Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

Sep.-Dec. 1890

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: Abbott; Abell; Atkins; Austin; Bailey; Baker; Bastin; Bellam; Blackmore; Bradbeer; Bradridge; Buckland; Causley; Clements; Cockram; Cole(2); Cude; Day; Edmonds; Emmett; Gale; Gater; Hamlyn; Harner; Harris(2); Hawkins; Healey; Hebbes; Hewitt; Hicks; Hill; Honeywill; Hutchings; Huxtable; Jackson; Legg; Lousada; Marsh; Martin(2); May; McKenzie; Merry; Milton; Mitchell; Newbery; Nowell; Parkin; Parnell; Pepperrell; Perram; Perry; Piper; Pym; Radmore; Richards; Roberts; Robins; Rowe; Runnalls; Salter; Sanders; Setters; Shaddick; Simpkins; Sprague; Stancombe; Tuck; Tucker(2); Turner; Vodden; Walter; Webber(2); Wharran; Whitford; Wilkey; Williams(2); Woodley; Worth; Wright.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 1 September 1890
SIDMOUTH - The Suicide Of A Girl At Sidmouth. - The Inquest upon the body of BESSIE MAUD MARY HARRIS, who was discovered in the river Sid on Friday morning, was held at the Commercial Hotel, Sidmouth, on Saturday, before Mr S. M. Cross (Deputy Coroner). - Mr Majendie was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Mr Joseph Harris deposed that he lived at the Mills, but was not acquainted with the deceased. He had tried the pit where he found the body before. On Friday morning, however, witness and Mr Wilson used a longer pole than had before been employed, and to which was attached a hook. They were successful in bringing the deceased to the surface. He sent for the Police, and the body was removed to Taylor's Horse and Groom Inn. - WILLIAM HARRIS (no relation to the previous witness) said he was coachman to the Rev. J. Hawkes, of Cotleigh. The deceased was his daughter, and was 23 years of age last birthday. She was a domestic servant in the employ of Mrs Forster, of Salcombe-hill House. She had been in a very low state for the past three months. She once left her situation at Plymouth very suddenly. She went there on a Thursday and on the following Saturday left, appearing at her brother's the following morning very wet. The deceased never said anything to lead anyone to suppose she would do any harm to herself. A doctor at Plymouth who treated the deceased had given his opinion that she was in a very nervous and excitable state. Dr Shortridge, of Honiton, had also attended the deceased. The last time he (witness) saw her alive the deceased appeared quite well. - Mr James H. Forster said the deceased as cook at Salcombe-hill House. She first came there in March 1888 and left last March. She was re-engaged and came back to Salcombe-hill House on the 19th of August. She seemed very cheerful then, but on Friday evening he heard that she was low spirited. The deceased was always of a very retiring disposition. - Rhoda Mayer deposed that she was a fellow-servant of the deceased, who never complained of anything. On the Friday evening the deceased appeared in trouble about dishing up the dinner. Witness told her that all was right, and she afterwards appeared in better spirits. She slept in the same room but not in the same bed. The deceased got up about a quarter past 4, saying she was getting up so early to let in the workmen to repair the kitchen stove. - Dr T. H. S. Pullin said that he made a post mortem examination of the body, which had been in the water from five to six days. The deceased died from drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased drowned herself while suffering from Temporary Insanity. - Mr J. Harris was thanked for his untiring efforts to recover the body. The reward of £4 which was offered was declined by Mr Harris. The Jury gave their fees to the father of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 2 September 1890
WOODBURY - The Sad Death Of A Woodbury Baker. The Inquest. - Yesterday Mr Deputy Coroner Cox, of Honiton, held an Inquest at the White Hart Inn, Woodbury, touching the death of EDWIN PERRY, a baker, of that village, who was found dead in a cask, which was used for the purpose of catching rain-water, at the rear of his premises, on Friday last, as stated in our impression of Saturday. - The first witness called was MRS EVA PERRY, widow of the deceased, who said her husband was 54 years of age last birthday. He occasionally suffered from rheumatism. On Friday morning, between 9 and 10 o'clock, she was in the bake-house with him and assisted in moulding the dough. After deceased had finished his work he went into the back-yard, as was his wont, to smoke his pipe. About five minutes afterwards Mr Lear came in and asked if he could be conveyed to the Station in the deceased's trap, and witness went out into the yard to speak to her husband when she saw his legs "sticking up" from the waster-butt. He occasionally went up the ladder close to the cask to put the shutting right. The first time he ascended the ladder, some time ago, she cautioned him not to do so again, as he was liable to "give way" in his hip. He was a corpulent man. On discovering her husband in the cask witness screamed and her daughter and Mr Browning came and took him out of the cask. - Questioned by the Deputy Coroner as to whether her husband had been despondent, witness replied that he had had very heavy losses in business, and sometimes he was depressed in consequence. He never said anything to lead witness to suppose that he would put an end to his life. Deceased had nothing to worry him on the morning of the sad occurrence. there was a cover usually kept on the cask, but it was removed by her daughter in order to obtain some waster, the key of the cask having been missed. - KATE PERRY, deceased's daughter, deposed that her father called her on Friday morning as usual. He was not then in a despondent state - in fact, on Thursday he was more lively than usual. Witness corroborated her mother's evidence as to going to the cask for water, and added that she let the can slip and called her father to pull it up, which he did, but she could not say whether he replaced the cover. - Harry Buttell, an apprentice to MR PERRY, said he worked with the deceased up to 9.30 on Friday morning. there was then nothing singular in his manner. He had never said anything to lead witness to consider that he would commit suicide. There was a cover to the cask, but sometimes it was on, and sometimes it was off. It was nothing unusual for deceased to go into the yard after the moulding had been completed. Deceased was in the habit of ascending the ladder for the purpose of attending to the shutting. Witness did it once and had some difficulty. - Luke Browning, a shoemaker, who made an affirmation, proved pulling the deceased out of the cask, and said he endeavoured to restore animation, but his efforts proved ineffectual. He sent for Dr Furnival. - By a Juror: Witness imagine that deceased had been in the water 15 minutes. - By the Deputy Coroner: He had never said anything to lead witness to suppose that he would commit suicide. He appeared to be of a cheerful disposition and on Thursday, which was the last day witness saw the deceased alive, he appeared in good health and spirits. - Dr Furnival deposed that he attended the deceased for rheumatic affection six years ago. He was of a cheerful disposition and witness thought him one of the happiest of men. Witness was called on Friday to go to see the deceased. He examined the body, and judging from the appearances of it he considered it had been in the water 20 minutes or half an hour. In the event of the deceased having fallen into the cask it was quite possible that he could not have released himself. He would be asphyxiated after his head had been under water 20 seconds, so that he could not help himself. There was no mark of injury on the body. - By a Juror: He did not think deceased had a fainting fit. - The Deputy Coroner, in summing up, said he did not see any evidence to lead the Jury to suppose that the deceased had any intention to put an end to his life. He thought it right to say that, looking at the position of the body, at the first blush it seemed a peculiar one, and one from which a person would have thought a man could have recovered himself and have saved his life. However, in the face of the evidence of the medical man and the other witnesses, he (the Deputy Coroner) thought that the deceased's death was the result of an accident. - After consultation in private, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 September 1890
ILFRACOMBE - The Fatal Boating Accident At Ilfracombe. Inquest On The Bodies. - Last evening Dr E Slade-King, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Fore-street Coffee Tavern, Ilfracombe, on the remaining three bodies of the victims of the boating disaster which took place near Ilfracombe on Tuesday, the 12th day of August. The deceased were MARY JANE DAY, aged 28, ARTHUR CHARLES DAY (her brother), aged 20 and LOUISA HANNAH DAY (sister), aged 12. They, with their parents (MR and MRS DAY of Chelsea) were visitors to Ilfracombe at the time of the accident. The bodies of the boatman (PARKIN) and his assistant have already been "crowned," and there have been three openings of the Inquest on the above bodies, but the Inquests were adjourned until yesterday for the final Inquiry. - Charles Sloley, a boatman of Ilfracombe, deposed to finding the body of MARY JANE DAY floating on Friday week in the Bristol Channel, about half a mile off the Capstone Parade. A gull was standing on the body and that was how he saw it. He attached a rope to the body and towed it to the beach, where it was covered over and handed to the care of the Police. - Edward Lovering a carpenter, of Combmartin, identified the body of the young man, which he picked up in the Bristol Channel on the 24th August, while he and others were cruising in a boat. He towed the body to Combmartin, and sent for the Police. - George Comer, a boatman, of Ilfracombe, identified the body of LOUISA HANNAH, which he and a mate found on Saturday last among the rocks at Broad Cove Point, just under Hillsborough, close to Ilfracombe. It was at high water mark and was jammed fast in a gully about 10 feet deep. - Richard Lovering, a carpenter, of Combmartin, said that on the 12th August between 4 and 5 o'clock in the afternoon, he saw the three deceased and the boatman PARKIN and HICKS, his assistant (who was deaf and dumb) in PARKIN'S boat the Sea Flower, off Smallmouth, in Berrnarbor parish. In the boat were two ladies and a gentleman. The boat was under lug and mizen sails and headed W.N.W. The sea was choppy and the boat was then about half a mile from the land. About a quarter of an hour afterwards he heard a man cry out that a boat was turned over. Witness and a man named Irwin then rowed quickly to the spot where the boat was supposed to have gone down. They could see nothing of the boat or its occupants, only a dog swimming in the water. The boat was a well-found one, and was one of the best in the Combmartin harbour. She was 17 feet long and 5 feet 2 inches breadth of beam. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said that Irwin said to PARKIN before he started that he had better row down by the shore as it would be more safe. Witness recognised the dog as that of PARKIN'S. - William Bray, a carpenter, of Berrynarbor. repeated his evidence given at Combmartin, which was to the effect that while he was in one of the front rooms at Watermouth Castle, which overlooks the Bristol Channel, at about 4 o'clock, or a little after, on the 12th of August, his attention was drawn to a boat going down Channel. He watched her with interest, because, in his opinion, she was carrying too much sail, and appeared to him to be shipping a great deal of water. She was then about 500 or 600 yards off the shore, and was on her way to Ilfracombe. She struck into a wave, which seemed to be larger than the rest. The wave, he should think, half filled the boat. All at once, directly after that, he saw the sail go down. He then saw a man stand up in the boat, put out an oar, and commence to row. He rowed for several seconds, the head of the boat bearing towards land, as if he was endeavouring to get out of the tide. The boat was struck by the wave that way, and she was lying almost broadside to the tide. There was a great race in the tide at that particular spot. Before he could get the boat in proper form for pulling a sea struck her again and she disappeared. She was evidently swamped. Witness was watching it all through a glass. Witness immediately ran down to the shore in company with another man. There was nothing to be seen, and he sent the man (William Delbridge) to Smallmouth, as he knew there were boats there. Within ten minutes he saw Lovering and Irwin in a boat on the spot where the Sea Flower went down. He could distinctly see five people in the boat, two of them being ladies, one having on a pink dress. At the conclusion, MR DAY (brother of the deceased) asked Lovering as to the reputation PARKIN had as a boatman. The latter replied that he had been a boatman for five or six years and that he ought to know something about it. - MR DAY then said he hoped that the Jury would strongly express their disapprobation of the manner in which the boating business was carried on in Combmartin, and the Coroner would forward it to the Board of Trade. - The Foreman said they had nothing to do with the Board of Trade. - MR DAY thought the Board the proper authority. - The Coroner then reviewed the evidence, and protested against the manner in which the matter had been dealt with by the London Press in the attack they had made on the Ilfracombe authorities. In the first place, the accident was not in the Ilfracombe district; and, secondly, the Local Board were most stringent in their manner of issuing licenses. He read a copy of the regulations, and hoped the Press would give the same publicity to the refutation as they gave to the charges. - A verdict of "Drowned by the Swamping of a Boat off Watermouth" was returned. The Jury expressed sympathy with the family of the deceased, but added no rider.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 4 September 1890
BUCKERELL - Sudden Death At Buckerell. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at Buckerell by Mr Deputy Coroner Cox, of Honiton, concerning the death of ELIZABETH GATER, a cook, in the employ of the Rev. A. W. Ford, Vicar of the Parish, who died on Monday evening. The evidence adduced went to show that about 3 o'clock on Monday afternoon the deceased was taken ill and Mr Ford went to her assistance and gave her some brandy. She was in a prostrate condition, and he sent for the postmistress. The deceased lingered on until about 10 o'clock on Monday evening, when she died. No medical man was sent for during the woman's illness, but one was called immediately after death. The rev. gentleman, in reply to some remarks by the Deputy Coroner, said he did not think the deceased was seriously ill and a witness named Kenwood told him that she thought it was a bilious attack. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes," adding a rider to the effect that they regretted that it did not occur to Mr Ford or the other persons in the house to send for medical aid at once.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 September 1890
TAVISTOCK - The Fatal Accident At Tavistock. - An Inquest on the body of THOMAS WILLIAMS, labourer, aged 59, who was killed on the Great Western Railway near Tavistock, on Wednesday morning, was held at Tavistock yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr J. Dunn was Foreman. Mr H. Blatchford was present to represent the Duke of Bedford, in whose employ the deceased was at the time of the accident. The Great Western Railway Company was represented by Inspector Chamberlain, who said the train, being a heavy excursion one, started two minutes late from Launceston, and would have reached Tavistock at the proper time but for the accident. - William Bath, labourer, stated that he heard deceased call to his horse to stop, as it was partly on the line. He also heard the engine-driver whistle and immediately after saw WILLIAMS and his horse being pushed along the line by the engine. - Sergeant Coles stated that the hands and feet were not cut off, neither was the head. - Mr Henry Blatchford, Surveyor to the Duke of Bedford, said he knew the deceased very well, and had often employed him. On Tuesday deceased asked for permission to go to Mr Perry, tenant of the fields adjoining the crossing, and get the key which would open the gates. Witness cautioned him to be careful in crossing the line. Deceased had crossed the railway many times through the same gates, and hundreds of times over other crossings. He considered him to be a competent man to have possession of the key. - Andrew Palmer, of Launceston, the engine-driver, said the train was only a minute late at Mary Tavy. Before reaching the level crossing he sounded the whistle, according to instructions. On first sighting the crossing he saw that it was clear. In another moment he saw a horse's head over the line and at once applied the vacuum brake and the steam brake of the engine. He saw that the horse was moving across the line. When nearing the horse within a few feet he saw a man pass quickly by the side of the cart between the horse and the engine. He should have been able to stop the train fifty or sixty yards sooner had it not been that the slimy substance from the horse made the line slippery. When the train stopped the horse was in front of the guard rails of the engine and the man was under one of the carriages. - William Clark, guard, said he did not think the bushes by the side of the railway contributed to the accident by hiding the view of the line. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and highly commended the engine-driver for the admirable manner in which he had done his duty.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 8 September 1890
BUCKFASTLEIGH - The Inquest on the body of the little girl who was drowned on Friday, daughter of MR RICHARD HAMLYN, Buckfastleigh, was held at the Sun Inn on Saturday, before Mr S. Hacker, Coroner. MRS HAMLYN, mother of the deceased, gave evidence as to missing the child, and after searching for about half-an-hour finding her in a lime-pit at the back of the house, and all her and Dr Ubsdell's efforts to revive her were in vain. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 10 September 1890
