Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1849-50

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:-  Allen; Allin; Ambrose; Bale; Banks; Bartlett; Beer; Berry; Billings; Bingham; Bird; Board; Bolt; Boolds; Branton; Brent; Bridge; Bulley; Bunker; Burroughs; Cann; Challice; Channing; Chichester; Clarke; Clements; Coark; Cockram; Collop; Connett; Coombes; Copplestone; Currie; Day; Denham; Dennis; Densham; Duffy; Earle; Ebbles; Ellacott; Elliott; Ellis(2); Finch; Fowler; Gill; Godfrey; Graves; Groote; Hamlin; Harding; Hayne; Heath; Hele; Hexter; Hill(2); Hobbs; Hoskins; Howard; Howse; Huxtable; Isaac; Jarvis; Jewell; Johns; Jones(3); Jordan; Kenton; Lambert; Lea; Leach; Lee; Levi; Lillycrap; Lock; Long; Lyne; Marks; Marshall; Matthew; Matthews; Measor; Milman; Moore; Muxworthy; Newbery; Nott; Nutt; Parkin; Paul; Peagum; Pepperell; Pile; Purchase; Richards(2); Ridgway; Rogers; Rowden; Rudd; Salter(2); Sanders; Scott; Seward; Shepcott; Skinner; Slocombe; Smeath; Snook; Soper; Stabb; Staddon; Statt; Sweetland; Sydenham; Taylor; Thorne; Trist; Tucker; Tuplin; Turner; Wannell; Ware; Webber; Wedlock; West; Western; Williams(2); Willis; Wills; Wood.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 January 1849
TAVISTOCK - Fatal Omnibus Accident. - On Saturday, an Inquest was held by A. B. Bone, Esq., at the Board Room of the Union House, Tavistock, on the body of JOHN HEATH, the late Governor. He was returning from Cornwall on the 7th of November, via Plymouth, from which place he came by the Standard Omnibus as far as the Rock on Roborough Down, where the tyre of the off fore wheel broke in two parts and the wheel gave way, the vehicle was over-turned, and the deceased being an outside passenger fell under it and fractured his right thigh. He appeared to do well up to Wednesday last week, when amputation of the limb was considered necessary by his medical attendant, (R. Sleman, Esq.) by whom the operation was performed in the presence of other medical men, but he died the same evening. Evidence was adduced at the Inquest wholly exculpating the driver of the omnibus and attributing the accident solely to the breaking of the tyre. The coach-builder having been examined, proved that the wheel had only been built about 7 months and was capable of being worked. The Jury unanimously returned a verdict of Accidental Death. The deceased was about 54 years of age, and was deservedly esteemed and respected by the inmates and guardians; having held the office of Governor for many years past, his loss will be sincerely felt. Mr R. Robins, Attorney of Tavistock, watched the proceedings on the part of Mrs Down, the proprietor of the omnibus, and her son, Archilaus Down, the driver.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 January 1849
EXETER - Another Death From Burning. - On Saturday, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, an Inquest was taken before John Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MARY JANE LYNE, aged 5 years, who had died in the Hospital on the preceding Thursday. From the evidence it appeared that the deceased having been left on the 28th of December by her mother, with three younger children, in a room with a fire, by some means not explained, ignited her clothes, and her screams attracting the neighbours, she was found to be severely burnt and was immediately removed to the Hospital, where she died, as has been stated. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Death Of A Prisoner. - On Monday, an Inquest was held at the Bull Inn, Goldsmith Street, before John Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN THORNE, a vagrant undergoing sentence in the city gaol, and who was found dead in his cell on Sunday morning. He had been committed for a month's hard labour. On Saturday he appeared in his ordinary state of health, but he had had a fit of apoplexy some time ago. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 January 1849
NORTHAM - Fatal Accident. - On Monday, the 15th inst., a very afflicting circumstance occurred in the family of MR JOHN O. TUPLIN, of the Swan Inn, in this place. In the father's absence, his son, a lad about 14 years of age, loaded a gun for the purpose of killing some birds in the garden, and several times attempted to discharge it without success. He then returned to his home and on seeing his little sister, JANE TUPLIN, a girl about 9 years of age, he pointed the gun at her, believing, it is imagined, that it would have had no effect; he pulled the trigger, and melancholy to relate, the whole charge entered the child's head, which caused immediate death. The mother was in the room at the time and her feelings may be better imagined than described. An Inquest was held on the body on the following day, and the incident being considered accidental, a verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 January 1849
HALBERTON - Extraordinary Suicide. - At Curham, in this Parish, occupied by Messrs. Abraham and John Passmore, one of those lamentable cases in which persons of great age and irreproachable character are permitted to fall from the high standing to which their previous good character had fully entitled them, occurred on Saturday. JOHN BRIDGE, aged 83 years, after a long life of extreme industry and faithfulness, destroyed himself by cutting his throat with a pocket-knife. On Monday a Jury of 13 of the most respectable yeomen of Halberton were assembled before the Coroner, Mr Frederick Leigh, to Enquire into the circumstances attending this melancholy case. The deceased had for some days suffered from a bodily complaint, accompanied at times with mental aberration. He fancied he herd persons talking of him disparagingly down stairs, who were not in fact in the house and that another person was coming against him as a witness, who also was not on the premises. On Saturday he committed the above dreadful act, about 3 o'clock in the morning, as well as could be made out from very imperfect communications with him afterwards, and from other circumstances. Mr Caines, Surgeon, if Uffculme, was sent for immediately, but it was too late; what little could be done for him was done, and the poor old man was nursed with utmost care until between 2 and 3 o'clock on Sunday morning, when he expired. The deceased had been an honest, trustworthy servant, and was much liked by his masters and their family, and all the neighbours who knew him. He had lived 26 years in their service and 27 years in a former one. In fact he had lived in four places only in his long life, commencing with a parish apprenticeship for 14 years. Messrs. Passmore felt it to be their duty to take great care of the old man, in return for his long and faithful services, although not always accompanied by actual hard labour. The Jury unanimously came to the verdict that the deceased had destroyed himself whilst in a state of "Unsound Mind, Memory and Understanding."

GREAT TORRINGTON - On Friday an Inquest was held before Mr Toller, Esq., Deputy Coroner for this District, at the Union House, on the body of JOHN BIRD, the illegitimate infant of a person of that name, the child having been removed into the House but a few days before in a very precarious state from the want of food. The evidence submitted to the Jury exposed an afflicting case of the privation and want which the wretched mother and her child had undergone. An examination of the body was made by R. B. Rouse, Esq., Surgeon, who gave it as his opinion that the immediate cause of death was congestion of the brain, no doubt brought on from want of food. A verdict of "Died from Congestion of the Brain," was returned. Since the Inquest the mother has also died.

HONITON - On Tuesday an Inquest was held at the London Inn, before R. H. Aberdein, Esq., Coroner, on the body of HUGH SYDENHAM, aged 93. A short time since, whilst passing in the High-street, a large door fell on him and knocked him down, and the injuries he received were, no doubt, the cause of death. Verdict, Accidental Death.

PLYMOUTH - Death By Drowning. - On Tuesday, the body of the late MR JAMES MARSHALL, gunner, of H.M.S. Cerberus, in this harbour, who was missed from the deck of that vessel during a tempestuous night about four or five weeks since, was found floating near the Ferry Beach, Morice Town. It was brought on shore much mutilated and disfigured. An Inquest was held before Major Herring, the Coroner of Saltash, and a verdict returned of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 February 1849
ILMINSTER, SOMERSET - Suicide. - On Monday afternoon, an Inquest was held at the Five Dials, on Broadway Hill, in this parish, by W. W. Munckton, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of FRANCIS SAMSON, a native of Woodbury, Devon, aged 23 years, who, the previous Friday, was found suspended at his lodgings by a woman, who ran to the Constable, living a few doors from where he was found, and who, upon his arrival, immediately cut him down, but life had been extinct a considerable time. The Jury returned a verdict of Felo-de-se. The body was buried in our churchyard about 10 o'clock at night, without any obsequies.

EXETER - Another Death By Burning. - On Saturday an Inquest was taken before John Gidley, Esq., Deputy Coroner, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, on the body of ELIZABETH BERRY, about four years of age. The deceased was the daughter of JOHN BERRY, a fly driver, residing in Brunswick-place, Paris-street. On Thursday morning, the mother left home with her husband's breakfast, locking the door, and leaving this child and a little boy about two years old, in the room. While absent a woman residing in an upper room heard screeches and going down, saw through the window that the deceased's clothes were in a blaze. The door was burst open and the flames extinguished, but so serious had been the injury that the child, being taken to the Hospital, died on Friday morning. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 24 February 1849
EXETER - Death By Drowning. - On Friday an Inquest was held at the Paper Makers' Arms Inn, Exe-lane, before J. Gidley, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of JOHN TRIST, aged 11 years, the son of a hair-dresser, in Westgate. It appears that on the preceding day, the deceased's father, having missed a pen-knife, accused the boy with having taken it, which he denied. The father repeated the accusation, and peremptorily insisted that the article should be returned when the boy came home from school in the afternoon. The deceased ate his dinner and subsequently left the house with his younger brother, whom he sent to school, but did not go himself. In the evening he did not return and the parents were alarmed for his safety, but their inquiries were fruitless. The following morning, a youth named Martin, who was at work in the Head Weir foundry, on looking through the flooring, perceived something hanging to the grating in the water at the head of the mill-leat; he drew the attention of a man to it, and on being taken out it was found to be the body of the missing boy. From the position it was thought the deceased could not have been dead until he got to that part of the leat. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Accident. - On Monday, as a youth named JAMES PURCHASE, about 19 years of age, in the employment of Mr Thomas King, of the Shipwright's Arms, was in the act of saddling a horse at the street door, the animal suddenly turned round and kicked at the lad, - the blow was received on the chest and caused instantaneous death. A Coroner's Inquest was held on the following morning and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

BUCKLAND BREWER - Suspected Infanticide. - An Inquest was held at Buckland Brewer on Friday, before J. H. Toller, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of an infant male child, which had been found concealed in an ash-house on the premises of Mr John Norman, yeoman, of the above parish. Mr Turner, Surgeon, of Bideford, who examined the body, was of opinion that the child had breathed and that death had ensued from congestion of the brain, produced by some external violence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died from Congestion of the Brain, but how produced there was no evidence to Shew." - On Saturday, MARY PARKIN, a servant in the employ of Mr John Norman, was brought before the Rev. P. Glubb and Sir Trevor Wheler, Bart., on suspicion of being the mother of the child referred to, and of having concealed it in the ash-house, where it was found by Mr Norman, her master. It appears the girl was suspected of being in the family-way, but strongly denied it, until she confessed to Miss Norman that she had been delivered of a child. After hearing the evidence of the witnesses, the prisoner, who said nothing in her defence, was committed for trial at the Assizes.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 March 1849
EXETER - Sudden Death. - On Friday last, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, an Inquest was held before J. Gidley, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of HUGH DUFFY, an itinerant vendor of brushes, who died on the preceding day, in the Hospital. It appeared that soon after 10 o'clock on Wednesday morning, DUFFY was found, having fallen down in the road, near the Artillery Barracks on the Topsham-road. He was insensible and did not speak after he was picked up. The Jury returned a verdict of Died from Apoplexy.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 April 1849
TORQUAY - Melancholy Accident. - A lamentable catastrophe occurred here on Tuesday night, by which two persons met with an untimely death in the following manner. - It appears that CHARLES DENSHAM and his wife lived in Melville-street, and they were in a wash-house adjoining the premises; the latter it is supposed was at work at the time, and the former, it is conjectured, was reading a newspaper to her. At the back of this wash-house was a high wall, which was in a very insecure state, and about 11 o'clock it fell down and buried all beneath it. Several of the neighbours heard the crash, and one of them proceeding to the spot discovered the cause of the accident, but did not hear any groans, and was not aware that anyone occupied the wash-house at the time. But early the next morning the bodies were found under the ruins quite dead, the man still retaining his hold of the newspaper, appeared as if he had died quickly; his wife, however, from the body being still warm, probably lingered some time. The deceased had no family; but the melancholy event has caused much sensation throughout the town. The Coroner's Jury returned a verdict to the effect that their deaths were caused by the falling of the wall and that the proprietors of the same ought to be reprimanded.

HONITON - On Monday an Inquest was held at the Star Inn, in this town, by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the body of a child, named CONNETT, who died the previous Saturday from the effects of a quantity of boiling coffee falling on her, whilst sitting in front of the fire about a month since. As there appeared n doubts on the minds of the Jury, a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

EXMINSTER - Self-Destruction By A Madman. - On Tuesday, an Inquest was held at the Devon County Pauper Lunatic Asylum, at Exminster, near the city, before Frederick Leigh, Esq., Coroner, on the body of one of the patients, named CHARLES PILE, aged 34 years, who had committed suicide on the preceding day. From the evidence it appeared that on Monday, about two o'clock, shortly after the patients had dined, the deceased was found in the general washing room of the ward, dead, having hanged himself by his neckerchief to the bracket of the roller of the towel-runner. A door of the room was open at the time, during which the deceased must have perpetrated the fatal deed, and one of the attendants was within ten yards of the spot, taking his dinner; the second attendant was in the day room with the other patients. The Jury returned a verdict that Death had been caused by the deceased's own act, whilst labouring under Insanity. At the same time they exonerated all in the establishment from blame.

