Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1903

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:  Addicott; Aggett; Allan; Ash; Baker(3); Bastard; Battle; Beer; Bendall; Bennett; Biss; Bittle; Bleasby; Bond; Bowden(2); Bray; Brealey; Breen; Bridle; Brinley; Brook; Brooking; Brown; Cann; Capron; Carr; Caseley; Cator; Cherry; Chudley(2); Clapp; Clarkson; Cockram; Coles; Collis; Cousins; Couzens; Cox; Cridge; Croot; Cross; Curtis; Dare; Davey; Down; Draper; Durant; Eddleston; Edwards; Ferris; Foley; Forse; Gamlin; Gigg; Godfrey(2); Hamley; Harcourt; Harris(6); Hartnoll; Harvey(3); Hayman; Haynes; Heriot; Herring; Hill; Hiscox; Hitchcock; Hodge; Hole; Holt; Hubber; Hurt; Irish; Jervis; Jewson; Johns; Johnstone; King; Kingdom; Lane; Langabeer; Leat; Lees; Legg; Lockyer; Loney; Loud; Loving; Luscombe(2); Martin; Mason; Matthews; May; Millman(2); Mitchell(2); Mortimore; Mutter; Northcott; Nott; Odgers; Oliver; Packer; Pardy; Parker; Parnell; Pascoe(2); Pash; Pearce; Pepperell; Perring; Perryman; Pethrick; Pethybridge; Phillips; Pile; Pinhey; Pinkham; Potter(2); Powley; Pring; Roach; Robins; Robinson; Rowe; Rowell; Rowland; Sage; Sammels; Sanders(2); Scoins; Sheppard; Shillabeer; Simmons; Skinner(2); Smith(2); Souch; Spiller; Sprague; Stapledon; Steer; Stevens; Stribling; Sweetman; Taylor; Terry; Thomas; Thorne; Tout; Tremlett; Tucker; Turpin; Vernon; Vines; Ward; Watkins; Watson; Webber(2); Weeks; West(2); Western; White(2); Wilderspin; Williams; Wingrove; Winzer; Wise; Woodley; Yabsley; Young.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 3 January 1903
CLYST ST GEORGE - Suicide At Clyst St. George. A Family Quarrel. - Yesterday Mr C. E. Cox, County Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of HARRY STEER, 43, builder and farmer, of Addlepool Farm, Clyst St. George, who was found in an allotment field with his face severely damaged on Wednesday. - Mr J. Short was elected Foreman of the Jury. - The deceased's brother, JOHN LEWIS STEER, said his brother had been part occupier of the farm with him for about 14 years. On Tuesday morning the deceased asked witness to send him a hogshead of cider. This witness refused to do, because he considered too much had previously been wasted. He, however, offered to fill the men's firkins, and sent a small cask for deceased's use. The offer was refused, and deceased became very excited, roughly handling witness. Deceased was afterwards kept in abeyance, and witness's wife and her father pushed him into a rose bush. Deceased afterwards went into the pump shed. Deceased was of an excitable disposition, and with the slightest provocation would fly into a most terrible passion. Between 5 and 6 o'clock the same evening deceased's son came to witness remarking that his father had gone into the allotment field and had done something to himself. There was always a gun in deceased's house. Another son of deceased also came to witness, stating he had been sent by his mother as "Dad had gone out with a gun and threatened to do for himself." Witness went with the boy part of the way to the farm, and then said to the lad that if his father had a gun he didn't like to go near him. Witness told the boy to go quietly and look around the premises, and if he saw the gun to take it away and bring it to witness's house as quickly as possible. Deceased had never threatened to shoot himself. - By Mr W. L. Brown, Exeter (who represented the Scottish Employers Liability and General Insurance Company): Deceased had been depressed since the death of his daughter three years since. - By the Jury: He was subject to fits of excitement and sometimes was scarcely responsible for his actions. - Miss Lucy Emma Pidsley, Manor House, Clyst St. George, said deceased came to her house and said he wanted to borrow a gun for an hour. She let him have it, as she noticed nothing strange in deceased's condition. The gun was not loaded. - William John Spiller, groom, Doddiscombsleigh, said he saw deceased going across the allotment field towards Miss Pidsley's. He had no gun in his possession. - Charles Rice, Clyst St. George, said as he was walking in the lane he heard groans, and on getting over the hedge found the deceased with part of his face blown away. STEER was also muttering, but could not speak plainly. He was in the corner of the allotment field, with the barrel of the gun pointing towards him. With assistance, the deceased was removed, and a doctor sent for. - P.C. Champion, Topsham, said he found the gun (produced) with two empty cartridges in it about a yard and a half from where the deceased was found. His cap was blown to pieces, especially on the left side. Corresponding cartridges to those in the gun were found in deceased's kitchen. - Dr Frood, Topsham, said deceased had been a patient of his, and seemed very much touched by his daughter's death. He had always been perfectly reasonable whenever he saw him, and he had no reason to suppose he would be likely to take his life. When witness saw him deceased was not in a condition to make any statement. The face, from the lower jaw to the eyebrows, was blown away, and the barrel of the gun must have been put inside the mouth, as the charge entered the roof of the mouth, and came through the left eye. There was no shot in the brain. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane." They expressed their sympathy with the deceased's widow and family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 5 January 1903
TEIGNMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At Teignmouth. Shipmates' Alleged Callousness. Inquest Adjourned. - Some rather surprising allegations of un-English indifference on the part of a drowning man's friends were made at the Inquest on Saturday on the death of THOMAS WILLIAMS, a Swansea seaman, who died at the Teignmouth Hospital on Friday as the result of an accident while going aboard the steamship Player, lying alongside the Quay. - The House Surgeon, who was the first witness called after evidence of identification had been given by Charles Hooper, a lumper, said the deceased, when admitted, was suffering from a blow on the chest and a bruise behind the ear, but he was inclined to attribute death to pneumonia. The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, gave instructions that a post-mortem examination should be made. - Charles Evans, of Bideford, seaman on board the brigantine Annie, said on Wednesday night he met two of the crew of the Player going aboard the vessel. He was getting close to his own craft when he heard cries of "Man overboard." He ran back, hearing a splash as of a man's hands struggling in the water, and a man with a foreign accent on board the Player calling out, "Vas one man down there?" He looked down between the Player and the Quay, and saw a man in the water. He got on the fender and gripped the man, who seemed to be sinking, by the coat, afterwards clutching his collar and so keeping his head above water. The man was helpless, and witness was actually in this position and shouting for help for five minutes before anyone arrived. Then two men on board other vessels in the harbour came and together they put deceased aboard while a man on the Player held a light. Witness asked this man to make the light fast and render assistance, but he would not do it. There were three men on board the Player, but none came to help. Witness and one of the men from the other vessel did their best to bring deceased to consciousness, while the third went for a Policeman. The latter, on arrival, tried artificial respiration successfully, and by his orders witness and the man from the other vessel placed deceased in the forecastle, undressed him, wrapped him in blankets and made him comfortable. The Constable placed him under the charge of a member of the crew of the Player - supposed to be a second engineer - but the latter refused to look after him because "it did not belong to his department." The Constable warned him of the consequences if he did not look after him and promised to return and see that he carried out his duty. Deceased was perfectly sober. - The Foreman of the Jury (Mr R. W. Pedrick) remarked that the witness had described what seemed to be very inhuman conduct. - P.C. Moore corroborated. He said he brought deceased round, but the latter did not speak. When he gave the member of the crew to whom the last witness had referred directions as to calling a doctor if it became necessary the man objected to being made responsible, as it was "not in his department." In reply, witness told him that as a shipmate of deceased he was no man to make such a statement. - George Player, the registered owner of the vessel, said the first he knew of the occurrence was when Dr Hayward came to him the next morning and told him of the serious condition of the man. At the doctor's instance the injured man was removed to the Hospital, as there was a danger of pneumonia supervening. In answer to the Coroner, he said the captain of the boat was called Henry George, of Fishguard, North Wales. The Player let Teignmouth on Thursday, and had just left England for Rouen. She would probably have returned on Friday. - The Coroner intimated that Mr Player ought not to have allowed the ship to go in the circumstances. They had had no evidence as to how deceased got into the water, and it was essential that some of the crew - particularly the man who was alleged to have refused to be responsible for the deceased - should be present at the Inquest. - Mr Player expressed surprise that Dr Hayward, who, he said, would have been able to give valuable evidence, was not present. He had not stopped his boat from proceeding on its voyage as he had not anticipated deceased's death. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest for the attendance of those who were on board the Player on the night in question until the 12th instant. - Evans was warmly commended by the Jury for the part he played in the matter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 January 1903
BOVEY TRACEY -Yesterday the District Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, held an Inquest at Bovey Tracey on the body of an infant belonging to parents named TREMLETT. The father stated that the infant was four days old, that at 6.30 on Saturday morning he took his wife a cup of tea and that then the baby was as usual. He went to his work. Shortly afterwards the nurse, Mrs Farmer, and a neighbour, Mrs Hatherleigh, went upstairs, and found the baby dead. Dr Stewart, who held a post-mortem examination, formed the opinion that Accidental Suffocation was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 7 January 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - The Newton Abbot Suicide. - At an Inquest yesterday on the body of RICHARD HARVEY, 74 years of age, who committed suicide by hanging himself at the Newton Abbot Workhouse, of which he was an inmate, on Monday, the evidence showed that deceased had suffered from suicidal tendencies, and had been confined in Bodmin Asylum. The Coroner suggested that deceased should have been sent to Exminster Asylum, but it was explained that the Newton authorities had no information that the tendencies were really dangerous. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased Hanged Himself while of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 January 1903
MALBOROUGH - The sensation of the week has been the death of MR GORDON ROBINSON, aged 21 years, who went to Kingsbridge in his boat on Friday, and started to return at about 11.30 in the morning. He was seen to hoist his sails, but no one actually saw the boat capsize. It was a squally, blustering day, and there are one or two theories as to how the boat went over. About half a dozen fishermen's boats were out on Sunday searching for the body of ROBINSON, and for signs of his boat, and the top of the sails of the latter were first seen sticking up out of the water at low tide, near Gerston Kiln. The men then grappled for the body and soon brought it to the surface. The boat was then raised. It was found that the main sheet was made fast, and probably the cause of the accident lay principally in this fact. The Inquest was held on Tuesday and a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. The funeral took place on Wednesday, when a good number of the Volunteers attended, deceased having been a member of the Force.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 January 1903
IPPLEPEN - Suffocated At Ipplepen. - At an Inquest which Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held on the death of ETHEL IRISH, the two-months-old daughter of THOMAS IRISH, carpenter, of Ipplepen, the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the child was Accidentally Suffocated while in bed.