PAIGNTON - Shocking Accident At Paignton. Two Men Killed. The Inquest. - A shocking accident happened at Paignton yesterday morning and resulted in the death of two men named RICHARD EMMETT and WILLIAM PARNELL, labourers in the employ of the Paignton Local Board. The facts of the case are as follows:- About 8 o'clock the two men were in the act of getting off a cart for the purpose of taking up some refuse near the Local Board Yard, when the horse suddenly started off. Just at the moment, and before they could get clear, a horse and cart laden with stone, driven by a man named Austin, passed, and both the poor fellows were crushed between the carts. EMMETT, who is about 60 years of age, was killed instantly, and PARNELL'S injuries were so severe that he died two hours afterwards. Dr Alexander and Dr Mudge were soon on the spot, and immediately pronounced PARNELL'S injuries to be fatal, he having received a terrible gash in the neck, which severed the windpipe, and his ribs, lungs and collarbone being smashed to a pulp. The accident cast quite a gloom over the town. Both men were married with families, PARNELL leaving eight children. - A special meeting of the Local Board was held yesterday afternoon, presided over by Mr O. S. Bartlett (Chairman) and, with the exception of Mr Edwards, who was out of town, the whole of the members were present. The Chairman stated the object of the meeting, which was for the consideration of the sad accident which had happened that morning and which resulted in the death of two of their employees. There were several reports as to the way in which the accident happened, but no doubt the facts would be disclosed at the Inquest which would be held later in the evening. Of course they could not assist the widows and fatherless with the ratepayers' money; but the members of the Board could help individually, which, no doubt, they would do. The cases were most deserving, the men being spoken most highly of by Mr Wyatt, their Surveyor, as steady workmen. Previous to attending the meeting Mr Washington Singer sent a telephone message saying that he would be glad to start a subscription list with £10. (Hear, hear.) - The following resolution, proposed by Mr Bartlett, and seconded by Mr Hunt, was unanimously carried, "That the members of this Board desire to express their sympathy with the bereaved widows and families of RICHARD EMMETT and WILLIAM PARNELL, employees of the Board, who lost their lives through an accident this morning, and as the Board have no funds which they can apply for the purpose of their relief, they recommend their cases as deserving of public charity; and with a view to organise a fund for the relief of the widows and orphans the members present resolve themselves into a Committee, with power to add to their number, for the purpose of making a general collection through the town. That the Board also grant to their employees leave of absence to attend the funeral of their deceased colleagues. Also that two-grave spaces be granted for the graves and that all cemetery fees be remitted." - The total amount collected and promised at the meeting was nearly £25. - The inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of the unfortunate men was held at the Town Hall in the evening by Mr Coroner Hacker. Mr J. M. Langler was elected Foreman of the Jury, and the Local Board was represented by the Chairman (Mr O. S. Bartlett) and Surveyor (Mr Wyatt). - The first witness called was SUSAN EMMETT, of No. 3 Mill Cottages, who identified the body of RICHARD EMMETT as that of her father. He was 62 years of age, and was a labourer in the employ of the Local Board. She last saw him alive early in the morning, and about 8 o'clock she heard that there had been an accident, and ran to the door just in time to see a horse and cart pass the house at a rapid pace. There was no one in the cart, and she subsequently heard that the horse was killed and her father injured. - Mr Austin, ostler, of Paignton, stated that about eight o'clock that morning he was proceeding down Mill-lane leading a horse with a load of stone. He saw EMMETT and PARNELL come in from the other end of the lane in charge of a dust cart. PARNELL was driving, and EMMETT was sitting on the other side of the cart. Some distance down they stopped to take up some dust. Both men were in the act of dismounting when the animal attached to their cart bolted without any apparent cause and came against the shaft of his (witness's) cart. Both men were thrown from the shafts with great violence, PARNELL striking against the rail of witness's cart and EMMETT against the wheel. The horse and cart went on at a terrific pace, and he did not see anything more of it. Witness immediately went to the men and found that EMMETT was dead and PARNELL seriously injured. - ROBERT PARNELL, labourer, of Goodrington, identified the body lying at No. 2 Mill Cottages, as that of his brother WILLIAM PARNELL. He was 46 years of age and was employed by the Local Board. - John Densham, carpenter, of Polsham-road, stated that he saw the cart proceeding down the lane at a walk. It stopped some little distance down and both men were in the act of getting off when the horse suddenly bolted. One of EMMETT'S legs got inside the shaft and the other was out and as he could not clear himself he hung on to the breeching, while PARNELL was thrown along the rail. The horse went away at a rate of 10 or 12 miles an hour, and when it came into collision with the stone car PARNELL was struck by the rail across the throat and knocked off, and EMMETT came into contact with the wheel. EMMETT was dead when picked up and PARNELL, who was still alive, was taken to the Local Board Buildings, and medical assistance sent for. - Richard Freer, labourer, and Thomas Mitchell, carter, gave similar evidence. - Dr Alexander stated that he was called to Mill Cottages about 8.15 a.m. On reaching there he found that EMMETT was dead. On examining PARNELL he found that his case was hopeless. He appeared to have received a tremendous blow in the upper part of the chest, the lungs were bruised and the upper ribs fractured, and there was a frightful wound in the neck. He died in about an hour. EMMETT bore no external marks of injury, but he thought death was due to shock. - Mr W. J. Wyatt, Surveyor to the Local Board, stated that the horse was purchased in February last, and was worked regularly. He had never heard any complaint about the animal. - The Coroner said while the case was an extremely sad one there were no circumstances in connection with it, which attached blame to anyone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the fund being raised for the widows and orphans of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 11 September 1890
TORQUAY - Mr Sydney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Torbay Hospital, Torquay, yesterday, touching the death of JAMES TUCKER, aged 39, a marble mason. Deceased met with an accident to one hand while riding a tricycle a few days since and lockjaw resulted. The medical testimony showed that it was not thought advisable to amputate the thumb, and death ensued on Monday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 September 1890
NEWTON ABBOT - The Recent Railway Accident At Newton. - An Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN SIMPKINS, a London porter, who was employed as acting-guard on the 11.50 up express from Plymouth, and who was on Thursday knocked down by the Torquay train at Newton Station, and killed, was held at the Newton Cottage Hospital last evening, before Mr Coroner Hacker. - Evidence was given by HENRY SIMPKINS (son of the deceased), George Harvey (foreman porter), James Cheviers and Charles Woodthorpe (driver and fireman respectively on the Jubilee express train), Dr Nisbet, and Joseph Hockaday (travelling inspector), the latter of whom stated it was not part of SIMPKINS duties to carry parcels across the line an, further, it was against the Company's regulations for a porter to cross the metals other than by the flat at the end of the platform. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 September 1890
EXETER - The Fatal Accident At The Exeter Regatta. The Inquest. - Yesterday afternoon, at the Exeter Police Court, Mr Deputy Coroner, H. W. Gould, held an Inquest touching the death of JOSEPH HERBERT MARTIN, an employee of the London and South Western Railway Company, who was drowned in the Exe, on Saturday, through the upsetting of a boat during the progress of the Regatta, as stated in yesterday's "Gazette." - Mr Charles Piper (Hon. Secretary) and Mr George Herbert (Hon. Treasurer) appeared on behalf of the Regatta Committee. - Mr Gale was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was HENRY MARTIN, of 23 Culverland-road, Exeter, who said he was an engine-driver in the employ of the London and South Western Railway. He identified the body as that of his brother, who was 30 years of age, and was unmarried. Deceased had resided at No. 7 New Buildings, Lion's Holt, and was a labourer in the employ of the London and South Western Railway Company. Witness last saw deceased alive about five minutes past 6 on Saturday morning. He was not an intemperate man. - George Medway, residing at 38 Longbrook-street, said he was a fitter's assistant on the London and South Western Railway. On Saturday, in company with the deceased and Frank Moore, he went to the Exeter Regatta about 3 o'clock. They hired a boat from Mr Edwards, of the Port Royal. Deceased rowed for the greater part of the afternoon and Moore took an occasional turn. The boat was rather "light," but there was ample room for the party. About 20 minutes past 7 they were watching the gig and punt race from a position close to the grand-stand. After the race they were in the act of turning round for the purpose of landing when the boat gave a lurch, filled with water and turned over, precipitating the occupants into the water. At the time of the accident they were all sitting quite still. Witness could not say whether deceased was an experienced oarsman. He did not believe deceased could swim; they were all sober. Witness was rescued from the water. - By the Foreman: It was not a fact that they were "larking," and making the boat lurch. - By Mr Lee (a Juror): They were not cautioned during the afternoon. - Frank Moore, son of the Stationmaster at Woodbury-road, residing at 12 Verney-place, bore out the statement of the previous witness. They were all sober. - Detective-Sergeant Dymond, of the City Police Force, deposed that on Saturday he was on duty at the Quay. He saw the deceased and the last two witnesses in a small boat about 20 minutes to 7. He knew the deceased well. Just after the gig and punt race witness heard a cry "There is a boat capsized," and on looking to the river saw the two last witnesses in the water. About 20 boats proceeded to the spot. Had the boats kept away witness thought the deceased might have been rescued. Mr T. Punchard (Secretary of the Exeter Swimming Club) and young Shooter dived and endeavoured to recover the body. The river was dragged and the body was recovered about 11 minutes afterwards. Dr Domville examined the body, and pronounced life to be extinct. - By the Deputy Coroner: The deceased and his companions were well behaved and were not larking. - John Wotton, labourer, of Quay-lane, deposed to recovering the body. - Dr E. J. Domville said he witnessed the accident and waited until the body was recovered afterwards. There were no signs of animation. Strenuous efforts were made to restore animation, but they were ineffectual. The body was in the water 20 minutes. - By the Foreman: The occupants of the boat were leaning over one side of the boat to see the result of the race when the boat capsized. - The Deputy Coroner said that that concluded the evidence. He thought the Jury would agree with him that it showed very clearly how deceased met his death and under what circumstances. The evidence went to show that the deceased met his death by drowning, the result of a boat capsizing, which, no doubt, was caused by an accident. He (the Deputy Coroner) was sure that the Jury would share the regret he felt that this unfortunate accident should have been associated with an event which appeared to have been otherwise conducted under most favourable circumstances. He was sure they would share that regret, and extend their sympathies to the friends of the deceased in their sad bereavement. - The Foreman said that the Jury had come to the conclusion that the deceased met his death by Drowning Accidentally. They desired to express their sympathies with the family of the deceased in their bereavement and also to say that, if possible, they considered it would be a good plan if, in the future, on Regatta days, boats should not be lent out. - The Deputy Coroner said that no doubt there would be a difficulty in adopting that plan.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 September 1890
CHUDLEIGH - CHARLES SANDERS, a baker, residing in Fore-street, Chudleigh, committed suicide by shooting himself with a revolver on Thursday night. Deceased had been in a desponding state for some time. Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest last evening and a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned. A letter was found on the deceased to the effect that his long illness had preyed upon him and made him commit the rash act. By his side lay a five-chambered revolver, and in his pocket was a razor.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 September 1890
EXETER - At the City Police Court yesterday, the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. H. Gould, held an Inquest touching the death of WALTER WHITFORD, aged 23, of Mary Arches-street, formerly a soldier, but lately engaged as a labourer at St. David's Station, who died on Saturday, the 20th inst. - The Foreman of the Jury was Mr John Howard. - Emma Kerslake, a single woman, residing at 49 Mary Arches-street, stated that the deceased came home from work last Wednesday morning, about 11 o'clock, saying he was suffering great pain. He then went to bed and did not leave it until Friday morning, when he said he was much easier. Deceased got up at 9 o'clock and after he had finished his breakfast he went to the Hospital, where he was told to get a recommend, whereupon his mother got one for him, but he made no use of it. Later on in the day, after having had his tea, he sat down in a low rocking-chair near the fire. While witness was putting away the tea things she heard the deceased make a noise and on looking round, saw him slipping off the chair. Witness laid him on the floor and bathed his forehead, but he died a few minutes afterwards. Witness immediately sent for Mr Perkins. Witness was engaged to be married to the deceased, having kept company with him for five months, during which time she had heard him complain of the violent beating of his heart. There was no one in the room besides herself and the deceased when he died. - Mr John Steele Perkins stated that he was called in to see the deceased on Saturday evening, a little before 6 o'clock and found him in an upstair room, lying on his back on the floor. Deceased was quite dead. The body was still warm. There were no marks of violence. Witness had noticed that with soldiers in India who had been in the Hospital with rheumatic fever (as this man had been) it nearly always left them with a weak heart, and that lifting heavy weights, as this man had evidently been doing, had a prejudicial effect. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Heart Disease."

DAWLISH - Fatality At Dawlish. - An Inquest was held at Dawlish last evening before Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, on the body of ELIZABETH ANN EDMONDS, whose death occurred on Sunday at the Cottage Hospital, the result of burns, received through the bursting of an oil lamp, which deceased was in the act of blowing out after getting out of bed. - CHARLES EDMONDS, baker of Old Town-street, husband of deceased, said his wife was 35 years of age. About 5 o'clock on Saturday morning witness took his wife a cup of tea in bed. About 6 o'clock witness heard screams and then a crash followed. Deceased was then coming downstairs in her nightdress in flames. After some little time, with assistance, the flames were put out. His child in the cradle was taken out of the room by an elder brother. - John Hoare, butcher, gave evidence as to the means taken to put out the flames by MR EDMONDS and himself. - John Burrows, butcher, who assisted to take the deceased to the Hospital, said the only remark she made was, "To think I should blow out the lamp and set myself on fire like this." - ELIZABETH EDMONDS, sister-in-law, stated that in conversation deceased said she was blowing down the chimney to put the light out when the lamp suddenly exploded. - Mr A. de W. Baker, Surgeon, who attended deceased, said that death resulted from shock to the system occasioned by the burns. - The Jury, in accordance with the medical evidence, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 September 1890
TORQUAY - Mr Sidney Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Torquay Police Station yesterday, touching the death of ERNEST EDWARD PYM, aged nine weeks, the child of EMMA PYM, of No. 3 Stentifords-hill. The evidence showed that the infant, who slept with his mother, was alive and well at 5 o'clock on Sunday morning, when he was given some food, but at 7.30, on awaking, the mother found the child dead by her side. Dr Richardson gave it as his opinion that the child was accidentally suffocated, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 25 September 1890
BIDEFORD - Mr C. Smale, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest in the Board Schoolroom, East-the-Water, Bideford, on Tuesday evening, on the body of JOSEPH AUSTIN. The evidence showed that the deceased, who was an old man, was taken ill in the yard of his house in Torrington-street. He as assisted indoors by his daughter and placed upon a chair. A doctor was sent for, but deceased expired in about two minutes. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death through failure of the heart's action."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 September 1890
HARBERTON - Shocking Accident At Harbertonford. - A lad named ARTHUR JAMES CLEMENTS, aged 12 years, employed at the woollen factory, Harbertonford, met with a dreadful accident while at work on Thursday. He had been employed in a room where there was a vat of boiling dye. The employee with whom he had been working left the room for a few moments, when CLEMENTS, in endeavouring to reach something, climbed the vat and slipping, fell into it. He managed to get out and run to his home without anyone in the factory knowing of the accident. On the poor boy reaching his home and was undressed and put to bed, his flesh peeled off as his clothes were removed. Dr Cooke, of Totnes, was soon in attendance and did everything in his power to relieve him, but the poor little fellow died the same afternoon about 5 o'clock. An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr S. Hacker, when evidence was given bearing out the above facts, and Dr Cooke having stated that deceased died from shock and the scalds, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Devon and Exeter Hospital by Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, on the body of GEORGE TUCK, 41 years of age, married, and who lived at Ellis's-buildings, Heavitree. - On the 6th of September the deceased, who was employed as an ostler at the Ship Inn, was engaged in cleaning the glass of the panels over the door of the Inn. For the purpose of cleaning the glass, deceased used a pair of steps. Deceased was seen by a witness named Emma Vickery, of Heavitree, to apparently attempt to turn around. The steps gave away and deceased fell. There are some stone steps leading to the door, and deceased's head came into contact with them. A witness named Elizabeth Towell, employed as a servant at the Inn, stated that she warned the deceased about five minutes prior to the accident that the steps were not properly fixed and would throw him down if not careful. Deceased was sober and straightened the cords of the steps a little. - Mr Russell Coombe, House Surgeon, Devon and Exeter Hospital, said the deceased when admitted was suffering from a scalp wound, restless and somewhat delirious. He never recovered complete consciousness. Death was due to laceration of some brain substance. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 29 September 1890
SLAPTON - The Sad Boating Fatality At Slapton Sands. - On Saturday afternoon, at the Queen's Arms Inn, Slapton, the Deputy Coroner, Dr Frazer, of Totnes, held an Inquest on the body of JAMES COLE, a fisherman, who was drowned at Start Bay, on Friday. - Samuel Prout and James Cole, both local fishermen, deposed that on the previous day, shortly after 7 a.m., the deceased and his brother (SIDNEY COLE) went out fishing in their boat. Witness followed them in another boat. There were several other boats about, but when about a mile off Strete Gate they missed the boat in which deceased and his brother were. Both the men then cruised about the spot where the boat was last seen, and in a few moments picked up an oar and a fish maund, which were recognised as belonging to deceased's boat. They commenced grappling for the bodies, and soon afterwards picked up that of JAMES COLES, who was 41 years of age and a widower, leaving six children totally unprovided for. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Yesterday (Sunday) some Beesands fishermen picked up the other body and the boat was also recovered. It was found that the main-sheet was made fast, and the boat must evidently have been struck by a squall. An Inquest will be held today on the remaining body, when the same evidence will be adduced.

