Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1886

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included:-  Ackland; Adams(2); Aggett; Allen(3); Andrews(2); Aston; Back; Baker(2); Ball; Bastard; Berry(2); Besley; Bloye; Boon; Boundy; Bovey; Brookes; Bryant; Browning; Burnett; Burridge; Burton; Cann; Carter; Chatterton; Churchward(2); Cole(2); Collacott; Collicott; Coot; Copp; Corrick; Coulman; Cox; Crocker; Crudge; Curzon; Damarell; Dart; Day; Deane; Down; Downing; Dunsford; Dymond; Edworthy; Ford; Foreman; Freeman; French(2); Frost; Full; Gardner; Giffard; Gill(2); Glanville; Glover; Goddard; Goodman; Gough; Groves; Guppy; Hall; Halse; Harland; Harris; Haughins; Hayman; Heals; Hearn; Heyward; Hill(2); Hollett; Holman; Howe; Huggins; Hutchill; Jackson; Jarman; Jefford; Jenkins; Johnston; Jones; Joy; Kerslake; Kine; King; Kingdon; Knight(3); Knowles; Lane; Launder; Lavis; Lawrence; Loose; Loveridge; Lucas; Luxton; Maddison; Martin(3); Matthews; Maunder; Mears; Milford; Milton; Mockridge; Mogford; Moor; Moore; Morey; Morris; Mousell; Murrin; Neck; Newton; Nicholls; Nicolle; Nosworthy; Oak; Oliver; Parker; Parkin; Parkyn(2); Partridge; Passmore; Pedrick(2); Penwarden; Pettle; Phillips; Pike; Pomeroy; Poole; Potter; Pridham; Rabjohns; Radford; Randall; Rawle; Rea; Redman; Reynolds; Rice(2); Riddell; Robins; Rooke; Roper; Sanders(2); Sanglier; Scagell; Seage; Seldon; Slader; Smale; Smith; Snell(2); Snow; Sobey; Soper; Squires; St Leger; Stapleton(2); Steer; Stevens; Stockdale; Stocker; Stone; Stoneman; Stoyle; Summers; Taylor; Thorn; Tite; Towell; Turl; Underhill; Valentine; Veal; Veale; Warren; West; Westaway; Westcott(2); Whidden; Whitefield; Whitfield; Wilcox; Williams(3); Wills; Wilmington; Windeatt; Wippell; Wood(3); Woollacott; Wotton; Yard.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 January 1886
NEWTON ABBOTT - An Inquest was held on Tuesday by Mr S. Hacker at the residence of Mr A. Lee, corn merchant, of St. Paul's-road, on the body of a servant named BESSIE BURNETT, 21 years of age, who was found dead in bed on Monday morning. The evidence showed that deceased was suffering from an ulcerated throat and on going to bed on Sunday night, wrapped her throat round with a flannel, and left a benzoline lamp burning. A fellow servant named Williams slept with her and on the Monday morning BURNETT was found dead in bed and Williams in a stupor, caused by the fumes of the lamp. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Suffocation," and exonerated Mrs Lee from blame.

HARBERTON - Harbertonford. - An Inquest was held at the Reading Room on the 24th ultimo, before Mr S. Hacker, on the body of EDWIN S. RANDALL, who met with his death while working at Stert Quarry. - ANN RANDALL, daughter of the deceased, identified the body as that of her father, whose age was 52 years. - John Beavis stated that he was working with the deceased on the day in question, when they were engaged with others lifting the pump (which was over a ton weight) by means of ropes and blocks. The deceased was stationed on a platform at the top of the shaft, when suddenly the rope broke, throwing all the weight on the lever, which knocked the deceased from the platform to the wall of the shaft, down which he fell headlong. Witness descended immediately by means of a rope, and caught the deceased as he rose to the top of the water. Deceased gave one struggle and then witness considered he died. With assistance he was taken out and a doctor was sent for, but the unfortunate man never spoke. Witness did not consider deceased was in the water (which was 5ft. deep) more than a minute. The quarry was worked as a mine. - Robert Holmes and John Baker corroborated. - William Baker, manager of the quarry, stated that he gave instructions to lift the pump out of the shaft for repairs. Witness was not present when the accident happened, but he considered the ropes (which were borrowed) capable of lifting the weight attached to them. - Mr R. J. Freshfield, one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Mines, stated that he had inspected the quarry where the accident happened. He did not consider the rope (a piece of which was produced by P.C. Yendell) at all capable of lifting the weight attached to it. The quarry appeared to be conducted in a very loose manner. - Dr L. Hains said he was called to see the deceased on Monday morning, the 21st December and on examination he found a bruise on the right side of the head and one behind the head, but they were only mere abrasions of the skin. Witness considered that the deceased died from suffocation by drowning, combined with the foul air of the shaft. If he could have been taken out in the fresh air quicker, and proper means had been used, witness considered he might have revived. - The Coroner having summed up and pointed out the importance of the Inspector's evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." They added a rider to the effect that they considered the quarry was conducted in a very loose manner and recommended that proper appliances should be kept at the quarry in order to prevent similar accidents. Mr Baker was called into the room by the Coroner and informed of the conclusion at which the Jury had arrived and added that he (the Coroner) entirely concurred with them. Mr Baker promised that the recommendation of the Jury should be carried out. The Jury unanimously gave their fees to the deceased's widow, for whom much sympathy is felt in the neighbourhood.

EXETER - Sudden Death In Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at the Queen's Hotel yesterday afternoon touching the death of SARAH ANDREWS. - HARRY ANDREWS, son of the deceased, was called and identified the body as that of his mother, who was 60 years of age, and employed as cook in the Queen's Hotel. Witness last saw the deceased alive on Tuesday morning, between eight and nine o'clock, when she complained of being poorly. - Bertha Brooks, a servant at the Hotel, deposed that the deceased complained of being rather unwell on the previous day, and went to the chemist to get some physic. On her return she retired to bed. Witness went to the deceased shortly afterwards, but seeing that she had taken the physic and was comfortable she left and did not go to her room again until about a quarter-past four, when witness discovered that the deceased had died. On examining the bottle containing the physic, witness found that deceased had taken another dose. In reply to questions witness said that the deceased was addicted to drink. When she left the Hotel about two o'clock deceased was sober. - Mr W. H. Harris, pharmaceutical chemist, said that the deceased called on him for the first time about three weeks ago, when she complained of having had a hard day's work, and of being worn out, and asked for something that would relieve her. Witness gave her a dose of physic. Since then the deceased had called on witness and taken two or three doses, deceased remarking that the first did her good. Witness remembered the deceased calling on Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock and asking him to let her take away some medicine in a bottle and requesting witness to put something warm into it because she felt so cold. - Witness said that he considered the deceased was sober when she called at his shop on Wednesday, but she had previously admitted that she could eat nothing and this would probably account for the deceased's drinking habits. - In reply to a question, witness said that the taking of two doses of the medicine he had given would do no injury. - Dr Woodman said that he was called to see the deceased on Wednesday. She was dead upon his arrival. He examined the body, but found no marks of violence. Death was due to syncope. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TORQUAY - Sudden Death Of An Infant At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at the Police Station, Torquay, on Wednesday evening, before Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, relative to the death of a child, age 2 years and 3 months, which died suddenly on Sunday. - ANNIE ADAMS, residing in Market-street, said that she was the mother of the child. She was married according to a paper produced by her, but not according to the law. The child on whom the Inquiry was being held had always been delicate and had been constantly attended by the parish doctor. It became worse on Sunday morning about 3 o'clock, and died about half-an-hour later. Mr Wills, Surgeon, of Torre, Torquay, said it was his opinion that the child had died from bronchitis. He thought the mother should have sent for a doctor. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" the Coroner remarking that a medical man should have been called in to attend to the child.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 4 January 1886
TOPSHAM - Mr Henry W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Exeter Inn, Topsham, on Saturday, touching the death of JOHN HEALS, a retired farmer, found dead in bed on Friday morning. The deceased was 73 years of age, and had resided with Mr and Mrs William Tapper for the last 16 years. Up to a few days before his death he appeared to be in his usual health. He did not get up on Thursday, but throughout that day he was visited by Mrs Tapper, who took him food and she last saw him alive at 8.30 on Thursday evening. On her husband going to deceased's room at 6.40 on Friday morning he found him dead in bed, but still warm. - Dr Bothwell found no marks of violence on the body and considered that death was caused by syncope. - The Jury found that the deceased died from Natural Causes.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 5 January 1886
DAWLISH - An Inquest was held at the Manor Inn, yesterday, before Mr S. Hacker, on the body of JOANNA KNIGHT, aged 97. From the evidence it appeared that the deceased went into the courtyard for a small pitcher of water, when she fell down. She was found lying on the stone pavement insensible and was taken into the house and laid on the sofa. She afterwards became gradually better; but a relapse set in, and she again became unconscious and died. - Mr Cockburn, Surgeon, stated his opinion that concussion of the brain had resulted from the blow on the head, owing to her great age and feebleness. He thought death was attributable to the shock to the system occasioned by the fall. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

KENTISBEARE - The Suicide At Kentisbeare. - An Inquest was held at the Wyndham Arms, Kentisbeare, on Saturday, by Mr Cox, District Coroner, touching the death of HENRY LANE, a labourer, who (as already reported), died from the effect of self-inflicted wounds on his throat by a knife. It was elicited that LANE got out of bed early on Thursday morning and went to an outbuilding, where he was subsequently found with his throat cut. After hearing the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased Committed Suicide during Temporary Insanity.

TIVERTON - Sudden Death Of An Infant At Tiverton. - Mr F. S. Dayman, Deputy Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at the Workhouse touching the death of the male infant child of MARY EDWORTHY, an inmate. The evidence showed that the mother on awaking on Saturday morning noticed something peculiar with the child, and after drawing the attention of the other inmates to it, she waited upon the hospital nurse, who found the infant to be dead. It was mentioned that the child had previously suffered from convulsions and after the evidence of the Medical Officer had been taken, a verdict of Death from "Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 January 1886
AXMINSTER - The Shocking Death Of A Girl At Axminster. - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr Cox, held an Inquest at the Old Green Dragon Inn, Axminster, yesterday afternoon relative to the death of ELIZABETH SOPER, Axminster, which occurred on Sunday last, the painful circumstances connected with which have already been reported. - MARTHA SOPER identified the body as that of her daughter, aged 5 ½ years. She stated that on Friday last, at two o'clock, she left home to go to her work, leaving her daughter MARY ANN, aged thirteen, in charge of the seven children. There was a kettle on the hob on one side of the fire containing cold water, and a saucepan full of boiling water on the other. The girl MARY ANN had been accustomed to take charge of the children for about twelve months. Witness instructed her on leaving not to remove the saucepan from the fire. About five o'clock witness was called from her work to go home, where she found the neighbours applying oil and flour to the scalds. Dr Hallett was sent for, and his instructions had been adhered to. - MARY ANN SOPER, 13, said that at the time of the accident she was feeding the baby, aged six months, in her arms. Witness, according to her mother's instructions, did not remove the saucepan from the fire. Witness was sitting on one side of the fire and the deceased on the other. There was a little boy named Chick in company with the deceased at the time, but witness could not say which of them upset the saucepan. Witness at once obtained the assistance of a neighbour. - Mary Enticott proved going to the assistance of the deceased. She found her shockingly burnt and tearing the flesh from her arms. - Dr Hallett deposed visiting the deceased from the time of the accident up to the day of her death. He found that the scalds had been very properly dressed with linseed oil. He examined the deceased and found that the arms and legs were very much scalded and the abdomen was so much so that from the commencement witness entertained no hope of recovery. Death resulted from shock to the nervous system. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and gave their fees to the afflicted parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 January 1886
TEIGNMOUTH - The Accident At Teignmouth Railway Station. - An Inquest was held at the Teignmouth Infirmary yesterday morning, before Mr Sydney Hacker, County Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of ALFRED CHATTERTON, 21, a seaman, of Liverpool, who met with fatal injuries on the railway on Wednesday. - Job Williams, master of the coasting vessel John Wesley, said he knew the deceased, who had been in his vessel for some time. He last saw him at 4.15 on Wednesday, when they landed from the vessel at the Old Quay. Deceased had leave until 10 o'clock the same night. He did not hear of the death of the deceased until the next morning. - John Langmeade said he was mate of the John Wesley. He knew the deceased, and on Wednesday evening he went to see a shipmate named William Bennett off by train. When they arrived at the Station deceased, after wishing his friend "Good-bye," was standing with his back to the train on the footboard. The train started off and the deceased jumped in the opposite direction to which the train was going and fell between the footboard and the platform. The train was instantly stopped and the deceased was pulled out and laid on the platform. He was not bleeding, but his ankle and leg were broken. Witness had him conveyed to the Infirmary. The deceased had had several glasses of ale during the evening, but he was not drunk. - P.S. Richards stated that on Wednesday last, just after 8 p.m., he was n Teignmouth platform waiting for the 8.11 down train. He saw the deceased come on to the platform in company with the mate and another sailor. He saw them wish their companion "Good-bye." The train moved off while the deceased had hold of the carriage-door, and as it moved he ran along beside it. The mate pulled him back, but he got away and attempted to get on the footboard. He missed his footing and fell on his feet between the buffer and couplings. He immediately jumped to the top of the buffer with the idea of getting on the platform, but he was caught by the footboard of the next carriage, and carried a distance of about 70 yards between the footboard and platform. The deceased was the worse for drink at the time of the accident. - Mr John Clarke Boundy, Station-master at Teignmouth Railway Station, said he started the 8.11 train on Wednesday. Directly it had started he heard shouting, and immediately signalled the train to stop. It stopped directly it was clear of the platform, and the deceased was found lying on the under-footboard. People were always cautioned not to get on the footboards. - Mr Alfred Jury, House Surgeon at the Teignmouth Infirmary, said the man was brought in, and on examination he found that he had a broken leg and was suffering from a great shock. He was greatly bruised on the back and abdomen. Witness treated him for his injuries, but without success, and he died about 11.45 the same night. He was of opinion that death was due to the shock to the system. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the melancholy occurrence was a warning to all not to get on the footboards of a moving train. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 January 1886
TIVERTON - The Fatal Accident At Tiverton. - At the Tiverton Infirmary last evening, Mr L. Mackenzie, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of GEORGE WESTCOTT, the driver of the Palmerston Hotel 'bus, who was killed on Wednesday afternoon under circumstances reported in yesterday's issue. Deceased's widow said her late husband had been employed by Mr W.W. Martin, proprietor of the Palmerston Hotel, for about three months. He formerly farmed an estate at Hatherleigh as tenant of Sir Stafford Northcote, and subsequently kept the George Hotel in that place. Since being in Tiverton deceased had been laid up with typhoid fever, and recently had often spoken of the heaviness of his work. It appeared that a strap was usually used for lowering the luggage, but deceased had placed this strap on another vehicle and was using a rope for lowering a box from the 'bus. The rope broke, he fell to the ground, was picked up insensible, and never recovered consciousness. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed their sympathy with the widow and they and the witnesses gave her their fees - £1 14s. 3d.

DARTMOUTH - Suicide Of A Girl At Dartmouth. - Early yesterday morning a girl named MARY HANNAH MOORE, 17 years of age, a domestic servant at the Sun Hotel, Dartmouth, committed suicide under most distressing circumstances. She had been in the employ of Mrs Hughes, late of Torquay, for nearly two years and when the latter lady took the Sun Hotel, at Dartmouth the deceased girl came with her. An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr R. W. Prideaux, Borough Coroner, at the Guildhall. - Sally Skelton Batteshill, residing at St. Mary Church, Torquay, identified the body as the daughter of JOHN MOORE, belonging to the Navy, who deserted his wife when the deceased was three years old. - Edith Pridham, barmaid at the Sun Hotel, deposed that she saw the deceased several times on the previous day, and did not notice anything peculiar in her manner. She slept in the same room with her and had done so ever since they had lived there. Witness retired to bed on Wednesday night about twelve o'clock. The deceased asked her for a bottle of ginger-beer just before she went to bed. She drank part, which was poured out in a tumbler, and took the remainder upstairs and put it on the chair by the side of the bed. The deceased told witness to put the light on the chair. The deceased took up a paper to read, which she often did. Witness went to sleep about 12.15 and about 12.30 she heard MOORE calling out "Mrs Hughes, I am dying." She was in bed and no light was burning. Witness opened the door and ran down and called Mrs Hughes. Miss Hughes went up and called a man named Collins, who was sleeping in the house. Witness did not see the deceased again, as the room was dark. Witness had not noticed anything to show that deceased was in low spirits. John Collins deposed to going to the deceased's room at the request of Mrs Hughes. MOORE was lying down on the bed, and called out, "Oh! Collins, catch hold of my hands." She was foaming at the mouth and her eyes seemed coming out of her head. He asked her what was the matter and she did not make any answer. He told her he would send for the doctor, and she said, "Oh! don't leave me." The only other words she made use of was, "Oh! ain't I bad." Her breathing ceased and seeing that she was dead witness went down and told Mrs Hughes. A doctor was sent for and information given to the Police. - W. Day Jarvis, an assistant to Mr Humphrey, chemist, stated that between eight and nine o'clock on Wednesday night the deceased came to the shop and asked for a packet of powder to kill mice. She had a 6d. packet and signed her name on the book, in accordance with the Poisons Act. The poison was "Battle's Vermin Killer." The deceased had never come for any powder before. - Police-Sergeant Allen deposed to finding pieces of paper, on which Mr Humphrey's name and the word "Poison" were stamped between the bed in which the deceased slept, and the wall. - Mrs Emma Hughes deposed that the deceased had been living with her as domestic servant for nearly two years. She was of a cheerful disposition. Recently she looked rather ill and appeared quiet. Witness did not send for the vermin powder. The deceased retired to rest about the usual time and said good night. Witness then corroborated the evidence given by Miss Pridham and Collins. - Mr R. W. Soper, Surgeon, deposed to being called to the deceased. The Police Sergeant accompanied him into the house. Witness went upstairs and found the deceased lying on a bed. The tumbler produced was on a chair by her side. There was about a teaspoonful and a half of blueish liquid in it, with a slight sediment at the bottom. He desired the Policeman to search the clothes of the deceased. Witness made an external examination of the body, but found no marks of violence. He went that morning to Mr Humphrey's shop and found that deceased had purchased a 6d. packet of "Battle's Vermin Killer," which contained about 23 grains of Prussian blue, flour, and strychnine. In the 23 grains there were about 1 ½ grain to 2 grains of strychnine. Witness had examined the tumbler and found it contained strychnine. He had made a post mortem examination of the body, and death in his opinion had resulted from taking vermin poison. He found that the deceased was enceinte. Mr Soper added that n the 9th January he was called to the Sun Hotel and there Mrs Hughes intimated to him MOORE'S condition and he questioned her closely; but she denied it and Mr Soper advised Mrs Hughes to write to her aunt. - Mrs Hughes, recalled, stated that she had written the aunt of the deceased telling her the condition of the deceased. Witness told MOORE that she had better go home or leave. She denied being enceinte. - The Coroner then briefly summed up and the Jury returned a verdict that the "Deceased committed Suicide by taking Poison during Temporary insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 January 1886
BIDEFORD - The Fatal Fight At Bideford. - The Bideford Borough Coroner, Dr Thompson, held an Inquest at the Town Hall on Thursday night on the body of CORNELIUS ROOKE, who was injured through the affray with Thomas Bissett on Friday, the 8th inst. Mr Restarick was Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was Lucy Same, who deposed to being a domestic servant at Mr Colwill's shop on Launch, East-the-Water. She knew the deceased well and last saw him alive on Friday night, the 8th inst., at the house, between ten and eleven o'clock. He was drinking with the party and had been there at least an hour. Deceased and a man named William Ball had a discussion, which led to a scuffle, but witness did not see any blows struck. They afterwards shook hands and sang songs together. Ball went before closing time, but deceased remained. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said Bissett did not come in until about 10.45 p.m. Was not there when Ball and deceased were scuffling. She went out to bolt the door at 11 p.m., and then saw Bissett and deceased having a scuffle. Ultimately they fell on the flagging. She thought deceased was under. They had a second scuffle, falling this time through the window. In answer to Superintendent Morgan, witness said she heard Bissett say, "I'll have you when you come outside." - Mrs Comer deposed to last seeing the deceased at five minutes past 11 on Friday night. Previously, about 8 p.m. she saw him in the Ship on Launch. He was having a scuffle with another man. The landlady prevented them from fighting. Saw Bissett and deceased about 11 p.m., and they were very drunk. Witness was standing by her door and saw the deceased put his hands on Bissett's shoulder. They fell to the ground together and got up and fell again. Heard Bissett say "Now NELLIE (meaning deceased), life for life for ten minutes." Deceased replied "Twenty, if you like," but a man prevented them from fighting and both were ultimately taken home without any blows being struck. - In answer to a Juryman witness said the whole affair was over in five minutes. - MRS ELIZABETH ROOKE said she knew the deceased very well, he being her brother-in-law. She saw him just after 11 p.m. on the night in question, near the public-house. Saw the scuffle, but did not see any kicks. - Henry Conybeare deposed to being present and saw the men fall together, but did not see any kicks. The deceased walked all right while being taken home. Did not notice that they were very drunk. Did not hear any angry words between them. He held Bissett and he did not struggle to get away from witness to fight with deceased. - James Blackmore, of Exeter, and employed on the London and South Western Railway as mason, deposed to being present with the last witness when the affray took place between Thomas Bissett and deceased. He did not see any kicks, but the men went the ground together, and the witness took deceased home. He did not complain of pain while he was taking him home. Mrs Colwill was called and deposed to deceased and a man named Ball having a scuffle early in the evening, but no blows were struck. Did not see the affray between Bissett and deceased in the latter part of the night. - Dr Rouse deposed to attending the deceased, and could not by examination find any broken ribs. Witness attended him up to his death, and considered death resulted from injury to the liver. In answer to Mr Pollard, Dr Rouse said deceased had been suffering from asthma. - William Smale deposed to leaving the public-house in question just before 11 p.m., and after he got outside he heard glass break. Bissett and deceased were having angry words, but witness did not see any blows or kicks. - The Jury returned a verdict that "Deceased died from injuries received, but that there was not sufficient evidence to incriminate any person or persons."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 19 January 1886
MARY TAVY - Fatal Accident To A Farmer Near Marytavy - Yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr Fulford, District Coroner, at the New Inn, Horndon, near Marytavy, on the body of WILLIAM COLE, farmer, of Horndon, aged 48 years. - Mr Richard Bowhay, of Kingsett, was Foreman of the Jury. From the evidence it appeared that on the 2nd of January the deceased was leading a young horse out of his yard, when the animal bolted and knocked him down and he received a severe cut inside the knee. A week after the occurrence symptoms of tetanus set in, from which MR COLE died on Sunday. After hearing the testimony of Dr J. W. Northey, of Tavistock, and other witnesses, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from Lockjaw, the result of an accident. He leaves a widow and four children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 January 1886
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - An Inquest was held at the St Thomas Workhouse on the body of WILLIAM COOT, a haulier, of St Thomas, 60 years of age. On Saturday morning last deceased was found lying in the roadway under the Alphington-road railway-arch in a state of insensibility. He was removed to the Workhouse, where he died the following day. - The medical evidence showed that death was due to Natural Causes, and a verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 23 January 1886
ILFRACOMBE - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Railway Hotel, before J. F. Bromham, Esq., the District Coroner, on the body of MR JOHN SNOW, aged 82, who died the preceding day from the results of a fall in January, when he g broke his thigh. Mr Tattam was elected Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was Mrs Maria Balsdon, a niece of the deceased, who stated that MR SNOW and his bedridden wife lived in a cottage at the back of her house, and on January 8th, about seven o'clock in the evening, she went as usual to see how the old people were getting on. Upon going upstairs she found deceased in a sitting position on the floor. She endeavoured to raise him but could not. Deceased told her he had fallen down below the stairs, and had crawled up with the intention of getting into bed, when he again fell. She fetched her brother (Mr D. Lewis) and with his help the deceased was put into bed. they offered to fetch the doctor, but deceased said he was only bruised and would wait until the morning. A day or so since deceased, wishing to be near his wife, it was agreed, with the permission of Mr Foquett, that he should be removed to her house. This was done and the deceased appeared to enjoy the change, but about an hour afterwards he grew worse and died. - Mr H. R. Foquett, Surgeon, said that on the morning of the 9th he was called to attend deceased, and upon examination found the neck of the left thigh bone was broken. Every attention was paid to him. Since the accident deceased's mind became much affected and he tore off the bandages and splints. The immediate cause of death was from failure of the heart's action and the shock to the system caused by the accident. - The Coroner having briefly summed up, a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 25 January 1886
HOLSWORTHY - The Suicide In A South-Western Train. - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr R. Fulford, Coroner, at the White Hart Hotel, Holsworthy, on the body of MR WILLIAM PENWARDEN, who committed suicide on Friday in a South Western train under circumstances already reported. - Mr Stranger was elected Foreman of the Jury. - RICHARD GILBERT, of Thorne, identified the body and stated that his son-in-law was a farmer, living on his own farm, at Thorndon, Pyworthy. The deceased was 44 years of age and had been in a very nervous state for four or five months and in consequence of a communication witness went to see him on Thursday. Deceased had been working in Her Majesty's dockyard at Devonport some weeks. Witness induced deceased to return with him as far as Tavistock. Deceased got out on the platform at that Station, saying that if he returned to Holsworthy it would be the means of his death. A struggle took place, when he (witness) tried to hold him. A porter said "Let the man go, and I will take care of him." He was compelled to let go. - A. House, guard, stated that he left Okehampton in charge of the 2.54 train. He knew the deceased by sight. The deceased told him that he had come up from Devonport by the 11.43 train that morning, and he asked if anyone had been there inquiring for him. Witness noticed that he seemed to be in a nervous state, and asked him the cause of it, but deceased made no reply. Witness saw him when he was seated in the train; he was alone, a porter locked him in on the platform side, whereupon he (witness) sent a porter to lock the other side as well. The deceased did not at that moment seem to him to require watching. When witness arrived at Ashbury he saw the deceased suspended from the parcel rack. He did not think at first he was dead, and he cut him down immediately, when it was found that PENWARDEN was dead. The engine-driver helped witness to place deceased on the seat. - Dr Ash said that he had seen the deceased off and on since September. The last time he attended him was the day after Christmas Day. He was then in an extreme state of melancholia. He expressed a wish to be back in his former occupation at the Dockyard, and he (witness) therefore helped him to get there. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict that the Deceased Committed Suicide during Temporary Insanity.

CREDITON - Found Drowned In A Well. - Mr Henry G. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Star Inn, Crediton, on Saturday afternoon, touching the death of MISS CHARLOTTE RICE, aged 64 years, which occurred on Wednesday, as previously reported. Mr Elias Browning acted as Foreman of the Jury. MR HENRY GEORGE RICE, brother of the deceased, identified the body as that of his sister, CHARLOTTE RICE. He had no idea how the deceased got into the well. The cover was generally kept closed. - The evidence bore out the facts already reported. The deceased was missed from the workroom shortly after 7 o'clock and a girl named Kate Tucker heard the rope attached to the head of the well rattle. She and other girls went out and called to the deceased; but received no answer. The well had been left closed at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. It was not customary for the deceased to draw water so late at night. An alarm was raised and a man named Tuckett volunteered to go down the well. He did so and found the body of the deceased. Her face was turned upwards towards the mouth of the well. She was jammed against the sides of the walls. Mr Walter Scott Campbell, Surgeon, examined the body and failed to find any bruises or fracture of any kind but there was a good deal of froth coming from the mouth which showed deceased must have breathed after being immersed in the water. From the appearances of the body he believed, from the depth she fell, the deceased became unconscious before she reached the water and death, he considered, was caused partly by shock and partly by drowning. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict of "Found Dead in a Well," but that there was not sufficient evidence to show how the body came into the well. - A Juryman desired to add a rider to the verdict condemning these open wells as being dangerous to the public. The funeral of the deceased took place in Crediton Churchyard yesterday morning. The early Communion Service which the deceased had often attended had been concluded as the funeral procession reached the church door. It was the intention of the members of the Communicants' Union to have been present in a body, but the early hour chosen prevented this token of respect to one who had been for so long a period a useful member of the Society. They were represented by their Chaplain, the Rev Jessop Teague, and the service was performed by the Vicar, the Rev. Prebendary Smith. Two beautiful wreaths were on the coffin, one of them from the members of the Communicants' Union in token of their respect for the deceased.

ST MARY CHURCH - Fatal Fall At St Mary Church. - On Saturday, Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Havelock Arms, St Mary Church, touching the death of JANE FROST, 63, which occurred to the deceased falling over some stairs in her house on Thursday. - From the evidence of Dr Finch, who attended the deceased, it appeared that she had been ailing for some time past, and was unconscious a short time previous to the fatal fall. The Jury, of whom Me Lee was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

CLOVELLY - On Monday an Inquest was held at the New Inn, Clovelly, before Mr J. F. Bromham, the District Coroner, on the body of MR WILLIAM GLOVER, who met with his death, as previously reported, by the falling of a wall. Mr James Cruse was elected Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness was Mr John Beer, who stated that he knew the deceased, and that he was a confidential servant of Mr James Berriman, of the New Inn, Clovelly, and was 36 years of age. Deceased was engaged with witness's two brothers, Charles and Nicholas, in taking down the walls of a cart-shed, and that GLOVER was in charge of a horse and cart picking out the stones. Witness heard his brother Charles shout out to them to run, as the wall was falling. His two brothers, as well as himself, escaped, although Nicholas was knocked down. Witness noticed deceased appeared to have turned round; but, perhaps, being stupefied, had not moved. He was buried by the falling wall. They immediately extricated him, while Nicholas started to Hartland for a doctor. Witness said that death appeared to have been instantaneous, and that he considered no blame was attached to anyone. - Charles Beer deposed that he was a brother of the last witness, and was assisting in taking down the wall. Witness was in charge, undermining the wall, when he noticed the wall leaning against his pick-axe., He shouted to his comrades to run. When he turned round he noticed that the deceased was under the fallen wall. Witness said that he had had experience in taking down walls and in answer to a Juryman, stated that it was not customary to use props for walls of such height. - Nicholas Beer corroborated the evidence of his two brothers. - The Coroner then briefly summed up the evidence and the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased was Accidentally Killed by a wall falling on him. The Jurymen gave their fees to the widow. Deceased was about forty years of age, leaves a delicate wife and four young children to mourn their loss. GLOVER was a teetotaler, a steady man and much respected.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 29 January 1886
EXETER - Strange Suicide Of A Girl In Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an inquest at the Devonport Inn, Fore-street, yesterday morning, touching the death of ALICE MATILDA GILL, 16 years of age. The first witness called was JOHN GILL, of independent means, residing in Smythen-street, who identified the body as that of his daughter. From his evidence it appeared that the deceased was formerly an apprentice in the employ of Messrs. J. T. Tucker and Sons as mantle-maker. During that time the deceased resided with witness. About a year ago, on the expiration of her two years' term of apprenticeship, she left the employ of Messrs. J. T. Tucker and Sons and resided with witness. Deceased was in good health, but complained that she did not like mantle-making and preferred domestic service. Witness said that if she preferred that course he would give his consent, but he would rather for her to stop at home and continue at her trade. The deceased subsequently went into a situation where she remained about a month. After a short time the deceased obtained another situation at Mrs Clogg's in St. Thomas, where she remained for some months, when, owing to come complaint in her feet, she left. She soon recovered and went into service again, ultimately going back to her former place in St. Thomas. During the night of the 19th inst., the deceased came home suddenly and said she had been sent away for refusing to do what she was told. Witness retired to rest and the next morning a bottle containing phosphorous paste was brought to him. Suspecting something wrong, the deceased was questioned by her grandmother and admitted having taken poison, and said that she had bought it for 6d. at Mr Stone's, at the corner of Alphington-street. Deceased said that she had taken it to destroy herself, because she was afraid of incurring witness's displeasure. Witness fetched Mr Mortimer, Surgeon. - In reply to a question witness said that he had never treated deceased unkindly, and this statement was borne out by several of the Jurymen, who knew the deceased. - Mr Mortimer, Surgeon, was sent for, and prescribed for the deceased; but she died on Wednesday morning. - Mrs Clogg, Cowick-street, gave evidence of the deceased's having been in her service, and in consequence of negligence of work witness gave the girl notice to leave, but agreed to keep her in her employ upon the condition that she improved. Deceased eventually left on Monday evening, the 18th instant, at six o'clock in the evening. Deceased made no remark on leaving, except, "Good-bye." Witness had asked the deceased previously whether her father knew that she was leaving, to which deceased replied that he did; but that she was not going to her grandmother's, where her father resided, as she intended to go to her aunt's in St. Sidwell's. - One of the Jurors said he had known the deceased for a number of years, and he had noticed that she had a very depressed look. - The father said that the deceased was very reserved. - Mr Mortimer deposed to finding the deceased suffering from symptoms of poisoning, and he treated her accordingly. - In reply to a question as to why she had taken the poison, deceased replied that "she did not know." The deceased died of haemorrhage of the stomach, the result of poisoning. - Witness stated that the complaint in the feet which deceased suffered from would no doubt cause an indifference to work, but deceased had recovered from that. - A Juryman thought there was no evidence to show where the girl stayed since she had left her aunt in St Sidwell's on the day she left Mrs Clogg's until she arrived at her home at one o'clock in the morning. - The father said he had found that the deceased had not gone to her aunt's in St Sidwell's at all, but had gone to another aunt in Okehampton-street. He had also discovered from the deceased that she had stopped in the passage at the side of the house from the time she bought the phosphorous paste at Mr Stone's, about nine o'clock, until she awoke him in the early hours of the morning. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the case was a sad one, and he thought it was a most improper proceeding to allow persons to obtain this phosphorous paste, which was a deadly poison, with the facility they could. - The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

EXETER - Sudden Death In Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at Dicker's Crediton Inn, Paul-street, on Monday afternoon, touching the death of MR PARMENAS MEARS, a currier, of 7 Paul-street, at which place the deceased had carried on business for a number of years, and was much respected in the neighbourhood. - From the evidence of MRS MEARS it appears that the deceased, accompanied by witness, went out for a walk about 8 o'clock on Sunday evening. While passing through New North-road deceased remarked that it was rather cold, and accordingly they returned home. MR MEARS was taking off his coat, when he suddenly fell into a chair and expired without speaking. - In reply to various questions from the Coroner, witness said that the deceased had not previously complained of being ill, and had not been laid up for many years. The deceased had been out in the morning and afternoon in company with a friend named Edwards. The deceased was a teetotaler and did not smoke. - Mr Moone, Surgeon, said that he was called on Sunday evening to see the deceased, whom he found dead on his arrival. Witness made an examination, but found no marks of violence. The cause of death was heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 30 January 1886
DAWLISH - An Inquest was held last evening at the White Hart Inn, before Mr Hacker, County Coroner, on the body of ELLIS STONE, gardener, at Knowle House, aged 64, who was found dead in the boiler house of the vinery on the Wednesday afternoon previously. The deceased, it appeared, was in his usual health in the morning, but as he did not come to his dinner at 2.30 the servants searched for him, and about half-an-hour later found that STONE was sitting on a chair in the boiler house with the door locked. - Edward Johns, plumber, stated that as he could not open the door he entered by the window. The fumes from the coke fire were very strong. On entering he found STONE on a chair quite dead, with one stocking partly off the left foot and a razor was close by on the stove, as though the deceased was about to cut his corns. He assisted to get the body outside and a doctor was sent for. - Mr A. de W. Baker, Surgeon, stated that he had made a post-mortem examination and found the body fairly healthy. There was a quantity of fat around the heart, the right ventricle being slightly affected. He considered that death resulted from failure of the heart's action, which might have been accelerated by the fumes of the coke fire. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes - Heart Disease."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 2 February 1886
EXETER - Sudden Death Of A Soldier At Topsham Barracks. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest yesterday at the Higher Barracks touching the death of H. FREEMAN, a sergeant in the Royal Horse Artillery, stationed at Topsham Barracks. - Sergeant Adams, R.H.A., E/B, stated that the deceased, who entered the Service in February 1872 was a single man. Deceased had been in India, and only returned a short time since. Witness saw the deceased on Saturday morning, about 8.30, while the latter was preparing for parade, and seemed quite well. - Henry Allen, a driver in E/B said that about twenty minutes to nine o'clock on Saturday morning he went to the deceased with a letter. Deceased was going to speak, when he fell forward on the floor. Witness immediately undid the deceased's tunic, and, with assistance, laid him on his bed, but he almost immediately expired. - Surgeon Robert Thomas McGaly said that he made a post mortem examination of the body and found that the heart was double its ordinary width and size, and weighed 22oz. The cause of death was failure of the heart's action. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TORQUAY - Last evening Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the County House Inn, Ellacombe, Torquay, to investigate the circumstances attending the death of JAMES LAWRENCE, aged 55, a labourer, in the employ of the Torquay Brewing Company, and living at 2 Wellington-road, Ellacombe. Deceased, while at work at the brewery last Tuesday, put up his hand against a cask to prevent its rolling, when he grazed the skin of one of his fingers, causing a small wound, and a little blood trickled over the knuckles. As his hand began to swell on Thursday, deceased obtained assistance from Dr Haddow, assistant to Dr Gamble, his club doctor. Deceased was advised to have his hand opened, but he would not consent and he also went against the doctor's advice in going to work the following day. On Saturday he became rapidly worse and blood-poisoning and erysipelas having set in, the case became hopeless. Even on Saturday deceased gain refused to have an operation performed and it was only on Sunday afternoon that he eventually consented. Dr Hadden then cut his hand and the blood flowed freely, after which the hand and arm were bandaged. Deceased, however, became delirious and soon afterwards, while in that state, he took off the bandages and caused the blood to flow afresh. Dr Haddow was again sent for, but on his arrival the deceased was dead. He gave it as his opinion that death was caused by blood poisoning, and a verdict was returned to that effect.