EXETER - Fatal Accident. - On Friday last, an Inquest was held at the George and Dragon Inn, in St Sidwell's, before John Gidley, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of CHARLOTTE CHANNING, a young woman who had been married on the preceding Monday. On Thursday she was going towards Heavitree to meet her husband, when her leg was struck by a wheel-barrow which a boy was driving. She appeared to take no notice of the circumstance, but continued her walk and met her husband. They were returning together, when, near Belmont Place, the young woman became exhausted and sank down upon her knees, and a stream of blood was observed to issue from her leg, which had been injured. A surgeon was sent for and Mr S. S. Perkins promptly attended, but the deceased expired almost immediately from the effects of the haemorrhage. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." We have heard that whilst the deceased was in a state of exhaustion, application was made for her temporary admission into one of the houses in Belmont Place, but that it was refused. We cannot believe this statement to be true.

EXETER - Death By Fire. - On Saturday an Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, before John Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a girl, five years old, named HARRIET ANN SMEATH, who had died in the Hospital on Friday, from the effects of fire. From the evidence it appeared that the father of the deceased was a servant of the Rev. Dr Collyns, of Farringdon. On Thursday he burnt some materials which he had cut on the lawn, and after waiting until he was consumed, he went to another part of the field, leaving the deceased and a number of other children collected around the embers. Shortly afterwards he turned round, when he perceived his daughter's clothes in flames. He ran back and rolling her about on the ground, extinguished the fire, and in so doing burnt his hands frightfully. The deceased was conveyed to the Hospital, and there attended by Mr Edye, but did not survive the following day. The Jury found a verdict of Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 June 1849
EAST STONEHOUSE - Suffocation From Drunkenness. - On Saturday, at East Stonehouse, an Inquest was held on the body of WILLIAM LAMBERT, who was found on the preceding Thursday lying on the deck of the Grecian sloop, in Hamoaze, near to the Dock-yard, in a state of insensibility, and died a few minutes afterwards from Asphyxia produced by excessive drinking.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 23 June 1849
EXETER - Death From Burns. - On Monday, an Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MARY MATTHEW, aged 70, who had died in the Hospital that morning. From the evidence it appeared that the deceased, who was subject to paralytic fits, was the wife of a gardener living at Whipton, in Heavitree. On Saturday morning, about half-past eight, she was left alone in the kitchen beside the fire, finishing her breakfast. At ten o'clock she was found lying upon the floor, close to the grate, her right arm and shoulder being much burnt, as also her right side down to the hip. She was conveyed to the Hospital in a state of insensibility, but all that medical skill could do was without avail. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

SOUTH MOLTON - On Friday an Inquest was held on the body of ELIZABETH PEAGUM, an infant in the Southmolton Union Workhouse. From the evidence it appeared that in the evening the child was well, but on the following morning was found dead, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly, there being no marks or other indication on the body to lead them to suspect the death was caused by any unnatural means.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held on Monday before A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, on the body of SAMUEL COLLOP, an ordinary seaman on board H.M.S. Castor, who fell from the spanker gaft to the deck of the ship about a height of 40 feet, on Monday afternoon. He died almost immediately. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 July 1849
NEWTON ST CYRES - Manslaughter. - Yesterday (Thursday) William Luxton, a boy twelve years of age, was brought to the Devon County Gaol, to await his trial at the next Assizes, for the Manslaughter of another boy, named JOHN COCKRAM, at Newton St Cyres on Sunday. It appeared that the boys had quarrelled and Luxton gave the other a kick in the abdomen which caused death. An Inquest was held on the body by F. Leigh, Esq., Coroner.

EXETER - Fatal Carelessness - Yesterday (Thursday) an adjourned Inquest was held at the Turk's Head Inn, in this City, before J. Warren, Esq., on the body of GEORGE HAYNE, whose death occurred on Monday at his lodgings in Waterbeer-street. The circumstances of the case are these. A female named Mary Ann Wood, and a young man named Robert Vaughan, applied on Wednesday, last week, to a person named Gough, living in Sun-lane, to hire a furnished apartment in her house. They represented themselves as man and wife, and the young woman stated that her husband was in Mr Tanner's employ, but that he was in the habit of going to haymaking after he left work, and therefore would be home late. On leaving the house, however, the unmarried couple went to Alphington fair, which was holden the same day. There they met with an acquaintance named GEORGE HAYNE, the deceased. The young woman and Vaughan left the fair at about three o'clock on Thursday morning and then took possession of the new lodgings at Mrs Gough's. Here they remained. In the course of Thursday, HAYNE came to see them. In the hurry of clearing the room, on Wednesday, for the new lodgers, Mrs Gough had forgotten to remove a bottle containing about a pint of French brandy, in which an ounce of the caustic root called Meadow saffron or colchicum had been steeping for a year. This mixture, which had been placed in the empty room, whilst the house was painting, and was then forgotten, was used by Mr Gough, as a specific for rheumatic gout, with which he was occasionally troubled, but the utmost he took at a time was half a teaspoonful or about 30 drops. This bottle having been discovered by Vaughan, HAYNE, and the woman, they proceeded, with great impropriety, to appropriate the contents. The woman drunk a tea-cup full and thought, as it had a bitter taste, that it was brandy and bitters. The rest of the contents was quickly dispatched between HAYNE and Vaughan. Vaughan was immediately taken ill and HAYNE, after remaining two or three hours, complained of sickness and staggered home to his lodgings, and was attended by Mr A. Cumming, Surgeon; but died on Monday. Vaughan was removed by his father to his own house on Saturday, and now lies dangerously ill. The girl also experienced some sickness. Several lies, however, appeared to have been told by different witnesses. the girl had stated at first that the bottle had been given her by her mother; this she admitted before the Coroner to have been untrue, but she stated as her reason for saying so that she was so frightened she did not know what to do. The father of Vaughan also had stated first that he did not see his son from Wednesday until Saturday; but he subsequently contradicted this, and said he removed his son from Gough's house on Friday. This the girl contradicted. But there appeared no reason to suppose that foul play had been intended; and after a patient hearing of all the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 July 1849
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident. - On Friday morning, bout half-pat nine o'clock, three boys, about three or four years of age, left their homes to play at Upton; about eleven o'clock one of the boys, named Hill, came back and told his parents that one of his companions, WALTER BUNKER, had fallen in the water; the child took its mother to a well, on the Teignmouth road, about 18 feet deep, belonging to Mr A. Jacobs, where she discovered some flowers floating. Some time afterwards the child was taken from the well by means of the drags from the Custom-house, and it is supposed he was in the water three hours. A Coroner's Inquest was held on Saturday last, at the Globe Inn, Tor, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., Coroner, when a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, with a censure upon Mr Jacobs for leaving the well unprotected.

EXETER - Death By Drowning. - On Sunday afternoon, a young man named EMANUEL ELLIOTT, an under ostler at the Globe Hotel, left his brother to bathe, at a place called Ducks' Bridge, below Salmon Pool, and was found three hours afterwards drowned. - An Inquest was held on Monday when the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BROADHEMBURY - On Friday morning, a woman named ELIZABETH SWEETLAND was discovered to have hanged herself at Kerswell, near this village. It is supposed that a woman pretending to be a conjuror or fortune-teller imposed a story upon her as her "fortune" which preyed upon her mind. On Saturday an Inquest was held before R. H. Aberdein, Esq., when the Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

BIDEFORD - Accident. - As some gentlemen were fishing on Friday, near the Iron Bridge, their attention was called to something near, and one of them went in and found it to be the body of ELIZABETH JEWELL, of Bideford. It was thought she went on the bank to pick some wormwood, growing there, and slipped down the mud into the water. An Inquest was held by J. Pridham, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict returned of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 July 1849
DAWLISH - Melancholy Occurrence. - On Saturday, MR J. CHICHESTER of the Teignmouth Inn, in this town, and formerly waiter at the New London Inn, Exeter, left his home for the purpose of bathing near the rocks. It is supposed that the breakers being too strong for him, he attempted to stand against the rocks, as he was discovered about a quarter of an hour afterwards by two men near him, rolling amongst the breakers. He was taken ashore, and conveyed home and every means used to restore animation, but without effect, as life was just extinct. An Inquest was held on the body before G. Cockey, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict returned of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 July 1849
EXETER - Sudden Death. - Yesterday (Thursday) a Jewess, named LEAH LEVI, about 60 years of age, fell down in her apartment and expired. This day (Friday) an Inquest was held at the King Alfred Inn, before J. Warren, Esq., and a verdict of "Natural Death" returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 August 1849
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Tuesday, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, on the body of JOHN JORDAN, a lad about twelve years of age. It appeared that he was in the employ of Mr Sparks, and worked in a mill, in St Sidwell's, used for grinding clay to make tiles. He happened to get his hand between the mill and the frame-work, where it was horribly crushed, and it was not without great difficulty that the mangled member could be dislodged. The poor little fellow was immediately taken to the Hospital, and under the attention of Mr Harris he at first seemed to improve, but on Monday night he began to grow worse, and about one o'clock on the following morning Mr Harris was called to see him, but when he arrived he found life was extinct, locked-jaw having taken place. - Verdict - Death from Accident.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 August 1849
EXETER - Death Of An Adult From Croup. - Yesterday (Thursday) an Inquest was held at the King's Arms in West-street, on the body of JOSEPH WOOD, who had died that morning, at Dunn's lodging-house, from croup. The deceased, who is said to be worth property to the amount of £300, came to the lodging-house on Monday and complained then of illness. On Wednesday night, being worse, he took a dose of castor-oil, but continuing very ill, Mr Kemp, Surgeon, was called at two o'clock in the morning and promptly came. He immediately returned home for some instruments to operate upon the windpipe of the deceased, but on his return the man was in extremis and shortly expired. Mr Kempe stated that had he been called an hour earlier perhaps life would have been saved. Verdict, Death from Natural Causes.

TORQUAY - Melancholy Death Of An Illegitimate Child. - An Inquest was held on Monday, at the Globe Inn, Tor, before W. A. Cockey, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the infant child of CHARLOTTE GROOTE, servant to Mr P. Paige. It appeared from the evidence that the child was born without any assistance, in a plantation, where the mother and child were discovered. Mr Paul, Surgeon, gave it as his opinion from a post mortem examination that the child was born alive and died from want of proper care and attention. A verdict was returned accordingly.

BARNSTAPLE - Great sensation has been caused in this town on account of the death of MR SANDERS, tanner, who was taken ill on Friday morning, and died in the evening. An Inquest was held on the body the following day, when it was the opinion of the medical men present that the cause of death was Cholera and a verdict was returned accordingly. The deceased was interred on Sunday in the burying ground of St Mary Magdalen. This is the first case of Cholera we have had and, it is hoped, it may prove the last. Every precaution is being taken by the committee appointed by the Town Council under the 11 and 12 Vic., c.123, who have appointed the Superintendent of Police Inspector of Nuisances for the Borough. We understand considerable doubt exists in the minds of other practitioners in the town whether the above was a case of Cholera at all.

BARNSTAPLE - On Saturday an Inquest was held on the body of a boy, between eight and nine years of age, son of MR HOBBS, tailor, of this town, who was Accidentally Drowned whilst bathing in our river and a verdict returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 August 1849
TIVERTON - An Inquest was held on Tuesday before F. Mackenzie, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of a child named FRANCIS SALTER, of this town, whose death was caused by accidentally falling into the river Exe. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

TIVERTON - Accident. - On Wednesday an Inquest was held on the body of THOMAS WILLIAMS, better known by the name of HOSKINS, having cohabited with a woman of that name in the town, called "MOTHER HOSKINS," or the "White Witch," for a long series of years. It appeared that the evening previous he was returning to his home rather inebriated; on ascending towards Lowman Bridge, the North Devon mail was proceeding through Gold-street and he, incapable of taking care of himself, was knocked down by one of the leaders, both wheels passing over his body. He was cautioned to get out of the way three or four times, but it proved of no avail. He was taken home and expired in about two hours. No blame is attributed to Mr Westcombe, the coachman, being a very careful and steady driver. - Verdict - "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 September 1849
PLYMOUTH - On Friday afternoon a fatal accident occurred, by which the naval service has lost the life of a promising young officer. Five young men attached to the Impregnable, viz., her second master, two midshipmen, Mr Croke and Mr De Montezuma, and two naval cadets, Mr Brownrigg and the HON THOMAS EDWARD PAGET GRAVES, were on the water in a small hired skiff, 14 feet long, between the packet-brig Crane, Captain Parsons, and the Mount Edgcumbe shore, from which the boat was distant only 30 yards. Unfortunately the young men commenced rocking the boat, when the top weight carried her over; she filled and all fell overboard. Mr Croke, who could swim, seized Mr Brownrigg, took him on his back and kept him afloat until rescued in an exhausted state by a boat belonging to Mr Banks, ship-builder; the second-master and Mr De Montezuma clung to the skiff, from which they were taken by the Crane's boat. MR GRAVES sank and his body was not recovered until two hours after the accident, when it was instantly conveyed into the sick bay on board the Impregnable. All efforts, however, to procure resuscitation, proved ineffectual. Deceased was a fine lad, of about 14 years of age, son of LORD GRAVES, of Torpoint. Directly the accident was observed, two pinnaces and two other boats, left the guard-ship Impregnable and one left the Crane packet, having her commander and Mr Ball, Surgeon, in her. Several also put off from the shore among which was a boat under charge of Mr Banks and MR GEORGE GRAVES, which, in addition to saving the lives of Mr Croke and Mr Brownrigg, picked up the body of him whose career in life has thus been prematurely closed. An Inquest was held on Saturday before Major Herring, Mayor and ex officio Coroner of Saltash, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 September 1849
EXETER - Shocking Accident. - On Wednesday, an Inquest was held at the Red Cow Inn, St David's, on the body of HARRY WANNELL, the boots at the Star Inn, in this City, and who had been found in the river, near Exwick, drowned, that morning. It appears that the deceased was 19 years of age and had lived four years at the Star, where his character was irreproachable. On Thursday, last week, a commercial traveller, who was staying at the Star, gave him £45 in gold, in order to be changed for notes. The deceased did not return to the Star afterwards. The next place where he was seen was in company with a flyman, who drove him out to the Halfway House Inn, on the Cowley Bridge Road and thee partook of a glass of brandy and water at the deceased's expense. The deceased was very temperate and a little liquor made him altogether unable to control himself. As he appeared to be in liquor when at the Halfway House, it is probable that after he left the Star on the errand which we have named, he was tempted by some person unknown to drink and then temporarily lost his reason. From the Halfway House he ordered the flyman to drive him to the New Inn, at Cowley Bridge and here also the flyman had another glass of brandy and water. The conduct of the flyman appears highly culpable, as he must have known that there was something wrong. From the New Inn, the fly returned with the deceased to the Railway Inn, near the St. David's Station, and from thence back to the Halfway House. Here the deceased began to throw about his money and suspicion being excited in the minds of the people of the house, they very properly sent for the lad's mother. She came down in a fly; but upon seeing her the deceased fled in the direction of the Red Cow Village. Here he got over some rails into a paddock, whither he was followed by many persons. From the meadow he went upon the Railway line; and those behind, thinking that he was going to return that way to the Halfway House, gave up the pursuit. It is needless to say that he was not seen again alive. His hat was picked up in the river next Exwick on Friday; but the body was not discovered until Wednesday morning. The money was found upon the corpse, and there is no ground for imputing any dishonest intention on the part of the unfortunate young man. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