TOTNES - The Death Of A Totnes Schoolmaster. The Inquest. - At the Guildhall, Totnes, yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest on ROWLAND ROCKLIFFE HILL, 19 years of age, an assistant Master at the Board School, whose mutilated body was found on the permanent way of the Great Western Railway near Totnes the previous morning. The Railway Company was represented by Chief Inspector Scantlebury, Inspector Tompkins, and Mr T. James (of the locomotive department). - WILLIAM SARGENT, boatmaker, of Cheddar, Somerset, identified the body as that of his nephew, and said the last time he saw deceased alive was on the previous Saturday, when he came to witness to wish him goodbye before leaving to take up his appointment at Totnes. He had been living with his mother and father at Cheddar nearly all his life. Witness could see that deceased was rather sorrowful at leaving home, though not more so than one would expect a loving boy to be. His parents received a letter from him on the Monday after he got to Totnes, stating that he had arrived safely, and was very pleased with his lodgings. The letter seemed to have been written in good spirits, the impression of the parents being that their son had secured a good place and that he would be happy. The only light which witness could throw on the occurrence of his death was that perhaps he had been studying too hard for a King's College examination which he had passed shortly before Christmas. There was not the slightest reason to suppose that he was inclined to suicidal tendencies. He was not engaged to be married, and, in fact, added witness, "He was not a young man who took much notice of women in that way." - Mrs Jane Ash, of 2 Ashleigh Villa, Plymouth-road, Totnes, said deceased came to lodge at her house on Saturday evening. He became acquainted with another assistant master, who came to lodge at the same house the following evening. There was never anything strange or out of the ordinary in his conduct. On Wednesday night he went out for a walk, coming in for supper at half-past 9. He appeared quite well when he bade them good night, and went to bed at 11 o'clock. the next morning witness came down at 20 minutes after 7 o'clock and found his door open, and that he had gone out. On Monday and Tuesday morning he had taken early walks before breakfast. - Richard E. King, ganger on the Great Western Railway, found the deceased about half-a-mile from the Totnes Station, and near the cemetery, in the middle of the down line. He was on his face and hands. One leg was cut off, and a cap was in the path. Seeing he was dead, witness reported the matter to the Inspector. There was a curve in the line where the deceased was found. He considered a down train must have knocked deceased down. - Frederick Heywood, driver of an engine attached to the 3.45 a.m. fast train from Newton to Plymouth on Thursday morning stated that the train would have passed Totnes about 4.2 a.m. When he got back to Totnes he heard of the discovery on the line, and then examined his engine, and found blood on the life guards and buffer plank, although there was nothing on the wheels. The morning was dark and no jerk was felt on the engine. - William J. Phillips, Head-master at the Totnes Board School, said deceased commenced duties on Monday morning and he had an impression that deceased had over-studied, and that he was in ill-health. He seemed nervous and excitable. He performed his duties well. - Dr W. R. Edmond stated that there were contusions on the forehead and face and both jaws were badly fractured. The left leg was cut off below the knee and the lower part of the thigh was separated from the upper part. There was also a compound fracture of the right leg. From the evidence he suggested insomnia. - P.S. Webber found £5 5s. in deceased's box and a good fit-out of clothing. - Mr Phillips said he knew deceased could not sleep very well. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict "That he deceased was found on the railway, and that there was no evidence to show how he got there."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 12 January 1903
BUCKFASTLEIGH - Suicide At Buckfastleigh. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Buckfastleigh on Saturday touching the death of WILLIAM CATOR, who hanged himself on Thursday. Deceased, who was 59 years of age, was a farm labourer, but latterly had worked as a woolcomber at Messrs. Hamlyn Brothers' woollen mill. - A half-brother gave evidence to the effect that deceased some two or three years ago had a sunstroke or seizure. Since then he had lost his wife and had experienced domestic trouble, with the result that he was often depressed. on Thursday, as he did not return to work after dinner, inquiries were made, with the result that P.C. Bugler effected an entrance into deceased's house and found deceased hanging from the stairs. Artificial respiration was resorted to, but without success. On the body was found a newspaper containing a report of the suicide of deceased's son's wife's brother. The sum of £5 5s. 6d. was found in the house, and a Co-operative book showing CATOR had a good sum to his credit. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 January 1903
TEIGNMOUTH - The Fall Over Teignmouth Quay. Inquest Again Adjourned. "Grave Contempt Of Court." - At the adjourned inquest yesterday at Teignmouth Hospital on THOMAS WILLIAMS, the Swansea seaman who fell into the water while crossing a gangway from the Quay to the steamship Player, owned by Mr George Player, and died a few days later at the Institution, Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, before taking further evidence, said it was his duty to draw the Jury's notice to a matter which concerned a very grave indiscretion on the part of Mr George Player. The latter, he noticed, had written a letter to a newspaper on the subject of the Inquiry. Now, as Mr Player very well knew, the Inquiry was under the consideration of a legal tribunal, and, that being so, Mr Player had involved himself in the serious position of having committed a grave contempt of Court. It would be his (the Coroner's) duty to consider at a later stage of the proceedings whether he should cause the offender to suffer the penalties attaching to the offence. Not only did the letter constitute a contempt of Court, but it made the impudent statement, which added a good deal to Mr Player's guilt, that it was proved to the satisfaction of the Jury that the means of going on board the ship at the time were perfectly safe. Nothing whatever of the sort was proved. Only formal evidence was taken, and, in fact, nothing could be proved to the satisfaction of the Jury until the latter had given their verdict. - A Juryman remarked that a letter had also appeared anonymously in a local paper. - The Coroner: That makes it no better. He added that the Inquest would have to be once more adjourned, as the ship was still away from England. - Mr Player said it had left Rouen that day and he had given the Captain instructions to land the engineer, whose evidence was required, between Plymouth and Teignmouth as early as possible in the week. - The Coroner observed that, having regard to the illegal conduct of Mr Player, the case would now be gone into much more carefully, and an Inspector under the Factory Acts would be present to investigate the matter, and would expect to hear evidence as to the gangway. He advised Mr Player, therefore, to ensure the presence of the Captain or the mate to speak on that point. - Mr Player explained that his object in writing the letter referred to was to reply to a severe charge against him which made it seem that he was guilty of neglect in regard to the adequacy of the gangway which was provided. In the circumstances, though, he was sorry to have acted illegally, he considered he was justified in writing the letter. - The Coroner (sternly): You are not justified, sir. You have committed a crime in so doing. - Mr Player, continuing, said that Evans in his evidence had told them that there was a proper gangway. - The Coroner replied that Evans knew nothing at all about the matter. He did not even see the gangway. - Mr Player asked the Coroner to appeal to the Jury, and Mr T. Hambly (a Juryman) said he heard Evans say there was a ladder there, this being the usual means adopted for going on board. - The Coroner: What was stated was hearsay evidence. - In answer to a Juryman, Mr Player said in the present instance there was no watchman on the ship, as he did not think one was required. A watchman's duty was to see that nothing was stolen. The usual gangway was a ladder made fast to the side of a ship, with a plank beside it. A light was attached. The deceased made no attempt to use the gangway. - Mr C. H. Badcock, House Surgeon at the Hospital, who made a post-mortem examination at the Coroner's request, said he found a superficial injury below the right ear, but no injury to the ribs or internal organs. The lungs were in a state of acute congestion from the immersion and this he assigned as the cause of death. Deceased had also been suffering from pleurisy, and the pain so caused probably induced some to suppose that he had sustained an internal injury. The evidence was against the man's having been intoxicated when he fell into the water. If a medical man had been called immediately after the immersion he did not think the deceased's life would have been saved. - The Inquest was then adjourned until Saturday, Mr Player promising to give evidence as to the gangway.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 19 January 1903
TEIGNMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At Teignmouth. Allegations Denied. The Jury's Verdict. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, resumed on Saturday the hearing of the evidence in the Inquest on the body of THOMAS WILLIAMS, seaman, of Swansea, who met his death as a result of falling over the Quay at Teignmouth in the act of going aboard the steamship, Player. Mr E. Hutchings represented the Player Steamship Company, and Mr Sydney Shuter (H.M. Inspector of Factories)the Home Office. The Inquest had been twice adjourned for the evidence of one of the crew of the Player, which had been unable to return to port through stress of weather. - Robert Johnson, of Swansea, the second engineer of the Player, said on the day of the accident - Wednesday, the 31st of December - he, in company with deceased, returned to the ship Player about 11.30 p.m. Deceased was perfectly sober. Witness was a few yards in front of him and told him to follow him across the gangway, where there was a light, but instead of crossing by the means thus provided deceased said "I can go aboard here," indicating a coaling stage on the after part of the fore rigging of the ship, which left a space of a couple of feet between the vessel and the Quay. A moment later witness heard a splash in the water, deceased having apparently tried to jump across to the coaling stage and fallen into the water. Witness shouted "Man overboard," and got aboard for a rope and he and the second mate assisted Evans, a man from another vessel - who had jumped down and got hold of deceased - to pull him on board. Evans shouted for a light, but the light which they showed took fire, and caused delay. Deceased was not in the water longer than two or three minutes. A Policeman was sent for and brought him back to consciousness. He was wrapped in blankets and well cared for until a doctor arrived. With regard to the allegation made by Evans at a previous Court that one of the crew had refused to look after deceased because it was "not in his department," witness denied having personally made the statement or having heard anyone else do so. He said deceased was too well liked by everyone on board for such a thing to be said by any of his mates. He had known deceased, who was a very venturesome man, often jump on board instead of going aboard in the usual way. - In answer to Mr T. Hambly (a Juryman) witness said it was quite incorrect that when he caught hold of deceased Evans called for assistance for five minutes before it came. He was not in the water longer than three minutes at the outside. The two men who helped Evans were members of the crew of the Player - not of another crew, as alleged. The second mate was in his cabin when the accident occurred. - Replying to Mr Shuter, witness said it would have been useless to throw life-buoys overboard on account of the narrow space between the ship and the Quay, in addition to which it was dead low water at the time, and if deceased had not been injured and so rendered unconscious he could have stood up in his own depth. He considered the Quay was adequately lighted. the gangway was an ordinary plank. There were no side rails and he did not think it was usual to have them. - Mr Shuter said within the past two years he had made three inspections of the Quays of Teignmouth and had brought the question of lighting before the Company. The latter, he was glad to say, had carried out the representations which he had made to them as to the advisability of erecting additional lamps and there was now nothing left to be desired in this respect. He failed to see, however, why no life-buoy was used on the occasion in question, and he recommended that all gangways from ships to shore should have a guiding rope rail. The necessity for this was being increasingly recognised. - The Coroner, in summing up, pointed out that the death of deceased evidently had no connection with the gangway - though it was well the matter had been ventilated - and that deceased had been properly looked after by his shipmates. Perhaps there had been a misunderstanding in regard to the statement that one of them had declined to attend to him. - The Jury, after retiring, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 January 1903
KENTON - An Old Woman's Sad Death At Kenton. The Inquest. - Mr A. Burrow, District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Devon Arms Inn, Kenton, on the body of ANNE ADDICOTT, aged 84, of Rose Cottage, Southtown, who met with her death on Saturday in painful circumstances. Mr W. Potter was the Foreman of the Jury. - HENRY ADDICOTT, Constable in the Exeter Police Force, having identified the body as that of his mother, ANNE ADDICOTT, a grand-daughter, said on Saturday she went out of the house, leaving deceased on a chair in front of the fire. On returning shortly before 4 o'clock she heard there had been a fire in the house. She had no idea how it originated. - Arthur Hayman, draper's traveller, of St Thomas, Exeter, deposed that at about 3 o'clock on the same afternoon he saw deceased sitting about a yard from the fire-place. She appeared to be all right. - John Wallace, blacksmith, of Kenton, said as he was returning from work on Saturday he saw smoke of a rather peculiar colour arising from the chimney of deceased's house. He tried to look in the window, but the blind was down. He went home, and, after remarking that he believed there was something wrong at Rose Cottage, returned thither and burst open the front door. On opening the kitchen door he found the room full of smoke and flames. He at once raised the alarm, giving information to George Coombes, gardener to Major Courtenay, and Mr A. T. Toogood, captain of the Fire Brigade. Shortly afterwards he was told that deceased had been burnt to death. - George Hellings, carpenter, said he fetched a bucket of water, which he threw over the fire and over deceased, who was lying in front of the fireplace burning. He was unable to stay in the room owing to the smoke, but on coming back with more water he saw that deceased was dead. She was lying with her feet close to the stove. An overturned chair in the fireplace was partly burnt. - Evidence was also given by P.C. Taylor and Mr Lipscomb, who said he found deceased much charred and burnt. Death was due to a combination of shock and suffocation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 29 January 1903
EXETER - Yesterday, the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquiry at Exeter Police Court, into the circumstances attending the death of the male child of WALTER TOUT, labourer, of Taylor's-court, Bath-road, Exeter. Evidence of identification was given by the father, who said the child was born on January 23. his wife was not attended by a doctor, but by a midwife. The child died on Tuesday. Mrs Ebdon, widow, of Paragon-place, South-street, the midwife, having given evidence, Dr Duncan said that when he was called to see the child it was dead. The cause of death was, in his opinion, convulsions. The child had been properly attended to at birth. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 30 January 1903
PAIGNTON - Last night an Inquest was held at Paignton touching the death of an old man named ROBERT POTTER, who was found with his throat cut in a barn at Compton Pool Farm, Marldon. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

BRADNINCH - Mr A. Burrows held an Inquest at the Parish-room on Wednesday afternoon on the body of CHARLOTTE BOWDEN. From the evidence, it transpired that the deceased, who was 65 years of age, rose about half-past five on the morning of January 8th and fell downstairs, sustaining such injuries as to cause her death on the 27th inst. The Jury, of which Mr W. Baker, was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

MEMBURY - At Lewsley Cottage on Tuesday the District Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox, held an Inquest on the 18-days-old male child GEORGE PARKER, a carter, in the employ of the Devon Trading Company, which was found dead in bed by its mother's side on Sunday. After hearing the evidence of the mother and Dr Padbury, of Axminster, the Jury found a verdict of "Accidentally Suffocated."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 3 February 1903
EXMOUTH - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned at an inquest at the Rolle Hotel, Exmouth, yesterday afternoon on the body of MR F. LEGG, aged between 50 and 60 years, which was discovered on the sands last Friday. Mr G. Huddy, of Blackboy-road, Exeter, deposed that deceased had lodged with him, but had been out of a situation, and attributed inability to get on in business. He saw deceased on Thursday afternoon in High-street, and expected him home to tea, but he did not return. Henry Quick, parcels porter, Exmouth, deposed to seeing deceased at Exmouth on Friday morning. P.S. Staddon said he had been unable to trace deceased's relatives. Medical evidence showed that death was due to drowning.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 February 1903
BOVEY TRACEY - The Late MR W. R. HOLE, J.P. The Inquest. - Yesterday, about noon, the District Coroner held an Inquest at Bovey Tracey as to the cause of the death of MR W. H. HOLE, J.P. The following formed the Jury: Messrs. G. Bond, W. Alford, P. Peters, W. Sercombe, G. Mardon, W. Leaker, J. Beer, J. Lee, Buck, F. Chilvers, Crook, Aggett and G. Endacott. Mr G. Bond was appointed Foreman. - MR WILLIAM GERALD HOLE, only son, gave evidence of identification. - Dr Murray Stewart stated that the immediate causes of death were weakness of the heart, inflammation of the lungs, and double pneumonia, and that these were the result of a severe accident, from which the deceased had only partially recovered. - Mr Reddacliffe, who was first on the scene of the accident, gave evidence as to his finding of deceased propped against the hedge-bank, in a dazed condition. He assisted him to his residence. - The verdict of the Jury was in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 13 February 1903
KINGSBRIDGE - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Town Hall on Saturday, upon the body of MRS SUSAN LEES, wife of MR THOMAS LEES, local superintendent of the British Workmen's Assurance Association. About 5 o'clock on Friday evening deceased was observed by her daughter hanging by a muffler from the bannisters. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 February 1903
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - The Dangers Of Flannelette. Sad Burning Case At Moretonhampstead. - Yesterday afternoon Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquiry at Norrish's Ring of Bells, Moretonhampstead, concerning the death of MRS ANN LEAT, which occurred at Moretonhampstead Cottage Hospital on Thursday afternoon, where she had been admitted on Tuesday morning suffering from severe burns. - The deceased, who was 75 years of age and a widow, lived in Fore-street, Moretonhampstead, with Mrs Jane Woodley. On Tuesday morning Mrs Woodley went to MRS LEAT'S bedroom between 7 and 8 o'clock to know what she would have for breakfast, and found she was not there. On going downstairs she was very much alarmed to find her sitting in an armchair before the fire with her night-clothes burnt off. Deceased told Mrs Elizabeth Woodley that she was cold and could not sleep, so came downstairs and lit the fire, afterwards going into the wash-house for more sticks, when she set herself alight. She had not used any lamp, as that was in her bedroom, but there was a candle - not burning - in the room on a sideboard where she was found. She must have caught her clothes on fire in the wash-house, as portions of her burnt flannelette nightdress as well as pieces of the basket, were found there. From the first it was a hopeless case, the body being severely burnt both in front and behind, from the feet to the neck and shoulders. Death occurred on Thursday evening from heart failure, the result of burns and shock. - A verdict was returned that deceased came by her death from Accidentally setting fire to her flannelette nightdress. - The Coroner remarked that the danger of children and aged people being dressed in flannelette clothing could not be too strongly condemned or too widely made known. It was of such an inflammable nature that one might almost as well have gunpowder or the like about him. The number of deaths from burning in flannelette clothing was very large indeed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 16 February 1903
SIDMOUTH - A Sidmouth Woman's Death. - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon at the small Manor Hall by Mr Cox, County Coroner, on the body of MRS MARY ANN SHEPPARD, aged 54. The evidence showed that deceased had fallen down in a fit and, being powerless to help or turn herself, was thus suffocated. The fit itself, said Dr Scott, was not sufficient to cause death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