MUSBURY - The Sad Death Of A Woman At Musbury. A Coachman Reprimanded. - On Saturday afternoon Mr Deputy Coroner Cox, of Honiton, held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of MARY NEWBERY, aged about 84, wife of ROBERT NEWBERY, who was knocked down by a four-wheel carriage, belonging to Mr W. H. Willans, J.P., of Seaton, and died from the effects of the injuries received, on Friday morning, as stated in Saturday's 'Devon and Exeter Gazette.' Mr F. S. Salter was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Superintendent de Schmid watched the case on behalf of the Police. The Jury having viewed the body and the spot at which the accident occurred, and also the carriage which was being driven at the time, the following evidence was given:- Mrs Mary Ann Jane Willens, wife of William Henry Willans, J.P., of Seaton, deposed that on Thursday she was driving with two ladies )Miss Wright and Miss Pike, from Axminster. The party was being driven by the coachman Simons. When about a mile from Axminster witness noticed that the coachman had the appearance of having had too much to drink. He was inclined to be abusive. He did not sit so straight as he usually did and did not drive steadily. Witness remonstrated with him once or twice as to his driving. He replied that there was no occasion of witness complaining of his driving, and if she was not pleased with his driving she had better drive herself. He had never been impertinent before this occasion, and witness had never had occasion to complain in the same way previously. Witness was sitting at the back of the carriage on the left side of the driver; the two other ladies were facing witness. On turning the sharp corner, close by the cottage occupied by MRS NEWBERY, witness saw a large waggon, laden with straw, approaching. She did not observe the driver of the waggon. The road was narrow and the waggon occupied a large portion of the road. At the time it was getting dusk, and there appeared to be scarcely room to pass. Witness said to the coachman "There is a cart coming; take care." The carriage passed the waggon. Witness did not see the deceased woman. After the carriage passed the cottages witness heard a scream, and on looking back saw a crowd and presumed that an accident had happened. She ordered her coachman to pull up. She did not think he was conscious at that moment of what had happened. He stopped immediately and witness left the vehicle and discovered that MRS NEWBERY had been injured. She told someone to send for Mr Evans, Surgeon, of Colyton. - By the Deputy Coroner: She dismissed the coachman the same evening on account of unsteadiness on the occasion. She did not let the coachman drive her home; at her request Mr Nicholas Harding drove the vehicle to Seaton. - By Superintendent de Schmid: The horse was a perfectly quiet animal. She did not notice that the horse shied when it was passing the waggon. - By a Juror: She did not see a perambulator in the road. - Mr W. H. Willans said it was almost impossible for anyone, even in broad daylight, to see anything in the road from the coachman's seat, especially when four persons were in the carriage. - By the Superintendent: On being made aware of the accident witness did not hear the coachman say anything. It was said that he was abusive. - Mr James Arthur O'Neil, Surgeon, of Colyton, deposed to being called to see the deceased on Thursday evening. He found the woman in bed, and in a state of collapse. She was unconscious. Blood was oozing from the right ear, which showed she had fractured the base of the skull. He formed the opinion that she had been thrown back violently against the wall of her house or on the ground. There were marks of violence over the right knee-cap and over the left wrist, which might have been caused by a wheel passing over them. He also found an extravasation of blood at the back of the head. He considered death was due to laceration of the meningeal artery, taken together with the fracture of the base of the skull. In answer to the Superintendent, the witness said that two years ago the woman suffered from deafness. - Sidney Hellier, a lad, son of William Hellier, of Musbury, said he knew the deceased woman. She was deaf. On Thursday he saw a waggon laden with straw, standing still, in the road near the cottages. He also saw a four-wheel carriage being driven towards Musbury, and he noticed the deceased, who was standing on her doorstep, fall, and the wheels of the vehicle pass over her head. He was 50 yards away when he saw the accident. - Sarah Ann Welsh, wife of Frederick Edward Welsh, a labourer, who lives next door to the cottage occupied by the deceased, said that on Thursday evening the deceased left her (witness's) house to go to her own house. The front doors of the houses were about a foot apart. Witness saw the deceased fall, but could not say whether the fall was occasioned by Mr Willan's carriage, which was passing at the moment. When the deceased was on the ground the wheels passed over some part of the woman's body. Witness went to deceased, who was lying "two double" - By a Juror: At the time of the accident a perambulator was standing just under the front window of witness's house. - By the Foreman: He never saw the deceased fall down before. She was not subject to fits. - By the Superintendent: The perambulator was not injured. The waggon had just passed the carriage when the accident happened. Deceased had her back to the carriage and did not go any distance into the road further than was necessary for her to enter her cottage. - By Mr Willans: Deceased was a little deaf. - Charlotte Welch said she saw the wheels of the carriage pass over the deceased. - John Norris, the driver of the waggon, deposed that just before passing deceased's house he was walking beside the middle horse when he saw a carriage approaching. He whipped the front horse and shouted to it to draw in to the side of the road. - He took hold of the hind and led it, for the purpose of allowing the carriage to pass. The horse attached to the carriage was being driven at a fair trotting pace. The waggon was being driven at a slow pace. As the waggon passed the deceased's cottage witness heard a scream. He immediately stopped the waggon and ran back and saw the deceased lying in the road. He saw marks which had been caused by the near wheels of the carriage, but could not say how far they were from the two cottages. - Mr W. H. Willans said he often drove the horse. The animal was inclined to stop and it then required the whip to be applied strongly in order to make it re-start and even when it did do so it did not always go straight. - Mrs Morgan, landlady of the Western Hotel, Axminster, said a coachman, who she believed was Simons, came to the Hotel, between 4 and 5 o'clock on Thursday night, and was supplied with a pint of beer. There was nothing in the man's appearance to indicate that the man was the worse for liquor. He only remained in the house a few minutes. - William Halse Row, of Drake's Farm, Musbury, deposed to taking measurements of certain wheel tracks, which appeared to have been recently caused by narrow wheels, such as those of a phaeton, opposite the doorways of the deceased and Mrs Welch. It was evident that the carriage swerved opposite the doors in question, which were close together, in the direction of the door of the cottage occupied by the deceased. - Frederick Simons, late coachman, in the employ of Mr W. H. Willans, having been cautioned by the Deputy Coroner, made a statement. He deposed that he was driving on Thursday last, when he passed a waggon laden with straw, and then heard a woman scream. He only had one pint of beer at Axminster, which was at the Western Hotel. - By the Deputy Coroner: He had some beer at the Clarence Tap, at Seaton, about 1 o'clock on Thursday. He had two or three glasses of beer at the tap and also had a glass of beer with his dinner. He was not the worse for drink when he returned from Axminster. - By the Foreman: He was looking towards the waggon when it passed the carriage. - By the Deputy Coroner: It would have been difficult to have seen anyone from where he was driving. - By Sergeant Pike: He had a glass of beer at Mr Parsons's at Axminster after leaving the Western Hotel. - In summing up, the Deputy Coroner reminded the Jury that the fact of the coachman's dismissal made the case a very serious one; but it was for the Jury to judge whether or not the occurrence was in any way caused by the coachman's default or negligence. If the Jury thought that the coachman had been guilty of negligence they should bear in mind the difficulties of driving on the occasion, and especially when the carriage was passing the waggon. - After a short deliberation in private the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Deputy Coroner, addressing the coachman (Simons), said that although the death of the deceased was a pure accident, yet the Jury recorded their sense of the fact that he (the coachman) was not perfectly sober at the time and they wished to reprimand him. - He (the Deputy Coroner) hoped that the case would prove a warning to him.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 30 September 1890
TIVERTON - An Inquest concerning the death of MR JOHN WILLIAM BICKNELL SPRAGUE, of Hedgeland Farm, Cadbury, aged 33, who on Saturday, as already reported, met with an accident while driving a waggon and three horses along the Bickleigh-road, was held last evening at Tiverton, before Mr L. Mackenzie, Borough Coroner. The evidence showed that the deceased was riding in front of the waggon, that the horses became frightened and that he had no proper reins to the shaft horses. The Jury simply returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", and expressed their sympathy with deceased's widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 3 October 1890
SUTCOMBE - MR J. WALTER, who accidentally broke his leg, as already reported, died on Monday morning at 3 a.m. On Saturday, at 4 p.m. he was seized with a paralytic stroke and immediately lost the power of speech but remained conscious until his death. Coroner Burd held an Inquest on Tuesday and a verdict in accordance with the evidence was given. MR WALTER was highly esteemed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 October 1890
NEWTON POPPLEFORD - The Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Cannon Inn, Newton Poppleford, by Mr Charles Cox, Deputy Coroner, of Honiton, upon the body of JAMES BLACKMORE, aged 74 years, who was so severely burnt that he died soon after the accident was discovered. The deceased resided by himself in a cottage at the head of the village. - Mrs Dora Pring, the next-door neighbour of the deceased, said she saw him on Wednesday last, when he came to her own door. On Thursday morning she was standing in her garden, and heard groans issuing from the deceased's cottage. She at once called her sister-in-law, who fetched Mr Roberts. - Ellen Lightfoot gave corroborative evidence. - William Roberts, a fish-hawker, said that on Thursday morning about 11 o'clock the last witness came and asked him to go to the deceased's house. He at once did so, and on opening the door smoke issued so thickly that he was forced to go back. After the smoke had cleared away he went in and found the deceased lying on his face in the fire, and groaning. Witness at once pulled BLACKMORE away, but he soon afterwards expired. - Dr Reynolds stated that he went to see the deceased about 1 o'clock on the day in question and found that his face, chest and arms were dreadfully burnt. He thought the injuries were quite sufficient to cause death. It was most probable that deceased was in a fit at the time the accident happened. - The Coroner said that it was a most singular thing that deceased's mother was burned to death when in a fit and her son in all probability was killed in the same way. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that death was due to burns, the result of an accident.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 8 October 1890
EXETER - Singular Death Of A Retired Farmer. - At the Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of GEORGE KINGDON RADMORE, aged 61 years, who died on Sunday at the Hospital. - MRS ELLEN RADMORE, widow of the deceased, residing at No. 7 Weirfield-road, said her husband, who was a retired farmer, left his home on Saturday morning to go to Thorverton, and was then in apparently good health. She did not see him again until he was brought home the same night in a cab, when he could scarcely stand, and complained that he was "cut to pieces." Witness asked him whether he would go to the Hospital or have a doctor. Deceased said he would rather go to the Hospital, and he was accordingly taken there in the same cab that brought him home. - Charles Ludd, cabman, 24 Spiller-street, stated that he was at St. David's Station cab-stand on Saturday evening when the 9 o'clock train came in from Thorverton. A boy came to witness and informed him that there was a gentleman lying in the road about ten yards from his cab, upon which witness went to the spot and saw deceased in the arms of two young men. RADMORE told witness that both his legs had given away under him. He was quite sober at the time, and asked witness to drive him home to his house. When deceased fell over the side of the footpath he struck his head against the kerbstone. - Mr T. Martin, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said he received the deceased into that Institution last Saturday about 10 p.m. Deceased, who was perfectly sensible, had a cut on his right eyebrow and loss of power in both his legs. He remained in much the same condition until about 12 o'clock the next day, when he had a very severe fainting attack; from that moment he became worse and died about 3.30 on the same day. There was an old-standing chronic inflammation of the brain which had recently become acute, which fully accounted for deceased's symptoms. The cause of death was failure of respiration. Witness did not think the cut over the eye in any way accelerated death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

CULLOMPTON - The Death In A Police Cell At Cullompton. - At Cullompton yesterday afternoon an Inquiry was held by Mr F. Burrow (County Coroner), concerning the death of HENRY NOWELL, 45, a drover, residing at Taunton who died in the Police Cell late the previous Sunday night. - Mr Edmund Labdon was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - A post mortem examination of the body had been made earlier in the day by Dr Dickenson, of Uffculme, in company with Dr Lloyd. - Mr Watkins, of Tiverton, appeared at the request of Mr Cresswell, of Taunton, who could not be present, as legal adviser for the widow of the deceased and the rest of his relations and asked for an adjournment of the proceedings to today to enable Mr Cresswell to be present at the Inquiry and also some of deceased's relatives. - The Coroner considered there was no need of the adjournment, but should the Jury after the Inquiry believe it desirable he would adjourn the Court to another day before their decision was given. - A lengthy Inquiry into the conduct of deceased was gone into - which showed he had not been of the most steady habits - also into the circumstances of his arrest at Taunton early on Sunday morning and while in the custody of the Police until his death. - The widow, who was much affected, was present, and said she was married to the deceased eleven years since, and had two children, a boy and a girl. She had been separated from him for eighteen months, but was not on unfriendly terms with him. He had not long since been in the Taunton Hospital, treated for dropsy, from which complaint he was suffering. - Deceased was well known to the Taunton Police, and was spoken of as a well-conducted man when out of liquor. - The post mortem examination showed that deceased was fairly healthy and that death was due to pulmonary apoplexy. - The Coroner briefly summed up the case and asked the Jury if they required any further investigation, if so he would adjourn the Inquiry as requested by Mr Watkin. - The Jury expressed themselves satisfied with the medical examination and the treatment deceased received from the time of his arrest at the hands of the Police to his death, and returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, "That deceased died suddenly from Apoplexy."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 10 October 1890
NORTH TAWTON - Found Dead In A Train At Northtawton. The Inquest. - Upon the arrival at Northtawton on Wednesday of the 7.51 a.m. train which left Exeter for Plymouth 46 minutes earlier, a lady was found dead on the floor of one of the third-class railway carriages. Travelling Inspector Bird, of Exeter, who is acting for the Stationmaster at Northtawton during his holidays, opened the door of the carriage for the purpose of allowing other passengers to enter, and then saw the lady lying on the floor of the compartment. Mr Bird attempted to raise her and found she was dead. He at once procured assistance and the body was taken to the waiting shed on the down side. A messenger was dispatched for medical assistance and Dr Banbury quickly attended and declared the lady to be dead. There were no marks of violence on the body, but there was a bruise on the forehead, and the face had a colour that suggested that the unfortunate lady had fallen from the seat of the carriage in a fit, and had expired before anybody came to her aid. She is a lady apparently between 50 and 60 years old and somewhat stout. She was dressed in black and wore a veil. The body was searched but nothing was found to identify the lady with the exception of a white handkerchief, on one corner of which were the initials "M.A." The railway ticket that was in her possession was an excursion from St David's (Exeter) to Tavistock. A basket was in the carriage, evidently the property of the deceased, and in it were two or three apples, and a packet of tea. - At 5 o'clock in the evening an Inquest was held at the Railway Hotel, adjoining the Northtawton Station, by the Coroner for the County, (Mr W. Bird), of Okehampton. Mr William Heath was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Mr H. J. Foster, Deputy Inspector to the South Western Railway Company, watched the case on their behalf. - The Coroner pointed out that after they had taken all the available evidence that day, and if it was impossible to identify the body, it would be necessary to adjourn the Inquiry till Friday. - Alfred Edwards, of 6 South View-terrace, Exeter, guard, in the employ of the London and South Western Railway Company, deposed to being in the 7.5 a.m. train that morning from Queen-street. When the train arrived at St David's Station the deceased came down the steps on to the platform. Witness asked her where she was going and she replied "Tavistock." Witness opened the door of an empty third-class compartment, into which the deceased entered. Witness closed the door and did not again see the deceased until the train arrived at Northtawton. Here the door of the compartment was opened for the purpose of allowing other passengers to enter and the lady was found lying face downwards quite dead. Witness did not believe anybody else had travelled in the compartment with the deceased. - By a Juror: The deceased appeared to walk steadily down the railway steps at Exeter and was not excited in any way. - George Henry Bird, acting Stationmaster at Northtawton, said he opened the door of the compartment on the train arriving at the Station. When he saw the deceased on the floor of the carriage he obtained assistance and raised her on to the seat and found that she was dead. Witness immediately despatched a messenger for medical assistance and then removed the body from the train. He found an excursion ticket, return from Exeter to Tavistock in the compartment, and he saw there was a large bruise on deceased's forehead. Witness had made inquiries at Exeter and Tavistock about the lady, but had been unable to find anybody who could identify her. In the carriage with the deceased were a bundle, an umbrella and a basket. - The Coroner suggested that as it would be advisable to have a post-mortem examination of the body, the doctor's evidence could not be taken till Friday. - The Jury concurred and the Inquest was adjourned till Friday at 5 o'clock. - In addition to the things already mentioned, there were found on the deceased a quarter of a pound of tea, purchased at the Grocery Stores, St Thomas; silver watch with a black jet chain; and a purse containing £1 in gold, 4s. 3d. in silver and 2d. in coppers.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 October 1890
EXETER - The Fatality At the Hansard Mills. - Yesterday at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, the City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest on the body of JOHN WILLIAMS, aged 18, papermaker of Bradninch, who was crushed by machinery at the Hansard Mills, Silverton, on September 30th. - Mr Hall, manager of the mills, watched the case on behalf of the Hansard Publishing Union, and Mr Bignold, Inspector of Factories and Workshops, was present officially. - WALTER WILLIAMS, postman, of Bradninch, identified the body as that of his son. The deceased told witness that the accident occurred through his falling from a platform upon a belt, which carried him to the spot at which he was picked up. - Louis Loaring, a machine-man, gave evidence to the effect that about 6.30 p.m. he was talking with the deceased about some work. The deceased then went about a yard and a half away to adjust some plates used in the straining process. Two minutes later witness heard a scream. He stopped the engine immediately, and saw the deceased in a corner behind the gear wheel. Witness did not see the occurrence, nor anyone else. The deceased had to pass from one platform to another and before the plates could be put in position it was necessary to pull a belt from a pulley. - By Mr Bignold: The platform spoken of was a foot-plank, which was sometimes wet. The deceased was engaged in a daily duty which witness had often performed. He considered that the deceased, while standing upon the floor, was caught by a belt forming part of the mill gear that put the straining machine in motion, and which he was pulling off by means of an iron bar. It seemed to witness that the bar caught in the bolts of the belt. It was a common occurrence to throw the belt off with the bar without stopping the engine. The machinery at the spot in question was not, he thought, more dangerous than that in other parts of the mills. The belt was always pulled off in the manner described, and he did not consider it wrong. - Mr Bignold: It is usual to do a thing which is very wrong. - Proceeding, the witness Loaring said the deceased could not have pulled off the belt had he stood upon the plank. - Mr Bignold said the Act required that all mill gearing should be securely fenced, or placed in such a position as to be securely fenced. - Mr hall contended that the belt in question did not form a portion of the gear. It was a part of the straining machine. - Mr Bignold said the Act defined mill-gear as follows:- "And every wheel, drum or pulley by which the motion of the first moving power is communicated to any machine appertaining to the manufacturing process." It was, the Inspector remarked, a technical point. - MR WILLIAMS, recalled, said the deceased told him that he had not an iron bar in his hand at the time of the occurrence. - A lad named Walter Force, of Bradninch, said that on the evening of the accident he saw the deceased, who was going on night duty. In the course of conversation WILLIAMS said, "I'm shaking like a leaf tonight. I'm afraid there's going to be an accident or something tonight." - The Coroner thought the statements of the deceased to his father showed how he got caught in the machinery. - Mr Martin, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, described the injuries, which included a fracture of the pelvis, sustained by the deceased. An operation was performed the day after admission. Septic poisoning was the cause of death. - The iron bar which the witness Loaring supposed that the deceased used was produced, and it was bent considerably, as if it had been caught in the machinery. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it did not seem to him that there was sufficient neglect to render the proprietors of the mill criminally responsible. To him it appeared that if the portion of the mill in question had been fenced in it would have been rendered almost unworkable. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," with a recommendation that a "crutch" should be constructed for throwing the belt from the tight to the loose pulley.