EXETER - Suspicious Death Of A Child. Inquest In Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at the George and Dragon Inn, Blackboy-road, yesterday afternoon, touching the death of MARY JANE DAY, aged four years. - The first witness called was Mary Jane Darby, wife of Mr George Darby, a paperhanger, residing at 2 Victoria-place, Paul-street, who identified the body as that of MARY JANE DAY, daughter of MR FREDERICK DAY, of 105 Blackboy-road. Witness, in the course of her evidence, said that she took charge of the deceased when about a fortnight old and kept her until she was a little over two years of age, when witness returned her to the care of her father and stepmother (deceased's mother having died a day after witness took charge of her) on the 10th March 1884. Deceased was in good health during the time she was with witness and had only been attended medically on one occasion by Mr Brash for convulsions while teething. Witness saw the deceased the day following that on which she took the child back to her parents, and on this occasion she looked happy and comfortable. - MR DAY at first refused to allow witness to see the deceased, stating that his reason for so doing was to prevent her longing so much to see witness. The latter, however, persisted, and eventually saw the deceased. - MR DAY subsequently told witness that "every man's house was his own sanctuary, and that if she persisted in coming there again he would send for a policeman," to which witness replied that he was very welcome to do so, because she had not done anything for him to send for one. Witness kissed the child and left. Witness subsequently sent her little girl to see deceased, but after two or three visits MR DAY told her not to come again, because she was not required. Witness did not hear anything more of deceased until a note in the early part of 1885 reached her saying that he (MR DAY) was sorry that the deceased had left witness's house, and that she was in the Hospital suffering from bad treatment it was alleged, that she had received from her brother, FREDERICK DAY. Witness reported the circumstances of the case to the Magistrates, and took the boy, DAY, about 14 years old, before them. The Magistrates ordered Inspector Symes, witness and the lad DAY to go to the Hospital to see deceased. They accordingly went to see the deceased, who was terribly injured, having no nose, and her head and left leg were bandaged. The eyes also appeared to have been blackened. The deceased recognised witness and said "My mamma" two or three times. Witness said, "DAISY, who gave you this?" the deceased replied, "My Mamma." Witness understood that this meant MR DAY'S second wife. In the course of some conversation with a nurse named Blackmore in the "Bowring" Ward, the latter stated that MR DAY'S second wife told her that the deceased was "born without a nose and that she suffered from a disease from which its mother had died." Witness and her daughter visited the deceased in the Hospital every visiting day and washed her clothes for her. - EMILY DAY, another daughter of MR DAY'S, while in conversation with the witness in the Hospital said, "I must not stay long in the Hospital because mother told me I must make haste and go back, as the deceased would never be nothing to us, and the sooner she was dead the better." Witness said, "Did she say so," and the girl replied, "Yes, but don't tell her or else she will beat me." - A Juryman: Has the child been taken to the Hospital more than once. - Witness: Yes; twice. Witness also added that during the time that MR DAY was a widower there could not be a better father, and the children appeared to be well cared for. - A Juryman: Mr Brash did not say that there was any disease in the child? - Witness: No, never at all. - A Juryman: How many children had MR DAY? - Witness: Nine. The deceased was the youngest. - A Juryman: How many are there living now? - Witness: Eight. - A Juryman: How many are there now at home? - Witness: Only two. One lad ran away because he had been so much ill-treated by his stepmother. - A Juryman: You cannot tell whether deceased was insured? - Witness: I cannot say; but she was not insured by me. - FREDERICK DAY, 14 years of age, son of MR F. DAY, bootmaker, was next called and said that he had resided with his grandmother in Church-lane, St Sidwell's for about ten months, previous to which he had lived at home with his father, at 105 Blackboy-road. Witness was in the habit of seeing the deceased daily,. His father treated the child well, but his stepmother knocked the child about with a stick 2ft. long and about the size of a broom-handle that she used when washing clothes. The blows were struck across the nose and about the back. This she did on twelve occasions, if not more. Sometimes the deceased cried. - In reply to the Coroner as to why he went away from home, witness said he did so in consequence of his ill-treatment by his stepmother who used to knock witness with the same stick as she did deceased. The stepmother, who was present during the hearing, said that witness ran away because he stole money; but witness refuted this and stated that his stepmother used to keep back half the money when he was sent after the errands and told him to bring only half the quantity, while she kept the other half of the money and appropriated it to her own use. - The parents were again going to speak when they were threatened with ejectment by the Coroner if not quiet. - In reply to a question, witness said that he did not remember knocking his sister while on the ground on any occasion. - A Juryman: Did anyone see your mother's ill-treatment of deceased besides yourself? - Witness: Yes, my brother, who is now at Copplestone. - The stepmother said the witness ran away because he stole money, to which the lad replied "That she told him to do it." - A Juryman: When you were beaten you ran away; had you any marks to show that you had been ill-treated? - Witness: Yes, on my arm. My grandmother can prove this. - A Juryman: You have not let deceased fall down on any occasion? - Witness: No, I have not. - A Juryman: When your sister had a bad nose you do not know whether a medical man was called in? - Witness: I do not know that there was. - A Juryman: Did you take the child to the Hospital in the first instance? - Witness: Yes. - A Juryman: Why did you take her to the Hospital? - Witness: Because of her having a bad nose. - Juryman: when you went there who did you see? - Witness: Two or three gentlemen. - In reply to a question as to whether he knew the House Surgeon (Mr Blomfield), witness replied that he did not. No one came back or went with him to the Hospital. - A Juryman: Can you remember the first time the deceased was brought home? - Witness: Yes; I can remember that. - A Juryman: Could she walk? - Witness: I do not know. - Q.: How long after deceased had received the knock on the nose did you receive instructions to take deceased to the Hospital? - Witness: I cannot tell. - The father (interrupting) said that the deceased never received a knock on the nose at all. It was simply a disease. - A Juryman: When she was first brought home by Mrs Darby what state was she in? - Witness: She was clean and her nose was perfect. - Witness in response to a question from the Coroner, said that his brother was present when the deceased was ill-treated. - The coroner said it would be nothing but fair and proper for him to adjourn the Inquest in order that the lad at Copplestone might be brought to give evidence, in which the Jurymen concurred. - Mrs Darby was commencing to make some remarks when she was stopped by the coroner, who said that she had had her evidence taken and must remain quiet. - A Juryman: Did your father ever beat you? - Witness: No never. Witness, in reply to the Coroner, said that when his father found that the quantity or weight of the article he had been sent to purchase was short he did not tell his father what his stepmother had told him to do, because he was afraid of getting "a warning." - The father said that he wished the Inquiry could be got over that day. - The Coroner said that he had no right to interfere. - A question was put as to whether or not the lad's stepmother had been bound over to keep the peace for ill-treating her husband's children? - Inspector Symes, who watched the case on behalf of the Police, said that this was so. - The father, again interrupting, said that he could bring witnesses to refute the evidence given on that occasion. - Inspector Symes said the present MRS DAY was bound over on the 19th June last in sureties. - A Juryman (to the lad): When you left your father's home were you turned out or did you leave of your own accord? - A Juryman: Did your father send you away? - Witness: No. Witness, in reply to a question, said that his father had never troubled to get a situation for him. In his present situation he earned 4s. a week, which, of course, he handed to his grandmother. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, residing in St Sidwell's, said that he was called on Friday, the 29th ult., shortly after 11 o'clock by MR DAY to see the child MARY JANE DAY. Witness accordingly proceeded to the house in Blackboy-road. Upon his arrival he found the deceased dead. He made external examination of the body and found some serious wounds. Not being satisfied, he made a post mortem examination. The result showed that the body was in a very thin and emaciated condition and the external portion of the nose was gone, probably the result of disease. There was a granulating wound about eight inches in length, extending from the crest of the right hip across the lower portion of the abdomen, terminating in front of left thigh about one inch from its junction with the body. The wound was about an inch in width throughout. There were also three other external wounds or sores. On examining the stomach he found it empty, and the coats very transparent, but otherwise not diseased. The brain was healthy. - In reply to witness's question as to when deceased had food last, the father said about half-an hour previously; but witness found no trace of any. - He found no disease sufficient to account for death; but, in witness's pinion, death was due to exhaustion, consequent on want of food and general neglect. - A Juryman: How long do you think the child had food previous to your seeing it? - Witness: I cannot say, because I have no means of judging its digestive power. - In reply to a question from the Coroner as to the cause of some marks on the face, the witness said that he should not like to express an idea that he had as to the way in which they were caused unless he could prove it. - The Coroner said that it seemed to him that the marks looked like scalds. - Mr Bell said that he could not say whether that was so or not. - A Juryman: Have you any knowledge from what the mother died. - Mrs Darby said that the mother of the deceased died from the effects of a cold. - The Coroner, in the course of his remarks to the Jury, said it was a very painful case. He thought that there was something more that ought to be brought before the Jury. The evidence of FREDERICK DAY should be corroborated, he considered, by his brother. He had studiously avoided bringing forward MR and MRS DAY to give evidence because they might possibly place themselves in a wrong position; but if they wished to come before them and give evidence he (the Coroner) said that he should caution them in the usual manner. - MR DAY thereupon said he should like to be examined. - A Juryman said he should like to hear the evidence of Mr Blomfield, at the Hospital. - The Coroner, continuing, said that sitting there as he did he thought that everyone should be fairly represented. He felt that the Jury would agree with him in adjourning the case for a day or two for getting additional evidence and MR and MRS DAY would in the meantime be able to decide as to whether they would like to appear before them and give evidence. At this juncture another daughter of MR DAY'S, about nine or ten years old, was brought into the room, and, in reply to a question from the coroner, said that she fed the deceased about half-past three o'clock. - A Juryman asked whether the stepmother was bound over to keep the peace for ill-treating all the children. - Inspector Symes replied that it was for ill-treating the above-mentioned girl only. - A Juryman said that a certificate of the death of MRS DAY would be necessary. MR DAY said that his first wife died about January 28th, 1882. - The Inquest was accordingly adjourned until Thursday morning at 11 o'clock.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 February 1886
EXETER - Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Red Lion Inn, St Sidwell's, yesterday, relative to the death of MARY BRUCE WARREN, which occurred on Saturday night. - ELIZABETH BOND WARREN, daughter of the deceased, identified the body as that of her mother, who was 75 years of age. Witness and the deceased had lived together at Flay's Cottages about two years. On Saturday evening between five and six o'clock, seeing a sudden change in her mother, witness went for Mr Bell, but before her return deceased had expired. - During witness's absence a neighbour stayed in the house. Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, said that about ten minutes to eight on Saturday night he was called to see the deceased. He went, but on his arrival found her dead. There was no doubt she had been in a weak state for some time and death was due to failure of the heart's action. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 February 1886
EXETER - Alleged Ill-Treatment Of Children In Exeter. Verdict Of Wilful Murder. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of MARY JANE DAY, the daughter of FREDERICK DAY, shoemaker of 105 Blackboy-road, was resumed at the George and Dragon Inn, Blackboy-road, yesterday, before the City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, Esq. At the previous Inquiry, which was held on Monday last, evidence was given to the effect that MRS DAY, the stepmother, had ill-treated the children by the first marriage generally and had beaten the deceased child with a stick. The principal witness as to the assault on that occasion was FREDERICK DAY, a boy, 14 years of age, who deposed to various acts of ill-treatment, and among other things said his stepmother struck the deceased on the nose and on the back with a stick about the substance of a broomstick. It was also stated at that Inquiry that the stepmother had asserted that the injury to the deceased child's nose arose from a disease from which the mother had died. As a matter of fact the child had been a patient in the Hospital on one occasion for a disease which had eaten away the nose and another time for mortification of the toes, but on each occasion she left benefitted. At the previous Inquiry Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, St. Sidwell's, stated that on Friday, the 29th ult., shortly after 11 o'clock, he was called by MR DAY to see the child MARY JANE DAY. He accordingly proceeded to the house in Blackboy-road. Upon his arrival he found the deceased dead. He made an external examination of the body, and found some serious wounds. Not being satisfied, he made a post mortem examination. The result showed that the body was in a very thin and emaciated condition. The external portion of the nose was gone, probably the result of disease. There was a granulating wound about eight inches n length, extending from the crest of the right hip across the lower portion of the abdomen, terminating in front of the left thigh about one inch from its junction with the body. The wound was about an inch in width throughout. There were also three other external wounds or sores. On examining the stomach he found it empty, and the coasts very transparent, but otherwise not diseased. The brain was healthy. He found no disease sufficient to account for death; but, in witness's opinion, death was due to exhaustion, consequent on want of food and general neglect. It was further shown that the stepmother had been bound over to keep the peace for ill-treating the deceased child, and under all the circumstances the Inquiry was adjourned. - At the adjourned Inquiry, Mr Friend appeared for the parents, and Inspector Symes watched the case on behalf of the Police. - The first witness called was ALFRED DAY, son of MR DAY by his first marriage. The lad stated that he was 16 years of age, and was employed at Copplestone. Before that he lived at home and worked for Mr Kempe. His father always treated him very kindly, but his stepmother did not treat him very well. He recollected his stepmother ill-treating his little sister, MARY JANE, by beating her with her fists about the head and face. He had seen this done more than once. He had also seen his stepmother beat the child with a stick. There was no particular reason for striking the child. He had also seen the other children treated in the same kind of way. He had seen this kind of treatment very frequently, perhaps once a day. It generally took place upstairs. Witness had been sent to work in the morning without having any breakfast. This had been done often, and he had complained to his father once or twice, and had money given him to buy food sometimes. He had not see his sister MARY JANE ill-treated except by beating. The stick used was a round stick - part of a broomstick, or something like it. - He had heard his stepmother call his sister a dirty little beast and other names. - Cross-examined: He had seen his stepmother strike the other children, sometimes for little petty things - nothing worth mentioning. His sister, MARY JANE, used to pick her nose and hands, but she was not otherwise dirty in her habits. She had little places and sores on her legs and sometimes picked them. Sometimes his mother and sometimes his sister EMILY fed the deceased. His sister, MARY JANE, generally had bread and milk for breakfast and was sometimes fed between breakfast and dinner, which took place about one o'clock. For dinner the deceased had the same as the rest. At tea-time the deceased used generally to have a basin of milk, and sometimes had something else before she went to bed. His stepmother struck the deceased with her clenched fist about the face and head. He had seen his sister so struck more than a dozen times before and after she was in the Hospital. His father was kind to the deceased, who was not taken out very often. He had a brother named FREDERICK; he was not troublesome, though his father used to correct him sometimes. - By the Coroner: He had been away for twelve months, and knew nothing of what transpired since then. - By a Juryman (Mr Scott): He came home from Copplestone at Christmas last, but did not go to see his brother and sister; he thought his stepmother might not like it. He did not ask to go and see them. - The Coroner: Why did not you? - No answer. - Mr Scott: Did your father and stepmother tell you not to do so? It's a very strange thing that you did not go to see your brother at the back of St Sidwell's Church, and your sister. - No answer. - Replying to further questions, witness said that he was at home at Christmas for three days. He saw his little sister at that time, and she then had some sores about her. When he worked at Mr Kempe's he had complained that he had been sent from home without food, and the men had given him some. When his sister was brought home from Mrs Darby's there was nothing the matter with her face. His father was in the house sometimes when the child was beaten, but downstairs in the workroom. He had heard his father ask why the child was crying, and find fault with his wife for striking her with her fist. - FREDERICK DAY, a younger brother of the last witness, and who was examined at the former Inquiry, said that when living at home he saw his stepmother put MARY JANE in a bucket of water. He could not say when that took place. It only occurred once and the water was cold. His stepmother did that because the child had been dirty. This must have taken place about twelve months ago, and his stepmother appeared to do it in anger. On one occasion, after his stepmother had beaten the child with a stick, she took out a handful of salt, put it in the bandage and clapped it upon the child's nose. (Sensation). That was the truth. The child's nose was sore before that. This took place two or three months before he left. He had not seen her do anything else, but he remembered when the child began to pick her nose she would knock her with a stick and the child would cry. - Inspector Symes: Have you ever seen any part of the nose picked up on the floor? - A.: No, sir; some slimy blood. - The Coroner: Was there any flesh attached to it? - A.: Well, you might almost say it was - it was thick, slimy blood. I did not make any remark to my father or stepmother. - Cross-examined: I told my aunt, Mrs Darby, of this now lately. I was afraid to talk about it, because my sister EMILY would tell stepmother. I saw this blood occur several times, and did not tell anyone until I told my aunt. The last time I told of it was ten months ago, at the Guildhall. I know it was salt that my stepmother put on the bandage, because she took it from the salt-cellar. The child did not scream, but was softly crying. She did not complain that it gave her pain - she was afraid to. - Q.: You would not have been afraid to halloa if you had your nose half pulled off? A.: But then she would have knocked her nose. - Q.: You forgot to say anything about this dreadful salting-in before. A.: Yes, sir. - By a Juryman: While my sister was suffering from a bad nose I went with a note to a chemist for something to put over her nose. - Mr A. G. Blomfield, House Surgeon at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, said he first saw MARY JANE DAY some time in August 1884. She was admitted into the Hospital on the 14th August 1884. The child was suffering from snuffles; the bridge of the nose and the division between the two nostrils had fall in, and there was some ulceration about the nose and an offensive discharge from it. The child was very thin and very weak. Beyond the disease of the nose and the extreme weakness he could find no disease of any other organ. The child was discharged benefited in September of the same year. He saw nothing more of the child until March 5th, 1885, when she was again admitted into the Hospital, at that time with mortification in two or three toes, but these recovered under treatment and the child was discharged as an out-patient on the 7th May and he had not seen her since. - Cross-examined: Salt applied to a raw surface would be very painful and if applied as stated the child would probably have screamed. He did not think the salt would have aggravated the disease. - By a Juryman: The appearance of the nose was consistent with organic disease, but it might or might not have arisen from it. He had seen even younger children lost their noses from organic disease. - By Inspector Symes: On both occasions the child was benefited when she left the Hospital. The child was still on the books of the Hospital as an out-patient, so that the parents could have brought her there, but he had not seen anything of her since the 7th May. - Mr C. E. Bell, recalled, said that in the post mortem examination he found nothing to indicate syphilis. When he saw the child it was nothing but skin and bone. - Mrs Mary Luxmoore, wife of John Luxmoore, residing at 106 Blackboy-road, the house adjoining MR DAY'S, said she knew the deceased child from her birth, and recollected her being brought back from Mrs Darby's. The child was then healthy. She saw the stepmother put one of the little children into a bucket of water on one occasion, but she could not say which child. She had never seen MRS DAY ill-treat the children, but had seen FREDERICK DAY crying. When she saw the child put into the bucket of water it was about the end of January or the beginning of February, twelve months ago. She never saw MRS DAY beat the children. She spoke to FREDERICK once when he was screaming, and he said his stepmother had been beating him. - Elizabeth Darby, residing in Okehampton-street, said that on one occasion she, with Mrs Darby, the deceased's aunt, visited the child while in the Hospital. The aunt asked the child who hurt her nose and she replied that her mamma had done it. Inspector Symes was present and requested the aunt not to ask any more questions, but he asked who did it and she then said it was her brother. - The Coroner said that at the former Inquiry there was a suggestion made that MR DAY'S first wife had died "a mass of disease," and he had therefore thought it his duty to ascertain what she did die of. There was no trace of the disease inferred and the certificate of death showed that death was due to peritonitis, and, fourteen days after, congestion of the lungs. - Mr Friend said there was no contention that the first MRS DAY'S death was due to the causes suggested, and added that by the permission of the Coroner he had the privilege of addressing the Jury. - He reminded them that at that Inquiry a great many things were stated which could not be mentioned in a Court where legal rules prevailed. Family feuds were generally the worst of all and led people on to bounds beyond control and they had had an exhibition of it in this case. What he said on behalf of MR DAY and his present wife was that the child was taken proper care of. As for the story of the boys, possibly if the children did misbehave MRS DAY might correct and perhaps in a more severe form than their own mother might have done; and under those circumstances he could quite understand that these boys would in some degree have a prejudice against MRS DAY. From the evidence of these boys it was shown that the child was continually fed; and would this have been done if the stepmother had intended to do the child wrong? - It was quite the reverse. He would show that MRS DAY took care of the child, and that she made her gloves to prevent her scratching her sores. They were asked to believe that MRS DAY so wilfully neglected the child and improperly treated her in the first instance as to bring about this disease, and then neglected it so as to bring about its death. But, had that been the case, would she have been the one to take the child to the Hospital, where the medical-men would have seen what had taken place and would have given the necessary cautions. He was not afraid to call MR and MRS DAY and asked the Jury to believe that the children were brought there by some prejudiced mind in order to trump up a story. He submitted that the child died from natural causes. He suggested that the disease from which the child suffered was scrofula, which was a disease that would lie dormant for two or three generations and then make its appearance. - The Coroner said that to his mind the case assumed a most serious aspect and if MR and MRS DAY were called to give evidence he must caution them that what they said would be taken down and might be given as evidence against them. - Mr Friend then called FREDERICK DAY, the father of the deceased child. Having been cautioned, he said his daughter MARY JANE was born about four years ago, the mother dying within a few days of the child's birth. The child was given to Mrs Darby, who kept her for two years, he paying a weekly sum and finding clothes. The child was brought back at the end of two years. She was then healthy, but delicate, as all the children were. He had then been married again six months. The deceased child became ill and had an eruption, mattery heads forming all over her body. She was constantly scratching herself and MRS DAY made a pair of gloves for her on purpose to prevent her. He never saw his wife strike the child, except just to "tack" her when she did not behave. He never saw his wife use a stick. Witness spoke to the child being taken to the Hospital, and said that when at home purifying medicines were given here, and her sores were dressed morning, noon, and night. His wife gave the medicine and dressed the wounds and she sometimes had to attend to the child in the night. When the child was an out-patient of the Hospital his wife took her to and fro. The child was of rather dirty habits. The child had her meals regularly with the rest of the family. The deceased was a "chilly" child, and his wife used to warm her by the fire and tie her legs up in flannel before putting her to bed. On the morning of the day on which the child died she appeared just as usual. Witness went out for a walk on the evening of the night in question, as usual, and on his return his wife told him the child was looking strange and that he had better fetch a doctor. He fetched Mr Bell who pronounced the child dead. - The Coroner said he should not ask the witness any questions and should treat his evidence as a statement. - MARY JANE DAY, wife of the last witness and stepmother of the deceased, was next called and cautioned before being sworn. She said that all her husband had said was correct. She never struck the deceased with a weapon of any kind. The putting the child into a bucket of water took place, but the water was warm, and the child was bathed because she had been dirty. At that time they had not a proper bath, but after that, one was bought. She never struck the child on the nose with a stick; the boy did it himself and she expected that that was what she beat him for when Mrs Luxmoore heard him cry. That boy was constantly ill-using the deceased. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, expressed the satisfaction it gave him to see Mr Friend appear for the father and stepmother, who were seriously affected. If they believed the children, there was general ill-treatment and it was not confined to the deceased child. The father had attempted to say that the child was a mass of corruption in the first instance and that the mother was diseased, and for that reason he (the Coroner) had thought it his duty to make the inquiries he had. Mr Bell told them that the child died from exhaustion, want of food, general ill-treatment, and neglect. If that ill-treatment was caused by the stepmother or father, or both, and if they thought the child was ill-used from malice, that would amount to murder. Malice meant, in law, ill-will, evil design or concerted scheme to do bodily harm, and if either of these were proved in their minds then it was murder in the eye of the law. But if they thought there was no malice, then the offence, if any, might be manslaughter. That offence would arise from any unlawful act or negligent omission of some duty which should have been performed. Mr Bell said death was due to exhaustion, want of food and general neglect. By law the father was the natural guardian of the children, and in this case especially so, as their natural mother was dead and he was bound to see that they were not ill-treated. But in this case the evidence pointed to ill-treatment to such an extent that the protection of the Justices had had to be sought and sureties for keeping the peace procured from the stepmother. The question for the Jury was - had there been murder, manslaughter, or any offence at all? They must judge from the evidence whether FREDERICK DAY, taking no steps to prevent the ill-treatment - assuming that he saw it - was not, as well as his wife, liable. - The Jury, after about half-an-hour's deliberation, returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against MRS DAY, and found MR DAY an accessory before the fact. - MR and MRS DAY were then arrested upon the Coroner's warrant and conveyed to the Guildhall. They will be brought before the Magistrates this morning when a remand will probably be asked for.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 8 February 1886
CRUWYS MORCHARD - Found Dead In A Well. - An Inquest was held last Friday by Mr F. Burrow, District Coroner, at the farm-house of Mr John Strong, Cruwys Morchard, touching the death of WILLIAM FRANCIS PRIDHAM, a married labourer, aged 22, who has been missing from the neighbourhood since December 29th, and whose body was on Wednesday found in a disused well in the neighbourhood. Mr Superintendent Collins and Mr Strong, for whom deceased used to work, were among those present at the Inquiry. - Deceased's widow was the principle witness called. She said they had been married nine months last December. On December 29th about 5.40 a.m., deceased went to work as usual at Little Heath Farm. He usually breakfasted at the farm and took his dinner with him, returning home in the ordinary course between six and seven p.m. On the day mentioned he did not return home, and the only information witness could obtain upon inquiry at the farm, was that he had not been seen there that day. In a stable on the farm she found deceased's dinner bag containing his dinner, also his purse, in which were a half-crown and ten-pence, and his watch. She had never known him to place his watch and money in the bag before. An unsuccessful search was made for him on the next and on subsequent days, and she concluded that he had enlisted in the Army. Deceased had never said anything to lead her to think that he contemplated suicide. They lived happily together. During the evening of Monday, December 28th, they played cards together, the game being known as "All Fours." During the game an altercation occurred between them. Deceased put down the wrong card and took it up again; if she had done so he would not let her take it up again. She remonstrated, and deceased said she was "always like that." Witness replied that if the deceased said much she would throw the cards in the fire. He then seized the cards angrily and put them in the fire himself. There was no other unpleasantness. Deceased subsequently went out to see to the horses on the farm. Witness followed and looked in through the stable window and deceased demanded whether she was coming into the stable or going home. In about half an hour deceased returned home and she saw no more of him until his body was found. She had in the meanwhile removed her household effects and gone into service at Tiverton. - Evidence of the finding of the body having been given, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

PAIGNTON - The Sad Case Of Poisoning At Paignton. - An Inquest was held on Saturday before the County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, on the body of MRS S. STOCKDALE, who met with her death by accidental poisoning on Friday, as reported on Saturday in these columns. The Inquiry was held at the residence of the deceased, Ferndale-villa, Woodland Park, Paignton. - Colonel Bleuett was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - CAPTAIN HENRY MINSCHELL STOCKDALE, J.P., of Ashby Hall, Northampton, identified the body as that of his sister-in-law, EMMA STOCKDALE, whose age was 66 years. - Ann Fuge, a domestic servant in attendance upon the deceased, stated that on Thursday last, about 10 p.m., she took some bread and butter to her mistress, who complained of not being able to sleep, and asked witness to give her a sleeping draught, and pointed in the direction of the drawers, where the medicine was usually kept. Witness, who was in the habit of giving the deceased her draught, took a small phial bottle from the drawers, and poured its contents into a wine glass and gave it to deceased. She shortly afterwards found that the liquid she had given her mistress was contained in a bottle which was marked poison. As soon as the mistake was discovered by the deceased, hot water was administered and a doctor sent for. But after vomiting a little she died shortly after one o'clock on Saturday morning. - Miss Jane Smith, of Stoney Stratford, Buckinghamshire, said she was on a visit to the deceased. On going to bed on Thursday night she was called by the last witness, and on going into the room of the deceased found her terribly frightened, saying she had been poisoned. - Amelia Fuge, a domestic, also gave evidence. - John Thompson Goodridge, surgeon, practising at Paignton, said he had attended the deceased during the past week for a cold and a slight attack of bronchitis. Previous to her death he visited her on Thursday afternoon about 4.30. He produced a bottle of medicine, in addition to which a phial of liniment for outward application, which was found in the room. They were in the same position as described by Ann Fuge. He was sent for at 11 p.m. on Thursday, and on arriving at the house found the deceased in bed unconscious; she was retching badly. Her teeth soon clenched and it was with difficulty that anything could be got down her throat. She died shortly after one o'clock on Friday morning. He had made a post mortem examination by order of the Coroner, and found a wineglassful of fluid, composed partly of belladonna. His opinion was that deceased died from the effects of taking belladonna liniment poison. - The Coroner, in summing-up, said greater care ought to have been exercised by the servant-girl. - The Jury, without hesitation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 February 1886
AWLISCOMBE - Sad Death Of A Farmer Near Honiton. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr C. Cox, held an Inquest at the Honiton Inn, Awliscombe, two miles distant from Honiton, on Saturday afternoon, relative to the death of FRANCIS WILMINGTON, farmer, of Marle Farm, Awliscombe, who was found drowned near his residence on Friday morning. - LOUISA WILMINGTON, widow of the deceased, was too ill to give evidence. - Walter John Harris, a boy, identified the body as that of his master. On Friday morning about eleven o'clock the deceased sent witness to the Post-office for letters. Witness went and when he returned with a letter his master as standing on the bridge which crosses the mill-leat. Deceased then instructed witness to clean down a horse and give it some hay. About a quarter of an hour afterwards witness saw deceased lying in the stream with his face downwards. Witness did not call his mistress, thinking that she might attempt to pull the deceased out and fall in herself, but gave the first intimation to his mother. The deceased was lying against the current. His right arm was around a post that stood in the leat. Witness noticed nothing unusual about the deceased on the morning of his death. Deceased was very much crippled and was obliged to walk with a stick. - William Chard, of Awliscombe, deposed to pulling the deceased out. He seemed quite dead, and the hands were cold. Witness applied no restoratives. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TOPSHAM - The Drowning Fatality In The Exe. Inquest At Topsham. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquest at Sanders's Passage House Inn, Topsham, last evening, touching the death of CHARLES EDWIN SNELL, who was drowned in the Exe on Sunday the 31st of last month. - Mr G. Hopewell was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - EDWIN GEORGE SNELL, residing at 11 Codrington-street, Newtown, Exeter, joiner and foreman to Mr Stiles, builder, of Summerland-street, identified the body as that of his son, who was 16 years of age on the 14th of April next. Deceased was employed as joiner's apprentice with witness's employer. Witness last saw deceased alive on January 31st at half-past two. Deceased was temperate in habits and witness had not had any angry words with him. - John Henry Dare deposed that on Sunday, 31st January, he was in company with deceased at Trew's Weir over which they were looking at the water rushing past. Witness believed there were eight including himself and deceased present. All the lads with the exception of witness made a rush towards a seat by the water's side in the midst of which there is a stone pillar. The distance from the Weir was from 150 to 200 yards. Witness was leisurely following and saw deceased standing on the brink. On a sudden deceased fell into the water, either, in witness's opinion, by losing his balance or by being blown in by a sudden gust of wind, which was blowing very strong at the time. No one was with deceased when he fell into the water, his companions being on the seat. One of the lads, named Perkins, went over to deceased to pull him out; but not being able to do so jumped in after him. Witness came down just in time to pull Perkins in as he was floating down the river. Witness and his brother pulled off their overcoats, to enable deceased to catch hold of them, but he failed. Witness should consider that deceased was in the water about a minute and a half, when he suddenly disappeared. Theodore Perkins gave corroboratory evidence, and added that while they were at the Weir deceased said, "I see a sea-shell," and went to the river's side to pick it up; but in putting one foot before the other he must have put it too far, and fell in the water over the bank. Witness jumped in and tried to save the deceased, but was unable to do so. - Ernest Mitchell, printer's apprentice, deposed that on the day in question he was passing Mr Blackburn's paper-mills on the opposite side of the river, and saw the occurrence. Witness did not see any of the deceased's companions push him in. - John Channing gave similar evidence to that of the witness Perkins. - Dr Bothwell, of Topsham, said that he had examined the body of deceased. He should consider that the bruises on the face were caused either at the time he fell into the water or just before. - The father was recalled and asked by the Coroner if deceased was subject to fits, to which he replied that he was not. - John Norton, fisherman, of Topsham, was called, and proved finding the body on Wednesday afternoon in the river about 500 yards above the ferry. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning," and desired to express their admiration at the plucky conduct of Perkins.

BARNSTAPLE - On Wednesday a fatal accident befell a man named PARKIN, in the employ of Mr T. Horn, of the Bear Inn, Barnstaple. The deceased had been engaged in carting manure from his master's stables and about half-past seven yesterday he was returning for another load. As he was entering Green-lane the wheel of the cart struck the kerb-stone and the deceased was pitched out. The horse ran on and collided with a donkey cart. Deceased was immediately picked up and life was found to be extinct. At the Inquest held last night, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 February 1886
DAWLISH - Sudden Death At Dawlish. - An Inquest was held at the Prince of Wales Inn last evening before Mr Hacker, County Coroner, on the body of MR JAMES JOHNSTON, butcher, of 41 Old Town-street, Dawlish, who met his death by a fall, occasioned, it is presumed, by a fit on the previous Wednesday. It appeared that deceased, who was 46 years of age, had resided at Chudleigh, but changed his residence about nine months since. On Wednesday morning his daughter-in-law, ELIZABETH JOHNSTON, after giving deceased a cup of tea, observed him fall in the shop, his head striking a flat stone by the pavement. Death followed at 4.20 the same day. Mr F. M. Cann, Surgeon, stated that he saw deceased about two hours after he fell and found him suffering from concussion of the brain and unconscious. That morning he made a post mortem examination, when he found the brain injured and a large effusion of blood in the scalp and soft tissues. Death resulted from laceration of the brain produced by a severe blow. Witness had previously seen deceased in a fit about two months ago. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 February 1886
CREDITON - Sudden Death Of A Labourer. - An Inquest was held at Crediton yesterday by Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, on the body of GEORGE STEER, a labourer, who was found dead in his bedroom on Thursday under circumstances already reported. - From the evidence it appeared that on Saturday week the deceased complained of a cold, but he appeared to go better until Thursday morning, when MRS MARY ANN KERSWELL, deceased's daughter, sent her son to him with some tea, when he discovered his grandfather lying dead on the floor. - Dr Walter Scott Campbell said that from the appearance of the body he could not say positively as to the cause of death, but from the evidence he should say that the deceased died from congestion of the lungs. - Deceased was 68 years of age and on the morning prior to his death had been to his work of tending cattle as usual. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes". - The deceased's widow, who had been unwell for some time, died on Sunday night, at the age of 69.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 17 February 1886
PAIGNTON - Death From Poisoning At Paignton. - The County Coroner, Mr Sidney Hacker, held an Inquiry at the Gerston Hotel, Paignton, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of HENRY WIPPELL , 53, who died at an early hour on Monday morning from the effects of a dose of carbolic acid. Mr G. S. Bridman was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS EMMA MARIA WIPPELL, widow of the deceased, after identifying the body, stated that for some time past her husband had been residing at No. 3 Torbay-terrace, where she (witness) carried on a fancy business. The deceased went to bed about 9.30 on Sunday night. He retired to rest at that early hour having complained of pains in his head during the afternoon. She went to the deceased about 9.45 and asked him if he would have some coffee, but he refused. He then seemed in a depressed state. About 11 p.m. she went to bed and about 12.15 she was awoke by her husband suddenly getting out of bed and going downstairs. He quickly returned with a glass in his hand and drank the contents as he came through the door. He then put the glass down on the drawers, jumped into bed and said, "I have done it now." Witness asked him what he had taken, and he said, "Some of your old infectant stuff; some of Condy's fluid, I believe." Witness immediately aroused the governess, and went herself for a doctor, who ordered her to give deceased some olive oil, which she did, but he was unable to swallow it and death ensued about 1.30. The bottle (produced) contained carbolic acid, which was purchased by her last summer for disinfecting purposes. She had been suspicious that her husband's mind was affected for some time past. He had threatened to jump over the Pier on one occasion. The deceased had taken very little food lately and on Sunday afternoon he talked a great deal of his troubles, and appeared to be more depressed than usual. - James Alexander, Surgeon, practising at Paignton, stated that shortly before 1 o'clock on Monday morning the last witness came to his residence and told him that she was afraid that her husband had taken poison. He immediately went to Torbay-terrace and saw MR WIPPELL lying unconscious and frothing at the mouth. An attempt was made to produce vomiting, but without success. The stomach pump was also applied, but without effect, the gullet being so contracted by the corrosive action of the fluid. The deceased died about 2.15 on Monday morning. He had made a post mortem examination and found nearly a quarter pint of carbolic acid in the stomach. - The brother of the deceased said that he felt quite sure from what he had heard from time to time that the deceased's mind was greatly affected. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from the effects of Carbolic Acid Poisoning by his own hand, being at the time of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 February 1886
TAVISTOCK - The death of WILLIAM VEAL, labourer, aged 67, was the subject of Inquiry at an Inquest held at the Boat Inn, Tavistock, yesterday, by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner. Mr W. J. Mason was Foreman of the Jury. - Henry Westlake of Jacobstowe, Cornwall, cousin of the deceased, identified the body. - Mary Squires of No. 1 Vigo Bridge-road, the next house to the one in which the deceased rented a room, deposed to seeing him go out in the yard to fetch some water about 4 o'clock on Friday afternoon. - Susan Hannaford of No. 2 Vigo Bridge-road, stated that the deceased had lived alone in a room over one of her apartments. He had complained to her a few days before his death of pain in the side and difficulty in breathing. She told him on Friday night that if he would leave his door unfastened she would take him up a cup of tea on the following morning. On taking a cup of tea up to the deceased's room on Saturday morning she found that he was dead and at once communicated with the Police. Dr G. W. Northey, of Tavistock, who had made a post mortem examination, said that death resulted from inflammation of the lungs, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 25 February 1886
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Sad Death Of An Infant Through Burning. A Careless Mother. - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquiry at the White Hart Hotel, Moretonhampstead, on Tuesday evening, on the body of ELIZABETH ANN STEVENS, aged one year and nine months, daughter of ROBERT STEVENS, labourer. It appeared from the evidence that on Sunday, the 14th instant, the mother, having wrapped the child in some clothing, placed it on a stool before the hearth fire, and left the house temporarily. On her return she found the clothes in flames and the child frightfully burnt. The little sufferer survived the shock for a few days, but succumbed to the injuries on the following Sunday. After hearing the evidence of Mr G. N. Collyns, Surgeon, the Jury, of which Mr J. Dymond was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but censured the mother for her gross carelessness in leaving the child in such a dangerous position.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 February 1886
TEIGNMOUTH - On Monday evening an Inquest was held at the London Hotel, Teignmouth, by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr E. Coysh was Foreman, on the body of an infant named DAMARELL, aged six months, who expired suddenly at the common lodging-house in Fore-street on Saturday afternoon. - The mother stated that seeing the child was taken very ill she went to fetch a doctor, but the child died a few minutes afterwards. - After hearing the medical evidence the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" adding a rider that the Coroner should communicate with the Sanitary Authorities to inspect the lodging-house, as it was not fit to live in.

TOPSHAM - Sudden Death Of A Child At Topsham. - On Wednesday the Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr H. Gould, Exeter) held an Inquest at the King's Head Inn, Topsham, on the body of WILLIAM JAMES OAK, aged 13 months, the son of a fisherman, living at Topsham. - GEORGE ROBERT SALTER OAK said he was the father of the deceased, and identified the body. The boy was 13 months old, and died on Tuesday just before 6 a.m. On Tuesday morning witness, before proceeding to work, looked at the children as usual, and then noticed that the boy's appearance was strange. He called his wife's attention to this, and asked her to dress and call someone as quickly as she could. Witness went downstairs and lit the fire and his wife quickly followed with the child in her arms. The boy died just after she brought him downstairs. The child had not been ill during the night, nor had he been previously. He had not, however, been very healthy since birth. - The Coroner allowed Mr Bothwell, Surgeon, of Topsham, to ask the witness questions relative to the condition of the child. - In answer to these questions, the witness said he noticed that his son's eyes were rather dark on the morning mentioned, but he saw no other symptoms. He did not think that the child had had convulsions. On the previous Saturday, a Steadman's powder was given to the child because of his teeth. The powder was obtained at a chemist's shop in the town, and two or three of them could be placed on a threepenny piece. - EMMA OAK, the wife of the last witness, gave corroborative evidence. Her child had been sickly since he was born, but there was nothing unusual the matter with him before his sudden death on Tuesday morning so far as she noticed. On Saturday evening she gave the child half of a Steadman's powder obtained from Mr Ellis, chemist, of Topsham, and this appeared to relieve him from the pain occasioned by teething. She gave him the other half of the powder on Sunday. The child was fed with bread and milk on the day previous to his death. - By Dr Bothwell: She was sure she gave half the powder on the Sunday and not on the Monday. There was no other words on the powder except "Steadman's" powder. The label was like the one produced. - The father was recalled and questioned as to whether his wife gave the whole or a portion of the powder. He replied that she gave all the powder - there was hardly anything to give. He opened the powder when it came from the chemist's; there was writing on the paper. He did not notice any printing such as on the label produced. There was no powder given on Sunday. It was no use listening to what she said, she "wasn't exactly," and if you flurried her did not know what she did. - Mrs Maria Parker proved being called by MRS OAK to see the child, and she went as soon as she could dress. She found the child dead, having apparently died in a convulsion. - Mr Frederick Ellis said he remembered EMMA OAK coming to his shop on Saturday last and asking for a Steadman's powder, with which he supplied her. It was a common thing to give a child and he might sell dozens in a day. It was a good thing to give a child. There were the usual printed directions on the powder he sold. She might have asked him how much she should give the child, but he did not remember. People bought the powder, there were directions on it, and they took the responsibility; but if she had given the child the whole of the powder it would not have injured the child. - The witness, who, from the way he gave his evidence, seemed to imagine that he had been injured in being called upon to give evidence, complained that he had been summoned to attend, and he added that he hoped a fair report of his explanation would be given. The observation elicited some laughter from the Jury; but a local correspondent present took exception to the remark and protested that he always endeavoured to give a fair report. The witness replied that he did not refer to the individual in question; but he added that there was another reporter present. That individual, however, did not consider Mr Ellis's observations worth notice, and the Coroner, interposing between the witness and the correspondent the hearing proceeded. - Dr Bothwell said that EMMA OAK came to him about half-past nine o'clock the previous morning and asked him to give her a certificate of her child's death, saying Mrs Parker had sent her for it. He asked her some questions, and finding that the child had died about six o'clock and had been washed, he, of course, declined to give the certificate. He had examined the body and found no marks of violence, but could not tell from the appearance of the body what was the cause of death. He last attended the child six or seven months ago. - A Juryman asked if the witness could tell what these powders were composed of. - Dr Bothwell said he believed the powders contained some form or other of opium. He did not know that they did, but he had always an objection to these powders, for he believed these soothing powders, as they were called, contained a narcotic. A child had been known to die from a drop and a-half of laudanum. He always condemned the giving of these patent medicines to children. - The Coroner, in summing up the case, said it was for the Jury to say whether they thought it necessary to have a post mortem. According to the evidence the powder was given two days before the child died, so it could not have been the powder which caused death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 February 1886
EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at the Valiant Soldier Inn yesterday morning, relative to the death of LOUISA ANNIE BAKER, who died on Thursday morning. - RHODA BAKER, of 6 Holloway-street, identified the body as that of her daughter, aged six weeks. The deceased was born healthy, but on Thursday morning while in bed witness observed the child foaming at the mouth. Mr Perkins was at once sent for, but on his arrival the child was dead. Witness had not administered medicine of any kind to the deceased. She suckled the infant, and also fed it with raw milk mixed with a little water and sugar from a bottle. - Mr Perkins, Surgeon, proved finding the infant dead. There were no marks of violence. In his opinion death was due to convulsions. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

OTTERY ST MARY - The Supposed Suicide at Ottery. Inquest On The Body. - The Deputy Coroner for the district, Mr C. Cox, held an Inquiry at Ottery St Mary yesterday relative to the death of MR FRANCIS BERRY, auctioneer and proprietor of the London Hotel, which occurred on Tuesday, the painful circumstances connected with which have already been recorded. - Mr Gray, Surgeon, certified that MRS BERRY, wife of the deceased, was not in a fit state to undergo an examination. - Edward Barrett, of Mill-street, Ottery, deposed that on Saturday and Sunday last he saw the deceased, whose appearance indicated that there was something troubling his mind. If the deceased was spoken to he would laugh, but witness thought it was only a "mock" laugh. - John Huxtable, boot and shoe manufacturer, of Silver-street, Ottery, said that on Tuesday morning between half-past eight and a quarter to nine o'clock he saw the deceased pass his shop in Silver-street. Deceased was looking very clean and tidy, but witness did not observe whether he wore boots or shoes. He was going in the direction of Hine-street which would take him to Cadbury. - Mary Howe, domestic at the Hotel, proved that on Wednesday evening about 6.30 she found a note addressed to MRS BERRY behind a decanter in the bar. Witness handed it to Mrs Huxtable, MRS BERRY'S mother. Witness did not see the contents of the note, nor did she observe anything amiss with her master when he left. Deceased frequently left the House in the morning, and occasionally was absent for several hours. Before leaving deceased had a cup of tea. - Mr J. H. Hews, ironmonger and auctioneer, of Ottery, stated that he was at the London Hotel on Wednesday evening taking an inventory of the deceased's goods under an execution order from the County Court. The last witness Mary Howe found a note behind the bottles in the bar. Witness subsequently read the note. The words were: "I am gone to Head Weir; God bless you all." There was no date or place mentioned on the note and it bore no signature. It was in the handwriting of the deceased. The note could not now be produced. - Mr Grey, Surgeon, Ottery, said that the body bore the appearance of the deceased having been drowned. - P.S. Pope said that on Tuesday last he learnt from inhabitants of the town that the deceased was missing. On Wednesday witness examined Head Weir, but found no trace of the deceased. In the evening witness advised the relatives of the deceased to procure a boat, so as to drag Head Weir the following morning. On Thursday morning the deceased was brought to the surface at Head Weir with a grappling-iron. He was conveyed to a cottage adjoining the Hotel and in his pockets were found a cheque-book, three keys, a pocket-knife, a cork-screw, pocket handkerchief and some bills. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned" adding that there was no evidence to show how the deceased came into the water.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 2 March 1886
EXETER - Sudden Death In Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Oat Sheaf Inn, Fore-street, before Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, touching the death of JAMES PASSMORE, 60 years of age, who was found dead in bed on Sunday morning. - It appears that the deceased, who gained his livelihood by clipping horses, had been for a long time past asthmatical and had suffered from bleeding at the nose. He lodged at the Oat Sheaf Inn, and shared a bedroom with two other lodgers. On Saturday he complained of being unwell but there did not appear to be anything much amiss with him, and he went to bed as usual. On Sunday morning about nine o'clock, a friend named Frost, who was also staying in the house, went to the deceased's bedside to ask what he would have for dinner, as they had been in the habit of joining together for dinner on Sundays. He then found the deceased dead in bed. Up to that time the other occupants of the room were unaware of what had transpired. Mr Moone, Surgeon, was at once fetched and found that the man had been dead some hours. The medical evidence was to the effect that there were no marks of violence, that death was due to asphyxia, which from the appearances of the body was probably brought about by heart disease. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 March 1886
DALWOOD - An Inquest was held on Monday, at the Carpenter's Arms Inn, Dalwood, by Mr Cox, District Coroner, respecting the death of SIMEON FRENCH, aged twelve months, the illegitimate child of ROSA ELLEN FRENCH. The evidence revealed that the mother of the child was living at Brimblecombe Farm. The child had been ill a week and Dr Hodges, who had only seen him once, declined to certify the cause of death. A post mortem examination was made and it was found that the child weighed only 6 ½ lb. The stomach was healthy, but there was an entire absence of food. The lungs were congested, a circumstance said to be due to the want of sufficient nourishing food. - The Jury returned a verdict that the child died from Congestion of the Lungs, and from want of sufficient food.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 March 1886
HIGH BICKINGTON - Fatal Fall. - On Tuesday an Inquest was held at the Golden Lion Inn, before J. F. Bromham, Esq., on the body of THOMAS MILTON, a carpenter, aged 68. On the 8th January the deceased was at work on some scaffolding at Kingford Farm, Burrington, when he fell to the ground. In the fall he struck his hip against a buttress; no bones were broken, but as the hip was previously diseased an abscess formed and Dr Tucker stated that caused his death, which occurred on Saturday last. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

NEWTON ST PETROCK - On Monday J. F. Bromham, Esq., County Coroner, held an Inquest at Holwill Farm on the body of PHILIP HEARN, aged 74. On the previous Saturday deceased drove from his house with a horse and cart to attend Torrington Market, but after he had gone about 200 yards he was seen to fall back in his seat. Assistance was quickly at hand, but deceased was found to be dead. Dr Sutcliffe gave evidence to the effect that heart disease was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

TORQUAY - The Drowning Of A Woman At Torquay. - Mr Coroner Hacker held an Inquiry at the Town Hall, Torquay, on Monday evening, relative to the death of MARY ANN AGGETT, the wife of a cabdriver residing at Ellacombe, whose body was found in the sea, near Abbey Crescent, on the Torbay-road. The facts elicited were that as a sailor named Middleton was walking along the Torbay-road about 10.30 on Sunday morning, he noticed the deceased in the water. He pulled her out and obtained the assistance of P.C. Gidley to convey her to the mortuary. The deceased was dead when taken from the water. The body had sustained several bruises and marks. A verdict of "Death by Drowning, whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 March 1886
TIVERTON - Death Of A Child From Exposure Near Tiverton. - Mr L. Mackenzie, Borough Corner, held an Inquest last evening at the Town Hall, touching the death of the unnamed male child of a woman of colour named ELLEN MADDISON, who died under circumstances already reported. - Dr McNeill stated that his opinion was that death resulted from exposure to the cold. - Thomas Robbit, landlord of the Lamb Inn, deposed that the man and woman, with the infant and another child, applied at his house for lodgings about 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening. They were told they could not be accommodated. They had about two pints of four-penny beer between them, and then went out for about half-an-hour. When they returned they said they could not get lodgings, but witness was averse take them in. His wife, however, having been told by the woman that she had been confined only three weeks ago, asked him to let the couple and their children sleep in his van. In consequence of the extremely abusive language which the woman then used, witness declined and had to forcibly order them out of the house about 10.15 p.m. The woman, to judge by the difference in her demeanour, seemed to have had more drink during the half-hour she was absent. She seemed more like a wild animal than a woman; she seemed mad rather than drunk. - P.C. Raymond said that the man and woman refused to go with him to the Relieving Officer to get an order for the Union. He subsequently found them on a seat on the Bampton-road and he warned the woman that if anything happened to the children through exposure on such a bitterly cold night, she would be held responsible. - Mrs Jane Radford, living at Lythecourt, on the Bampton-road, deposed that on Thursday morning the woman, MADDISON, called at her cottage with the infant. Witness found it was warm; but on putting a glass to its lips, could detect no breathing and told the woman it was dead. - Thomas Deacon, a footman, at Hayne, deposed to seeing the man and woman on the Bampton-road on the night in question. The woman was lying on the ground. The man asked him for something to make a bit of fire with and witness gave him a deal box he had with him. It was a bitterly cold night and star light. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, accelerated by Exposure to Cold."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 8 March 1886
BRISTOL - Sudden Death Of A Bampton Farmer at Bristol. - On Saturday afternoon Mr H. S. Wasbrough, the Coroner for Bristol, held an Inquest on the body of MR JOHN GODDARD, 45 years of age, who had resided at Ford Farm, Bampton. It appeared from the evidence adduced that on Friday morning the deceased called at the house of Mrs Elizabeth Williams, Cheltenham-road, with whom he was acquainted. While there he was suddenly taken ill and by the time medical assistance arrived he had died. - Dr Challacombe, who was called in to see the deceased by Mrs Williams, attributed death to syncope. - A witness who had been intimately acquainted with the deceased's family stated that recently the deceased had experienced much trouble. His wife died in the autumn of last year and that had seriously affected him. Added to that, his business had not been very successful, and as he had a family to bring up that had preyed upon his mind. Several members of the family had died from heart disease. - The Jury, who expressed their sympathy with the bereaved relatives, returned a verdict that deceased died suddenly from Syncope.