ASHBURTON - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Caton, about two miles from the town of Ashburton, by Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, on the body of ROBERT PETHYBRIDGE, 78 years of age, who died on the 12th February. Mr J. Cock, jun., was Foreman of the Jury. Evidence was given that deceased was found on the highway at Caton Cross on the 31st December by Mr John Smerdon, of Gages, who was proceeding to Newton Abbot. Deceased had fallen down and was unable to rise. Mr Smerdon went for assistance and two neighbours - James French and E. Clarke - got the old man home. Dr Ranson found that deceased was suffering from shock, and that he had sustained a slight bruise on his left hip. He never rallied. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Shock and injuries, the result of an Accident."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 23 February 1903
PLYMOUTH - The body of SEAMAN MITCHELL, of the Royal Navy, who was drowned at Plymouth some time since, and on whom an Inquest was held on Saturday, was brought to his home at Shaldon on Saturday evening. Much sympathy is felt for the family in their sad bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 25 February 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - A Fatal Fall Downstairs. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Wolborough Hall, Newton Abbot, yesterday, touching the death of THOMAS PERRYMAN, a haulier, 61 years of age who met with his death on Sunday, the 22nd inst., at 8.15 p.m., in consequence of injuries sustained through a fall downstairs. - MRS PERRYMAN's evidence showed that her husband, who had come home a little the worse for drink on the previous night, was following her upstairs when he fell down to the bottom of the flight and struck his head against the wall. - Dr Stephens deposed that he found deceased suffering from a small contused wound. Death was due to internal haemorrhage. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider, at the Coroner's suggestion, "that the stairs at No. 65 Wolborough-street, being somewhat old-fashioned and out of date and dangerous, should be attended to.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 February 1903
EXETER - Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an inquiry at the Police Station, Exeter, yesterday, concerning the death of ELIZABETH CHUDLEY, 77, a widow, of Boycott-place, Alphington-street. The evidence showed that deceased usually enjoyed good health, but that on Thursday, while engaged in washing, she complained of a queer feeling and suddenly fell to the ground. Mr C. E. Stokes, Surgeon, was sent for, and on his arrival she was dead. Death was due either to heart failure or apoplexy. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 2 March 1903
TOTNES - The Inquest on the body of JANE FOLEY, a servant girl, whose body was discovered in a pool of water at Dartington, Totnes on Friday morning, was held at Totnes on Saturday night by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased Committed Suicide during Temporary Insanity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 3 March 1903
ILFRACOMBE - The Sudden Death At Ilfracombe. - Yesterday afternoon the Deputy Coroner, Dr Slade-King, held an inquest on the body of BETSY COUSINS, aged 69, of Braunton, who died suddenly on Saturday afternoon after attending the Ilfracombe Market. Mr G. Jones was elected Foreman of the Jury. - Mr George Dyer, cabman, identified the body. About 1.40 p.m. last Saturday deceased came into his yard. She complained of having a dreadful pain in her stomach. Before witness could go to her she fell back and never spoke again. Witness sent for a doctor. In the morning she was in her usual health and had taken some food at her brother's, MR RICHARDS. - THOMAS COUSINS, husband of deceased, said he was a farmer, living at Town End Farm, Braunton. On Saturday morning deceased started for market about 7.50 a.m. in her usual health. About 12 months ago a doctor attended her and told her she had a very weak heart. - Dr Charles Jones said deceased appeared to be a person who had died suddenly from heart failure. There were no marks of violence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Heart Failure."

TORQUAY - Inquest At Torquay - An inquest was held yesterday at the Upton Parish Room, Torquay, concerning the death of MISS RUTH BAKER, 71, who kept a servants' registry office at Braddon's Hill-road West. The last time she was seen alive was on Thursday by Mrs Johnston, a friend, who lives at Chelston. On Saturday, about half-past 3 in the afternoon, the neighbours, becoming somewhat concerned at the continued non-appearance of deceased, gave information to P.C. Barnell, who forced his way into the house by a back window and found the old woman dead. Dr Horton made a post-mortem examination and found that she died of heart disease. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 4 March 1903
SEATON AND BEER - The Sad Occurrence At Seaton. A Mother's Solicitude. - Yesterday the County Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox held an Inquest at Seaton touching the death of MARY LOUD, aged 80 of 1 Seafield Crescent, Seaton, whose death took place on Monday under sad circumstances already reported. - The Inquest was originally fixed for 1 o'clock, but, owing to the Coroner missing his train, it was postponed until 2.30. On assembling, Mr Cox expressed his regret at the delay caused and fined himself a guinea. - WILLIAM HENRY DAY LOUD, son of deceased, said he had been living with his mother for twelve months. She was healthy for her age. Witness had arranged to go to a firm in London on Monday morning, and was leaving Seaton by the 9.40 a.m. train. His mother did not want him to go and was afraid he would leave by an earlier train, and that she would not see him before his departure. He impressed upon her that he was not going till 9.40 and told her not to get up before her ordinary time. On Monday morning he came downstairs about 7 o'clock. It was blowing half a gale. He decided not to start, and was going to wire to that effect. He went up to tell his mother of this, but found she was not in her room. As it was a common occurrence for his mother to come to his room, he went there, but could not find her. He looked in the other rooms and went to her summer bedroom at the top storey and found the window open. Looking out, he saw his mother lying in the yard. She was trying to raise herself. He picked her up, took her upstairs and placed her in bed with his sister's help. He asked her how the occurrence happened. She said she thought he was going away, and she wanted to see him start. She was looking out for him, when she fell from the window. Witness thought it probable that she heard the postman walk down the yard, went to the window, over-balanced herself, and fell over the low sill. She died about 9.30. - Mr W. Gould, baker, said he was a trustee under MR LOUD'S will and was fetched by the last witness. He heard the deceased's explanation of the accident. - Dr Evans said he also heard the conversation referred to. Deceased fractured her right wrist and right thigh and was considerably bruised. Death was due to shock. The window was about 25 to 30 feet from the ground. - The Coroner said this was a particularly sad case. All sympathised greatly with the son and the deceased's family. MRS LOUD, out of motherly affection, was evidently going to the window to see, as she thought, her son, and over-balanced herself. - The Jury, of which Mr J. Hole was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and passed a vote of sympathy with the family in their sad bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 6 March 1903
EAST BUDLEIGH - Suicide At East Budleigh. A Mistaken, But Prevalent Idea. - Yesterday, at the Rolle Arms Inn, East Budleigh, Mr C. E. Cox held an Inquest touching the death of ROBERT ROBINS, a labourer, aged 55, employed n the Rolle Estate, who was found hanging from a beam in an outhouse at the rear of his cottage late on Tuesday night. - The evidence showed that the deceased returned home from work and had his supper. He complained of loss of appetite, but otherwise seemed as usual. His daughter left the house for a time, and on her return ROBINS was missing. MISS ROBINS called Joseph Miller, a neighbour, who found the deceased hanging in a linhay. Although he took out his knife to cut the body down, his son advised him not to do so, and he allowed the body, which was cold, to remain. P.C. Brown and a doctor were sent for, but as both lived some distance away considerable time elapsed before their arrival. - The Coroner censured Miller for his neglect in not immediately cutting down the deceased, as there was just the chance, had he done so, that the man's life might have been saved. He knew that there was an idea prevalent among certain classes that in a case of this kind the body must not be touched until the Police had been sent for, but there was a deplorable lack of common-sense in thinking so. - Dr Evans said deceased's neck was partly dislocated and this was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Hanging, while in a state of Temporary Insanity." They gave their fees to the daughter, and expressed their deep sympathy with her.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 March 1903
EXETER HEAVITREE - A Heavitree Woman's Death. Found Drowned. Brother's Action Criticised. - Yesterday, at Oakbeare House, Butt's-road, Heavitree, Mr Alfred Burrow, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of MISS ELIZABETH TURNER CAPRON, aged 38, whose body was found in a cistern at the above address on Wednesday morning. - WILLIAM CAPRON and JOHN CAPRON, brothers of deceased, gave evidence. The latter stated that when he went downstairs on the morning in question he saw a skirt hanging out of the water cistern connected with the house. He did not take the body out, but went for assistance, which was secured in two minutes. Mrs Hall and the Police-Sergeant took the body out. Deceased was troubled about the death of her mother and frequently cried. - Mrs Ann Hall, who lived next door to deceased, said MISS CAPRON had been distressed at her mother's recent death and had complained of pains in her head. - Mr Andrews, Medical Practitioner, stated that in his opinion death was due to drowning. - Sergeant Pratt deposed to using artificial means of respiration but without avail. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it must have occurred to the brother what had happened when he saw the skirt hanging out of the cistern, but he seemed to have allowed her to remain there while he called for assistance instead of doing what, he ventured to think, everybody almost without exception, would have done - immediately taken the body from the water. There might have been a possibility of saving her life, because a matter of two or three minutes was of the utmost importance in such cases. The brother said he was frightened, but he did not think that was any excuse for a man, though it might be for a woman. Mrs Hall did not seem to be so faint-hearted as JOHN CAPRON, as she got the head out of the water and did what she could to save life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and added that they were of opinion that the brothers were a little lax in not at once going to deceased. - The Coroner: I think everyone must agree with that.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 11 March 1903
PORTISHEAD, SOMERSET - Torquay Nurse's Sad Death. Body Found On Portishead Beach. The Inquest. - Dr Craddock, Coroner for North Somerset, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at Portishead, on the body of LOUISA BENDALL, aged 56, whose body was found on the beach on Saturday. - Deceased was an inhabitant of Torquay, living at Reno, Bridge-road. - Evidence of identification was given by Mrs Jane Maria Makepeace, with whom MRS BENDALL had been staying at Clifton. She stated that deceased had been a nurse, but had been very depressed because illness had necessitated the giving up of her occupation. She had never shown any suicidal tendency. On Friday she left the house without saying where she was going, and, not returning, inquiries were made. - Further evidence showed that early on Saturday morning the body of deceased was found lying in the mud 20 yards out from the beach. Her hat, jacket and umbrella were placed further up on the beach. A lady answering her description had been seen late on Friday night in the shelter on the Esplanade. Over £5 and a quantity of jewellery were found on the body. - The Jury, acting on the Coroner's suggestion, found that deceased Committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind.

OTTERY ST MARY - An Inquest was held at the Church Institute Library, Ottery St. Mary, yesterday, by Mr C. E. Cox touching the death of the male child of THOMAS JOHN BAKER. The evidence showed that on the child's mother awaking about 6.20 a.m. on Monday she found the child dead by her side. Dr P. F. Bartlett stated that from a post-mortem examination he believed death was due to suffocation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Suffocation."

DARTMOUTH - At the Dartmouth Guildhall yesterday Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner, held an Inquiry touching the death of LIONEL PASCOE, infant son of HENRY PASCOE, solicitor's clerk. The evidence showed that the child, who was eight months old, was very sickly. On Monday morning the housekeeper, with whom the infant slept, awoke to find him dead. Dr J. H. Harris attributed death to natural causes, probably convulsions and the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with this.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 12 March 1903
BUCKLAND BREWER - Gored By A Cow Near Bideford. - Mr J. F. Bromham held an inquest at Orleigh Mills, Buckland Brewer, near Bideford, yesterday, touching the death of MR RICHARD SANDERS, a farmer and miller, 55 years of age, who died from injuries received by being gored by a cow last Friday. - PERCY SANDERS, a son of deceased, said about 10 o'clock last Friday morning his father and he (witness) went to their farm in Littleham parish to take home a cow and calf. Witness took hold of the calf, and the cow came towards him. His father kept it off. All at once the cow turned and attacked his father and gored him. Witness, with the assistance of a workman, managed with some difficulty to drive the cow off. Deceased, who was seriously injured, was conveyed home in a cart. Dr Stilwell (Dr Gooding's locum tenens) was sent for. Dr Toye and Dr Gooding were also afterwards summoned. Deceased died on Tuesday morning. He was a widower and left six grown-up children. - John Beer, farm labourer, gave similar evidence; and Dr Stilwell said deceased had sustained a serious lacerated wound along the groin and thigh. - Dr Gooding stated that the cause of death was septicaemia, causing heart failure, following on the injuries received. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

STOKE CANON - Yesterday morning an Inquest was held by Mr A. Burrow, District Coroner, at Stoke Canon, on the infant son of HENRY KING, who was found dead in bed on Monday morning. Dr Puddicombe made a post mortem examination, and the Jury, of whom Mr A. Staddon was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TAVISTOCK - The Truck Accident At Tavistock. Jury's Caution. - At Morwellham schoolroom yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on the body of THOMAS MARTIN, aged 39, of Morwellham, who met with his death on Monday and who leaves a widow and three children. Mr Taylor was Foreman of the Jury. Mr J. D. Johnstone, of Tavistock, represented Messrs. Petherick and Co., the deceased's employers and Mr J. P. Blight, of Callington, appeared for the widow. Mr Martin, his Majesty's Inspector of Mines, was present. - Thomas Wedlock stated that the deceased and himself moved a truck loaded with cast-iron at the foot of the incline of Devon Great Consols Mine on Monday last, and proceeded to push it on the railroad over the Morwellham Quay for the purpose of unloading the truck. When about midway he heard a crash, and saw the truck had fallen on the right, where supports had given way. He considered the trucks were too heavily loaded, and had complained to Mr Petherick, who had promised that the trucks should not be loaded so heavily. The ends of the timber which came down with the truck were decayed. - James Higman, another workman, stated that he had complained to Mr Petherick, because he believed that the roadway was not strong enough to carry the trucks and their contents. - Mr Jabez Petherick, examined, stated that he had cautioned the workmen to be careful. He had not supervised or examined the railway himself, because he considered that Higman and the deceased were competent to do so. - The Jury found that the deceased died from injuries received through the negligence of Jabez Petherick, but that such negligence was not culpable. They strongly cautioned him that in completing the remainder of the work he should employ skilled and sufficient supervision.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 13 March 1903
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - At an Inquest concerning the death of MRS HARRIET SIMMONS, 55, of Embleford's Cottages, who died suddenly, the evidence of Mr Leo Victor Laurie, Surgeon, showed that death was due to apoplexy and the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 March 1903
PAIGNTON - Burnt To Death At Paignton. A Sad Case. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Paignton touching the death of MISS ALICE JANE COUZENS, 47 years of age, who died at the Cottage Hospital on Wednesday. - MR GEO. ALEXANDER COUZENS, brother, said that the deceased was a native of Bristol. For some years she had kept a lodging-house at Paignton. - William Foster, foreman gardener, said that on Friday he found deceased was suffering from severe burns. She told him that when lighting the lamp it flared up and set fire to her clothing. He obtained a cab and sent her to the Hospital. In answer to the Coroner witness said he had seen the deceased worse for drink, and she was in that state on the day of the accident. - Mr Thompson, the former witness's employer, stated that a short time since he was sent for by a lady lodging in the deceased's house. MISS COUZENS was then intoxicated, and witness assisted her up to bed. - On being recalled, Mr Foster said that deceased frequently was the worse for liquor. At the time of the accident she was in the house alone, and must have suffered agonies from the severe burns. - Dr Cosens said that he attended the deceased at the Hospital. She was suffering from a severe shock, terrible burns about the neck and shoulders and alcoholic poisoning, as well as acute diabetes. The alcoholic poisoning would have somewhat deadened the pain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death.