NORTH TAWTON - Found Dead In A Train At Northtawton. The Inquest. - The adjourned inquest on the body of MRS MARY ANN ROBINS, the person who was found dead in the railway carriage on Wednesday, was resumed at the Railway Hotel, Northtawton, last evening, before Mr W. Burd (County Coroner). The first witness called was WILLIAM ROBINS, who said he resided at 54 Sidwell-street, Exeter, and was a coal merchant. He was a son of the deceased, MARY ANN ROBINS, who was the wife of WILLIAM ROBINS, of Kennford. She was 72 years of age. He had not seen his mother for a fortnight. She was then in robust health. He had heard her complain of pains in the head occasionally, but her health had usually been good. He never remembered her having any illness or shortness of breath. - Mr George Banbury, M.R.C.S., said he was practising at Northtawton. He saw the body of the deceased, MARY ANN ROBINS, on Wednesday morning, about 8.30. Life was then extinct. There were two scars on the face, one on the forehead and the other on the bridge of the nose; but they were merely superficial. There were no marks of violence on any part of the body. He had made a post-mortem examination of the body and found she was suffering from Bright's disease as well as from heart disease. The cause of death was syncope, resulting from the failure of the heart's action. - By MR ROBINS: Do you consider that the fact of my mother having travelled on the railway in any way hastened her death. - Witness: Certainly not; it might have happened had she been at home. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he was pleased to find that the body had been identified, and expressed his thanks to all concerned for the assistance they had given. He thought after the evidence of the doctor they would have no difficulty in finding a verdict. - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - MR W. ROBINS asked the permission of the Coroner to make a few remarks. He wished to thank all who had been mixed up in this unfortunate matter, for the kindness they had shown. It was through the Press that he had been enabled to identify the remains. He wished particularly to thank the Sergeant of Police (Kemble) for the great courtesy he had shown.

DAWLISH - The Discovery Of The Body Of A Child. Inquest At Dawlish. - An Inquest was held at the Town Hall last evening, before Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, into the death of a newly-born male child found on Wednesday in a field on Strand-hill. Mr Matthews was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - William John Milton, coachman to Mr Wybrow, Highcliffe, stated that on the day named he saw the naked body of a child in the hedge behind some brambles near Highcliffe, and gave information to the Police. - P.C. Edwards stated that from information received from the previous witness he went to the place indicated, and found the body of a newly-born male child, which he wrapped up and took to the Police Station. The child was quite dead and he found no traces of any description in the field. In the lane adjoining the field afterwards witness made a further search, when he found certain traces. The next morning witness again searched the place and found traces which led him to a yard in High-street. Witness then went into the yard and found indications which led him to the dwelling-house of a man named JACKSON. He saw MRS JACKSON and said from rumours he had heard it was her daughter's child that had been found. From medical testimony after examination of the body by Mr A. de W. Baker, witness arrested ELIZABETH BESSIE JACKSON. The girl said it was not her child. - Mr A. de W. Baker, Surgeon, who made the post mortem examination, said the child was fully developed in every way, and had not been washed or cared for in any way. Witness considered the child was born just alive and if medical assistance had been procured the child would undoubtedly have lived. - Jane Drew, a nurse, residing at Manor-row, said the girl JACKSON volunteered a statement to her to the effect that the child was born in the water-closet on Tuesday evening last and it cried a little. She carried it up the lane on Strand-hill. She threw the deceased child over the hedge. - MARIA JANE JACKSON, mother of the prisoner, stated that her daughter was 15 years of age last August. Witness knew that she was enciente about six months ago. Her daughter did not say on Tuesday evening that there was anything the matter with her and witness did not know of it until Wednesday morning, when her daughter told her what had occurred. - The Coroner, in summing up, said undoubtedly the child had breathed, and that sufficient evidence had been taken to enable the Jury to know that ELIZABETH BESSIE JACKSON was the mother of the child. He considered it a very extraordinary case indeed. - The Jury retired, and, after an absence of about ten minutes, returned a unanimous verdict "That the child died at its birth from want of proper attention."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 13 October 1890
TAVISTOCK - At the Tavistock Workhouse on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of a licensed hawker named WILLIAM MCKENZIE, aged 69. Mary Ann Maunder, lodging-house keeper, of King-street, Tavistock, stated that on the 30th September the deceased came to her house in quest of lodgings, and as he was following her upstairs he fell down two or three steps and became insensible. He remained there the night and next day was conveyed to the Workhouse. Dr Hislop stated that when he saw the deceased on the 1st of October he had all the symptoms of apoplexy. Subsequently he suffered from an attack of bronchitis, which was the cause of death. The fall had nothing to do with it. Mr Solloway, Master of the Workhouse, said the deceased told him that he came from Plymouth, and had no friends. The Jury, of whom Mr J. Simpson was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 October 1890
EXMOUTH - The Fatal Fire At Exmouth. The Inquest. - Yesterday afternoon, at the Albion Inn, Exmouth, the Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr C. Cox, held an Inquest relative to the death of MARIA RUETTA BASTIN, of Albion-street, Exmouth, who was suffocated in the fire which occurred at her house on Saturday morning. Mr A. Carter was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Before the evidence was taken the Jury made an inspection of the premises in which the deceased lived. - ELLEN AMELIA PORTBURY, a widow, of South Lawn-terrace, Heavitree, Exeter, identified the body as that of her sister, aged 59, who was the widow of CAPTAIN ROBERT BASTIN, formerly a ship-owner and master mariner of Exmouth. Of recent years the deceased had been very eccentric in her habits, and would not admit any member of her family into her house. Witness knew nothing more of the deceased than if she were a stranger to her; she had not seen her for more than ten minutes during three years. The deceased never gave witness reason to suppose that she intended taking her own life. - The Coroner proceeded to put a question as to whether the deceased was addicted to intemperance, but scarcely had the interrogatory been completed when the witness, in an excited manner, said, "That is a question, sir, I shall not answer. I think it is not right to ask those questions." - William Bibbings, a plumber, said he had been acquainted with the deceased, opposite to whose house he resided, for rather over a month. Her habits were most peculiar. He considered her an eccentric person, but not mentally afflicted. He had been told that the deceased was intemperate, but he had never seen her the worse for drink. Witness spoke to the deceased, who was standing at her door, at 9.30 on Friday night. His wife had cooked the deceased's meals and at a quarter to 11 o'clock on Friday night the servant girl took over some food for her. The deceased made no reply when a knock was given at the door and witness thought this was strange. At 10 minutes to 6 the next morning witness was informed that there was a fire in the house and he gained access to the premises. He forced open the door of the bedroom, which was locked, and discovered the deceased lying upon the floor, but perceived no sign of life. Her head was burning. The apartment was full of smoke, and, as he burst the door open, witness saw something resembling a lamp fall from the mantelpiece. He pulled the deceased from the room on to the landing. - Mr George Perriam, who corroborated the statement that the deceased had lately been eccentric, gave evidence relative to the condition of the body. - Mary Jane Bricknell deposed to having once lived for nine years with the deceased, who was then given to taking very much liquor. - Dr Hodgson said the deceased's body was blackened and the hands burnt off. There could not have been life in the body when it was found. He thought, from the position of her arms, that the deceased was alive when burnt. - Superintendent Moore, of the Fire Brigade, supposed that the deceased had been sitting in a chair, the bottom of which was burnt out. Upon examining the house he discovered a large number of bottles, some of which had contained orange wine and others gin. There were three jars of brandy in a room downstairs. - The Coroner did not think there was sufficient evidence to show how the fire originated, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the cause of the fire not being known.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 15 October 1890
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - The Suicide At St. Thomas. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by the Coroner, Mr H. Gould, at the Royal Oak Inn, Okehampton-street, St. Thomas, into the circumstances attending the death, on the previous evening, on the Great Western Railway line between St. David's and St. Thomas Stations, of GEORGE BRADBEER, a builder, of North-street, Exeter. - Mr Stokes was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - District-Inspector Shaddock was present on behalf of the Railway Company. - ANNIE BRADBEER, widow of the deceased, identified the body as that of her husband, who was 34 years of age. She last saw him alive in her house at about half-past 2 o'clock on Monday afternoon. He had been very queer for about three months, but had had no cause for depression. He had been suffering with his liver and from indigestion. - ALFRED BRADBEER, of 2 Mount Dinham Villas, brother to the deceased, and in partnership with his father, a builder at St. David's, said he last saw deceased alive at about 1 o'clock on Monday in the workshop at the rear of his house in North-street. Witness did not then notice anything unusual about his brother, who appeared to be in somewhat better spirits than had recently been the case. He had of late, however, been very depressed, and seemed to think that everything was going wrong, his past trouble being that he thought he was not as he used to be, and that he could not work so well now. He had also said that at times everything looked dark. Deceased was a member of the Wesleyan Bible Class, which included several men who worked on the railway line, and he might have gone there on Monday to see some of them. - John Davis, of Newton Abbot, fireman in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, said he was on the passenger train that left Exeter for Newton Abbot at 5.42 p.m. on Monday. Between St. David's and St. Thomas's Stations witness observed a man walking on the path beside the railway. When the train came up to him he leaned forward on his hands and knees in front of the locomotive. Witness shouted out, but the man threw himself deliberately on the rails and the train seemed to pass over his head. The driver of the train and witness put the brakes on the train, and stopped as soon as possible. There was plenty of room for a man to walk on the path without being touched by the train. It would have been impossible to have pulled up the train in time to avoid running over the man. - John Phillips, of Newton Abbot, driver of the train, said where the train was stopped he alighted, but did not go to the body, as the guard advised him to proceed to the St. Thomas's Station and there inform the Stationmaster of the occurrence. This advice witness acted upon. - Francis Cole, of Albion-street, St. Thomas, train-examiner in the employ of the G.W.R., said he was walking up the line towards St David's Station on Monday afternoon about a quarter to six o'clock, when he saw the deceased lying face downwards on the footpath with his head against the rail. He appeared to be quite dead. The train had passed witness about three minutes before he saw the body. While he was on the spot a Police-Sergeant and the Stationmaster at St. Thomas camp up and witness went on to St. David's. - P.S. Egan deposed to going with the Station-master to the spot where the deceased was lying and finding that he was quite dead. They sent for Dr Vlieland, who quickly put in an appearance. There was no obstruction on the footpath by the side of the rails. - Mr Vlieland said he was called to see the body on the line and he examined it there about a quarter-past 6 o'clock, when he found the deceased quite dead. There was a large contused wound over the right eye and blood and brain matter were issuing from the right ear, from which witness judged there was a fracture of the skull. In his (witness's) opinion the deceased was struck by the engine. He did not think the wheels passed over the body. It often happened that a person suffering from depression had suicidal tendencies. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 17 October 1890
PLYMOUTH - Inquest At Plymouth. - The sudden death of an elderly woman named ANNA WRIGHT, formed the subject of Inquiry by a Coroner's Jury empanelled last evening at the Workhouse, Plymouth. - MARY JANE OSBORNE, daughter of deceased, stated that her mother had for a considerable time been suffering from asthma, and on Tuesday her condition being worse an order was procured to take her to the above-mentioned Institution. - Mr Dyke, Master of the Union, deposed that when deceased was admitted she was in an apparently dying condition. The order which was supplied by the Relieving-officer did not show the nature of the complaint and he considered that under such circumstances great responsibility laid upon the Workhouse authorities. - Dr Cumming, who had attended to deceased on several occasions, was of opinion that death was caused by bronchitis. - The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Natural Causes" passed the following rider: - "The Jury desire to express their opinion that the Relieving Officers should not give orders for removal of persons in extremis without the sanction of the Medical Officer."

