inquest was held at Wilcock's Valiant Soldier Inn, on the body of JOHN NORRIS, a tall and stout grown lad of 16, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital. The deceased, who was subject to fits, resided with his mother at Bradninch, and she being obliged to go out to daily labour, he was left alone in the house. - Thus situated on the 18th of March last, while in the act of putting the kettle over the fire which was on the earth, he was seized with a fit, and falling in his struggles, his left leg and thigh got into the fire. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 July 1840
WOOLFARDISWORTHY WEST - An Inquest was held on Tuesday last, at Woolfardisworthy, by H. A. Vallack, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM COOK, who was killed on that day by the side of a quarry falling upon him whilst at work.

HOLSWORTHY - On Thursday last, at Holsworthy, an Inquest was held on the body of WILLIAM CROCKER, who was that morning killed by the upsetting of a cart, causing instant death. Verdict, Accidental Death.

EXETER - On Monday last an Inquest was held before John Warren, Esq., Coroner for Exeter, at Burrow's Pestle and Mortar Public House, King-street, on the body of ANN BURROWS, two years and seven months old, daughter of the landlord, who died on the preceding Saturday. The child had been ill some weeks since of the measles, but was got better, and on Saturday went out of doors with an elder sister in order to purchase a tart at a confectioner's. Before their return, however, it was suddenly taken seriously ill, and died in a short time. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God", but the Jury think great blame attaches to the father and mother for not procuring immediate medical assistance.

EXETER - On Tuesday, at Wilcock's Valiant Soldier Inn, Magdalen-street, an Inquest was held on the body of a girl, named MARY JANE SOUTHARD, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital, in consequence of her clothes catching fire, in the house of her parents residing under the town walls, Westgate. Verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 22 August 1840
KINGS NYMPTON - On Sunday last, an Inquest was held by Thomas Copner, Esq., at Kingsnympton, on the body of MR GEORGE SKINNER, yeoman, of Collacott Farm, aged 41, who, the previous morning, having prepared himself to go to Southmolton market, and appeared in perfect health, went into a back yard and about half an hour afterwards was found on the ground a corpse. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 August 1840
TIVERTON - On Saturday last great excitement prevailed here, a report having been spread that a boy had been found drowned in the Exe, at Head Weir. It was subsequently found to be too true. The boy, whose name was BAILEY, was about eight years of age, and a day scholar at one of the academies here, his parents residing near Barnstaple. It appears that he went to bathe, and, moving out of his depth, met with an untimely end. He was first discovered by a young gentleman of his own age, and some of the Grammar scholars. One courageous youth, named Carrow, immediately dived after him; the body was taken out whilst still warm, and conveyed to the queen's Head Inn, where every means were used, for a considerable time, to restore animation, but without success. An Inquest was held the same evening by F. s. Gervis, Esq., the Coroner, at the Town Hall, when a verdict of Found Drowned was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 September 1840
PLYMOUTH - Supposed Suicide. - On Tuesday last, an Inquest was held before R. J. Squire, Esq., at the Bedford Arms, Bedford-street, on the body of HARRIET ELSTON, (late chambermaid at the White Hart,) who was found drowned under the Hoe on that day. After a lengthened investigation, which lasted two days, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 September 1840
PLYMOUTH - Shocking Suicide. - An Inquest was held on Monday last, at the No Place Inn, Eldad, by R. J. Squires, Esq., Coroner, on the body of LYDIA BILL, aged 25, a domestic servant living at Wyndham Place, who committed suicide by cutting her throat. She had lived 15 years with her master, who gave her an excellent character. She was particularly fond of reading and extracting poetry from books; but within the last month a decided change in her manner and conduct was observed; and on Saturday morning her behaviour was very inconsistent. She suddenly threatened to leave the house and then as quickly, on being talked to, became composed and attended to her duties. Her mistress, or one of the family, was constantly with her until five o'clock, when she was left for a few minutes; and on one of the family returning to the kitchen, in consequence of the deceased not answering her call, she was discovered on the floor, motionless and surrounded by blood. Dr Reed instantly attended and found that by one incision, she had severed the left carotid artery, which caused instant death. - The Jury returned a verdict "Destroyed Herself during Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 October 1840
BARNSTAPLE - Sudden Death. - On Saturday last, in Barnstaple, aged 60 years, JOHN DAY JONES, Esq., a member of the Town Council for the South Ward. The deceased had just taken his tea, when he fell back in his chair and expired. A Coroner's Inquest was held on the following morning and a verdict returned of "Died by the Visitation of God."