HAWKCHURCH (DORSET) - Death From Starvation At Hawkchurch. Extraordinary Case. Woman Denies Herself The Necessaries Of Life. Plenty Of Money In The House. Coroner's Remarks. - Yesterday the County Coroner for East Devon, Mr C. E. Cox, held an inquiry at Bingley Farmhouse, Hawkchurch, near Axminster, relative to the death of ANNA WHITE, widow. aged 60, who for the last twelve months had been living at Bremley Cottage, and who died on Wednesday. - JAMES WHITE, 21, son of the deceased, said his mother was 60 years of age last April. She had formerly carried on a farm, but gave it up last year. His brother, WILLIAM, who was now in the County Lunatic Asylum, used to assist on the farm. Witness, who lived at Monkton Wylde, about three miles distant, stated that he often saw his mother. She was in a very peculiar condition for a length of time. She was possessed of some money, but he did not know how much. He was told when he came that she was all right, and he was not to interfere with her affairs. He, however, insisted that his mother should have different food to what she lived upon. He did not know she was injuring herself by her mode of living and in not taking sufficient nourishment. He asked Mrs Fowler to go in and look after her about three months ago. His mother would not let him do anything. - The Coroner: It did not occur to you that your mother was totally unfit to take care of herself in any way? - No, sir. - I think it must have, or else you would not have spoken to her as you did. Did it not occur to you that your mother was actually starving herself to death, and that it would be best to try and get her certified as insane? - Of course, I did not like the thought of doing that. - I can understand that; but, at the same time, did it not occur to you that she might starve herself to death? - I don't know. - A Juror: Haven't you been told by many people that your mother was starving herself to death? - No. - Weren't you ever told that she only bought a loaf of bread and drank water and that she kept no fire, but perhaps had a cup of tea or something once in two or three days to keep her going? - Yes. - The Foreman: For twelve months and over she has been starving herself to death. I have been told by the people who know. - A Juryman: Is it right for the Foreman to make these statements without asking questions? I don't understand his asking them. - The Coroner: I seldom interfere with a question by a member of the Jury, as the Inquiry is for the public benefit. - A Juryman: He is not asking questions; he is answering your questions. - The Coroner: I understand he put it to the witness. It is a most difficult case, and I quite understand the son had great hesitation in taking any steps to get his mother "locked up." But it must have been clear that the only course for him to pursue was to have her certified as insane. - A Juryman: She was a selfish woman. - The Coroner: I can quite understand that. She was clearly unable to look after herself properly. - Witness continuing, in answer to questions, said he saw his mother last about 8 o'clock on Monday evening, when she was in bed. She was thin in the face. Mrs Fowler brought in some cake and brandy. His mother was in a very feeble state. She would not let him get anything. He told Mrs Fowler to take her what she thought necessary. - Mary Ann Fowler said she was asked by the last witness three months ago to see his mother occasionally. The deceased had been laid up about six weeks. She would not allow any fire to be lit. Witness took her in tea, gruel, dinners, etc., which she sometimes ate, but refused two or three times, as she said she was being stuffed up. She had lit a fire a fortnight ago with paper and rubbish, but the deceased would not allow it to be kept up. She ought to have had a fire, but would not. - The Coroner: I think that it was rather your business, having told the son you would look after her, to light a fire and keep it up, and to my mind the excuse that she would not have one is not a sufficient reason. - Witness, continuing, said it was always thought deceased had some money, but she would never allow witness to buy her anything. She had taken her milk, broth, gruel, and dinner and potatoes every day for the last three weeks since she had been much worse. She would not spend any money on anything. Witness was with her on Wednesday morning about 8 o'clock, and she appeared as usual. She, however, died at 8.15. the bed up to a week or ten days ago was very dirty, and could not have been much worse, as she never washed herself. - The Coroner: It seems to have been a dreadful state of affairs altogether. She had the means all the time, but objected to being looked after. - Mr George Bishop, Guardian for the parish, said he went to see the deceased on Wednesday week, as he heard she was in a very bad state, and required a little mutton and brandy. She, however, objected to being put on the rates. At her request he searched a box and found a deposit note for £100 in the Wilts and Dorset Bank, and her son WILLIAM'S book for £16 1s. 4d., while in a purse upstairs was 3s. 6d. On the following day he went to Axminster and obtained some mutton and brandy. Last Tuesday week witness's wife and Mrs Fowler washed deceased and put in clean bedding. Deceased was in a very weak condition, and looked rather thin. She seemed all right in her mind. Mrs Fowler often came in, and as many as seven times in one day. - The Coroner: Were you aware of the fact that she was practically starving herself for a good many weeks previous? - I don't know. She was in a very funny state. - The Coroner: I can't help thinking that it would have been advisable that some means should have been taken to endeavour to get her placed somewhere where she would have been under more control. - Witness: She was under thorough control. My wife went every other day, besides Mrs Fowler. About twelve months before he had seen the Relieving Officer, and he had got two doctors to attend the deceased, but neither would certify that she was insane then. Since that time there might have been opportunities of their doing so. - The Coroner: The Guardians might not have had all the facts before them. - A Juror: They ought to have had. - The Coroner: It's a great pity that they did not know it, certainly. - A Juror: It has been general talk in Hawkchurch parish that she has been starving herself to death. - The Coroner: There are great difficulties in cases of this sort. But I should imagine if the facts had been brought before the medical men that the deceased was starving herself they would have thought themselves fully justified in signing a certificate that she was insane. We must all feel sorry that the Guardians did not have her examined, because if she could have been certified she might be alive now. - Thomas Langley, lay reader, living at the Rectory, said the place was in a disgraceful state. He wrote to Dr Padbury and the next day he came over and found the deceased literally starving herself to death, very filthy and thin and weak. She needed the necessaries of life, and was incapable of looking after herself. She told them not to bother about her. In some respects she was sane, but in others she was suffering from mania. Witness saw the Magistrates' Clerk, who referred him to the Relieving Officer. He, however, said there was nothing to be done, as she was of age and had a certain amount of money and she could do as she liked. Mrs Fowler had been very kind in taking her food and her conduct was most creditable. It was not fit for a pig to stay in the room with the woman, as there was such an awful stench. The deceased was literally starved to death. It was a great disgrace that such things were allowed to occur. - John Harding, Relieving Officer, said his attention was called to the woman twelve months ago. He got a Magistrates' order to have her examined, but the two doctors could not then certify her insane. She seemed eccentric, but did not appear to be starving herself. About eight weeks ago he saw the deceased at the request of the last witness, when she was very emaciated, although she did not appear to be starving herself. - Mr Langley (interposing): She would pick up bits of potatoes cooked for the chicken and eat. - Witness, continuing, said he could not get anything out of her, as she said she did not want to be put into "the House." - The Coroner: It did not occur to you that she ought to be taken care of and that you ought to represent the matter to the Guardians? - Witness: The matter has been frequently brought before them. - The Coroner: It was a great pity that you did not take some steps to ensure that the doctors should see her again. - Dr Padbury (Medical Officer under the Axminster Guardians) said he had seen deceased three times, the first being twelve months since, when she was mad, and he reported the matter to the Relieving Officer. Mr Harding said she was not a pauper and they had really no jurisdiction in the matter. About seven weeks afterwards, however, he received an order from the Magistrates to examine the woman, but she had recovered her mental balance somewhat, and was very artful, and he could not certify her then as insane. At that time she was not starving herself. If she had been he certainly would have certified her as insane. She was very dirty and emaciated on February 11th, and had vermin on her body and head. She looked hungry and bad, and was practically starving herself. It would not have been dangerous to have moved her then. - The Coroner: It did not occur to you that it would be a good thing to certify her then? - Witness: It did, but what could I do? She was not a pauper. An order was sought, but was not obtained. - The Coroner (to Mr Harding): I consider that you have neglected your duty and brought about, possibly, this terrible result. - Mr Harding: The matter has been reported at various times to the Board, and I could not see my way clear to do anything. - The Coroner: If an order had been applied for six weeks ago there is no doubt the medical gentlemen would have certified her as insane. - Witness: It seems to me a waste of time to put any suggestions on the paper at the House, as no one acts on them. At the first time, when she was a red-shot lunatic, it was six or seven weeks before the matter was brought to the notice of the Magistrates, and then she had recovered her balance. - The Coroner: there seems to have been most unaccountable delay, and it seems also unaccountable neglect in not bringing this case before the Magistrates and getting an order for the doctors to see her again as to her state of mind. - P.C. Luxmore said he saw the woman about for three months, acting in a very insane manner, but as she was not wandering abroad he could not arrest her. She had said many times that she was not going to take her money to buy food. She told him on different occasions that she did not want anything that her son brought, or he either. She was in a very dirty condition. She had been suffering from want of food from last August. She said she could not afford to buy food. - The Coroner, in summing up, said all must agree that the case revealed a very shocking state of affairs. The woman had practically starved herself to death. This condition of affairs must have been notorious. He could not help thinking that after the matter was brought forward again by Dr Padbury, at any rate, on February 11th that steps should have at once been taken to bring the matter before the attention of the Magistrates, with a view to obtaining an Order that she might be certified as insane. They would not have had the slightest doubt in certifying her as insane then. He could not help thinking that the Relieving Officer, as one of the persons whose duty it was to apply for such an Order, had neglected his duty in not applying for that Order. In the case of a person starving herself to death the matter should have at once been brought to the Magistrates' notice and an Order obtained. The only reason given by the Relieving Officer was that the subject had been mentioned to the Guardians many times and the Board had taken the view that they could not certify on one occasion, 12 months ago; they would not be able to certify a month ago. The doctor said the deceased died from starvation. It was a scandalous thing that such a thing should be possible, and if the necessary steps had been taken in this case a month ago he considered that this death might very possibly have been prevented. - Mr Forward, on behalf of his father (Mr W. Forward), clerk to the Guardians, read the minute passed at the Guardians' meeting on Thursday, which stated that, after hearing the facts of the case, the Board did not consider the Relieving Officer was in any way to blame. - Mr Overmass (Assistant Clerk) said the Overseer of the parish, or the Constable, had as much authority to lay information before the Magistrates as the Relieving Officer. - The Jury were then left to consider their verdict, and, after about 10 minutes' deliberation, announced that they were unanimous that the deceased died from starvation while of unsound mind. - The Coroner: And have you any observations to make? - The Foreman (Mr M. Gibbs): No, sir; I don't think we have. - The Coroner: o you consider that she deliberately starved herself? - The Foreman: Yes, sir.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 March 1903
THORVERTON - An Inquiry concerning the death of, aged two years and eight months, son of a labourer, residing in Jericho-street, was held at the Dolphin Hotel before Mr Deputy Coroner Burrow. Mr R. Wippell, J.P., was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - According to the doctor's evidence (Mr Puddicombe, of Silverton), the cause of death was the formation of a clot of blood in the heart. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 18 March 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - Sudden Death At Newton Abbot. - Yesterday Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an inquest at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, concerning the death of JOSEPH JAMES SAMMELS, aged 35, of 3 Iddesleigh Cottages, a shunter in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company. Deceased had been suffering from bronchitis and a weak heart, but had been going to work for the three days previous to his death. When he went home on Friday night he complained of having been knocked on the head while shunting. During Saturday he suffered from pains in his head and ear. Early on Sunday morning his wife was awakened by his loud breathing and he died within a minute. - Dr Stephens said he examined the brain of deceased and found it quite healthy. There was only a slight bruise on the forehead. The blow had nothing to do with the cause of death. He was suffering from valvular disease of the heart, and died from syncope. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 19 March 1903
TOPSHAM - Topsham Man's Suicide. - Last evening an Inquest was held by Mr Burrow, Deputy Coroner, at the Sun Inn, Topsham, o the body of the late GEORGE M. CLAPP. Mr Tremlett was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS CLAPP, widow of deceased, stated that she last saw her husband alive at a quarter to six on the morning of his death. She noticed nothing peculiar in his manner. About eight o'clock she went downstairs to take in the milk, and saw that he had not, as his custom was, lit the fire. She also found the door of the workshop closed and on looking in at the window saw her husband hanging from a beam. she called a neighbour, who went for Dr Frood, and he came within a few minutes, forced the door of the shop, and cut the body down. Her husband had suffered from rheumatism for some time. He had not at any time threatened to destroy himself. They had always lived on the best of terms. She could give no reason for his act. - Dr Frood said he cut the body down. Death was due to strangulation. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that there was no evidence to show the state of mind of deceased. - The Jury consulted together for a few moments and then requested to have MRS CLAPP recalled. She was questioned upon the financial affairs of her husband, and was asked whether he was worried or not at being out of work. - MRS CLAPP stated that he was not worried in any way and that he was in no financial difficulty. - The Jury found that deceased Hanged himself, but that there was no evidence to show the state of his mind at the time.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 March 1903
TOTNES - The Totnes Suicide. Deceased's Pathetic Letter. - At Totnes Guildhall yesterday afternoon the Inquest on the body of MR JEFFERY JOHN JORDAN BRINLEY, 48, photographer, of Fore-street, Totnes, who was found shot in the head in his studio on Wednesday afternoon, was held by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner. - MRS BRINLEY, wife of the deceased, said he had suffered a great deal in his head. On Wednesday afternoon she saw him go out to the studio about 3.30, and about five minutes later she heard a noise like a chair falling. She heard nothing more for about five minutes, when she went out and found he had fallen down in the dressing room. Not knowing what had happened witness called for help and then she saw what had taken place. She knew there was a pistol in the house which deceased had had for years and used for sporting purposes occasionally. There had been nothing to worry him much. She recognised her husband's handwriting on the following note, which was in pencil:- "My darling, I cannot stand this worry in my head any longer. Good-bye! God watch over you and the dear children." - John Blight, landlord of the King William IV Hotel, gave evidence as to finding deceased lying with a bullet wound on the right side of his head and brain. - Dr W. R. Edmond said he had attended deceased since September for incipient paralysis. Deceased was in a depressed condition owing to this, but witness did not know that he ever made any threats. A verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 March 1903
EXMOUTH - Accidental Suffocation At Exmouth. - The County Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox, yesterday held an Inquest at the Rolle Hotel, Exmouth, on the body of WALTER ALFRED JOHN BROOKING, aged four months, the son of MR and MRS D. W. R. BROOKING, of Scotland House, Queen's-road, Exmouth. From the evidence it appeared that on Wednesday night the child was seemingly all right and continued so until 4 a.m., when he had some food. At 7.30, however, on MRS BROOKING awaking, she found the child was dead. He was on his side and had his face against a pillow put against a box at the side of the bed to keep him from falling out. Dr Beesley said the child was well nourished, and expressed the opinion that death was due to asphyxia. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Suffocation."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 23 March 1903
KILMINGTON - Mr C. E. Cox held an Inquest at Clifthorne, Kilmington, on Saturday, on the body of a labourer named JAMES LANE, aged 4, who was found dead in a field on Thursday. Mr Symes was chosen Foreman of the Jury. GEORGE LANE identified deceased as his brother, and stated that he last saw him alive at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. the deceased was then at the Baggaton Inn and appeared in good health. By the Coroner: The deceased was not drunk, but had had a drop to drink. RICHARD LANE, nephew of the deceased, said the latter left the Baggaton Inn about 5 p.m. on March 17. Edmund Gill, landlord of the Baggaton Inn, said deceased came to his house about 11.15 a.m. on the 17th inst., had a pint of cider and left. He returned about 1 p.m. and asked for some biscuits and another pint of cider. The deceased appeared perfectly sober and left about 5 p.m. William Sweetland and Robert Boyland also corroborated. After hearing the evidence of Dr Langran, of Axminster, who had made a post mortem examination, the Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from syncope.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 30 March 1903
MONKTON - Monkton Nonagenarian's Death. Fatal Fall Downstairs. - On Saturday an Inquest was held by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for the East Devon District, at Mr Small's, Monkton, on the body of ANN SPILLER, aged 93, who died on Friday. From the evidence it appeared that some weeks since MRS SPILLER fell over the stairs in a house which she occupied by herself. Mrs Small and Mrs Fowler, neighbours, hearing a noise, went in and rendered what assistance they could and sent for Dr Macaulay, who found deceased had broken one of her thighs and from the first he looked upon it as a hopeless case. Death was the result of shock to the system and general exhaustion, the result of the accident. The Jury, of whom Mr Batten was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 31 March 1903
SEATON AND BEER - Funeral Of A Bluejacket At Seaton. - Yesterday afternoon the funeral took place in Seaton churchyard of FREDERICK PEARCE, stoker of H.M.S. Rainbow, who was found dead in his hammock off St. Ives last Thursday and on whose body an Inquest was held at Plymouth. The ship's surgeon, who made a post-mortem examination, stated that death was caused by an ulceration of the main artery, which was perforated. The deceased was a son of MR J. PEARCE, of Sea View Crescent, and aged 27. He was very popular among his friends in Seaton and greatly liked on board. Much sympathy is expressed with his parents and brothers. - At the time of the funeral the blinds of most of the houses on the way to the churchyard were drawn. A large number of friends were present at the graveside. The coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack, was borne by the Seaton and Beer Coastguardsmen. There were a number of beautiful wreaths, among them being one "In loving memory," from his schoolmates and comrades in Seaton, and also one as a "Token of respect," from the engineers' staff of H.M.S. Rainbow, cruiser squadron; other wreaths were sent from his parents and brothers, uncle, aunt and cousin and Mrs Rabjohns. The Rev. J. H. Hicks of Uffculme, officiated at the graveside.