BUCKFASTLEIGH - The Inquest on the body of the man STANCOMBE, who was killed near Brent on Tuesday evening, was held at the King's Arms Hotel on Wednesday before Mr S. Hacker, Coroner. The deceased, who was 49 years of age, tripped while walking by the side of his waggon and fell under the wheels, which passed over his chest and inflicted injuries from which he died. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 October 1890
EXMINSTER - Found Drowned By Exeter Canal. - An Inquest was held at the Stowey Arms Hotel, Exminster, yesterday, by Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy District Coroner, touching the death of SAMUEL VINNICOMBE HONEYWILL, whose body was found in a ditch by the side of the Exeter Canal on Wednesday afternoon. - Walter Henry Caseley, cycle maker, of Exeter, identified the body as that of his uncle, a native of Dunsford, formerly a draper, aged about 65 years and whom he last saw alive on Wednesday week last. Deceased appeared to be sane, but was in poor circumstances. Deceased had not said anything which would lead witness to suppose he intended to commit suicide. - Mary Ann Toms, Oxford-street, St. Thomas, said deceased had lodged at her house, and left on Saturday last about half-past eight. He then said to witness, "If I am not back by seven o'clock don't you expect me." In the afternoon of the same day witness saw him on Haven Banks and he then said he was going for a stroll. He appeared to be sober at the time, and witness was not aware that he had anything to worry him. - Charles Pepprell, lime-burner, of Exminster, spoke to seeing the deceased near the lime kilns, when he was at work on the banks of the Canal on Tuesday last. - Albert Stabback, lithographer, of 52 Coombe-street, Exeter, said he was going down the banks of the Canal on Wednesday afternoon, when he found a hat and coat hanging on a bush over a ditch by the side of the Canal between Countess Weir and Topsham. After making a search he found the body of the deceased, who was dead, in the water and informed the Police of the occurrence. - P.C. Bastin, stationed at Exminster, proved taking charge of the body after it was taken out of the water. The stream was not deep enough to cover deceased, who was lying face downwards on the mud. There were several things found in the coat, but nothing to throw any light on the deceased's death. - Dr Vlieland, of St. Thomas, said he had examined the body of the deceased, which presented the usual appearance of drowning. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXETER - The Fatal Accident To An Exeter 'Bus Conductor. - The City Coroner, Mr W. H. Hooper, held an Inquest at the Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday relative to the death of GEORGE EDWARD EVELEIGH TUCKER, who was killed on the previous night near St. David's Railway Station, Exeter. - WILLIAM TUCKER, labourer of 2 Sun-street, identified the body as that of his son, aged 17, who was employed by Mr J. H. Stanbury, of the Royal Clarence and Half Moon Hotels, as an omnibus conductor. - Isaac Bond, 'bus driver, said on the previous night he met the down express at St. David's Station, and left between a quarter and ten minutes to 11 o'clock with five passengers. Deceased was at the back of the 'bus. When about 100 yards from the Elmfield Hotel, on the Station side, witness whistled to deceased to get upon the higher step, but received no reply. The London Hotel 'bus came up and the driver of it, in reply to a question from witness, said he had not seen deceased. Witness thereupon walked back towards the Station, and found the deceased in the road. - John Hobbs, of the Exeter Gazette Office, said he also met the express. The deceased got upon the step behind the 'bus with witness. When between 20 and 30 yards from the Station the deceased jumped off and ran along upon the left side of the 'bus. After proceeding a short distance witness looked round and saw the deceased running between the 'bus and a cab, which was also going towards the City. The vehicles were about ten feet apart. Witness saw nothing further of TUCKER until after he had been lifted from the ground in an unconscious state. It was very dark at the spot in question, and the two lamps between the Railway parcels office and the goods office, standing inside the railings on the Great Western Company's property, were not lit, as they generally were. - John Cook, fly-driver of Union-place, North-street, said he was driving home and when 20 yards from the Station he felt the wheels of his vehicle pass over something. Witness had no lights, and, it being very dark, he was unable to see what he had run over. He pulled up his horse and with the aid of a match saw the deceased lying in the road upon his face and hands. - By a Juror: Witness had lamps, but they were not illuminated. It was usual to light them when he had a fare. - Replying to a Juror, the witness Bond said sockets for lamps were not provided on the exterior of the omnibuses, which were lighted inside. - Mr Russell Coombe, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said TUCKER was dead when received into that Institution. His right chest was broken and collar-bone displaced. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed a wish that the Coroner should communicate with the Great Western Railway Company, pointing out the desirability of the lamps referred to being lit. - Mr Hooper concurred with the Jury and said he would comply with their wish.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 20 October 1890
ST GILES IN THE WOOD - Suicide Of A Farmer Of St. Giles. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at Beara Farm, St. Giles, near Great Torrington, by Mr J. F. Bromham, County Coroner, on the body of JOHN LAWRENCE VODDEN, a young farmer, who committed suicide by shooting himself on Thursday last. - MARY TANTON VODDEN, sister of the deceased, said he was a farmer, residing at Beara Farm, and had been managing it since the death of her father. Deceased was 26 years of age. The last time she saw him alive was on Thursday about 12 o'clock, when he went from the kitchen into the sitting-room. He then went out of the house and did not return. Witness went into the sitting-room and noticed on the table the case in which he usually kept his gun. She then knew he had taken his gun with him, which was an ordinary thing for him to do and she was not alarmed by seeing it was gone. As he did not return in the evening a man was sent to look for him. She sat up for him all night and about 7 o'clock in the morning a servant boy, called John Smale, came in and told her the body of the deceased had been found. She was not aware of anything that had been weighing on his mind. He was not in any way peculiar or eccentric in his habits and she had no reason for supposing he would commit suicide. - John Sage proved going with John Smale to a by-lane, about 30 yards from the house, where they found the deceased lying on his side with the gun between his legs. He was quite dead and witness assisted to convey the body back to the house. - William Squire deposed to accompanying John Smale. They found the body of the deceased in the roadway with the gun between his legs, the muzzle pointing towards his head. - P.C. Davey, who was also present when the body was found, said the gun had been recently discharged, as there was an empty cartridge in one barrel; the other barrel was unloaded. He searched and found cartridges in the deceased's pocket. From the position in which he found the deceased, and having regard to the attendant circumstances, he did not think death was the result of an accident. The charge appeared to have gone into the deceased's mouth. - Dr Cutcliffe, of Torrington, described the injuries in detail, and said the charge had entered the mouth and had reached the brain. He thought, from the nature of the injuries, it was impossible that death was due to an accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide by Shooting while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 21 October 1890
TORQUAY - A verdict of Suicide while Temporarily Insane was returned at the Inquest on GEORGE HENRY HEBBES, a visitor to Torquay, who was found dead with his throat cut on Sunday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 22 October 1890
SEATON AND BEER - Alleged Manslaughter At Beer. A Father Committed For Trial. - Mr Deputy Coroner Cox of Honiton, held an Inquest on Tuesday at the Dolphin Hotel, Beer, near Seaton, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of JAMES SEARLE HARNER, aged 25, son of SIDNEY HARNER, watchmaker &c., of Beer, who died on Sunday, under singular circumstances, as stated in Tuesday's Devon and Exeter Daily Gazette. The Inquiry was opened at the New Inn, but owing to the accommodation being insufficient, an adjournment was made, after the Jury had viewed the body, to the Dolphin Hotel. A great deal of interest was evinced in the proceedings, which occupied about three hours and a half. Superintendent de Schmid watched the case on behalf of the Police. Captain Goodwin was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was Mr G. Evans, sen., Surgeon, of Seaton, who said he had been acquainted with the deceased all his life. He was a young man of ordinary health, but he was not so bright as many people in his intellect. Deceased did not suffer from any illness before the 13th April last. On that date the deceased was taken ill, and was attended by witness's son (William Henry Evans). Witness saw the deceased shortly afterwards. He found deceased in an insensible condition and he appeared to be suffering either from concussion of the brain or the effects of an epileptic fit, accompanied by loss of sight. He continued in that state for many days and was ill for several weeks afterwards and unable to leave his bed. Witness and his son saw the deceased from time to time after the 13th April. Deceased made some progress and recovered sufficiently to permit him to walk out of doors, and he also gained sensibility to a considerable extent, but not wholly. A week or two ago, however, he again became insensible and remained in that state up to the time of his death, which occurred on Sunday, the 19th inst. - By the Deputy Coroner: Deceased made no statement to witness as to the cause of his illness. - Continuing, Mr Evans said he made a post-mortem examination of the body that (Tuesday) morning, with the assistance of his son George. He found the vessels of the brain very considerably congested and the internal table of the base of the skull was fractured. The bone, which was a good deal discoloured, had become diseased, and produced an abscess in the substance of the brain, which he considered was the cause of death. The other organs were healthy. The fracture of the base of the skull and the subsequent abscess perfectly explained the deceased's symptoms since the 13th April. - Replying to the Deputy :Coroner, witness said the fracture was such that it might have been caused either by a fall or a blow. - By a Juror: The fracture might have been caused several months. - By the Deputy Coroner: It might have been caused so long ago as the 13th April. - By Superintendent de Schmid: He did not think that an epileptic fit, without any injury to the brain, would have caused so long an illness. He had no conversation with any of the deceased's relatives as to the cause of the deceased's illness. - The Superintendent: Will you tell me whether you think an instrument of this sort (an oak carpenter's bevel was here produced) would produce a fracture similar to the one you have mentioned? - Witness: It is possible, but hardly likely as it is so light. - The Deputy Coroner: It would depend upon the force with which it was used. - In reply to Mr R. E. Miller (a Juror), witness said that if a person received a serious blow it would not necessarily follow that there would be an external mark. If a person fell out of a window on his head it was not necessary that there should be any outward sign, but, nevertheless, there might be a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Deputy Coroner asked the deceased's father if he desired to put any questions to the witness, and he replied in the negative, adding, "I am sorry I am excitable." - Sarah Carslake, wife of Henry Carslake, labourer, of Beer, deposed that she knew the deceased intimately. He frequently visited her house. On the 13th April the deceased's brother, THOMAS, called her to go to his father's house to see the deceased, who he thought was dying. On going to the house witness found the deceased in bed. Blood was flowing from his mouth and she sent for a medical man. When she entered the house deceased's father and mother were in the kitchen. The mother followed witness upstairs. About 15 or 20 minutes after witness's arrival the deceased had a fit in the presence of her (witness) and his mother. Some time in February last the deceased came to witness's house and complained of his head aching. She asked him what was the matter, and he replied that his father had knocked him on the head. She had not heard him complain of pains in the head previous to that time. - By a Juror: He said if he was sure he should continue to suffer in that way he would sooner die. - by the Superintendent: The son THOMAS was now at sea. - George Northcott, baker, of Beer, deposed that some time this year - near Lady-day - when a change of residence was pending in the deceased's family, he saw the deceased at Mr Newton's door. He came up to witness, and made a statement. Deceased said he was suffering in his head, and, on witness asking him what was the matter, he said that his father had struck him a blow on the head with a stick. He also said his father had been abusive to his mother. He did not speak of having had any altercation with his father. Since that day when witness met the deceased he generally complained of pains in his head. - By the Superintendent: He had known the deceased's father for 40 years. He was a rather excitable man. He had not seen him the worse for liquor recently. - A Juror observed that the deceased's father had been an inmate of a lunatic asylum. - P.C. Thomas Brinfield, stationed at Beer, said he had been acquainted with the deceased since he came to the village on the 24th April last. One day in May witness was standing at the church corner when he noticed the deceased looking very ill. He asked the young man what was the matter, and he voluntarily said that his father had knocked him across the head with a short stick. He then took his hat off, and said, "You can feel the hump in my head now where he knocked me." - At the deceased's request witness put his hand on the back of his head and felt a hump or swelling there. Deceased said he had been ill ever since his father struck him. Witness had heard the father make use of threats towards the deceased since his illness. He thought the threats were made in May. - LUCY HARNER, wife of SIDNEY HARNER, and mother of the deceased, who was visibly affected, said her son was a mason's labourer and was 25 years of age. He was taken ill on the 13th April. - In reply to the Deputy :Coroner, witness said she did not desire to give evidence against her husband. - The Deputy Coroner said he did not intend to take any evidence from the wife which would directly incriminate her husband. - In answer to further questions, witness said deceased was taken ill on the 13th April and died last Sunday. - By the Superintendent: She had two sons and they were very friendly. She could not assign any reason for THOMAS going to sea except scarcity of work. He went to sea about a month ago. - By the Deputy Coroner: Her husband was confined for four months and a week in Exminster Asylum about 33 years ago. - The husband: About 34 or 35 years ago. - The Deputy Coroner: Has he suffered in his mind since? - Witness: His nerves have been weak, and he has been easily affected by a drop of drink. He has been "low-nerved" many times. - The Deputy Coroner asked the father if he wished to give evidence, and he replied in the affirmative. - The Deputy Coroner having cautioned him, MR HARNER proceeded to make a statement, but he had only said that "he put his boy cleaning a clock as his health was bad," when the Deputy Coroner stopped him, saying he did not think he would take his evidence. - The father: Ever since I was in a Lunatic Asylum I have not known what health is. - In answer to the Deputy Coroner, the Superintendent said he had no more evidence to produce in that Court. - In summing up the Deputy Coroner said there had been great difficulty in obtaining evidence owing to the death of the poor lad, from the fact that no deposition had been taken from him. - He (the Deputy Coroner) had considered it right to take the evidence of all persons to whom the deceased had given an account of how his illness arose, and he thought the Jury would consider especially the statement by the Constable, to whom the deceased showed his head, and who actually felt the deceased's head. If the Jury considered that the death ensued from a blow given by the father of the deceased they were bound to consider whether the father was liable for that act. It would not be for the Jury to enter into the question of the father's state of mind - that was a question they could not enter into except in a case of suicide - and, if they considered that a blow was struck by the father without reasonable cause then they were bound to take into consideration whether the man was criminally liable. - After a consultation in private, the Foreman said the majority of the Jury agreed that the deceased died from a Blow given by his Father. - The Deputy Coroner: Do you mean by that to return a verdict of Manslaughter or Murder? - The Foreman (to the Jury): What shall we day - Manslaughter? - We agree that the deceased died from a blow struck by his father. - The Deputy Coroner said if the Jury were not agreed he would leave the room until they were. If the Jury arrived at the verdict which the Foreman had mentioned it would be homicide. He did not think the blow was struck in self-defence. - The Foreman said that twelve members of the Jury were agreed. - The Jury not being agreed, the Deputy Coroner left the room. - On his returning, the Foreman said the Jury had arrived at a verdict of Manslaughter against the father. - The Deputy Coroner: I entirely concur in that verdict. I shall have to commit the father of the deceased to prison unless he can find bail - two sureties in £20 each. - The father will therefore have to take his trial at the next Assizes. - The Accused Before The Bench. - On Wednesday afternoon at the Axminster Police Court before T. Barnes, Esq., SIDNEY HARNER was brought up, in custody charged with feloniously killing and slaying JAMES SEARLE HARNER between the months of February and October. - Superintendent de Schmid, who appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Police, said the accused was already committed for trial on the Coroner's warrant, but that the Police had nothing to do with. In reply to the Magistrate Superintendent de Schmid said the medical man had been in town that morning, but he could not possibly attend in the afternoon. Several other witnesses were present. - The Magistrate thought that as the medical man was not present it was not advisable to hear the evidence of the other witnesses, and suggested that under the circumstances the Superintendent should ask for a remand. - The Superintendent pointed out that if the witnesses' evidence was not taken it would render it necessary for them to attend again in case of the accused being remanded. - He believed the Magistrate could hear part of the case. - The Assistant Magistrates' Clerk (Mr Overmase): That is irregular sir. - The Superintendent: The witnesses have been here today and it is a question whether they will come again tomorrow. - The Magistrate: You can summon them to attend. - The evidence of P.C. Brinfield, stationed at Beer, was heard. He said he attended the Coroner's Inquiry on the previous day when the Jury arrived at a verdict of Manslaughter against the accused. After the Inquiry witness took him into custody and brought him to Axminster. - The Superintendent: As my witnesses are not all here I ask for a remand until tomorrow. - After some discussion the case was adjourned until Saturday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 October 1890