EXETER - DAVID NURTON, many years constable of St. Thomas, after returning from Totnes, on Monday evening last about eleven o'clock, on retiring to rest at one, fell down stairs in a fit of apoplexy. Mr Land, Surgeon, was immediately called in, and administered the most approved means in such cases, but without effect: The poor sufferer lingered until Wednesday morning. Thursday evening an Inquest was held on the body at the Buller's Arms, who returned a verdict, "Died of Apoplexy."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 24 October 1840
EXETER - MR F. WHITE, late Messenger of the Commissioners of Improvement, met his death by drowning on Saturday evening about half past six o'clock, at the opening of the basin near the King's Arms drawbridge, on the Haven Banks. He had been engaged in the day in serving a summons upon a person near the Haven Banks Inn; and it is supposed left that place to return into the City about the above time. The night being dark, he must have missed his way, and, going a little too much to the left, fell into the basin, which at that place is without a proper defence. The master of a brig near the spot, heard the splash of his fall and calling immediate assistance, a boat was lowered, and the body was taken out of the water within a quarter of an hour of its immersion; but life was extinct. An Inquest was held on the body on Monday and the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." MR WHITE lost his wife about two months since, and he has left several children to lament the loss of their only parent. He was in the 52nd year of his age, and has been in the service of the Commissioners of Improvement of this City from the time of the passing of the first Act, in the year 1812-1813, a period of twenty-seven years. We hear there are already six candidates in the field canvassing for the situation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 31 October 1840
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held by A. B. Bone, Esquire, on Monday evening last, on the body of MARY VOSPER, of Cornwall-street, widow. It appears that on Friday night about nine o'clock one of the tenants of the house in which she resided, in opening the door leading into the court-yard, found some difficulty in doing so, from a weight which appeared to be pressing against it. He placed his hand under the door to ascertain the cause of the obstruction, when he felt some female's apparel and at the same time heard a noise like that of a female groaning; he then pushed open the door and perceived the deceased on the ground. No one else was in the courtlage - she was quite insensible, and was fast losing her breath. Having procured a light and called some women to the deceased, she was removed to her room. Mr Evans was called who bled the deceased, but she died in a few hours without becoming again conscious. There was a slight wound on her head, apparently by a fall. The deceased had suffered from giddiness of the head for some time past, and it was supposed that she must have been seized with a fit of apoplexy on going into the courtlage, and had so remained until she was found. - Verdict - Natural Death from Apoplexy.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 November 1840
ATHERINGTON - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held by Thomas Copner, Esq., on Tuesday last, at Atherington, on the Body of ANN LANCY, aged 62 , the wife of a miller. She was, while in the mill, suddenly taken ill and died within a short time after. - Verdict "Apoplexy."

EXETER - We have to record the melancholy sudden death of MR BRAILEY, harness maker of St. Sidwells, on Monday night. He was at the Red Lion Inn, where he was about to partake of supper with a party, when, on feeling ill, he left the room and came downstairs; in a few minutes after he fell and expired. He was a respectable industrious man, and, we regret to add, has left a widow and three young children. An Inquest was held on the body, on Tuesday, before S. Warren, Esq., the City Coroner, and the Jury returned a verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God." The deceased had been previously subject to illness having two or three times had a seizure.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 November 1840
EXETER - On Monday morning a poor man named SQUIRE, a wool-sorter, in the employ of Mr Maunder of this city, went to his work at six o'clock. About half-past seven he became unwell and was shortly afterwards removed to his house which was very near; assistance was instantly procured, but it was of no avail, and he expired in about twenty minutes. An Inquest was held on his body on Tuesday morning, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God." returned.

TIVERTON - An Inquest was held at the Guildhall on Wednesday last, on view of the body of ANN ALFORD, an aged woman, who had died suddenly. There had been a report circulated during the day that the deceased had been roughly treated by her husband, but it was proved to be without foundation. The Jury, after a full investigation into all the circumstances, returned a verdict that she had "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 November 1840
ASHBURTON - Singular and Fatal Accident. - A boy named STARK was returning from his work, on Saturday last, with two horses, when the one on which he rode by some means stumbled into a ditch on the road side, and the poor boy was precipitated headlong into it; the horse at the same time falling on him with great force, he was unable to extricate himself, and although only two or three minutes elapsed before assistance arrived, the poor little fellow was found quite dead. He was about 15 years of age, an apprentice to Mr Hellier, of Alston Farm, near Ashburton. An Inquest was held on Monday, by J. Gribble, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 November 1840
MORELEIGH - Accidental Death. - A few days since, a son of MR R. ELLIOTT, yeoman, Grimpstonleigh, in the parish of Morley, fell into a pond and was drowned. The firepan was found at the pond, and it is supposed the poor little fellow (who was about three years old) was trying the depth with it when he fell in. An Inquest was held on the body, before J. Gribble, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict returned of "Accidentally Drowned."