TEIGNMOUTH - Child Killed At Teignmouth. - At the Town Hall last evening Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on the body of DOROTHY HELENA MORTIMORE, aged 11 years, who met her death as the result of a fall the previous evening. - ANN MORTIMORE, mother, said her daughter went out to play about 6 o'clock on Sunday evening. Shortly afterwards a little girl informed witness that DOROTHY had fallen down. Deceased told her that she did not remember how it was done. Her brother helped her home and as she walked upstairs without assistance witness did not think the injury serious. There were no marks of a blow on the head: therefore she did not send for a doctor at the time. She was not quite conscious and before she died she said, "Mother, shall I soon get better?" As the child became worse Dr Hayward was sent for, but she died early yesterday morning. - Frances Newbury said deceased commenced to go around and said "See how long I can keep up?" She got giddy, caught her foot in a stone and fell against the wall. Two girls picked her up. Deceased would not go home until her brother came and fetched her. There was no one near her at the time. - REGINALD MORTIMORE, the brother, said he found his sister sitting on the bank which covers the Tame Brook. After he had helped her home she complained of pains in her head. - Mr Arthur E. Hayward, Surgeon, said he was called about 3 o'clock yesterday morning to visit the deceased and found her unconscious. There were no marks on the head, and in his opinion she was suffering from concussion of the brain. As she vomited he thought she might recover. She must have struck herself violently, as he saw in the afternoon that she had a bruise over the right temple. Haemorrhage must have come on after he first examined her, and produced compression of the brain. Death was due to concussion, as she quite recovered from the shock. - The Coroner, having reviewed the evidence, the Foreman (Mr G. Furler) asked if they could not call the attention of the District Council to the dangerous condition of the masonry over the brook. There was no recreation ground for the children to go to, and as soon as they were outdoors they came to the top of the brook. Something should be done to the place, as it was dangerous. - The Coroner: You can add a rider to your verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the mother. No rider was added.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 2 April 1903
BRISTOL - Suicide Of A Torquay Man. - The Coroner for the Lower Division of Gloucestershire, held an Inquest at the Portcullis Hotel, Staple Hill, Bristol, on the body of WILLIAM PHILLIPS, engine cleaner, whose body was discovered on Sunday morning near the railway tunnel leading from Staple Hill to Mangotsfield. Mr William Etches, district traffic inspector, watched the proceedings on behalf of the Midland Railway Company. - William Henry Crovet, an Army Reservist, residing at Torquay, gave evidence as to identification. - Florence Stead, a widow, residing at Bath-street, Staple Hill, stated that she had known deceased since Christmas. She saw him on Saturday about 10.15. He generally returned to his lodgings at Avonmouth. Sometimes he stayed overnight at the house of Mrs Painter. Last Saturday the landlady would not allow him to stop as he was in drink, and Mrs Painter told her she had better go and find some lodgings for him. He was tipsy and excited and took off his coat. She got him to put his coat on and he then told her if he could not stay he would throw himself under a train. She told him he was foolish to talk like that. She had no idea he meant to do so, as he had said so before when he was in drink. When he was sober he was a very quiet man. - Replying to the Foreman of the Jury (Mr Smart) witness said she had no words with the deceased before they parted. They parted good friends. He went towards the brickyard, where she thought he was going to stay for the night. She arranged to meet him in the morning and, if fine, to walk with him to Shirehampton. - John Bennett, platelayer, of Salisbury-road, Downend, said he was walking along the line on Sunday morning about 6.30 He had about one and a half miles to go from Staple Hill to the North Junction. He discovered deceased at the mouth of Staple Hill Tunnel, on the Mangotsfield side. He was on the down line on the outside rail. His head was lying some distance from the trunk. Witness had been working there for about 30 years. He knew where the brickyard was and he should think the body was about 300 yards from it. To get on the line deceased would have had to go down the slope and get over the railings. There was no level crossing nearer than Mangotsfield. - Mr John Travers, engine driver, of 21 Victoria-square, Russell Town, stated that he had been in the employ of the Midland Railway Company 14 years. He drove the 11.7 train from Gloucester to Bristol on Saturday. They only stopped at Stonehouse, and the train was about four minutes late. They were going from Mangotsfield to the tunnel at about 11.57, and they were due in Bristol at 12 o'clock. He did not notice anything unusual on the line. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said when he got to Bristol he was relieved, and after the fire had been taken out the engine was placed into a siding. He was called to look at the engine on Sunday morning, and he then saw a certain amount of blood on the lifeguard and the sandpipe, and a lot of flesh and hair on the axle boxes. His impression was that deceased was either lying down or in a crouching position when the train passed him. The sandpipe of the engine was bent. He did not think the deceased could have been dragged very far. they were travelling at a speed of 55 miles per hour. - P.S. Woolford said information of the fatality reached the Police Station at Staple Hill at 7 a.m. on Sunday. He went to the tunnel and saw the body there. It was lying on the outside of the down line. He found 7s. 3d. and some tobacco on deceased. The letters he produced were handed him by a former witness, viz., Mr Stead. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury, after privately deliberating for a few minutes, returned a verdict that PHILLIPS committed Suicide on the railway while of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 April 1903
EXETER - Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at 2 Melbourne-place, South-street, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, into the circumstances surrounding the death of WALTER OKE HARRIS, an accountant, who was found dead in bed. CHARLES OKE HARRIS (son) said that his father was 62 years old. He last saw him alive on Thursday night. At about 5.25 yesterday morning, when he went to his father's bedroom to ask if he would have a cup of tea, he found him dead. WILLIAM OKE HARRIS, another son, said that his father called him at 3.15 a.m. He complained of a pain in his left side. Witness remained with him until four o'clock. His father had had fairly good health. Witness gave him a drop of whiskey, which he said relieved him. Dr Harrison, who was called in at 6 a.m., attributed death to heart failure. He attended deceased two years' ago for kidney disease. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 13 April 1903
BRADNINCH - Mr A. Burrow held an Inquest at the Parish Room, Bradninch on Saturday afternoon, concerning the death of MARK HITCHCOCK, aged 30, who was thrown from a colt on Wednesday afternoon. From the evidence of the widow, Frank Pine and Samuel Palmer, it appears that the deceased, who was in the employ of Mr F. W. Cuming, rode the colt in the direction of Kensham. On the way the deceased struck the horse, which started off at a gallop, throwing its rider, who sustained such injuries that he died the following night. - Dr Muir described the injuries and the Jury, through their Foreman, Mr W. Baker, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Jury gave their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 15 April 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - The Fatal Accident At Newton Abbot. - An Inquest has been held by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, at the Newton Abbot Hospital, on the body of JOHN GODFREY, a carter. Mr W. White was Foreman of the Jury. The deceased, who was 56 years of age, was in the employ, as carter, of Mr J. R. Langler, haulier, of Newton Abbot. On Tuesday, the 7th inst., GODFREY was engaged carting sand from a quarry near Wolborough Church. When near the College grounds, in the lower Church-road, a boy jumped on the hedge from the College grounds. This frightened the horse. The deceased, who was walking alongside of the horse at the time, caught hold of the reins with one hand, and held on to the fore part of the cart with the other, but was unable to pull the animal up. Turning a corner the horse began to gallop, and the deceased, letting go his hold on the cart, fell, and a wheel passed over one of his legs, badly crushing it. A few yards further on the horse and cart turned over, the wheels upper-most and the animal on its back. Richard Lee and George Coles, who were working near, went to the deceased's assistance. The horse was liberated and the deceased removed to the Hospital in an unconscious state. On Good Friday afternoon Dr Culross, who had been attending GODFREY, found it necessary to amputate the rushed leg. The deceased, however, succumbed to the injuries and the shock the following morning. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 17 April 1903
EXETER - Mr Gould, County Coroner, held an Inquest at His Majesty's Prison, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of FREDERICK SANDERS, a convict, who died on Tuesday about 1.30 p.m. Deceased had been in the prison about five months, having been committed from Gloucester for three years' hard labour for felony. SANDERS had been visited in his cell about five minutes before he was found dead, and had partaken of a hearty meal. On the discovery, Dr Clapp, the Prison doctor, was called, but pronounced life extinct. Deceased suffered from epileptic fits, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - A Newton Girl's Suicide. Strange Story. - An inquest was held at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, last evening, by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, concerning the death of ANNIE GEORGINA PINKHAM, domestic servant, of Newton, aged 17 years. The evidence showed that when deceased came home from service at Torquay some eight or nine weeks ago she made an accusation against a man was low-spirited. Last Sunday evening the girl's mother found a piece of paper on the table with the following written upon it:- "Good-bye mother. I hope the others will not worry you as I have done." Deceased walked in almost immediately, looking as usual. Asked why she had written this, she said, "Oh, have I?" and nothing further was said. Deceased remained indoors on Monday and Tuesday, and on Wednesday evening, after being somewhat quarrelsome with her sister, went upstairs with a newspaper. Witness on calling her to tea received no answer and running upstairs saw her daughter hanging in the garret. Death was due to strangulation. A Torquay cab-driver named Joseph Inch denied the accusation suggested by the deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while of an Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 April 1903
EAST BUDLEIGH - The Cliff Accident At Salterton. A Fall Of Over Two Hundred Feet. - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquiry yesterday afternoon touching the death of ROBERT HENRY CARR, aged 17, the eldest son of the REV. DANIEL H. CARR, Wesleyan Minister at Salterton, who was killed on Wednesday by a fall from the cliffs. Mr G. Blight was chosen Foreman. - The REV. D. H. CARR said that the deceased was a student of Queen's College, Taunton, and was home for the vacation. On Wednesday he left home soon after 2 o'clock with his three brothers for a walk. Soon afterwards one returned and said that ROBERT had slipped down over the cliff. Witness at once went down to the beach and found deceased lying under the cliff quite dead. - RALPH SAMPSON CARR, brother, said he went out with his brothers on the day of the accident for the purposes of walking to the flagstaff. On their way they saw two jackdaws fly up from the face of the cliff at the western end of the "Quarterdeck" Walk. The deceased climbed down the cliff to see if there was a nest. He saw his brother fall and disappear, and he then ran home for assistance. - Norman Martin said he was with deceased on the occasion and heard him say he was going to try and get down the cliff to see if there was a jackdaw's nest, as they had seen the birds fly out. He did not actually see deceased fall, as a projection of the cliff prevented him doing so. - Bernard Maers deposed to finding the body on the beach. - Dr J. P. Walker said he was called to the beach on Wednesday afternoon and found the deceased lying on his left side quite dead. There were several severe wounds on the face. He considered death was due to dislocation of the neck caused by the fall. Death must have been instantaneous. - P.S. Moon said he had measured the distance from the top of the cliff to the spot where the body was found and it was 243 ft. - The Coroner commented in feeling terms on the very painful nature of the accident, and the Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed their deep sympathy with the family in their sad bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 21 April 1903
EXETER - The Deputy Coroner for Exeter, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquiry at 6 Summerland-row, Summerland-street, Exeter, yesterday morning into the circumstances surrounding the death of ALICE, the five weeks old daughter of GEORGE COCKRAM. The mother deposed that she last saw the child alive at about 6 a.m. on Saturday. She was then lying in her cradle and crying. Witness took her out and she then stopped crying, but seemed cold. Witness heard no more until she found her dead at about 7.30 a.m. The child was very delicate and had been seen by a doctor. Mr J. Mackeith, who was called to see the child at 8 o'clock, said there were no marks of violence and that the cause of death was convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 April 1903
TIVERTON - Death from Heart Disease was the verdict of the Jury at an Inquest on the body of MRS LOUISA HERRING, aged 50. She was taken ill while going to work at the lace factory and expired almost immediately. The evidence of Dr Pollock showed that death was caused by heart disease. The Jury, of which Mr C. H. Nott was Foreman, found a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 April 1903
EXETER - Death From Lockjaw. Silverton Child's Singular Case. - At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of LILIAN JANE WINGROVE, aged 8, of Silverton, who died at the Hospital. Mr J. Short was Foreman of the Jury. - WILLIAM GEORGE WINGROVE, brother of the deceased, said that the father of the child was a paper-maker. Deceased was admitted to the Eye Infirmary on the 8th inst., in consequence of injuries she had received on the previous day. On that day the child returned home and told her mother that she had fallen down, and run some spars into her face just under her eye. She had picked the spars up on the road. They were used for thatching roofs, and had sharpened ends. - Mr Percy Stirk, House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that the child was transferred from the Eye Infirmary to the Hospital on the 19th inst. She was suffering from lockjaw, which arose from a wound in the orbit of the eye. There was no external mark. She gradually got worse and died on Thursday afternoon from lockjaw. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 April 1903
TIVERTON - Burnt To Death At Cruwys Morchard. A Warning To Parents. - Dr Mackenzie, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Tiverton Infirmary on Saturday evening into the circumstances attending the death of WINIFRED LILY HARRIS, the 13-months-old daughter of FRANK HARRIS, agricultural labourer, of Way Village, Cruwys Morchard, who was severely burnt on April 24th. - Mr Henry Simmons was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The father of the child said he heard of the accident on his way home. He at once secured a trap and conveyed the child to the infirmary, arriving there about 2 p.m. Deceased did not cry until they had nearly arrived at Tiverton. There was no guard to the fire, in front of which, he understood, the child was sitting. She could not walk. - ALICE HARRIS, the mother, said that the child was sitting on the floor. Witness left the house for two or three minutes to go into the garden. When she returned the child was in flames. Witness first put the child in the washing tub standing outside the house and subsequently wrapped her up. She did not cry. Her husband arrived home about a quarter of an hour after the occurrence. A stick must have fallen out of the fire and ignited the child's clothing. - Alexander Baxter, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, said that the deceased when admitted to the Institution was suffering from severe burns about the neck, arms and both legs. The child was in a state of collapse. She died on Saturday morning from the effects of the burns. - The Coroner said that that was one of these unfortunate cases of which there were too many. It would be a good thing if in houses where there were children the fire was protected by a guard. There was no law compelling such provision to be made, and, consequently, until there was such a law it was the plain duty of the Jury to record a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 May 1903
MONKOKEHAMPTON - An Inquest was held in the Parish Room on Monday by Mr J. D. Prickman, District Coroner, on the body of FRANCIS MASON, who died at Stafford Beer on Sunday. Three weeks ago deceased was picked up in the stable in an unconscious condition, and it was supposed that he accidentally fell from the stable loft. The deceased had resided in the parish for many years, and was well-known and much respected. Much sympathy is felt for the sorrowing family in their sad bereavement. A verdict in accordance with the evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 4 May 1903
TORQUAY - AT Gibbons's Hotel, Torquay, on Saturday, Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM PARDY, 74, cab driver of 9 Trinity-place, who was found hanging in a lavatory at the back of his house on Saturday morning. The evidence of the widow showed that deceased had been ill for a period of six weeks. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 5 May 1903
DARTMOUTH - A Child's Death At Dartmouth. Father Censured. - Yesterday at Dartmouth Guildhall, Mr Arthur M. Davson held an Inquest touching the death of a 16-months-old child, named SUSAN IVY SAGE, daughter of THOMAS SAGE, lumper. - The father stated that he lost his wife 15 months ago and then employed Miss Amelia Ramsey as housekeeper. She had had charge of the child ever since. The deceased had always been delicate, but he had not noticed anything serious the matter with her of late. She was ailing a little on Saturday and Sunday morning, but not sufficient to call the doctor. She died soon after half-past 8, just after he had left the house, on Sunday morning. Replying to the Jury, SAGE said the child was insured. - Nurse Hayman, who attended the birth, said the child was in good health when she handed it over to Miss Ramsey. It was now smaller than it was then. - Amelia Ramsey said she had cared properly for the child and could not account for its falling off in weight. It was not very ill, apparently, on Saturday, or she should have called the doctor. - Dr A. K. Crossfield said he made a post mortem, by the Coroner's orders, and found most of the organs tuberculous. The cause of death was acute bronchitis. The child was deformed and emaciated, though he could not say that the emaciation was caused by neglect. The loss in weight was probably due to tuberculosis. He found two bruises - one on the left knee and the other on the back - which certainly ought not to have been on the body of such a young child, which could not walk or crawl. Recalled, SAGE and Miss Ramsey denied that they knew anything of the bruises. They saw none. - Dr Crossfield said a careful nurse would assuredly have seen them. - The Coroner summed up. The Jury, while returning a verdict of "Death from acute bronchitis," strongly censured SAGE and Miss Ramsey for their neglect. Dr Crossfield had stated that the N.S.P.C.C. inquired into the case six or eight months ago, and the Jury expressed surprise that they did not appear to have followed it up in any way. The Coroner said SAGE and the woman had narrowly escaped a verdict of manslaughter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 May 1903
ASHBURTON - Death From Lockjaw. Sad Case At Denbury. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Ashburton touching the death of ALFRED E. ROACH, six years of age, the son of HENRY ROACH, a farm labourer, of Lower Down, Denbury. On Friday the 24th April, the deceased pricked his left toe with a garden fork. He did not complain of pain, and, the wound being attended to by the mother, the child played about as usual until the 1st May, when he complained of pains in the stomach. Dr Ransom was sent for, and found deceased suffering from partial lockjaw. The boy was taken to Ashburton Cottage Hospital, but died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 11 May 1903
EXETER - A Heavitree Boy's Death. Inquest At Exeter Hospital. - An Inquest was held on Saturday morning at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital by Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of FRED MUTTER, aged nine, formerly residing with his parents at Heavitree Bridge. - Mr Gould stated that deceased met with a shooting accident in August and the friends of the deceased seemed to have connected his death with that accident in some way. He (Mr Gould) had ordered a post-mortem examination, and he believed the result would show that death was due to natural causes, and in no way connected with the accident. - BESSIE MUTTER, mother of the deceased, deposed that deceased had been at the Hospital between three and four months. After he was shot she took him to the Hospital, and he was discharged as cured. He got sick again and he was removed to the Hospital in the early part of the year. He was shot, as the result of an accident, she believed, in his legs and mostly on the left side. - Mr P. A. Stirk, Surgeon of the Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted into that Institution in August suffering from gunshots, but they were superficial and in 15 days he was cured and dismissed. On January 27th he was again admitted suffering from tubercular disease of the hip joint, which became general. On Friday at 8 a.m. he died. Witness made a post mortem examination and found extensive tubercular disease of the brain, lung, liver and intestines. Death was in no way connected with the accident. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 14 May 1903
AXMINSTER - The Fatal Accident At Axminster. - Yesterday Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest at Axminster, touching the death of CHARLES ROWLAND, under circumstances already reported in the "Gazette." Mr John Parsons was chosen Foreman. - CHARLES ROWLAND, son of deceased, said his father was 74 years of age and was a labourer in the employ of Mr G. H. Newbery, of Weycroft Farm. Early on Tuesday morning witness and deceased were engaged in hauling lime from Coaxdon Lime Works to Willray-lane. When they came through "The Lawn" his father was sitting on the top of the cart driving and witness was walking a short distance behind. An up train passed when they were near Burnt House and frightened the horse. The animal swerved and his father fell off the cart. Witness did not know if the wheel went over him. He immediately went to his assistance, but deceased did not speak or move. - Mr George Boon employed at Weycroft Mills, said he knew the deceased. On the morning in question he was going through "The Lawn" and met deceased and last witness. His attention was called to some sheep and he then noticed the horse coming with the cart damaged. he secured the animal and then went to see what had happened. He found deceased had been much knocked about. He was almost pulseless. It appeared to him the near wheel of the cart must have gone over deceased's face. A shaft of the cart was broken. Mr A. J. McLennan arrived soon on the scene, and witness sent for the doctor and police. - Mr A. J. McLennan corroborated. - Dr Langran, said on arrival ROWLAND was quite dead. He gave instructions as to the removal of the body. Deceased lived in a small house and as there was a young family there it was impossible for the body to be carried there, and it was, therefore, taken to the Mortuary at the Workhouse. The doctor said he wished it would go before the notice of proper authorities that a public mortuary was badly needed in the town. - The Coroner concurred and he trusted the Foreman would express the wish of that Court to the proper authorities. - Proceeding, the doctor stated deceased received a compound fracture of the skull, and death was practically instantaneous. - P.S. Gammon also gave evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They and the witnesses gave their fees to the widow, who is left with several young children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 May 1903
TOTNES - Totnes Man's Suicide. - Yesterday afternoon Mr S. Hacker held an inquest at Totnes on the body of SAMUEL NICHOLAS SHILLABEER, 67, of Collins-road, Totnes. Mr W. R. J. Symons was Foreman of the Jury. - The deceased's widow deposed that deceased had been home from work since last Wednesday week. He had lost an eye through an accident two years ago, and since then he had complained of pains in the head. He had a comfortable home and nothing to worry him. On Tuesday night, after supper, he complained of the pain, and during the night said his head was very hot. At 20 minutes after 9 he called to know the time and at a quarter to 10 she found him dead on the floor, there being a short rope round his neck and tied to the bed. - The deceased's daughter-in-law, MABEL SHILLABEER, said she took the deceased some tea, and he then said that he did not feel very well in his head. - Dr Gibson attributed the pains deceased suffered from to general debility, due to his age and hard work. He suffered from dizziness, and his heart was weak. Deceased was always contented and cheerful, and he considered the act due to a sudden impulse. Death was caused by strangulation. There were no signs of a struggle. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