SHALDON - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening by Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, at the Shipwright's Arms, Shaldon, touching the death of WALTER SHEPPARD COULMAN, whose body was found on the bank of the river Teign on Friday morning. Mr R. Devonshire was chosen Foreman. - MARIA MIENS deposed that deceased was her brother and was 21 years of age. She last saw him alive on Friday, when he appeared to be more cheerful than he had been of late. He had been pupil teacher at the Teignmouth Board School, but had to give up through failing health. He was in a desponding state and was at times very low-spirited. On Sunday he came home and said that he had been for a walk up the Cliffs, and should have thrown himself over but it was too windy. Deceased was missed on Thursday night and although search was made no knowledge was obtained of his whereabouts until his body was found the following day. - Samuel Dyke Bennett, schoolmaster at the Teignmouth Board School, stated that the deceased had been assistant-teacher there, but owing to ill-health had to give up work. Of late he had been studying Scripture a good deal. Witness saw him on Thursday night and he appeared to be in much better spirits, and remarked how well he felt. - Thomas Strang stated that he saw the deceased on the Shaldon side of the river between eight and nine o'clock on Thursday night. - Jesse Walrond, labourer, proved finding the body in the mud near Dagworthy's Lane. - P.C. Truran had the body conveyed to the Shipwrights' Arms and found several letters and a Testament in deceased's pocket, all of which had Scripture texts written on them in pencil. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 10 March 1886
EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at the Queen Victoria Inn, Exe Island, yesterday, relative to the death of MARY ANN WHITFIELD, 70 years of age, residing in Tudor-street. - WILLIAM WHITFIELD stated that deceased, who had been in a weak condition for a considerable period, was on Monday taken suddenly ill shortly before on o'clock, and expired almost immediately. - Elizabeth Denselow, niece of deceased, deposed that on Monday she was with her aunt, who was sitting by the fireside. About one o'clock, MRS WHITFIELD suddenly called out to witness that she was choking, complained of a pain in the head and requested her to get some vinegar. Witness fetched the vinegar; but on her return deceased was almost dead, and expired within a few minutes. - Mr Perkins said he examined the body, but found no marks of violence. In his opinion the cause of death was internal haemorrhage. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

CLYST HONITON - Found Dead In Bed Near Honiton Clyst. - The Coroner for the District, Mr C. Cox, held an Inquest at the Exeter Inn, Honiton Clyst, on Monday, relative to the death of THOMAS BRYANT, labourer, aged 68, an inhabitant of Black Horse Village, Sowton. - MARY ANN BRYANT, wife of the deceased, deposed that on Friday night about 7.30 her husband retired to rest. He then appeared in his usual state of health. About 7.30 next morning witness got out of bed and when partly dressed she looked towards her husband and discovered that he was very pale. Witness spoke to him, but finding he did not answer she touched him with her hand and found his body cold. - Mr James Somer, surgeon, Broadclyst, stated that on Monday morning he made a post mortem examination and found that the deceased had been suffering from heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. The widow is in a state of ill-health and of the two children for whom she has now to provide, one is at present not expected to live.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 11 March 1886
CLYST HONITON - The Recent Fatal Accident. - The Inquest on the body of the man THOMAS WHIDDEN, a labourer, aged 27, lately in the employ of Mr B. Broom, Easthayes, Ottery St Mary, who met with an untimely death, was held at Honiton Clyst yesterday before the Deputy Coroner for the district, Mr C. Cox. As previously mentioned in these columns, the deceased was on Monday in charge of two horses and a waggon laden with superphosphate, which he was taking from Topsham to his master's farm. In company with WHIDDEN was a fellow labourer named John Coles, and another man named Ball, an inhabitant of Honiton Clyst. The deceased, together with his two companions, called at the Duke of York Inn, where a quart of beer was consumed between them. Shortly after resuming the homeward journey the deceased, in an endeavour to mount the shafts of the waggon slipped, and the wheels passing over his shoulders, neck and head, death ensued immediately. The Jury came to the conclusion that the deceased met his death Accidentally.

EXETER - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at the Black Horse Hotel, Longbrook-street, yesterday touching the death of ELIZABETH SOBEY. - Mr Charles Alford identified the body of the deceased, who was 78 years of age last December and resided at Albert-terrace, New North-road. - Ann Hobbs, widow, proved attending deceased. MRS SOBEY was taken ill on Tuesday, but declined medical aid. Witness administered some warm brandy and water to the deceased previous to retiring to rest on Tuesday evening. On entering her room the following morning witness discovered that MRS SOBEY had died. She did not appear worse than usual on Tuesday. - Dr Henderson proved examining the body and finding no marks of violence. The probable cause of death in witness's opinion was apoplexy. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 March 1886
EXETER - Death Of An Infant. - A Jury empanelled yesterday before Mr Coroner Hooper at the Crown and Anchor Inn, Newtown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" on the body of an infant named ARABELLA JEFFORD, aged six months. A question arose during the hearing of the evidence as to whether there had been any neglect on the part of Dr Harrison, of the Exeter Friendly Medical Association, Southernhay, or of his partner, Mr Bastow, in not seeing the deceased when asked to by MRS JEFFORD, but Mr Bastow, who attended the Inquest, satisfactorily explained the question by stating that as the mother did not say it was urgent he and his partner thought the case only an ordinary one and prescribed for deceased according to the complaint that MRS JEFFORD said that the infant was suffering from. The death was, in the opinion of the medical man, due to sudden convulsions.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 March 1886
EXETER - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquiry at the Fireman's Arms Inn, Preston-street, yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of IRENA MAUD GUPPY, aged one year and eight months. - EMMA GUPPY, widow, residing at 19 Preston-street, identified the body as that of her grandchild, who had resided with witness from a short time after her birth. On Sunday last deceased was attacked with measles; but witness did not call in medical aid. Deceased, however, gradually got worse and witness sent her son for a medical man on Thursday evening; but he went to seven before he could secure the services of a doctor. Upon the arrival of Dr Brown about half-past one o'clock the deceased had expired. - Dr Brown proved examining the body and finding no marks of violence. The cause of death was due, he considered, to bronchitis. - A question was asked by a Juryman as to whether or not medical men were bound to see patients when desired to do so. - The Coroner replied that if they were not inclined the law could not compel them to visit. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

SHALDON - The Drowning Fatality At Teignmouth. - An inquest was held at the Royal Standard Inn, Shaldon, last evening, before Mr Sidney Hacker, District Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of RICHARD ROPER, Sen., WILLIAM STAPLETON, Sen., and GEORGE STAPLETON, three lumpers, who met their death under circumstances already reported in the Devon and Exeter Daily Gazette. The body of STEPHEN MATTHEWS, the pilot and owner of the boat had not been found up to the time of the Inquest and it will be therefore necessary to hold a separate Inquiry of the body when it is found. Mr R. Devonshire, baker, of Fore-street, Shaldon, was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was Felix Matthews, who stated that he was a Trinity pilot, residing at 7 Fore-street, Shaldon. He had seen the bodies lying at No. 6 Dagmar-street, Shaldon. they were those of WILLIAM STAPLETON and GEORGE STAPLETON. They both resided at Dagmar-street. WILLIAM STAPLETON was 67 years of age and GEORGE STAPLETON was 24. They were both lumpers and their business was loading and discharging vessels that called at the port. He witnessed the accident and saw two men clinging to the boat after it was capsized. The body lying at No. 7 Middle-street, was that of RICHARD ROPER, 50, a lumper. On Thursday morning, about 7 o'clock he found the body of ROPER near the tunnel behind the Ness. After he had taken it out of the surf he went for help and shortly after the body was conveyed away, poor STAPLETON was found. - JOHN RICHARD ROPER, son of the deceased RICHARD ROPER, stated that he was a lumper, residing in Middle-street. He started from Shaldon about 6 a.m. on Wednesday with his father, Matthews and the two STAPLETONS, in Matthews's gig. They went away with the intention of bringing in a vessel and obtaining a job to work her. They went over the Bar about three or four miles, but could not see the vessel they expected. They came back about 7.30 a.m., and went ashore at Hole Head. It was comparatively calm when they started. They went down to the eastward in search of the vessel they expected. They started from Hole Head about 11 a.m., having given up the search. As the wind began to freshen and they were afraid of the weather they made a start for home. There were three rowing in the boat - himself, his father, and GEORGE STAPLETON. Matthews was steering the boat, and the elder STAPLETON was back in the stern with him. On nearing the land the wind got up and the sea became much rougher. When they got off the Bar the sea broke right into the boat and filled her up. The sea came in at the stern of the boat and it capsized, throwing them all into the water. The boat turned bottom up. They all got back on the boat, but a sea came along and knocked them all off. He got hold of his father and swam with him back to the boat, but another sea came along and carried them away and separated them. After he came up from the water he made away for a craft which came up (the Ada). He did not again see anything of his father. He saw the Ada about a quarter of a mile from their boat before she capsized. She was a ketch which was coming in to load. The ketch was coming towards him and he made for it, and when near a man on board threw a rope which he caught hold of. Stephen Matthews had hold of the rope behind him, but he was carried away by the sea, or did not have strength to catch hold. He saw one man clinging to the overturned boat after he was on board the ketch. He heard someone shout to Matthews, to keep hold of the rope. He saw GEORGE STAPLETON clinging to the stern of the boat, but could not render him any assistance as he was too ill to stop on deck. He was then taken ashore in a punt by a man named John Matthews. He had often been out in Matthews's boat before. She was a gig about 23ft. long. The men in the boat at the time of the accident were a fixed crew. He had been brought up to boating. The gig had been in use for the same purpose for some years. The whole crew were all well acquainted with the management of the boat. He had many times been out in rougher weather than on Wednesday, but it was a nasty sea which came up all at once. The Bar shifted about, but they knew where it was. The accident was not occasioned by their being on the Bar. He attributed the accident to the heavy sea which came up quite suddenly. The boat was not struck on the broadside. The wave which struck them rose up right alongside of the boat. In his opinion the boat was seaworthy, although rather narrow. - By the Foreman: The keel of the boat remained above water. - William Gilpin, a Trinity Pilot, residing at Teign View-terrace, said he was over the Bar taking in a vessel. Just before taking the Bar he saw five men on the bottom of a boat. As soon as he saw them he altered the course of the vessel and made for the boat. Witness then described what was done to attempt to save the deceased. - Richard Kemp Gilpin, a pilot, residing at 1 Sea View-terrace, Teignmouth, said that on the morning of the accident he was standing on the Teignmouth Pier. He saw the pilot-boat returning to the harbour about 20-0 or 300 yards south of the Pier-head. The sea struck the boat and turned her over. He had the telescope bearing on her and from what he could see the boat was struck on the stern quarter. The sea ran about three feet above the gunwale of the boat. Immediately the sea struck her the men lost command. Immediately he saw the accident he ran for the life-boat, of which he was captain, and having succeeded in getting a crew he put to sea. He got the crew without firing the rocket, which would have been a loss of at least seven minutes. The over-turned boat was reached in about a quarter of an hour. When he got alongside of the boat he saw the body of the elder STAPLETON about fifty yards away. Shortly after he first saw it the body sank, but rose again and it was pulled into the lifeboat. Every endeavour was made to restore life, but without success. There were no bodies under the capsized boat, which was brought into the harbour. On landing, the body was handed over to the Coastguard, and the lifeboat again proceeded to sea; but no other bodies were found. The accident was one that could not have been avoided. The sea rose high on that spot and the crew did not have time to face it, or the accident would not have happened. The gig was a perfectly safe boat, and he considered that the crew did their utmost by the way in which they were seated in the boat. - By the Foreman: The boat was about 220 yards from the Pier end, and 200 yards from the Bar bank. - A Juror said there was great credit due to Mr Gilpin for his promptitude in getting the lifeboat out. - Mr Gilpin said he did his best. - Mr George Buckingham, chief-officer of Coastguard, stationed at Teignmouth, said he was told of the accident by one of his men and put off to sea in an 18ft. open boat. He went as far as he possibly could and landed at the back of Pool Sands. While there the lifeboat passed and the captain asked him to take in a body he had picked up. He put off to the lifeboat and received the body of WILLIAM STAPLETON. He tried the system of Dr Sylvester to restore life, but without effect. The doctor was sent for and on his arrival pronounced STAPLETON dead. - William Blackmore, lumper, residing at Middle-street, Shaldon, deposed that between seven and eight on Thursday morning he went to the back of the Ness with several others and saw the body of GEORGE STAPLETON. With the assistance of several other men it was taken out of the water and conveyed to the residence of the deceased. - The Coroner, in summing up, said they had had the circumstances detailed to them by several witnesses, one of whom was one of the party in the boat which capsized; and he gave his evidence very clearly and they would have no difficulty, he presumed, in coming to a conclusion as to how the occurrence happened which led to the death of the unfortunate men. It was a very satisfactory point that there was no evidence that there was any fault in the boat or in the conduct of the men in her. It seemed to be one of those occurrences which happened sometimes which may be characterised as a true accident and was unavoidable. The only way the accident could be accounted for was the sudden rising in this abnormal way of a huge wave and the men had not time to turn the bow of their boat towards the sea. It was very satisfactory to see the promptitude with which the lifeboat was got out and every means taken for saving the lives of the deceased. There was a word of praise due to the pilot in charge of the Ada and there was also praise due to the captain of the lifeboat for his promptitude. - Mr William Matthews, a pilot and a brother to the deceased Stephen Matthews, urged the necessity of the Coastguards at Shaldon having a boat. If they had had one at the time of the accident they could have reached the spot long before the lifeboat, which was heavy and could not stem the tide. - The Chief-Officer of Coastguard explained that there was a boat belonging to the Shaldon side, but he was using it while his was being repaired. - The Jury, without retiring, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning" and added a rider to the effect "That they recommended that a surf boat be kept at Shaldon in order to give assistance in case of accidents." - The Jury gave their fees to the fund being raised for the widows and orphans of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 March 1886
WOODBURY - An Infant Suffocated At Woodbury Salterton. - Yesterday afternoon the Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr C. E. Cox, held an Inquest at Woodbury Salterton relative to the death of FRANK HARRY TURL, aged three months, the infant son of a shoemaker named LOUIS TURL, residing in the above village. The evidence showed that the child, who had been healthy since birth, was taken to bed by his mother on Friday evening. MRS TURL retired about 11 o'clock and the child was then laid on her left side. She was not disturbed by him during the night and awoke as usual at 6 a.m., when her husband went to work. She then observed that the child was dead and immediately communicated that fact to her husband, remarking to him "My dear baby is gone." A post mortem examination of the body was subsequently made by Dr Furnville, who deposed to finding a great deal of congestion throughout. He was of opinion that death was caused by suffocation, occasioned either by overlaying or the bedclothes. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned by the Jury, who exonerated the parents from blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 March 1886
EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at the Oddfellows' Inn, New North-road yesterday morning, relative to the death of JOHN MOGFORD, an infant, aged about three weeks. - ELIZA ELIZABETH MOGFORD, 28, single, a domestic servant, residing at 6 Albert-terrace, identified the body as that of her child. The infant was three weeks old on Friday. Witness had no medical man in her confinement. On Thursday morning witness left Exeter to go to Teignmouth to see a friend and left the child in charge of a Mrs Bartlett with whom she was lodging. Witness heard nothing more of the child until Monday morning, when she received a telegram from Mrs Bartlett saying that the child was dead. Witness returned at once. Some castor-oil had been given the deceased. - Elizabeth Bartlett, a married woman, living at 6 Albert-terrace, said the last witness lodged at her house, where she was confined. The infant had been in witness's charge since Thursday. Deceased was fed on new milk and water. The health of the child had been very good. The child had had the white-mouth and borax and honey had been applied. On Monday morning witness left deceased in the cradle asleep. About eight o'clock she gave it some milk. A little later the child was handed to witness's sister, who observed that it looked very ill. A neighbour was called and witness immediately sent for Mr Perkins, but before the arrival of the latter, deceased had expired. Witness had not made any arrangements as to remuneration for keeping the child. - Mr Perkins said there was nothing to lead him to suppose that the child died any other than a natural death. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 March 1886
LITTLEHAM (NEAR EXMOUTH) - Mr Deputy Coroner Cox held an Inquest at Littleham yesterday on the body of a boy about 8 years of age named JESSE LOOSE, who died on Sunday. The boy was taken ill on Sunday morning and a doctor was sent for, but the messenger did not deliver an intelligent message and later on the father went for a medical man, but on his arrival the boy was dead. - Dr Hodgson, having certified that the boy died from tubercular disease, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

BARNSTAPLE - A Child Burnt To Death At Barnstaple. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the North Devon Infirmary, before the Borough Coroner, R. I. Bencraft, Esq., on the body of BLANCHE MAUD FORD, the child of WILLIAM HENRY FORD of Sunnybank. The mother of the deceased stated that the child was nearly three years old. About twelve o'clock the previous day she left the house to hang up some clothes to dry. The deceased was then in her chair in front of the kitchen fire. When she returned she found the child on the floor with her nightdress and shawl burning. She caught up the child and carried it to a neighbour's house and the neighbour took it to the Infirmary. She heard no crying or screaming during the five minutes she was absent. - Mr C. H. Hall, acting House Surgeon at the Infirmary, said the child, when brought into the house, was very seriously burned about the legs, but she was not in much pain. She died later in the day from the shock to the system. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 March 1886
BONDLEIGH - An Inquest was held yesterday at West Heywood Farm, Bondleigh, on the body of MR RICHARD SELDON, who died somewhat suddenly early on Wednesday morning. The deceased was returning home from his daughter's house at Broadwoodkelly, when he was suddenly taken ill, and was removed in an unconscious state to the Union Inn where he died. Medical evidence showed that the deceased had died from Natural Causes, and a verdict in accordance was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 31 March 1886
TOTNES - An Inquest was held last evening at the Totnes Workhouse on the body of an infant named HENRIETTA PEDRICK, aged four months, that had been found dead in bed. The Jury returned a verdict that the child died from Natural Causes.

TIVERTON - At the Town Hall last evening, Mr L. Mackenzie, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death, on Sunday, of ARTHUR HENRY NEWTON, the infant child, aged four months, of POLLY NEWTON, a young woman, living with her parents at Battow's Causeway, and following the occupation of a dressmaker. - The child's mother, the grandmother (EMMA NEWTON) and Mrs Sarah Arthurs, a neighbour, were examined and their evidence pointed to convulsions as the cause of death. The child had been fed by hand from birth. - Dr Haydon, who had been called in, but who did not see the child alive, stated the result of his post mortem examination, which confirmed him in the opinion that death resulted from suffocation consequent on convulsions He said he had no reason to think there was anything wrong in the house; he was quite sure the child had been thoroughly well cared for. - A Juryman asked why if in the first instance he believed that convulsions were the cause of death, he could not have saved bringing ten men together to hold an Inquest. - The Coroner said he himself was responsible for the Inquest. It was not sufficient for Dr Haydon to "believe" what was the cause of death; he must not certify until he had done all he could to make sure. - The Juryman retorted that if it had been a rich person's child there would have been no Inquest, but the Coroner desired him to refrain from such remarks. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

COMBE RALEIGH - The Recent Accident To A Waggoner Near Honiton. - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr C. Cox, held an Inquiry yesterday at the Crook dairy-house in the parish of Coombe Raleigh, into the circumstances attending the accident whereby a labourer named THOMAS POMEROY, late in the employ of Mr Blackmore of Stonehaye Farm, Combe Raleigh, met his death. It appears that POMEROY, who was 63 years of age, was on Thursday in charge of two horses and a waggon laden with furniture which he was removing from Ottery St Mary to Coombe Raleigh. In attempting to mount the shafts of the waggon, when about two miles from Honiton, he missed his footing and the wheels of the conveyance passed over the poor fellow and completely smashed several of his ribs. POMEROY was taken with all possible speed to Honiton, where he was attended to by Dr Shortridge, who did everything possible to alleviate the sufferings of the poor fellow. POMEROY, however, succumbed to the injuries he had received and died on Sunday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and handed their fees over to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 1 April 1886
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - A Drunken Mother - The Result. - An Inquiry was held at the White Horse Hotel, Moretonhampstead, on Tuesday by Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, respecting the death of JOSEPH ADAMS, aged six weeks, youngest child of JOSEPH and MARY AMELIA ADAMS, who was found dead in bed by the side of the mother on Monday morning. Mr G. Satterley was the Foreman of the Jury. After hearing the evidence of witnesses to the effect that the mother was under the influence of intoxicating liquor on the morning of the occurrence, and could not give an intelligent account of how the child met with its death; and after hearing also the evidence of Mr Collyns, Surgeon, the Jury returned the following verdict:- "That the child was Accidentally Suffocated through having been overlaid by the mother and added that the mother should be censured for her bad conduct and negligence."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 2 April 1886
TOTNES - Sudden Death In The Totnes Workhouse. The Feeding Of Infants. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday at the Totnes Workhouse, before Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, on the body of an infant named HENRIETTA PEDRICK, the illegitimate child of SARAH PEDRICK, about fourteen weeks old. - The Workhouse nurse stated that she saw the child nearly every day and on Saturday night it appeared in its usual health. On Sunday morning she was called when she found the child dead and cold. It had been foaming at the mouth. The child had been away from its mother since a fortnight after birth. The mother was in the Hospital, but saw the child once a week. - Elizabeth Webber the attendant, said the child was fed upon a pint of milk a day. She also gave it some baked flour, which she got from the Matron. She had been ordered by the doctor not to give it anything but milk. - In reply to the Coroner why she acted like this, witness said she could not get any rest by night and she gave it the food thinking it would satisfy the child more than the milk and induce sleep. She had given it this food for six weeks or two months. - Mr L. Hains, Surgeon, said he saw the child shortly after its birth, and about a fortnight after he was called to attend it, when he concluded it had had convulsions. The child improved after that, but it was a weak child and very debilitated. He had ordered that milk and nothing else should be given. After death he made a post mortem examination and found the body only fairly nourished. The stomach was greatly distended and contained an unusual quantity of undigested and partly digested food. He considered the child died from convulsions induced by the solid pultaceous food found in the stomach. - Mrs Grills, the Matron, said the attendant told her the child would not drink the milk ordered and she thought it required solid food. It was by her authority that this was given to the child. - She (witness) did not know of the doctor's orders as to the milk. After using it the woman said the child slept better Every child of that age in the House was fed with other food besides milk. It was sanctioned by the Local Government Board. - Mr Harris said it was a very wrong sanction. - The Jury after a brief consultation, returned a verdict "That the child died by Convulsions from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 3 April 1886
PLYMTREE - A Boy Drowned At Plymtree. - Yesterday, Mr G. E. Cox, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the house of JOSEPH WILCOX, labourer, touching the death of his son, JOSEPH WILCOX, aged 11 years, whose body was found on Wednesday morning in a pond used for irrigation purposes on Green End Farm, in the occupation of Mr Thomas Henry Baxter. After viewing the body, the Coroner and Jury went to see the pond and the stream which supplies it. A kind of weir, a short distance above the upper end of the pond, was pointed as the spot at which the boy was supposed to have fallen in. It was mentioned that, though there was no path here, the boys sometimes trespassed there by climbing over the railings between the stream and the by-road leading to the farm. At the outlet of the pond there is a culvert, down which the stream usually flows and underneath the culvert a tunnel through which the water can be run off. - MRS WILCOX, deceased's mother, said she last saw her boy about 6 p.m., when he said he was going to Green End Farm to see his father, who had employment there. He should have returned by 7 p.m., which was their supper time, but when his father came home he said he had not seen him. Witness and her daughter thought deceased might have gone elsewhere and have joined other boys; they searched the village up to 10 p.m. but unsuccessfully. - JOSEPH WILCOX, deceased's father, said it was too late to take any other measures the same night. Next morning, it having occurred to them that deceased sometimes crossed the weir, the pond was searched and the deceased's body was found. There was some blood at the back of the head, but witness did not suspect that deceased had met with any ill-treatment. - George East, an elderly labourer, deposed to seeing deceased going towards the farm soon after six on the evening named. - Francis Langsford, shepherd to Mr Baxter, deposed to letting the water out of the pond and finding the body. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

BRIXHAM - Fatal Accident At Brixham. - An Inquest was held at the Commercial Inn, Brixham, on Thursday, by Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, touching the death of a lad named WILLIAM PINE GIFFARD, aged 10 years. - JOHN GIFFARD, fisherman, of Brixham, identified the body as that of his son. - Charles England, a lad 13, stated that on Monday he saw the deceased at Overgang swinging to a sail which had been barked and hung up to dry. He saw him go forward and backward several times and then a puff of wind came (the wind being very high at the time) and blew deceased and the sail up about 20 ft., when the lad let go and fell to the ground, pitching on his knees. Witness ran to call his parents. - Dr Greene stated that on Monday he was called to see the lad, but he was quite dead. He examined him, and found that his wrist was broken, and there was a severe fracture in the skull. The injuries received were quite sufficient to cause death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 5 April 1886
TORQUAY - Sad Death Of A Carter. - An Inquest was held at the Torbay Infirmary on Saturday, before Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of SAMUEL STOCKER, 45, a carter, residing at Ellacombe, who died on Friday morning from injuries received in an accident in Market-street on the 8th March. It appeared that the horse driven by the deceased shied at a boy who ran across Market-street, and in attempting to get off from the vehicle the deceased's leg became entangled in the wheel and was broken. It was afterwards found necessary to amputate the limb. The Inquest was adjourned until Thursday next for the attendance of a further witness.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 7 April 1886
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday morning by Mr Coroner Hooper at the Globe Inn, Newtown, touching the death of SUSAN CURZON, about 80 years of age, the wife of a retired bookseller, residing at 57 Portland-street. The evidence went to show that the deceased, who was very feeble, had a fall, which the medical man said accelerated death. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

EXETER - Mysterious Death Of A Man In An Exeter Mill-Leat. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquiry a the Foresters' Arms Inn, Commercial-road, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of STEPHEN EDWARD WILSON BROWNING, a dealer in rags and bones, who, as has already been reported in the Devon and Exeter Daily Gazette, was found in the Exeter Mill-leat on Saturday night. Mr Boston was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Captain Showers watched the Inquiry on behalf of the Police authorities. - ANN BROWNING, of No. 1 Ewing's-lane, identified the body as that of her late husband, aged about 59, and who carried on business as a marine store dealer. On Saturday night, about eight o'clock, witness saw deceased at the Teignmouth Inn. He was in company with several other men in the bar, but witness did not see him drinking. Witness told him she was going out to sell a few things. Deceased appeared to have been drinking. He was not quarrelling with anyone. This was the last time witness saw him alive. Short before 10 o'clock witness was called by her daughter, who said, "Mother, go home, for father is in the water." Witness went home and her husband was brought in just after 10, dead. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said deceased was not addicted to drinking. - EMILY BROWNING, daughter of the deceased, said she lived in West-street. She last saw her father alive on Saturday night about 9 o'clock, in the bar of the Teignmouth Inn, in company with several others. Witness said to him, "Father, what are you speaking so loud about now," to which deceased replied that he was not speaking loudly to anyone. He invited witness to have a glass of beer, but she refused. This witness also confirmed her mother's statement that deceased was not quarrelling with anyone. - Cross-examined by Captain Showers: Deceased might have had a glass or two or beer, but witness could not say that he was drunk. He spoke to witness reasonably. Deceased usually spoke loudly. - John Skoines, bricklayer, lodging in Ewing's-lane, deposed that on Saturday evening, about 9.20, he spoke to the deceased at the top of Ewing's-lane. Deceased was coming round the corner from the Teignmouth Inn. He asked witness to have half-a-pint of beer at the Bishop Blaize Inn, but witness said he did not care much about it. Deceased, who had been drinking, went down the lane and witness heard nothing more of him until ten minutes past ten o'clock, when he heard an alarm from Mrs Bastin that the deceased was in the water again. Witness had heard people say that the deceased had fallen into the water once before. Witness and another man named Young went to the gratings in the mill-leat, where they saw the deceased lying with his head against the irons. He was looking as it were with his face up the leat. They took him out and witness procured some brandy, while Young moved his arms with a view of restoring animation. Dr Perkins, of South-street, was called, but was too ill to venture out. Mr Moone was then called, and on his arrival he pronounced life to be extinct. - Charles Densham, landlord of the Teignmouth Inn, said he had known the deceased for over 47 years. On Saturday evening he came to the Inn, with his son, about a quarter to nine o'clock. Deceased had then been drinking. The son ordered two half-pints of beer and they both went into the bar, where there were several other men. The son drank his beer and left, saying that he had somewhere else to go. Deceased remained in the Inn about half-an-hour, when he went to the door and said to witness, "Master, will you let me have another half-pint before I go?" to which witness replied, "No, not tonight, STEPHEN; one tomorrow dinner-time will do you more good." Deceased said, "All right, master, all right; master, give me your hand, I'll wish you good-night." Witness did not see him afterwards. - Cross-examined: Deceased walked steadily. Very little liquor took effect upon him. He always drank half-and-half table beer and half best beer. - Mary Ann Bastin, wife of a labourer living in Brown's-court, Ewing's-lane, opposite to the deceased's house, said that about six o'clock on the night in question she saw deceased leave his home with some bread and meat under his arm. About nine o'clock she heard him scuffling into the court. He opened his door, but witness did not hear him shut it. She subsequently heard a splash in the leat, whereupon she went to the Bishop Blaize Inn and raised an alarm. - Witness also informed Mr Densham, of the Teignmouth Inn. - Cross-examined by Captain Showers: Prior to hearing the splash in the water, witness heard nothing like a struggle or altercation that would suggest foul play in any way. - Mr Moone, Surgeon, said he was called to see the deceased, who was then dead and cold. He made a very careful examination of the body and on the right side of the head found three cuts - one just over 2ins. long, another about 1 ½ ins., and the third about half an inch in length. Witness examined the steps, &c., but could see no marks of blood. The edges of the steps (against which it is supposed the deceased fell) were very rough and rounded and would not, in his (Mr Moone's) opinion, account for cuts as clean and of the size of those on the side of the deceased's head. On Monday witness made a post mortem examination. He left the wounds in the head intact for the Jury to see. There was no water in the lungs, the heart was healthy, the liver was slightly enlarged, but nothing of any importance; and the kidneys were also healthy. - Cross-examined by Captain Showers: Witness could not imagine the clean cut being made by the sharp edge of the wall. His own private opinion was that the man was not alive when he fell into the water. Mr Moone pointed out the severity of the blow by the fact that not only was there a deep cut, but there was a great indentation in the bones of the head. Witness did not think deceased met his death by suffocation or from drowning, but from the effect of the injuries in his head and he could not say how these were caused. - The Coroner having briefly summed up the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 8 April 1886
TOPSHAM - Sudden Death At Topsham. - An Inquest was held at the Salutation Inn, Topsham, last evening, before the Deputy District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, touching the death of WALTER VALENTINE, 58 years of age, who died suddenly on the 5th inst. at his residence in Passage-lane. The deceased, who was of weak intellect, did odd jobs at window-cleaning and so on. - Mrs Emma Little, a cousin of the deceased, who looked after him, said that he had complained for a week past of a cold and a soreness on the chest. He told her that on Friday he was sent by Mrs Pollard to Mr Ellis, chemist, to get something for his cold. He told her that he had some medicine on the Friday and Saturday and felt better after taking it. On Monday between two and three o'clock he told her that he had been for some medicine, but Mr Ellis was not at home and he did not have any. She left the house about half-past two o'clock, but was called back on her way home. She returned and saw the deceased sitting in a chair. He complained of feeling faint and she, thinking he was dying, went for Dr Bothwell. - Ann Murphy, a neighbour, gave corroborative evidence. - Mr F. Ellis, chemist, said the deceased came to him first on Thursday morning complaining of a pain in his stomach. Witness gave him half an ounce of compound tincture of rhubarb. He saw the deceased again on the Friday morning, when witness repeated the dose. Deceased complained of a pain in his stomach, but not so great as before. Witness did not give him any more medicine after that. Deceased came on the Monday, but as witness was not home he was not supplied. Had he been he might have given the man another dose, and perhaps saved his life. - Dr Bothwell stated that he was called to see the deceased about half-past two o'clock on Monday and found him dead, apparently quite recently. He made no examination of the body and had not the slightest idea of the cause of death, for to the best of his knowledge he had never prescribed for the deceased. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 April 1886
TORQUAY - The adjourned Inquest on the body of SAMUEL STOCKER, 45, a carman, was held at the Torbay Infirmary on Thursday morning before Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. STOCKER has left a wife and nine children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 April 1886
MOLLAND - Sudden Death In A Railway Carriage. - On Thursday evening an Inquiry into the death of HUMPHRY BOUNDY, aged 48, who was found dead in a railway carriage at Molland Station, was held before the District Coroner at the Black Cock Hotel, Molland. Superintendent Green was present on behalf of the Railway Company. The evidence stated that the deceased was a shoemaker of Wadham in the parish of Knowstone and that he had been to Southmolton during Wednesday and returned for his home by the 6.20 train. It appears that BOUNDY on returning to meet the train was late and hastened to catch in. - Dr Sanders stated that he had attended the deceased for indigestion many years since, but could not state the cause of death without a post mortem examination. The Coroner and the Jury stated that they considered this unnecessary and the latter returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 April 1886
EXETER - Sudden Death In Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Windsor Castle Inn, Summerland-street, yesterday, before Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, touching the death of THOMAS S. HEYWARD, who was found dead in his bedroom on Saturday morning. The deceased, who was a single man, about 75 years of age, appeared to have had no relative in the city, and no one appeared to know much about him. He is believed to have at one time held a post in the Excise. He subsequently went to America, and while there he appears to have sent a letter home to a brother residing at Tiverton, asking for assistance, and the reply he got to it, through Messrs. Bishop and Son, solicitors, was that his brother was dead and that he (the deceased) had inherited his brother's money. Upon that the deceased came to England and in October 1884 he went to lodge in the house occupied by Mr Hussey, No. 77 Summerland-street. Since his return to England the deceased has been in the habit of getting all letters addressed to him through Messrs. Bishop and Son. He appeared also to have kept very much to himself while in his lodgings and it was his habit, on retiring for the night, to lock himself in. On Friday night he came home early and went upstairs. About nine o'clock he asked for a bundle of wood, which was placed outside his door. Nothing more was heard of him up to twelve o'clock on Saturday, when, as the deceased was not heard, Mrs Hussey went to the door of his room and knocked at it to rouse him. As she could get no reply she communicated with Mr Charles Harris, managing clerk to Messrs. Bishop and he procured the assistance of a Policeman and forced an entry into the deceased's room. On entering it the deceased was found lying on the floor dead. He was dressed and apparently had got up in the morning and while moving about the room had died suddenly. - Mr C. E. Bell, who was called in, said he found a wound on deceased's forehead and another on the nose. He had no doubt the deceased had a fit of apoplexy and fell forward. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 April 1886
CLOVELLY - The Fatal Cliff Accident At Clovelly. Inquest And Funeral. - On Saturday an Inquest was held at the New Inn, Clovelly, before Mr J. F. Bromham, the District Coroner, on the body of FREDERICK JOHN KNIGHT, a telegraphist, of London, who met with his death on Friday, as previously reported, by falling over the cliffs near Clovelly. - The first witness called was MR EBENEZER KNIGHT, who deposed that the body was that of his son, who was 19 years of age and was last seen by him alive on Saturday, April 3rd, when he left London for Exeter. - Mr Pattison Putt stated that he was a telegraph clerk at the Central Office, London, and a personal friend of the deceased. They had been on a holiday tour and arrived at Clovelly on Thursday. On Friday morning about 9.45 a.m. they started with the intention of going to "Ducks" by way of the beach; but, finding the boulders and rocks so rough, they climbed up a ladder known at Clovelly as "Limpet Ladder," and so got on to the cliffs. They did not proceed far, but remained at one point for nearly two hours, and at intervals the deceased played his flute. KNIGHT then got up and went a little ahead by some bushes to see if there was a path leading to the beach, in order to return to Clovelly again. He said he thought it impossible to go by the beach, and witness advised him to come back. Witness next saw him sliding down the cliff, digging his heels into the stones and then suddenly lost sight of him. Witness was greatly alarmed and made his way back by the path they had come. He soon found assistance and immediately proceeded along the beach, and at the bottom of the cliff found the body of the deceased about three yards from the base of the cliffs. - Frederick Headon, a lad, stated that he was on the beach at the time and noticed some stones fall from the cliff overhead. Immediately afterwards he saw the deceased fall down the face of the cliff. Witness at once sought assistance. - Mr John Dunn said he was called by the last witness and found MR KNIGHT quite dead. - Mr Cooke, surgeon, of Clovelly, gave evidence as to the nature of the injuries sustained and said deceased must have fallen from 200 to 250 feet. - The Coroner, in summing up, very feelingly alluded to the sad event and expressed his sympathy for the parents. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - At the Evening Service on Sunday the Rev. W. Harrison, in an eloquent discourse from St John, vi., 48, "I am that bread of life," alluded to the sad accident which had just occurred at Clovelly, and dwelt on the uncertainties of life. - The deceased was interred in the Parish Churchyard of Clovelly on Monday, and the funeral was attended by the parents and relatives and a large number of visitors and residents. The coffin was covered with beautiful wreaths of flowers, which had been kindly sent by Miss C. Fane of Clovelly Court. The service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev. W. Harrison.