BARNSTAPLE - On Wednesday evening last, an Inquest was held before Thomas Copner, Esq., Coroner, on the body of RICHARD LITSON, (bailiff). Deceased, who was 79 years of age, had complained of being unwell for some days previous, and had had medical assistance, but on the above morning, between 12 and 1 o'clock, he became worse and requested to be removed from the bed, which his daughter was in the act of doing, when he expired. She was the only person in the house at the time, and she immediately ran into the street, and cried "Murder," which alarmed the neighbours. Mr Pugsley of the Heart of Oak, procured medical aid, but the vital spark had flown. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

LAPFORD - Supposed Case Of Poisoning. Committal For Murder. - Rumours were in current circulation in this City yesterday morning, that a woman had poisoned her husband and another man at Lapford, through jealousy. - We made inquiry, and found that the report was correct, as to a case having occurred at Lapford of that nature, both being dead; and that an adjourned Inquest was then holding on the bodies. We have since ascertained that it appeared from the evidence given at the Inquest, that the men were both taken ill on the morning of Sunday week, soon after breakfast and that all the symptoms of the effects of poison followed with much violence. The husband of the accused (RICHARD TUCKER, a maltster) died on the following day; and the other, who was her brother, named WILLIAM PARTRIDGE, died on the succeeding Wednesday. Suspicions were excited and it was deemed necessary to have an Inquest on the bodies, which was accordingly held before Mr Partridge, the Coroner, and adjourned to yesterday (Thursday), a post mortem examination of the bodies having been made and poison discovered, according to the medical evidence. After a long Inquiry, the Jury returned a verdict of Wilful Murder against MARY ANN TUCKER, and she was accordingly committed for trial. The circumstance has caused the greatest sensation in the neighbourhood. - The prisoner was brought up and lodged in the Devon and County Gaol this morning, about half-past ten. She is a good-looking young woman, of very respectable appearance; she has a child, but has not yet attained her 20th year of age, and she walked into the prison smiling and apparently quite unconcerned, although her mother, who came up with her, was n the greatest distress of mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 December 1840
TIVERTON - Sudden Death. - On the evening of Saturday last, the wife of MR B. DOIDGE, of Bampton-street, on retiring to rest, was suddenly seized with illness, and immediately expired. An Inquest was holden on the body by F. S. Gervis, Esq., the Coroner, when it appeared that the deceased had been subject to no complaint, except at times of pains in the head; and on the evening in question she had appeared in perfect health and had been out so late as half-past nine. It was supposed that her death was occasioned by a rupture of a blood-vessel on the brain. The Jury returned, "Died by the Visitation of God."

LAPFORD - Mysterious Deaths By Poison. Alleged Murder Of Two Persons. Extraordinary Charge Against MARY ANN TUCKER For Poisoning Her Husband And Brother. - In our paper last week, we gave a brief account of this mysterious occurrence, which has excited so much interest for a fortnight past in this county. We have abridged from our respected contemporary, the Luminary, the following circumstances connected with this charge. It seems, that MR R. TUCKER, one of the deceased persons, resided at Lapford and carried on business there as a maltster, although not, we believe, to any great extent. He was married to his present wife, MARY ANN TUCKER, formerly MARY ANN PARTRIDGE, about 2 years since, and has by her one child, aged about 12 months. This child did not form part of his family at the time of this distressing occurrence, having been recently placed with a relative, for the purpose of being weaned. In MR TUCKER'S house resided himself and his wife, and a person named WILLIAM PARTRIDGE, half-brother of the latter being the son of their mutual father by a former wife. PARTRIDGE used to assist TUCKER in his business, as a servant and is reported to have been a harmless and inoffensive man. The only remaining member of the family was a little girl, named AGNES PARTRIDGE, between 11 and 12 years of age; she is a younger sister of MRS TUCKER, and had gone to live with her three or four months since, to assist her in doing her work. On the morning of Sunday the 15th of November, all these parties breakfasted nearly at one time, in MR TUCKER'S kitchen, on some bread and milk, which MRS TUCKER appears to have prepared for them. After the bread and milk had been eaten, MRS TUCKER also produced some bread and cream, of which they all partook, but whether it was cut into slices by her or not, is a matter of some doubt. Within two hours after breakfast TUCKER felt himself very unwell, with a sickness and a cold shivering, and retired to bed. His wife procured some elder blossom from a neighbour, for the purpose of making him some tea, and it does not seem to be denied, that she paid him as much attention as could be expected of her in the course of the day. At two o'clock he was seen by his father, who had been sent for at his request; he complained to him of being very ill, and described to him the symptoms under which he laboured. His father suggested to him the propriety of sending for a surgeon, and his brother, who was also present, offered to go for one, but the sick man would not consent for some time, saying he would rather wait until the morning, and he should see how he was by that time. While they were discussing about sending for the doctor, it was suggested that WILLIAM PARTRIDGE might be dispatched to get one; but on going to the back part of the house in search of him, he was found in the hay loft very ill, and with precisely the same symptoms as those from which MR TUCKER was suffering. In this state he was seen by MRS TUCKER herself, and by MR ROBERT TUCKER, the brother of the deceased. He continued very unwell and in a short time came in and went to bed. In the course of the same afternoon, the little girl, AGNES PARTRIDGE, was taken sick and vomiting and she too was obliged to go to bed. In the evening about nine o'clock the Surgeon, Mr Tidbould, of Chulmleigh, who had been sent for in the meantime, arrived, and continued in attendance until the decease of MR TUCKER. On the afternoon of the Monday, PARTRIDGE died, but TUCKER lingered until about half-past seven o'clock on