HONITON - An Inquest was held at the Golden Lion Inn, in this town, before R. H. Aberdein, Esq., Coroner, on the body of RICHARD SALTER, aged 19, who expired on Friday last from the effects of being wounded by a piece of heated iron, which was thrown at him by a man named Goss, a workman in the smith's shop of Mr Ward's coach manufactory, on the 25th ult. His disposition was taken by two of the Borough Magistrates, viz., Capt. Basleigh (Mayor) and J. H. Townsend, Esq., three or four days after the accident. Goss, who had been taken into custody, was present. It appeared, from the examination of the witnesses, that several who were in the ship, had been amusing themselves by throwing iron, bolts, tools, &c., at each other, when Goss took from the fire a rod of hot iron, of which he was about to make a holdfast, and pitched it at deceased, who was at the other end of the shop, a distance of 22 feet; the pointed iron entered the posterior part of the arm and making an incision in an upward direction, of four inches, opposite the first rib, separated the main artery and the nerve. The haemorrhage was so fast that before medical aid could be procured both his wrists were pulseless and even after reaction the pulse did not return to the injured arm. Two or three days previous to his death he was allowed to sit up, as he appeared much better, but on Friday last the bleeding returned, which he did not survive an hour. The Coroner, having gone through the evidence and explained to the Jury the legal nature of the case, they shortly returned a verdict of "Chance Medley." The Coroner, at the request of the Foreman, admonished the prisoner and his fellow-workmen against such practises in future, and hoped the melancholy event would be a lasting warning. Goss was committed to take his trial at the next Assizes, but was admitted to bail upon finding two sureties in £20 each and himself in £40.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 September 1849
EXETER - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, at the Poltimore Inn, in this City, on the body of a boy aged two years and a half, named FREDERICK CHARLES RUDD, who fell into a well fifty feet deep, the previous day, in Union Terrace, St Sidwells, through the boarding, which was in a defective state, giving way. The child was supposed to have been in the well many hours before the body was found. There were thirteen of the owners of property in the terrace present, eleven of whom offered to have the boarding repaired; but the other two, Messrs. Willey and Hewitt, refused. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," accompanied with an opinion that the boarding ought to be made safe. The refusal of a small minority of the house-owners in this terrace will surely not prevent the others from having the necessary work done.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 October 1849
EXETER - Another Death By Fire. - On Monday an Inquest was held by John Warren, Esq., at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, on the body of MARGARET HILL, nearly 75 years of age, who had died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital. The deceased had resided in the neighbourhood of Newton St Cyres and a fire taking place in a cottage in which her daughter dwelt, she went in, in order to get out a corner cupboard, when the roof fell in. She was extricated, and removed to the Hospital, where she received every attention, but sank under the injuries she had sustained. - Verdict, Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 October 1849
NEWTON POPPLEFORD - On Monday, an Inquest was held at the Canon Inn, Newton Poppleford, before H. Aberdein, Esq., on the body of HENRY COPPLESTONE, aged 48, who had been landlord of the Canon Inn upwards of 14 years. It appeared that he left his house about eleven o'clock, in a despondent state and was seen at noon. He was found drowned the same day in the river Otter, between Dotton Farm, and the Factory there. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 3 November 1849
STOKE DAMEREL - Singular Case. - A Coroner's Inquest was held on Thursday, at the Ferry House Inn, Morice Town, on the body of MARY ANN LEE, aged 34 years, the wife of a pensioner residing in a house on the Quay, at Morice Town, called the Pottery Quay. It appeared that on the 2nd inst., the deceased was returning to her home on the Pottery Quay, after having drunk rather freely, when she was overtaken by a master of a schooner then in the Canal, and his wife in company with the mate. The deceased said something to the Captain, which appeared to annoy him, and he put his hand against her breast, when she fell to the ground striking her head against a stone. The party then left her and deceased managed to raise herself from the ground and reached her home. Shortly after, a man named Jenner was passing her house and hearing the cries of murder, directed his attention whence the sounded proceeded and he discovered smoke issuing out of the door of deceased's house and on looking through the window saw a mass of flames; he opened the door and found that the deceased had caught herself on fire. He immediately brought her into the road and quickly put the fire out without the deceased receiving any serious injury, and he then took her into the house and left shortly after. The husband of the deceased was at Millbay at the time of the accident unloading a vessel. On returning about nine o'clock the following morning and finding his wife very unwell, he came to Devonport for a surgeon whom he implored to come and see his wife, but without success, as there did not appear ready means of payment. He was told to go to the parish surgeon, and was referred to Dr Barlow of Morice Town, who attended the deceased until Wednesday, when she died.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 November 1849
EXETER - Fatal Accident. - Early on Sunday morning, one of Mr Strong's carters, named COOMBES, having returned with a load of timber, went as usual to water his horses in the Exe, just below the bridge, a spot generally used for that purpose, when the front horse stepped into a gravel pit, throwing COOMBES over his head into the water and drawing in the other horse. He was taken out about half an hour afterwards when he was attended by Mr Lyddon, who found that life was extinct. Ratcliffe, Constable, was on the spot and rendered efficient assistance. Verdict on the Inquest, "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 24 November 1849
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - A woman named ANN SCOTT, aged 29, was found on Friday morning dead in a pool, near the Tavistock road, half-a-mile from this town. She had lived with her father, a widower, in Cross-street. She was subject to fits and it is supposed she stepped into the pool in the dark and from the shock was seized with a fit, and died there. An Inquest was held next day and a verdict of "Found Drowned" returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 December 1849
KINGSBRIDGE - An Inquest was held at the King's Arms Hotel, on Tuesday, touching the death of CLARA JARVIS, aged two years and six months. JOANNAH JARVIS, mother of the deceased, said she left her cottage in the back way about ten o'clock in the forenoon of Monday to fetch a pail of water and was absent about three or four minutes. She had left an infant in the cradle asleep and the deceased was seated in a washing tray, amusing herself with a fire-shovel. On her return she was horror-stricken at the sight, the kitchen was full of smoke, the child had got across to the fire and ignited her clothes, which had literally been burnt off from her body with the exception of her stays. The poor child, on the sight of her parent, raised her little arms in a supplicant manner and cried Mother! Mother! in a faint voice, but never spoke again. Mr F. D. Pearce, Surgeon, was soon in attendance, but from the extensive and severe nature of the injury the child died in about two hours. - A neighbour, who was drawn to the house by the screams of the mother, gave evidence of the condition in which she found the child within a few minutes of the accident. She spoke in high terms of the industrious habits, kindness and attention, as well as affectionate solicitude of the poor mother towards her family. - Mr Pearce, Surgeon, was about to be sworn, when Mr J. F. Bickford, the Foreman of the Jury, said, "It appears to me, sir, there is no occasion for any further evidence in this case; no one who has paid the least attention to the evidence already given can have a doubt on his mind as to the cause of death. The mother had unfortunately left her house for only a few minutes to fetch some water; in the interim the deceased, from some unfortunate and unexpected event, had got to the fire-place and ignited her dress, the dreadful result of which we have just seen, death was produced in the short space of two hours. Now the cost of Coroner's Inquests is a heavy item in the county expenditure, and I think it the especial duty of Jurymen, as well as Coroners to endeavour to curtail such expenses within the least possible limits. On a former occasion I had to complain of holding a certain Inquest as altogether unnecessary and uncalled for, and in that instance I had the unanimous consent of the whole Jury. In the present case I object to the fee, and the examination of the surgeon as uncalled for; and, as a matter of duty, I assure Mr Pearce that I am not actuated by any hostile feeling towards him as an individual. - Mr Pearce. - I don't think you are. - Mr Bickford - My only object is to protest against the too frequent custom of incurring useless expense in those courts of inquiry, or indeed from holding them at all, (on every slight and trivial occasion of natural death) unless there is an ostensible and obvious necessity. - The Deputy Coroner said, - I think the opinions of Mr Bickford are very just and legitimate. I can assure him and the Jury that I am averse to incurring any expenses but what are absolutely necessary; all costs at Coroner's Inquests are submitted to the investigation and scrutiny of the County Magistrates. In the present Inquiry I have not summoned Mr Pearce, he attended in his official capacity of Registrar of the district and if the Jury agree with the opinion of their Foreman, I shall not urge the necessity of his examination. - After some conversation between the Jury and the Deputy Coroner, the latter said, - I will call over the names of the Jurymen, seriatim; those who agree with the Foreman that there "is no occasion to examine the surgeon," will answer in the affirmative. - Carried unanimously, with the exception of Mr Prowse, who observed, "if you don't pay the doctors they won't attend these cases at all." - Foreman: No fear of that, when a guinea is in the way. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, occasioned by Severe Burns."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 December 1849
STOKE DAMEREL - Determined Suicide. - On Monday an Inquest was held at Devonport, on the body of WILLIAM CURRIE, aged 49, who had suffocated himself by the fumes of charcoal. It appeared that he had been twenty years in one employ as a glass-cutter, but was discharged about fifteen months ago, and had since earned a precarious subsistence by selling earthenware. He was a sober man, with five children, but was involved in difficulties, which he was afraid to meet. - The verdict was "Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 December 1849
HONITON - On Monday a Coroner's Inquest was held at the Anchor Inn, before R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the body of JOSEPH HOWSE, a pauper of the parish of Ottery St Mary, who was found in the river at the back of Mr Woodland's shop, the water having risen considerably from the heavy rain which had fallen the Friday before. - Verdict, "Found Drowned."

PILTON - An Inquest was held at Pilton, on Tuesday, before A. Drake ,Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of JANE HUXTABLE, aged 68, who was found dead in her bed. - Verdict, Natural Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 December 1849
BRAUNTON - An Inquest was held on Friday at Braunton, before R. Bremridge, Esq., Coroner, on the body of GEORGE ELLIS, aged four years, who was burnt to death, under the following circumstances. - It appeared that the deceased was left to the care of his sister, a girl 14 years of age, who, having occasion to go out for a short time, put the child out of the room, but by some means he got into it again; in less than ten minutes she returned and found the deceased lying by the hearth, dreadfully burnt. Assistance was immediately called, but death shortly terminated his sufferings. - It was stated that this was the second child which had been left to the charge of this girl and had been burnt to death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Sudden Death. - On Monday an Inquest was held at the Bishop Blaze Inn, in this City, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of EDWIN BARTLETT, aged 40, a porter on the quay, for which place he left his home about eight o'clock in the morning of the same day, but on arriving there he was seen to fall and before he could reach his home again he expired. The Jury returned a verdict of Natural Death.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - On Wednesday an Inquest was held by F. Leigh, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a young woman named LEACH, which was picked out of the river at Trew's Weir on Sunday last. The deceased disappeared from her father's residence about a fortnight ago and no tidings had been obtained of her. The body was much injured, but whether previously to being submersed there was no evidence to show and the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXETER - Sowton: A melancholy event occurred in this parish on Friday. GEORGE WILLIAMS, a groom in the service of J. Garratt, Esq., of Bishop's Court, was returning home on horseback, when, owing to some cause which is not satisfactorily explained, he was brought into collision with a thorn tree, and from the violence of the blow which he received on the head was thrown in the road. He was conveyed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital where he died the same night. On Saturday an Inquest was held on the body by John Warren, Esq., sitting at the Valiant Soldier Inn, when a verdict was returned of "Accidental Death."