UGBOROUGH - The Suicide On The Railway Near Kingsbridge-Road. - An adjourned Inquest has been held by Mr Sydney Hacker at Cheston Farm, Ugborough, respecting the death of CLARA LAVINIA LUSCOMBE CROCKER, daughter of MR RICHARD CROCKER, whose body was found on the Great Western Railway, near Cheston Farm, the residence of her parents. - The first witness called was the Rev. H. Norris Churgton, who said he had heard that deceased was out of her mind and that when he called upon her on the 5th inst. she appeared to be suffering from nervous depression. - George Ventham, of Plymouth, said he was an engine-driver in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company. On Thursday he drove the 3 p.m. express from Paddington, which train did not stop between Newton and Mutley. It was 8.28 when they passed Cheston Bridge, and they were travelling at the rate of from thirty to thirty-five miles an hour. It was a rather stormy night and at times the moon was completely hidden. He noticed nothing unusual, neither was there any perceptible motion of the engine as though it had passed over anything; but that was no matter for surprise, seeing the rate at which they were going. - William Palmer, who on Thursday was the night chargeman at the engine-shed at Plymouth, stated that on receiving the intimation that a young woman had been killed on the line near Kingsbridge-road Station, he carefully examined the engine of the express. On the left life-guard he found marks of blood, a piece of flesh, and a small amount of lime; on the sand-pipe were three long hairs, while there were pieces of flesh on the step and axle-box. - Samuel Hannaford, goods guard, proved that he had the care of a train from Exeter to Plymouth. It was passed at Brent by the express. Looking out when near Cheston Bridge, he saw a body lying outside the rails on the left-hand side going towards Plymouth. He reported the circumstance at Kingsbridge-road Station. - Mr Henry Ubsdell, Surgeon, practising at Buckfastleigh, said he had known the deceased all her life, and for six weeks past had attended her for melancholia. He paid his last visit to her on that day week. He had been told by her mother that she suffered from delusions, and when quite alone would continue talking to persons she imagine she saw. As deceased gave him the impression that she had a tendency to suicidal mania, he advised her parents not to leave her alone. He had examined the body of deceased and he considered all the marks and injuries were such as would be caused by her being run over by a train. Her left arm was completely amputated, her chest crushed in, besides other injuries. The young woman must have lain on the rail and the train turned her over and her face thus came in contact with the stones. This explained the many marks thereon. - P.C. Beckett, stationed at Ugborough, gave evidence as to taking charge of the body. Deceased lay with her head over the embankment and her feet towards the rails. The arm was quite 15 feet away and the body was nearly in a nude state. - The evidence taken at the previous Inquiry was read over and it appeared that Mr James Stear and the father and mother were the only persons sworn on that occasion. The first-named spoke of going out towards Brent and coming across the body, while the parents referred to missing their daughter, after having returned from feeding the lambs. They could assign no reason for deceased being on the line, and they knew of nothing which should cause her trouble. - A verdict "That deceased Committed Suicide while in a State of Unsound Mind" was unanimously returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 April 1886
EXETER - A Sad Struggle For Existence. Who Is Responsible? - Yesterday, the City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at Collings's Spirit Vaults, Fore-street, relative to the death of a child, named ELLEN GOLDRING HAYMAN, aged five years, the daughter of MRS MARY ANN HAYMAN, a widow, living in Spicer's-Court, Fore-street. Evidence was given to the effect that MRS HAYMAN formerly resided at Crediton, where her husband, who died about 12 months ago, was a cab-driver. While living at Crediton, after the death of her husband, she endeavoured to support her two children - of whom the deceased was the youngest - and herself by doing plain-needlework, but as she could not obtain sufficient employment in the town, she applied to the Crediton Guardians for assistance. The Guardians declined to grant her any out-relief, and refusing to "make herself a pauper" by accepting their "offer of the House," she removed about seven months ago with her children, to Exeter, in the hope that she might there find more work than at Crediton. At Exeter she obtained casual employment, by which she earned sometimes 5s. or 6s. a week and out of that amount she had to pay 1s. 3d. a week for rent. With the remainder she managed to support her children and herself for a time. The hardships of winter, however, reduced her earnings and she subsequently applied for a little out-relief from the Exeter Guardians of the Poor. That body granted her relief for a while, but as her settlement was in the Crediton Union, the Exeter Guardians did not think themselves justified in continuing the payment of the sum allowed and accordingly withdrew it. They recommended the Crediton Guardians to make her an allowance of 2s. a week, but the recommendation was not acted upon, and the woman was left to her own little resources out of which to maintain her family. On Sunday evening the younger child became ill and when on Monday morning her condition was apparently worse the mother obtained a medical-order from one of the Exeter Relieving-officers. The order, which was not marked "urgent" was given to Mr Harris, Surgeon, who attended the child during the afternoon and prescribed for her. The child did not then appear to be in any immediate danger, but about 7.30 on the same evening she died. Mr Harris was communicated with, and after seeing the body he obtained an order from the Coroner for a post mortem examination. The result of that examination was to show that death was caused by convulsions. The body was in a poor condition, and its internal and external appearances indicated that, although the child might have been given a sufficient quantity of food. the latter did not seem to have been of a very nourishing character. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said it attached, so far as he could see, no blame whatever to the mother, who appeared to have done her utmost to support her children. (Hear, hear). It was, he thought, a case which called for some investigation, and he therefore order a post mortem examination to be made. So far as this Inquiry was concerned, Mr Harris's statement was perfectly satisfactory. He did not think that any blame whatever could be attached to the Exeter Guardians, who were clearly within their right in declining to put the ratepayers of Exeter to an expense for which, if anybody, the Crediton Guardians were liable. It would, perhaps, have been better if the Crediton Guardians had acted upon the recommendation from Exeter, for, had a grant of 2s. a week been made to the mother, the life of her child might have been saved. - (Hear, hear). He did not say that the Crediton Guardians were not also within their right in "offering the House" instead of granting out-relief, but it was certainly a very hard case. (Hear, hear). The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed their entire concurrence with the remarks of the Coroner. - Mr Kenshole attended the Inquest to represent the Exeter Guardians.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 26 April 1886
DARTMOUTH - Death Through Scalding. - A case of fatal scalding occurred on Thursday, off the Lizard, on board the steamship Royal Minstrel, Captain George Cawcutt, from Constantinople for Rouen, with a cargo of wine. The steamer arrived at Dartmouth on Thursday evening. It appears that a stoker named THOMAS JOY, was attending to his regular duties in the stokehole, when a tube-stay of the starboard boiler broke, and the water rushing from the boiler scalded him very severely before he had time to escape. JOY managed, however, to get on deck and run into the forecastle, where linseed-oil and cotton-wool were applied. As soon as the boiler was repaired the ship was kept away for Dartmouth in order that medical assistance might be obtained. On arriving in harbour the sufferer was attended by Dr Soper. JOY was brought on shore about ten o'clock on Friday morning and taken to the Coffee Tavern, where he received every care and attention, but he died the same day. Deceased was a native of Hull, only 19 years of age and was the main support of an aged mother. - At the Inquest held on Saturday morning at the Guildhall, before Mr R. W. Prideaux, Borough Coroner, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from a Shock to the system caused by an explosion of steam on board the steamer Royal Minstrel in the Channel."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 29 April 1886
NORTHAM - Sudden Death Of MR GEORGE BAKER, Of Appledore. - An Inquest was held at Appledore on Tuesday as to the cause of the death of MR GEORGE BAKER, the Vice-Consul for Norway and Sweden, who died suddenly on Sunday night. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. The funeral of the deceased took place yesterday, and was largely attended, he being highly respected in the neighbourhood. Deceased was 71 years of age.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 30 April 1886
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Death From Excessive Drinking. - Mr Henry W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the St Thomas' Union, yesterday, touching the death of JOHN OLIVER JENKINS, an inmate of that Institution. From the evidence of Mrs Mules, the Matron, it appeared that deceased left the Union on Thursday morning on leave of absence. The same evening he was brought back by two Policemen, much the worse for liquor. The next morning he was in a stupor and as he continued in the same condition the whole day, Dr Hartnoll, the Medical Officer, was sent for. JENKINS gradually got worse and died on Monday morning. Robert Drewe, of Moreton Inn Court, proved seeing the deceased in the yard of the Buller's Arms on the Thursday and the landlady deposed that deceased had some gin in her house, but not enough to make him intoxicated. - P.C. Philips proved find the deceased helplessly drunk in Okehampton-street and having him conveyed to the Union. - Dr Hartnoll, the Medical Officer, gave it as his opinion that when he was called in the deceased was suffering partly from the effects of alcohol and partly from a blow. There was a blow over the right eyebrow and also on the left side of the head - the latter sufficient to produce concussion. He thought the blows were caused by a fall. The cause of death was congestion of the brain, produced by the combined effects of the fall and alcohol. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

TORQUAY - The Boating Fatality At Torquay. The Inquest. - On Wednesday morning Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN HENRY LAVIS, 14, who was drowned whilst boating in Torbay on Monday. - The Inquest was held at the residence of the deceased - No. 6 Strand. - Mr W. Pridham was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - WILLIAM LAVIS, father of the deceased, identified the body, and stated that the last time he saw his son alive was about two o'clock on Monday afternoon. He knew nothing about the arrangement made between his assistant (Henry Halliwell) and his son to go boating. - Robert Brown, boatman, of 3 Palk-street, stated that the two young men came to him about 3.15 on Monday last and asked him for a boat named the Violet. He (witness) told them that it was in the loft, and that they could not have it. They, however, had a boat named the Freda, 19ft. long and 4ft. beam. He saw them rowing out of the harbour. The boat was very safe. There was a heavy swell from the eastward that afternoon, with heavy breakers on the westward shore. He knew nothing of the accident until a few minutes before four o'clock, when a coachman came and told him that one of his boats had been capsized in the surf at Livermead. He immediately ran to the pier and told his brothers, and they rowed away to the scene of the accident. - Theodore Brown, boatman of 3 Rock-walk and brother of the last witness, stated that his brother came to him on the pier, and told him that one of their boats had upset on the surf at Livermead. He put off in a punt with his brother William, and rowed to the spot, where they found the boat, but saw nothing of the occupants. After searching for a considerable time he came into Torquay after a grapple and on his return to Livermead he was informed that the body of young LAVIS had been discovered. He assisted in bringing it to Torquay. - Robert Prowse, a cabman, residing at Upton, stated that he had been to Paignton with a fare and was returning empty. On reaching Livermead he saw a boat in the surf. The occupants were standing up in the boat, one in the bow and the other in the stern. He had only watched it for a moment when the boat capsized having been struck by a heavy sea broadside on. He immediately ran down to the beach, took off his coat, went out into the surf and caught the young man Halliwell and brought him in. After the application of some brandy the young fellow was brought round. The young man LAVIS sank immediately the boat capsized. - Edward Harley, boatman, in the employ of Messrs. Brown Bros., stated that he cautioned every boat that left the harbour not to go on the west side of the bay. - The evidence of Halliwell taken at the bedside was to the effect that they did not receive a caution when they started and finding that the sea was rough to the eastward, they turned towards the west. Young LAVIS was sick and witness seeing that it was futile to attempt to get back to the harbour made for the sands near Corbyn Head. The boat drifted to the Livermead side of the Head, where it got into the breakers and was capsized. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," gave their fees to the cabman in recognition of his services and thanked Mr Manley for the assistance he had rendered.

UFFCULME - Shocking Fatal Accident At Uffculme. - Between four and five p.m. on Tuesday, JAMES GROVES, of Smithincott, Uffculme, a jobbing carpenter, met his death in a shocking manner while engaged tree-felling near Hackpin Mills. He and his cousin, FRANK GROVES, had been operating with a cross-cut saw upon a large oak tree. When they had severed the trunk to within a few inches, deceased, in order to facilitate the fall of the tree, began to drive a plug into the space left by the saw, and while he was thus engaged the tree swerved and fell towards deceased and on to him, crushing him against the hedge-bank in such a position that he was immovably fixed. He had no time to get out of the way of the tree; but just as it fell cried out "Oh! FRANK." His cousin ran for help and a powerful horse was fetched to the spot for the purpose of dragging the timber away from deceased; but the animal was absolutely unable to move it. Several men then proceeded to dig away the hedge-bank from around deceased; but he lived only a very few minutes after the accident, and Dr Dickinson, who was sent for, was too late to be able to render any service. Deceased was 67 years of age and leaves a widow and grown-up family. An Inquest was held yesterday at Smithincott, before Mr Cox, Deputy Coroner, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 6 May 1886
EXETER ST SIDWELLS - Sad Accident To A Young Lady. Danger In The Street. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Bristol Inn, St Sidwell's, Exeter, touching the death of MISS HESTER MARY MOUSELL, who, as we reported in our Wednesday's issue, died on Tuesday night from injuries received through a heavy "truss" falling upon her as she was passing through Sidwell-street. - MR W. MOUSELL, removal contractor, residing in London-inn-square, said the deceased was his daughter, and was 26 years of age. She was a governess in the family of Mr E. James, of Westcott Barton, Crediton. A few minutes before four o'clock on Tuesday afternoon he took her pupil to the Station for her whilst she went into St Sidwell's to fetch something. He was subsequently fetched to come to his daughter, who had met with an accident. He returned and found his daughter in Mr Knowsley's shop. - William Johns, a porter, employed by commercial travellers frequenting the White Lion Hotel, said that on Tuesday afternoon he was standing just in front of Mr Knowsley's shop in St Sidwell's, and suddenly heard a rattle as if something was falling heavily. He looked around and saw a lady, the deceased, and saw a mass of stone and plaster fall on her and knock her down. Witness and another man picked her up and took her into Mr Knowsley's shop. As he carried her into the shop he recognised who she was and he afterwards ran into MR MOUSELL'S office and informed them of what had occurred. Witness then fetched a doctor and returned with Dr Woodman. There was nothing passing in the street to cause any vibration at the time the mass fell. It struck the blind in falling and then fell on to the deceased. - Dr John Woodman said that a little before four o'clock he was requested to go to Mr Knowsley's shop as an accident had happened there. He went with the messenger and found MISS MOUSELL in the show-room at the back of the shop. She was semi-conscious and complained of great pain in her head. She had been, and was whilst he was there, very sick. He examined her head, but found no cut or wound on the skin, but marks of a blow on the left side of the head rather towards the front. He applied ice to her head and gave her a little medicine, which she could not swallow. She rallied a little and he had her removed in an arm chair to her father's house. She gradually became worse and unconscious. Mr Cumming saw her with witness about half-past seven o'clock and both remained with her until she died, about half-past eight o'clock. Death was due to the blow she received causing concussion of the brain and probably fracture of the skull. Had the weight fallen upon her it would, no doubt, have indented her skull, but falling on the blind the fall was broken. - John Dunmur, assistant in the employ of Mr Knowsley, said the blind was attached by hooks to the front, but it did not interfere with the cornice which fell. - In answer to a Juryman (Mr Bowden), witness said he never knew anyone call attention to the fact that the bracket was slack. There had been no knocking or hammering about that part of the shop to witness's knowledge. - Mr Bowden said his reason for asking these questions was that the back of the bracket was full of dust and must have been loose for years. The bracket must have come away from the board at least two inches before it fell. - The Coroner said he was sure all sympathised with MR MOUSELL under the dreadful circumstances in which he appeared before them that day, but it seemed that there was no one liable for this stone falling. - A Juryman suggested that the ornamental fronts in the city ought to be examined. - Inspector Symes undertook to communicate with Mr Knowsley respecting the remaining truss, with a view to its being seen to. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 7 May 1886
EXETER - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at the Black Horse Inn, South-street, yesterday, touching the death of SARAH ELIZABETH ROBINS, aged six months. - MRS ROBINS, the mother, who resides at 11 Paragon-place, gave evidence to the effect that the deceased, who was a delicate child, was taken ill about three weeks since, and Dr Perkins, sen., whose aid was sought, gave witness some powders to administer, which she did. - On Wednesday morning, about half-past seven, deceased was taken worse and appeared to have great difficulty in breathing, and died shortly afterwards. Witness had the previous evening been to Dr Perkins, jun., who had prescribed, and promised to call and see deceased in the morning. The medical testimony went to show that death arose from Natural Causes, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 10 May 1886
TIVERTON - Fatal Accident At Kentisbeare. - On Saturday evening, at the Tiverton Infirmary, an Inquest was held before Mr L. Mackenzie, Borough Coroner, touching the death of ROBERT POTTER, aged 19, son of MR WILLIAM POTTER, of Sainshill Farm, near Kentisbeare. Deceased was employed by Mr S. Disney, or Orway Farm, Kentisbeare, as a labourer. On Thursday he was engaged in stacking faggots and was about to pitch some of them on to the stack when the handle of the pitchfork suddenly snapped. POTTER lost his balance and fell to the ground, alighting on his back. - Dr Brydeen was sent for and arrived in about an hour and by his advice deceased was taken to Tiverton Infirmary, where he died on Friday about noon. - Charles Bowden, a labourer who was employed with deceased, said when he fell he called out that he had broken his neck and said he could not feel anything below his shoulders. - Mr J. G. Barker, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, said that deceased, when admitted, was suffering from complete paralysis of and below the arms. His backbone was dislocated below the neck and there was crushing of the spinal marrow - injuries which involved certain death. Deceased was sensible after his admission but was never able to make any communication. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - The Supposed Suicide In The Exe. - On Saturday Mr H. W. Gould, the Deputy District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Turk's Head Inn, St. Thomas, touching the death of MARY JANE REYNOLDS, 48 years of age, who was found drowned in the Exe on Friday morning. MARY JANE LANGWORTHY, deceased's mother, identified the body as that of her daughter, the wife of a plasterer, who for two or three years has been in Australia. Deceased and her three children lived with the witness in the Artizan's Dwellings, St. Thomas. MRS REYNOLDS left home on Thursday evening about half-past seven with the intention, witness thought, of attending a religious service as was her custom. Nothing more, however, was heard of deceased until Friday morning, when her body was discovered in the Exe. Deceased had recently been attended through the Dispensary by Mr Brash, and several years ago deceased was an inmate of a Lunatic Asylum. - Ann Squire deposed to seeing deceased on Thursday afternoon in the Exe Island Mission Hall, and the same evening saw her at a temperance meeting in King-street schoolroom. - George Kelly, labourer, said that he was walking along the Haven Banks about twenty minutes past five o'clock on Friday morning when he picked up a woman's ulster and bonnet. Fearing that all was not right, witness communicated with P.C. Ball and in company with the latter searched the river. At a distance of about 150 yards from the spot where witness discovered the bonnet and ulster, he and the Constable noticed footmarks in the mud by the water's edge as though someone had been walking along and then turned towards the water. A few minutes afterwards they saw the body of MRS REYNOLDS floating on the water and witness and his companion brought it to the bank. - Mr Vlieland said he examined the body of the deceased, but found no marks of violence. - A Juror said deceased appeared to have been suffering from religious mania. - The Deputy Coroner said that they had no evidence of it. They had evidence that she was in the habit of frequenting places of worship, but it did not necessarily follow that deceased was suffering from religious mania. - The Juryman said he thought that they could very well come to a conclusion when a person was at these meetings twice in a day and had three children to look after. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 13 May 1886
EXETER - A Man Drowned In Exeter Basin. - The Deputy District Coroner held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of WALTER JAMES MOREY, 37 years of age, a labourer, who was drowned in the Basin on Monday. The evidence adduced showed that deceased, in passing some bushes on the side of the Basin, by some means fell into the water. The space intervening between the water and the bushes was very small and only admitted of a man walking along sideways. Two of the witnesses stated that deceased had no right at the spot where he fell in and the path was only used as a matter of convenience by the lumpers. All efforts to rescue deceased after getting into the water proved fruitless. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider to the effect that a substantial protection should be placed at the end of the buttresses abutting on the Basin so as to prevent persons using the path where deceased lost his life. - Most of the Jury gave their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 May 1886
EXETER - Fatal Fall Downstairs. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquiry at the Lord Nelson Inn, Exeter, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of ALICE PARKYN, aged 17 years. - The evidence given showed that deceased was blind, and after being dressed on Wednesday morning by her mother was warned not to go downstairs. She, however, did not, as it appeared, hear this warning and almost immediately afterwards she fell to the bottom of the stairs. On being picked up, deceased was found to be in a fit. Medical aid was procured, but the girl gradually sank and died yesterday morning. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, St. Sidwell's, said he was called to see the deceased on Wednesday morning. He found her in a state of unconsciousness and suffering from an apoplectic fit. There was a large bruise on the right side f the head. Death, in his opinion, was due to apoplexy, accelerated by the blow occasioned by the fall. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 May 1886
TOTNES - The Fatal Accident To A Jockey At Brent. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Totnes Cottage Hospital by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr H. Ashford was Foreman, on the body of JAMES EDWARD CHURCHWARD, who died on Thursday from the injuries he received at Brent Races on Tuesday last. - Mr L. R. Netherton, of Bowden House, Stokefleming said the deceased was in his employ as whip and groom, and he also held a license to ride under the Grand National Rules. He was 25 years of age and had been in the habit or riding during the last six years. Deceased was riding witness's mare, "Lady Dora," and was at the time in his usual health and fit to ride. He was looking at the race. The mare jumped all the banks very cleverly until the accident happened, which was at the fifth fence. From what he could see where he was he considered the mare slipped as she took the bank, struck her fore feet, and fell over, throwing deceased off and falling upon him. It was the easiest bank of the whole. The ground was hard, which might have caused the mare to slip. The mare was not tired out, as she had only gone about half a mile. On seeing the accident he ran to the spot, but saw the mare was dead before he left the stand. When he got to the spot the deceased was insensible. There were four doctors with him. They gave him brandy. He was put into a carriage and witness brought him to Totnes, which was the nearest place. He held him on his knee all the way. He became sensible, and continued so up to his death. He did not ask him anything as to how the accident happened; he thought it best not to do so. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Netherton said there was no cannon or anything of the sort. Deceased was perfectly sober at the time and was a very moderate man. He had ridden the mare at other races. - Mr John Roby, Surgeon, corroborated what Mr Netherton had stated. Dr Alexander and himself were the first to arrive at the spot medically. They found he had fractured some ribs. He gave him brandy, got a stretcher and sent him with Mr Netherton to Totnes Hospital. He was sensible and continued up to the last. He had since attended him. Besides the broken ribs, there was injury also to the lungs and the heart was also pressed on and there was internal haemorrhage. He spat a great deal of blood, more or less, until he died. There was but very little hope from the first. The pressure of the horse falling upon him caused the injuries to the internal organs. Death was not caused by the fall. - The Coroner said he thought that was all the evidence they need hear. There did not appear to be blame attached to anyone. It was an accident which unfortunately did happen sometimes at steeplechases. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - In reply to a Juror, Mr Netherton said deceased was a married man. There had been two children, but he believed they were dead. Deceased was the sole support of his mother, and also a sister with a large family; and Mr Netherton added with some feeling that he had met with a personal loss he could not fill again. Deceased was respected by everyone.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 22 May 1886
TORQUAY - Yesterday morning Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of ELIZABETH NOSWORTHY, 47, residing at 18 Darson Cottages, Upton, Torquay, who died suddenly on Wednesday afternoon. After hearing the evidence the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 26 May 1886
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Waggoner At Plymouth. - Shortly after six o'clock on Monday evening, as a man named JOHN SILAS WEST, carter to Mrs Hendy, of Elburton, Plympton, was returning home from Plymouth in charge of a horse and waggon, when near Laira Bridge he fell from the front of the cart to the ground. The wheels of the waggon went over his neck and death must have been instantaneous. He was picked up by a Policeman and Dr Way was sent for, but before he arrived the poor fellow was dead. Last evening, at 5 o'clock, an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, Plymouth, before the Coroner and a Jury, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

AXMINSTER - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr C. Cox, held an Inquest at the Grange Hotel, Axminster, yesterday, relative to the death of SARAH ANN LOVERIDGE, aged 31, married, who expired on Sunday afternoon. - ISAAC DRAYTON LOVERIDGE, who tendered his evidence in an eccentric manner, said that until a few months since he was an ironmonger. - The Coroner: Was the deceased your wife? - A.: After I married her she was. - Q.: Had she been in good health or not? - A.: Well, I don't know, sir, whether she has or not; the doctor can tell you better than I can. - Q.: Your wife has not been well lately has she? - A.: Been able to do her domestic duties and so on. - Q.: What was the matter with her a week ago? - A.: She felt very ill, and she wanted to go to the doctor. I did not think it quite necessary. I went to the doctor, and he came, I believe, last Tuesday. Two or three days afterwards he (the doctor) told me it was a bad job. He was afraid she would not get over it. - Q.: Had you any idea what it was? - A.: I had an idea it was "something else." - The Coroner: I don't want to put any questions unnecessarily, but I think it is my duty to put some which are not pleasant, and you must answer them. Were your wife and you addicted to intemperate habits? - A.: Well, I suppose so, sir. Yes. Q.: For how long a period of time has that been so? - A.: My wife never gave way to it until somewhere about nine months ago. Q.: Since then has she been giving way to drink? - A.: Occasionally, sir; not very often. Me and my wife were very happy together indeed. - Q.: Has not there been any quarrels between you? - A.: Never once, sir, in our lives. About six or seven weeks ago, in my absence, the deceased had a fall partly downstairs by which she sustained a cut in her head, but I do not know how it occurred. - The Foreman: Was she perfectly sober when she fell? - A.: Quite, to my knowledge. She also received a fall in the bedroom on the morning prior to her death, and received a slight cut in the lip. - The Corner: Had she taken any liquor before then? - A.: I don't know that she had any on the previous night. - SARAH TROTT, mother of the deceased, said she had seen the deceased and her husband have a "few words" many a time, but never much quarrelling. - The Coroner: Have you ever seen him use any violence towards her? - A.: Well, I don't know that ever I did. - MRS LOVERIDGE, of Axminster, mother of the first witness, said that the deceased and her husband lived happily together. - Dr Hallett stated that at Christmas last he treated the deceased for miscarriage. He did not see her again until the 18th May, when he found her in a state of great exhaustion, and he considered she was in a very low state of health. The immediate cause of death was disease of the liver and jaundice. It was quite clear that death did not arise from violence in any way. He observed a few small marks on the body, but none of them were likely to have been caused by ill-usage. - The Coroner (addressing the Jury) said he did not think there was any necessity for further evidence; and after what they had heard from Dr Hallett, he considered there would not be much difficulty in arriving at a verdict. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 28 May 1886
EXETER - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Papermakers' Arms Inn, Exe-street, touching the death of an infant named MAY PIKE, four days old, whose parents reside at 16 West View-terrace. - The evidence of MR PIKE and Mrs Ball went to show that deceased was taken ill yesterday morning about six o'clock, and succumbed before the arrival of Mr Brash, Surgeon, who was called about nine o'clock. Mr Brash said he had examined the body of deceased, but found no marks of violence. In his opinion death was due to natural causes. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 June 1886
EXETER - Sudden Death. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the King's Arms Inn, relative to the death of HENRY WILLS, lately residing at 3 West-street, who expired suddenly about one o'clock that morning. Deceased, who kept a tobacconist's shop, on the previous evening ate a "heavy" supper and when retiring to bed he ran up the stairs. This induced violent pains in the chest, and as he grew worse during the night his wife arose and went for assistance, but upon her return she found him dead. The body was subsequently examined by Mr Vlieland, Surgeon, of St. Thomas, who stated at the Inquiry that death was occasioned by heart disease, which was accelerated by the circumstances above mentioned. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 3 June 1886
BRIXHAM - The Suicide At Brixham. - An Inquest was held at the Blue Anchor Inn, before Mr Sidney Hacker, District Coroner, on the body of ANN MARIA WOTTON, aged 55 years. EMMA ROSE deposed that she was a married woman and the eldest daughter of the deceased. Witness saw her mother alive on Monday morning about 7 o'clock, when she told her she was going to wash at Mrs Richardson's. She had never heard deceased complain of bad health, nor had she noticed any trouble about her youngest daughter. - Mary Jane Hutchings, in the employ of Mrs Richardson, at Ranscombe, said the deceased was employed washing at the house on Monday. About 2 o'clock she finished her washing and witness went upstairs and told Mrs Richardson, who gave her a two shilling-piece to get change to pay the deceased. On returning to pay the deceased she found her missing and went in search of her. Witness could not find her and she fetched a Policeman, who came and broke open the door of an outhouse and found the deceased hanging to a piece of cord quite dead. The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide while in an Unsound State of Mind.

TIVERTON - Crazelowman. - On Monday evening Mr L. Mackenzie, the Tiverton Borough Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of HENRY RABJOHNS, aged 19 months, son of HENRY RABJOHNS, labourer, who was drowned on Sunday morning, near his parents' cottage, as previously reported. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

CREDITON - An Inquest was held on Tuesday by Mr Gould, the Deputy Coroner, touching the death of WILLIAM LUCAS, an ostler at Bennett's Market House Inn, who met with his death under circumstances already reported. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 4 June 1886
BARNSTAPLE - Before the Deputy Coroner, Mr A. Bencraft, an Inquest was held at Newport, Barnstaple, on Saturday, concerning the death of CATHERINE KINE, which occurred the previous day. Captain Lemon, brother-in-law of deceased, and Mrs Lemon gave evidence to the effect that deceased had been unwell for several years, but they considered that it was due to an affection of the mind and they did not deem it necessary to have medical advice. On Friday, however, she became worse and Mr Cooke was sent for, but before he arrived deceased expired. - Mr Cooke said so far as he could judge death was due to consumption of the lungs, which probably resulted in syncope of the heart. - A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned by the Jury, who added that they were of opinion that medical assistance should have been called earlier.

ST MARYCHURCH - The Alleged Concealment Of Birth At Babbacombe. - The Inquiry into the cause of the death of a child whose body was found in a back garden at 6 Sydenham-terrace, Babbacombe, on May 18th, was resumed yesterday at the Parish-room, St Mary Church, by Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, and a Jury. The evidence taken at previous meeting having been read over to the mother, the Coroner addressed the Jury. - The Jury, after a short consideration, returned a verdict "That JEMIMA CANN was the mother of the child, that it had been born alive and died of Haemorrhage." - The Coroner: That is a death from natural causes. - The mother, who was in a weak condition, was then removed to her father's house.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 7 June 1886
EXETER - At an Inquest held on Saturday by Mr Coroner Hooper on the body of ELIZABETH WESTCOTT, who died suddenly on Thursday evening in Coombe-street, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned on Saturday by the Jury empanelled before Mr Deputy Coroner Gould to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of HENRY DOWN, of Ide, whose body was recovered from the Canal on Friday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 10 June 1886
EXETER - Sudden Death In Exeter. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at the North Bridge Inn, St David's-hill, yesterday, touching the death of MARIANNE TAYLOR, wife of a Sheriff's officer, residing in St David's-terrace, St David's-hill. - THOMAS TAYLOR was called and identified the body as that of his wife, who was 60 years of age. Witness left deceased on Monday morning apparently in her usual health and on his return at night his wife did not appear to be any worse than usual. Witness, having had his supper, went to sleep in an arm-chair, deceased at that time, about half-past eleven or twelve o'clock, reading a newspaper. Witness awoke about one o'clock and discovered that deceased was, as he thought, in a fit or spasm, and rubbed her face with water and administered a small portion of brandy. Witness did not immediately fetch a doctor as he thought deceased would recover. As she gradually got worse, Mr A. C. Roper was summoned, but upon his arrival shortly after four, deceased had expired. - Emma Bowden, residing in St David's-terrace, said that she was called about four o'clock on Tuesday morning to go to the deceased, whom she found in an arm-chair. Witness assisted to rub deceased's hands and feet and poured a little brandy into her mouth, but she died before medical aid arrived. - Mr A. C. Roper said he was called to see the deceased about four o'clock on Tuesday morning. She expired before his arrival. The probable cause of death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart and the dilation of the heart's cavities. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - Suicide At Barnstaple. - Yesterday morning the body of JOHN STOYLE, a travelling draper, was found on the railway near Barnstaple. It appears that he lay across the rails in front of the first up-train, which ran over his body, killing him instantaneously. At the Inquest held last night at the North Devon Infirmary, before Mr R. I. Bencraft, a brother stated that deceased had been depressed through loss of business. - The engine-driver said that he saw the body, but thought it was one of the goats that grazed about the neighbourhood until it was too late to stop the train. - A verdict of Suicide while in a State of Temporary Insanity was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 17 June 1886
SHALDON - The Fatal Accident At Teignmouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday morning at the Royal Standard Inn, Shaldon, by Mr Sydney Hacker, County Coroner, upon the body of STEPHEN MATTHEWS, pilot, aged 45, whose body was picked up at sea on Tuesday, as reported in our columns of yesterday. - FELIX JOHN MATTHEWS, brother of the deceased, identified the body as that of his brother by the clothes and Trinity buttons which the deceased wore, and the watch which was found in his pocket. He said that the last time he saw his brother alive was on the 16th of March last. On Tuesday he saw a barge outside the bar with a colour half-mast. He went out towards it and met two men, Hawkins and Hayman, coming towards the harbour in a boat. They had his brother's body in the boat, which they brought ashore and lodged in a boat-house belonging to Captain Cordes. - P.C. Turner said Hawkins and Hayman were not present, but he had telegraphed to them informing them that the Inquest was to be held that morning. It was, however, possible they had not received the message. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned through the Capsizing of a Boat." - The Jury gave their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 23 June 1886
TOPSHAM - At the Countess Weir Inn, yesterday morning, Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of a lad named HARRY SOPER RICE, aged 15, who was drowned in the Exe while bathing. From the evidence of Harry Burch, a labourer, it appeared that he went with the deceased on Sunday morning to the river opposite the Lime-kilns. Deceased went into the water and walked three or four yards, where he got out of his depth and, being unable to swim, sank. Witness swam towards the place where he sank, and by this time deceased had risen to the surface. Deceased caught hold of witness and they both sank. When they came to the surface again witness threw him off and swam to shore for assistance. Before he could get assistance deceased sank and was not recovered for about ten minutes afterwards. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury.

EXETER - Mr H. W. Hooper, the City Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Topsham Inn, on the body of a child named HARRY SQUIRES. It was stated in evidence that the deceased, who was only 2 ½ years old, leaned over some railings in Bartholomew-yard to gather some ivy leaves, and over-balancing himself he fell on to a tombstone below - a depth of 12 feet. When picked up the little fellow was found to be suffering from a severe blow on his left temple, and was at once conveyed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital, at which Institution he died on Monday from the effects of the injuries he had received. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 June 1886
TOPSHAM - Drowned While Bathing. - The Deputy Corner, Mr W. H. Gould, held an Inquest last evening at the Salutation Hotel, Topsham, touching the death of ARTHUR ALLEN, whose home is at 54 Edgware-road, Marylebone, London, who was drowned at Blackoare Perch on Sunday afternoon, under circumstances already reported. After hearing the evidence the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." He belonged to the "billy-boy" Johns of Goole.

PLYMOUTH - Terrible Death From Hydrophobia At Plymouth. - A shocking case of death from hydrophobia has just occurred at Plymouth. About four weeks ago a labourer named FREDERICK MARTIN was playing with a small terrier dog belonging to a companion, when the animal suddenly snapped at his thumb, inflicting a wound which bled profusely. MARTIN took no notice of the circumstance, and contented himself with simply poulticing the wound, and apprehended no serious consequences. - Subsequently, however, the thumb became very painful and the pain extending to his arm, which began to swell to an alarming extent, a medical man was consulted. The doctor treated the man for blood poisoning, but the treatment brought no relief, the pain extended across the chest and the poor fellow experienced great difficulty in breathing. On Tuesday night he was seized with violent paroxysms, barked loudly like a dog and snapped at all who came near him. On the following morning he died in great agony, while still barking and snapping at his attendants. An Inquest has been held and a verdict of "Death from Hydrophobia" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 28 June 1886
TIVERTON - The Fatal Accident On Withleigh-Hill. - Mr Lewis Mackenzie, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on Friday evening at Mr Carter's farm-house, touching the death of the young married waggoner, named JAMES MAUNDER, who, as already reported, was run over and killed last Wednesday on Withleigh-hill, between three and four miles from Tiverton. The Jury, of which Mr W. B. Carpenter was Foreman, returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 29 June 1886
EXETER - Found Drowned In The Mill Leat. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at the Crown and Sceptre Hotel, North-bridge, yesterday afternoon, touching the death of THOMAS COLLICOTT, aged 6 ½ years, whose body was found in the Mill-leat yesterday morning. Deceased was the son of HENRY W. COLLICOTT, coach-painter, of Kendall's-buildings, Blackboy-road, and has been missing from his home since Wednesday. - George Milford, wheelwright, residing at 115 Regent-street, St Thomas, was called and identified the body as that of his grandson. Deceased came to his house on Wednesday afternoon about a quarter to two o'clock, remained about a quarter of an hour and then left. Deceased frequently visited witness's house and knew his way from one house to the other quite well. - Frank Pine, miller, said he noticed something in the Mill-leat, at the back of the Round Tree Mills, about a quarter past six yesterday morning. He proceeded to the spot and found the body of the deceased. He got assistance and the body was taken out of the water and conveyed to the Round Tree Inn. - James Willis said his attention was called yesterday morning by the last witness to the body of the deceased lying in the water near the weir at the back of the Round Tree Mills. Witness took the body out of the water and removed it to the Round Tree Inn. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, said he examined the body of deceased, which presented the usual symptoms of death by drowning. Deceased's tongue was bitten, but there were no marks of violence on the body. - The Jury returned an open verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 1 July 1886
BLACKBOROUGH - An Inquest was held here on Friday by the Honiton Corner, touching the death, after a few days' illness, of JOHN HALL, shoemaker, aged 49. Deceased had not been attended by a doctor. In accordance with the Coroner's direction, Drs. Bryden and Dickinson, of Uffculme, made a post mortem examination, which revealed inflammation of the membranes of the brain, and this they stated to be the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly. Deceased leaves a widow and children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 2 July 1886
TEIGNMOUTH - Suicide At Teignmouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday morning by Mr Sydney Hacker, County Coroner, at the Railway Hotel, Teignmouth, on the body of HENRY WINDEATT, who committed suicide by cutting his throat early on Wednesday morning. - Mr T. Materface was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS WINDEATT, widow of the deceased, said she lived at 27 Higher Brook-street. Her husband was a painter by trade. He had been blind for 27 years. On Tuesday night he took a glass of beer, as usual, before going to bed. He complained of feeling bad in his head, and said he should like to speak to his daughters, one of whom was sent for. He told his daughter how queer he felt. She asked the deceased if he would have a drop of brandy, which he did. He had complained for a long time of feeling giddy in the head and had been to the Infirmary, and had had medicine. About 6 o'clock on Wednesday witness woke up and called him, but got no answer. She then went downstairs and found the deceased lying with his head over the fender, but did not notice that his throat was cut. The fender was bent, where the deceased fell. She at once called Richard Lawrence, who was lodging in the house. - Richard Lawrence deposed to seeing deceased lying on his back, but did not notice that his throat was cut, although there was blood about the floor. He at once sent for P.S. Richards. - P.S. Richards deposed to examining the deceased and finding a wound on the left side of the throat. Witness found an ordinary table-knife (which was produced) inside the fender. - Mr Owen, Surgeon, stated that the wound was on the left side of the throat, and was about 4 ½ inches in length. The windpipe and muscles were divided. He should think the deceased had been dead about an hour. There was also a bruise on the forehead. Death must have been instantaneous. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while in a State of Temporary Insanity, and they gave their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 3 July 1886
SOUTH MOLTON - Fatal Accident. - On Wednesday evening, Mr Thomas Sanders, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of MR WILLIAM CRUDGE, aged 57, schoolmaster at Knowstone. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased was returning from Rackenford to his home, on Tuesday, the 15th ult., in a cart, when the vehicle went across a gutter in the road, and in consequence of the of the sudden jerk, deceased fell out, pitching on his head. MR CRUDGE was removed to his lodgings, but no medical man saw him until the Saturday following. The deceased was then removed to the Workhouse to be medically attended. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury added a rider requesting the Guardians to investigate the matter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 July 1886
TOPSHAM - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr H. W. Gould, Esq., held an Inquest at the Duke of Monmouth Inn, Topsham, last night, relative to the death of SOPHIA REDMAN, aged 52, a single woman, living at Monmouth-street, Topsham, which occurred on Saturday. - Elizabeth Hussey, a widow, residing in the town, identified the body. Witness last saw her alive on Friday. She lived in a house by herself and obtained her livelihood by charing. On several occasions during the past three weeks deceased had complained of a pain in her chest. - Charlotte Ellen Heard, wife of Robert Heard, fisherman of Topsham, deposed to seeing the deceased on Saturday morning about ten minutes to seven going from the garden into her house. about seven o'clock, ten minutes after, witness was sitting in her house when she heard someone making a snoring noise and thought it was her uncle. Shortly after witness had occasion to pass the deceased's window and still haring the noise she went in and found the deceased lying with her face on the fender. The fire was laid in, and a box of matches on the hob. With the assistance of other neighbours the deceased was lifted on to a chair. This witness corroborated Elizabeth Hussey's statement that deceased had complained of pains in her chest. - Dr Bothwell, Topsham, proved having made a post mortem examination of the deceased. His opinion was that death resulted from fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Jury, of which Mr F. James Sanders was Foreman, returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 8 July 1886
TEIGNMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Teignmouth yesterday, before Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, on the body of JOSEPH PARKER, who died suddenly the previous day. From the evidence of JOSEPH PARKER, son of the deceased, it appeared that the deceased was a shoemaker by trade When in work witness partly assisted to maintain him. The last time he saw him alive was on Tuesday morning about five o'clock. He always slept with witness, who went to bed the night previous before his father. As a rule deceased got up and made some tea. He was not long downstairs on the morning in question before he came up again and laid his head down n the bed for a few minutes. Later on deceased left the house. Sergeant Richards afterwards came to his bedroom and told him his father was dead. Witness had a few words with his father the previous night before going to bed; he also pushed him, but did not strike him. - By a Juryman: Did your father complain when he came and laid his head on the bed? - Witness: No. - Harriet Searle said she lived in Frog Marsh. On Monday night she heard the deceased and his son quarrelling, but having heard quarrelling between them so frequently, she took no notice of it. Next morning, about five o'clock, deceased came to her house and asked her to give him a cup of tea, saying he felt very ill. - Mrs Milton said she lived near the deceased. On Tuesday morning she was in her wash-house in the back yard when she heard a great noise. On entering her passage she found deceased lying on his back groaning. She called medical assistance, but deceased expired. - Dr Owen, House Surgeon at the Dispensary, said the cause of death was apoplexy, brought on by excitement. He considered that deceased was subject to fits. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