Wednesday morning when he also expired. On that same morning the girl was sufficiently recovered to be able to come downstairs, and she is now quite well. It is remarkable that from the period of their first attack up to the moment of their death, not a single expression escaped the lips of either TUCKER or PARTRIDGE, indicating a belief that they had been unfairly dealt with, nor, so far as human observation went, did they appear to have the slightest suspicion as to the cause of their sufferings. The impression among those about them seems to have been, that their disorder was cholera, and one of the witnesses stated that she avoided going too near them, believing them to have a contagious disorder. TUCKER during his illness spoke in the kindest terms of his wife and child; and when he found his end approaching, and had abandoned all hopes of recovery (which was not until the Tuesday) he entreated his father to be kind to her when he was gone. It being considered necessary that an investigation should take place into the causes and circumstances of the melancholy deaths of TUCKER and PARTRIDGE, an Inquest was held on their bodies on Friday week, at the Malt Scoop Inn, in Lapford, before Mr R. Partridge, the Coroner of the District. At this Inquest, Mr Tidbould, the Surgeon, stated that he had ordered the evacuations from the stomachs of the two deceased persons to be carefully preserved, and that since their deaths, he had analysed them and found that arsenic was combined with them. He stated his opinion also that the men did not die from natural causes. In consequence of this statement the Coroner judged it expedient that a post mortem examination of the bodies should be made, and he adjourned the Enquiry for that purpose, confiding the task of examination to Mr Empson, Surgeon, of Crediton, in conjunction with Mr Tidbould. The result of the chemical experiments made by those two gentlemen, fully bore out Mr Tidbould's former impression, that the men had died from poison, and that the poison was arsenic. Rumours also got afloat that the little girl had been sent, on the day preceding the Sunday, to get some arsenic at Morchard, and constructions were put upon the case by no means favourable to MRS TUCKER. It was indeed broadly insinuated by many, that she had been guilty of the horrible crime of murdering both her husband and her brother, and various motives were assigned as having instigated her to the perpetration of so atrocious an act. It was said by some that she acted from the impulse of strong feelings of jealousy, but it is only fair to add that nothing transpired during the investigation, to justify such a suspicion, and, from the enquiries which we have made, we have no reason to believe that any such feeling was entertained by her. The more general report however was, that the deceased and his wife lived unhappily together and that they had had a violent quarrel on the morning of the Saturday preceding the melancholy event. Upon this point too we derived but little information from the evidence given before the Coroner; for although it is clear that they had occasional quarrels, yet it does not appear that these had engendered anything like bitter animosity, nor did we hear of anything like threats of violence either on the one side or on the other. With respect to the alleged quarrel on the Saturday morning it is positively denied, by the only two persons living who are competent to speak upon the point. On the other hand, there was nothing in MR TUCKER'S character or circumstances, which should lead one hastily to the conclusion that he had committed a deliberate act of self-destruction. He was a young man, unencumbered by family, and unembarrassed in circumstances, and his business though not large was a very respectable one. His family connections too were respectable, and he was neither addicted to vicious courses, nor intemperate, or dissolute in his habits. In short, in whatever point of view we look at this extraordinary affair, it is altogether dark and mysterious, and we are quite unable to afford any clue for is solution. - The Adjourned Inquest. - Was fixed to take place on Thursday morning, in the School Room, in Lapford Church Town, and the room was at an early hour crowded with eager listeners, of both sexes, from most of the adjoining parishes. From 200 to 300 persons were present, all of whom appeared to take the deepest interest in the proceedings. The Jury consisted principally of farmers, residing in Lapford, and its vicinity, and Mr William Raymond, of that parish, was the Foreman. MRS TUCKER was present during the investigation; she was dressed in deep mourning and sat at the head of the room, on a chair, opposite the Coroner. She is about 19 years of age, and has been very respectably educated, he father being a man of some substance, living now at Southleigh, to which place he has recently removed from Lapford. Her personal appearance presents nothing remarkable, but her demeanour during the whole of this day was the subject of general remark. She sat throughout the proceedings, unmoved, and apparently unconcerned, and had not our intention been drawn to her incidentally, we could not have conceived that the person before us had been only one short week a widow, even had the circumstances of her bereavement been very different from what they actually were. Once and once only she showed signs of being slightly affected - it was when old MR TUCKER was repeating his son's dying request, that he would be kind to his wife. She soon, however, brushed the tear from her eye, and resumed her former coolness and self-possession. Her voice when she spoke did not betray the slightest agitation, and when requested to affix her signature to the statement which she had made, we watched her narrowly and could not observe that her hand trembled for an instant. We have been informed also, on good authority, that at one period, during the temporary absence of the Jury, she voluntarily handed the Coroner a pin, which he wanted for the purpose of pinning together the papers on which the depositions had been taken. She was under surveillance during the Enquiry, although not actually in custody, and on her leaving the room for a short time while the business was suspended, the Coroner desired that she might not be allowed to go away; she is now, we understand, in a state of pregnancy. - Mary Hookway, was the first called. She attended on the deceased persons during their last illness, in the character of nurse. The witness described the symptoms of the disorder, which appeared to have been violent vomitings, shiverings, and