HATHERLEIGH - On Monday, an Inquest was held at the New Inn, before H. A. Vallack, Esq., on the body of JAMES ELLACOTT, of Merton, who was accidentally killed the night previous by a fall from his horse, a short distance from this place, on his way home to Merton. A verdict of "Accidental Death through Intoxication" was returned. It appears he had been to Okehampton on some business where (although generally a young man of steady habits) he got very drunk; on his way home he called at the New Inn, and requested some drink, but Mr Trace, observing his condition, very humanely and considerately refused him anything but water; not long after leaving his house, he was again brought back, in a senseless state, having been thrown from his horse about 100 yards from the town, and received a mortal blow by a concussion of the brain, which proved fatal about two hours after. We are informed that this is the third child his parents have had an Inquest held on. -

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 January 1850
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, at the Globe Hotel, on the body of CHARLES ROGERS, a commercial gentleman. Susan Swan, chambermaid, said the deceased arrived at the Hotel on Thursday morning, he complained of being poorly. I got his night-candle about half-past 11 and he had got a bottom of brandy in his hand; he was quite sober; I saw him go upstairs with his candle towards his bedroom. About 11 o'clock on the following morning, I knocked at the deceased's bedroom door; receiving no answer I went in and I found the deceased stretched along the floor, with his head towards the door. I made an alarm and Charles Scott and Mr Radmore came in. A surgeon was sent for, but the deceased was found quite dead and cold. Part of the brandy was diluted and a pill-box was there, which I now produce. He had been apparently dead for several hours. I have no reason to suppose that deceased died from any injury. He was about 48 years of age. Harriet Gribble proved that the deceased had two sixpenny worths of brandy that night. Charles Scott, waiter, had known the deceased for 15 years and since his last arrival in Plymouth he had complained of a pain in his chest. W. B. Ferguson, assistant to Mr Holman, chemist, stated that the deceased was in the habit of buying articles at his shop. He came into the shop on Friday and he bought some night burners. He complained of a pain in his chest, and he asked for 5 grains of blue-pill; it made two pills, and I combined it with 5 grains of colycynth. I have been in the business about 16 years. The pill produced is carbonate of soda and is harmless. The Jury came to the conclusion that the deceased was found dead in his bedroom, and that his death was not caused by any violent means. The wife and family of the deceased are resident at Mount Radford, near Exeter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 January 1850
COLYTON - An Inquest was held on Monday at the Dolphin Inn, before R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the body of MRS SNOOK, senr., whose death, it appeared from the evidence, was accelerated by a fall which she accidentally met with, about three weeks since, breaking her thigh, from the effects of which, combined with her great age (ninety-two) she never rallied. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 19 January 1850
EXETER - Death By Drowning. - On Friday an Inquest was held on the body of a woman named WEST, who accidentally fell into the leat at Trew's weir the previous day and was drowned, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

EXETER - Death By Burning. - On Monday an Inquest was held by John Warren, Esq., Coroner for Exeter, at the London Ale House, Mary Arches-street, on the body of an old lady named KENTON, who died that morning from injuries received by burning. The old lady, who was 90 years of age, had been for some time past confined to her house, and on Friday, during the temporary absence of her servant, accidentally caught her dress on fire as she was passing the fire-place. Assistance was speedily obtained and the fire extinguished, but not until her right side and arm were much burnt. She lingered until Monday morning, when she expired. Verdict, Accidental Death.

UPTON PYNE -Singular Suicide. - On Thursday last week an Inquest was held at the Three Horse Shoes Inn, near this city, before F. Leigh, Esq., Coroner for the County, on the body of JOHN WILLS, about 21 years f age, a corporal in the 9th Regiment of Foot, who was found drowned on Wednesday morning, in the river under Cowley-house. The deceased left his father's house, situate near Cowley Bridge, the previous morning, in good health and spirits and dined with a relative named Shorland, after which he spent some time there playing cards. He subsequently attended a dance at Pitt's public-house, Upton Pyne, where he appeared to enjoy himself very much, not leaving until a late hour, when he proceeded in company with several persons towards his father's house. After passing over Pynes bridge he left his companions, wishing them goodbye, saying they would never see him again, at the same time giving one of them a letter for his father and returning as if to go back to Upton Pynes, the others proceeding on, nothing being thought of this strange conduct of his. He was afterwards seen walking to and fro on the bridge by some person passing, and a little afterward sitting by the railings close by. On the following morning his body was found as described above. The letter to his father assigned no reason for his committal of so rash an act, but after stating where they might find his body, concluded by requesting to be buried by the side of his mother in Upton Pyne churchyard. The Jury, under these circumstances, returned a verdict of Felo de Se and he was accordingly interred where he requested, at midnight, without funeral rites.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 January 1850
EXETER - Death By Drowning. - On Friday last the body of a man named CHALLICE, aged 30, a native of Lapford, was found in the Basin of the Exeter Canal. The water, with the exception of the end where the deceased was found, was frozen over very hard, and his walking-stick and hat were on the ice close by. The deceased had in his pockets £1 4s. 6d., and the duplicates of two pawnbroker's tickets for coats pledged. Some short time since CHALLICE became possessed of above one hundred pounds and for some time he had been staying about in the neighbourhood of Crediton, but had been in Exeter for the last week. An Inquest was held the following day, when a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

UPTON PYNE - On Friday night last, as an elderly man, named FINCH, a wheelwright of Upton Pyne, was returning home in his cart, driven by his man, he accidentally fell over the side near Upton Pyne bridge, and broke his neck. It is supposed that he had been drinking during the day at Exeter. His man must have been in pretty much the same state, not having discovered the loss of his master till he got some distance from where FINCH was found. An Inquest was held on the body at the Three Horse Shoes, on Monday, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - On Thursday week, an Inquest was held at the Union Inn, in this town, before W. Cockey, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of ELIZABETH EARLE, 19 years of age, an apprentice of Mr Moses Wolland, late of Soncombe Farm, in this parish, who poisoned herself the Tuesday previous, by taking corrosive sublimate. Verdict, "Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 February 1850
BARNSTAPLE - Sudden Death. - On Monday an Inquest was held at the Globe Inn, Barnstaple, before A. Drake, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JANE ISAAC, aged 53, who dropped down in her house on Saturday afternoon, about five o'clock. Medical assistance was called, but it was of no avail as she expired about eight o'clock. Verdict - "Died from Affection of the Heart."

EXETER - An Inquest was held at the White Hart Inn, South-street, on Saturday, on the body of ELIZABETH HEXTER, aged 32, wife of a porter, who was taken ill on Thursday and died on Friday morning. She had been a very intemperate woman, and her constitution consequently very much injured, and it was the opinion of the medical gentlemen who attended her, that organic disease was brought on, and death accelerated from this cause. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Death."

NORTH TAWTON - An Enquiry of a painful nature took place on Wednesday before H. A. Vallack, Esq., Coroner, touching the death of WILLIAM SEWARD, 19 years of age, a servant in the employ of Mr Seward, of Bathe, in this parish. It appeared that Mr Seward came home from Copplestone fair, about eight o'clock on Monday night, and found his servants absent, they being at a neighbouring farm. The deceased, whose duty was to take care of his master's horse, on being remonstrated with, became very insolent, on which he was told to go home to his father, who resided about half-a-mile distant, for the night; this he did not do, but on the following morning, on another servant going into the yard, he was discovered hanging to a tree in front of the house quite dead. After a lengthened examination, the Jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 February 1850
TIVERTON - On Monday, before F. Mackenzie, Esq., an Inquest was held on the body of a child named FOWLER, who was found on Saturday in the Mill Leat belonging to Mr Coombes. The Jury gave a verdict of "Found Drowned," and requested the Coroner to write to the proprietor, Mr Williams, to barricade the place, three accidents having occurred at the same place within the last twelve months.

TIVERTON - On Tuesday, a young man named SKINNER, who was assisting his father at the White Ball Inn, was suddenly attacked with vomiting. He was taken indoors and every attention paid him by the hostess, Mrs Besley. Medical assistance was procured, which was of no avail, and about ten minutes after the attack he ceased to breathe. The following day an Inquest was held, and adjourned for an examination of the body.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 March 1850
BIDEFORD - On Sunday, a poor lad, named GEORGE BEER, met his death at the mine east the water. He was leading the horses at the top and when the clock struck two went to the mouth of the shaft to call those below, when he fell in and his body was shockingly mangled. The Coroner summoned a Jury on Monday, who returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 April 1850
EXETER - At the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this city, on Saturday last by J. Warren, Esq., an Inquest was held on the body of MARIA WARE, of Ottery, aged 50, who was shockingly mutilated by a thrashing machine, which she was attending on the Wednesday previous, belonging to Mr Marks of Ottery. She was removed to the Hospital, where she lingered until Friday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Felo De Se - A wretch, named THOMAS WEDLOCK, pensioner, who resided in Monument-street, Plymouth, on Wednesday last week, after having attempted an assault of an aggravated nature on a little girl aged 12 years, committed suicide. An Inquest was held on the body when a verdict of Felo De Se was returned. He was buried between nine and ten o'clock at night. Deceased was a married man, with a family, and aged about 51.

BARNSTAPLE - In consequence of some reports which had reached the ears of our Borough Coroner, A. Drake, Esq., relating to the death of MRS JANE BALE, aged 46, wife of MR WILLIAM BALE, of this town, he held an Inquest on the body on Tuesday, last week. - It appeared by the evidence that the deceased was seized on Thursday morning with what was supposed to be an epileptic fit; after a short time she seemed to rally, but at a later period of the day convulsions came on, which continued at intervals, increasing in violence, until the Monday, when death terminated her sufferings. - Mr R. Oatway, who lives opposite the deceased, said that on Wednesday deceased told him that her husband had quarrelled with her and struck her a blow in the head, in which she was suffering much pain. - Mrs Oatway, wife of the last witness, deposed that she was present when the quarrel took place. Deceased was sitting by the fire with a child in her arms. Her husband struck once on each side of the head and once on the shoulders. Deceased cried out. Witness took the child from her, when she took a poker and threw it at her husband and ran upstairs. He was about to follow her, when witness interfered and prevented him. The blows given were very severe. Witness thought they were given with the open hand, but could not say so for a certainty. Witness had attended deceased, with but a short intermission, from the time of the seizure until her death. She took no food and complained of much pain in her head. - Mr Cooke, Surgeon, said, in his opinion, deceased died from convulsions. - At the request of the Jury, the Inquest was adjourned until the next day, in order that an examination of the body should be made. - On Wednesday morning the Inquest was resumed, when Mr Cooke, in the presence of Mr Parker, Surgeon, said - I have examined the body of JANE BALE. I found no external marks of injury on the head. The scalp was healthy and there was no fracture of the skull. On moving the skull I found a great congestion of the surface of the brain and on opening the membrane a large effusion of blood, on the left hemisphere of the brain, forming a coagulum 4 inches in length by more than 3 inches in breadth. This coagulum caused great compression of the brain. The substance of the brain was perfectly healthy. The effusion of blood on the brain caused convulsions and was the cause of death. I cannot say that the blow given in the head by her husband caused the effusion; it might, and it might not. - In answer to questions from the Jury, witness said the rupture of a vessel of the brain might be caused by a blow, and yet there might be no external marks. If the vessels were congested, a blow would be likely to cause a rupture. - Mr Parker corroborated this evidence. - A neighbour came forward and stated that deceased had told her of the blows given by her husband, but that they had not hurt her. - The Jury returned a verdict that "Death had resulted from Convulsions, caused by a compression on the brain."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 April 1850
SALTASH, CORNWALL - A man named BOOLDS, who had been working for the last fortnight on the new works at Keyham, left his home in Stonehouse, on Friday and never returned. Not being able to work, through the painters being in his way, it is supposed, although generally a sober man, he must have got intoxicated; his body was on Tuesday picked up on the mud near the Ferry House at Newpassage. An Inquest was held before W. Hutchinson, Esq., the Mayor of Saltash, at the Ferry House Inn, when a verdict of Found Drowned was returned. BOOLDS was about 50 years of age, and has left a widow and one daughter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 April 1850
EXETER - Sudden Death. - On Saturday, an Inquest was held at the Pestle and Mortar Inn, in this City, before John Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a little girl named BURROUGHS, the daughter of the landlady, who had died suddenly in bed the preceding night. The child had been in ill health for some time. - Verdict - "Died by the Visitation of God."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, SAturday 4 May 1850
COLYTON - An Inquest was held on Thursday, by R. Aberdein, Esq., on the body of JOHN RICHARDS, a labourer in the tan-yard of the Messrs. Evans, brothers. Whilst grinding bark in their mill, on Saturday the 1st of March, his hand was caught in the machinery, and it being impossible for him to stop the machine or extricate himself before any assistance could arrive, the whole arm was by degrees drawn in and so crushed that it was necessary to take it off close to the shoulder. A Jury met, and with the Coroner viewed the body, and brought in a verdict of Accidental Death. It has, however, much surprised some persons in the town that the Coroner did not desire the Jury to view the place where the calamity occurred, and to enquire whether the machine could not be so altered that the person grinding bark could throw the machine out of gear, and thus prevent a similar accident occurring. This is the third person who has lost a limb in this tan-yard within a few years, although not previously accompanied with loss of life.

BERRY POMEROY - On Sunday morning, WILLIAM STABB, a labourer, in the employ of Mr T. Michelmore, jun., of Berry Pomeroy, destroyed himself. He had been for some weeks past much depressed in mind and has been under medical treatment. On Sunday morning he arose at five o'clock as was his custom to look after the cattle, and about seven o'clock he was found suspended by the neck in a linhay close to his dwelling-house quite dead. A Coroner's Inquest was held, and a verdict returned that deceased destroyed himself whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 May 1850
EXETER - Fatal Accident. - Yesterday (Thursday) an Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn in this City, on the body of THOMAS HOWARD, a labourer, who had been brought to the Hospital from the neighbourhood of Crediton where he had been mortally injured by a chimney falling on him. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 June 1850
EXETER - Death From Burning. - On Saturday an Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, before John Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JAMES JONES, aged three years and a half. It appeared that on the previous Wednesday the child, whose parents live in Preston-street, in the absence of his mother, in some way allowed his clothes to catch fire, and was severely burnt. He was removed to the Hospital, where he lingered until Saturday morning. Verdict - "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Discovery Of A Missing Body. - An Inquest was held on Friday at the Maritime Inn, before A. W. Cockey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ALFRED MATTHEWS, son of MR J. MATTHEWS, merchant, of this town, whose melancholy death was recorded about six weeks since. The body was not found until Thursday, last week, when Robert Vittery, a fisherman of this port, discovered it floating off Paignton head and brought it on shore. Deceased was identified by his clothes and evidence was given by Thomas Chesterfield, who saw the boat upset opposite the Cove, and by William Hammick who went off in his boat and rescued a young man named Rowe, who had been in company with deceased.