BRADNINCH - The Fatal Accident At Silverton. - The Inquest touching the death of JOHN HOLLETT, aged 29, who, as already reported, was killed on Monday by the bursting of a paper-drying cylinder at Messrs. Hall and West's Bridge Mills, Silverton, was held yesterday at Bradninch Guildhall, before Mr Coroner Burrows. Mr Murch was Foreman of the Jury, and the Inquest was attended by Mr J. H. Bignold, of Plymouth, Government Inspector of Factories for Devonshire and Cornwall, whose technical knowledge enabled him to put various pertinent and searching questions eliciting information which considerably assisted he Jury to arrive at a verdict. - Mr James Hall, senior partner in the firm above-named, was the first witness, and he deposed that deceased was about 29 years of age. Before the firm took over the Bridge Mills last Christmas, deceased had worked for them at Keynsham. On examining the steam-cock connected with the cylinder, which, as well as the cylinder, was blown away for some distance, just after the explosion, witness found that it had been turned on the full, whereas it should not have been turned on beyond half-cock. It was not usual to have any indicator on the drying cylinders. He remarked that his predecessor bought the machine eight or nine years ago. It was constructed very strongly, but there was n means of testing the state of the inside of the cylinders. - Robert Bryden, engineer to Messrs. Hall and West, said that shortly before the explosion HOLLETT was attending to the paper pulp at the end of the machine. Witness had given him express verbal instructions not to turn the valve more than half-way on. He considered that the explosion resulted from the sudden in-rush of the steam when the cock was turned full on. About six weeks ago witness tested the cylinder with a hammer, also with a chisel, in the usual way of testing. The end of the cylinder was of wrought iron, but witness had not noticed any bulging, nor did he think anything else was amiss with the machine. It was not part of deceased's duty while he was dryer to have anything to do with the cylinder. all the bolts were in when witness last tested the cylinder, and he had never perceived any fault in them, but it was impossible to test them from the outside. - James Crook, a dryer employed in the mill, deposed that the last witness had cautioned both him and deceased not to turn the cock more than half-way on. Two minutes before the explosion deceased was about to change the "sorts," and he took up a spanner and said he would turn off the steam. Witness next heard a report and saw deceased lying in some water outside the partition. He took him up and carried him to the end of the shed. - P.C. Copin stated that the end of the cylinder was picked up 40 yards from the machine, and that the spot where deceased was taken up was about 25 yards. Witness found that out of 32 bolts in the cylinder 12 were defective. - Mr Puddicombe, Silverton, and Dr Somers, Broadclyst, was fetched to deceased after the explosion and described he injuries as being severe scalds to the face, eyes and arms, a slight scalp wound, while deceased had apparently received a severe blow on his abdomen. They were informed that deceased's watch was shattered. They attributed death to a very severe nervous shock on being thrown such a distance, while probably there was rupture of the stomach and bowels. - The Coroner intimated his desire that any persons who wished to give evidence should have an opportunity of doing so. No one else, however, came forward. - The Inspector expressed himself satisfied with the evidence he had heard, and for his own part he could not see that blame was attributable to anyone. - It was mentioned during the Inquiry that an improved description of cylinder, made in one piece, was being introduced at some paper-mills in the West. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added an expression of their regret that there was no means of satisfactorily testing cylinders similar to the ne which burst and hoped that in future all the paper-mill owners of the district would, so far as was possible, endeavour to make sure that their cylinders were in a satisfactory state. The deceased man leaves a widow and two children. He was of a very quiet disposition and much respected by his fellow-workmen and his employers, who deeply regret the unfortunate occurrence. The force of the explosion knocked out about twenty yards of the side of the building, which is of corrugated iron and caused great damage to the machinery.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 July 1886
The Drowning Fatality In The Exe. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest yesterday at the King's Head Inn, St Sidwell's, touching the death of HENRY RADFORD, who was drowned in the Exe on Thursday morning. - Mr J. F. Vavasor appeared on behalf of Messrs. J. L. Thomas and Co., where deceased was employed as candle-wrapper. - THOMAS RADFORD, brother of the deceased, residing at No. 3 Blondin's Cottages, identified the body as that of his brother, who was 14 years of age. Deceased proceeded to work on Thursday morning with witness, and he then appeared in his usual health. Witness missed his brother at breakfast-time, but did not feel anxious about him, as he thought deceased had gone on an errand. Just before nine o'clock he heard that his brother had been found in the river which runs close to Messrs. Thomas's premises at the Shilhay. - Frank Rowland, labourer, also employed at Messrs. J. L. Thomas's, said that deceased was missed at breakfast-time on Thursday and as he did not turn up, a search was made, and ultimately deceased was taken from under the rudder of a lighter, which was alongside the Wharf, with a boat-hook, which was found standing in the water. - In reply to a question from the Coroner, witness said that deceased was missed for about an hour and a half. - Deceased had been at the water's side for the purpose of cleaning out a bucket and if he had screamed when he fell into the water someone would have been almost sure to have heard him. In witness's opinion deceased fell against the rudder of the lighter and was stunned. - Mr C. J. Vlieland, Surgeon of St Thomas, said he had examined the body of the deceased, which presented the usual symptoms of death from drowning. There were no marks of violence on the body. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 July 1886
EXETER - Mr H. W. Hooper held an Inquest at the Castle Hotel, Castle-street, yesterday afternoon, on the body of ALBERT EDWARD WOOD, whose death occurred yesterday morning. - Mr Medway was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - ELIZABETH ANN WOOD, wife of JOHN WOOD, Sheriff's-officer, residing at 5 Castle-street, identified the body as that f her boy, aged three years and four months. The deceased was out the whole of Saturday. On Sunday he was poorly, but witness did not anticipate anything serious. She went to bed with the deceased about 10 o'clock, and he was very cross until two o'clock yesterday morning, when he almost sprung out of witness's arms. - Mr Mortimer, Surgeon, was sent for, but deceased expired before his arrival. - Mr Mortimer examining the deceased after death, said his pinion was that he died from infantile convulsions. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 July 1886
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Tragedy. - At Plymouth last night an Inquest was held on the body of WILLIAM OLIVER who shot himself after attempting to murder his sweetheart. A letter found in the deceased's pocket, addressed to his parents, was produced, in which he states that love was his mistake in life and rather than see the girl walk with others he intended to kill her. He added, "God has said that the murderer shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Oh, how I do pray that God will forgive me." A verdict of Temporary Insanity was returned. Miss Jenkins is not expected to recover.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 July 1886
TAVISTOCK - Sudden Death At Tavistock. - On Saturday an Inquest was held at the Cornish Arms, Tavistock, by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, and a Jury of whom Mr J. Pearce was Foreman, touching the death of MARY ANN LAUNDER, aged 60, an unmarried person of independent means, who resided with her niece at 48 West-street, Tavistock. - The niece, Annie Down, a pupil-teacher, stated that she slept with the deceased. Between four and five o'clock on Thursday morning her aunt complained of pain and told her to adjust the pillows and fetch a doctor. While she was arranging the pillows her aunt suddenly fell back and throwing up her hands, expired. - Dr G. W. Northey deposed that death resulted from heart disease and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER - The Late MR HENRY BESLEY - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Golden Lion Inn, Guinea-street, before Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, touching the death of the late MR HENRY BESLEY, the well-known publisher, of South-street, Exeter. - MR R. H. BESLEY, son of the deceased, said his father was in his 88th year. He last saw him alive about midday on Saturday. Deceased was then in his own house and appeared in his usual good health. Deceased had not been under medical treatment for years, and had enjoyed remarkably good health, ailing from nothing except the infirmities of age. About a quarter-past ten o'clock on Saturday night the deceased retired to bed. The next morning, shortly after eight o'clock, taking Mr Moone, Surgeon, with him. The deceased appeared to be asleep, and Mr Moone, after making an examination, pronounced him dead. - Mr J. Moone, in answer to the Coroner, said he was not the deceased's medical attendant - he was informed that the deceased had had none for forty years. He accompanied the last witness on Sunday morning and found deceased dead. He considered death was caused by syncope due to old age, and entirely a natural one. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Sudden Death In Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Country House Inn, Catherine-street, yesterday, before Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, on the body of MARY ALLEN, a widow, aged 65. The deceased rented a room in the house of Mrs Mardon, Paul-street and on Saturday evening about half-past eight o'clock she visited her sister, Mrs Elizabeth Warren, wife of Mr William Warren, shoemaker, Catherine-street. The deceased subsequently went with her sister to South-street, on an errand. On returning deceased complained of her heart and was assisted home to the house of her sister, when, as she was seen to be ill, Mr Burch was sent for, but he was not at home and neither was Mr Moone, who was also sent for. Dr Henderson was passing about a quarter-past nine o'clock and was called in, but by that time the deceased had expired. Dr Henderson stated that he had no doubt deceased died from natural causes, she having a chronic bronchial affection and disease of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Fatal Street Accident In Exeter. - Yesterday the Deputy Corner for the District, Mr Gould, held an Inquest at the Royal Oak Inn, St Thomas, relative to the death of MAUDE CAROLINE FOREMAN, aged 5 years, daughter of JOSEPH FOREMAN, tailor, of 3 Oxford-terrace, Okehampton-street. - Evidence was given to the effect that on Saturday morning MRS FOREMAN was walking up Bridge-street and on passing a scaffold erected outside one of the houses in that thoroughfare went into the road. She was accompanied at the time by two of her children, and one of them, the deceased, was being led by her on the side furthest from the scaffold. As she was passing, a labourer, named Anstead, of Alphington, was ascending the scaffold carrying a piece of quartering, about 15ft. long, on his shoulder. Before stepping on to the highest platform around the chimney of the house, the wind, which blew a gale at intervals that morning, caught the plank and caused Anstead to lose his hold upon the ladder by which he was ascending. He saved himself from falling by putting his arm around a pole, but lost his grip of the plank, which fell or was blown into the street below from a height of about 30 feet. As it fell Anstead and the other men on the scaffold shouted to attract the attention of any passers-by, but unfortunately the quartering pitched upon the head of the deceased and she was immediately rendered insensible. She was taken in a cab to Dr Farrant's house, where Mr Vlieland examined her and found that recovery was impossible. She had sustained numerous fractures of the skull bones, which caused compression of the brain, and she died about 7.45 pm. the same day from the effects of the injuries received. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and all parties were acquitted of any blame.

TAVISTOCK - A Child Drowned At Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd, the District Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Boot Inn, Tavistock, yesterday, touching the death of JOHN THOMAS YARD, aged four years, son of JOHN YARD, who resides at the Foundry-cottages, and is employed at the Tavistock Iron Foundry. Mr W. Squire was Foreman of the Jury. - MARY JANE YARD, the mother, deposed that on Sunday afternoon the deceased went into the garden, and shortly before 5 o'clock was brought home by a neighbour dead, having been drowned in the town mill-leat. - Henry Williams, gardener to Major Mathews, said MRS YARD told him her child had fallen into the leat and he went in search of it, but did not see it in the water. - Joseph Cox, plumber, stated that as he was passing the town mill the last witness told him that there was a child in the leat. Witness looked over a wall and saw the child close to the mill grating; the current had carried the child down. The water was about two feet in depth. Witness jumped over the wall as quickly as possible and took the child out of the leat. He endeavoured to restore animation, but life was extinct. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned" and strongly recommended that the leat should be fenced. - The Coroner said he thoroughly concurred in the recommendation and would forward it to the proper authorities. The child's father is a Volunteer and was at Wimbledon at the time of the sad occurrence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 July 1886
ALVERDISCOTT - Shocking Suicide Of MAJOR DEANE - It was with the deepest concern that the public of North Devon yesterday received the sad news of the suicide of MAJOR W. A. DEANE, of Webbery House, Alverdiscott, near Bideford, by cutting his throat. The deceased was well known in all circles of life and was deservedly popular. As an old officer of the Royal North Devon Hussars, he had won and retained the respect and esteem of his brother officers and the men under him. He also took an ardent interest in the welfare of agriculturists, not unfrequently being present at their festive gatherings and also giving sound practical advice, his chief theme being the necessity for a closer relationship between landlord and tenant. Deceased was always regarded as a man with a well-balanced mind and the rash act he has committed can only be accounted for by a deprivation of self-control. As a warm Conservative he was ever ready to advocate to the best of his ability the principles of the cause. Deceased, who was the eldest son of the late A. W. J. DEANE, Esq., was a Justice of the Peace and a Deputy Lieutenant for Devon, and lord of the manor of Monksohan, Bentley, Woodcroft, Copdock and Stratford St Mary in Suffolk and Essex. As soon as the sad event was discovered his friends were communicated with and arrangements were made for an Inquest, which was held the same evening (last evening) at seven o'clock, before J. F. Bromham, Esq., County Coroner. From the evidence of the butler, coachman, and medical-men, it appeared that MAJOR DEANE was in his usual health on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday he was unwell. He was attended by his butler previous to rising yesterday morning and the man went down to breakfast. He heard a noise upstairs and on going up found his master with a large wound in his throat. Blood was flowing rapidly and MR DEANE expired in less than half-an-hour. It transpired that deceased had been suffering severely from indigestion and that there was reason to believe a fresh attack had caused a fit of despondency, amounting to temporary mental derangement. The Jury accordingly returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 23 July 1886
EXMOUTH - Extraordinary Delusions. - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr Cox, held an Inquest on Monday on the body of EDWARD HOWARD JACKSON, at Rill Cottage, Exmouth, the residence of deceased, and where he committed suicide by shooting himself early on Saturday morning. - EDWARD JACKSON, father of the deceased, said he had resided in Exmouth about six years. Deceased came home from Australia about four or five months ago and resided with his sister in London for a short time, after which he came and lived with witness. Deceased had a strange delusion about some people who, he said, were his enemies and were constantly following him about. That was entirely a delusion. Witness was aware that deceased had a delusion of some kind before he came to England, as deceased had stated the fact in a letter and intimated that he was coming home because he thought it would relieve him of his delusions. Witness last saw deceased alive on Friday night. They had prayers together, after which deceased retired to bed. That was about ten o'clock. Deceased had said to witness during the day that his "enemies" still possessed him; but he did not anticipate that deceased would commit suicide. - In reply to various questions, witness said that deceased was sober on Friday night, and was, in fact, a teetotaler. He did not know that deceased had a loaded gun in his bedroom, but knew that deceased, being accustomed to using firearms while abroad, invariably carried a revolver with him. Witness, in conversation with deceased on one occasion last week, said, "He hoped that there was no fear of his (deceased) using it to injure himself," to which deceased answered in the negative. Deceased was in the habit of telling witness how powerful his rifle was, but he never kept it loaded to witness's knowledge. Witness concluded from deceased's manner that the was suffering from religious mania. MRS JACKSON, stepmother of the deceased, was next examined. She deposed that after her husband had gone to rest she had a long conversation, at deceased's request, with him in his bedroom. During the time witness was with him deceased appeared to be greatly depressed in his spirits, but led witness to believe that he would act quite the reverse to committing suicide. Deceased was constantly saying that his "enemies" were following him about and asked witness if she could not hear them under the window-sill talking about him. He said lots of other strange things and said that the "people of Exmouth were talking about him." Witness did not hear anything during the night with the exception of what she thought was like a heavy thud as if someone had fallen from their bed. She, however, took no notice of the noise, as deceased was in the habit of walking about his room at night. The sound was a slight one and everything was quiet afterwards. Witness should think it was about three o'clock in the morning when she heard the noise. - Eliza Laskey, a servant in the employ of MR JACKSON, gave corroborative evidence. - The Rev. H. L. Hussey, Vicar of Withycombe Raleigh, deposed that deceased visited him twice on Friday. The first time he called was shortly after eight in the morning. Deceased was then in a very excited state and spoke of applying to the Magistrates for protection against some persons who, he said, were constantly following him about. He also said something to the effect that his "enemies" were endeavouring to injure him and remarked, pulling a revolver out of his pocket, that if they did attempt to hurt him he should be able to protect himself. Witness told him that he had no need of carrying a revolver with him, as the law was quite strong enough to protect him. Deceased left after a short while, and returned again during the latter part of the day. Deceased said nothing which led witness to believe that he would commit suicide or that he required protection. - Mr J. Cock, Surgeon, of Exmouth, deposed that deceased came to him on Tuesday, about three o'clock, and requested witness to give him "a thorough overhauling," as he said he thought his constitution was breaking up. Witness did as requested and examined the deceased from top to toe. He, however, found nothing the matter with deceased organically, and the only thing was that his heart was a little weak. Witness prescribed for deceased, who went away. Witness was called on Saturday morning shortly before ten to go to deceased's house. He proceeded there and found deceased lying partly on his back in his bedroom dead. Witness, with his assistant, examined the body and found that a shot had entered deceased's side just below the fifth rib and come out at his back. A revolver (produced) was lying on the bed loaded, none of the chambers having been discharged. A rifle (also produced) was found lying on the floor by the side of the bed, the contents of it having been discharged. From the nature of the wounds witness considered that deceased had adopted the same method as was employed by suicidists in the Army - that of leaning on the muzzle of the rifle and pulling the trigger with the big toe. The shot, after passing through the body of the deceased, lodged in the ceiling. Deceased must have died within a very short time of the injury he inflicted upon himself. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he was sure that he was expressing his own feelings and those of the Jurymen when he said that they deeply sympathised with deceased's parents in their bereavement. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

SYDENHAM DAMEREL - Fatal Accident To A Clergyman's Wife. - An accident, the result of which has cast quite a gloom over Tavistock and the surrounding villages, has happened to MRS PARKYN, Hon. Secretary of the Tavistock Ladies' Home Mission Association, and wife of the REV. J. C. PARKYN, Rector of South Sydenham. MRS PARKYN had laboured with much assiduity to promote the success of the festival which was held at Lidford and on behalf of which the Bishop of Exeter preached. It was anticipated that MRS PARKYN would take an active part in the proceedings on that occasion as she did the previous year, but a rumour spread that she had fallen from a trap and broken her arm, which accounted for her absence. It has since transpired, however, that the catastrophe was of such a serious nature as to result in the lamented lady's death. It appears that she was driving with Miss Weekes, a friend, near Derriton, which is in the parish of South Sydenham, or Sydenham Damerel, as it is also called, when the horse bolted and MRS PARKYN was thrown into the road, sustaining a fracture of the skull and a broken arm. She succumbed to her injuries on Sunday morning. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. R. Rodd, at South Sydenham Rectory on Monday, when the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts above narrated. The deceased lady was a niece of the late Sir John Trelawny, who died in August last. Both she and MR PARKYN are held in great esteem and widespread sympathy is felt for the rev. gentleman in his terrible bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 27 July 1886
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - A Woman Burnt To Death. - On Saturday, Mr R. R. Rodd, District Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of JANE GLANVILLE, aged 57 years, who had resided in a cottage at Buckland, a village about six miles from Tavistock. The deceased lived alone and was subject to fits. On Thursday morning Mrs Aulger, a neighbour, entered the deceased's cottage about half-past six o'clock and found her reclining in a chair and frightfully burnt about the body. Her clothes, which had evidently been smouldering for a considerable time, were literally burnt off her. The flesh was consumed from the abdomen and there were severe burns in the neck and about the back. From the account which the poor woman was able to furnish of how the catastrophe occurred, it appears that she had risen early to prepare herself some breakfast and having lit the fire must have been seized with a fit and her clothing became ignited. She seems to have staggered to a chair and fallen back. Dr Steckle, Surgeon, of Horrabridge, was called in, but death ensued about half-past ten the same morning. - Evidence embodying these facts having been given, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 July 1886
EXETER - Death From Suffocation. - The Exeter Coroner held an Inquest at the King's Head Inn, St. Sidwell's, on the body of WILLIAM KNIGHT, a child two months old, the son of a labourer, residing in Summerland-street. - The little one slept in the bed with its parents. On Sunday night it was as well as usual but when the mother awoke on Monday morning the child was dead. - Medical evidence pointed to the conclusion that the deceased had been overlaid. - During the Inquiry attention was called to the unsanitary condition of the rooms in which the KNIGHTS lived. Beneath their bedroom was a slaughter-house. Frequently offensive smells came from it and the Medical Officer declared that the contiguity of the slaughter-house made the rooms quite unfit for human habitation. The condition of affairs had been reported over and over again; but Mr Bell was of pinion that there would be no real cure until the law abolished private slaughter-houses. - The Coroner and the Jurymen commented upon the offensive odour which they found in the room when they went to view the body, and it was remarked that such a condition of things was a disgrace - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 29 July 1886
EXETER - Death Of An Infant. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at the George and Dragon Inn, Blackboy-road, yesterday morning touching the death of ELSIE BROOKES 16 days old, the daughter of MRS BROOKES, residing in Oxford-street, St. Thomas. - The evidence adduced went to show that the child, immediately after its birth, was placed under the charge of a Mrs Green, residing in Silver-lane, St. Sidwell's and continued in fairly good health up to eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, when it was found dead in its cradle by Mrs Green. The medical evidence pointed to the conclusion that death was the result of natural causes, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly. - The husband of the mother of the child was present during the Inquiry and raised an objection to the child being called BROOKES, as he was not the father of it. He had been abroad for two or three years, and when he returned a few weeks since he found his wife in trouble. - The Coroner intimated that the fact of whether the child was legitimately or illegitimately born was not a question for him or the Jury to discuss. - MR BROOKES said he felt it was rather hard upon him; but the Coroner again reminded him that he had n power to deal with the matter.

ASHTON - Drowned In A Well At Ashton. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon on the body of EDITH KNOWLES, aged one year and seven months, the only child of the landlord of the New Inn, Ashton, who was found dead in a well on Monday. It appeared from WILLIAM KNOWLES, the father of the child, George Milford (his workman) and Bessie Love that the deceased was last seen alive just before one o'clock on Monday, and as she did not appear at dinner inquiries and a search were at once made for her. She was ultimately found in a disused well in the courtyard of the Inn quite dead. - Mr Lillies, of Chudleigh, surgeon, deposed that death was caused by drowning and that there were no marks of violence. - The Jury visited he well, to which there was no cover or fence of any kind. - The Coroner, in his summing-up, commented on the danger of allowing such a place to exist without proper protection. A verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning" was returned, with a recommendation that the well should either be filled in or fenced in an efficient manner.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 31 July 1886
EXETER - Sudden Death. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest on Thursday at the Pack Horse Inn, St. David's, touching the death of GEORGE GOUGH, residing at 17 Atwell's Almshouses, St. David's. - MARY ANN GOUGH identified the body as that of her husband, who had been by trade a painter and was 74 years of age. Deceased was in fairly good health up to Monday morning, when he was taken ill; but by Tuesday he seemed much better, and would not have a doctor, as witness advised him. During Tuesday afternoon deceased complained of being unwell in his head, and witness administered some milk and sulphur, which he had been in the habit of taking. Deceased up to ten o'clock on Tuesday night, when witness last saw him alive, appeared all right; but on the following morning, when she awoke about six o'clock, she discovered that deceased had expired. - Mr Brash, Surgeon, proved examining the body and finding no marks of violence. In his opinion death was due to natural causes and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

BERE FERRERS - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Beeralstone on Tuesday evening, on the body of a boy named HARRY BLOYE, who was drowned in the river Tamar on Sunday while bathing with other lads. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 5 August 1886
ILFRACOMBE - The Recent Drowning Case At Ilfracombe. - On Tuesday evening an Inquest was held at the Coffee Tavern, Ilfracombe, on the body of JOHN MORRIS, who was washed overboard from the Gael, on July 22nd, while on her voyage from Portishead to Ilfracombe. - William Henry Dingleby, waterman, deposed that he assisted to recover the body from the water about eight o'clock that morning. He identified it as that of JOHN MORRIS, seaman of the Gael. - Thomas Luther Evans, master of the steamer Gael, deposed that about 6.55 p.m., on the evening of July 22nd, he was off Combmartin, on his voyage from Portishead to Ilfracombe. The vessel was about half-a-mile from the shore and was steaming about 13 knots per hour. It was blowing hard from the S.W. with a very choppy sea. He ordered deceased to lower the flags, which he executed and he then saw no more of him, until it was reported to him that he was overboard. He immediately stopped the vessel, had life-buoys thrown over and lowered he lifeboat. These orders were carried out as quickly as possible. The Gael was followed by the steamer Thames, which passed over the spot where witness last saw deceased swimming. The Thames was also stopped and another bat lowered. After cruising about the spot for about half-an-hour, he proceeded to Ilfracombe. The men in the boat picked up the cap and tobacco pouch of deceased. - Thos. Scarlett, able seaman of the Gael, said that on the date in question he saw deceased go down from the paddle-box to the starboard sponson. He was in the act of casting off the fender when a sea washed him overboard. Deceased went down out of sight, but rose again at the stern of the vessel. Witness raised a cry of "Man overboard," and threw over a life buoy. - By the Jury: Deceased had not been ordered to throw the fender out, and it should have been done on entering the harbour. - Joseph May, chief officer, corroborated and said when he heard the cry he reported it to the captain. He then assisted in getting out the life-boat and went in her with three hands and rowed to the spot as directed by signals from the captain. He failed, however, to see anything of deceased, but picked up his cap and pouch. He identified the key as belonging to the lamp-room. He could not tell whether deceased was struck by the Thames. The boat was well equipped and worked well. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Drowned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 August 1886
BARNSTAPLE - The Drowning Case At Barnstaple. The Inquest. - Yesterday morning R. I. Bencraft, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury held an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary on the body of the young woman, MARY ANN COPP, of Well-street, Torrington, who was drowned in the River Taw on Bank Holiday. The body, which was picked up in the river on Sunday morning by John Avery, was identified by WILLIAM COPP, brother of the deceased, who, he said, had suffered from heart disease. He saw her alive on Monday morning, when she left home to attend the services of the Salvation Army, of which she was a member. - Thomas Piper, painter, of Torrington, said he and deceased and a party came to Barnstaple from Torrington on Bank Holiday. He attended the Salvation Army wedding and in the afternoon went in a boat on the river. Deceased was with them. Everything went on all right and in the evening they went out again. When they were 50 yards from the landing-stage their boat came in contact with an empty boat which was moored. The young women stood up and caught hold of the empty boat and their boat slipped away from under them, and all six were thrown into the water. Five of them were rescued, but the deceased, who had caught hold of the empty boat for a second, let go, threw up her hands and sank and witness did not see her again. - John Radcliffe, who let the party have the boat, said he saw the collision. The young man who was sitting in the bow of the boat immediately ran aft, causing the boat to dip and consequently it partly filled with water. Their boat then slipped away from under them, and they were thrown into the river. The boat would carry eight persons comfortably. He rescued the last witness. He never saw deceased rise. - The finding of the body by John Avery on Sunday having been deposed to, the Coroner, in summing up, drew the attention of boat proprietors to the seriousness of allowing boats to be overcrowded although that did not appear to be the case in this instance. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," a rider being added that it was desirable to appoint an Inspector to have control of the boats and to fix the number for each to carry. - Mr J. Avery said that he and his friend, who had recovered the body, had agreed not to take the reward of £1 which the mother of the deceased had offered.

CULMSTOCK - The Fatal Quarrel At Culmstock. Inquest And Verdict. - Mr Coroner Cox of Honiton, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Railway Inn, Culmstock, touching the death of WILLIAM HILL, railway-packer, which, as already reported, occurred on Saturday evening during a struggle which he had with another railway-packer, named Herbert Bale, in the Railway Inn skittle-yard with reference to a skittle score. During the morning prisoner was brought before the Magistrates at the Cullompton Petty Sessions and formally remanded until after the Inquest and on the application of Superintendent Collins the Bench consented to allow prisoner to be present at the Inquest. Mr R. Chown, of Culmstock, rural postman, was Foreman of the Jury. The first witness sworn was Richard Nethercott, of Culmstock, who had worked with deceased as packer on the Culm Valley branch of the Great Western Railway and brother-in-law to deceased. He said that about 4.10 p.m. on Saturday afternoon he and the prisoner, together with deceased and John Cole, went to the Railway Inn to see the deceased and John Davey play a game of skittles. Deceased had challenged John Davey the previous day. When they reached the Inn they found John Davey in the kitchen. HILL told Davey he had come to play the game, but Davey declined to play because he had not yet left work. Witness and the others then went to the skittle-yard and Davey followed them, and they played games in turn. About six p.m. deceased and Davey began the game which had been arranged between them the day before. Herbert Bale kept the score. The challenge was to play ten games, of which four or five games passed off quietly and with good humour. There was no drinking going on while Davey and deceased had their game, but the party had about four quarts between them previously, drinking out of the same cup. When the four or five games between Davey and deceased had been played, Bale called out the number of rubs, which deceased disputed, saying it was a lie. Deceased went and sat on a cask at the side of the alley. While witness and prisoner sat on a bench where prisoner had previously been sitting while he kept the score, which he did by chalking it on the window-ledge, deceased, prisoner and Davey sat and disputed for about a minute. Witness said he did not know who was right; but he thought what HILL said was right. Prisoner and deceased got to hot words and both of them got up. Witness believed HILL jumped up first. HILL told Bale he wanted to "wrong" him out of the rub. Thereupon, Bale rose from his seat and he and deceased closed with each other and went on the ground. Witness could not say which was the aggressor for the one was as bad as the other. Bale fell under and HILL on top of him. Witness just then heard Bale say to HILL, "You are biting my finger." Witness got up to go and pull HILL off; but before he could get up to them Bale turned over and got on top of HILL. Bale struck HILL two blows very quickly, one with each hand, witness believed. Witness could not say where the blows fell; they must have been on or near HILL'S face. Witness at once pulled Bale aside. He did not see HILL strike any blow, nor did he see HILL bite Bale's finger. HILL then lay flat on his back on the ground, perfectly motionless. Bale, when witness pushed him back, said to him, "See how he has bitten my finger." Witness just then glanced at HILL and saw he was trembling. Witness and several others went and held HILL'S head up. Coles and William Shadduck came up half a minute later and the three of them lifted deceased up and sat him on the bench. Mr Matthews, the landlord, came out of the house and returned to fetch a sponge and some water with which witness bathed deceased's face, also some brandy which they tried to administer, but which deceased did not appear to swallow, as his mouth did not close. He believed deceased was dead before he was raised up; he was perfectly motionless and as he was being lifted up witness heard a gurgling in his throat. - By the Foreman: Witness did not consider that either deceased or prisoner was the worse for liquor; neither of them had had more than a pint and a half, and witness was not aware that they had any liquor earlier in the day. They had all been working on the line and there had been no angry words during the day. Prisoner and deceased had been good friends previously. - John Davey, of Culmstock, carpenter, who said he had known deceased from boyhood, was the next witness. With the view of saving time, the Coroner read over to him the evidence of the previous witness relating to the encounter between deceased and prisoner and the circumstances leading up to it, which he corroborated to the best of his recollection. He could not say who began the fight by striking the first blow. The fact was they went at each other simultaneously. He could not say which of them rose up first from a sitting posture. After closing together they twisted each other about for a quarter or half a minute, the one endeavouring to throw the other. Herbert Bale fell underneath HILL on the timber floor of the skittle alley. Bale presently gave a sort of jerk and got up on one knee or both, and said HILL had bitten his finger. Witness did not hear Bale say anything about that while HILL was still on top of him. After Bale had got partly up he raised his arm up as if to strike HILL. Witness thinking he was going to do so took him by the shoulders, pulled him off from HILL and he did not believe that his fist touched HILL. Several others also then pulled Bale away. In answer to further questions witness repeated with emphasis that he did not believe that Bale succeeded in striking HILL. - Superintendent Collins here laid before the Coroner the signed statement which the Police obtained from him on Sunday morning, and which on this last point was at variance with his present evidence. - The Coroner reminded witness of the serious nature of the Inquiry, and that he was bound to give a true account of what occurred. With a view to refresh his memory, the Coroner read the statement, in the course of which he said the "fall out" was about a pint of beer. Subsequently he went on to say, "After a while an altercation ensued and I saw blows exchanged, but which struck first I cannot say." - The Coroner commented on the discrepancy apparent, and pressed witness on the point. - Witness: I cannot say whether they are blows or only grasps. I thought it might be blows or catching hold of one another. I was not taking particular notice. There might have been blows. After that Nethercott assisted me in pulling Bale away. - Continuing, witness said he did not believe that Bale's fist touched deceased while they were on the ground together, if it did the blow was a very slight one. He believed that prisoner and deceased were very friendly with each other previously. - Mr F. C. Matthews, landlord of the Railway Inn, said the men came to his house about 4.15. He joined with them in playing until 5.30 p.m., when he came in to tea. Up to that time the party of them, numbering seven, had four quarts of ale between them, which they drank out of the same mug. One man was not playing. While witness was upstairs after tea his wife ran up and told him there was a quarrel in the alley. Witness came down as quickly as he could and he found that Nethercott and Davey were raising deceased on to the bench. When he saw how ill deceased appeared witness hastily fetched some brandy, and some hot and cold water, and tried to pour it into his mouth, but deceased did not seem to swallow it. Witness then bathed deceased's face and chest. Dr Morgan was absent at Uffculme, and witness therefore telegraphed to his partner, Dr Ellis. Both doctors arrived later on, but not before deceased had been removed home. He also gave information to P.C. Mair, who was just outside the house at the time. - P.C. Mair, the Culmstock Policeman, deposed to being called to the skittle-alley, where he found deceased sitting on the bench, dead. He directed the removal of the body to deceased's cottage, and acting n information from the landlord, he went to Bale's cottage. He said to him, "This is a bad case; I believe that HILL is dead." Bale said, "Is he dead? Never!" Witness replied, "Yes, he is; you must go with me." He then took Bale to deceased's house and saw the body and took Bale into custody on the charge of causing the death of deceased. Bale, after witness had cautioned him, said, "HILL bit my finger and I knocked him; I should not have knocked him if he had not bit my finger." - Prisoner, asked by the Coroner whether he had any questions to put to this witness, said he did not think he used the words, "I should not have knocked him if he had not bitten my finger." Mair, however, adhered to his account of what prisoner said. - Mr Sidney Ellis, M.R.C.S., of Uffculme, partner with Dr Morgan, of Culmstock, deposed to being called to deceased. It was about 10.30 p.m. when he saw the body. Describing the appearance of the body, witness said the nose was slightly bent to the right. On feeling it witness found that the left nasal bone was broken. There was a slight scar on the nose, like a clean cut, but there was no contusion. There were a few spots of blood on deceased's shirt, apparently from the nose. At the back of the neck, where the skull joined the back bone, there was a long bruise. Rigor mortis had commenced. That morning he had made a post mortem examination. He found that the second bone of the spine was thrown out of place, it was dislocated backwards and the effect of it would be instantaneous death. All deceased's vital organs were healthy. - In answer to further questions, witness added that the point of dislocation was situated immediately under where the bruise was. The dislocation might cause a rupture of some blood vessels and that rupture might account for the appearance of the bruise, which was not necessarily a consequence of the neck coming in contact with some hard substance. Dislocation was more likely to have resulted from a sudden jerk than from a blow. It might have been caused by the sudden jerk alleged to have been given by Bale. He thought the cut on the nose might have been caused by deceased's face coming in contact with one of the flooring-boards, which were uneven and projected in places. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that there was no evidence to show that the men were intoxicated, nor to show that they entertained any animosity towards each other. The Jury had to consider whether the fatal injuries were caused during the struggle. If they found that that was the case, they must next consider whether the death of deceased was caused by the act of Bale. In that case the offence would amount to manslaughter. It was obvious that there was no premeditation on the part of Bale, which would be necessary to justify a verdict of wilful murder. At the conclusion of the summing up the room was cleared. After the Jury had deliberated for about 40 minutes the public were readmitted and the Foreman announced that the verdict agreed upon was one of "Accidental Death during a struggle with Herbert Bale." - The Coroner, after a pause, said: I am in a difficulty. I must ask you, if you give that verdict, to put it in another form. If you consider, as you said before, that death took place while the struggle was going on, your verdict is somewhat inconsistent. If the fall, wherever it took place, was entirely accidental it would be better that you should not mention anything about a struggle. I cannot have a verdict that is inconsistent. If you find that the fall was accidental, well and good - I will accept that verdict. If, again, you find that deceased was killed during the struggle, that would be a different affair. I must ask you to consider whether or not death was caused in the struggle. If you consider it was caused while the men were actually struggling, you must say so, and such a verdict would amount to manslaughter. - A Juryman: We consider that death was caused in the first fall. - The Coroner: You must say whether the first fall was accidental or not. - A Juryman: It was accidental, I think. - The Coroner: I cannot accept your verdict, gentlemen. You must reconsider it. - The room was again cleared, and the Jury deliberated for about twenty minutes, after which the Coroner told them that before asking them for their verdict he must request them to put it in some form which it would be possible for him to accept. "Having said so much," continued the Coroner, "Do you, Mr Foreman, think you have agreed upon a verdict that I can accept? What then is your verdict? - The Foreman: It is "Accidental Death." - The Coroner: You say nothing further than that? - The Foreman: Nothing whatever. - The Coroner: I must say it is a very unusual verdict. I don't believe I have ever had a verdict returned to me before in such a form. At the same time I cannot say I cannot accept the verdict, although it is a very unusual one. I presume that you are not agreed as to the points of detail, but that you are all agreed as to the one fact that death resulted from accident. - The Foreman: Yes. - The Coroner then signed the form of Inquisition in accordance with the finding of the Jury, and the Inquiry closed, after having lasted about five hours. - The Jury gave their fees to the widow of deceased. - Owing to the lateness of the hour at which the Inquiry ended, it was decided to defer the Magisterial examination. The prisoner was reconveyed to Cullompton, where he will be brought before the Magistrates at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. During the Inquiry prisoner appeared much distressed at his position and was frequently in tears. - Before starting for Cullompton he was allowed an interview with his wife and children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 11 August 1886
CHITTLEHAMPTON - Sudden Death At Chittlehampton. - An Inquest was held at the Rolle Arms, Chittlehampton, on Monday, by Mr J. F. Bromham, Coroner, on the body of the old man named WILLIAM SUMMERS, who was found dead on Saturday. - Mr John Hunt was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Mrs E. Crocker deposed that the deceased lodged with her, was 82 years of age and was in his usual health when he left home early in the morning. Edwin Sercombe and Richard Tucker deposed that as they came from Swimbridge through some fields they noticed the body lying alongside the hedge. Beside deceased lay his knife and the remains of his dinner. His tools were lying near and he appeared to have been dead some hours. - P.C. Roach stated that he found the body as described by the previous witnesses. - Dr A. Hind gave it as his opinion that death was the result of apoplexy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

NEWTON ABBOT - Sudden Death At Newton Abbot. - Yesterday morning a young man, named JOSEPH TOWELL, 27 years of age, employed as a clerk at the Post-office, died very suddenly. He had been on duty from three o'clock to half-past five and soon afterwards returning home went to bed and complained of a bad headache. Soon after he called out that he was stiff and before medical aid could be obtained he died. A post mortem examination was made which showed that death was due to a severe epileptic fit and at an Inquest held by Mr Rodd, Deputy Coroner, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. During the post mortem Dr Ley discovered a needle in the deceased's liver, but it did not in any way account for death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 13 August 1886
MOREBATH - Mr Barrow, of Cullompton, District Coroner, held an Inquest on Tuesday touching the death of GEORGE HENRY POOLE, a child who was scalded to death on Saturday by tumbling into a pail of hot water, during the momentary absence of his mother, the wife of a working man. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 August 1886
EXETER - Sudden Death In Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Acland Arms Inn, St Sidwell's, Exeter, before Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, touching the death of JOHN SEAGE, a man 70 years of age, who died suddenly on Thursday. The deceased resided with a married daughter, MRS TEED, residing in South View-terrace, Lion's Holt. He had not been able to work for some years, but had not of late been in ill-health. About half-past nine o'clock on Thursday he went out in his usual health and about six o'clock he was brought home in a cab. Deceased complained of being very ill and said he had fallen down. The cabman who brought him home also stated that the deceased had fallen down in Mount Radford. After his return home the old man asked for a cup of tea, but was unable to drink it. He sat in his chair, apparently went to sleep, and died as he slept. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, who had previously attended the deceased, was called in about twenty minutes past seven o'clock and found the old man just dead. From what he saw and heard he was of opinion that death was caused by apoplexy. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 August 1886
PLYMOUTH - The Alleged Fatal Assault Upon A Girl On Dartmoor. - At Plymouth last evening, an Inquest was held at the Guildhall on the body of LIZZIE KING, whose alleged death from an assault was reported yesterday. After medical evidence had been given, a verdict was returned by the Jury to the effect that deceased had died from Typhoid Fever.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 19 August 1886
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - The Suicide Of A Servant Girl. Inquest Yesterday. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Plymouth Inn, St. Thomas, by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Gould, into the circumstances of the death of ELIZABETH DART, a domestic servant, recently employed at Exeter, whose body was found in the Exe on Tuesday morning. - The first witness called was EDWARD DART, who said he was a small farmer and lived at Awliscombe. He identified the body as that of his daughter, ELIZA DART, who had learnt the dressmaking, but who had recently been employed as a domestic servant by Mrs French, of Exeter. He last saw her on July 29th, when she came to her home at Awliscombe, and she entered Mrs French's service from that date. Since that date he had received a letter from her, in which she wrote that she should be obliged to leave the situation when her month was up, as she could not stand the work. She did not appear to take this "to heart," nor had he ever heard her threaten in any way to destroy herself. Deceased was not a strong girl, having been an inmate of a hospital for some considerable time. - George Cooper said he was a driver in the R.H.A., and was stationed at the Topsham Barracks. He knew the deceased and saw her on Monday morning, when she came to the Barracks and asked for him. She came there about twenty-five minutes to seven and upon his asking her why she wanted to see him at that hour, she replied that her mistress had heard that she had been walking about with soldiers and for this she would not be allowed to stop in her situation. She added that she was very sorry, as she would be unable to get into another place, and did not know where to go. She also asked him whether he could come out with her, and he said "No," because he was on duty all day and could not thus come out. The deceased then left the Barracks, but did not say where she was going. Witness had not known her long, as he only met her for the first time on the Sunday week previous. He did not then make any appointment to meet her again. - Eli Bolt, labourer, living on the Haven Banks, deposed that about 10 p.m. on Monday he was in his house and heard a scream from somewhere outside. He did not take any notice of this, as inhabitants of that neighbourhood were accustomed to hear many screams from the other side of the Quay. Soon afterwards, however, he heard a second scream, and he then opened the door and proceeded at once to the edge of the water. After he had stood looking at the water some time, he heard a man on the other side call out asking him if it was all right. Witness asked him in return whether there was anyone in the water, and the man replied, "If there is, it's on your side of the river." Witness continued to stand by the banks and just afterwards fancied he saw a dark object rise to the surface of the water, about 30 or 40 feet from the shore. It sank again immediately, being only an instant in view, and as a lodger who was with him at the time did not notice anything, witness presumed that the object he had observed was a fish. He saw no clothing on the banks, or anything unusual that would lead him to suppose that a person had got into the water. Witness stayed on the banks until about 10.30, and noticed no person there except his lodger. The spot in the river to which he had referred was near the ferry "shanty". - John Bastin, a lumper, of Quay-lane, proved finding the body in the Exe, near the place indicated by the last witness. He dragged the river at the suggestion of the Police, who told him that there was a girl missing. - P.S. McNallen said he was present when the body of the deceased was recovered from the Exe by the last witness. It was removed to the Plymouth Inn, and there searched by a female. In the pockets were found two keys, a brooch, and among some papers, the following letter, addressed to her father, and having no date attached to it:- "My own dear father, - Just a word to wish you goodbye. I am gone from this world for ever. That cruel Mrs French has broken my heart - all because I spoke to a soldier in the street. When you come for me, blow her up, and, father, don't believe her; because it is false what she tells you. She thought it was me, and it was another girl, and she calls me short leg because I can't wear slippers. So now, dear father, I must be gone. Come and bury me home, if you find me. Do not grieve about it - I shall be soon in Heaven. Hoping to meet you there, good-bye. From your unfortunate and miserable child, LIZZIE. Come and take all my things as soon as you get my letter." - Here followed three crosses, indicating as many kisses and the words "God Bless you." - Another letter found on the deceased was addressed to the witness Cooper in the following words:- "My dear George, - That old wretch, Mrs French, will not let me see you. So now, dear, I am going on to the river and shall be dead before you get this letter. She has broken my heart. I hope God will punish her. Good bye, darling, from broken-hearted LIZZIE. I hope the Lord will forgive me." - Upon a third piece of paper were the words, written in pencil:- "My father's address is MR E. DART, Bridge Farm, Awliscombe, near Honiton. I am a servant of Mrs French, Coburg-place, Bath-road, St Sidwell's, Exeter. My mistress is the cause of the death of me." - Upon the other side of this paper were the words, "Dear father, don't be angry with dear mother about it. Mind you have all my things when you come for it. From your loving daughter, ELIZA. - Good bye all." - Mrs Jane Agnes French said she was the wife of George French, tailor, of Exeter. Deceased had been in her service about a fortnight and her engagement was by the month. Witness last saw her on Sunday at dinner time, in the course of her usual duties in the house. She was then under notice to leave at the end of her month. Deceased was usually allowed to go out on Sunday evenings after 5.30, but her leave that day had been stopped on the previous night for reasons which witness would state. Recently several soldiers had been seen waiting about the neighbourhood of the house and witness spoke to her servant, telling her that as she was away from home she (witness) could not allow her to go with these soldiers. She replied that she had not done so, and that the only soldier she knew was a cousin of hers, who lived at Whipton. Witness said she should write to her mother about this cousin before she should allow her to go with any soldier, and the deceased replied that she was perfectly at liberty to do this. On Saturday evening, which was after the above conversation, as many as four soldiers called at the house - or, at least, four calls were made by soldiers - and three of these asked to see the deceased. One of them said that he was her cousin, and witness now identified Cooper as the soldier who called and made this allegation. Witness could not approve of these calls and the leave on the succeeding Sunday night was stopped. Cooper called about 8 p.m. on the Saturday evening. - Cooper (interposing): This woman has taken a false oath. I don't know where the place is. - The Coroner (to Cooper): Sit down and do not interrupt the witness. She has sworn to what she has said. - Mrs French in the course of further evidence, said she left the house for a while on Sunday after dinner and when she returned the deceased had left the house. Deceased must have gone before three o'clock. She did not come back again and witness did not see her anywhere afterwards. - In answer to the Coroner, witness denied that she had ever used the words towards deceased attributed to her in one of the above letters. Such words never passed between them. On the Sunday week the deceased, before she went out in the evening, said she was going to St Sidwell's Church. She, however, returned home before eight o'clock, and her shoes and dress were muddy. Witness asked her where she had been and she replied, "To church." Witness, seeing her condition, and knowing that the service at the church named did not conclude so early, expressed her doubt as to the accuracy of deceased's statement. Her servant, however, still said that she had been to church, and she then went to her bedroom. On the following morning witness gave her notice to leave at the expiration of her month, thinking that she had told an untruth, that there would be trouble with her, and that she was best at home with her mother. Deceased did not seem to be depressed by the notice and was on Sunday in her usual condition. She was generally cheerful and willing. - Mr Vlieland, Surgeon, of St. Thomas, proved examining the body, and deposed that all the appearances pointed to death by drowning. The body had evidently been in the water for many hours. - Cooper, recalled, said, in answer to questions by the Coroner, that he was not a cousin of the deceased. He did not call at Mrs French's house as stated; he did not know where the house was. He did not see the deceased on Sunday night. He was out of Barracks on the Saturday night referred to by Mrs French from 7 to 8.30 p.m. He was not out of Barracks on Sunday night. - DART, the father of the deceased, recalled, said deceased had a cousin at Whipton. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was evident from the circumstances of the case and after reading the letters found on the deceased, that she committed suicide by drowning and it would be for the Jury to say upon the evidence before them whether or not she was in her right mind at the time. It seemed to him that no blame whatever could be attached to Mrs French. Mrs French was the young girl's mistress and so long as that was the case she had a right to exercise her judgment as to what company the girl should keep, particularly as the latter was away from home. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a Temporary State of Unsound Mind," and exonerated Mrs French from any blame in the matter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 August 1886
TEIGNMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Teignmouth. - Yesterday morning a sad and fatal accident occurred near the Gas Works. It appears that JOHN WESTAWAY, for many years in the employ of the Teignmouth Local Board, went with his horse and cart to the above Works for the purpose of drawing coke for use at the Water Works. To get to the Gas Works, WESTAWAY had to drive under a railway-arch near Salcombe and down the river-side of the railway. By the time he had got his cart-load of coke the tide had risen over the road he came by some depth and it is thought that the horse became restive in passing through the water. The accident was discovered by a railway packer's gang hearing a nose as if someone was in the water and on looking over the wall they saw the horse on its side in the shafts, but the cart was capsized, and the deceased was lying a little distance away, apparently dead. The body was brought on shore to the Old Quay in a boat and then taken to his home in Parson-street, when a large wound was found on the head of the deceased, which was either caused by a fall or by a kick from the horse. At the Inquest last evening the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 23 August 1886
NEWTON ABBOT - The Bathing Fatality In The Teign. - At the Newton Abbot Town Hall on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of JAMES ANDREWS, 17 years of age, a sailor belonging to H.M.S. Impregnable, who was drowned in the River Teign on Friday morning. The evidence showed that the deceased with a sailor named Jackson went to bathe in the morning between seven and eight o'clock and soon after getting into the water Jackson noticed that something was the matter with him, and went to his assistance. After ANDREWS had sunk three times Jackson dived under him and supported him on his shoulders, but ANDREWS clutched so tightly that they both sank and Jackson had to shake him off to come to the surface himself. He then dived again, but could not find ANDREWS, and the body was not recovered for several hours. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning" and added their appreciation of the gallantry displayed by Jackson in endeavouring to rescue his friend. The Coroner congratulated the town on acquiring a mortuary, which was used for the first time when ANDREWS' body was recovered as it was essential to every large or important town.