pains in various parts of the body. - Ann Gill, who had likewise assisted in attending upon the deceased persons, preserved the evacuations from MR TUCKER'S stomach, by direction of Mr Tidbould, who afterwards put them into separate bottles and directed that they should be taken to his house. AGNES PARTRIDGE had told witness something about old MR TUCKER, the father of the deceased, having sent her to procure some arsenic. - Elizabeth Raymond - went to MR RICHARD TUCKER'S house in the afternoon of Saturday the 14th inst. to wash the week's clothes; MR TUCKER and AGNES PARTRIDGE were there; she remained until after 6 o'clock, MRS TUCKER did not leave the house but AGNES PARTRIDGE did; I missed her about four o'clock, and asked MRS TUCKER where she was, to which she replied that she had sent her on an errand; she did not say where she had sent her; AGNES was back again before I left: About a fortnight before this I was in MR TUCKER'S house; while I was there a few words took place between TUCKER and his wife, it was not much, it did not last more than 10 minutes altogether. AGNES PARTRIDGE was taken ill in my house; she was sick, and I became alarmed and said, "AGNES how sick you are, one would think you had taken anything to make you so." I said nothing about poison, AGNES did not say what made her sick. - AGNES PARTRIDGE: - I lived with my sister MARY ANN TUCKER, wife of RICHARD TUCKER, now deceased; I am in the 12th year of my age and have lived with her three or four months. On the morning of Saturday my master RICHARD TUCKER left our house to go to Crediton; on the afternoon of that same day I went to Morchard to the house of a person named Paige; I saw a man and a woman there; I was sent there by MR TUCKER; I took a ticket with me; I believe master wrote it; I cannot read writing, and I do not know what was in it; it was written on a slip of paper; MR TUCKER sent me to Morchard for "Three pennyworth of arsenic - poison for rats;" MR TUCKER told me it was to poison rats; it was he who gave me the piece of paper; I took three-pence to pay for the arsenic; MR TUCKER gave me that also; I got the arsenic; it was given to me by a man in Mr Paige's shop; I saw it, it was white, and was in powder; when I returned, I put the arsenic upon the cistern in the malt-house, until master came home; the malt-house was not where we live; no person went with me to put it there; no one was there when I went in; the door was locked at the time: When I came home the key of the malt-house was hung up on the kitchen; and when I had put the arsenic upon the cistern, I brought back the key and hung it up in its place again; no persons saw me do so; I met no one in going or returning; it was in the afternoon that I went away to go to Morchard, and it was not dark when I returned; at the time I speak of there was no barley wet in the malt-house for the purpose of being made into malt; I cannot tell what MR TUCKER had for his supper on the Saturday night; I was not gone to bed when MR TUCKER had his supper; I am sure of that, although I do not know what he had; I believe we went to bed nearly about the same time; we rose in the morning between 6 and 7; I lighted the fire and then I milked the cow and attended to the pigs; my sister prepared the breakfast for four of us; the breakfast was milk and bread, made hot in the iron pot; after I had put the milk into the dairy, I came back into the kitchen to eat my breakfast; my sister and brother were there; my sister was eating her bread and milk standing; I ate all that was in my own basin and some of what was in my sister's also, which she poured into mine; my brother WILLIAM took up his basin of bread and milk, and ate it; MR TUCKER came in after, and sat down at a little table to eat his breakfast. He complained that his milk was cold and mistress said she would heat it again; she put it on the fire in the pot and warmed it; and served it up herself: After we had finished our bread and milk, I brought out the bread and cream to which we each helped ourselves we felt inclined; mistress did not cut the slices, but we took the knife and helped ourselves; MR TUCKER ate some bread and cream; mistress had some which she had cut for herself and he took it away and ate it. In the course of the afternoon WILLIAM PARTRIDGE was found at the back of the house very ill and vomiting; shortly after that time he came in, he said he was not very well, and went away to bed; I myself was taken ill; I had been unwell in the morning, and at dinner time had not been able to eat any. MR TUCKER and my sister had no quarrel on the Saturday morning before he went to Crediton. - Mr Robert Paige, veterinary Surgeon of Morchard Bishop, was then called. - He said, on Saturday the 14th Nov. I was not at home more than ten minutes during the whole of the afternoon; I do not know whether I supplied any person with arsenic on that afternoon or not. - Miss Paige, the sister of the last witness. - I attended the shop during my brother' s absence. I do not know whether I sold any arsenic on the 14th November. - The Coroner asked MRS TUCKER, who was in her house now, as it was reported the arsenic which was brought was enough to have poisoning everybody in that room; he should send for the remaining portion of it, if it was still on the premises. - MRS TUCKER, with great coolness, replied - I cannot tell, Sir; I know nothing at all about it, I have not seen anything of the sort; but you can send and see, if you please. (We did not understand, however, that any messenger was sent to search the premises.) - Mr Empson and Mr Tidbould, both Surgeons, described the appearance of the bodies on the post-mortem examination, and deposed to the fact of arsenic being produced by the various tests which they applied to the contents of the stomachs, &c., giving it as their opinion, that death in both instances arose from the effects of that deadly poison. - MR M. TUCKER, father of the deceased MR TUCKER, was deeply affected at being called on to give evidence: - he detailed the circumstances of his son's death. - The Coroner asked MRS TUCKER whether she wished to add to or alter the statement she had previously made (which did not materially differ from the other witnesses); she said "No," and he then requested her to sign it. She did so without the least hesitation, or betraying the slightest symptoms of agitation. - The Coroner now asked if anyone present had any evidence to give in reference to the subject matter of the Inquiry, but received no reply. He then adjourned the Court for some time, and on its reassembling proceeded to sum up the evidence; and, in