EXETER - Determined Suicide. - A considerable gloom was thrown over this City on Tuesday morning by the report that MR SAMUEL HELE, the Resident Medical Officer at the Exeter Dispensary, had committed suicide by taking Prussic Acid. MR HELE was well known, having been connected with the Institution ever since its foundation in 1818. His exertions during the late period of alarm, when the cholera was raging in different parts of the County of Devon, tended very much to repress the spread in this City of those diseases which were looked upon as the premonitory symptoms of that fatal malady, and thereby to preserve Exeter from its influence. For this important public service MR HELE received a very handsome public testimonial in a pecuniary shape, but it appears that the mental agitation and anxiety caused by the incessant labours of that melancholy time had such a deleterious effect upon his health from the shock given to his nervous system, which, it is to be feared, was previously debilitated, that he never afterwards recovered his wonted cheerfulness or self-control. Some short time subsequently rumours - too accurately founded - were circulated, imputing to him an attempt, in a moment of what was considered temporary insanity, to destroy himself by means of a pen-knife, which, however, it is said, broke off in the ribs and thereby, assistance being timely afforded, the attempt was rendered abortive. At that time it was seriously deliberated by the Governors of the Institution whether they ought not to dismiss him from his office, but the circumstance of his long connection with the Institution, the usefulness of which he had been greatly instrumental in extending to its present extensive scope, his uniform zeal and integrity in the discharge of his official duties, and the pride with which he fulfilled them, with the general hope and belief (since so terribly proved to have been delusive) that his mind, under careful treatment, would speedily be fully restored to its wonted serenity, combined to induce that body to retain him in a post in which he had been so long a meritorious and valuable officer. For several months past, however, the visible dejection in his manner had inspired his wife with great anxiety and apprehension, and led his medical adviser to fear that there was very little probability of his restoration. On Saturday last, during the sitting of the Committee, MR HELE, who was in attendance, requested Mr Truscott, the Treasurer, to remain after the Committee separated, as he wanted to pay to him the money which, as collector, he had in his hands. So much agitation was visible in his manner that Mr Truscott's apprehensions were excited, and he complied with the request. After the Committee left, MR HELE brought to him £48 12s., being the amount of subscriptions he had received, and a donation of £10 10s. He entered into a long statement to Mr Truscott, talked of the number of years that he had been connected with the Institution, and expressed a hope that his conduct had always given satisfaction. He alluded to the occurrence of the cholera in 1832 and spoke with particular feeling of the loss which he then sustained of his wife and child, which seemed to be vividly impressed on his memory. He then handed to Mr Truscott a letter which he had prepared, but had not signed, tendering his resignation of his office of Dispenser; but he desired Mr Truscott to say nothing about it, as he said he was going to Chudleigh (where it is understood he possessed a small estate) on leave of absence and it would depend very much on what benefit his health derived from it, whether he carried this intention into effect; his whole manner forcibly impressed Mr Truscott with the expectation that MR HELE would repeat the attempt upon his life, and upon leaving the Dispensary, he called upon Dr Granger, MR HELE'S medical adviser, to report to him the grounds of his apprehensions. Dr Granger, it appeared, was fully prepared to hear of what had taken place, having noticed of late a decided change in MR HELE'S symptoms for the worse, - but so little did he think that immediate precautions were necessary that he deferred to Tuesday to visit him. On Tuesday morning, at eight o'clock, he was summoned by MR HELE'S eldest daughter to attend her father, whom she feared he would not find alive. Dr Granger hastened to the Dispensary and found the unhappy man dead. - From the evidence of MRS HELE, whom Mr Warren, the Coroner, found himself compelled to call at the Inquest, which was held at the Dispensary the same afternoon, it appeared that the deceased got up sooner than usual that morning, having shaved himself so early as six o'clock. She did not get up herself at that time. It was his custom before breakfast to walk up and down the large Boardroom of the Institution, called also the Library, and which is on the same floor with his bedroom, in order, as she said, to take the air. Between six and eight o'clock he came into the bedroom several times. Whenever he did so, MRS HELE stated that she gave him a good word to cheer him up, as he had been very low spirited since Christmas, and she had been apprehensive and watchful of his conduct. This circumstance is important, as rumours have been broached imputing unhappiness to the deceased's wedded life. About eight o'clock she heard her husband run quickly from the surgery of the Institution on the ground-floor upstairs into the Library. Fearful that something had happened, she hurried from the bed into the landing, where she saw him pass into the Library. He had a bottle in his hand. She followed him. As she entered the Library he placed the bottle on the book-case and sunk on his knees before a chair. She shrieked and exclaimed - "SAMUEL, what have you done?" Her husband made no answer and instantly fell along the floor. Dr Granger was, as we have already stated, immediately sent for. On his arrival, he found that life was extinct. The bottle contained diluted hydrocianic acid, commonly known as prussic acid, and there remained no doubt that the deceased had destroyed himself by drinking a considerable quantity of that deadly poison. - One circumstance attending the Inquest caused considerable pain to those present. Although there was a large room on the ground floor of the Dispensary in which the Inquest might have been conducted, no preparation had been made, and the Coroner empanelled the Jury in the Library itself, where the deceased lay in the collapse of death, immediately in juxta-position with the table at which the Coroner sat. The deceased was fully dressed at the time he committed the fatal act, and little change had taken place in his appearance. Several of the Jury expressed strong disapprobation at the want of better arrangements on such an occasion, in which the Coroner seemed to concur, although he stated that the present manner of the Inquest was in conformity with ancient custom. The evidence of Dr Granger, however, was alone taken in the Library. To spare the feelings of MRS HELE from being unnecessarily harrowed, the Coroner adjourned to the large room below the stairs, where she was examined. - MRS HELE'S statement concluded the evidence as to the manner in which the deceased came to his death. Mr Truscott attended to relate what had passed between him and the deceased on Saturday, in order to shew his state of mind, but the Jury thought the evidence of Dr Granger was fully satisfactory on that point. - It appeared, however, that the Jury could not make up their minds to decide that the deceased had destroyed himself and that by taking prussic acid, without more decided proof of act; they therefore requested an examination of the body, for which the Inquest was adjourned to Wednesday. At the resumed Inquiry Dr Granger and Mr F. Warren, Surgeon, stated that they had examined the body. Before opening the stomach they perceived a strong smell of hydrocianic acid; which, on the stomach being opened, was almost over-powering. It was beyond a doubt that the deceased had swallowed prussic acid. The Jury accordingly found "That the deceased died from the effects of Hydrocianic Acid, which he had swallowed whilst in an Unsound State of Mind."

BRIXTON - On Wednesday an Inquest was held at Brixton, on the body of SARAH ELLIS, about seven years old, the daughter of a labourer, who, while at play, accidentally swallowed a portion of a nut-shell, by which she was very speedily suffocated.

EXMINSTER - Fatal Accident. - On Thursday, during the temporary absence of the workmen engaged at the Powderham Saw Mills, in the occupation of Mr Wolland, a boy 9 years of age, named ROBERT STADDON, took up a hook and placed it against the grindstone, which is worked by a water-wheel, when his apron became entangled in the shaft, and in one minute he was a mangled corpse. No blame is attached to Mr Wolland, who has adopted the suggestion of the coroner, and had the grindstone fenced round, whereby a repetition of such an occurrence is prevented.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 June 1850
COLYTON - Sudden Death. - On Tuesday, an Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., at the Dolphin Inn, on the body of HENRY CLARKE. It appeared that the deceased returned from his work at Axmouth, to Colyton, where he was lodging, on Saturday night; he soon after complained of being unwell, and sat up the whole night in company with a woman he cohabited with; towards the morning he was seized with an apoplectic fit, from the effect of which he expired at six o'clock the same evening. The Jury returned a verdict of Natural Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 June 1850
BARNSTAPLE - On Monday a Coroner's Inquest was held at the Infirmary, in this town, before Alfred Drake, Esq., on the body of JOHN ROWDEN, a youth 14 years of age, who was drowned on Sunday afternoon, between four and five o'clock, at a place called Blackbarn, on the river Taw. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned whilst Bathing." The deceased was a son of MR WILLIAM ROWDEN, of Litchdon.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Fatal Accident. - On Monday an Inquest was held at the Seven Stars, St. Thomas, before F. Leigh, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a little boy, named JONES, who was accidentally drowned by slipping off Trew's Weir, on to which he had got for the purpose of fishing. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXETER - On Tuesday, an Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of GEORGE GILL, a labourer, who died in the Hospital from injuries received from the kick of a horse at Dunchideock, a few days previously. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 July 1850
EXETER - Fatal Accident. - Yesterday (Thursday), as a mason named ABRAHAM SOPER was engaged in plastering a house near Summerland-street, in St. Sidwells, he missed his footing and fell to the ground. Whilst being conveyed to the Hospital, he exhibited signs of animation, but expired immediately after entering. An Inquest was held in the evening at the Valiant Soldier, when the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 July 1850
SANDFORD - Death By Drowning. - On Monday morning, at Sandford, the wife of MR EDWARD MILMAN was found drowned in Sandford Town Mill Pond. It appears that she had not lived on very friendly terms with her husband. She was about 55 years old and he was much younger. When he married her she was widow of the late MR PICKETT, who used to keep the Lamb Inn, in Sandford. On Monday she got out of bed about 5 o'clock in the morning and her husband thought she was about to get him a cup of tea, but soon afterwards, as a labourer was passing the mill pond, which is very near the town, he saw a woman's bonnet and shawl lying on the bank; he immediately gave an alarm, and the body of the unfortunate woman was taken out of the water. She has left no children. An Inquest was held on the body on Tuesday, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 August 1850
TIVERTON - At the Guildhall, on Monday, an Inquest was held on the body of a young man named LOCK, who was drowned the morning previous whilst bathing opposite the Ivy House, in the river Exe. It appeared that he was seized with cramp and his companions were too much alarmed to render him any assistance. About a quarter of an hour elapsed, when Mr George Parkhouse, an experienced swimmer, succeeded in getting him ashore, but life was extinct. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death. By a question from the Coroner to Mr Parkhouse, it appears this is the tenth individual he has taken from the water, of whom seven have revived. A vote of thanks was proposed by the Chairman to Mr P. for his conduct; he also expressed his sorrow that there were no funds to reward him for his intrepidity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 August 1850
EXMOUTH - On Wednesday night, last week, a pilot, named WILLIAM LONG, brought a vessel in over the bar, called the Fortune, though unfortunate for him, and proceeded with her to Topsham Quay, where he went ashore to the Lighter Inn, and, having drank rather freely, left for Exmouth in his boat. He was advised by several persons not to do so, the night being dark and blowing and raining at the time; he, however, persisted in it, when it appears, on getting to the bottom of the town, he got on a mud bank, called Greenland, where he threw out his anchor and must have fancied himself further down the river on a sand called Bull Hill, where he could, at low water, have walked ashore to Exmouth. By the tracks of his footsteps, close to where the boat was picked up, it appears that after walking about the sands he endeavoured to regain his boat, but the darkness of the night prevented his doing so; he then appears to have fallen down several times, until he was drowned by the flowing tide. The body was picked up in the river on Monday last by some Topsham fishermen, and conveyed to Exmouth, where an Inquest has been held, and a verdict returned - "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 24 August 1850
HUNTSHAW - Fatal Accident At Huntshaw. - On Saturday last, John Henry Toller, Esq., Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Malt Scoop Inn, Huntshaw, on the body of a lad named JAMES TURNER, who was accidentally killed on the previous Wednesday. The deceased was a farm servant in the service of Mr Cole, of Barrington, and on the day named was returning from Bideford with a load of lime, when at the bottom of Huntshaw Hill, he suddenly fell from the cart into the road, and the near wheel of the cart passing over his head and neck, he died almost instantly. It was subsequently found that the britching of the harness was broken. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 31 August 1850
ILFRACOMBE - Fatal Accident To A Clergyman. - On Saturday, Richard Bremridge, Esq., M.P., Coroner, held an Inquest at Ilfracombe, on the body of a deceased clergyman, named JOHN ALLIN, of Upper Arley, Staffordshire, who met with his death under the following melancholy circumstances. It appears that MR ALLIN was visiting at Ilfracombe and that on Wednesday, the 14th instant, he was taken up into a phaeton occupied by Lady Valentia and Miss Somerset, also visitors from Upper Arley, as the ladies were driving out to Lee. When the party arrived near the Mill Pond, between the chapel and a cottage occupied by Mr Drake, the horse took fright and turned over near Mr Drake's door, throwing the deceased and the ladies out. They were taken into the cottage; Mr Philip Stoneham, Surgeon, of Ilfracombe, was sent for and found the deceased suffering from an excessive laceration of the scalp, with a division of two of the arteries. The assistance of Mr Stabb, Surgeon, of Ilfracombe, having also been procured, the arteries were taken up and the wounds dressed. The deceased gentleman was then removed to Cliff Cottage, where he was watched by Mr Stoneham the whole of the night and who, in fact, remained in attendance until his death. On Thursday, Mr Curry, of Barnstaple, attended, when convulsions came on and the fits did not leave the deceased till the time of his death, which took place on Friday night about eleven o'clock. The deceased did not suffer from concussion of the brain, nor from a fractured skull, but from an excessive laceration, causing a loss of power on the left side of the face. Mr Stoneham was of opinion that he died from suffocation and spasm of the heart. A verdict was returned of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 September 1850
NEWTON ST. CYRES. - On Wednesday an Inquest was held at the Half Moon Inn, in Newton St. Cyres, near this City, before Frederic Leigh, Esq., Coroner, n the bodies of JOHN WESTERN and WILLIAM HAMLIN, who had been drowned by getting out of their depth whilst fishing. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 September 1850
EXETER - Sudden Death. - On Tuesday, as a labourer named WILLIAM JONES, in the employ of Mr Mortimore, carrier, of Coombe-street, in this City, was in the yard in the act of stooping, he fell prostrate; and before medical assistance could be obtained he had expired. An Inquest was held on the following morning, when the Jury found a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God." - The statement which has been extensively circulated as to the drunken character of the deceased, is totally unfounded.