CHULMLEIGH - An Inquest was held on Saturday at the Barnstaple Inn, Chulmleigh, by Mr J. F. Bromham, County Coroner, upon the body of the late MRS ELIZABETH RICHARDS, aged 74, widow of the late HENRY RICHARDS, farmer, of Chulmleigh, who died suddenly while riding in a trap on Thursday evening. Evidence was given to the effect that about three weeks previously she was thrown out of her trap, which collided with another vehicle. Dr Joseph Tucker stated he had been attending deceased since the accident, and had seen the body since death. He was of opinion that death had resulted from an affection of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

ILFRACOMBE - A Child Scalded To Death At Ilfracombe. - Dr Slade King, Deputy Coroner for the District, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Saturday afternoon, on the body of SAMUEL WILKEY, aged 1 year and 5 months. - JANE WILKEY, mother of the deceased, stated that on Friday she was washing at her house, at Belvedere, at about 12.10 noon. She had some boiling water in a tin bath on the fire, which she removed to the kitchen and placed on a chair. She was ignorant that the child was behind, and turned round to draw some cold water, when she heard deceased scream. She then looked round and saw the hot water had capsized all over the child. The child pulled the bath over himself. She picked the child up and called a friend, and deceased was taken to the Hospital. - Mrs Sarah Gibbs said at about ten minutes past 12 noon, on Friday, she was in MRS WILKEY'S kitchen, when she heard the latter call out and upon going into the next room saw the last witness with the baby in her arms. A bath containing water had been recently capsized. The child was scalded about the chest and arms. Witness ran to the chemist for some dressing, and then helped to take the child to the Hospital. - Mr Charles Toller, Surgeon, deposed to visiting deceased at the Hospital on Friday shortly after noon. He examined him and found him to be suffering from severe scalds on legs, arms, chest and face. he applied the usual dressings. The child did not rally from the shock and died at 5 a.m. on Saturday. The nature of the injury quite corresponded with the evidence of the previous witness, and the immediate cause of death was shock to the system, caused by scalding with boiling water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 28 October 1890
TIVERTON - Mr Mackenzie, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Tiverton last evening respecting the sudden death, on Sunday afternoon, of THOMAS CUDE, aged 50, in the employment of Sir J. H. Amory, Bart. Deceased lived in Melbourne-street, and during Sunday was up and about, apparently well. Between 3 and 4 o'clock he sat by the fire with his wife. MRS CUDE then got up to prepare tea. Deceased rose up and fell forward into the fireplace. Mr Mackenzie, who was passing just afterwards, was called in, and Mr Cullin, who attended deceased some years ago, was sent for. Last evening Mr Cullin, in his evidence, said death resulted from failure of the heart's action through disease of that organ. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 29 October 1890 PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday at Plymouth touching the death of MRS HARRIET BELLAM, who was knocked down by a passing omnibus, in Claremont-street, Plymouth, on Monday evening, and received injuries from which she died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver of the vehicle.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 31 October 1890
CHUDLEIGH - IRENE CAUSLEY, nine years of age, daughter of CHARLES CAUSLEY, residing at Chudleigh, died on Monday morning from fish poisoning. At the Coroner's Inquest on Tuesday the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from muco ent ritis, produced by an irritant Accidentally taken.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 November 1890
TORQUAY - Sudden Death At Torquay. - Mr Sidney Hacker (District Coroner) held an Inquiry at the Queen's Hotel, Torquay, yesterday, touching the death of JEREMIAH SALTER, 64, carter, of Park-lane, who died on Wednesday last. The deceased was found by Detective Coles lying in the gutter outside the Police Station on Tuesday morning, apparently in a fit. He was removed to his home and Dr Pollard called in, but, although every effort was made to save him, he died on the following evening, the cause of death being paralysis of the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 November 1890
HOLCOMBE ROGUS - Mr F. Burrow, of Cullompton, District Coroner, held an Inquiry yesterday afternoon at Holcombe Rogus, concerning the death of a child, named ELIZABETH MARY WEBBER, aged 2 years, the daughter of MARK WEBBER, quarryman of Holcombe Rogus. The child was one of several children who were blackberrying on Saturday afternoon near the Canal, when by some mans the deceased fell into the water. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned in the Canal."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 7 November 1890
EXETER - At the Exeter Police Court yesterday Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of ANNE LEGG, aged 68, widow of GEORGE LEGG, who died suddenly while on Fore-street-hill on Wednesday. The medical evidence showed that death was due to apoplexy, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 November 1890
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Court yesterday by Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, touching the death of CHARLOTTE MAY, aged 64, who died at Mr Woolway's, Coombe-street, on Thursday last. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 13 November 1890
TOPSHAM - The Discovery Of A Body At Topsham. - Yesterday, at the Bridge Inn, Topsham, the Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquest on the body of JANE BUCKLAND, who was found dead in Riversmeet-road early on Tuesday morning. - GEORGE BUCKLAND, farm labourer, Ebford, identified the body as that of his wife, whom he last saw alive on Monday morning. He never knew her to have been the worse for liquor. - Margaret Harris, Ebford, said she and deceased went to Exmouth on Monday, returning by the three o'clock train. On reaching Topsham, they had tea at the Bridge Inn, and afterwards proceeded to Ebford. Later, MRS BUCKLAND informed witness that she required some tea, and should have to go to Topsham for it. Deceased went away and witness did not see her alive again. - Replying to questions from Jurors, witness said the deceased did not complain of being unwell and she was on the best of terms with her husband. - Another Juror asked the witness if she had seen deceased the worse for liquor and Harris answered that "it was her duty to stop in her own house and not mind other people's business." - Questioned by the Coroner, Harris said she saw the deceased under the influence of drink a long time ago. She was not in that condition on Monday. - Miss Kerridge, of the Duke of Monmouth Inn, Topsham, proved that the deceased was supplied with one glass of whiskey and water at her house on Monday night and left about 10.15, perfectly sober. - Samuel Davey, miller, Monmouth-street, gave evidence as to the discovery of the body and P.C. Phillips said he had frequently seen MRS BUCKLAND the worse for liquor. - Mr D. McArthur, Surgeon, expressed the opinion that death was due to syncope and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 November 1890
GREAT TORRINGTON - An Inquest was held at the Railway Hotel, Torrington, on Tuesday, on the infant daughter of ELIZABETH TURNER. Kate Gorwell stated that she was about 14 years of age, and was in the habit of looking after MRS TURNER'S children when she went out. On Friday last she was holding the child in front of the fire to dry it's clothes, when by some means or other the clothes caught fire. She put the child on the carpet and shouted "Murder." She again took up the child and then Mr Gent came and took her. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 November 1890
EXETER - Drowning Fatality In The Exeter Canal. - An Inquest was held by Mr G. Gould, Deputy Coroner, at Spring Gardens, Haven Banks, yesterday, touching the death of WILLIAM MITCHELL, who was drowned in the Canal on Thursday. Evidence was given showing that the deceased, who was 74 years of age and in his usual health, left his home at Spring Gardens on Wednesday evening and was seen later in the evening the worse for liquor on the Canal bank. Subsequently the deceased's body was found floating on the water. The medical evidence showed that death was due to drowning and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 November 1890
SHAUGH PRIOR - An Inquest was held at Shaugh Prior on Saturday touching the death of MRS WORTH, who was found dead in her house under mysterious circumstances. The evidence showed that death was due to irritant poison, supposed to be sheepwash. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and added that there was no evidence to show how the poison was administered.

EXETER - Killed By A Falling Wall. - An Inquest on the body of JOHN BAILEY, 32 years of age, labourer, of 10 Prospect Cottages, Blackboy-road, Exeter, was held on Saturday evening at the Horse and Groom, Heavitree, by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould. The inquiry lasted a long time and many witnesses were called, namely MRS BAILEY (widow), Mr H. Reynolds, 11 Blackboy-road, (deceased's employer), John Dunsford, Well-lane, labourer, in the employ of Mr Reynolds; P.C. Kent, Pinhoe; W. Whitfield, Reynold's Court, Blackboy-road, labourer, also in the employ of Mr Reynolds; Mr Alfred Perkins, Surgeon, St. Sidwell's; and John Mills, 33 Pinhoe-road, coachman, in the employ of Mr Perkins. - It appeared that on Friday morning, about noon, the deceased was at work on the Polsloe Park Estate. The deceased was engaged in demolishing a brick wall. He succeeded in loosening the brickwork and his employer and Dunsford went to help him push the wall over. The deceased occupied a position between his employer and Dunsford. Instead, however, of falling outwards as intended, a mass of brick in the centre fell inwards. BAILEY was knocked on the head by one of the bricks and, falling forwards, the rest of the debris tumbled on top of him. Mr Perkins, who happened to be passing at the time, went to render assistance, but he found that BAILEY'S skull was broken in three or four places and that death must have been instantaneous. It was stated at the Inquest that deceased had been cautioned against prising a wall with an iron bar, or attempting to demolish such a wall as caused his death without "strutting it," namely, placing planks to prevent it suddenly toppling over. - Mr Reynolds said he told deceased to "strutt" the wall on Friday, and, in reply, deceased said it would hurt no one, and did not "strutt it." The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 November 1890
EXETER - Death Of MR D. B. LOUSADA. - We regret to have to record the sudden death of MR JOHN BARUH LOUSADA, J.P., which sad event took place at his residence, Redcliffe, Denmark-road, Exeter, yesterday morning. The deceased gentleman, who was born on November 11th, 1809, formerly resided at Peak House, Sidmouth. He was at one time captain in the Hampshire militia, and afterwards colonel commanding the South Devon Artillery Volunteers. For many years MR LOUSADA was a Justice of the Peace for Devon, in which capacity he took an active interest in all matters connected with the county. He was a Liberal in politics until the Home Rule question divided the party, when he became a liberal Unionist. MR LOUSADA, whose familiar form will be greatly missed from many circles, leaves a widow, five daughters and six sons to mourn their loss. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest at the deceased's residence yesterday afternoon, Mr J. A. Bowden being the Foreman of the Jury. - The Rev. T. John Ponting, Vicar of St Matthew's, Exeter, said the deceased was his father-in-law, and was 81 years of age last week. Witness, who lived immediately opposite Redcliffe, last saw MR LOUSADA alive about five o'clock on Sunday evening, when he was quite as usual. Between a quarter and half-past four o'clock yesterday morning witness was summoned to Redcliffe, where he found MR LOUSADA dead in bed. MRS LOUSADA said the deceased had been restless, troubled with cough and subsequently seized with heavy breathing. In a short time this subsided and he passed away. A little brandy was administered. MR LOUSADA attended Divine service at the Cathedral on Sunday morning. - The Jury considered it unnecessary to call MRS LOUSADA, who was in a nervous condition. - Mr Alfred Perkins, the deceased's medical attendant, said MR LOUSADA was generally a very healthy man. The cause of death was undoubtedly a natural one, probably syncope. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - The Coroner tendered his sympathy to MRS LOUSADA and her family at the sudden termination of so good and valuable a life and the Jury gave expression to similar feelings. - Captain R. B. LOUSADA, late of the 97th Regiment, and a son of the deceased, acknowledged the kind sentiments to which utterance had been given.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 November 1890
BRANSCOMBE - A sad accident, which unfortunately proved fatal, occurred at the village of Branscombe, three miles from Seaton, on Saturday morning. A woman named ABBOTT left a boy three years of age in the kitchen with only his nightdress on while she went a few yards away to get some milk. By some means the child's nightdress caught fire and before help could arrive he was very badly burnt, so much so that he died. The accident occurred about 8 o'clock in the morning and he died about 2 in the afternoon. An Inquest was held on Monday, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 20 November 1890
SOUTH BRENT - An Inquest was held yesterday at Splatton, South Brent, on the body of THIRZA RUNNALLS, aged 30, whose death occurred suddenly at her residence. The medical evidence showed that the cause of death was heart disease, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly. The deceased leaves a husband and five little children, the youngest being only a fortnight old. The Jury gave their fees to the children.

DAWLISH - An Inquest was held at the Dawlish Town Hall last evening before Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, on the body of the infant child, aged five days, of FREDERICK WILLIAM BAKER, a miller's assistant, residing in Old Town-street. From the evidence it appeared that the child had been cross from its birth and that the bed clothes were just over the child's head previous to death. From the evidence of Mr A. de W. Baker, Surgeon, it appeared that the child died in a fit from suffocation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Suffocation."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 November 1890
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Devon and Exeter Hospital by the City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, into the circumstances attending the death of CHARLES ROWE, a furniture broker, aged 69 years, of 16 Frog-street, which occurred in the Hospital on Wednesday. MARY ANNE ROWE, wife of the deceased, said her husband left the house at 11 o'clock on Tuesday morning and about 12 o'clock she heard he had fallen in a fit and had been taken to the Hospital. Deceased had been ill since May last, but had refused to take any medicine. Henry James Falkner saw the deceased lying on the pavement in Magdalen-street on the same morning, and, with the assistance of two other men, raised him into a sitting position. Subsequently deceased was taken to the Hospital in a cab. Mr Russell Coombe, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased was unconscious from the time he was admitted to the Hospital on Tuesday to when he expired on Wednesday morning. Witness had made a post mortem examination and had found that the deceased's kidneys were diseased and that he had haemorrhage on the brain, which caused his death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 22 November 1890
EXETER - Sudden Death In Exeter. - At the Exeter Police Court yesterday Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of MARY ELIZABETH HILL, aged 46, a native of Hayes, Middlesex, who was found dead in bed yesterday morning. - GEORGE HILL, the husband of the deceased, a labourer, 51 Paul-street, said he was not living with his wife, having been separated from her since last June on account of her intemperate habits. The deceased drank a great deal and would pawn everything she could lay her hands on. They had been married nearly 24 years. Witness last saw the deceased alive on Thursday night at 21 Lower North-street, her home, when she was sober. - By a Juryman: He allowed her 6s. 6d. a week and she earned between 4s. and 5s. a week at a laundry. He had a conversation with deceased at her home about fetching some beer, which he refused to do and his wife then swore at him. - Emma Stone, a single woman, 21 Lower North-street, said deceased occupied two rooms in her house and was addicted to drink. Deceased was taken ill about a fortnight ago, when her husband was sent for. On finding the deceased got worse, Mr Harris, Surgeon, Southernhay, was called in. - Ellen Butler, a postman's wife, said she saw the deceased on Thursday evening and put her to bed. Miss Stone called witness the next morning and said the deceased was dead. On going to the bedroom of the deceased she found her on her back in the bed. - Miss Stone, recalled, said she went to the bedroom of the deceased on Friday morning with some tea. Witness spoke to MRS HILL, but she did not answer and on going over to the bed witness found her to be dead. - Mr Harris said he was called to see the deceased on the occasion spoken of. He found her in bed and unwilling to speak. Her husband was in the room and he told him that his wife was much addicted to drink. On asking why he had been sent for he was told that the woman's legs had given way under her and that she had been delirious. He advised the neighbours not to give her drink when she asked for it. He saw the deceased again yesterday morning between 9 and 10 and found her in bed quite dead. From the remarks he had heard of her intemperate habits he considered that the cause of death was softening of the brain or general paralysis of the brain. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Excessive Drinking."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 25 November 1890
LITTLEHEMPSTON - Suicide At Littlehempston - An old man named JOHN PERRAM, 74 years of age, a widower, and by trade a carpenter, who lodged with Mr and Mrs Cole, of Littlehempston, committed suicide on Saturday afternoon by hanging himself in an outbuilding. He was in receipt of parish relief and had for some time been in a desponding state. Between 3 and 4 o'clock deceased, after putting something in a box, took the key to a neighbour and left it with her, saying if he did not return to give it to one of his sons. Shortly after this conversation she found him hanging in an outbuilding. Assistance being called deceased was cut down by a man named Stevens, but he was then quite dead. Yesterday an Inquest was held on the body by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, and a verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence.