TAVISTOCK - Mr Rodd held an inquest last evening at Tavistock on the body of CHARLES NORTHCOTT, aged eight weeks, son of a labourer. Dr Smith said death was due to overlying. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

HARTLAND - A Hartland Farmer's Death. - Mr J. F. Bromham, Coroner, has held an Inquest at Blagdon Farm, Hartland, concerning the death of JAMES HAYNES, aged 42. Deceased, who was unmarried, was found by his brother on Monday afternoon lying dead at the foot of Hartland cliffs. - HENRY HAYNES, brother, deposed that he found the deceased's dressing-gown, which he wore over his clothes, neatly folded on the top of the cliffs. The deceased's body was at the bottom of the cliffs, which were 300 feet high at that particular spot. Deceased had been in a very bad state of health for twelve months, and was sometimes depressed. - Dr Hobling , who had been attending deceased since last October, said there was nothing to lead one to suspect that deceased would commit suicide. Death must have been instantaneous. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane, owing to ill-health," and expressed sympathy with the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 May 1903
KINGSWEAR - Sudden Death At Kingswear. - At the Royal Dart Hotel, Kingswear, last evening, an Inquest was held by Mr Sidney Hacker, (Newton) on the body of R. J. ODGERS, 57, master of the steam yacht Gelert, owned by Sir John Jackson. THOMAS ODGERS, brother, residing at Cawsand, gave evidence of identification. Arthur Whitley, who said he was assistant-manager of the Pier Extension Works, Devonport, deposed that he was in conversation with deceased at 20 minutes to 4 at Noss Works on Thursday afternoon. Deceased complained that he had slight indigestion. Joseph Murrish, one of the crew of the Gelert, said the yacht was fitting out at Noss, and deceased went into the yacht stores there after the last witness left. Half an hour later he (Murrish) entered the stores and found the captain lying face downwards upon some rope quite dead. Dr W. B. Kendall, Kingswear, said he made a post-mortem examination by direction of the Coroner and found the heart very fat. It was in such a condition that any undue exertion would bring about heart failure and he attributed death to this. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned by the Jury, of whom Mr W. H. West was the Foreman. The deceased captain resided at Devonport and leaves a widow but no children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 18 May 1903
COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT - Teignmouth Man Drowned. - MR G. MATTHEWS, of Brook-street, Teignmouth, received a telegram from Cowes, Isle of Wight, yesterday morning to the effect that his father, MR W. MATTHEWS, had been drowned. - MR MATTHEWS, sen., who is well known all along the south coast as an expert yachtsman, was taking a new 3 ½ ton cutter, named Navarhoe, which had been built by the Teignmouth Ship and Yacht Company, for Captain Atkinson for the London river, to its destination, when he was knocked overboard by the main boom and drowned. The body was recovered yesterday. - MR G. MATTHEWS went to Cowes yesterday for the purpose of attending the Inquest. - Much sympathy is felt at Teignmouth for the relatives. The deceased had been connected with yachting nearly all his life.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 19 May 1903
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - The Sudden Death At Exeter. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an inquiry at 34 Regent-street, St Thomas, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, into the circumstances surrounding the death of ELIZABETH THOMAS, 61 years of age, widow of the late HENRY THOMAS, a sailor, of Torquay. - Mary Jane Luscombe, widow of 4 Exeter-road, Newton Abbot, identified the body as that of her sister. She left Torquay for Exeter three years ago, and since then witness had not seen her. Deceased had suffered from shortness of breath for years, and was also subject to fainting fits. - Leah Ellicott, wife of William R. Ellicott, engineer, 34 Regent-street, St. Thomas, said that for nearly three years deceased had lodged with them. She rented a furnished room. Deceased had been very poorly for weeks, but, despite this, witness could not persuade her to see a doctor. She always said that she should be right again when the weather changed. On Sunday morning witness took a cup of tea into deceased's bedroom, as usual, and advised her to stay in bed. Upon going to the room at about 9.30 witness found her sitting in a chair unconscious. She died before a doctor arrived. - Mr C. E. Stokes, Surgeon, attributed death to heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 20 May 1903
TEIGNMOUTH - At an Inquest held at Teignmouth yesterday on the infant child of FREDERICK W. COX, fisherman, of 3 Brook Cottages, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Infantile Convulsions." It was stated that the child was weakly, and being fed on boiled bread caused the convulsions.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 May 1903
REVELSTOKE - A Noss fisherman found the body of a well dressed man floating in the water at Old Cellars on Monday morning. The body was identified as that of MR W. E. JEWSON, manager for Messrs. Searle and Co., Plymouth. An Inquest was held on Tuesday in the schoolroom, Noss. The evidence showed that deceased had got into business difficulties. On Saturday he should have met one of the members of the firm. He failed to keep the appointment, stayed the night at Newton Ferrers, and left for Noss on Sunday morning. The Jury, who, for some time, were unable to agree, ultimately gave a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