TOPSHAM - On Monday, an Inquest was held at the Lighter Inn, on the Quay, before F. Leigh, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JAMES HILL, a timber carrier, who resided at the top of the town. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased went on Tuesday, last week, for a load of timber, and came home about 11 o'clock at night; he then went to the Exeter Inn, adjoining, with a man called Baker, his son-in-law and drank a share of two quarts of cider, after which he returned to his house about half-past 12 and went to bed; he was heard to get out of bed about three o'clock in the morning and shortly after, another son-in-law, called Cann, living in the house with him, heard a heavy fall; he then heard him exclaim, "For God's sake help me up." Cann immediately got a light and hastened to him. He found him lying at the bottom of the stairs. He put several questions to him, but HILL kept saying "Help me up." Cann then called Baker and they got him up and put him in bed. Mr Fox, a Surgeon, was sent for, and, on arriving, pronounced that his neck was dislocated. The deceased lingered until Saturday, when death put an end to his sufferings. Verdict, "Accidental death." On a post mortem examination, it was found that the neck was broken at the fourth vertibrae.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 September 1850
PLYMOUTH - Extraordinary Suicide. - An Inquest was held before Mr J. Edmonds, on a boy, named JOHN DENHAM, 13 years of age, who committed suicide under the following singular and distressing circumstances, at that place, on Sunday. He went home from the Sunday School to dinner, and, previous to the family sitting down to table, he said grace. Mr Nicholson, a local preacher, came, and having prayed over a younger sister, who was dangerously ill, the junior members of the family were given their dinner. THOMAS DENHAM, a brother, told the deceased's father that the deceased had been naughty at school, on which the father said if he behaved badly again he should not let him have any dinner. The deceased held his knife and fork in his hand, but the filling of his plate being rather delayed, he threw them down and rushed towards the door, saying, "I will throw myself over the quay or the cliff." His mother caught hold of him and dragged him in. He, however, jumped through the window into the street, running off in the direction of the Hoe. He there met his brother and desired him to hold his clothes, which he did. Deceased then said, "Father would not give me any dinner and mother wouldn't; now I want none." With those words he threw himself over the rocks and before any assistance could be rendered he was drowned.

STOCKLEIGH POMEROY - Sudden Death. - An awful instance of sudden death occurred at Stockleigh Pomeroy on Friday last. It appears that while MR WEBBER, a farmer of that parish, was going over his grounds to examine his flock of sheep, he fell suddenly to the ground and expired; the deceased was much respected, and his sudden death has caused great regret. A verdict of "Natural Death" was returned at the Coroner's Inquest.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 September 1850
EXETER - Suicide Of A Prisoner In The Devon County Gaol. - On Wednesday an Inquest was held at the Infirmary in the Devon County Gaol, before F. Leigh, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ROBERT TUCKER, a prisoner, aged 60, who had been found dead in his cell on Monday night, having committed suicide by hanging himself. From the evidence it appeared that the deceased was brought to the gaol for safe custody, between eight and nine o'clock on Saturday night, having been apprehended by Police Inspector Stuckes, of the Exeter Force, on a charge of stealing a saddle. On Sunday the officer brought persons to the Gaol to see the prisoner in order to identify him as the stealer of a horse. By permission of the Governor, Mr Cole, the prisoner was placed with five or six others, and then shewn to the parties, who immediately identified TUCKER and he was conducted back to his cell. The turnkey, John Palmer, saw the prisoner all safe on Sunday night after he had retired to rest, but on visiting the cell at the usual hour on Monday he discovered him suspended from the window-bar by means of a handkerchief which he had attached to another tied round his neck. The bed-clothes were turned back and the only clothes the deceased had on were his night-shirt and stockings. It was evident that after the turnkey had visited him for the last time on Sunday night he had suddenly conceived the dreadful purpose and immediately executed it - his bed reaching to within two feet of the window, enabling him to get at the bar with ease - and, after having tied the deadly knot, he must have flung himself off the bed, his feet reaching to within a few inches of the ground. He was cut down by the turnkey, and Mr Webb, the Surgeon of the Prisons, was sent for and promptly attended; but on arriving he found that life had been extinct for several hours. The deceased had recently lost his wife, and was described, by a witness who knew him, to have been rather depressed in spirits on that account. He formerly lived at Bradninch, and was hind for Mr Dewdney, at the paper-mills - which situation he left in order to obtain another in Somerset, but failed in that. Lately he had lived in the employ of Mr Samuel Drew, of Hayne Farm, Ide. Since then he had been in the service of Mrs Sparks, at Rewe, as a hind, to manage her farm, but was dismissed a few weeks since, on account of suspicions against him; a horse was afterwards lost from the farm, and at the same time a saddle had been carried off from the stable of Mr Carthew, of Upexe Mill, in the same parish. The horse was afterwards found at Barnstaple, having been "swapped" for a pony and a sum of money, with Mr Carthew's saddle; from a description of the person who swapped the horse, no doubt was entertained that the prisoner was the man and search was made for him, when he was captured at Exe-lane, on Saturday. - The Jury found that the deceased had died by his own hands, but that as to the state of his mind there was not sufficient evidence.

WOODBURY - Charge Of Medical Neglect. - On Monday, an Inquest was held at the Globe Inn, in this parish, before R. H. Aberdein, Esq., Coroner, on the body of SAMUEL SPILLER MARKS, a child aged two years. From a statement having gone abroad that a charge of medical neglect would be made against Dr Brent, as the parish surgeon, considerable interest was excited in the neighbourhood by the Inquiry. It appeared that the investigation took place at the request of Mr W. Sanders, tanner, of Woodbury, in whose service the father of the deceased worked. The deceased was taken ill on Saturday night, the 14th instant, and on the following morning became very sick. On Monday morning his mother went to Dr Brent and having described the symptoms to him, he very promptly, without requiring the formality of a parish order, furnished her with medicine and instructions. The doctor called in the afternoon and saw the child. He observed that it was suffering from scarletina, - then epidemical in the parish, - and remonstrated with the mother for exposing it to the draft of the door, which was then open, observing that if the rash went inwards it would probably be fatal. The child continuing worse, his sister called at Dr Brent's on Tuesday and obtained further medicine. Dr Brent did not visit the child that day, being called off to Tiverton, where a public meeting was convened to receive him as the secretary and delegate of the Devon and Exeter Protection Association. On returning home at night, he received a message, which had been left two hours before by the child's father, and was putting on his coat to visit the house when the Rev. W. Bagnall, who was with him, suggested that as the hour was midnight, it would be disturbing the family, and as the servant stated that if the danger became imminent the father had promised to send again, he deferred going until between six and seven the next morning, when he found that the child had died at half-past one o'clock that morning. Mr Laidman, who attended as Dr Brent's advocate, charged Mr Sanders with a malicious intention in calling for this investigation and proposed to examine a witness, to whom he alleged Mr Sanders had said - "I have been looking out for Dr Brent for two years, and now I have got him." Mr Sanders denied this, exclaiming, evidently under great excitement - "There never was a bigger lie told by mortal man." He acknowledged that he was not on friendly terms with Dr Brent, who had grossly insulted him; but God forbid that he should charge any man as had been stated. His sole object in promoting this Inquiry was the public good. The Coroner called Mr Devenish, Surgeon, of Honiton, whom he had brought over with him, being quite unconnected with the parties, and whose evidence he had considered would assist the Jury in forming a correct judgment of the causes of the child's death. Mr Devenish stated that Dr Brent was unknown to him, having never seen him before this occasion. He had examined the child - the appearances were consistent with the belief that it had had an attack of scarletina, and the treatment of Dr Brent he considered very judicious. The Coroner then summed up the evidence to the Jury, having first explained to them the law of the case, and after a few minutes deliberation they returned a verdict "That the child met his death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Suicide By A Soldier. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, at the Royal Military Hospital, on the body of WILLIAM BILLINGS, a gunner in the Royal Artillery, who was found dead in the garden adjoining the mess-room, at the Frederick-square Barracks, that morning. It appeared that the deceased had been much given to drinking, in consequence of which he had frequently been threatened to be discharged. The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide during Temporary Insanity.

SHILLINGFORD ST. GEORGE - Fatal Accident. - On Wednesday, an Inquest was held at Shillingford, near this City, before Frederic Leigh, Esq., Coroner, on the body of THOMAS PAUL, a labourer. The cause was a very unfortunate one. The deceased was a servant to Mr Wm. Lear, of that parish, and was sent to Starcross soon after eleven o'clock on Monday with a load of cider, and to bring back some empty hogsheads. He was not seen by anyone of the family till Monday afternoon and then Mr Richard Lear saw a cart pass the field in which he was working and on coming out to leave work, saw the cart in the road. It had been upset and the deceased was lying near the cart dead. An empty cask, weighing 60 r 70 lbs. was lying on his breast. The road where the accident happened was very hilly. The deceased has left a widow and three young children to lament his loss. Verdict - "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 October 1850
BRIXHAM - An Inquest was held at Brixham last week, on the body of J. BANKS, one of the men who were run down in a trawler, by the Brunswick steamer, off Berry Head. The body was found at Allsands. An Inquest was also held on the body of HENRY BINGHAM, who accidentally fell over the pier.

EXETER - An Inquest was held on Saturday, by J. Warren, Esq., at the Valiant Soldier Inn, in this City, on the body of a boy named JOHN GODFREY, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital, on the same morning, from the effects of a wound in his leg, by a carving-knife (as stated by us in a former paper). Evidence was given as to the boy being brought to the Hospital, and as to the nature of the accident. After which P.C. De-la-Garde, Esq., deposed that he was at the Hospital when the boy was brought in; he found a small wound at the back of the right knee; the great artery of the leg was wounded and he thought the case so very serious that, after stopping the bleeding in a temporary manner, he sent for the rest of the Surgeons; the next morning the artery was tied; the patient recovered a little after two or three days, and then the limb began to mortify. Repeated consultations were held by all the medical staff, but it was never thought desirable to remove the limb, it being supposed that the deceased would not have had sufficient strength to bear the operation. The Jury delivered a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - On Friday an Inquest was held at the Sawyer's Arms, on the body of ELLEN STATT, an infant, found dead by its mother's side. There was no evidence to prove neglect on the part of its mother, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Death."

EXETER - Melancholy Accident. An Inquest was held on Wednesday, before Frederic Leigh, Esq., Coroner, at the Haven Banks Inn, on the body of CAPT. COARK, of the brig John Peat, now lying in the basin. It appeared that on Monday the vessel was moored just below the first draw-bridge of the Canal, and in the evening, about eight o'clock, the Captain took tea with his wife, who was on board, - shortly after which he went ashore, as he said, for half-an-hour. On leaving the ship it is supposed he proceeded to the public-house hard-bye in safety; but on arriving there he found the door closed and immediately retraced his steps towards the vessel, which, however, he never again reached. The night was dark; and, from the fact of there being no light, nor a proper protection, it is conjectured that, instead of crossing the bridge, he walked directly over the pier into the Canal, - this was between nine and ten o'clock. An alarm was instantly raised and, notwithstanding that assistance was speedily rendered, the body of the ill-fated man was not recovered until nearly twelve o'clock that night. It has been rumoured that the Captain was labouring under a little inebriety at the time; but this has been contradicted by a person who was with him shortly before the melancholy occurrence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 October 1850
EXETER HEAVITREE - Melancholy Accident - Charge Of Medical Neglect. - On Saturday last, an Inquest was held at the Ship Inn, Heavitree, before F. H. Leigh, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a man named WILLIAM CLEMENTS, aged 51 years, in the employ of Mr Thomas Salter, one of the Guardians, who fell from waggon on Friday morning, and received such injuries that within five hours after he died. - From the evidence of eye-witnesses, it appeared that on Thursday night, last week, the deceased and his son went to Exeter with a waggon and two horses, to load dung at the Black Lions, in South-street. When returning with the second load, the waggon was suddenly stopped by the driver on the brow of Heavitree hill, when the deceased fell from the shafts on which he was standing. He groaned, and being unable to life himself from the ground, was taken to his house, at the bottom of the hill. His son went for Mr Madden, Surgeon, of Heavitree. After ringing the bell twice, Mr Madden, from a window, inquired what was the matter, and, on being told, said that the man must be taken to the Hospital, as he could do him no good if he went down. The messenger then went for Mr Tucker, Surgeon, but Mrs Tucker called out of the window that Mr Tucker was very ill and could not come. Mr Lionel Roberts, of Exeter, was subsequently sent for and promptly attended, but did not arrive until deceased had expired, which was about half-past nine o'clock on Friday morning. - During the examination of Richard Havill, the driver of a second waggon, who was called to assist in conveying the deceased home, the following discussion is reported as having taken place:- Mr Madden. - Why did you not take him to the Hospital? - Witness: Some of the men or his wife were unwilling that deceased should be taken to the Hospital; witness wished him to be taken there, being of opinion he was worse than many imagined him. - Do you not think he would have been better taken care of there? - Yes. - What is the opinion of the people of the village with regard to my humanity? - Mr Sclater (a Juror) objected to the question being put, it was not in order. - Mr Capern (another Juror). - A horrid feeling, if you knew the general feeling. - A third Juror. - Had Mr Madden done his duty he would have gone to the man, and if he could not have done him any good then have advised his removal to the Hospital. That would have been more like it. - A fourth Juror: - Mr Madden could not know whether he would be of any assistance to the man or not without seeing him. - The Coroner said that he thought that the question was not material to the Enquiry. - Mr Sclater said it did not concern the Jury, as Jurymen, what pinion the public entertained of Mr Madden. - Mr Madden said he would not press the question. - [It will be observed from a correspondence, which is given in another part of our paper, that the question is answered most satisfactorily in favour of Mr Madden.] - Mr Roberts, in answer to the Coroner stated that on examining the deceased he found the left arm contused, and a fracture of four or five ribs: there was a quantity of effused air in the cellular tissue, under the skin, denoting that the lung must have been wounded. The injuries themselves, externally, would not have caused death, but his opinion was that some large vessel had given way internally; these bruises, with an injury of the vertebrae, would have caused death; internal haemorrhage would have caused death in five hours. - The Jury retired for a few minutes to consider their verdict; on their return the Foreman said, that they were of opinion "that the man died by Accidentally falling from a waggon." They also passed censure on Mr Madden for not attending the deceased when required so to do.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 October 1850
BRADWORTHY - Death By Burning. - An Inquest was held on Saturday before J. H. Toller, Esq., on the body of ELIZA JOHNS, four-and-half years of age. It appeared from the evidence that on the previous Wednesday the mother, who is the wife of OBADIAH JOHNS, had occasion to go into a field adjoining her cottage. Upon leaving, she gave her child injunctions not to go near the fire. Whilst in the field, however, she heard the child scream, and upon reaching her cottage, she found her child's clothes on fire. Medical aid was procured, but the child died on the following day. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