COMBPYNE - Sad Death Of A Girl At Combpyne. - Mr Cox, Coroner for the District, held an Inquest at Combpyne on Friday relative to the death of BESSIE RAWLE, aged 14 years, daughter of MR DAVID RAWLE, veterinary surgeon, of Musbury. The evidence showed that on the 17th inst. deceased was seen riding a pony from Combpyne towards Rousdon about 6 o'clock and about 10 minutes afterwards the animal was observed galloping back towards Combpyne dragging the deceased, whose left foot was in the stirrup, with it. When taken up deceased was quite unconscious and expired in about 10 minutes. The medical evidence showed that death was due to the base of the skull being fractured and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 August 1886
EXETER - The Supposed Suicide In The Mill-Leat. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Papermakers' Arms Inn, Exe-lane, before Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, touching the death of JOHN WILLIAM BALL, a plasterer, 52 years of age, formerly residing at No. 15, Dinham-road, whose body was taken from the mill-leat on Saturday. SARAH BALL, widow of the deceased, stated that from one o'clock on Saturday afternoon until seven o'clock her husband was at home and appeared to be in his usual health. On Friday evening he had "had a glass," but nothing out of the way. On that evening a few words passed between deceased and his son, JOSEPH, about some money which deceased refused to pay. On Saturday deceased's son was married at Dawlish. Some years ago the deceased met with an accident and injured his head and since then "a little" made him very excited and irritable. When deceased left home on Saturday evening, he told witness to make haste and wash the children and he would come back and go out with her. She thought that deceased intended going to the garden which he rented at the rear of the Institution for the Blind. She heard nothing more of him until about eight o'clock, when she was told he was drowned. In answer to a Juryman, witness said that during the "words" with his son on Friday, the deceased attempted to strike his son. The son, however, caught his father's hand, and no blows were struck. - Henry Norman stated that on Saturday evening he was on the Head Weir fishing, and heard a splash in the water on the road side. He thought the splash was caused by a large dog having jumped into the water, and thought to himself how silly it was for people to send a dog into the water so near the head of the mill leat. He picked up his rod and ran towards the leat, but could see nothing for a minute or two. He shouted and asked if anyone was there. He then heard another splash and a groan. He reversed his fishing-rod and peered into the water. It was dark at the time and he could not see well. He saw something as it passed the light thrown by the lamp and threw the butt of his rod across it. The reel caught in the clothes of the deceased and the butt piece was pulled as the body went under the fenders. All the line on witness's reel ran out, and he then went down the road and raised an alarm. After a little time the body came from under the covered portion of the leat and drifted against the wall. Within about seven or eight minutes of the time witness first heard the splash the deceased's body was taken out of the water. - William Coombes proved hearing the alarm raised by the last witness and said that he thereupon went into the Town Council Yard, got a piece of gas-pipe, and got hold of the body, which he held until two men named Gill and Coles came to his assistance and got the body out of the water. - James Francis Gill, a packer at the depot of the Parcels Post, stated that on Saturday evening he was on his way to work, when he met Norman, who said there was a man in the water. Witness said: "Show me where he is," and he took his coat and waistcoat off. He saw something in the water, but could not discern what it was. A woman who lived close by said the object was a stool which had been in the water for days. Coombes got hold of the body and then witness jumped into the water and with another man lifted deceased out. Every means was at once used to restore animation, but without avail. - Mr E. A. Brash, Surgeon, who was called to see the deceased after he was taken out of the water, stated that death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 27 August 1886
ILFRACOMBE - The Sad Suicide Of A Lady At Ilfracombe. - The Inquest on the body of MRS MARY ANN SNELL, who jumped from the cliff at Rapparee, Ilfracombe, the previous day, was held before Mr H. F. Bromham, County Coroner, at the Pier Hotel, yesterday afternoon. - Capt. Dennis was chosen Foreman. - MR WM. SNELL, husband of the deceased, deposed that he was a farmer, of Sidbury, near Sidmouth. Deceased, who was 41 years of age, had been in delicate health for some little time and was subject to low spirits. Her medical man and Sir William Jenner recommended change of air and consequently witness brought her to Ilfracombe on Monday afternoon, and took lodgings at 14 Springfield-road. Witness left again next morning and left deceased in charge of his cousin, Miss Alice Snell. On Wednesday afternoon witness received a telegram, and came to Ilfracombe. Although the deceased had been depressed he was not aware of any suicidal tendency, and had received no instructions to watch her. She had consulted Sir William Jenner on account of the general state of her health. She had been confined about a year ago and had not been well since. - Alice Snell said she accompanied deceased to Ilfracombe on Monday. Last Friday, MR SNELL and his wife came to witness's house and asked her to come to Ilfracombe with deceased and she consented. She had heard previously that deceased was in bad health, but had not seen her for six weeks. On Wednesday morning, after breakfast, deceased and witness went out for a walk about half-past nine. Witness suggested going back to their lodgings, but deceased objected and proposed a walk across the fields. They, however, kept on round the road and walked about for some time. After a time they came to a gate leading to Lastone Park and the deceased sprang over the gate and witness followed her. Both then walked on quietly together. Witness suggested that there was no way out of the field, and that they had better go back. Deceased said there was, and made a run for the low hedge. After she got over the hedge she took off her hat and began to run towards the sea. Witness called for help and at last someone who was hanging out clothes came to her assistance. Witness then took hold of the deceased and put on her dress, which had fallen off. The woman then left and witness walked back. Deceased then broke away from witness, who called for help and ran after her. No one came. Witness got in front of the deceased once, but she managed to elude her, and then ran and sprang over the cliff. Witness was a stranger, and therefore unacquainted with the locality. Witness knew that the deceased suffered from despondency. Her manner and talk showed this, but she had not been instructed to watch her; but after being with her some time she saw that the deceased must be watched. Witness knew of no reason for her despondency, or any domestic reason for her being in low spirits. Deceased and her husband wee on good terms. By a Juror: Deceased accused witness of putting poison into her medicine and refused to take it, the same morning. - Mrs Burberry, of 13 Lastone-terrace, said that about 11 o'clock she was in Lastone Park putting up a clothes-line. She heard a noise and her little girl said, "Someone wants you." Witness looked round and saw two ladies running, one in front of the other. As the foremost passed, witness stopped her. She had no skirt, or mantle, or hat on. Witness asked her where her things were, but she made no answer. Witness and the previous witness then put her things on and as the deceased seemed to be quiet she left her with the last witness. After witness got back to the clothes-line she looked back and saw deceased running towards the flagstaff and shouted to a gentleman who was nearer, but he made no effort to stop her. Witness then lost sight of her, but went to the beach and found her there. Witness's first impression was that she was one of Dr Fox's lunatics. The last witness did not ask her to remain with her. - Evidence of the finding of the body having been given, and Dr John Gardner having described the injuries the deceased sustained by the fall, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased Committed Suicide while in a State of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 August 1886
MORTEHOE - The Fall Over The Cliffs At Morthoe. - An Inquest has been held by Mr J. F. Bromham, on the body of the little boy named ALBION B. HARRIS, aged twelve years, who fell over the cliffs between Ilfracombe and Morthoe on Wednesday evening. The lad was the son of a farm bailiff, of Hembury Fort, near Honiton and was on a visit to some relatives. He left his cousins to go down to the beach at Slade, and, not knowing the way, is supposed to have fallen over the cliffs. His body remained on the beach all night and when found in the morning he was lying on his back quite dead. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 30 August 1886
CRUWYS MORCHARD - The Fatality at Cruwys Morchard. - Mr Henry W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday touching the death of MINNIE PHILLIPS, a child of three years, daughter of GEORGE PHILLIPS, of Way village, mason. It appeared from the evidence that on Wednesday the deceased child and her brother ERNEST, seven years old, were in their father's garden, when their brother ALBERT, a youth of twelve years, was digging potatoes; that the deceased was in front of her brother ALBERT picking up the potatoes and that the latter struck her on the head with the mattock he was using, and then took her into the house to their mother, where she soon died. - Mr Ernest George Thomas Llewellyn, of Witheridge, Surgeon, having examined the body, proved that there was a punctured wound on the upper part f the skull which he probed, and found a fracture through which the probe passed into the brain, and that those injuries were sufficient to cause death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 September 1886
EAST BUDLEIGH - A Child Scalded To Death In Milk At Budleigh Salterton. - On Monday an Inquest was held at the Schoolroom, Knowle, Budleigh Salterton, by Mr C. E. Cox, Deputy Coroner, on the body of CHARLES FULL, aged three and a-half years, son of MR FULL, of the Britannia Inn, Knowle. It appeared from the evidence that on the afternoon of Saturday the aunt of the deceased had just removed a pan of milk from the fire and set it down while looking for something to hold the handles, which were hot. The deceased meanwhile came into the room, and fell into the milk. The child succumbed to the injuries received on the following (Sunday) morning. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and a hope was expressed that more care would be taken about putting pans of scalded milk in places within the reach of children, as accidents from this cause were too common.

CREDITON - A Lad Killed On The Railway Near Crediton. - An Inquiry was held yesterday afternoon by Mr Gould, Deputy Coroner, at Mr White's Railway Hotel, Crediton, touching the death of a lad named JAMES MOOR, who was found dead on the railway some distance below Crediton Station on the previous night. Mr W. Arscott was chosen as Foreman of the Jury. - JOHN MOOR, the father of the deceased, stated that he resided at Hookway, and was a labourer. The deceased was 13 years of age last May. Witness last saw him alive on Sunday night, in his house, about 9 o'clock, when he told him to pull up some weed in the garden the next day. Witness could not account for the deceased being on the line. He had no business there. - William Hawkins deposed that he saw the deceased in "Fox-hill Field" on Monday at 5 o'clock. The field was about ten minutes' walk from where the deceased was found. Witness asked him what was the matter. He made no answer. The attention of witness was called to the deceased in consequence of his jumping up and down. He thought the deceased must have received a sunstroke. Witness told a person who was passing that he did not think deceased was right. - ELIZABETH MOOR, the mother of the deceased. deposed that on Monday afternoon she went to Crediton and left deceased at home. On her return she saw that something was the matter with him in consequence of his throwing stones at her through the window, a thing he had never done before. In the early part of the day he had been weeding in the garden. - Harry Sanders, Crediton, deposed to finding the body of the deceased on the line. He immediately ran to the Railway Station and gave information. This was about a quarter after eight o'clock. It was near the level crossing leading from Downes to Hookway. The body was inside the metals on the down line. The body had been struck and was some 14 feet from the crossing, where blood could be seen. - Mr Banks, Station Master at Crediton, deposed that on Sanders reporting what he had seen he immediately went with assistance to the spot, about half-a-mile towards Exeter, where he found the body in the four-foot way between the metals. Both legs were severed and one arm. The deceased had evidently been first struck at the crossing. The crossing could be seen from the signal box but not from the Station. Eight trains passed between 3 o'clock and 8.15. It was a public foot-crossing. - James Spearman, engine-driver, said that on arriving at Devonport by the train leaving Exeter at 6.55 on Monday he received information that someone had been killed. He examined the engine and found several spots of blood and some hair on the guard and driving-wheel on the left side. He was not aware that he had run over anyone until then. It was very dark and a fog was rising when the train passed the crossing. Engine-drivers always looked out at this spot for signals. - Dr Campbell having given evidence as to the nature of the injuries the deceased received, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 3 September 1886
NEWTON ABBOT - At the Inquest yesterday on the body of ROBERT SANDERS, who died at the Cottage Hospital from injuries he received through falling from a waggon, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 6 September 1886
GREAT TORRINGTON - The Late MR PETTLE, of Torrington. - On Friday evening Mr J. Bromham, the Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of MR RICHARD PETTLE, who died on Thursday night from injuries received in the carriage accident on Monday night. After evidence being given by MRS PETTLE, and Doctor Jackson, the Jury, of which Mr H. Grant was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". Deceased, who was much respected in Torrington, leaves a wife and five children, for whom the greatest sympathy is felt by the inhabitants.

RACKENFORD - Suicide At Rackenford. - On Saturday Mr Henry W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, opened an Inquiry at Rackenford, relative to the death of HUMPHREY SLADER, who was found dead in bed on the 2nd inst. - JOHN SLADER, of Rackenford, farmer, identified the body as that of his son, who was 31 years of age, and had assisted him in his business. He last saw him alive at Southmolton on Wednesday, where he had been with some stock. On Thursday morning, between 8 and 9, the witness went to the deceased's bedroom and found him dead on his back on one of the beds there. There was a pistol and a box of cartridges on the bed. The deceased was a married man with two children, and his wife had slept with him on Wednesday night and his children had slept in the same room. The witness could not account for the death, but he thought the deceased had been rather strange lately. - MARY ANN SLADER deposed that the deceased was her husband. She left the deceased alive in bed at ten minutes to six on Thursday morning. The next she heard of him was when his father, the last witness, called to her. On going to the bedroom she found the deceased in the position described. He was not, to her knowledge, awake when she left the bedroom. She had not spoken to him. He was in the same bed in which they had slept. She never heard him threaten to commit suicide. The pistol on the bed belonged to deceased, and he kept it and cartridges in a box beside the bed. The box was not locked. There had been no quarrel between them, or with any member of the family. He had not, so far as she knew, had any troubles. She left the two children in bed in the same room when she went downstairs, and they came down about a quarter of an hour after. - Mr Julius Hermann Alfred Schade, of Witheridge, Surgeon, deposed that on arriving at the house about 10.30 on Thursday morning he found the deceased dead and in his opinion he had been dead between 3 and 4 hours. He was lying on the bed on his back, there was blood on the bed near his head and shoulders. He had not made a post mortem examination, but he could just discern what appeared to be a wound inside the mouth. A pistol was lying near. He examined the pistol, of six chambers, one of which contained an empty cartridge. There was also a box of cartridges on the washstand by the side of the bed. The butt-end of the pistol was lying towards the right hand of the deceased. The witness did not believe it possible for a third person to inflict the wound. The lips were blackened by the powder. - WILLIAM SLADER, a brother of the deceased, deposed that he lived in the same house and returned with the deceased from Southmolton on Wednesday. He had lately noticed a strangeness in the manner of the deceased, and had observed it on his return from Southmolton. On Monday last he complained of pains in his head and he laid down on his bed for an hour in consequence. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind.

TEMPLETON - The Fatal Accident At Templeton. - On Saturday Mr Henry W. Gould, Deputy Coroner opened an Inquiry at Templeton relative to the death of GEORGE GILL, who was killed under circumstances already reported. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 9 September 1886
BRIXHAM - The Discovery Off Berry Head. The Mystery Cleared Up. - The Inquest on the body of the young man who was found shot in the sea off Berry Head was resumed last evening at the Maritime Inn, Brixham, before Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner. - CHARLES NICOLLE a carpenter of St Hellier's, Jersey, said he had examined the port-manteau and its contents and was sure that they belonged to his brother, ELIAS JOHN NICOLLE. P.S. Frost had given him a description of the deceased, and he was sure the body was that of his brother. His name was formerly on the portmanteau. He had seen the clothes produced and he recognised them as his brother's. A shirt was here produced by P.S. Frost, from which it appeared an endeavour had been made to cut the marking out, but the final two letters of the word NICOLLE remained. The witness, continuing his evidence, said the deceased was 32 years of age. He last saw him in November last, when he came home from his situation. He had been employed as clerk by Messrs Peek and Freane, biscuit manufacturers, of London. Shortly before deceased visited his house he had been discharged. He was a single man. On leaving his (witness's) house at the end of November, he returned to London to look for a situation. He had frequently received letters from deceased, the last one in the beginning of July, when he stated that he could find no employment and was in great distress of mind. He added that he did not care where he went and wished that he was with his mother in heaven. He intended to go to Liverpool or Plymouth in search of employment. Witness never knew his brother carried firearms. His brother possessed very good health. He first became anxious about his brother as he received no letters from him, and shortly after the body was found he received a letter from the deceased's landlady in London, stating that he had left her and gone to Exeter. Shortly after the receipt of this, another letter came which contained a newspaper report of the Inquest. The deceased was a very quiet man. The Coroner, in summing up, said at first the death of the young man appeared to be a very mysterious affair; but when the evidence of MR NICOLLE was taken into consideration it would appear that the deceased shot himself by putting the barrel of the revolver through the buttons of his waistcoat and discharging it and then had fallen over the cliff. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was found Dead in the Water with a bullet wound through the left breast, but the manner in which the wound was inflicted there was no evidence to show.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 September 1886
BAMPTON - The Fatal Gun Accident Near Bampton. - Mr F. Burrow, District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at North Hayne Farm, near Bampton, touching the death on Wednesday evening, of WILLIAM ALFRED SANGLIER, aged 19, of King's-road, Chelsea, poulterer, who, as already reported, was injured by the accidental discharge of his gun while out shooting. - MISS ALICE SANGLIER, sister of the deceased, gave evidence of identification. Her brother came to North Hayne last Saturday on a visit to Mr Slocombe, and had intended to return yesterday. Evidence was then given bearing out the circumstances of the accident as already reported and medical testimony showed that the deceased died from loss of blood and shock to the system. - The Coroner (addressing the Jury) said the case was a very sad one, and he was quite sure they sympathised with the family and friends of the deceased. In further remarks, he expressed the opinion that there could be no doubt whatever as to how the accident happened, and it was for the Jury to return an appropriate verdict. - Mr Guinness added to his former evidence that a part of the deceased's right hand was blown away, showing that he must have been holding the gun by the muzzle at the time it went off. - The Jury, of whom Mr F. E. Henson was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 13 September 1886
BARNSTAPLE - Sudden Death At Barnstaple. - A sad case of sudden death has occurred at Barnstaple to a young man named BRUCE WILLIAM H. KINGDON, who resided with his parents at Ladywell, Pilton. An Inquest was held on the body on Saturday evening, before R. I. Bencraft, Esq., Borough Coroner. - From the evidence it transpired that the deceased, who was a shipwright by trade, had been in the Asylum, but since his discharge, about two years ago, he had suffered from pains in the chest and head. He had been unable to work regularly for the past twelve months. On Friday night, about nine o'clock, he wished his parents "Good night," and went into his bedroom and shut the door. After he was in his room he was heard to be praying and talking very loudly to himself. Just before seven o'clock the next morning the mother of the deceased went to his room as usual to give him a cup of tea. She found him kneeling by the side of the bed. She called him; but receiving no answer she put her hand to his forehead and she discovered that he was dead. His body was stiff and very cold, and he had apparently been dead several hours. She then went to an adjoining room and called her daughter, and sent her for another son of hers, who fetched a doctor. JOHN KINGDON, brother of the deceased, deposed to finding his brother on his knees dead. He removed him to another position. Deceased had often complained of pains in the head and for the last twelve months had done scarcely any work. - Dr Lang said that from the appearance of the body of the deceased he should think he had been dead quite five or six hours. from the appearance of the body and the history of the case he should say that death was the result of apoplexy. He had attended the deceased at intervals for pains in the head. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died suddenly, in all probability from apoplexy, and that his death was the result of Natural Causes.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 17 September 1886
NEWTON ABBOT - A Railway Guard Killed At Newton Abbot. - A shocking accident occurred at Newton Abbot Station on the Great Western Railway on Wednesday morning, by which a guard named ROGER PARTRIDGE lost his life and another man named Sampson narrowly escaped being killed. It appears that PARTRIDGE, who is a Plymouth man, was acting as goods-guard in charge of the 2.50 a.m. train from Exeter and Plymouth. They reached Newton all right and PARTRIDGE there commenced reducing his train, for which purpose it was drawn out of the Station building into the higher yard. While here PARTRIDGE stepped on the up road and in company with William Sampson, who is a foreman of the shunters, began examining some way-bills by the aid of a lantern. Neither of them seems to have noticed the fact that an engine was engaged in shunting on the up-line, and it being dark at the time the driver in charge of the engine could not see the two men standing on the metals. Accordingly some trucks were sent along this line, and PARTRIDGE and his companion, not hearing or seeing them coming, were knocked down, the deceased being thrown on to the down-line. At the same time the train which PARTRIDGE was in charge of was coming into the Station along the down-line and before he could get clear the train had passed over his head and shoulders, death being instantaneous. Sampson was also knocked down by the shunted trucks, and narrowly escaped a similar fate to that which befel PARTRIDGE, who leaves a widow and a large family. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the body in the evening. - JAMES PARTRIDGE of Stonehouse, coal-dealer, identified the body as that of his brother, who resided at Plymouth and was 47 years of age. He was married and had a family. - William Sampson, 30 Station Cottages, Newton Abbot, shunter, said about five o'clock that morning deceased and himself were standing on the six-foot way in the Station-yard. Deceased took a list of the contents of a waggon and while they were examining it one of the siding trucks which was being put on to a train struck deceased and knocked him on to the down line, whilst witness was thrown into the six-foot way at the same time. It was dark at the time, and they did not hear the trucks approaching owing to another train being in motion. They had not been on the line two minutes before the accident occurred. - When witness recovered his feet he saw deceased's head being carried along by the wheels of the truck for several yards. Assistance was immediately rendered; but on being lifted up PARTRIDGE appeared to be dead. Witness added that the same shunting was done every morning, and they expected the trucks to pass, but they were not aware that they were standing so close to the rail. If they had stood in the centre of the six-foot way the accident would have been avoided. There was no blame attached to the driver or the stoker of the engine. - Richard Hawk, shunter, said his attention was drawn to the deceased directly after the accident, and he found him lying in the six-foot way. There being no lights in the Station yard at the time. They could see a truck approaching several yards off, as daylight was breaking. - Charles Davy, engine-driver, said two trucks were "knocked" on to the up main line by order of Hawk, and directly afterwards he was informed that a man was killed. It was not usual when shunting to give a signal. - Mr H. A. Davis, surgeon, practising at Newton, deposed that death must have been caused by a fracture of the base of the skull. There were no external wounds. The fracture was probably caused in the face. - Chief Inspector Northcott produced a rough plan of the rails in the Station yard. In reply to a question, witness said lamps would be useless in the goods yard, and if the engine whistled every time a truck was shunted it would be unnecessary, as the shunter gave the signal to start. The Coroner, having briefly summed up the evidence, said it was for the Jury not only to consider the cause of death, but also if anyone was to blame for what occurred. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and did not attribute blame to any person, but thought that the Goods Yard should be lighted at night. The Jury's fees were handed over for the benefit of the widow and children of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 September 1886
BURLESCOMBE - The Fatal Accident at Westleigh. - Mr F. Burrow, District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Farmers' Hotel, Westleigh, near Burlescombe, touching the death of the man BURRIDGE, aged 51, who was run over and crushed by a laden stone waggon on Thursday. Mr German was Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence having been given bearing out the facts of the accident, already reported, the Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider to the effect that they thought the accident was entirely the result of deceased's own negligence and that waggoner's ought to use more care. They gave their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 21 September 1886
EXETER - Sudden Death Of An Old Lady In Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at Mr Yelland's wine and spirit vaults, South-street, yesterday on the body of MISS MARY BASTARD, a single woman, 90 years of age, residing on the Friars. - Mary Ann White, a house and parlourmaid in the employ of the deceased, identified the body. On Saturday night, about half-past ten, deceased was proceeding upstairs on her way to bed when she staggered and fell and knocked her head against the skirting-board. Witness called her fellow-servant and they together endeavoured to raise the deceased, but failed. Deceased did not speak nor groan, and was apparently dead. - Dr Woodman said he was called to see the deceased on SAturday night. He found her lying dead on the floor in the passage. On examination he found a slight cut over the left temple, from which a few drops of blood had exuded. There were no other marks of violence on the body. Death was due to natural causes, the primary cause of death in his pinion being syncope. - Ann White (recalled) in reply to a question, said that deceased fell down about six stairs. - In reply to the Coroner, Dr Woodman said that he did not think that the fall was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

CHARLES - A Child Burnt to Death Near South Molton. - A little girl about three years of age, daughter of MR ROBERT WOOLLACOTT, of Sandy Park Farm, Charles, Southmolton, was accidentally burnt to death in her house on Friday. This is the second child of MR WOOLLACOTT who has met with its death violently within the past eighteen months, a little boy having been drowned in a pond close to the house. - An Inquest on the body of the little girl was held yesterday by the County Coroner, Mr J. F. Bromham, when the evidence went to show that the deceased was left in the kitchen together with a sister a year older and a younger child. The mother was only away about five minutes and when she returned she found the child in the doorway enveloped in flames. She pulled off the deceased's things and put her to bed. There was very little fire on the hearth when she went out. She had no idea how the child caught fire and she could not elicit any information from the other child. Dr Rendle was sent for, but the child died the same evening. The servant happened to be away at Barnstaple Fair. - The medical evidence was to the effect that if a medical man had been on the spot the nature of the burns was so bad that the child's life could not have been saved. The doctor stated that the father of deceased came to him on Friday night and asked for a certificate, but he told him there would have to be an Inquest. He, however, gave him a general certificate so that he might be saved some trouble, but he knew there would have to be an Inquest. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

HOLSWORTHY - Alleged Concealment Of Birth At Holsworthy. - An Inquest was held at Holsworthy yesterday, before Mr R. Fulford, Coroner, touching the death of a female child, the daughter of ANNIE LUXTON, domestic servant, in the employ of Mr Thomas Giddy Badcock, coachbuilder. - Sophia Braund stated that on Friday she had instructions to go blackberrying on Mr Badcock's farm. She met LUXTON there, and she was either sitting down or was on her knees and was crying. She complained of being bad and on the way to ask Mr Badcock to let her go home they passed a linhay. LUXTON entered it and requested witness to continue her blackberrying, but she refused to leave her. Mr Badcock took LUXTON home in the afternoon, and when witness called in the evening she found that the woman had been confined. - Mrs Badcock stated that it had been arranged that the previous witness should go blackberrying with LUXTON. Witness assisted LUXTON when she was brought home and complained of being giddy. LUXTON was put to bed and while there she was given some brandy and water. Witness did all she could for the girl and left her. During her absence she heard sounds as if LUXTON was out of bed, but in reply to a question from witness, LUXTON said she did not want anything. During the evening the girl's sister arrived and communicated certain suspicions. Witness then entered the room and spoke to LUXTON, after which she made a search and found a baby wrapped up in an apron. The baby was in a sitting posture; the head was bent forward on its stomach. Witness lifted the infant's head and opened its mouth, when it cried very loudly. She called to the sister, who had remained in an adjoining room, and said, "BESSIE, here is a living child." She replied, "I was sure of it." ANNIE LUXTON was still by the side of the bed in a huddled position on the floor. Witness directed her to get into bed at once. She also put the child to bed. Witness wanted to send for a doctor, but Fanny Jerman thought a medical man was not needed and suggested Elizabeth Dout should be sent for. Dout, however, being gone to bed, Mrs Featherstone, a neighbour, offered to attend to the child. - Fanny Jerman and Mrs Featherstone gave evidence, the latter stating that the child lived seven hours after she came. - Dr Gay deposed to having examined the body of the child and gave particulars of the post mortem examination. The child was fully developed. - Dr Linnington Ash deposed that in his opinion the child died from fracture of the skull, which could not have been produced during confinement. The fractures might have been done by a nail, but more probably by the heel of a boot. - The Coroner having summed up, the Inquest, at the request of the Jury, was adjourned until Monday next, to allow of the mother of the deceased being present.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 23 September 1886
KINGSBRIDGE - Carriage Accident At Kingsbridge. - Yesterday afternoon Mr Sydney Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of MR HENRY VEALE, who died on Monday from the effects of injuries sustained in a carriage accident on Friday afternoon. Mr G. E. Burnard was Foreman of the Jury. - SAMUEL HENRY BROWN, grandson of the deceased, stated that he and the deceased set out from Kingsbridge to South Allington on Friday afternoon. On descending Frogmore Hill the brake of the trap did not appear to grasp the wheel and something frightened the pony, which turned to one side, upsetting the trap and bolted Witness was hurt, but he got up and went to his grandfather's assistance. He found that his grandfather had sustained a severe wound on the head, from which blood was flowing. Deceased did speak once or twice, but he soon lost consciousness, which he never regained afterwards. - Jane Partridge spoke of the deceased being lifted into her house and Fred Stidworthy deposed to conveying the deceased to his home. The last witness said that deceased appeared to regain consciousness for a short time and stated that he felt no better. - Dr John Elliot described the nature of the wound to the head which was the cause of death. - The Coroner sent for Mr G. Torr, the owner of the pony and trap and closely questioned him as to the condition of the trap and the temper of the pony. Mr Torr said the brake was all right as far as he knew and to the best of his knowledge the pony, although very free, had never run away before. - After the Coroner had reviewed the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