THORVERTON - Mr Burrow, Coroner, held an inquiry touching the death of the infant child of WILLIAM LANGABEER, labourer, of Bidwell. The father stated that the child was born on Friday about midday and his wife was attended by Mrs Fanny Tree, a nurse, of Thorverton. On the advice of his neighbour he fetched Dr Brooks, of Thorverton. According to the doctor's evidence there were signs of great neglect on the part of the nurse, the umbilical cord being improperly fastened. The child's death was caused by haemorrhage. Mrs Tree stated she had done her best for the child, but had to leave soon after the birth to attend another case. The Jury considered there was no criminal intent on the part of Mrs Tree to warrant a verdict of manslaughter, but, in bringing in a verdict of "Death from Haemorrhage," desired the Coroner to censure her severely for neglect.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 25 May 1903
EXETER - Fatal Fall At Exeter. - A shocking discovery was made early on Saturday morning at the back of No. 33 West Southernhay, when one of the domestic servants, named Edith Monkley, saw the dead body of her mistress, MISS EMILIE BLANCHE HARVEY, lying in the yard. Dr Brash was immediately called, but life was extinct. - The Inquest was held in the afternoon by Mr S. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, at the residence of the deceased. - MR JAMES EMLYN HARVEY, architect, of Exeter, identified the body as that of his cousin, EMILIE BLANCHE HARVEY. She was about 48 years of age. Dr Davey had been attending her for some time for rheumatic troubles, and latterly for insomnia. Dr Davy saw her on Tuesday. Witness last saw her ten or twelve days ago. - Edith Ellen Monkley, a domestic servant in the employ of the deceased, said she last saw her mistress alive at 10 o'clock on Friday evening in her bedroom. About 8.40 the next morning she saw the deceased lying outside the window in the yard. She called her fellow-servant and then went for Dr Brash. Deceased's bedroom was in the front of the house. She could not account for deceased being found at the back. All the windows were closed and bolted the previous night, but in the morning she found the window of the highest room at the back of the house open. Deceased occupied the back room in the winter. Witness knew deceased suffered from rheumatism and sleeplessness, which caused her a great deal of pain. She had never heard deceased speak of suicide. She had been depressed for the past few days, but witness did not know the cause. No letter or communication of any sort had been found which the deceased might have left behind. - Alice Dymond, domestic servant, also in the employ of the deceased, gave similar evidence. - Dr E. A. Brash, of 35 Southernhay West, said he found deceased in the back yard quite dead. The body was warm. One leg had a compound fracture; the base and the top of the skull were extensively fractured. Her left eye was swollen and black. The injuries were consistent with her having fallen out of the window. Witness visited the top rooms in company with the Police, and found everything in order. Deceased had made arrangements to go to Teignmouth on Saturday with her cousin. She was subject to giddiness and had often fallen down. All the windows were very low and dangerous. He saw deceased on the previous day, when she was quite cheerful. - A verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

TOTNES - The Railway Accident At South Brent. - Mr Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Royal Oak Hotel, South Brent, on Saturday, relative to the death of WILLIAM PEPPERELL, age 70, a mason in the employ of Mr Richard V. Codd, builder, who was knocked down by a truck in Brent Station goods yard on Thursday morning and succumbed to the injuries he received. The Great Western Railway Company was represented by Chief-Inspector J. Scantlebury, Divisional Inspector Tonken, and Local Inspector G. Llewellyn. WALTER PEPPERELL, son, identified the body as that of his father. He said the deceased was very active, but was occasionally hard of hearing. - Sydney Drew, a shunter at Brent goods yard, said that about 6.55 a.m. on Thursday he had a goods train shunting in the yard. He did not notice deceased and signalled to send the trucks into No. 2 siding. The road to the goods shed crossed this siding at a level crossing. As the trucks were going through the crossing he noticed someone on the opposite side and almost immediately heard a scream. Witness hailed assistance. The deceased was lying about a foot from the high rail. His legs were severely injured. He was quite conscious, and said he ought not to have been there. - Mr W. McLean, engine-driver, gave similar evidence. - Police-Constable Crispin said he saw deceased after he had been taken to his home, when he said "I had no business there." - Dr F. W. Style said it was found necessary to amputate deceased's right foot and left leg above the knee. The operation was performed at Totnes Hospital. PEPPERELL died about six hours afterwards. - Inspector Scantlebury produced plans of the yard. He said it was not a public thoroughfare. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BRISTOL - Braunton Girl's Death At Bristol. Alleged Serious Circumstance. - The Bristol City Coroner opened an Inquest on Saturday concerning the death of MARY LUSCOMBE, aged 23, a tailor's presser. - Deceased, who was identified as the daughter of MR THOMAS LUSCOMBE, of Chapel-street, Braunton, has been employed in a Bristol factory. She had complained of illness for some days and had been visited by a woman named Nares. - The Coroner said the case, as reported to him, involved questions of a serious nature, and he had ordered a post-mortem examination. - One of the witnesses spoke to rumours as to an illegal operation. - The Inquiry was adjourned until Wednesday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 27 May 1903
SIDMOUTH - The Sidmouth Burning Accident. - An Inquest was held at the Victoria Cottage Hospital, Sidmouth, yesterday, by Mr Gould, Deputy Coroner, on the body of a child named MINNIE ELIZABETH ELLEN SMITH, who died in the Hospital the previous evening from burns, as reported in the "Gazette" of yesterday. - MINNIE SMITH, aunt of deceased, and wife of JOHN SMITH, of the Marsh, was the first witness called. She identified the body, and said the child was six years of age. Deceased lived with witness during the whole of her life. About 9.30 on Sunday evening she heard the child screaming and saw that her hair was on fire. Witness put out the flames. She could not account for the accident, as there was no fire or lamp in the room. The child might have got possession of a match. - Daniel Searle, labourer, said a man named Allen and himself were outside the house occupied by the last witness, when they saw flames through a window. They opened the door and on going upstairs saw the child ablaze. He did not see MRS SMITH in the room. Witness succeeded in putting out the flames, and the child was afterwards taken to the Hospital. He did not see any matches in the room. - P.C. Hutchings said MRS SMITH told him that deceased was seen playing with matches. - MRS SMITH, on being recalled, said she told the Constable what she had heard from a neighbour. - Miss Hancock, Matron at the Hospital, said the child told her that she was playing with matches and her dress caught fire. - Mr Pullin, Surgeon, said when the child was admitted at the Hospital she was suffering from severe burns on the head, face and neck. She died from shock. - The Deputy Coroner said, judging from MRS SMITH'S demeanour that afternoon, he had no doubt she was not a proper woman to have the custody of the child. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 28 May 1903 BRISTOL - The Braunton Woman's Death. Resumed Inquest ("Gazette" Special). - Yesterday the Bristol Crooner resumed the Inquest on MARY LUSCOMBE of Braunton, aged 21. The Inquiry was adjourned from last Saturday, as the Coroner said death seemed to have occurred under suspicious circumstances. It was then stated by a woman named Kennedy, with whom deceased lodged, that when collecting so that the girl should not be buried by the parish, the neighbours alleged the performance of an illegal operation. Kennedy said the girl was visited frequently by a woman named Nares. - Yesterday the Police were represented by Mr Tyrrell, the girl's employers by Mr Robinson and the woman Nares by Mr Crompton, of Exeter. - Dr Hill, Police Surgeon, spoke to making a post-mortem examination and said the girl undoubtedly underwent an illegal operation. - Dr Cawley, who first gave a certificate that death was due to phthisis and syncope, but withdrew it when seen by the Coroner's officer, concurred in this conclusion. - Dr Hill did not think the girl could have performed the operation herself. - Dr Cawley, replying to Mr Crompton, said the woman Nares was anxious about deceased and paid his fee. - The Police, in face of the evidence, asked for a further adjournment. - Mr Crompton said nasty rumours had, unfortunately, appeared in the papers. - The Coroner said the Jury would close their minds to them. - The Inquiry was adjourned until Thursday, June 9th for inquiries. - The father and sister of the deceased, who live in Chapel-street, Braunton, were present in Court.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 29 May 1903
ASHBURTON - At the Inquest on the body of ELIZABETH ANN POTTER, 74, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and recommended that the attention of the owner of the house in which she resided be called to the want of a rail on the stairs. Deceased's husband stated that deceased had fallen downstairs while carrying up a pail of water.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 1 June 1903
BICKINGTON - Alleged Fatal Fight At Bickington. - An Inquest was held in the schoolroom at Bickington, near Newton Abbot, by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, on Saturday, on the body of JOSHUA ROWELL, who died on the previous day. - It appeared from the evidence adduced that deceased and his brother, FRANK, lived in a cottage in the village. On the previous Monday night the two men were heard by neighbours to be quarrelling and this was followed by an apparent scuffle. On the neighbours going into the house the deceased was found on the floor. FRANK remarked that he had had a fit, but upon being questioned more closely he admitted that he had pushed him and he fell. No medical man was called in till the following Wednesday, when deceased was found to be very ill and he continued so till Friday, when he died. - The Inquest was adjourned till Wednesday in order that a post mortem examination might be made by Dr Nisbet.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 2 June 1903
EXETER - Mr A. Burrow, Deputy Coroner for the County, held an Inquest at the Exeter Prison yesterday with reference to the death of JAMES PASCOE, aged 32, a labourer, of Ashburton. Deceased was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment for assault from Ashburton and was received at the Prison on April 28th. He was first put on wood-chopping. After he had been in the Prison a short time, epileptic fits developed and he died at 9.50 p.m. on Friday. At the Inquest, at which the Governor, Dr Mortimer, Charles Bannam, and J. Tummins gave evidence, it was stated that PASCOE had been in the Navy and had received an injury to his head owing to a block having fallen upon it. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 June 1903
EXETER HEAVITREE - The Death Of A Wonford Child. Parents Censured. - Yesterday, Mr A. Burrow held an inquest at the Wonford Inn, Wonford, on the body of EDNA CAMELLA AGGETT, the six weeks old child of ERNEST HEARL AGGETT, plumber, of Oakbear Cottages, Wonford. Mr J. R. Nethercott was Foreman of the Jury. - ERNEST AGGETT, father of deceased, said the child had had a cold for about week, but no doctor was called. On Saturday night he and his wife had some words, and, in consequence, she thought it was better to go to a neighbour's house, as she had before, to sleep. He went to bed about 12.40. He could not say he was sober, but knew what he was about. He, however, did not know the child was in the same bed as himself when he retired. He did not give the child a thought, and did not know whether his wife had it or not. - The Coroner: You do not seem to have cared very much. You had certain duties as a father, and should certainly have made some inquiries, whereas you went to bed not knowing whether the child was there or not. - Witness, continuing, said he woke up at 8.30 a.m. and found the child dead. It had a feeding bottle by its side. He sent for a doctor. - A Juror: When you went to bed you had a light? - Witness: Yes, but I went to bed and blew out the light at once. - Did you not turn back the clothes? - Yes, but only one side, and the child was on the other. - The Coroner: He does not seem to know much about the child, or to have cared. The child was a secondary consideration to him. - JANE AGGETT, wife of the last witness, said she slept away from the house on Saturday night. The child was in bed all right at 12.30. She gave it food at 8.30. The child had been in the habit of sleeping with witness and her husband. She was told of the death next morning, but did not go and see the child. Her husband had been drinking on Saturday night. She could hardly tell whether he knew what he was about or whether he was so drunk as not to know that the child was in bed. He was kind to the child as a rule. This was the fourth child of the marriage. - The Coroner: Did you think it was proper to leave the child with a man under the influence of liquor? - Witness: I thought I should get back as I had before; I did attempt to get back, but the door was closed. - Did you not think it was your duty to get in some way or another, or with the help of the Police, so that the child might have been looked after? The child could not feed itself, although it had a bottle? - No, sir; but it did not often wake up. - By Dr Goulston: The child's cold had been gradually getting worse since it was three weeks old, but she did not call in a medical man, as she thought it was an ordinary cold. - By a Juror: She had left the house before during this child's lifetime, perhaps for a little while and come back again, as the door was not locked. - Mrs Anne Gellin, living near the AGGETTS, said she was called and found the child dead. AGGETT was very much upset. - Dr Goulston said that when he saw deceased on Sunday morning she had the appearance of having been dead for five or six hours. On making a post-mortem examination, he found that the lungs were congested, and that the child had been suffering from bronchitis for about ten days. The latter was the cause of death, though probably there had been convulsion. If medical aid had been called in earlier the probability was that life would have been saved, as deceased was well nourished. There were no marks of violence or suffocation, and he did not think the child could have been overlaid. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a pity that the parents did not get on better together. There did not seem to have been any injury to the child caused by the father being under the influence of liquor and not knowing what he was about. However, the doctor's evidence was clear, but whether the parents ought to have called in medical aid was another matter. If the husband had not been under the influence of drink he might have paid more attention to the child. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and asked the Coroner to censure the parents for their mode of living and the result. - The husband and wife were then called in, and the Coroner said he had been asked to censure them both for the way they had been living, because there was no doubt that if there were young children such as the deceased, and the wife left the house, proper attention could not be given. They had had a sad experience of falling out, which was, probably, due to AGGETT'S drinking habits. If anything could be a warning to a man, it was the death of his young child. AGGETT should keep away from drink and, above all, treat his wife properly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 4 June 1903
DARTMOUTH - Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmouth yesterday touching the death of FLORENCE MAUD CRIDGE, aged 4 years, the daughter of a lumper. Her body was found floating near the Lower Embankment steps by William Kelland, a Trinity pilot, who had his attention attracted to the spot, by seeing some visitors looking curiously at something in the water. He rushed down the steps on hearing one of them say "Why, it's a child." The body was at once taken home, near by, and artificial respiration tried, but without avail. Dr Crossfield said in his opinion the child was dead when taken out of the water. Death was the result of drowning. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