EXETER - Mysterious Death. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday, at the Paper Makers' Arms Inn, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN BOLT, a porter, living in Pancras-street, who was found drowned in the mill leat, near the Head Weir on that morning. - JANE BOLT, daughter of the deceased, said her father left home about half-past six o'clock on the previous (Tuesday) morning, when he said he was going to Mr Force's. He had been low-spirited for several days, having had a quarrel with Elson, another porter. The deceased's father, who saw his son on Monday, said he noticed that he looked extremely dejected. - Robert Redwood, a working smith, stated that he went to work that morning at the old Engine Mill, near the Head Weir, about half-past six o'clock, when he found the water-wheel stopped. On examination he found it was caused by the body of a man, which, on the arrival of a Policeman, was taken out and discovered to be the body of the deceased. It did not appear to have been long in the water, as the limbs were not stiff, nor the fingers soaked. - Anthony Peebles, a labourer at the Bristol and Exeter Railway Station, was going to the Station about five o'clock, when he saw a person leaning against the palisades of the small iron bridge. Witness asked him the time, he said it was about a quarter to five o'clock. Witness proceeded a short distance, but then stopped, much struck with the peculiar appearance of the stranger, who receded about fifteen yards, and as far as the light would enable him to judge, witness thought he leaned against the rails against the mill stream. Witness then left and went towards the Station, which he reached at twenty minutes after five o'clock. Witness particularly noticed that the person wore a white apron and a round jacket. - [These particulars correspond with the dress worn by the deceased, but as the witness did not see the deceased after he was taken out of the water till he was undressed and much distorted, he could not recognise the deceased as the person he saw in the morning.] - Robert Redwood being recalled, gave a description of the clothes worn by the deceased when he was taken out of the water, which corresponded with that given by Peebles. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and the Foreman recommended that the meshes of the grating in front of the wheel through which the body must have floated to have come under the wheel, be lessened in size, as it would prevent any large bodies from passing through on any future occasion.

EXETER - Melancholy Death. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at the New Inn, Catherine-street, in this City, on the body of W. H. TAYLOR, scrivener, who died on Thursday, last week, under circumstances of suspicion, in reference to which an anonymous letter had been sent to the Coroner. - HANNAH TAYLOR, deceased's wife, deposed that her husband complained on Monday and Tuesday of pains in the head and stomach. On Wednesday morning he went out shortly after nine o'clock, but soon returned, saying he was so ill that he could not attend to some work he had engaged to do. After partaking of some tea he again went out, and did not return till twelve o'clock, when he immediately went to bed. On the following morning she left him in bed, and did not see him again till about twelve o'clock, when he was in the parlour, very ill and faint; he spoke to her, but she did not know whether he went out of the house during the morning. After he had somewhat recovered, he desired her to send for Mr Parker, which she did, and he came in a few minutes, when her husband was lying on the carpet very ill; she had applied vinegar to his temples. Mr Parker desired that he might be put to bed, and this was done by her, with the assistance of one of her young people, and about half-an-hour after he died. - Amelia Hawkins, in the employ of MRS TAYLOR, said she saw the deceased at twelve o'clock on Thursday, sitting on the sofa, from which he rolled in apparently great agony on the floor. He was then vomiting very much, which she attributed to a violent bilious attack, and not to drinking. She was with him when he died. - Mr Parker, Surgeon, deposed that when he was called in on Thursday to see the deceased, he found him lying on the floor in the parlour, quite sensible, complaining of pains in his stomach and bowels, with a basin lying by his side which contained a small quantity of greenish yellow bilious fluid, which he said he had vomited. He desired that he might be put to bed, and well rubbed all over his body, hot bottles being placed in the bed to his feet. He went home and sent him some medicine, consisting of morphine, an opiate to relieve the pain; he was called again to him while he was at home, and on returning to the house found that he was dead; he found the bottle of medicine he sent, with part of it taken, only one dose, the proper quantity as ordered. Deceased was in such a state of collapse, that there was no time to produce a reaction before he died. He had no doubt that intemperate habits were the cause of his death; he did not think deceased had been drinking when he saw him on Thursday; he had seen him of late two or three times apparently in a state of intoxication. The medicine the deceased had from Mr Stocker did not contain any mineral poison that he could detect, but he thought it was a decoction of herbs. - By the desire of the Coroner, the Inquest was then adjourned till six o'clock, in order that a post mortem examination might be made. At that time Mr Parker stated that he had examined the body with Mr Cumming, they found nothing extraordinary or unusual in the stomach, but the upper part of the brain was much congested, such as would be produced by long continued irritation of that organ. The immediate cause of death was congestion of the brain, which he had no doubt had been produced by repeated acts of intemperance; the congestion might have produced apoplexy, but in this case there was no extravasation of blood. It might also have been produced by other causes, such as great anxiety of mind. - Mr Cumming, Surgeon, said he concurred generally with the evidence given by Mr Parker, but as to whether the congestion of the brain was caused by drink, there was no appearance whatever in any part of the body that the deceased was addicted to drunkenness; the congestion of the brain was sufficient to cause death, but it was no evidence of habitual drunkenness, it might have arisen from other causes. - The Coroner having ably summed up, the Jury returned a unanimous verdict of "Died from Natural Causes."

TORQUAY - On Thursday morning last, as Joseph White, fisherman, was returning from herring fishing, he observed a corpse floating on the boundaries of the bay, which proved to be the body of MR N. PEPPERELL, who was drowned about three weeks since; the corpse was not disfigured. An Inquest was held on the following day, at the Maritime Inn, when a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 November 1850
DAWLISH - On Monday, an Inquest was held at the York Hotel, before Mr Cockey, Deputy Coroner, on the body of ELIZABETH NEWBERY, 12 years of age, who was so dreadfully burnt about a month since, by her clothes catching fire, that she expired on Sunday last, in great agony. WILLIAM NEWBERY, the father of the deceased, stated that on the morning of the accident, he went to work at five o'clock, and left the deceased in charge of three children, and to attend to the house. She brought his dinner to him, on the beach, where he was fishing, and at three o'clock in the afternoon he was informed that she was nearly burned to death. The mother left her home every morning at seven o'clock, to cook at a gentleman's house and did not return until nine o'clock at night. - Henry Pessell, who lived at the corner of Chapel Street, said that about two o'clock in the afternoon he saw the child pass the door, in a complete blaze and screaming for water. He seized a pitcher of water and following, threw it over her, when her clothes fell from her like tinder. - The Coroner said he was sorry that there were not more parents present, as many cases had lately occurred of children being burned to death through the negligence of their parents. He wished to impress on the Jury the consequence of their verdict. It was for them to say whether they considered a child twelve years of age capable of doing those domestic duties which had been placed upon her, as if not, the parents were liable to be committed for trial. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 November 1850
BARNSTAPLE - Sudden Death. - On Friday an Inquest was held before Alfred Drake, Esq., Coroner for the Borough, on the body of MARY HARDING, aged 72, a deceased inmate of Horwood's almshouses. On the previous evening, whilst partaking of a little refreshment, she suddenly fell down and expired. No suspicious circumstances attended her death; and this, combined with her advanced age, rendered a post mortem examination unnecessary. The Jury returned a verdict of Died from Natural Causes.

BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Use Of An Opiate. - Mr Drake held an Inquest on Saturday, on the body of a fine male child, about six weeks old, named BRENT, the son of labouring parents, residing at Derby, in this Borough. The deceased having been thought a "cross child" the mother was in the habit of administering "Godfrey's Cordial" to produce slumber whilst she was engaged in domestic duties, or left her dwelling on an errand. On Friday night the mother's stock of cordial was exhausted and on the recommendation of a neighbour she purchased a more powerful opiate, prepared and dispensed by Mr Weeks, of Joy-street, which contained twenty drops of opium to six drachms of other liquid - Godfrey's cordial being composed of one and a half drops to four drachms. The woman received instructions to administer a tea-spoon full as a dose, but instead of using the measure which is generally supposed to contain one drachm, it is thought that a spoon was used which contained two drachms. The mother administered the opiate and left the child in a sound sleep. On her return home, late in the evening, she observed, by the child's manner, that all was not right and an emetic was subsequently administered, but, on Saturday night, the child died. Mr Tatham, chemist, was the Foreman of the Jury and a verdict was returned that the child died from the administering an anodyne cordial. The Jury accompanied their verdict with an expression of their opinion that blame attached to the dispenser, for not properly labelling the bottle and to the mother for the incautious manner in which she had administered the drug.

EXETER - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held on Thursday, at the King's Arms, Coombe-street, on the body of ELIZABETH ALLEN, who met with her death on the previous day. It appeared that the deceased, who lives in Dean's Court, Coombe-street, went to a neighbour's house across the court, about half-past five o'clock, on Wednesday, and as she was coming down the stairs she fell. Mr Perkins was sent for, but she died at half-past ten the same evening, her death being caused by concussion of the brain. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 November 1850
BARNSTAPLE - Sudden Death. - On Tuesday an Inquest was held before A. Drake, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of GRACE SHEPCOTT, aged 68, notorious in Barnstaple at a house of ill-fame on the Quay. On Monday morning, about half-past two, she descended from her bedroom to admit her husband into the house from the street; on her return upstairs she went into the apartment occupied by her daughters, and whilst there she suddenly complained of "violent stabs" in the head and fell to the floor, senseless. Mr Winter, Surgeon, was sent for, but the woman did not recover the use of her faculties and died between 11 and 12 o'clock in the forenoon. Mr Winter was of opinion that the woman died of apoplexy and a verdict was returned accordingly.

BRAUNTON - Melancholy Death. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday at Fullabrook Farm, on the body of a man named WILLIAM SLOCOMBE, aged about 40, a native of Instow, whose body, in an advanced state of decomposition, was found in a hay-loft of the farm on the previous day. The deceased fell down in an epileptic fit at the Two Potts Gate, in this neighbourhood, on the Tuesday week previous to the Inquest and remained at the gate-house till the following day. He was destitute and begged and received refreshment at Halescote Farm in the parish of Westdown. At 5 o'clock the same evening he was similarly relieved at Fullabrook Farm, and was allowed to pass the night in the tallet. He was spoken to in the tallet at five o'clock the next morning, but was not seen again till his body was discovered on Tuesday. J. Peynton Pick, Esq., Surgeon, of Braunton, having made a post mortem examination of the body, was of opinion that the deceased died from the effects of an epileptic fit, accompanied with suffocation. It is supposed that while in the agony of the fit, he had drawn down a portion of the hay upon his head, and so hastened his death by suffocation. Verdict accordingly.

BRAUNTON - An Inquest was held on Wednesday at Burchaster Farm, on the body of MR SAMUEL DAY, aged 36, who died suddenly on the previous day. MR DAY had been suffering from a pain in his chest for three weeks, but the indisposition did not confine him to his room. On Tuesday he returned into the house from the farm, and complaining of increased pain in his chest, he threw himself upon the table. He attempted to walk up stains, but fell into his wife's arms in the act. Mr Pick, who had previously prescribed for the deceased, was quickly in attendance; but after two or three seasons of collapse and reactions, MR DAY died, in the opinion of Mr Pick, from an affection of the heart. Verdict in accordance.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 23 November 1850
EXETER - Yesterday (Thursday), an Inquest was held at the Ring of Bells Inn, in West-street, before John Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ELIZA MEASOR, a middle-aged woman, who had died unexpectedly at her lodgings in Rack-street that morning, shortly after getting up. After hearing the evidence of Mr Kempe, Surgeon, who was called in by the neighbours, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 30 November 1850
BARNSTAPLE - On Friday an Inquest was held at the Curriers' Arms, Vicarage-street, before Alfred Drake, Esq., Borough Coroner, on the body of a woman named MARGARET NUTT, aged 64. MARTHA NUTT, a daughter of the deceased, said that about eight o'clock on Wednesday evening (the night of the Anti-Papal demonstration), her mother went out to see the fireworks, but as she was passing the shop of Mr Rowe, grocer, of Boutport-street, she was startled with the sudden ascent of a rocket and a glare of light near the Fortescue Arms. She pointed to the rocket, shrieked out and fell unconscious to the ground. As soon as possible she was carried to the dwelling of Mrs Eastway, Back-lane, where she was attended by Mr Cooke, Surgeon, who subsequently sent her medicine, but was of opinion that the illness was only temporary. The old woman was afterwards taken to her home at Derby, where she died at eleven o'clock, not having spoken after her return home. She had long been suffering from violent pains in the head, and had expressed a presentiment that she should expire suddenly. Theresa Turner corroborated the evidence of MARTHA NUTT, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God."