NEWTON ABBOT - Last evening Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, opened an Inquest at Keyberry Hill relative to the death of MR CHARLES HOLMAN, 22 years of age, which took place that morning from injuries received on Thursday through being caught by the leg between a large cog wheel and a beam. The Jury viewed the body and the scene of the accident, when the Inquiry was adjourned until today, at 5 o'clock at the Town Hall.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 September 1886
NEWTON ABBOT - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr J. A. McKenzie was the Foreman, held an Inquest yesterday relative to the death of MR C. HOLMAN, 21 years of age, of Keyberry Mills, who accidentally caught his leg on Thursday last between a revolving wheel and a beam, and died on Wednesday as the result of the accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with MR W. HOLMAN (Deceased's brother) in his bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 September 1886
EXETER - Fatal Railway Accident At St. David's. Suggestion To Close The Crossing. - On Saturday Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at the Red Cow Inn, St. David's on the body of GEORGE JONES, a chair-bottom maker and upholsterer, of Stepcote-hill, Exeter, the circumstances of whose death were reported in Saturday's Gazette. Superintendent Green and Inspector Shaddock were present at the Inquiry on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. - The first witness called was MARIA JONES, the wife of the deceased, who said she lived at 27 Stepcote-hill. She identified the body as that of her late husband, who was about 44 years of age. He was an upholsterer, and on Friday was temporarily employed by Messrs. Mark Rowe and Son. Witness last saw him alive at 9.20 on Friday morning, when she left the house to go to her work. Her husband was a temperate man. There were three children, one of whom, a girl, was blind. - Tom C. Brewer, a carter, living in St. Thomas, said that about 12.5 on Friday he was sitting on the edge of his cart outside the gate on the St David's side of the Exwick crossing waiting until the gate opened after the passing of a train. He had been there about five minutes, when he saw the deceased go through the side gate for foot passengers. JONES was alone, and was proceeding across the road at a "run and a hop". Witness saw him suddenly stop in the middle of the metals and then observed the signalman in the box close by open the window and heard him shout out to JONES to get out of the way of a train which witness noticed was then approaching. The deceased apparently heard the shout, and made a bolt to go across the line. He could not, however, get out of the way before the train was upon him. The engine knocked him down and he was thrown a distance of about ten yards. Witness at once got off his cart and went to where the deceased was lying. He found JONES lying on his back, with his legs crossed and the man was to all appearances dead. A stretcher was fetched by the signalman and the body was removed to the Red Cow Inn. - John Seward, signalman at the Exwick crossing, gave corroborative evidence. The deceased was evidently about to cross the line to go to the goods yard; but witness, seeing the train approaching, shouted to him to "hold on." At that time JONES was about seven yards from the down line, but he continued to cross the road, and got on to the down line, when the engine knocked him down. Deceased appeared to be running slowly when the train struck him, and was evidently sober. On either side of the main up and down lines at this spot there was a siding, the one into the carriage shed and the other into the goods yard. The man appeared to stop in the middle of the metals when the train was within two yards of him. It was possible that JONES might have mistaken the down for the up line. - George Dicks, fireman, said he was on the engine of the newspaper train on Friday and just before they came to the Red Cow or Exwick crossing he saw a man go through the gateway and run right in front of the train. Witness did not see him afterwards. They went by the crossing at the rate of perhaps 15 to 20 miles per hour. Witness had his hand on the tender brake and the driver was on the other side. Deceased was probably struck by the buffer plank. Witness was positive that the man was running when he was struck down. - Mr E. A. Brash, surgeon, said he examined the body soon after the accident. The front part of head was broken in, there being a compound fracture of the skull. The injuries exposed the brain, which was broken up. The left leg was extensively broken near the ankle. The right hip and a number of the ribs were also broken. The wound in the head was quite sufficient to cause instant death. The Coroner said this was not, he believed, the first fatality which had occurred at the spot in question, which he considered to be a most dangerous one. If he understood the matter rightly, this was a private road across the lines, and was, in fact, closed once or twice a year; and, if that were so, the Railway Company had a perfect right to close the road altogether. - Superintendent Green said that was so. The road was the property of the Company. - The Coroner said he was glad to hear definitely that that was so. They knew there was an up and down line close together and sidings on either side and these parallel lines must be confusing to an ordinary foot passenger, who, seeing a train approaching, might really think that he was on another line than that upon which the train was running, and yet be on the same. He was aware that this was a matter involving a serious question, because the traffic across to Exwick was great; but they had to look after the public safety, and in making his return to the Home Secretary under the Railway Traffic Regulation Act he should feel it his duty to make some representations about this crossing, with a view of some different arrangement being made than at present existed. The more he thought of the matter, the more thoroughly was he convinced that some alteration should be effected. This was not the first Inquest he had held which had a connection with the crossing - he believed it was the second or third, and he should do his duty to make representations to the proper authorities, leaving it to them to do what they considered necessary for the public safety. He did not for a moment think, or wish to suggest, that in this case anyone was to blame; the man was crossing a road laid out for the public, and his death was purely accidental. The question, however, was whether the position of this crossing should not be changed. They had to look to the public safety rather than to private enterprise and this was a very treacherous place. - Superintendent Green said he did not remember that any fatality had previously taken place at the spot in question. The only other fatality occurred on the Exwick side to a market gardener, who was wheeling a barrow between the trucks. The Railway Company had a perfect right to stop the road. - A Juryman suggested that the danger might be lessened if the small gates were closed whenever those for the admission of carts were shut. Foot passengers would thus be prevented from crossing whenever a train was due to go by. - Superintendent Green said it was almost impossible to do that without closing the road altogether to foot passengers. - The Coroner said he was disposed to have it closed entirely. - The Jury agreed that it was necessary to do something in the matter, and, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," added a rider that it was desirable that steps should be taken to prevent a recurrence of such a sad fatality.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 28 September 1886
CULLOMPTON - Shocking Trap Accident Near Cullompton. - An Inquest, which lasted nearly three hours, was held yesterday afternoon at the Mutterton Arms, near Cullompton, before Mr F. Burrow, District Coroner, touching the death of PETER BURTON, of Kerswell, Broadhembury, thatcher, aged 29, who met with a fatal accident on Saturday evening while driving home. - The witnesses examined were Mrs Mary Flay and John Flay, of the Mutterton Arms, wife and son respectively of William Flay, the landlord; John Coombs, of Kentisbeare; Harry Gillingham, of Slue Pool, near Mutterton; Aaron Pearcey, farmer, Plymtree; Mark Kingdon, living at the Mutterton Arms; Mary Flay, wife of James Flay, of Mutterton Moor; and Mr J. W. Lloyd of Cullompton, Surgeon. - It appeared deceased had been thatching during the day for Mr Salter, of Peverston. About 4 p.m. he was seen with his pony and trap outside the Mutterton Arms, where he alighted to speak to Mr Salter and had some cider with him and Coombs, and others. He subsequently went away, but between 6 and 7 p.m. he paid another visit to the Inn and some more cider was brought out to him as he sat in the trap. He had conversation with Pearcey, T. Staddon, Coombs, and others, but did not remain all the time in his trap. It was not very clearly shown what quantity of drink deceased really had at the Mutterton Arms and the evidence was somewhat conflicting with regard to the state he was in when he left to go home. - Mrs Flay, wife of the landlord, said she served him with a pint of cider as he was in his cart. He drank it, said goodnight, remarked that he should see her again on Monday, and drove off in the direction of his home. - On the other hand, Mr Harry Gillingham, farmer, said he hard deceased call out from his trap, between 6 and 7 p.m., asking where Coombs was, to which Mrs Flay replied that Coombs had gone home with his wife; also, in a friendly tone, that deceased had better go home too. Deceased, added Mr Gillingham, drove off towards Peverston and although Mrs Flay shouted to him that he was going the wrong way, insisted that he was going right. Afterwards, however, he stopped and Mrs Flay turned the pony round for him and proposed to send her son James to accompany him home. Witness heard a man named Burton remark to the deceased that he was wanting a great deal of cider. James Flay told his mother that the deceased wanted a pint more cider, whereupon she came out again and told the deceased he had better not have any more, but afterwards she let him have a pint. Witness had no doubt that the deceased was then the worse for liquor. - Mr Pearcey, farmer, who saw the deceased at the Mutterton Arms about the same time, but did not see him go away, said he did not consider that he was quite sober, though he was not drunk. - Mrs Mary Flay, recalled, said the deceased did not go in the direction of Peverston and that Mr Gillingham's statements were entirely false. The deceased had nothing at the Mutterton Arms to make him drunk. - The evidence of other witnesses went to show that the deceased eventually drove off homewards unaccompanied, and that he met with an upset in Chaldon-lane. The accident was discovered by Mrs James Flay, as she was walking from her house to the Mutterton Arms. John Flay, Pearcey, and Kingdon subsequently set out from the public-house with a lantern and they found the deceased lying on his back just in the ditch, dead, but still warm. The trap and the pony were lying on their sides by the side of the road. The night was a very dark one. The body was removed to the Mutterton Arms, and Mr Lloyd was fetched from Cullompton. - The evidence of Mr Lloyd was to the effect that he reached the Inn about 11 p.m. and saw the body. There was a slight cut over the right eyebrow. He had further examined the body that morning and came to the conclusion that death resulted from dislocation of the neck, which was likely to be caused by a fall from a trap at the spot in question, which he had been out to see. There was no sign on the deceased's clothes of his having been engaged in a struggle with anyone, and witness could not tell whether he had been drinking excessively. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that though deceased might have been more likely to meet with a mishap if he were drunk, their business was not so much to probe that question as to determine whether death was the result of accident or otherwise. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Sad Fatality in St. Sidwell's, Exeter. Death Through Burning. - Yesterday, the City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquiry at the Red Lion Inn, Sidwell-street, Exeter, relative to the death of MRS MARY ANN KERSLAKE, widow of the late MR C. KERSLAKE, house decorator, of Sidwell-street, who, as reported in Monday's Gazette, sustained severe injuries through burning on Sunday morning, which proved fatal early yesterday. The first witness called was JAMES KERSLAKE, house painter, of 68 Sidwell-street, who identified the body as that of his mother, who was a widow, aged 69. Witness said he went to bed on Saturday night about 11 o'clock, and his mother was then in the kitchen with the servant. On the following (Sunday) morning about 8.15 , while he was in his bedroom, he heard a noise of moaning proceeding from his mother's room, and he at once went there. Upon opening the door he saw the deceased standing by the bed with her nightdress in flames. The bed was also on fire. His mother was in a very excited condition and was raving. She did not appear to be able to speak. She ran out on to the landing, where, with the assistance of his brother, witness tore off the burning material, and threw some rugs over her. Having thus extinguished the flames, the deceased was taken into another bedroom and the doctor was sent for. Witness could not say whether there were any matches or a candle in the room. His mother usually went to bed with a candle, and he believed that a box of matches was kept in her room. In putting out the flames witness himself sustained injuries to his hands. Deceased about three months ago had a seizure, but that did not render her in any way helpless. - Ellen Reeves, domestic servant, said she had lately been employed by the deceased and slept with her on Saturday night. Witness retired to bed with her, about 11 o'clock. A candle was placed in a candlestick in the wash-basin, and a box of matches by the side. Witness put the light out on Saturday night and placed the matches by the side. On Sunday morning witness arose about 7.35 and the deceased was then in bed, as she thought, asleep. About 7.40 MRS KERSLAKE called down to know the time and witness replied. She did not hear any more of MRS KERSLAKE until her clothes had caught fire. When she got up she did not light the candle, as she had no occasion to. The candle was not it during the night. When witness arose, she took the box of matches with her to light the kitchen fire. - The Coroner pointed out that there were one or two burnt matches and one not ignited, still in the room. - A Juryman said these might have been left on the wash-stand. - Witness added that the deceased was not restless. She had no idea as to how her clothes became ignited. - Dr Brown, St. Sydwell's Villa, said he had attended the deceased during the last two years - once for an attack of paralysis. On Sunday morning he was called to see her between 8 and 8.30, and found that she had been extensively burnt. She was moaning and did not then say how the accident occurred. He dressed the wounds and later on asked her how it occurred, but he could get no intelligent statement from her. She was suffering considerably from shock and, getting weaker during the day, she died early on Monday morning. - The Coroner said the evidence was rather meagre, but the probabilities were that she went to strike a light for some purpose and accidentally ignited her dress. The room, he had noticed, was rather a dark one. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 7 October 1886
NEWTON ABBOT - An Inquest was held yesterday morning at Preston, near Newton Abbot, by Mr S. Hacker, relative to the death of SAMUEL WILLIAMS, 71, a labourer. The evidence showed that the deceased on the preceding morning went to the River Teign to fetch some water, but as he did not return his son went after him and found him lying in the river in about 2ft. of water. He was quite dead, and Dr Ley, who examined him, was of opinion that death was due to syncope, caused by his falling into the water. Deceased had suffered from giddiness and is supposed to have had an attack and fallen into the water. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 October 1886
DAWLISH - An Inquest was held at the South Devon Inn, Dawlish, last evening, before Mr S. Hacker, on the body of a married woman named ELIZABETH DELVE BACK. The husband of the deceased stated that on the previous evening about 5.30 he was at work on the Oak Park-road, and his wife had been with him about ten minutes when she called him and said her leg had burst out bleeding. She was carrying a child at the time. He tied up her leg and succeeded in stopping the flow of blood, but she fainted. - A cab was obtained and deceased was taken to the Cottage Hospital, but the leg began bleeding again and she was dead by the time she arrived there. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 11 October 1886
EXETER - The Fatal Accident To A Child At Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an inquiry at the Valiant Soldier Inn, Magdalen-street, on Saturday, touching the death of MARY ANN FRENCH, six years of age, residing with her parents in Ewing's-square. From the evidence of the mother, it appeared that deceased made it a practice every morning to leave her own bed and get into that of her mother. On Friday morning about half-past six she got upon a chair, upon which was a lighted benzoline lamp, for this purpose, but in so doing the lamp by some means turned over and deceased's clothing caught on fire. The father at once went to her assistance and succeeded in extinguishing the flames by means of a sack. - Mr Blomfield, House Surgeon at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, said the deceased was admitted into that Institution on Friday morning. Upon examination it was found that the injuries she had received were so extensive that there was no chance of her recovering, and she died the same evening from shock to the system consequent upon the injuries she received. - A Juryman, Mr Cundy, drew attention to the fact that the mother stated in her evidence that the lamp which was burning on the chair was one with a globe and filled with benzoline oil. He should like to see something done to caution people against filling benzoline lamps with paraffin oil or vice versa. A young woman in the room then explained that the lamp was filled with paraffin oil, and not with benzoline. Upon being questioned by the Coroner, MRS FRENCH admitted that she had made a mistake. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 13 October 1886
BARNSTAPLE - Suicide At Barnstaple. - An Inquest was held at Barnstaple last evening, before the Borough Coroner, on the body of a shoemaker named THOMAS ACKLAND, aged 74, who had committed suicide by cutting his throat. - ROSE ACKLAND deposed that the deceased, who was her father, was considerably affected by the death of his wife, which took place in November. He had been ailing for some time and had been depressed in spirits. He had his breakfast at the usual time that morning and afterwards said he would go upstairs to have a little more sleep. An hour afterwards she went upstairs and found her father lying on the floor with his throat cut. She sent for Dr Cooke. - Dr Cooke said that when he arrived the deceased was quite dead. There was a large wound on the left side of deceased's neck, all the principal blood vessels being divided. - A verdict of "Suicide while in a State of Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 14 October 1886
EXETER - At an Inquest held yesterday at the Pack Horse Inn, St David's-hill, on the body of ROBERT HALLIDAY ALLEN, a London warehouseman, 57 years of age, residing with Mr Mitchell, at Velwell-villas, St. David's, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." The evidence of Mr Cumming, Surgeon, showed that the cause of death was heart disease.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 October 1886
EXETER - An Inquest was held by Mr Coroner Hooper at the Papermakers' Arms Inn, Exe-street, yesterday, on the body of LOUISA THORN, 17 years of age, residing in Exe-street. The evidence adduced was of a very painful nature. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 18 October 1886
DODDISCOMBSLEIGH - Mr Henry H. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday on the body of JANE COX, of Lowleigh Cottage, who was found dead in bed a little before ten on Thursday morning. The deceased, who was 39 years of age, had been suffering from measles and had taken to her bed on Wednesday, where her husband left her at 6.30 on Thursday morning. At 9.30 her husband's mother took her a cup of tea and bread and butter, which she ate, and on returning to the room about a quarter of an hour after, she found her dead. - Dr Riddell, of Dunsford, who had made a post mortem examination, attributed death to a rupture of the heart, which was greatly diseased. Both lungs, too, were congested and the body was covered with measles. - Verdict, "Death from Heart Disease."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 19 October 1886
TORQUAY - The Mysterious Discovery At Torquay. - An Inquiry was held at the Clarence Hotel, Torre, Torquay, last evening, before the District Coroner, Mr Sidney Hacker, into the circumstances attending the death of MRS MARY REA, an elderly lady, who resided at No. 2, Avondale Villas, Avenue-road, whose both was found dead in the house in an advanced state of decomposition on Saturday last. - The Jurymen met at the Clarence Hotel at 12 o'clock yesterday, having been called together by the Police, who had received a telegram from the Coroner ordering the Inquest to be held at noon. After waiting about an hour and a half the Jurymen were informed that the telegram was intended for the Police at Teignmouth, where an Inquest was held on the body of a man washed in from the sea. Previous to the Inquest the Coroner explained the circumstances under which the mistake was made, and said he was very sorry that the Jury should have been put to any inconvenience. - Mr Joshua Edwards was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Joseph Chave, a builder, residing at 4 Avondale Villas, Avenue-road, said he had known the deceased lady since 1881. Since that time she had resided at No. 2 Avondale Villas, alone and had no servant. The last time he saw her alive was on the last day of September. On the 1st October she called to witness's wife and asked several questions with regard to the train service. This led him to believe that the deceased had gone away. On Saturday last Detective Bond called on him and made some inquiries about the matter. They then went together and with the assistance of a ladder got into the house at one of the bedroom windows. After searching the bedrooms they were led to go to the kitchen by a very offensive smell which came from there. On entering the room they found the body lying on the floor. The deceased had complained of being very ill on several occasions during the past three or four months, and she had said that they need not be surprised to find her dead some day. - Ernest Pidgeon, an errand-boy, residing at No. 1 Geneva Cottages, stated that on October 1st, about 8 p.m., he saw the deceased at her house. He had taken half-a-dozen of ale to her from his master, Mr Bridgman, grocer, of Higher Union-street. - P.C. Bond stated that he entered the house with Mr Chave. In the kitchen they found the deceased lying on the floor on her left side, with her head towards the window and close to a table. There was a chair standing close by and it appeared that the deceased had slipped from the chair. On the floor was a broken plate. On the table there was a knife and fork, portion of a glass of ale, a dish containing beef and some butter. He searched the house and found a bag with 21 sovereigns in it and a purse containing a further sum of money. There was also a chest containing silver and a watch and chain in a downstair room. Nothing had been disturbed. He went to the letter-box and found a number of letters, one of which was dated October 2nd. - In answer to a Juror, witness stated that there were no marks of violence on the body. - Mr J. B. Richardson, Surgeon, stated that the cause of death was rupture of the heart. He was of opinion that the deceased had knocked the plate off the table, and in stooping to pick it up had caused the rupture. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 20 October 1886
EXETER - The Fatal Accident At Queen Street Station. Conflicting Evidence. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquiry at the Topsham Inn yesterday morning into the circumstances attending the death of CHARLES BERRY, who was killed on Saturday at Queen-street Station. - Inspector Trump watched the case on behalf of the London and South-Western Railway Company. - MARY EMMA BERRY, residing at 1 Beaufort-road, St Thomas, identified the body of the deceased as that of her husband, who was 28 years of age and was employed as a carter by Mr H. B. Varwell, coal merchant. Deceased left home on Saturday morning at a quarter to 6 o'clock to go to work. He was then in good health. Witness did not see him again alive. - John Taylor, foreman shunter at Queen-street Station, deposed that on Saturday afternoon, about 3.45, he saw the deceased unloading salt out of a waggon near the goods shed, and about three or four trucks away from the stop-blocks. Deceased's horse and cart were standing alongside the rails and witness was standing on an engine engaged in shunting on the next "road" to that where the deceased was at work. The engine passed deceased's horse without the animal taking any notice of its presence; but on its re-approaching the horse appeared to have bolted. The fireman on the engine, noticing the danger, called out and the engine was brought to a standstill. Witness jumped off the engine and found the deceased lying between the horse's legs and apparently not much injured. Witness lifted him up and, seeing the serious injury he had sustained, immediately sent for medical aid and procured a stretcher. - Dr Kempe was soon on the scene and the deceased was conveyed to the Hospital. - In reply to questions, witness said he should think that the engine was going at the rate of about three or four miles an hour. The horse was not much injured. He should think that the horse was knocked down by the engine and that the deceased was thrown down by the horse. The injury deceased sustained was, he thought, caused by the hoof of the horse. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he would not be positive whether the deceased was knocked down by the engine or the horse. - Alfred William Tapper, fireman, stated that he was engaged in shunting in the goods yard on Saturday afternoon on No. 5 "road." Deceased was unloading salt in No. 4 "road," which was next to No. 5. Witness's engine, in pushing back some trucks, passed deceased's horse all right, and the animal did not move; but on the engine again getting abreast of it the animal made a sudden plunge backward, as if it were going to bolt. Witness called to his mate to stop and put on the brake. When they stopped witness saw that the horse had been knocked down and that the deceased was lying between the horse's heels and the waggon. When witness last saw deceased, before stopping the engine, he was in the waggon. He thought that the engine must have struck the corner of deceased's waggon, thrown the horse down and deceased must have fallen between the horse's heels and the waggon. There was no one at the head of the horse at the time. - A Juryman thought that it was a very dangerous thing to leave horses when an engine was passing without some person being at their head. - Another Juryman thought that great blame was to be attached to deceased's employer for not having sent a man to look after the animal while deceased was unloading. - Several of the Jurymen dissented, one of them remarking that it was very improbable that an employer would pay a man for simply standing at the head of a horse while unloading. - A Juryman said he considered that a waggon should not have been allowed where deceased's was. - The Coroner (to the last witness): Was it necessary that deceased's waggon should have been between the rails in order to unload? - Witness: Yes, sir. - Inspector Trump said that the space was kept on purpose for the loading of waggons. - Mr Varwell, who was present during the Inquiry, said he might say, for the information of the Jury, that the horse had been in use for many years. Curiously enough, the poor fellow asked only last week to have the animal because he preferred it. The horse was old and had been used to work at Stations for many years. He thought that the place was a usual one for unloading, and was, he believed, considered safe. - It was not at all usual for a man to be placed at the head of an old horse to control it. He also wished to speak in very high terms of the deceased, who was a very industrious and hard-working man. - The Coroner: Is it the duty of the Company's servants to unload the waggons, or the drivers themselves? - Mr Varwell: The drivers. - The Coroner: Then the Company has nothing to do with it? - Mr Varwell: No, sir. - The Inspector said that it was not the duty of the Railway Company to place men at the head of horses at all. - A Juryman again expressed an opinion that someone should be placed at the head of horses to prevent them bolting. - Mr Matthews: How long would it have taken the deceased to load? - Mr Varwell: He only had 5cwt., so it would not have taken him very long. - Mr A. G. Blomfield, House Surgeon at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, stated that the deceased was admitted into that Institution on Saturday, about half-past 4 o'clock. He was quite unconscious, totally paralysed, and in a dying state. Witness examined the deceased, and found that he had sustained a very severe compound fracture of the skull. Nearly the whole of the right side of the head was clean broken off. He died in the Hospital the same evening from paralysis, the result of the injury received. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Blomfield said the blow to deceased's head must have been the result of very great violence. He did not think that the kick of a horse would have caused it, and considered that it was much more likely to have been caused by the engine striking deceased in the head. - The Coroner, in summing up, pointed out to the Jury that what they had to consider was whether the deceased was knocked down by the engine or by the horse. They also had to consider whether the spot in question was a safe one. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased was Accidentally Knocked down by the Engine, and added that they did not consider the place where deceased was killed a safe one for loading or unloading purposes. - Inspector Trump said he would convey the Jury's decision to the proper authorities.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 October 1886
TEIGNMOUTH - Found Dead On Teignmouth Beach. - An Inquest was held on Monday morning at the London Hotel, Teignmouth, by Mr Sidney Hacker, District Coroner, on the body of WILLIAM THOMAS SCAGELL, fisherman, who was found dead on Sunday night on the beach. - CHARLES SCAGELL, brother of the deceased, said he resided at 17 Parson-street, and that he was a master mariner. The last time he saw the deceased alive was at his home about a quarter to six. He was then at the back of the house smoking his pipe. He had not been well for some considerable time, and was attended from January to April last by Dr Lake, who then said he was suffering from pleurisy. William Matthews, a fisherman, 1 Teign View, deposed that about half-past 8 on Sunday evening he walked across the beach with a man named Smith towards the Ferryboat-house, where he thought he saw a man lying on his back. He called Smith's attention to it. They went over and found a man, as they thought, asleep, but on examination it was seen that he was dead. He did not notice any wound. The blood seemed to be flowing from his mouth. With the assistance of Mr Knowles, of the Lifeboat Inn, they removed the body to underneath the lamp of the Lifeboat-house, and then recognised the deceased, and at once sent for a doctor. - Mr G. H. Johnson, Surgeon, Teignmouth said he had examined the body and was of opinion that death resulted from apoplexy. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

WHITESTONE - A Child Suffocated At Whitstone. - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquiry at Pitt Farm, Whitstone, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of LILY DYMOND, aged three months, the illegitimate child of EMMA JANE DYMOND, who has until within the past month been residing with her mother at Sampford Courtenay, but now resides at the farm with her brother. The evidence went to show that on Monday morning, about half-past seven or eight o'clock, the child was found lying on its right side in bed by its mother dead. - Mr Vlieland, Surgeon, of St. Thomas, said he had examined the body of the child, which was well nourished, and appeared to have had every care and attention during life. The right side of the face and the whites of the eyes were deeply congested. There was a soreness of the skin on either side of the neck which he believed was due to perspiration and being insufficiently kept dry during life. On making a post mortem examination he found that the lungs were very full of blood and covered with numerous black spots, the result of small ruptured blood-vessels. The right side of the heart was also full of fluid blood. These symptoms led him to conclude that the child died from suffocation, probably caused by being overlaid. - The Coroner, having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that "Deceased died from Suffocation, but how caused there was no evidence to show."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 25 October 1886
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Inhumanity At Moretonhampstead. - An Inquest was held at the Ring of Bells Inn, Moretonhampstead, by Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, on Saturday, on the body of MRS MARY DUNSFORD, wife of MR RICHARD DUNSFORD, of Coombe Farm, who was found dead in an outhouse on Thursday. - Mr W. P. Harvey, solicitor, watched the case on behalf of the relatives of the deceased. - A Jury, of which the Rev. J. Ruddle was chosen Foreman, having been empanelled and sworn, proceeded to Coombe Farm to view the body. On the return of the Jury the first witness called was RICHARD DUNSFORD, husband of the deceased, who deposed that she was 55 years of age. On Thursday evening, about half-past five o'clock, the servant girl asked him to go out into the yard, saying, "There is something the matter with missus." The girl, Robert, and witness went to the root-house, where they saw the deceased standing up with her hands resting on a stone by the window of the root-house looking into the meadow. He tapped her on the shoulder and said, "Mother, come on." She replied, "Go on, go on." She was intoxicated. Her cap had fallen off. They left her there. About half an hour after witness took a lantern, and in company with his son, ROBERT, went to the root-house and saw deceased lying on her left side with her head against the wall. Witness said, "Look at that, ROBERT; what shall we do with her?" They thought that she was asleep and considered they had better let her sleep on. Witness and his son returned indoors and in about ten minutes witness again went out in the dark to the deceased and he took her hand. She did not speak. He went into the house again, and did not rouse her because he did not wish the men to see the condition that deceased was in. He did not notice that her hand was cold. A little after 6 o'clock ROBERT and the boys went out again to see the deceased. Soon after ROBERT called me and said, "Father, missus is dead over there." Witness went to the root-house and found her in the same position she was in when he last saw her. She was dead. Her hand was warm. Witness said, "Don't touch her," and sent for the doctor. She was not moved before the doctor saw her. Witness did not see any wound then. The deceased was in her usual health during the day and had been attending to her duties. Witness did not notice that she was intoxicated at tea-time - between 4 and 5 p.m. She sent the boy for a quart of gin after dinner. Witness was not aware that there was any squabbling between the deceased and any members of the family during the day. She must have died between half-past 5 and 6 o'clock. - Elizabeth Mortimore, domestic servant at Coombe Farm, corroborated the evidence of the last witness in many respects, and in addition said she had tea with her mistress at half-past 5 in the kitchen, and she thought she was then the worse for drink. She afterwards found her in the root-house. She had mud on her apron and dress. - William Robert Luscombe deposed that on Thursday he was going after the cows about half-past 5 o'clock. He saw MRS DUNSFORD walking on her knees and hands by the root-house door. He went back and called George Mortimore, who came up and witness went and called ROBERT DUNSFORD. ROBERT came up to the deceased and said to her, "Do you know where you are?" He did not know what reply she made. ROBERT lifted her up on her legs and "hoved" her into the root-house through the door. She did not fall, but slipped down on her feet on the floor. She then turned round and looked out of the door. Witness did not see a cap on her head. The deceased did not strike her head as she was being put into the root-house. - By Mr Ruddle: ROBERT "hoved" her (i.e. lifted her) into the root-house. - G. Mortimore and H. Morse corroborated. - George Passmore, of Becky Falls, Manaton, carpenter, stated that he saw MRS DUNSFORD about four o'clock on the 21st instant and did not notice whether she was the worse for drink or not. There was a little loud talk going on between MR and MRS DUNSFORD during the time he was there, but no quarrel took place. - Evidence having been given by the Police, Mr George Nelson Collyns, Surgeon, of Moreton, deposed to being called to Coombe Farm on Thursday evening. On seeing the deceased his first remark was "She has broken her neck." He saw that from the position in which the body was lying. She was lying flat on her back, with her shoulders close against the wall, and her head twisted over the right shoulder. On examining the body he found the dislocation in the two upper cervical vertebrae. He requested that she should be taken upstairs. On making a further examination he found she had an abrasion at the back of the head, from which blood came. It was not a deep wound. Her own weight would be sufficient to cause the wound by falling against the wall. There appeared to be a discolouration of the right eye. He considered death to have been instantaneous, and he did not think there was any movement after she fell. - By the Coroner: MR RICHARD DUNSFORD, the husband of the deceased, was excited. - ROBERT DUNSFORD, on being asked by the Coroner if he wished to give any evidence, declined to do so. - RICHARD DUNSFORD was recalled and on being asked whether he was the worse for drink stated that he was not, neither was his son. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict and on re-entering the room recorded the following, which was read by the Rev. J. Ruddle:- "We find that deceased Accidentally met with her death by falling while in a state of Intoxication, thereby dislocating her neck; and are of opinion that RICHARD DUNSFORD and ROBERT DUNSFORD, her stepson, deserve the strongest censure for their inhumanity in leaving her for a considerable time utterly incapable of taking care of herself." - The Coroner said he quite agreed with the verdict and with the censure of the Jury.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 26 October 1886
TOTNES - The Fatal Accident On The Dart. - An Inquest was held last evening by Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, and a Jury, at the Steam Packet Inn, Totnes, on the body of ALFRED TITE, an electrician, of London, who met his death on Saturday evening by falling over the side of the steamer Dartmouth Castle. The evidence given bore out the report of the circumstances which has already appeared - that the deceased was sitting on the gunwale of the boat and, over-balancing himself, fell under one of the paddle-wheels, receiving injuries from which he died. It was shown that the accident took place at a most dangerous part of the river, but the steamer was stopped as soon as the captain heard the cry "Man Overboard!" The deceased was then at least 200 feet from the steamer, and it would have been useless to have thrown a life-buoy or rope to him, and he sunk before a boat could reach him. The medical evidence showed that the left side of the skull of the deceased was fractured through his striking the paddle-box in his fall. There was no sign of a struggle and most probably the deceased was stunned by the blow and sank. - The Corner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict that "Deceased was Accidentally Killed by the Paddlewheel of the Steamer." - The Foreman (Mr T. S. Harris) said the Jury wished to recommend that for the future the steamer should carry a small boat for use in case of accidents. They were aware the Board of Trade did not demand such a thing. - Captain Tolman said whatever the Jury recommended he would lay it before the Board of Directors at the next meeting. - The fees of the Jury were collected for the widow. The company also subscribed a sovereign and the Captain of the steamboat gave a subscription.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 28 October 1886
EXETER - The Suicide In The Exeter Reservoir. An Unfortunate Case. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at the Crown and Sceptre Hotel, North Bridge, St. David's, yesterday, on the body of EMMA CATHERINE HAUGHINS, wife of a Colour-Sergeant stationed at the Higher Barracks, who was found drowned in the Reservoir in Howell-road on Tuesday morning. - THOMAS PATRICK HAUGHINS, a Colour-Sergeant in the Devonshire Regiment, and stationed at the Higher Barracks, Exeter, identified the body of the deceased as that of his wife, who was about 38 years of age, and resided in apartments in Longbrook-street. Witness had not seen deceased for about a fortnight and had been unable to live with her in consequence of the unsound state of her mind. About a month since he appeared before the Exeter Magistrates and stated the facts of the case to them. In consequence of what he said he believed that she was medically examined and subsequently he was informed that, as a result of the medical officer's examination, they (the Bench) would be unable to grant a certificate to the effect that deceased was of unsound mind. He was also requested to supply the deceased with suitable lodgings, which he did. About a week after she had been in lodgings, the tenant of the house came to witness and informed him that he should be unable to keep the deceased any longer in his house because of her violence. Witness accordingly applied a second time to the Bench that the youngest child, which was in the custody of his wife, might be handed over to him. They, however, informed him that there was a new Act in power which would not allow of a child being taken away from its mother; but intimated that they would make inquiries into the subject. Witness heard nothing more until he was informed between 6 and 7 o'clock on Tuesday morning that deceased had left her lodgings and could not be found. In reply to a question, witness said that upon one occasion while living in the Barracks, he found the deceased in the passage at midnight and on questioning her she replied that she was going to drown herself. Witness, however, replaced her in her bedroom and on the following morning reported the occurrence to the authorities, who shifted them to fresh quarters. Witness also stated that deceased suffered from hereditary insanity, her grandfather having died in an Asylum. - Elizabeth Webber, wife of William Webber, residing at No. 2 Mount Cottages, Longbrook-street, stated that deceased had lived with her for about a month or five weeks. The deceased was very excitable, especially when she had had anything to drink. On Monday night deceased was intoxicated and in consequence of her being very excited, witness locked the door and took the key. About 12 o'clock deceased called to witness, who had retired to rest, and asked to be allowed to have the key in case she should have to go out for a doctor for her baby. Witness accordingly went downstairs and let deceased have the key. The latter, after having tried the key to see whether it would open the door, followed witness upstairs and went into her own bedroom, after having wished witness "Good night." Just after witness had entered her own bedroom she heard the deceased calling out of the window in a very excited manner, and about ten minutes afterwards heard her leave the house. Deceased's baby shortly afterwards commenced to cry, and witness got up and gave it some food. Witness's husband also got up and after waiting for half an hour in the hope that she would return, he went in search of the deceased, but failed to find her. Witness's husband then informed some Policeman at the top of Longbrook-street of the circumstances and went to the Guildhall to see whether or not deceased had been taken there. He also went to the Barracks and informed deceased's husband that she was missing. - James Daw, an engine-driver at the Reservoir in Howell-road, said that on Tuesday morning, about half-past 10 o'clock he saw a woman's hat on the top of the water in the Reservoir. Thinking it strange, he sent for Mr Cameron, the City Surveyor and together they searched the water with drags, with the result that deceased's body was brought to the surface. Mr Bell was sent for, and that gentleman upon his arrival pronounced life to be extinct. - In reply to a question from the Coroner, witness said that one of the gates at the two entrances to the Reservoir was locked on the night of the occurrence, but the other was open. - The Coroner: Was there any necessity for its being open? - Witness: No, sir. - The witness also stated that a man was at work pumping during Monday night, but he did not see anyone enter the gate. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, residing in St. Sidwell's, proved examining the body of the deceased and finding no marks of violence. Death was due to drowning. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he received an order from the Mayor on the 20th September to visit deceased and report as to her mental condition. He accordingly did so, and as a result of his examination he failed to find any symptoms of insanity in the deceased. He then endeavoured to discover whether she had any suicidal tendencies, or was suffering from any delusions, but failed to find any. She complained very bitterly of the treatment she had received from her husband, who, she said, wished her dead. Deceased also remarked that she should not do away with herself. Witness presented his report to the Magistrates, who also examined the deceased themselves. - The Coroner: Do you know whether there was any hereditary insanity in the family? - Witness: I had not seen the husband, and I had, therefore, no person to ask the question of. - Witness, continuing, said that the Magistrates, as a result of his examination and their own, did not make an order. - In reply to the Coroner witness said that the Magistrates had to satisfy themselves of the insanity of a person before they made an order. It was quite competent for them to make an order in lunacy against the certificate of the medical-officer. In the present case there was no evidence of insanity, and he could not certify that the deceased was of unsound mind. There were no delusions, the woman was perfectly calm and collected, the Magistrates saw her, and no order was made. If they had, the Lunacy Commissioners would have quashed it at once, and she would not have been in an Asylum three days. - Deceased's husband (recalled) said he did not think that he said anything to the Magistrates relative to the deceased's grandfather having been in an Asylum. - The Coroner: Do you know in what Asylum he was when he died? - Witness: I don't know the name; it was in the North of Ireland. - Inspector Symes said that the deceased came to the Guildhall a short time since and stated that her husband allowed her 10s. a week, which she alleged was not enough to support her and complained that there was not enough furniture in the room where she lived. He made inquiries and found that she had had sufficient to live on and also had enough furniture. She was addicted to drink, and at times became very violent. Deceased did not, however, ill-use her child. - Quartermaster Evans, of the Devonshire Regiment, handed a letter to the coroner from Colonel Fremantle, in which he stated that he considered Colour-Sergeant HAUGHINS had done everything in his power to do what was right and proper in the unfortunate position in which he found himself. Quartermaster Evans stated that HAUGHINS had been very good and kind to his wife, who was generally thought by those in the barracks to have been insane. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he considered it was rather unfortunate, as the sequel showed, that the Magistrates did not make an order for the removal of the deceased to an Asylum. He did not wish, however, to cast any reflection whatever upon them. He also thought that it was unfortunate that the gate at the Reservoir was not locked and he hoped that in the future proper steps would be taken to see that the gate was locked at night. - The Jury after a short consultation returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity," and exonerated the husband from all blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 29 October 1886
BURLESCOMBE - Fatal Fall Downstairs At Westleigh. - Mr F. Burrow, District Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday touching the death of GEORGE WOOD, aged 73, employed by the Great Western Railway Company as Canal-keeper at this village. The deceased resided at Ebear Cottage, part of which was occupied also by Eli Ponsford, railway packer. On the evening of Monday, the 18th inst., after spending an hour and a half at the Horse and Jockey Inn, the deceased went home sober and unassisted. He was accompanied, however, as far as his garden gate by Henry Coppin, quarryman, and on the way had some conversation with Mr Kerslake, a farmer. Ponsford, who was in bed when the deceased reached home, hard him remove his boots in a lower room and come part way upstairs. He then heard him fall and on going to his assistance found him at the foot of the stairs with his head against the door-post. He raised him up and put him to bed and presently remarked to him that his head was bleeding. Deceased replied, "Oh, dear." Next day Mr N. B. Grigg, of Holcombe Rogus, Surgeon, was sent for and saw the deceased about 5 p.m. He found a cut about two inches long at the back of his head, causing concussion of the brain, which he now stated was the cause of death, which took place on Saturday. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 November 1886
EXETER - A Housemaid Found Dead In Bed At Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at 25 St David's-hill, yesterday morning, relative to the death of ELIZABETH HOWE, a single woman, aged 20, who had been living with Mr Gadd for over six years as housemaid. - Mr Read was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness was MARY ANN HOWE, servant at Rose Cottage, Pennsylvania, who identified the body as that of her sister. The deceased visited Rose Cottage on Sunday last, when she told witness that she was better than she had been. - Mrs Anne Gadd said that during the time the deceased had been in her service her health had been pretty good. Since last Saturday fortnight she had complained of rheumatism, and consequently had spent a great deal of her time in bed. For the last two weeks she had done just as she pleased. On Monday morning, about nine o'clock, witness carried the deceased her breakfast, when she said that she was much better, and the pains from which she had been suffering were gone. At ten o'clock Miss Gadd took some water to the deceased's room, leaving it outside the door. About half an hour later witness still saw the water there and she knocked at the door, which was locked. The deceased replied that she knew the water was there. At twelve o'clock Mrs Gadd again visited the room, the door being still locked. She spoke, but failing to get a reply, entered the deceased's room through the box-room. She found the deceased lying near the foot of her bed, apparently dead. She had her nightdress and boots and stockings on. Deceased complained of rheumatism, more particularly in the right hip. - The opinion of Mr Caird, Surgeon, who was called in, was that death was due to syncope or failure of the heart's action. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The Coroner remarked that great attention and kindness had been extended towards the deceased both by Mr and Mrs Gadd. She had lived like one of their own. - The Jury concurred.

COLEBROOKE - Sudden Death At Coleford. - Mr Henry W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry last evening at the New Inn, Coleford, touching the death of THOMAS JARMAN, a miller, aged 62. - From the evidence of MRS JARMAN, the widow, it appeared that the deceased just before 4 o'clock on Saturday morning left the bed, lighted a lamp and placed it in their children's room, the children being restless. On his return, about a minute afterwards, he lit his own lamp and got into bed. He had not been there more than a minute when she heard a noise proceeding from his throat and on lifting him she found he was dead. The deceased had not previously shown signs of illness. - Mr Powne, surgeon, of Crediton, who was called in, found no evidence of death from violence. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 November 1886
MUSBURY - The Suicide Of A Relieving Officer At Musbury. - An Inquest on the body of MR WILLIAM K. HALSE, Relieving Officer for the Southern Division of the Axminster Union, whose death by hanging we have already recorded, was held on Wednesday at the New Inn, Musbury, before Mr C. Cox, Deputy Coroner. Evidence was given by MISS EDITH HALSE (a daughter of the deceased), JAMES HALSE (his son), MISS MARY HALSE (a sister) and P.C. Bartlett. Their testimony showed that the unfortunate man had been very low-spirited since the previous Saturday, when, it will be remembered, he attended before the Axminster Guardians in reference to the alleged discrepancies in his Lady-day accounts. On his return to Musbury, his sister, speaking to him about the meeting, expressed the hope that he had got on all right, and he replied that there was only one man against him, "who, very likely, wanted the job himself." MISS HALSE observing that she was glad of this for the sake of his dear children, he sat down and cried, which, she said, was a most unusual thing for him to do. On Tuesday afternoon, just after he had announced his intention of attending an audit then proceeding at Axminster, he was missed. His sister and the daughter above-mentioned appear to have feared the worst, and at once instituted a search, first visiting the loft and afterwards going down to the river. On their return from the latter spot, deceased's son, JAMES HALSE, reported that his father was hanging from a beam in the loft. They had left only an hour before. The Police-constable was called and he cut down the body, life being already extinct. A barrel was underneath and it would appear that deceased had stood on this to fasten himself to the beam, and then kicked the barrel away. He had used a common halter. - The Jury found that he committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane. - The Coroner: I have no doubt that it was the state of his affairs that led him to commit the rash act. Several Jurors: There is not the least doubt of that.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 9 November 1886
TAVISTOCK - Yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd, District Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr W. Northway was Foreman, held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN PHILLIPS COLLACOTT, son of MR COLLACOTT, landlord of the Exeter Inn, Tavistock, who was found dead in bed early on Sunday morning. - WILLIAM JAMES GLANVILLE COLLACOTT, brother of the deceased, identified the body, and said his brother was 35 years old, and a hairdresser by trade, although living with his father. The deceased had served as a soldier in India, where he had enteric fever. On Saturday he complained of pain in the throat, and went to bed about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, perfectly sober. - John Magee, in the service of MR COLLACOTT stated that about half-past one o'clock on Sunday morning the deceased came into a room occupied by witness and another man, and complained of feeling very unwell. He laid himself on a bed next to that which witness occupied and a little after 5 o'clock witness found that the deceased was dead. - Mr Steed, Surgeon, of Tavistock, said from what he had seen and heard, he believed death resulted from congestion of the lungs, as the deceased had complained of pains in the side, and had had poultices applied. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and at the suggestion of the Coroner, who said he had known MR COLLACOTT, sen., for 30 years, expressed their condolence with the parents of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 November 1886
CREDITON - A Farmer's Son Drowned At Crediton. - The body of MR THOS. HUGGINS, the eldest son of MR HUGGINS, of Moor Farm, Shobrook, was found in the river on Saturday. It appears that the deceased, who is about 23 years of age, went out to see the sheep and not returning to breakfast, his father instituted a search for him. The hat of the deceased was found on the river bank. Dr Body was sent for and on arrival he found life to be extinct. The deceased had been medically attended for some time for nervousness. At the Inquest on Monday a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 17 November 1886
HEMYOCK - The Scaffold Accident At Wellington. - Yesterday afternoon Mr Deputy Coroner Cox held an Inquest at the New Inn, Hemyock, touching the death of ALBERT JOHN BOON, aged 52, carpenter, of Hemyock, who, as already reported, met with an accident on Saturday while at work on a scaffold at Wellington. The Jury, having heard the evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BARNSTAPLE - Sad Effects Of Drink At Barnstaple. - An Inquest was held last evening at the North Devon infirmary, Barnstaple, by R. I. Bencraft, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MRS REBECCA HILL, a milliner, of Vicarage-street, Barnstaple, who was found dead in bed on Monday. Deceased was known as a woman of intemperate habits and a year or two since was fined for larceny, which she committed while under the influence of drink. In consequence of her habits her husband left her some years ago and made her a weekly allowance. The Coroner mentioned these facts before the body was viewed, and said he had had a post mortem examination of the body made, as it had been suggested that deceased had swallowed some poisonous liquid from a bottle found in the house. That, however, was not sop but they would hear that death was really the result of excessive drinking. - Mabel Fewings, a girl 13 years of age, and residing near the deceased's house, said that as the deceased was ill on Sunday she went in to see her in the evening. She found her upstairs dressed, but lying on the bed. She asked witness to fetch her a pennyworth of beer, but she refused, as her mother had told her not to do so. When she saw her earlier in the day she was unable to go upstairs. The next morning, at the request of her mother, she went in to see how the deceased was, and to offer her a cup of tea. She then found her on the bed dressed, but dead. Deceased frequently got intoxicated and witness had fetched spirit for her, which she used to drink without any water in it. - Stephen Tucker, a neighbour, said that on Sunday afternoon he heard the deceased crying for help. He went into her kitchen and found her on the floor. He lifted her up on a chair and she fell off and as she asked to be put to bed he went and got assistance. She was under the influence of drink and was in a most filthy condition. He had known her to be intoxicated for seven weeks together. He had given her good advice; but she had told him that she could not help her intemperate habits. - Henry Morrish and Sarah Fewings corroborated as to deceased's habits. The last witness added that the bottle produced was sent in to her by the deceased on Sunday in return for one she had borrowed and broken. The bottle was a quart whiskey bottle. - Mrs Seldon, of the Globe Inn, Trinity-street, said she could not swear to the bottle produced; but she had lost one exactly like it full of whiskey from her bar on Friday evening. She had not seen the deceased in her house for ten years, as she had ordered her not to come in consequence of having detected her pilfering in the bar. - Dr Mark Jackson said when he arrived at the house on Monday he found deceased must have been dead several hours. The body was in a very filthy condition, as was the house. There was no bedding, except an old bed tick and a piece of blanketing, and there was no furniture in the room. He had made a post mortem examination. The body was well nourished, but there was nothing in the stomach. Death was due to syncope, or failure of the heart's action, brought about by disorders occasioned by her intemperate habits. The body was saturated with alcohol and the room stank of it. - The Coroner having remarked upon the habits of the deceased, and the probable destination of Mrs Seldon's bottle of whiskey, the Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Found Dead in her bed and that her death, according to the medical evidence, was the result of her intemperate Habits.

BUCKFASTLEIGH - The Gun Accident At Buckfastleigh. - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday, at the King's Arms Hotel, respecting the death of MR S. CHURCHWARD through the accidental discharge of a gun. - MR EDRED CHURCHWARD, of Hillside, Buckfastleigh, identified the body as that of his brother. He stated that he last saw deceased on Saturday morning the 13th, at 9 o'clock. He opened his business letters, and appeared more cheerful than usual. - T. Grint, a labourer, deposed to the deceased coming to him on the farm at Wotton, and asking for a gun to go and shoot rabbits, about 11.30 a.m. The witness was called to search for MR CHURCHWARD at 11 p.m., and found him lying on one side of a hedge and the gun on the other. - Dr Ubsdell stated that he was called to see the body, which he said was lying in the position described by the former witness. Everything pointed to the discharge of the gun being purely accidental. - P.C. Warren deposed to having been called to see the body. There was a slight toe-mark on the hedge, as though the deceased had attempted to get over and had slipped back. Part of his hat was found in the hedge and part in the field outside. The deceased's watch was still going. - The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased came to his death by the Accidental Discharge of his Gun."

TEIGNMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Teignmouth yesterday by Mr Sidney Hacker, District Coroner, touching the death of a woman named EMMA FROOM SANDERS, aged 52. The body having been identified by the daughter of the deceased, Mr Owen., the House Surgeon at the Teignmouth Infirmary, gave evidence to the effect that he had been attending the deceased for about twelve days before and up to the time of her death. He had made a post mortem examination, and found no marks of violence, but considered the body had been poorly nourished. He could not say she had died from starvation. She had on various occasions asked him for money; he did not know for what purpose, except it was for food. There was no disease, and he attributed death to bronchitis. - Grace Glover, a neighbour of the deceased, said she had been given nourishing food and never complained to witness of being ill-treated. - SAMUEL SANDERS, the husband, said his occupation was that of a painter. He was ill all through the summer with rheumatic fever and had been attended by Mr Owen. He had no work to do during the three weeks of his wife's illness. The last money he earned was 10s. from the Newton County Court for acting as Bailiff. - Mr Francis: Is it not a fact that you have been drunk two or three times during your wife's illness? - Witness said he had had a little, but it had been given him by a man named Bickford. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 18 November 1886
DAWLISH - Sudden Death Of An Infant At Dawlish. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday evening, before Mr Hacker, District Coroner, on the body of the infant child of JOHN and ALICE WOOD, of Chapel-street, who was found dead in its cot on Sunday morning. Evidence was given by the mother that the child had received every attention. Mr A. de W. Baker, Surgeon, who had made a post-mortem examination, certified that no blame was attributable to anyone. The Jury returned a verdict that death resulted from Natural Causes.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 19 November 1886
CULMSTOCK - The Fatal Fall At Culmstock. - On Tuesday Mr Deputy Coroner Cox held an Inquest at Babbs' Ilminster Inn, Culmstock, touching the death of HENRY CARTER, labourer, aged 42, who, as already reported, broke his neck by falling downstairs in his cottage on Saturday night. - Mr J. P. Jacobs was Foreman of the Jury. - The widow deposed that deceased, who was subject to fits, went to bed about 8.30 p.m., and about 11 p.m., shortly after she had followed him, he had one of his seizures. He got out of bed in the dark, went to the top of the stairs, and then she heard him fall. On going to the bedroom door with a light she saw him lying at the bottom. She called him three times, but he did not answer and apparently did not breathe. She was frightened and did not go down to him. She awoke the eldest boy, aged ten, but he was afraid to go down. She then went back to bed and waited until she heard Frederick Pook come home which was at 12.30. She then called to him. He could not open the door of the house and had to fetch another neighbour named Coles, who forced the door. About 1 a.m., when Pook was downstairs, witness went down and had to step over deceased's body. He seemed to be dead, but she did not examine him. The stairs had no hand-rail, and in the dark a person might fall down them. - A Juryman here remarked that the stairs were the worst he had ever seen. - Corroborative evidence having been given, Mr Ellis, Surgeon, said that death resulted from dislocation of the neck and must have been instantaneous. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added as a rider that the landlord's attention should be drawn to the dangerous position of the stairs. - The Coroner concurred in this. He did not wonder at such an accident happening. - The Jury gave their fees for buying some food and other necessaries for the deceased's children, who, as one of the Jurymen remarked, seemed to be half-starved.