conclusion, observed that the case was a very serious one, two of their fellow-creatures had come to their deaths by violent means, and he had no doubt they would give the matter every consideration in their power. They would now be left alone to consider their verdict, and if they should find that they had need of his assistance, he should be most ready to render it. - The Court was then cleared and the Jury were left in deliberation. They consulted for about an hour and a half, during the latter part of which time the coroner was in the room with them. At a quarter past seven the doors were opened and the members of the Jury came out of the room and announced to the parties outside that they had adjourned for half an hour, and it was understood that the result of their deliberations had been communicated by them to the Coroner. Great curiosity was expressed to know what the decision of the Jury really was, but all doubt upon the subject was soon removed, for it was evident from the proceedings of the Coroner, that the verdict was one of Wilful Murder against MARY ANN TUCKER, (as stated in our last). The verdict occasioned great surprise among those who had heard the evidence, as a different result had been generally anticipated. - The prisoner's conduct was but little altered by a knowledge of the perilous situation in which the verdict of the Jury had placed her. She maintained to the last that calmness and indifference of manner which had been remarked by everyone who had attended the Inquest and expressed her consciousness of her own innocence and her confidence that the result of the trial would be, her full acquittal of the horrible crime imputed to her. - Her arrival at the Devon County Gaol, and demeanour on being conducted to the place of confinement, were noticed by us last week.#

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 December 1840
EXETER ST SIDWELL - Distressing Suicide. - An Inquest was held at the Red Lion Inn, St Sidwell's on Tuesday afternoon, before Samuel Hobson Warren, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of PETER COLLINS, journeyman coachmaker, who was found with his throat cut, in a field on Monday evening. The deceased was a respectable man, and has left a wife and several children, the former being absent on some business at the time when this melancholy event occurred. - The Jury having proceeded to view the body, the following witnesses were examined. - John Berry. - I reside at Lion's Holt; I am a cow-keeper; I occupy a little field adjoining the Whipping-field, near Stoke-hill gate in St. Sidwell parish, where I found the man; I was there just before six o'clock on Monday evening to give the cows meat, having taken a bundle of straw; there were two dogs with me; my attention was not attracted by anything then; the dogs were barking and the big dog was very savage; I went into the adjoining field belonging to Mr Stoneman, and there I saw the man by the rick; the big dog was barking at the man, and it was in consequence of the dog's barking that I was induced t go over the hedge into the other field; I saw there was a man there and I went back and gave my bullocks the straw; the little dog would not come away, but remained there barking; I thought first that I would go home, but then I had a mind to tell Mr Vicary of it, and I did so; he was milking in an adjoining field. The man was sitting on his breech, underneath and close to the rick, on the west side; I did not speak to the man, nor did he speak to me; he did not move; I did not touch the man; Vicary and I came back into the field to the rick; then I went and took the man by the arm, and said - "My friend, what are you drunk or asleep?" He made no answer. Robert Vicary came the other side, and we then lifted him up, when I said, "I believe the man is dead." On my putting my hand to the collar of his coat, |I felt that it was wet; then Vicary came and lifted him the other side, and said, "Come, stand up my friend." Then Vicary said, "The man has cut his throat, or some one has done it for him." It was so dark that we could not see the colour of the blood, but Vicary felt the wet also, and then he spoke the words; the man's face was cold, but he was warm about his neck, and his hands were cold; the deceased did not speak or move; he was, as I believe, dead. We then left him and I came away to Mr Stoneman's, and gave information of what I had seen; I then went to Mr Lisson's, and he sent for the Policeman. I did not know the deceased; I went to the field this morning, but did not find anything; I have since observed blood there, at three places at the end, and also in the centre of the rick where I found the man. The ground does not appear as if there had been more than one person there. - Joseph Stoneman, cow-keeper. - I occupy a field near the Whipping field. I have a hay-rick there; I was there yesterday, after the news came that a man had cut his throat; I took a man with me, named John Aveyford, and we had a lanthorn; the man went into the field first, and there were two other men with us, for I did not like to go into the field alone; I saw a man sitting on his breech, and he was dead; I have no doubt that he was dead. The man was brought from the field to the Red Lion Inn, by some men, who, I believe, had been his mates, or had worked with him. I did not know the deceased personally, although I had served his house with goods every day; the family appeared to be very respectable and they always treated me as such. I did not search for any instrument. - Charles Moody. - I have nothing with me at present, I found a razor this morning and gave it to Mr Land, Surgeon; he wished very much that someone should search for it last night, but no one went, and I went this morning. Mr Land kept the razor. I went and told Mr Land that as I found the razor, I thought I should have to produce it and he said, if the Coroner would give a note to request it, he would send the razor. I found the razor about a quarter before eight o'clock this morning, in the field; a young man named George Haywood went with me; I searched the rick first, and could not find it; but just on the wood that is put to keep the wet from the bottom of the rick I found the razor; it was closed, and I opened it, there was congealed blood right through the blade; there was no blood where I found the razor, but there was blood on both sides. I observed blood as large as the pull of my hat on coming over the hedge; it was but a short distance from where I found the razor; I have not seen the razor since I gave it to Mr Land; the razor appeared as if it had been thrown away and not