BARNSTAPLE - Death From Drowning. - On Tuesday an Inquest was held at the Exeter Inn, Litchdon, before Alfred Drake, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JANE MOORE, aged 57, who, up to the time of her death, was living in Roberts's almshouses, Litchdon, where she had a "partner" in her rooms named Shepcott, an idiot woman; the deceased herself often suffered from weak intellect. the body was found on the strand of the river Taw, near the Infirmary, about six o'clock on Monday morning, by a man named James Coleman. The deceased had on a nightcap underneath her bonnet, and there were no marks of violence upon her person. She was last seen alive at four o'clock on Sunday afternoon. Mr Lionel Bencraft, attorney, attended to watch the proceedings of the Inquest and drew from the witnesses that the only known means of support which the deceased possessed was 9d. a week, contributed b y some charitable ladies for attending to the wants of the idiot, Shepcott. Mr Bencraft said that some time since the deceased was receiving 1s. 6d. per week from the parish of Barnstaple, but that upon a gentleman named Mr Thomas Ford, leaving her a legacy of one sovereign, the parish authorities stopped her previously "miserable pittance" and that at the time of her death she had no other regular income than the 9d. a week, to provide herself with every necessary of life, house shelter only excepted. It however subsequently transpired that upwards of 30s. had been found hoarded away by the deceased in her room; and a report is current that she had money in the savings bank. We presume that the parish authorities had good reason for stopping payment to the deceased of her previous weekly relief.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 December 1850
MARWOOD - Fatal Accident. - On Thursday evening last, a fatal accident happened to GEORGE CANN, labourer, in the employ of Mr Wm. Thorne, railway contractor, of Barnstaple. Whilst returning in company with John Skinner, a comrade, with a loaded waggon and two horses from Combmartin, about a quarter of a mile down Whitefield-hill, in the parish of Marwood, he detached the fore horse of the team and placed it under the care of Skinner, who walked on in front, CANN guiding the shaft horse. Presently Skinner heard the waggon descending the hill at so rapid a pace that he cast the halter over his horse's head and threw himself into the hedge to escape an accident. The waggon had not gone far before the horse in the shafts fell and CANN was knocked to the ground. Skinner found him lying on his face and bleeding from the nose. Assistance was procured and he was conveyed to the house of Wm. Glover, where he died before Mr Dickinson, Surgeon, of Pilton, could reach him. Mr Dickinson found no bones broken, but a violent bruise on the side of the face, and was of opinion that CANN died from concussion of the brain produced by the violence of the fall. An Inquest was held on the body by Richard Bremridge, Esq., coroner, on the following day. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

HARTLAND - On Saturday an Inquest was held before John Henry Toller, Esq., Deputy Coroner, in the parish of Hartland, on the body of JOHN BRANTON, aged 68 who had been living in a very dilapidated house in the same parish. - Samuel Goaman deposed that not having seen the deceased that morning, he went to his house, about midday, and finding the door locked, got up by a ladder to the bedroom window. BRANTON'S bed was close by the window, and upon being spoken to by Goaman, he but slightly moved his head and moaned. He was lying upon a straw mattress, and was covered with a counterpane and two old blankets; straw had been used to keep out the air from the shattered window. BRANTON'S brother and others remained with him till about eleven o'clock the following forenoon when he died. By direction of the Coroner, a post mortem examination was made of the body by Mr Vine, surgeon, who found that death had resulted from the rupture of blood-vessels of the brain. - Verdict accordingly.

PETROCKSTOWE - Death By Burning. - A young child, aged two years, named ANN WILLIS, the daughter of labouring parents living at Petrockstow, died there from the effects of an accident by fire, on Saturday last. Her mother having occasion to quit her dwelling at nine o'clock in the morning, on an errand, left the child and its brother, aged four years, in the kitchen together. Shortly afterwards, Mr William Hopper, a farmer of the neighbourhood, saw smoke escaping from the doorway of the cottage and upon going in, found the child lying upon the floor and its clothes in flames. Mr Hopper instantly extinguished the fire by immersing the child in water. The mother was absent a quarter of an hour; and Mr Hopper then obtained the services of Mr Rundall, Surgeon, who did not encourage expectation of the child's recovery. The little sufferer died at half-past one o'clock the same day. An Inquest was held and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

PLYMOUTH - The Murder In Stonehouse Lane. - WILLIAM BROWN AMBROSE, a carpenter, very respectably connected, was brutally assaulted on the night of Saturday, the 16th of November, so that his life was despaired of and three men, named William Thomas, Benjamin Hurd and William Wyatt, were taken into custody on suspicion of being concerned in the attack. On Thursday last week AMBROSE died, and the authorities have been anxiously investigating the circumstances, in the hope of discovering the murderers. Hitherto they have failed; and, notwithstanding the increasing vigilance of the Police, the whole affair seems shrouded in impenetrable mystery. On Thursday the three men who were in custody wee brought up before the magistrates for examination, when the Superintendent of Police said that since they were last brought up inquiries had been made, the result of which was to show that neither Hurd nor Wyatt could have been concerned in the attack. - After a lengthened Enquiry the magistrates decided upon discharging Hurd and Wyatt, and they remanded Thomas until Tuesday, when he was also discharged upon his own recognisances. - A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body of AMBROSE, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder by some person or persons unknown." - On Wednesday a man, named Thomas Macdonald, was taken into custody on suspicion of being concerned in the assault upon AMBROSE and he was examined before the magistrates yesterday (Thursday).

EXETER - Discovery Of The Missing Body. - On Sunday afternoon, the body of GEORGE BULLEY, late post-boy to Mr Pratt, who was drowned on the previous Tuesday, was found in one of the gravel pits, near Exe Bridge. At the Inquest held on the body, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - An Inquest was held on Monday, at the Valiant Soldier Inn, on the body of ROBERT EBBLES, who died in the Hospital, from injuries he received on the 2nd November, from a cart wheel breaking his thigh. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 December 1850
EXETER - On Saturday, an Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, Magdalen-street, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a woman, 67 years of age, named BOARD, residing in King-street, who dropped down dead on the previous day near Mr Kennaway's house, in the Barnfield. A verdict was returned accordingly.

EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Valiant Soldier Inn, before J. Warren, Esq., Coroner, on Tuesday, on the body of a female, named RICHARDS, who accidentally fell from the roof of a house in Albert-place, Rack-street, in July last. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

BISHOPS NYMPTON - An Unnatural Mother. - A great deal of consternation has been caused in this locality, owing to a report being circulated, that a child had been found concealed in a box at Gorton Hill, in the parish of Bishopsnympton. On inquiry, it appeared that a woman named ELIZA NOTT, with a family of six children, had been living for many years at Gorton Hill, receiving high parochial pay, and 8d. a day from a Mrs Spencer, lately deceased. A few days since, the woman was dangerously ill, and Messrs. Freeman were sent for, and on remarking that she had lately been delivered of a child, the assertion was denied. However, on Monday, the body of a male child was discovered in a small box, placed in a larger one. Messrs. freeman at first considered the child to have been born alive and an Inquest was therefore held before Richard Bremridge, Esq., Coroner. An examination of the body was made, and from the evidence a verdict of the child having been Born Dead was returned. The mother died on Tuesday last.

FREMINGTON - Discovery Of The Body Of JOHN LILLYCRAP. - Yesterday (Thursday), an Inquest was held at the New Inn, Fremington, before Richard Bremridge, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN LILLYCRAP, formerly in the service of W. Arundell Yeo, Esq., High Sheriff of the county, and in the month of February attempted to murder a fellow-servant, named William Symons, by shooting him. The attempt at murder was made about eleven o'clock on the night of the 19th February and LILLYCRAP was not seen afterwards. A reward of £50 was offered for his apprehension, and suspicion existed that he had left the country; many, however, thought that he had destroyed himself by drowning. This proves to have been the case, for on Wednesday George Marsacke, Esq., of Barnstaple, and his son Capt. Marsacke, were on Yelland Marsh, in the parish of Fremington, in search of wild fowl, when they discovered the trunk of a human body, far advanced in decomposition, lying high on the land, a short distance from the river Taw, and from the distance of its position from the water, must have lain there for a fortnight. Mr Marsacke gave information of the circumstance to James Dobb, the hind of W. A. Yeo., Esq., who communicated the circumstance to John Bartlett, gardener to Dr Yeo, and to Joseph Ley, the sexton of the parish, who went in search of the body. Bartlett, immediately upon seeing the corpse, exclaimed, "That is the body of JOHN LILLYCRAP." The head and a portion of each of the arms were gone from the body, but a pair of trousers, a pair of shoes, and one leather brace remained. - John Bartlett also identified a silver hunting watch, a chain, and a bunch of keys found upon the body, as the property of JOHN LILLYCRAP. Nearly £6 in money was also found in the pockets. The hour hand of the watch was broken, but, from the position of the minute hand, the works must have stopped at twenty minutes past eleven - about half an hour after the attempt at murder was made, and sufficient time for LILLYCRAP to walk from Dr Yeo's to the mouth of Fremington Pill, where, from the fact of two pistols having been found upon the bank, it is supposed that he threw himself into the water. The body was found about a mile and a half from this spot, and, as it was high water at the time of the suicide, it is presumed must have "sanded," and not have been disturbed till the shifting of the sands by the late north-westerly gales. - Symons, upon whom the attempt at murder was made, still fills the situation of coachman to the High Sheriff, which situation the deceased filled shortly before his death. LILLYCRAP was about 42 years of age, a native of Okehampton, where he lived as head postilion in the service of Albany Savile, Esq., of Oaklands, until that gentleman's death in 1831, when he entered the establishment of the late Acland Barbor, Esq., of Fremington, where he remained in his (Mr Barber's) service and that of his successor, (Dr Yeo) until about five weeks before the attempted murder. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 December 1850
TEIGNMOUTH - Fatal Accident. - On Wednesday, last week, a most distressing accident occurred by fire in this town, to SARAH RIDGWAY, aged 15 years, servant to Mr Palk, butcher, and which resulted in her death. - On Friday an Inquest was held on the body by Alexander Cockey, Esq., Deputy Coroner, at the London Inn, when it appeared from the evidence of a man named Andrew Wedger, that at the time of the accident deceased and himself were sitting by the fire in Mr Palk's kitchen. After some time Wedger fell asleep and was awoke by deceased, who said, "Look here," when he perceived that her clothes were on fire. He immediately endeavoured to extinguish the flames, but without success. On finding his efforts unavailing, he ran for some water and was followed by the deceased into the passage enveloped in flames. Mrs Palk and her sister then came out of the parlour and the latter threw a coat and a mat around the girl, who fell to the ground, when the flames were extinguished. Wedger took her up and carried her into the parlour, when Mr Sullock attended her to the time of her death. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from the effects of the burn, and shock to the nervous system, the Coroner remarking that "that was no less than the fifth Inquest he had recently held on persons whose deaths had been similarly occasioned."

LANDKEY - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest has been held at Landkey, by John Toller, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of a lad named SAMUEL MUXWORTHY, aged ten years, employed as a driver in the service of Mr T. J. Buckingham, of Venn Limestone Quarry, Landkey. During his dinner-hour the deceased and two companions, named William Shaddick and George Taylor, amused themselves by floating boards on the river Landkey, a stream which turns the water-wheel of the quarry. Whilst endeavouring to regain a piece of wood which had floated near the wheel, a portion of the deceased's clothes became entangled in the machinery and one of the flanks having struck his head, he was carried up between the crank and wall, and fell into the water a corpse. The blow alone was sufficient to have destroyed life. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 December 1850
CLOVELLY - On Saturday an Inquest was held at Clovelly, before Henry Toller, Esq., Deputy Coroner, on the body of a young child whose parents are named JAMES and MARY LEA, labourers of that town. During her confinement the mother was attended by W. H. Ackland, Esq., Surgeon, of Bideford, and a midwife of Clovelly, named Elizabeth Heard. The child was born about eight o'clock on the previous Monday morning and about half-past nine Heart left it in the care of a woman named Elizabeth Stoneman. The child manifested signs of health up to Tuesday evening, but early on Wednesday morning it died in the arms of the midwife, who had been sent for by the husband. A post mortem examination of the body was made by Mr Acland, who having given it as his opinion that the child died from congestion of the brain, a verdict of "Died from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Yesterday (Thursday) an Inquest was held at the Soldier's Arms, in Preston-street, before John Warren, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a child four months old, registered in the name of WILLIAM HENRY DENNIS, but not baptised, which had been found dead in bed in White's Court, Preston-street, that morning, by its dry nurse who slept with it. It was the opinion of Mr Kempe, Surgeon, that the woman had overlaid the infant in the night and so suffocated it. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."