ST MARYCHURCH - The Suicide Of A Widow At St. Marychurch. - An inquiry was held at the Havelock Arms, St Marychurch at an early hour on Wednesday morning, before the District Coroner, Mr Sidney Hacker, into the circumstances attending the death of MRS ELIZABETH WILLIAMS, aged 72, the widow of a naval pensioner, residing at Castle View, Teignmouth-road, St Mary Church, who died on Tuesday morning from the effects of wounds inflicted in the throat with a dinner knife on Sunday evening. - Elizabeth Helston, niece of the deceased, said she had been living with MRS WILLIAMS for the past five weeks. MR WILLIAMS died about twelve months since and his widow had in the interval resided alone. On Sunday evening they had tea in the ordinary sitting-room and about 7 o'clock MRS WILLIAMS went out to the back of the house. Twice witness went to her and was told to go in again. On the third occasion she missed deceased from the place in which she had been standing and hearing groans proceeding from the garden, raised an alarm. She identified the table-knife produced as one of two used during tea. She had cleared the table, but did not know what became of the knives. - William Pearce, gardener, who lived in the lower portion of the premises, on being called by the last witness went into the garden and found MRS WILLIAMS behind a row of beans. She was on her knees and her throat was cut. He took her into the house and Dr Steele, of Babbacombe, was sent for. That gentleman, on making an examination of the wound, ascertained that the trachea and oesophagus were divided and the windpipe being cut below the organ of voice, the unfortunate lady, although appearing quite sensible, was unable to speak. Later on the knife was found in the garden by William Helston. It appeared to have been recently sharpened and was stuck in the ground about six feet from where the deceased was discovered by Pearce. - The Coroner pointed out that there was no evidence as to the state of the deceased's mind, and Dr Finch, of St Mary Church, who was present, said he had been medical adviser to MRS WILLIAMS for the past 20 years. She had always been more or less nervous since her husband's death and was very restless at night. A few months since she went to her brother's house on the Braddons, but had to leave, as her condition made the household miserable. On Saturday evening she visited him about 6 p.m., complaining of great pain in her head. She stated that on Thursday she started to go to the butcher's, but found herself on Maidencombe Beach and thoroughly drenched with water. He attributed her wandering to melancholia, and said these symptoms undoubtedly pointed to an unsound mind. - A verdict to that effect was returned by the Jury.

PLYMOUTH - Shocking Suicide At Plymouth. - CHARLES W. BOVEY, one of the rate-collectors for Plymouth, and whose district embraced the most important premises and properties in the town, has committed suicide by taking prussic acid. At the Inquest a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned, the evidence showing that he had been very excitable of late and had remarked to his wife that if a man could go through what he was going through he could bear anything.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 22 November 1886
CLOVELLY - Fatal Accident At Clovelly. - On Friday afternoon a sad accident occurred to a labouring man on the Clovelly Estate while engaged with two other men in felling a tree, and it unhappily proved fatal. It appears that two labouring men and the deceased (JAMES DOWNING) were occupied in felling trees on what is known as the West Woods, Clovelly, when a large oak tree on which they had been working during the afternoon, fell in a different direction to what was anticipated and knocked DOWNING down. Assistance was soon at hand, and deceased was promptly extricated, but death appears to have been instantaneous. Mr Cooke, Surgeon, was soon in attendance and pronounced life to be extinct. DOWNING was about 36 years of age, and leaves a wife and five young children to mourn their loss. - At the Inquest on Saturday afternoon before Mr J. F. Bromham, District Coroner, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." At the suggestion of the Foreman, Mr J. H. Seldon, the Jurymen unanimously gave their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 November 1886
SOUTH BRENT - An Inquest was held at Higher Sutton Farm on Monday evening touching the death of MR S. B. GOODMAN, who died on Sunday morning. Mr Jervis Veale was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness was Alfred Hill, who stated that he was a farm labourer, and resided at Over Brent. He saw MR GOODMAN from a distance and he was then holding the field gate open and sending the dog into the field after the cows. He heard deceased calling to the dog and saw the cows leave the field. - James Roach, cowboy, aged 15, said he was going to work at Lutton about 7.30 on Sunday morning, when he found deceased lying dead in the road. - Mr Richard Gillard, Surgeon, practising at South Brent, added that he was sent for and found MR GOODMAN lying on his left side with his head twisted under his neck. Blood had issued from the nose. On examination he found that the upper part of the spine was fractured and this caused a pressure on the spinal cord. He made a post mortem examination on the previous morning and found that the heart was corrupted, this causing faintness, which made him fall and break his neck. - The Coroner said there was no doubt that death was due to the deceased falling through giddiness and breaking his neck. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 November 1886
KNOWSTONE - Shocking Gun Accident At Knowstone. - Mr Coroner Bromham held an Inquest on Wednesday evening at the Masons' Arms, touching the death of GEORGE COLE, carpenter and sawyer. - Mr John Follet was Foreman of the Jury. - On Saturday night the deceased was returning home in company with another man named John Maunder. In two large pockets he carried a gun, the stock and the barrel being detached. As he was passing along the road, only a few yards from the village and about half a mile by the road from his own house, the barrel, which was loaded, fell out of his pocket. The charge went off and inflicted frightful injuries upon deceased, wounding him on the inner side of his thigh and about the groin. Maunder went for assistance and deceased was taken to the house of his brother-in-law, Abraham Cockram, on a handcart and attended late on by Dr Llewellyn's assistant from Witheridge. - He lingered on in great suffering until Tuesday, when he expired early in the morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Deceased was about 35 years of age. He leaves a widow and five or six young children, the youngest of whom was born only a week ago.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 29 November 1886
BRANSCOMBE - The Suicide At Branscombe. - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr C. Cox, held an Inquest at the Masons' Arms, Branscombe, at noon on Saturday relative to the death of WILLIAM ROBERTS WILLIAMS, 60 years of age, a tailor and small farmer of that place, who committed suicide on Friday morning by cutting his throat. - The evidence adduced showed that for about six weeks the deceased had been suffering from liver complaint and during the same period he had also been suffering from mental depression. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 December 1886
EXETER - Fatal Carriage Accident In Topsham-Road. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquiry at the Bude Hotel yesterday touching the death of MISS ELIZABETH ST LEGER, a lady of independent means, which resulted from injuries she received by a carriage accident on the 12th November. - Mr Richard Bishop, solicitor, of Exeter, deposed that deceased resided at 24 East Southernhay, and was 60 years of age last August. - Mr Edward Evans, coachman to Lady Duntze, stated that on the 12th November he drove a brougham and pair to Exeter in order to fetch MISS ST LEGER and the Rev. E. Chatterton Orpen, who were to return with him to Starcross. He arrived at Exeter all right and started on the return journey about half-past 3 or 4 o'clock. When ascending the hill between Topsham Barracks and the residence of Mr Snow he observed a horse and spring market-trap coming in the direction of Exeter. The driver of the vehicle was an old man named Smith, of Woodbury, and the other occupant of the trap was a female, who was sitting on the left of the driver. The horse driven by Smith shied at a heap of stones in the road. Witness pulled his near-side horse up on to the path, but the vehicles collided. The splinter-bar of Lady Duntze's carriage was broken, the outer panel of the door shattered and the hind springs and two or three spokes of the hind wheel were broken. The man and woman in the market-trap were thrown out. The footman went to the head of Lady Duntze's horses and witness went to the assistance of MISS ST LEGER. In reply to witness's question as to whether she was much hurt, MISS ST LEGER said she must go back to the city. Accordingly she was placed in a cab which was near at hand, and witness went to Smith's assistance. He seemed to be very much frightened and said that he was going to the Hospital. Witness then went to Smith's companion, who had received a cut over one of her eyes, but said she was not much injured. - In reply to questions, witness said that to all appearances the outer panel of the carriage was struck by the shaft of Smith's trap. MISS ST LEGER was sitting on the side of the carriage which was struck. - The Rev. E. Chatterton Orpen bore out the last witness's statement. - In reply to the Coroner witness said that he could not say whether deceased was struck; it all happened in a second. MISS ST LEGER and himself were talking pleasantly together when they suddenly came to a standstill. Both of them were thrown forward and the inside of the carriage was covered with the broken glass from the window. MISS ST LEGER seemed stunned and said she had received a great knock to her chest. She also said that she did not think she should be able to go on to Lady Duntze's and witness accordingly accompanied her back to Exeter. - In reply to the Coroner, the witness Evans stated that Smith was driving on the right side of the road and thee could be no blame attached to him. - The Rev. E. Chatterton Orpen said he thought that MISS ST LEGER must have been driven by the force of the collision against a projecting piece of woodwork, and thus received a blow. - Mr Harris, surgeon, deposed that he was called to see MISS ST LEGER on the day of the accident, and on examination found her suffering from severe contusions in the right breast. Some of the ribs were broken, and the after symptoms showed that some portion of the broken ribs had lacerated the right lung. Congestion of the right lung ensued and spread to the left. Deceased also complained of a contusion on the right shoulder. About three days after the accident MISS ST LEGER complained of pains in her right fore-arm, and on examination witness found a plugging of the superficial veins. He continued to attend her until her death, the actual cause of which was failure of the heart's action. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that the case was a very sad one. No blame, however, could be attributed to anyone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 3 December 1886
TOPSHAM - An Inquiry into the cause of death of MARY JANE STONEMAN, a widow, of Topsham, was held at the Salutation Inn last evening by Mr Henry W. Gould, Deputy Coroner. - The deceased, who did on Tuesday, had been suffering from sore throat for the week previous, and could not take any food in consequence, but she refused to have a doctor sent for. - Dr Bothwell gave it as his opinion that death resulted from syncope, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 December 1886
DUNSFORD - Suicide Of DR RIDDELL. - An Inquest was held at Dunsford yesterday, before the Deputy District Coroner, Mr H. Gould, touching the death of DR RIDDELL, who committed suicide on Friday morning just after receiving a letter from the Local Government Board calling upon him to resign his appointment as Medical-officer for that district of the St Thomas Union. The Inquest was held at the residence of the deceased, and Mr Joseph Hellier was elected Foreman of the Jury. - MRS AIMEE CECIL RIDDELL was first called and gave her evidence very calmly and clearly, although she was evidently suffering greatly. She identified the body of the deceased as that of her husband, who was a Surgeon and doctor of medicine and was 42 years of age. She last saw him alive about ten minutes past 9 o'clock on Friday morning. He was then sitting in the surgery, writing. She was surprised that he was not making haste to attend to an urgent case, and she called out "That poor Dan had got the horse ready and had so hurried that he had not had his breakfast." Her husband called back and told her to give Dan his breakfast. She went into the kitchen and gave the man some breakfast. While there she thought she heard her husband go upstairs. She came back and looked in the surgery, but found he was not there. It struck her that he had been very quiet and that he had not, as he usually did, noticed the baby, and he thought that he was, perhaps, unwell. She went upstairs and found him lying on the bed on his right side. She said, "Do you not feel well," and went into the room and then saw that he was quite insensible. His face was rather red and his eyes were fixed. She screamed, "Dan, Dan," and the man rushed upstairs. She told Dan not to let her husband lie down, as she had heard that people in that state should not lie down and she rushed down to the surgery and got an emetic - sulphate of zinc, which she poured into the glass as she went upstairs. She thought she got a little of the emetic into his mouth, though his teeth were clenched. Her husband had not breakfasted and had told the girl not to dish it up for a minute or two. While she was in the kitchen she felt sure her husband came out of the surgery into the other room and had a last look at his children. Previous to giving the emetic she put ammonia-water over his face. She did not succeed in restoring animation, and her husband was dead before she took the tumbler away from his lips. It was not five minutes from the time that he went upstairs until he was dead. She afterwards noticed a medium-sized empty bottle on a little shelf by the right-hand side of the bed. [She produced the bottle, which had contained hydrocyanic acid, and the label on it stated that one drop was sufficient for a dose, and that it was necessary to be excessively careful in its use.] She did not smell the acid about her husband, as she had used ammonia. He had not previously complained, and his health was very good. She had no doubt that he took the acid. She could only assign as the reason the letter which came that morning from the Local Government Board, and he said so in his note. He had not in the slightest anticipated that letter. He was only surprised that the thing was hanging on so long. He expected an Inquiry, and that he should come out triumphant. He had no trouble on his mind and had been more cheerful and light-hearted during the past few months than he had been for years before. She found the letter of the Local Government Board and two other letters on the bed. One of the letters was addressed to Dr Rogers and one to her. - The letter of the Local Government Board was put in and read as follows:- "Whitehall, December 2nd, 1886. - Sir, - I am directed by the Local Government Board to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st ultimo, with reference to your proceedings as Medical-officer for the seventh district of the St. Thomas Union. The Board consider that the terms in which, in your letter of the 9th ultimo to the Clerk to the Guardians, you allude to the Board of Guardians, whose officer you are, are highly improper. They regret to find that you do not offer any apology for the letter in question; and under these circumstances, and having regard to the previous complaints preferred against you and to the intimation conveyed to you in the Board's letter of the 13th of July 1883, the Board are of opinion that they would not be justified in permitting you to retain your office. The Board must therefore require you to place your resignation in the hands of the Guardians at their next meeting." - MRS RIDDELL, continuing, said her husband was aware that a complaint had been lodged against him, but he had not in the slightest expected dismissal. The second letter produced was in her husband's writing. - The Coroner read the second letter as follows:- "My dear loved wife, good-bye. You will see by the letter from the Board that we are ruined. Kiss my dear children for me, and God bless you. - BOB." - Mr Gould added that there was a third letter, addressed to Dr Rogers. He had availed himself of the opportunity of reading that before the Jury were sworn and inasmuch as it attacked certain people in very bitter terms he thought it was not advisable, for obvious reasons, to make that letter public property. - MRS RIDDELL: Why, sir? - The Coroner: I have my reasons. - MRS RIDDELL: If there is any liability I will take it. - The Coroner: I will not allow that letter to become public property in a Court in which I preside, and therefore I shall only read such extracts from it as I think will be of assistance to you in arriving at your verdict. He added: He refers to certain people in the previous part of this letter and in the latter part he says: -- "It is too late to begin life again. I trust myself and my family into the hands of God Almighty. If you can do anything for my wife and family, may God bless you; and now good-bye. Yours truly, R. RIDDELL." That letter was addressed to Dr Rogers. Was he a friend of the deceased? - MRS RIDDELL said her husband had never seen Dr Rogers, who was a Poor Law doctor, but he had been in correspondence with him. - The Foreman asked when these two last-mentioned letters were written. - The Coroner said they were both dated the 3rd December, and were evidently written after the receipt of the Local Government Board's communication. - In answer to a Juryman, MRS RIDDELL said she knew at once from her husband's look that he had taken poison. - Daniel Frost, coachman to the deceased, spoke to being called by MRS RIDDELL on Friday morning. He went to the deceased's bedroom and saw the doctor, who was living then, but not conscious. Witness held him up, and the deceased breathed for two or three minutes afterwards. MRS RIDDELL went downstairs for something to make the deceased vomit, and on her return she put it to his lips, but he did not take any of it. A quarter of an hour previously the deceased came out in the yard and told him to put the horse to, and said he would be ready in a quarter of an hour. He did not notice anything unusual about the deceased then or on the previous night. - Mr William Wills, residing at Dunsford, stated that on Friday, about 2 o'clock in the day, MRS RIDDELL sent her eldest girl for witness. He went to the house and the first words MRS RIDDELL said were "The doctor is dead." He was very much surprised and she said, "He has poisoned himself," and showed witness up to the bedroom, where he saw the deceased lying on the bed. Witness asked if she had communicated with the Police, and she said, "No, she had not seen anyone." - Mr Vlieland, Surgeon, St. Thomas, said that he heard that DR RIDDELL was dead about 2 o'clock on Friday last. He examined the body about 4 o'clock the same day. The deceased must have then been dead some hours. There were no external signs and witness could not have told what was the cause of death if he had not been informed, but he had no doubt that deceased died from poison. He made inquiries as to what had taken place and from the rapidity of death considered deceased had taken a dose of prussic acid. Witness recognised the smell from the bottle produced, which had contained a very much stronger preparation than that usually used. He should think one teaspoonful would be a poisonous dose. - The Coroner said that concluded the evidence, which was very clear. The principal evidence they had to rely on was that of MRS RIDDELL and the extracts which he had read. He thought there could be no doubt in their minds, after hearing that, that the deceased committed suicide and the main question was what was his state of mind when he committed the rash act. If they were of opinion that the deceased was in his right mind, then their verdict would amount to Felo de se. If, on the other hand, they thought his mind was unhinged by the letter from the Local Government Board, which he said had ruined him, it might be that he was not at the time responsible for his actions. If they thought that, their verdict would be one of temporary insanity. It was a very sad case indeed, and he was sure MRS RIDDELL and her family would have the sympathy of all. (Hear, hear.) - After a short discussion, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 8 December 1886
ST MARYCHURCH - Sudden Death At Babbacombe. - An inquest was held at a late hour last evening at Gaskin's Cary Arms, Babbacombe, before Mr Sidney Hacker, District Coroner, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of ELIZA NECK, 74, residing at The Glen, Babbacombe beach, the house in which Miss Keys was murdered by John Lee some two and a half years ago. - From the evidence given it appeared that the deceased had lived with her sister, JANE NECK, at the Glen ever since the murder of Miss Keys and had eked out a livelihood by showing to curious visitors the spot where the tragedy was enacted. On Sunday night, shortly before going to bed, the old lady suddenly fell down and expired. - In accordance with the medical evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Sudden Death Of A Great Western Railway Employee. - At the Anchor Inn, Paul-street, yesterday, Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of a Great Western Railway employee named JAMES SMALE. - The evidence of William Searle, ganger, Exwick, showed that he was at work with the deceased on Sunday at a forge at St David's Station when SMALE suddenly complained of violent pains in the back. After being removed to a cabin close by the deceased was taken home in a cab, where death occurred in a few hours. - Mr J. D. Harris, Surgeon, stated that the coats of the aorta were ruptured, a result which in all probability owed its origin to the deceased stooping over his work. He also added that the deceased was bent by age and previous illness. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 10 December 1886
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Sudden Death In St. Thomas. - A sad event occurred in St. Thomas on Wednesday morning. It appears that about 7 o'clock a cabinet-maker, named WILLIAM GEORGE MILFORD, 42 years of age, and who lived at 7 Oxford-street, left his home, apparently in good health, for the purpose of proceeding by the train which leaves the St. Thomas Station shortly after 7 o'clock to Starcross to work. MILFORD got as far as Church-road, when he suddenly fell to the ground on his face and hands. A carpenter named Frederick Lovell, who was proceeding to his work along the opposite side of the road, finding that MILFORD did not rise, went to his assistance, but MILFORD expired within a few minutes. Mr Vlieland was sent for and quickly arrived, but his services were of no avail. MILFORD, who was in the employ of Mr Mansfield, of North-street, leaves a wife and nine children to mourn their loss. Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at the Prince Albert Inn yesterday afternoon. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and gave their fees to the widow.

EXETER - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at the Exeter Inn, Bartholomew-street, yesterday, on the body of BERTHA CHARLOTTE GARDNER, aged 2 years and 4 months. ANN GARDNER, wife of ALFRED GARDNER, a joiner, residing at 54 Bartholomew-street, identified the body of the deceased as that of her daughter. Deceased had not been well for the past two or three days, and yesterday morning about eight o'clock witness's husband called her attention to the deceased as she was bad. Witness went to the deceased, and had only just taken her in her arms when she expired. - Dr Woodman deposed that he attended the deceased, who was a weakly child, about six weeks ago. She was then suffering from chronic bronchitis, a very unusual thing for so young a child. He was called yesterday morning to see the deceased, who expired before his arrival. He examined the body of the deceased, but found no marks of violence. In his opinion death was caused by bronchitis. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 December 1886
EXETER - The Recent Accident In The Bonhay-road. Fatal Termination. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquiry at the Valiant Soldier Inn, South-street, yesterday afternoon, touching the death of FANNY MURRIN, aged 19, a domestic servant in the employ of Mr Roper, Surgeon, of Southernhay. - JOHN MURRIN, residing at 51 Cowick-street, St. Thomas, identified the body of the deceased as that of his daughter. - John Hill, gardener, residing at 36 King-street, deposed that on the day in question he was in the company of the deceased. While passing some cottages near Mr Tremlett's paper mills in the Bonhay-road a chimney was blown down and some of the debris, in falling, knocked witness and his companion down. On recovering from the shock witness, with the assistance of a woman, removed MURRIN, who was unconscious, into a house close by. Witness afterwards went to the St Thomas Station and fetched a cab, in which deceased was conveyed to the Hospital. - Mr A. G. Blomfield, House Surgeon at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, stated that he admitted deceased into that institution on Wednesday evening. She was then partially conscious and complained of a pain in her neck. On examination he found a bruised wound on the top of the head on the left side. There were no other marks of violence. In the course of a few hours paralysis came on in the arms and legs and eventually became complete from the chest downwards. MURRIN died on Friday morning at 8 o'clock from congestion of the lungs, the result of the paralysis produced by the injury received. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that the case was a very sad one. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 13 December 1886
EXETER - Singular Death Of A Woman. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an inquiry at the Rising Sun Inn, Russell-street, on Saturday morning, into the circumstances attending the death of ELIZA MOCKRIDGE, a single woman, lately residing at 47 Russell-street. The atmosphere of the room in which the Inquest was held was rendered very hot and almost unbearable through a large fire. - The Coroner remarked that he knew that it was done with good intent, but he should never be able to hold another Inquiry there under such circumstances again. - The first witness called - Sarah Wollacott, a Bible reader, residing in Windsor-terrace - gave her evidence in a very excited manner and appeared to be extremely nervous. She said that she had known the deceased and her mother for some years and had been in the habit of visiting them. Deceased, after having been ejected from the house which she had occupied with her mother, entered apartments at the house of Mrs Husson, 47 Russell-street. On Friday morning, about 11 o'clock, witness went out with the intention of visiting deceased. On entering deceased's bedroom witness saw MRS MOCKRIDGE standing on the other side of the room apparently in a state of great bewilderment and pointing to something on the floor by the side of the bed. Witness, who had been seriously ill for some time past, did not see exactly - the room being rather dark - what it was. Thinking, however, that something serious had happened, and not feeling well enough to do anything herself, witness proceeded downstairs and asked the landlady to go upstairs to see what was the matter. Witness, who did not go upstairs again, heard Mrs Husson say as she was leaving, "Poor thing; she's dead!" Witness asked a neighbour - Mrs Fox - to go and see deceased, and was about to send for a medical gentleman when one arrived. In answer to the Coroner, witness said that she did not think deceased was in the habit of having fits, but she was very excitable. In reply to further questions, witness said that she believed deceased and her mother always slept together. She could not say whether any fire had been lit in the room. - Dr Perkins, residing in St. Sidwell's, deposed that he was called on Friday morning to go to 47 Russell-street. He went at once, and on proceeding to the upstair front room he found the deceased lying with her head, shoulders and body on the floor and the feet twisted round by the sheets and bedclothes. Witness released deceased's feet from the clothing and proceeded to examine the body. There was a slight bruise on the nose, and a cicatrix, probably an old bruise on the forehead. The face was black red and the tongue was slightly protruding between the teeth. Deceased was lying partly on her side and partly on her back, with her face turned downwards. Further examination did not disclose any marks of violence other than that already mentioned. - The Coroner: What do you think was the cause of death? - Witness: I should feel inclined to suggest that she must have had a fit. - The Coroner: An epileptic one? - Witness: No, of an apoplectic character and I believe that in falling out of bed in that position she was unable to recover herself and died from the effects of the fit. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that the case was a very pitiable one. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased died from the effects of an Apoplectic Fit.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 December 1886
EXETER - Death Of An Infant. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at the Dolphin Inn, Market-street, yesterday, on the body of MABEL MARTIN. - HANNAH MARTIN, wife of EDWIN MARTIN, a boot-closer, residing in Mermaid-yard, identified the body of the deceased as that of her daughter, who was 10 ½ months old. - The deceased, who had been ill for some time, had been attended by Dr Perkins, of South-street, up to within the past five weeks. Witness went to bed about 10 o'clock on Sunday night, and did not notice anything amiss with the deceased. Witness awoke about half-past 7 o'clock yesterday morning and on looking at the deceased found that she was dead. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said that the deceased was lying on her side. The deceased appeared better during Sunday than she had been throughout the whole of the previous week. - Dr Perkins (South-street) stated that he knew the deceased, whom he had attended for an attack of bronchitis. He was called about 8 o'clock on Sunday morning to see the deceased. On arrival he found that the deceased had been dead for a short time, but still warm. Witness made an examination of the body, but failed to find any marks of violence. The pupils of the eyes were contracted. The cause of death was cessation of the heart's action and general debility consequent upon an attack of bronchitis. Witness said that the deceased's parents had done all in their power for the child. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Suicide Of A Woman In St. Thomas. - The Deputy County Coroner for the District, Mr H. W. Gould, and a Jury, of which Mr Pike was the Foreman, last evening held an Enquiry at Mr Pike's Plymouth Inn, St. Thomas, into the circumstances attending the death of ELIZABETH HUTCHILL, of Haven-road, who committed suicide on Saturday morning by hanging herself. JAMES HUTCHILL, who was greatly affected, said he was a porter and lived at No. 2, Haven-road. The body viewed was that of his late wife, who was 57 years of age. The last time witness saw her alive was on Saturday morning, when she was cleaning herself and doing her work in the bedroom. This was at a quarter to eight, when he went to work. On returning, about 1.20, witness noticed that the deceased did not come to the door to meet him as she nearly always did, and he further found that the front door was locked. He then saw the next door neighbour, Mrs Trobridge, who said the baker had called; but as he was unable to make anyone hear he left the bread with her. After an unsuccessful attempt to effect an entrance by the back door, this being also locked, witness forcibly opened the front door and called the deceased by her name, but failed to obtain an answer. On looking into the kitchen he saw her hanging by the neck from the door of the room. Her back faced witness as he was entering, and, as far as he could recollect, she had one knee on a chair and one foot on the floor. He should say the weight of her body rested mainly on the rope. Witness screamed, but the deceased down, and was holding her in his arms when Mrs Trobridge came in. The deceased was quite dead. She seemed nice in the morning, conversed with witness and gave him an order for some groceries, &c., which he brought home. The deceased had been in the Exminster Asylum three years and two months up to June 1st, when witness took her out on his own responsibility. She was not practically cured at that time, and was very nervous, which Mr Farrant said was generally the case under such circumstances. A nurse was kept to look after the deceased for 15 weeks and from the expiration of that period up to the 6th instant - witness being out of a situation at the time - the nurse left and he determined to stay home until she got better, and he did so. During the past ten weeks the deceased had performed her domestic duties and none of her acts led witness to suppose that she was going to commit any rash act. At first he used to leave the house for a short time as a test, and his absence had gradually increased, so that of late he had left the house for two or three hours and on returning had found nothing amiss. It was only on the 6th of the present month that he resumed his work. Previous to going to the Asylum the deceased had threatened to destroy herself. - Mrs Frances Trobridge confirmed a portion of the last witness's evidence and added that of late she had noticed nothing peculiar in the deceased's character. - In reply to a question by a Juror, witness said she heard the deceased moving about at 10 o'clock. - Dr J. Woodman deposed to examining the deceased and finding her dead. There was no sign of any struggle having taken place. There was no rope-mark at the back of the neck and he was of opinion that the deceased made a loop-hole and placed her head in it. Death was due to strangulation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 23 December 1886
SOUTH MOLTON - On Tuesday evening an Inquest was held by Mr Coroner Sanders on MARY, wife of JOHN WHITEFIELD, of Southmolton. The medical evidence was to the effect that death resulted from heart disease and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER - Sudden Death Of A Publican In Exeter. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at the Black Lions Inn yesterday, on the body of SAMUEL UNDERHILL, 62 years of age, landlord of the public-house named. - WILLIAM UNDERHILL, a guard on the London and South Western Railway, identified the body of the deceased as that of his father. - Samuel Phillips, forage dealer, residing in South-street, deposed that he was in the bar of the Black Lions Inn about half-past 5 o'clock on Monday evening. Deceased was inside the bar and had been conversing with witness and some other persons. Suddenly deceased put his hand to his left side, and appeared unable to rise. Witness went to his assistance. Deceased, who was sitting in a chair, put his hand to the counter and exclaimed "O God." Witness held him in a chair until the arrival of Mr Perkins a few minutes afterwards, when he assisted in the removal of the deceased to his bedroom. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said the deceased did not have anything to drink, so far as he knew, while he was present. - Mr Perkins, of South-street, deposed that he was called about half-past 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon to see the deceased. He went immediately and found MR UNDERHILL in the bar, supported by several men. Life appeared to witness to be extinct. He, however, applied some strong ammonia to him and he gasped two or three times, after which witness was satisfied that he was dead. Deceased was removed to his bedroom, where witness again endeavoured to restore animation, but failed. On examination of the body witness found no marks of violence. There was an unnatural dullness of the left lung and deceased's face was also very pale. Witness was of opinion that death resulted from internal haemorrhage of some large vessel. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 December 1886
EXETER - A Charwoman named HARLAND, 70 years of age, who occupied a room at No. 1, James-street, Exeter, and was in receipt of parish relief, was found dead in bed on Friday morning. She had complained the previous evening of being unwell and in the night seemed to have ruptured a blood vessel. A bottle half full of gin and a bottle half full of beer were found in the room; and at the Inquest, held at Mr Yelland's spirit vaults by Mr Coroner Hooper, it was stated that drinking would have accelerated the rupture. "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 28 December 1886
EAST BUDLEIGH - The Suicide On Woodbury Common. - An Inquest was held at the Feathers Hotel, Budleigh Salterton, yesterday, touching the death of ARTHUR ASTON, whose body was found on Woodbury Common on Friday, under circumstances which left little doubt that the deceased had put an end to his life by his own hand. The Inquiry was held by the Deputy Coroner for the Honiton District, Mr C. E. Cox, and Dr Brushfield was chosen as Foreman of the Jury. - Mr A. J. Kennedy was the first witness called and stated that he and his daughter on Friday had been out gathering holly. He suggested that they should return home through the copse. His daughter assented and entered the gate. She almost immediately turned and said, "Something has happened," and called his attention to the deceased. Witness went forward and seeing what had happened told his daughter not to come forward, but to go through the wood to the cottages and get three or four men. While she was gone he could not help thinking of the contrast between the two objects before him - the deceased driven probably by trouble to commit suicide and the bundle of holly which witness had gathered. The deceased had a revolver in his right hand and was lying on his back. Apparently he had sat down with his feet in a ditch before he fired the pistol. Witness also saw that the deceased had a wound through his head. He waited for a long time, and as no one came he thought it his duty to go himself for a Policeman. Before doing so he thought it better to remove certain valuables from the body, and these he placed in a handkerchief. Just then some men came from the cottages and he sent them for a Policeman, to whom he gave up the valuables. - Mr W. T. Holmes, the proprietor of the Beacon Hotel, Exmouth, said the deceased had been staying at his house for three weeks up to Thursday. The deceased was very low-spirited when alone, but very excitable when in company. When anyone approached he cheered up at once. Deceased was never absent from meals until Wednesday, when he went to Budleigh and returned in the evening. Witness last saw him about 12 o'clock on Wednesday night. He did not think the deceased slept well and he had taken a glass of spirits to bed with him to help him to sleep. - Dr Walker proved examining the body and finding a small wound inside the deceased's mouth, where a bullet had evidently entered. On the top of the head there was a fractured wound two inches long and one inch wide. The deceased must have placed the muzzle of the pistol inside his mouth before he fired, and died instantly. - P.C. Frude proved taking charge of the body and produced various articles found on the deceased. He also produced a revolver which he took from the deceased's right hand. Four of the chambers were loaded and two had been recently discharged. He also produced a gold watch, a five-shilling piece, a ring, some papers and other articles, including several bullets and a pawn ticket, found on the deceased. The watch bore the following inscription:- "Presented to the REV. J. A. ASTON, together with a purse of 500 sovereigns, by the members of the congregation of St. Stephen's Church, Kensington, as a parting token of their esteem and affection, 9th January, 1871." - The REV. W. CLIFFORD ASTON, a clergyman, residing at Brighton, said the deceased was his brother, and had been for the last few years engaged in journalism, editing a paper. He had not seen his brother for some six months. His brother had had a most intense strain upon his mind for twelve months past, and this had been intensifying day by day. There were money matters which had caused his uneasiness, and he had written and told witness so. - The Coroner said he did not think it necessary to go into details, but he must ask if witness thought this played on the deceased's mind. - Witness said it certainly had. - The Coroner: Has he ever said or written anything to you that conveyed an intention to commit suicide? - Witness replied: Last Thursday I had a letter. He handed in the document in question. - The Coroner, having perused it, said it would be extremely painful to read the whole of the letter, and it would do no good; but it was perfectly obvious from the letter that there was an intention to commit suicide. The portion that bore on this point would be all that the Jury would require. He then read a short extract, in which deceased had written, "Disappointment in business, disappointment in all that makes life endurable.... After all this time of anxiety and waiting and trial I am forced to commit an act which places a penitent sinner at once in the presence of his Maker." - The witness (continuing) said the moment he got that letter he sent a telegram to the deceased saying, "For God's sake wait until I come; things are brighter than you think." He also sent a telegram to the manager of the Hotel. He received that letter on Thursday at noon and a few hours after he received another letter from deceased, who wrote as follows: - "My dear CLIFFORD, I posted you my letter at Budleigh Salterton, but was stopped in the act of self-destruction within a short time afterwards. I shall pluck up courage to come to town this evening or early tomorrow morning and then come on to Brighton. Don't tell anyone until I see you." That letter reassured witness, who had been anxious about deceased ever since he learnt that his brother had a revolver in his possession. He learnt that about a month ago. Until he received that letter he did not know where his brother was. The deceased had been at various places of late and had not communicated his whereabouts. He had been told that of late that his brother could not bear to be left alone. - The Coroner, in summing up the case, said the evidence showed clearly that the deceased lost his life through his own act, and the question for the Jury was what was deceased's state of mind at the time he did the deed. - The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased shot himself while Temporarily Insane.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 29 December 1886
DUNKESWELL - Inquest At Dunkeswell Abbey. Disgraceful Conduct Of A Married Man. Censure By The Coroner. - Mr C. E. Cox, Deputy Coroner for the District, was engaged for several hours at the Dunkeswell Abbey Schoolroom, about eight miles from Honiton, yesterday, in investigating the painful circumstances attending the death of SARAH ANN CORRICK, which occurred on Christmas Eve. The first witness was MARY ANN DOBLE wife of James Doble, carpenter, who stated that she resided at Dunkeswell Abbey Schoolhouse. She identified the body as that of her sister, SARAH ANN CORRICK, aged 30 last February. Witness was the mistress of the school and the deceased, who resided with her, assisted her in the duties. Witness had three children. On Christmas Eve witness noticed for the first time something the matter with her sister. - In reply to the Coroner, who put a question to witness, she said that she was not aware until half-an-hour before her death that the deceased was enciente. For several years the deceased had been subject to fits which for a time rendered her unconscious. The last fit she had occurred more than 12 months ago. Deceased had never been medically attended for these fits. Between 5 and 6 o'clock on Christmas Eve, the deceased, who was sitting before the fire, became very pale and witness thought she was going to faint, but she did not lose her reason. Witness bathed her head in cold water, which seemed to revive her. Shortly after 6 o'clock, after giving the children their supper, as she usually did, the deceased went to bed. In a few minutes witness went upstairs and found the deceased sitting by the bedside, partially undressed and apparently very ill. Witness offered to assist her into bed, but she declined and told witness to go downstairs as she could manage herself. On returning to the room a short time afterwards with a jar of hot water, witness found the deceased in bed. In about ten minutes witness's husband at her request went to the deceased's room, and on returning in a minute or two said that she was no better. Witness subsequently sat by the deceased's bed for about five minutes, but during that time the latter never spoke. The deceased asked for three drops of tea to be brought her and on returning the third time witness's husband said, "She seems a great deal worse, and she wants you." (witness). Deceased now became very restless and witness held her in her arms while her husband fetched a neighbour named Sarah Richards. Witness was still under the impression that her sister was suffering from a fit. On Mrs Richards's arrival James Doble called witness into another room, placed his hand in hers and said, "I shall ruin you all; she is going to have a child." Witness replied, "JIM, how could you keep it from me?" and returned to the deceased's room. She (witness) still considered that her sister was suffering from a fit, at the same time thinking that what her husband had said was correct. Mrs Derham, another neighbour, was brought and Dr Morgan, of Culmstock was sent for. The deceased had never been medically attended. She died at a quarter to eight. - Sarah Richards, wife of Thomas Richards, a labourer, of Dunkeswell Abbey, stated that she saw the deceased two or three times last week, but did not suspect that she was enciente. Witness was fetched by Doble, and in reply to questions put to him by her on the way to the school, he said, "SARAH is bad and she is going to be confined." Witness doubted Doble's statement, when he added, "Sure, 'tis true; and I thought you would be able to do something for her. I'm a man ruined for ever." - Mrs Derham, wife of Charles Derham, also gave substantiative evidence. She did not see in the bedroom any preparations for the birth of a child. - James Doble, husband of the first witness, elected to give evidence and admitted telling his wife that the deceased was enciente by him. Witness believed this to be a fact. He did not tell anyone of the deceased's condition. He did not know it himself very long ago. His (witness's) wife mentioned to him two or three months ago that there was something the matter with the deceased, and she could not think what it was, but she expected she was going into a decline. Witness made some slight answer, but he never mentioned that he knew the deceased to be enciente. Deceased made no preparations for the birth, and as she never spoke to witness on the subject he did not ask her to do so. - Mr Sidney Ellis, M.R.C.S., in partnership with Dr Morgan, of Culmstock, proved being called to see the deceased about 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and on arriving at the house at 11.10 he found her dead. He had that day made a post mortem examination, and his opinion was that death was due to an epileptic fit brought on by pains of labour, which, on account of the deceased being greatly deformed, would be much more acute than under ordinary circumstances. He did not think that any medical aid would have saved her life, and from all appearances he had no suspicion whatever that the deceased had taken anything. The child was a fully-matured female infant. Witness did not think it possible for the child to have been born alive. - The Coroner, in summing up, observed that the case was a very painful one. Doble seemed to be guilty of a very grave fault, and one which he could not allow to pass over without comment. The admission of Doble relative to the deceased's condition added to the gravity of his fault. He did not even take the trouble to tell anybody of the state to which he had brought this poor unfortunate woman. Fortunately for him the evidence of Mr Ellis showed that no medical aid in the case could have prevented her death. That did not in any way morally lessen the guilt of Doble, although legally very likely it did so. - The Jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. - The deceased, on account of her terrible affliction, spent nearly the whole of her time in a wheel-chair.

BARNSTAPLE - The Case Of Sudden Death At Barnstaple. An Unfeeling Lodging-House Keeper. - An Inquest was held yesterday before R. I. Bencraft, Esq., Coroner, at the North Devon Infirmary, touching the death of an old man named DANIEL SMITH, a pedlar, who died suddenly the previous day. - John Dowle, a labourer, stated that the day before, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, he saw the deceased sitting in a chair outside the house of his married daughter, MRS EMERY, in Queen-street. MRS EMERY was not in. The deceased was black in the face and was unable to speak. Witness got a hand-cart and with assistance the deceased was taken to his lodgings at Mr Guard's, in Belle Meadow. Mr Guard refused to take him in, but he did not give any reason. A cup of tea was procured, but deceased could not swallow it. A woman went for Dr Cooke, but he did not arrive. Inspector Eddy came upon the scene and the deceased was taken to the Infirmary, and soon afterwards was declared to be dead. - Charles Bradshaw saw the deceased in the cart outside Guard's house. He was breathing very hard and he thought he was dying. Guard refused to take him in, saying he was not a fit man to take in. When the deceased was nearly gone Guard offered to take him in, but the Police arrived and the man was conveyed to the Infirmary. Guard told witness that if the man died in his house he would be responsible for his burial. - Inspector Eddy said he went to the deceased while he was in the hand-cart outside his lodgings. He considered that he was dying. Witness told Guard that he was acting very improperly in not taking the man inside. Guard replied that it was not a fit case to be brought into his house. Deceased was at once taken to the Infirmary. He was alive when they got to the Infirmary door, but within a minute he died. The House Surgeon was not in and the Matron sent for Mr Cooper, who came in a very short time and pronounced life to be extinct. - Mr W. Cooper, Surgeon, said the man was dead when he arrived. There was some brown fluid coming from deceased's mouth, which was almost closed. There was no external injury. He was a muscular man and corpulent and from the appearance of the body he should think death was due to apoplexy. If death was the result of apoplexy he did not think the delay accelerated it. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and added that in their opinion the conduct of Guard, the lodging-house keeper, in refusing to admit the deceased, considering the condition he was in, was most unfeeling.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 31 December 1886
DAWLISH - Last evening an Inquest was held at the Castle Inn, Holcombe, before Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, on the body of JOHN NICHOLLS, farm-bailiff, who committed suicide by cutting his throat on Wednesday morning. The deceased had been very ill and weak, both in body and mind, suffering from mental derangement. The Jury found that the deceased committed Suicide while suffering from Temporary Insanity.

HATHERLEIGH - Sad Death Of A Little Girl. - Mr Coroner Burd has held an Inquest on the body of a girl, aged four years, named NELLIE MARTIN, the daughter of MR JOHN MARTIN, of Strawbridge. - MRS MARTIN said she went to hang out some clothes on Tuesday, the 21st, a short distance from the house, leaving the little girl indoors. About ten minutes afterwards, on hearing the child scream, she ran in and found her at the door enveloped in flames. She immediately extinguished the fire, but the child was badly burnt about the thighs and lower part of the body. The child survived until Friday morning. - Dr Gould stated that he attended the child, and that the shock and burns were sufficient to cause death. - The Jury were therefore unanimous that the child's death was caused by Accident and much sympathy was expressed for the parents.