BRIXHAM - At Brixham yesterday an Inquest was held at the Bell Inn before Mr S. Hacker, Coroner for the Totnes District on the body of MR M. PEPPERRELL, landlord of the Ring of Bells Inn, who was found dead in his bedroom on Saturday under peculiar circumstances. The body was identified and the Inquest was adjourned until today to have the result of the post mortem examination by Dr Searle.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 26 November 1890
BRIXHAM - An adjourned inquest was held at Brixham yesterday touching the death of MR PEPPERELL, landlord of the Ring of Bells Inn, who died suddenly. The Inquiry was adjourned in the first instance owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the evidence, but the result of a post mortem examination showed that death was due to Natural Causes, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 28 November 1890
EXETER - Death of MRS HARRIET PIPER. - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest yesterday at 58 Summerland-street, Exeter, on the body of MRS HARRIET LOUISA PIPER, one of the old couple whose circumstances were recently brought before our readers. - MRS GILL, daughter of the deceased, said her mother was a widow, and formerly the wife of MR PIPER, a carpenter. She was 81 years of age, and had lived at 58 Summerland-street for six weeks; previously she resided in Catherine-street. Deceased had suffered for some time from heart spasms, but she had not lately been under medical treatment for it. On Tuesday evening when she visited witness she complained of feeling exceedingly cold, but, after having some tea, she said she felt better and left about 6.15 for her lodgings. The deceased's sister, MISS ANN HUTCHINGS, lived but did not sleep with her. MISS HUTCHINGS was in her 91st year. MRS PIPER was a straw bonnet baker. - Mrs Edgcumbe, wife of the occupier of 58 Summerland-street, said that early on Wednesday morning MISS HUTCHINGS called witness and said that her sister (MRS PIPER) was dying. MISS HUTCHINGS, who slept in a separate bedroom, had been previously called by the deceased. Witness found MRS PIPER sitting up in bed with her hands on her chest, in which she said she had pains as though knives were cutting her. Deceased also said she thought she was dying. Witness sent her husband for some brandy, but he could not obtain any. He, however, recollected that there was some wine in the house and witness mixed a portion of the wine with hot water and ginger and gave it to the deceased, who afterwards said she felt easier. Witness remained for some time with the deceased, but as she appeared to be going to sleep witness and MISS HUTCHINGS again retired at about 3 o'clock. Soon after 7 o'clock witness went to deceased's room and found her lying in much the same position as she was when witness left her at 3 a.m. She was dead. - Mr Mortimer said he was called about 10 a.m. to see MRS PIPER, whom he found in bed dead. She was lying as though asleep. She had, however, been dead for some hours. Death was due to failure of the heart's action, accelerated by the coldness of Tuesday night when deceased was out. - The Coroner inquired of Mrs Edgcumbe whether MRS PIPER was well cared for. - Mrs Edgcumbe: Yes, sir. - And I apprehend from all I have seen and heard that she wanted for nothing? - No, sir. - Mr Mortimer said the body was well nourished. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 1 December 1890
EXETER - On Saturday afternoon the Exeter Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest on the body of ELIZABETH ATKINS, who lived in Gattey's-court, Exeter. The deceased was identified by Georgina Brealy, wife of a labourer, f Polsloe-road, as her aunt, who was 69 years of age. Witness spoke to seeing her aunt in the market on Friday, when she appeared to be in her usual state of health. An ostler at the Coach and Horses Inn, named John Horrill, who had known deceased for 12 months, proved seeing her on Friday, about 9.30 p.m., at the Inn. She was sober, and left the house after drinking a little brandy. - Robert Tout, labourer, 9 Gattey's-court, in whose house deceased lodged, stated that deceased returned about a quarter to 10 on Friday night. Witness's wife heard a noise during the night, and subsequently found deceased lying on her back at the bottom of the stairs. Deceased did not speak. Mr Mortimer, Surgeon, said he had examined the body. There was a large wound at the back of deceased's m head and blood was flowing from the mouth. Death was due to haemorrhage of the lungs. Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 December 1890
EXETER - An Inquest was held by the City Coroner at the Exeter Guildhall yesterday touching the death of CECIL WALLER ROBERTS, aged seven months, son of MR FREDERICK ROBERTS, Iron Bridge. The child died suddenly on Sunday morning, and the medical evidence showed that death was due to convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER - The Late MR HUXTABLE. - Last evening at "The Priory," the Mint, Exeter, the City Coroner (Mr H. W. Hooper) held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM HUXTABLE, aged 83, a retired builder, of the City, who, as already reported, died suddenly on Saturday night. - Miss Jessie Tucker, a resident at the Priory, gave evidence of identification, and said the deceased gentleman was out of doors on Saturday last. At 10.30 p.m. he retired to rest and shortly after he had gone to his room she heard a fall. Upon entering his room, she found him lying upon the floor. Dr Henderson was immediately sent for. - Dr Henderson, Physician and Surgeon, gave evidence to the effect that during the last fortnight he had visited MR HUXTABLE professionally for slight occasional muscular pains in his side, but on Saturday he had recovered from that ailment. About 11 o'clock on Saturday night he found the deceased gentleman dead in bed, the appearances of the body showing that death had resulted from syncope. - Mr Helmore, a Juror, asked Dr Henderson if he had any hesitation in certifying the cause of death. - Dr Henderson said he could not give a certificate, as he did not consider the cause of death had anything to do with the complaint for which he had been treating MR HUXTABLE. - The Coroner said to him the case was a very painful one. He had known MR HUXTABLE for a great many years, and also his predecessor, Mr Goldsworthy, and it was a very painful thing for him to preside there that evening. he proceeded to refer in eulogistic terms to the deceased, and to the respect in which he was held by his fellow-citizens. - Mr Darke (Foreman of the Jury) said he would have much preferred that there had been no Inquest, but the Coroner had thought it necessary. - The Coroner: I have always laid down during the 37 years I have held this office a particular rule upon which I have always acted, to make no difference between a rich man and a poor man, although it has been stated, I believe, in the papers, that I give one law to the rich and another to the poor. But I don't think anyone can say that. - The Foreman endorsed the remarks of the Coroner concerning the late MR HUXTABLE, and said an Inquest was always a very painful thing. - The Coroner said he trusted the Jury would agree with him that the case was one in which an Inquiry should be held. The point for consideration was whether the death was a sudden one or not. - Mr Tapscott said after hearing the concluding remarks of Dr Henderson he perfectly agreed with the remarks of the Coroner. Up to that time he did not think an Inquest was necessary. - Dr Henderson pointed out that when a death occurred from an unexpected cause the case was under the Coroner's ruling.

CHULMLEIGH - Death Of A Tramp Through Exposure. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Bromham on the body of a man supposed to be named THOMAS HAWKINS, who died at Chulmleigh on Saturday last. he had been about Chulmleigh for some weeks and on Friday was taken to the Police Cells by P.S. Mitchell and P.C. Cox, as he appeared too weak to stand and he was in the snow. He had previously been to the Barnstaple Inn, where he was given a drop of gin and some biscuits. The landlord noticed that he appeared ill, but he had heard that he was in the habit of shamming illness, and he took no notice of it. He was seen in the Police Cells during the night and soon after he was taken in he was given a cup of tea. He did not complain of being ill, but said when he felt ill he took French brandy. In the morning he was found sitting on the floor, and as he did not eat his breakfast Dr J. Tucker was sent for. Soon after he arrived he died from tetanic convulsions, which the medical man said was the result of exposure and cold and weakness. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly. - The Constable stated in his evidence that the deceased was a man who had evidently seen better days.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 4 December 1890
FREMINGTON - The Sad End Of MAJOR MARSH. Inquest: Verdict Of Accidental Death. - Last evening Mr J. F. Bromham, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of MAJOR SYDNEY NORTHCOTE MARSH, who died from the effect of a gunshot wound on Monday, as reported in Tuesday's Gazette. The Inquest was held in a cottage close to the deceased's house at Yelland, Fremington, about five miles from Barnstaple. The Foreman of the Jury was Mr John Andrews. - MRS KATE MARSH identified the body as that of her late husband. She said he was 44 years of age. He was manager of the wine and spirit business carried on by Messrs. Arnold, Perrett and Co., Cross-street, Barnstaple, and he originally carried on the business himself. He was at business as usual last week and also went to Barnstaple on Sunday. On Monday he was not very well, and he thought the air would do him good if he stayed at home. He was up for breakfast. About half-past 8 the stable-boy Madge, went ferreting for rats, and the deceased accompanied him to the stable. They were there the whole of the morning. The boy came in to dinner. About half-past 2 o'clock Madge went out to get coal in the stable. He came in for Mrs Huxtable, who shortly afterwards communicated to witness what had occurred. The deceased had not been very well for some time past, but had been able to attend to his business and witness had been ill herself for some time. She saw him ratting during the morning and she saw him catch a rat. She had not the slightest reason to suppose her husband would take his life. There was not the slightest cause in his conduct to watch him. - By Mr Roberts: If she had any reason to apprehend any danger from his using the gun she would not have consented to his doing so. - Sydney Madge, aged 20 years, in the employ of the deceased as stable boy, stated that he lived on the premises, and also looked after the garden. Last Monday morning he got the ferrets and went in the back garden and the deceased came out. He and the witness went together to the stable to get a gun. The deceased took the gun, which was a breechloader. Witness loaded it and deceased took it, but did not fire at any rats or aim at any. He did not fire at all. They were ratting for about an hour and a half, but did not kill any rats with the gun. The deceased then went into the house and before doing so handed witness the gun. It was still loaded. Witness shortly afterwards took out the cartridge and took the gun back to the stable. Before going to dinner he saw the deceased in the stable. Before he had finished his dinner MRS MARSH asked him to get some coals. Witness went into the stable and saw the deceased lying on the ground at one end of the stable behind the pony. He went over to him, but did not speak, and went in at once and told Mrs Huxtable, who came out with him. Witness did not take notice of the gun, or where it was lying. He then went for a Mr Holland, who is a neighbour and then went off for the doctor. Witness occasionally used the gun for shooting rats. On Monday there was nothing in the deceased's manner to lead witness to think there was danger in his using the gun. While at dinner he did not hear the report of a gun. - By Mr Roberts: The reason why the deceased did not fire upon the single rat which was killed was because the ferret had it. Deceased had no chance to fire at a rat. - Jane Huxtable, wife of :William Huxtable, labourer, living at Yelland, stated that she occasionally worked for MRS MARSH. She had seen the deceased several times during Monday morning. there was nothing strange in his manner. Witness called Madge to dinner about half past two o'clock. Madge had occasion to fetch some coals, and he immediately came in again and witness accompanied him to the stable, where the deceased was on the ground. he was in a sitting posture against the wall. The gun was on the left hand side of the deceased. Witness spoke to him, but got no reply. The body and gun were both left untouched until Dr Jackson arrived. - Mr Roberts called Mr Matthew Gloag, of Bideford, who stated that he was a director of the Company of Arnold and Co. Deceased was in their service, holding a responsible position. The Secretary of the Company had actual control of the books and witness, since the occurrence at Mr Roberts's request, had written to the Secretary. A reply was sent direct to Mr Roberts, to the effect that everything was strictly in order and they had no reason whatever to suppose that anything was wrong whatsoever, and they were much grieved at the occurrence. - Sergeant-Major Rice, drill-instructor of the Barnstaple Companies of the 4th V.B.D.R., stated that he had served under the deceased for eight years, and had been in his company almost daily. Witness was at the Fremington ploughing-match dinner on Wednesday last, when the deceased was there. Witness had a conversation with him, and sat near him at dinner. Before dinner deceased appeared perfectly sober and only had one glass of brandy and he did not see him take anything at dinner. Deceased carved a joint of meat. After the meat had been removed the deceased fell off his chair. He was taken to another room, where he recovered consciousness. If a man fell while holding the gun produced it was liable to go off, or a sudden blow to it would have a like effect. - By the Coroner: It would be a difficult thing for a person to hold the gun in position to discharge the contents into his lungs. - P.C. Smith, stationed at Instow, proved taking charge of the body about 5 o'clock on Monday. Dr Jackson was then in attendance. Witness searched the body and found some papers, including a cheque. Witness agreed with Sergeant-Major Rice that if the gun was grounded suddenly or struck it might go off, and he had heard of soldiers meeting with accidents in that way. He also thought that it was difficult for the deceased to discharge the gun to shoot himself in the lungs with a gun of that length. Witness had been in the Army 12 years. - Mr Mark Jackson, of Barnstaple, stated that he arrived at Yelland about 4 o'clock on Monday. The deceased was dead. The stable consisted of two compartments, one for tarp and the other for pony. The deceased was sitting on the ground with his back against a wooden support. His body was inclined to the right side. Witness saw blood on the shirt and the coat and vest were opened. He saw a large charred hole in the shirt, and the inside of the waistcoat was also charred. Deceased also wore an inside vest, which witness cut and found a wound in the chest from which blood was oozing. The wound was several inches in depth and looked as if made by a charge fired near. The gun was standing against the wall on the left, about two yards from the body. He considered that death was caused by haemorrhage. He was unable to say whether death was accidental or not. The gun must have been discharged at close quarters. By Mr Dulam (a Juryman): The deceased might have been going about with his waistcoat unbuttoned. - The Coroner then summed up. He remarked that they must all sympathise with MRS MARSH and the family in their terrible bereavement. They had met to see if death was accidental or premeditated. The sad fact still remained that a very popular man, a kind-hearted and loving husband, had been suddenly removed. The Press had given an eulogium on him, but he wished they had stopped there and not forestalled the duties of the Jury and considered it was a sad case of suicide, as some of them had. They were not to be influenced by what they had seen in the papers, but must give their verdict according to the evidence. It had been stated in the Press that the deceased had been in financial troubles, but there was evidence that day that his books were in good order, and he understood he was in receipt of a very good income from the firm; and, having regard to his financial troubles, it was just possible that for the last two years, since he had given up his own business, his financial troubles were less than before. They had had evidence that the gun might have been discharged accidentally, and it was for the Jury to form their opinion. It would be a great comfort to the family and relatives if it was found that death was the result of an accident; but at the same time that must not carry them away from forming other conclusions if they thought the evidence led up to that. - The room was cleared of all except the Jury, who almost immediately returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Roberts entered a formal protest against the manner in which the local Press had reported the case, and the way the sensational Press in Barnstaple had proclaimed that it was a case of suicide. - [Neither the Coroner's nor Mr Roberts's remarks applied to the report in the Devon and Exeter Daily Gazette, which did not refer to a suicide, and simply spoke of the occurrence as a sad death.]