put there for concealment. - Wm. Land, Esq., Surgeon. - I know the last witness, Mr Moody; I received a razor from him this morning, between the hours of eight and nine; this is the razor which I now produce [produced the razor.] I know nothing to the contrary but that the razor is now in the same state as when I received it. - Mr Moody, recalled. - I have seen this razor before; it is the razor I found at the hay-rick; it is the same as I delivered to Mr Land; it is, to all appearance, in the same state. - [The razor was examined by the Jurors: There was congealed blood upon the blade of it.] - JOHN COLLINS, son of the deceased, aged 13. - PETER COLLINS was my father; I last saw him alone on Sunday morning, about half-past seven; I saw him in the bedroom, having slept with him; I did not see him afterwards; I have only slept with him about a fortnight, since mother has been to Plymouth; my father was a coachmaker, in the employ of Mr Franklin; he was so up to Saturday night, and had been employed there for fifteen or sixteen months; he has been in the constant employ of Mr Franklin for that time; my mother went to Plymouth about a little property there, to which great damage was done by the high wind; she went down to put it in repair; my father and mother lived happily together; they parted on good terms; there has been a letter from my mother since she has been away, to say that she was very ill; the letter was directed to my father; I have read the letter and mother states that she was very ill, and could not come home on Saturday, as she expected; I know the nature of my mother's illness; the last week father has been in a very bad state of health; his appetite has been bad, so that he has hardly ate anything; he has not been attended by any medical man; I observed that whenever you spoke to him, he would not answer you, but would stand and look at you; and I was obliged to ask him three or four times before he would speak; I have observed an alteration in his manner since mother went away; when mother was home he was cheerful, but since she went away he would come home and take his pipe, and not speak to any of us; he was very much altered indeed; he would sit and smoke his pipe, and looked quite out of his mind; I have not been told to say this, but it is from my own observation; I do not know anything of my father's circumstances; I had always plenty of food, and there was no scarcity; I saw him on Saturday evening, at five o'clock, and I was taking my tea; I asked if he would have his tea, and he said to me, "Go on." I never spoke to him afterwards; he appeared to be very dull in spirits; I slept with him that night, but did not speak to him; I do not know when he went to bed; I went to bed at eleven, and he was then in bed; I was awoke by father two or three times during the night; he would roll about the bed, being very restless, and he got out two or three times, and went to the table; I did not say anything to him; my sister asked him what was the matter? He said, "Go to sleep;" I have three sisters, who slept in the same room. My sister said she heard father say, on going to bed, "O my God, what shall I do!" He got up about four o'clock on Sunday morning; he usually got up about seven; he went down stairs, brought up the tinder-box, and struck a light; he brought his pipe in his hand, which he lighted, and came into bed and smoked it; I never knew him do such thing before; he remained in bed about twenty minutes or half an hour, and then went downstairs with his pipe; he afterwards came back to bed, having put out the light; he got up for the day, about seven o'clock, and I remained in bed till half-past nine; I have not seen him since. My father is fond of birds; he had four; my sister took care of those birds, but not always; she only took care of them for the last fortnight; father used to get up on Sunday mornings to clean them and feed them; he has ceased to take any notice of them for the last week; he shaved on Saturday at dinner-time, but he did not shave on Sunday morning; he used to shave himself; he had three razors of his own; I have searched for his razors at home, and have found two; there was one a tortoiseshell handle and two white handles; the tortoiseshell one is missing; the razors were kept in a bag, one being in a leather case, and the others in a wooden case, with a parting. - [The witness produced the bag, with the white-handled razors, and the case in which the tortoiseshell one was usually kept.] - The boy was requested to withdraw; and, Mr Treble the Foreman of the Jury said, he hoped it would be unnecessary to show the boy the razor; in which feeling the other Jurors concurred; and the Coroner observed that, in consideration of the circumstances of the case, he would not press the production of the razor to the child, as it is, not likely that any ulterior consequences could arise. He would take a note that the razor answered the description given by the boy. - The witness was recalled and being further examined, the Coroner said his feeling was, what he believed the Jury would concur in, that the deceased came by his death by his own hand; he did not, therefore, consider it necessary to call further evidence upon that point, but direct their attention to the question of the state of mind in which the deceased was. - The Jury concurred; and - Joseph Luxmoore was then called. - I am a coachmaker, in the employ of Mr Franklin; I know the deceased; I was present and saw the body in this house; it is the body of PETER COLLINS; I have heard that his age is 46; I have known him for the last 15 years; I have worked with him for the last 15 or 16 months, since his return to Exeter; I was on particularly intimate terms with him, but not as to going to his house; I have had the means of forming a judgment as to his character; he was as honest and upright a man as ever lived; he was of a cheerful disposition, and apparently a happy man; I saw him on Saturday evening, on the occasion of my receiving our wages; that was the last time I saw him alive; I had been at work with him that day; he was far different on Saturday, and for four or five days, than he used to be; I have observed a very great alteration in him. He was generally of a cheerful disposition, and would always answer readily when a joke or a word was passed: But for the last few days he would hardly give an answer when spoken to; about last Monday week I heard that his wife was gone to Plymouth, and that she was taken ill; I mentioned it to him and he said, "She is very ill, I am sorry to say, and I believe I am the most unlucky man in the world." He