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 December 1890
BUCKFASTLEIGH - The man SETTERS who was injured so badly on Monday, died about midnight the same day. At the Inquest held before Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 9 December 1890
EXETER - Suicide In Exeter. - At Exeter Police Court yesterday Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, held an Inquest upon the body of MR JOHN MERRY, who committed suicide by cutting his throat on Wednesday, the 3rd December, and died that (Monday) morning. - MRS ELIZABETH MERRY, widow of the deceased, who resided at 9 Brook Green-terrace, said her husband was a retired butcher, 71 years of age. he had lived in Brook Green-terrace for 17 years, and attempted suicide in the back premises on Wednesday morning about 10 o'clock.. After breakfast she went up to the top of the house. Later on, having occasion to go into the back yard, she saw the blood running in a stream from under the door of the w.c. On going in she saw deceased sitting down in the midst of a pool of blood. She then went to the top of the terrace and called a neighbour, Mr Milford, and asked him to help the deceased into the house with her. He did so, and another neighbour went at once for a doctor. At the breakfast table not an angry word passed between them. - By a Juror: There was some little unpleasantness with regard to some rent to the extent of £3 which his agent could not get from a tenant. Witness told deceased not to trouble so much about it and that when he lost £840 in the West of England Bank he had not made half so much fuss. - James Milford, ex-policeman, said he was called by the last witness on the 3rd of December for the purpose of taking the deceased into the house. He found the deceased with his head on the pavement outside the closet lying on his face and hands. Witness, with the assistance of MRS MERRY, took him into the kitchen and laid him on his back. - Inspector Skinner deposed to being called on the morning of the day in question and finding the deceased in the kitchen with his throat cut, and quite unconscious. Witness produced the razor, stained with blood, with which the deceased had committed the deed. - Dr Brown, St. Sidwell's said he was called on the day in question to go to Brook Green-terrace to see MR MERRY, and found the deceased in the kitchen lying on his back unconscious, nearly pulseless and only just breathing. On examining him, witness found a gash in the upper part of his throat extending from between four and five inches and two inches deep. It had severed the windpipe and even cut the base of the tongue. Witness wished for assistance and sent for Mr Mortimer. On his arrival witness sewed up the wound, but expected deceased to die within an hour or so. Deceased, however, survived until early that morning. On Friday congestion of the lungs set in, after which MERRY gradually sank. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 10 December 1890
TOTNES - The Sad Case Of Drowning At Totnes. - An Inquest was held at the Bull Inn, Totnes, yesterday by Dr Fraser, Deputy Coroner, on the body of JAMES WOODLEY, a youth, found in the Mill Leat on Monday morning. SAMUEL WOODLEY, father of the deceased, residing at Ugborough, identified the body as that of his son, 16 years old, who had been at Totnes about 10 months as a servant to Lady Smith. Deceased enjoyed good health and had never been subject to fits or giddiness. - John Potter, a lad, in the employ of Mr Crook, of the Town Mills, said he saw the body in the water on Monday morning between nine and ten o'clock and called Mr Alfred Crook's attention to it. - Mr A. Crook deposed to getting out the body with grappling-irons. The body was on the opposite side of the leat to the Rectory. - Susan Brook, a servant at the Rectory, said the deceased came to the Rectory about half-past 6 o'clock on Sunday evening. He left about 10 minutes to 7, when she remarked that he would be in time for church. He replied, "Yes," and wished her "Good evening." - Lewis Cumming, a stable-boy, said he parted from deceased on Sunday afternoon. They agreed to meet at half-past 6 o'clock to go to church. Deceased, however, did not keep the appointment. - P.S. Nott said he searched the body of the deceased. His watch had stopped at 10 minutes to 7 o'clock. He had examined the bank on the opposite side to where the body was found, but could see no trace of any struggle, nor were deceased's clothes disarranged or torn in any way. - In reply to the Coroner, Sergeant Nott said there was no protection on that side of the leat. During the races Constables were placed there. - The Sergeant added, in reply to the Foreman, that a child fell in the leat just before the last races. - Dr Cook, of Harbertonford, said he had examined the body. There were no marks of violence, only a scratch above the eyebrow. He should say the cause of death was drowning. Deceased had been in the water about 12 hours. - The Deputy Coroner said he had been informed that this leat was not at all protected and that the lamp misled from the position in which it was placed. There was one point he wished to put before them, whether they would wish to add to their verdict a rider as to the dangerous condition of the leat, and call upon the owners to protect it. - The Foreman said everyone must feel very strongly as to the unprotected condition of the leat, and the owner should be called upon to fence it to prevent any further accidents occurring there. He did not know to whom the property belonged, but he thought they should be under the same restrictions as if it belonged to a company, who would be compelled to make it safe. Here was this poor young man, who, instead of going to church as he intended, came to a most untimely end through this death trap. He thought it probable, as suggested by a Juror, that the gate was open, and that deceased passed through it before he knew he had done so, and thus mistook the distance to the mill leat. - The Jury said they quite concurred in their Foreman's remarks. - The Deputy Coroner said he agreed with what had been said. It was most dangerous to have deep water without protection where the public had to go. He might mentioned that the Coroner (Mr Hacker) who knew the place thoroughly, concurred that the place should be fenced. - The Jury then returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Drowned, and added the following rider:- "That the Jury would most strongly urge that the owners be called upon to put up a wall to protect the public from the great danger there is at present of being drowned, as the path by the leat is such a favourite walk."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 11 December 1890
HATHERLEIGH - The Deaths By Burning At Hatherleigh. - Mr Coroner Burd held Inquests at the George Hotel on Tuesday evening on the bodies of children who were burnt to death on the previous day. The Jury were sworn at the Hotel, Mr John Essery being elected Foreman. The Jury and the Coroner then proceeded to Lake Cottage to view of the body of RICHARD GEORGE SHADDICK, aged 1 year and 10 months, the son of WILLIAM SHADDICK. They were then driven to Bremridge Farm to view the body of THOMAS WILFRED HUTCHINGS, the son of MR EDWIN HUTCHINGS. On returning to the Hotel the Inquest on R. G. SHADDICK was resumed, when the mother stated that on Monday afternoon, about 3 p.m., she left her house for about ten minutes, leaving the deceased, who was two years old, sitting in the kitchen asleep, and a baby in the cradle, also asleep, about six months old. She went to the house of Mrs Palmer, adjoining and drank a cup of tea and on her return found her house full of smoke. She rushed in and found the cradle in flames. She took out the baby, whose clothes were then on fire. Mrs Palmer then came on the scene, to whom she gave the baby. (The latter is considerably burnt and is not expected to survive.) She then went in to find the boy, whom she discovered on the floor dead, with all his clothes burnt off and some parts of his body almost black. - Mrs Palmer gave corroborative evidence, and stated that she sent for Mrs SHADDICK to have a cup of tea, and that she did not remain in her house over ten minutes. - Dr Glinn stated that death was caused from shock to the nervous system. - The Jury were unanimously of opinion that death was Accidentally caused by Burning. - The Inquiry into the death of THOMAS WILFRED HUTCHINGS was then proceeded with. - MR HUTCHINGS stated that the child was about 11 months old and on Monday, about 7 a.m., his wife and himself left the deceased in their bed asleep and a little child 3 years old asleep in another bed in the same room, with a lamp burning on the table. Soon afterwards the eldest child was found at the foot of the stairs and the bedroom full of smoke, the bed on which the deceased lay being in flames, and the child burnt on one leg and one arm. The child lived until midnight. - Rosa Coles, a girl in the service of MR HUTCHINGS, gave corroborative evidence. - Dr Glinn stated that death was the result of shock to the system, caused by burning and the Jury unanimously returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 December 1890
STOWFORD - An Inquest was held on Wednesday at Milford Farm, Stowford, by Mr Burd, Coroner for the District, on the body of S. GALE, of Plymouth, who was found dead in a mud pit near Milford Farm on Monday. It was some time before the Police could ascertain where the deceased came from, but just before the Inquest HENRY GALE, of Townley, identified the body as that of his brother, who, he said, resided at Plymouth. His age was about 52 or 53. Mr H. Cleveland Smith, Surgeon, of Lifton, said he was called on Monday night, and made a post mortem examination. He was of opinion that the deceased died from syncope. P.C. Guscott, stationed at Lew Down, said that on Monday he was on duty at Hayne Farm, in company with P.C. Bibbings, and from information they received they at once proceeded to the spot and found the deceased in a mud pit, lying on his back, his feet under water and his head stuck in the mud. They got him out and found he was quite dead and stiff, and had apparently been dead a long time. On searching the body they found 18s. 9d., and two pocket-knives. Deceased had a new suit of clothes in a bundle, with other wearing apparel. Witness and the other Constable conveyed the body to Milford Farm. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 December 1890
BARNSTAPLE - An Inquest was held last evening at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, before Mr Incledon Bencraft and a Jury, on the body of the little boy, CHARLES HEWITT, who was drowned by falling over the quay into the river Taw on November 11th. A man named Waldron deposed to finding the body on Thursday. It was floating in the water near Cooke's Houses. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 15 December 1890
HATHERLEIGH - MR HENRY ABELL, who was one of the Hatherleigh ringers, has succumbed to the injuries he received in an accident on Saturday week, and the particulars of which have been reported. An Inquest was held at the Bridge Inn on Friday evening, before Mr Coroner Burd. Dr Glinn stated that death was due to paralysis, caused by injury to the spine. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The deceased was a widower, 65 years of age and leaves three married children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 December 1890
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Fatal Accident In Exeter. - Yesterday, at the Prince Albert Inn, St. Thomas, the Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM COLE, aged 75, formerly a tailor, of 12 Cowick-road, who died from injuries received on the previous Wednesday. - Mr W. Brealy was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - SUSANNAH COLE, of the above address, identified the body as that of her brother, who, she said, returned home on the evening of December 10th and complained of having been knocked down while passing from Commercial-road to Exe-Bridge. The deceased said he saw a liveried servant with a horse, or pair of horses, he was not certain which, and knew nothing further of what transpired until he found himself seated upon a chair. He had lost a good deal of blood from underneath his right eye. On Thursday, when he was medically attended, the deceased complained of pains in his arm and shoulder; early on Friday morning he became unconscious, and remained in that condition until 6.45 on Saturday evening, when death ensued. - Mr C. Keeping of 1 Exe-Bridge, said MR COLE was not knocked down. He was crossing the road as stated, and, observing an approaching vehicle, he seemed to hasten his speed and fall, his head coming in contact with the kerb. Witness was quite sure that the deceased was not knocked down by the horse, although he believed the animal's feet touched him as he lay upon the ground. The driver of the horse pulled up quickly. - Henry Ash, in the employ of Colonel Wade, Holmbush, Alphington, who drove the horse, said he saw deceased fall, but he did not think the animal's hoofs struck him. - The Coroner here read a letter from Colonel Wade expressing regret at his absence from the Inquest through indisposition and stating that he had always found his servant, Ash, a good and steady driver. - Edwin Francis Moxey, of Gray's-buildings, St. Thomas, proved to seeing the deceased on Exe Bridge on Wednesday. COLE had a nasty wound under the right eye and he was bleeding from the nostrils. As deceased would not go to a chemist's witness helped him partly home. - Mr Vlieland said Mr M. Farrant first attended the deceased, and when witness saw COLE on Friday morning he was unconscious. He did not recover consciousness up to the time of his death. Witness had since made a post-mortem examination and found there was an effusion of blood on the surface of the brain, arising from the accident. - The Coroner, having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating the driver from all blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 18 December 1890
TOTNES - The Removal Of Paupers In An Unfit State. - An Inquest was held at the Totnes Union Workhouse on Tuesday on the body of THOMAS PEARCE HEALEY, generally known as "DR ELY", a vagrant, 80 years old. It appeared that the deceased on Friday night called at the Police Station at Paignton and asked the Police to get him a bed, as he had been to four places and they had refused to take him in. The Police took him to the Assistant Overseer, who offered to give him an order for the Union Workhouse at Totnes. A man named Distin passed just at the time and offered to share his room with deceased, and they left. Deceased, however, did not appear to have gone home with this man, as during the night the Police met him three times, and the last time he complained of being very tired. The Policeman took him to an Inn in the town and sat him in the porch and left him. On passing the spot again he found deceased was gone and soon after found him lying in the road. He lifted him up and took him to the Assistant Overseer, who objected to taking deceased in, and a discussion took place between the Policeman and Assistant Overseer as to whose duty it was to take the deceased in, and eventually the Assistant Overseer took him into his house and gave him some tea. A medical man was sent for, who ordered deceased to be taken at once to the Totnes Workhouse. A cab was called and deceased was taken to Totnes, no one being sent with him. On arriving at the Workhouse deceased was unconscious. He was seen by Dr Hains during the morning, but he was still unconscious and died during the afternoon. He was in a very dirty condition. Some discussion took place among the Jury, and an opinion was expressed that it was most improper that the poor old man should have been left in the cold so long while the Police and the Assistant Overseer were discussing whose duty it was to look after him. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Syncope, accelerated by exposure, and added a rider suggesting that the Totnes Board of Guardians should consider what should be done with paupers in an unfit state to be removed. It was stated that deceased was apparently an educated man, and had stated to the Police that he had been a barrister. He was well known in the neighbourhood.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 December 1890
EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr H. W. Hooper, held an Inquest yesterday touching the death of ANN BRADRIDGE, aged 70, who resided by herself at the Dean's Almshouses, Exeter, and who died from the effects of burns and scalds received under circumstances reported in our issue of yesterday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TORQUAY - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Torbay Hospital, Torquay, yesterday morning, respecting the death of SALLY MARTIN, aged four years, daughter of a fisherman, residing at 24 Melville-street, who succumbed to injuries received from burning. - The evidence showed that the child was left alone in the kitchen while her sister went out to fill a kettle and when she returned the child's clothing was in a blaze. A man named Charles Hutchings promptly wrapped the child in his apron, and thus subdued the flames, but the little sufferer died shortly after from the effects of the burns. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 22 December 1890
NORTHAM - Fatal Accident To A Baby At Bideford. - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr J. F. Bromham at Northam, Bideford, on the body of HERBERT JAMES HARRIS, aged seven weeks, the child of EDWARD HARRIS, a gardener, of Orchard-hill, Northam. From the evidence of the parents and another witness, it transpired that about a week ago they were sitting round the fire drinking cocoa. The mother had the deceased child on her lap, and as she was taking up a cup of her cocoa in a saucer the cup overturned and the cocoa fell on the arm and face of the deceased. He screamed very much and the mother put some linseed oil on the scalds. Eventually the child fell asleep. He went on all right for a couple of days, when he appeared to be worse and Dr Duncan was sent for, but the child died on Thursday evening. - Dr Duncan said the immediate cause of death was inflammation of the lungs, caused by the scalds. If he had been called in immediately after the accident he did not know that the result would have been different, as the scalds were so severe and the child so young. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 December 1890
AWLISCOMBE - The Fatal Accident To A Letter Carrier At Awliscombe. - Yesterday Mr Deputy Coroner Cox, of Honiton, held an Inquest at the Honiton Inn, Awliscombe, concerning the death of AARON WEBBER, a thatcher and letter carrier, of Awliscombe, who died on Friday night from the effects of injuries received through a fall on Wednesday last, as stated in the Devon and Exeter Daily Gazette yesterday. - Mr Robert Bishop was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was SARAH WEBBER, deceased's wife, who was deeply affected. She gave evidence of identification and said her late husband was 69 years of age last birthday. He had suffered from rheumatism for over two years. On Wednesday morning he left home about 8 o'clock to deliver letters. He was brought home about an hour and a half later. - ANNIE WEBBER, deceased's daughter, deposed that her father left home in a donkey-cart about 8 o'clock on Wednesday morning. The roads were slippery. The donkey had not been "roughed." Her father was brought home in the donkey cart, he having met with an accident, by Mr Bartlett and Mr Davis. He had sustained injuries to his head. Dr Griffin was sent for and was promptly in attendance. Deceased succumbed at midnight on Friday in the presence of witness and her mother. - A girl named Maud Bartlett deposed that on Wednesday morning she was walking along the road near the Baptist Chapel, when she observed the deceased lying in the road. Blood was flowing from the left side of his head. The donkey and cart were standing near. Witness spoke to the deceased, and asked him if she should fetch Mr Davis, and he nodded his head. She accordingly went for Mr Davis, and subsequently fetched other assistance. She led the donkey along the road for some distance. - George Davis, a labourer, residing near the Baptist Chapel, spoke to being summoned by the girl Bartlett. He assisted to take the deceased to his home. Deceased did not say how he met with the accident. Witness noticed a terrible wound in the deceased's head, from which blood was flowing. - William Radford, mason, of Awliscombe, said that on Wednesday night deceased sent for him. On going to the house he found the deceased sensible. He told witness that the donkey slipped and fell. - Dr Griffin, of Honiton, deposed to being called. He found a serious scalp wound and other injuries, and thought it impossible that the man would recover. Deceased made a statement to witness to the effect that the donkey slipped and he fell out of the trap. Wednesday was a very slippery day. Witness attended the deceased constantly from the time of the accident. He died on Friday night. He attributed death to loss of blood and shock to the system. - In reply to the Deputy Coroner, Dr Griffin said he should consider it dangerous for a donkey to travel on slippery roads without being "roughed." He added that with an ordinary person a donkey falling would not have been so serious; the deceased was old and rendered helpless in consequence of rheumatism. Replying to a further question, Dr Griffin said there were no marks of the wheels of the cart having passed over the deceased. - The Deputy Coroner said that on the day previous to the one on which the sad accident occurred he was driving through Awliscombe and found the road in a very slippery condition. He thought that the same precautions should be taken as at Honiton by throwing sawdust on the road. The accident showed the advisability of having all draught animals "roughed." - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Jury, with one exception, gave their fees to the widow.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - The Deputy Coroner for the district, Mr H. W. Gould, held an inquiry yesterday afternoon at the Okehampton Inn, St. Thomas, into the circumstances attending the death of the infant of ALFRED and ELIZABETH MILTON, living in Okehampton-place. The deceased was named JOHN HENRY MILTON, and was one month old. On Thursday the child was christened at an evening service. While the baptism was being performed the child coughed a little, but MRS MILTON did not notice anything wrong in his condition during the night, and left him in bed at 8.30 on Friday morning asleep. On going to see the child about 10 o'clock the mother found him dead. MRS MILTON stated that she had only given the deceased natural nourishment. Mrs Napper, also living in Okehampton-place, gave evidence. Mr Vlieland, Surgeon, said he had examined the body. Judging by appearances death was due to convulsions, suffocation supervening. There was nothing about the body incompatible with death from natural causes. MRS MILTON (recalled) said there were no clothes over the head of the child when she found him dead. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 December 1890
TIVERTON - Mr L. Mackenzie, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tiverton Town Hall on Wednesday evening on the body of the unnamed male child of BESSIE COCKRAM, a young woman living in Chapel-street, and lately employed at the Factory. The evidence of the girl's mother, the midwife and Mr Cullin (Surgeon) showed that the child, who was only three days old, was the victim of improper feeding. Dr Cullin made a post mortem examination and found the infant's stomach full of food, such as biscuit, which it could not digest. The child had been fed by the midwife or nurse and at the request of the Foreman of the Jury, Mr W. E. Williams, she was censured by the Coroner. The verdict of the Jury was "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 30 December 1890
TORQUAY - Mysterious Death Of A Recluse At Torquay. - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, held an inquiry at the Castle Inn, Torquay, last evening, into the circumstances attending the death of ELIZABETH WHARRAN, 65, of Fern Villa, St. Luke's-road, who was found dead at her house on Saturday last. It appeared that the deceased had resided alone for over 20 years and had never been seen outdoors. On Tuesday last a boy in the employ of Mrs Smale, baker, of Union-street, delivered the bread and was told to call on the following Saturday. He did so, but on finding that the door was locked he called some neighbours, who forced the door and on entering one of the rooms found the woman lying half naked dead on the bed. - Dr Karkeek, who made a post mortem examination, discovered traces of heart disease and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."