told me that the roof and chimney of his house at Plymouth were blown down and that his wife was gone there to superintend the repairs, when she had been taken ill; he said the place had cost him £30 or £40 and had been more injury to them than good. After that I remarked a great difference in him; he was much changed; at times when the man next to me was away, I have heard him sigh frequently; I have heard him in that state as many as a hundred times; I never knew him so before; He appeared to me to be much distressed in mind, but I did not ask him as to the circumstances; I have heard that his wife's illness was through a miscarriage, it being the seventh child dead born; his wife's illness has been very severe, and very expensive on such occasions. His children applied to me on Sunday and I sent every where to find him and when I learnt that he could not be found, my heart misgave me, and I was not surprised when I heard what had occurred. He was a regular man in his habits, temperate and sober, and a good workman: He lived happily with his wife and was very fond of her; I believe her illness was such that it affected his mind. - The Coroner then summed up and the Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict. - "That the deceased destroyed himself, being at the time labouring under Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 19 December 1840
DARTMOUTH - Suicide By A Little Boy. - A child about ten years old, named JOHN THOMAS HILL, was found hanging to the branch of a tree, in the road, leading to Townstall Church, Dartmouth, within but a few minutes walk of his home, on the 9th instant, and when taken down was quite dead. An Inquest was held on the body before Mr R. Anthony, Coroner for Dartmouth, when it appeared the poor little fellow had up to that time been a most obedient and dutiful child; but within a short time, from his schoolmaster's evidence, had been rather inattentive in coming to school. He had of late often remarked that he was unfairly treated which it is supposed, preyed on his mind and was the cause of his destroying himself. On the morning of the say on which he committed the fatal deed, he had been absent from school by his mother's permission, and had been a few miles in the country with another lad, who deposed at the Inquest that he noticed that the deceased was much less talkative than usual. After coming home with this boy, he dined with the family as usual, and after dinner washed his face and hands, and cutting the rope, from a pair of "slings" used to carry milk-pails, took it with him! His mother supposed he was going to school, but alas! it was the last time that she was destined to see him alive. He must have gone immediately and committed the rash act. The opinion of the Jury was that he did it whilst labouring under a fit of Temporary Insanity.

TEIGNMOUTH - The hull and materials belonging to the brig Howard, Bartlett, from Miramichi, wrecked on our beach during the late heavy gales, have been sold by public auction. The cargo is discharging and placed in security, under the care of Mr Maxton, Principal Officer of H.M. Customs, and his men, and hopes are entertained of saving the whole of the cargo, although very much injured; for the disposal of which a survey will be held. The unfortunate man who was drowned from this vessel, in endeavouring to get on shore, was called WILLIAM COUCH, of Southmolton; his body has since been picked up at Holyhead and an Inquest held thereon. His remains have been buried by his friends.

PLYMOUTH - Manslaughter. - William Mallett, aged about 17, who appeared to be much bruised, was brought before the Magistrates at the Guildhall, on Friday, charged with killing a lad named BROCK, the son of a man who was formerly a pork butcher, residing in Old Town-street. From the evidence given, it appeared that the deceased and prisoner, who were companions, had quarrelled about a book, which the prisoner lent to a young female, which book she gave to her brother, who had taken it to sea with him; and on the prisoner asking her for it, she told him she had given it to BROCK. The prisoner then asked BROCK for the book and he led him to believe he had it, and said he had lent it and should not return it. Some words ensued and the deceased threatened Mallett with a thrashing and challenged him to fight; but he refused and left him. Challenges were afterwards sent to the prisoner, but he declined them. They met, however, in a field, near the Hoe , and the result was, after fighting for nearly an hour, BROCK was taken home insensible, surgical assistance was procured, but he expired at twelve o'clock. An Inquest was held on the body and it appeared from the evidence that the fight occupied more than an hour, no unfairness on the part of the accused being alleged. The Jury after a patient and deliberate investigation, and three adjournments, occupying upwards of 15 hours, found William Mallett as principal and William Line and James Cole as seconds, guilty of manslaughter but wished to recommend them to the mercy of the Court.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 December 1840
IVYBRIDGE - Death From Machinery. - An Inquest was held on Friday morning last at Ivybridge, by A. B. Bone, Esq., County Coroner, on the body of a miller named HORSEWILL, who came by his death in the following manner. He was employed in the Union Mills at that place, and on the day preceding, as he was leaning over the wheel of the Higher Mill to ascertain what caused the flour machine to make more noise than usual, his smock frock was caught by the machinery, by which he was immediately drawn within the wheel, and whirled round with such frightful velocity, that coming in contact with the other parts, his legs were instantly torn from his body at the knees, and his head literally shattered in pieces - portions of his brains being scattered over the mill floor. The machinery was stopped as soon as possible, and the remnants of the poor fellow were removed. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, with a nominal deodand on the wheel.

BARNSTAPLE - Melancholy Death By Burning. - On Monday night last, a poor labourer, named HEWETT, of Westdown, who had been at the Ship Inn, in Barnstaple, in the course of the evening, left the house and proceeded to the lime kiln, in the Square, where he was found on the following morning in a most deplorable state; one of his legs, his arm and his face, being completely burnt to a cinder. He was recognised by his wearing a boot and a shoe. A Coroner's Inquest was held on his remains and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.