CHULMLEIGH - Fatal Accident At Chulmleigh. - Mr J. F. Bromham, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Chulmleigh Cottage Hospital yesterday concerning the death of WILLIAM JOHN TUCKER, a farm labourer, who died at the above Institution on Sunday. Mr W. Boundy was Foreman of the Jury. - William Westacott, brother-in-law, stated that he knew the deceased, who was a farm labourer in the employ of Mr Webber, of Cadbury Barton. Deceased leaves a widow and one child. On Saturday, May 2nd, while working on the farm with a horse and cart, drawing manure, witness saw the deceased leave the field about 9 o'clock, having the reins in his hand and sitting on the front part of the butt. The horse bolted. Subsequently witness went in search of deceased, whom he found some distance on the road. Another labourer, named Thomas Smith, had come on the scene, and he, with a man named Webber, a carpenter, conveyed the deceased to the Cottage Hospital in a horse and trap belonging to Mr Webber. Deceased said to Smith, "Tom, I shall die. " - Mrs Kewley, Matron, said the deceased was brought to the Institution on May 2nd and died on the 31st, and was conscious at times, but not for long. - Dr Tucker said the cause of death was a fracture of the base of the skull. - The verdict returned was that deceased came to his death by being thrown from a horse and cart at Cadbury Barton on May 2nd.

NEWTON ABBOT - Sad Death Of A Newton Woman. Inquest Adjourned. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, on the body of MARIA LUSCOMBE TURPIN, aged 6. - THOMAS TURPIN, pork butcher and baker, of 12 Wolborough-street, deceased's husband, said his wife never had a strong constitution. On Monday, May 18th she was the worse for drink. When he returned from his milk round, she went to her room, and towards evening she became worse. On Tuesday he persuaded her stay in bed, and saw that no drink was taken to her. He told everybody in the house that she was not to have spirit. On Wednesday morning she was at work again in the shop, and while breakfast was in progress she left the house. She had previously asked for brandy, which had been refused. As she remained absent, search was made for her. Witness inquired at the Golden Lion public-house if deceased had been seen. Mrs Eveling, the landlady's mother, replied in the negative. He could find no trace of deceased that day, Thursday or Friday. On Saturday night, shortly after 11 o'clock, he was informed by the Police that deceased was at the Golden Lion public-house. He went there in company with the Police-Sergeant. The landlord took them upstairs and they found deceased lying on a bed dressed. She refused to go home, saying she had taken a sleeping draught and wanted to be quiet. She seemed quite sensible and conversed rationally with witness, though she gave no reason why she left home. He left her there in preference to using force to take her away. Deceased did not return home on Monday - as she had promised to do - and he thought she had better stay where she was until she chose to return. Last Thursday the landlord said deceased appeared to be ill and that if witness did not take her away from his house he should turn her out of doors. Witness took deceased home in a cab. She was weak and could not walk downstairs without help. He put her to bed and sent for a doctor, as she appeared to be seriously ill. She got worse and died four days afterwards. Prior to the day on which he found her suffering from drink, deceased had not been drinking, to his knowledge, for five or six years. About six years ago she had an attack of delirium tremens. As she was in the shop, she could have obtained drink without his knowledge. - Dr Nisbet said deceased was on the verge of delirium tremens when he was called in. She told him she had been drinking heavily and had practically taken no food for a week. She asked for a sleeping draught. She became weaker and died on the Monday. Her daughter, MRS SCOTT, nursed hr. He had made a post-mortem examination, and deceased, in his opinion, died from alcoholic poisoning. - The Inquest, at this point, was adjourned until Friday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 June 1903
BICKINGTON - Sad Affair At Bickington. A Brother's Quarrel. Verdict Of Manslaughter. - The death of JOSHUA ROWELL, 55 years, farm labourer, which took place under unusual circumstances at Bickington, and was the subject of a Coroner's Inquiry on Saturday, again came under the investigation of Mr G. Kellock, County Coroner, and a Jury on Wednesday in the schoolroom, Bickington. Mr J. W. F. Bickford was the Foreman of the Jury. - The evidence on Saturday was to the effect that neighbours heard a disturbance in the cottage in which the deceased had lived with his brother and a nephew, and on entering the house they found deceased lying in an unconscious condition on the floor, blood issuing from his mouth. When questioned by the neighbours, FRANK ROWELL, the brother, who, it was stated, had previously been heard to use a threat, exclaimed that he did not mean "to serve deceased hard." In the village and neighbourhood a great deal of interest was manifested in the affair, and a good many people were present at the adjourned Inquest. - Louisa Chudleigh, single woman, said that on Monday week last she was at the Jolly Sailor Inn and saw deceased leave the public-house about 9.30 p.m. He appeared to be perfectly sober. He wished her "good night." - FRANK ROWELL, jun., deceased's nephew, recalled, said he was a gunshot away from his home on the Monday night referred to when he heard his father shouting to the deceased to get up. When he reached home his father told him deceased had fallen down. He helped to lift him up. He could not say whether deceased was drunk. He did not know that there was any quarrel between his father and deceased. - By the Foreman: When witness arrived home deceased was sitting in a chair and his father was standing beside him. Deceased was talking for about half an hour with witness and his father, and then he went to bed. The next morning, before daylight, he complained of pains in his head. Adam Nisbet, Medical Practitioner, of Newton Abbot, said on Wednesday morning he had a message asking him to go and see deceased. He arrived shortly after one o'clock, and found deceased deeply comatose and quite unconscious. His face was flushed and the breathing sterterous. He was slightly feverish. There was slight contusion of the lower lip on the left side, but no cut or swelling. There was no external wound elsewhere, and no bleeding from either ear. the symptoms pointed to a rupture of the blood vessel in the brain, and he was then practically moribund. Mrs Henley was attending him, and his brother and nephew were also present. Witness questioned the brother as to how deceased became ill, and he replied that he had fallen down in the kitchen on the Monday night. He had been complaining off and on for a week before of a weakness in his right arm. As to the bruise on the lip, he told witness that deceased must have hit himself when he fell. Witness saw the latter again the next day, when he was much worse and evidently rapidly sinking. He died on Friday morning, and witness made a post-mortem examination on the Coroner's warrant. He had previously given a certificate to the effect that he had died from cerebral haemorrhage, as he had not then heard a suspicion of any quarrel. Later he heard that rumours were flying about that there had been a quarrel, and he reported the matter to the Coroner, withdrawing his certificate. In the post-mortem examination he found, on exposing the skull, a thin fracture on the right side. There was a blood clot adhering to the bone at a corresponding situation inside the skull. The outer covering of the brain was distended with blood-stained fluid. The whole right hemisphere of the brain was congested as compared with the left, and at a point corresponding with the fracture there was a laceration of the brain. There was also haemorrhage over the cerebellum and as far down as the spinal cord. On the removal of the brain he found two smaller fractures in the base itself. The other organs were more or less fatty, and the arteries showed signs of degeneration. The Injury to the head must have been the result of a severe blow or fall - more probably a fall than a blow in the absence of external signs. The fall must have been a violent one. - Dr Fitzpatrick of Ashburton, who assisted Dr Nisbet in the post-mortem examination, confirmed the former's evidence as to that examination. - By a Juryman: There was a mark on deceased's buttock, but it was not that of a kick. It was a bedsore. It was quite feasible for a bedsore to develop in two days. - FRANK ROWELL, the elder, deceased's brother, who was again warned by the Coroner that he need not answer any questions which he desired not to do, was then called, and though he did not put any questions to the witnesses on their evidence being read out to him, he emphatically denied having used the words attributed to him, "I didn't mean to knock him so hard," or that he was given to drink. - The Coroner: Have you any explanation of the case? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: You have nothing more to say? - Witness: No, sir. - Charles Adams, a farmer, gave evidence at the request of a Juryman, and said deceased, who was in his employ, had never complained to him of any injury to his arm. Some time ago he came to work with a black eye and once or twice with an eye "tied up." - Answering the Jury, Dr Nisbet said deceased could scarcely have received the injury to the lip and the head simultaneously. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a grave and sad story. He pointed out that FRANK ROWELL, the brother, withheld the story of the quarrel from Dr Nisbet. If the Jury decided that the injury to deceased was the result of a blow by his brother, they must ask themselves whether the act was committed with malice, with the intention of doing his brother harm, or of killing him, or whether it was done in a fit of temper. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" against FRANK ROWELL, senior, who was immediately placed under arrest. - At the Newton Police Court yesterday FRANK ROWELL was charged before Mr W. Laycock with the Manslaughter of his brother, JOSHUA ROWELL, on May 25th. - P.C. Nicholls stated he was present at the Inquest on deceased, when a verdict of "Manslaughter" was returned against prisoner and he arrested him on the Coroner's warrant. - P.S. Creech asked for a remand, which was granted until today (Friday). - The Chairman intimated that every facility should be given prisoner of obtaining bail as he did not seem to fully understand matters. - P.S. Creech said the Police had promised prisoner every assistance in that respect.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 June 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Woman's Sad End. Death From Alcoholic Poisoning. - Yesterday at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, Mr S. Hacker (County Coroner) conducted the adjourned Inquest on the body of MARIA LUSCOMBE TURPIN, aged 56, wife of TOM TURPIN, baker and pork butcher, of 12 Wolborough-street. Mr J. Hutchings appeared for Henry Walling, landlord of the Golden Lion public-house. At the opening of the Inquest on Wednesday, Dr Nisbet had attributed death to alcoholic poisoning. - In reply to Mr Hutchings, MR TURPIN stated that he lived fifty yards from the Golden Lion Hotel. He first heard that his wife was lying ill there on Saturday week last. He had missed her since the previous Wednesday. He could not on the Saturday persuade his wife to leave the public-house. On the Thursday following Mr Walling came to witness and insisted on deceased being taken away. She did not refuse to come away because she was afraid. She had not two black eyes on the Wednesday, but she might have had a mark over her right eyebrow through running against a coign. - MRS CATHERINE SCOTT, daughter of the deceased, of 10 Wolborough-street, said she saw her mother in bed on Monday, the 18th of May. Her mother had not been drinking to her knowledge, but she complained of a headache. On Wednesday morning she was still in bed, and asked for sixpenny worth of brandy. She got up and went out, but witness did not know when she left nor where she went. Inquiries were made, but she did not return on Wednesday night, and the Police were communicated with. On Saturday the Police informed them that she was at the Golden Lion, and witness's father went there, but could not persuade her to return. Witness did not visit her, as she thought she would come back. - The Coroner: I don't quite understand your conduct as a daughter in not going. I must imagine that you and your mother were not on the terms that a mother and daughter ordinarily are. - Witness: We were always on good terms. We never had any words. I should have gone if I had known she was ill. Witness added that her mother remained away eight days, witness's father bringing her home on the Thursday. She was put to bed and witness nursed her under a doctor's direction. She told witness she had had nothing to eat and wanted refreshment. She was very weak, and gradually sank, dying last Monday morning. On the morning when she left she had offered to remain in bed if she could have the brandy, but witness's father said she was snot to have it. She had not heard of any quarrel between her mother and father. - FREDERICK TURPIN, the youngest son of deceased, said he went to the Golden Lion to look for his mother on the say day that she left home, but he did not actually make inquiries. - In answer to Mr Hutchings, he said he knew his mother had not been at the Golden Lion for two years. - Thomas Scott, son-in-law of deceased, said he inquired of the landlord of the Golden Lion whether deceased was there. He replied that he had been in the yard all day, and had not seen her. - Lily Maude Parnell, of Powderham-road, a niece of deceased, said she went four times to the Golden Lion on Wednesday morning to make inquiries. Once, when she saw Mrs Walling, the latter said deceased was not there. - Ethel Searle, a domestic servant at the Golden Lion, said deceased came their between 9.30 and 10 o'clock on the Wednesday morning. She took her into a private room. When Mrs Walling came home, about 10 o'clock, she went in to see deceased, who was taken upstairs to the best bedroom. She stayed there and witness attended to her during the day, but took no drink, except a bottle of stout in the evening. Witness fetched a sleeping draught also for her, deceased giving her the money. - By Mr Hutchings: Both deceased's eyes were black and she had two marks on her face when she came to the house. She had a sleeping draught each night. Witness borrowed 2s. for her on the Tuesday following her arrival. Deceased drank stout each day, but would eat practically no food. - Bessie Walling, wife of the landlord of the Golden Lion, said she saw the deceased on the Wednesday morning. She wanted a room where no one could see her. they had been kicking up a row at home, she added, and she had been locked up for two days, and had taken the first opportunity of getting away. She had a mark on the eye. She was excited, but quite sober. She wanted sixpennyworth of brandy, neat, but witness gave her threepennyworth diluted. She had nothing to eat that day, except a piece of bread and butter. She had stout in the morning and afternoon and in the evening sent to the Globe Hotel for brandy, because witness would not give it to her. The girl did not go and witness put water to some brandy for deceased. During the day she had told inquirers that deceased was not there, because deceased had asked her to say she was not there. On the second day all deceased took was stout, except in the evening, when she had brandy. This was the case on the two following days. On Saturday, as she continued not to take food, and witness thought it was time she should be with her friends, witness went to the Police Station and informed the Police where she was. She still refused, however, to go home. On Tuesday witness began to get frightened and on Thursday deceased was taken away. She had subsisted on stout, raw eggs, tea and a little bread and butter. After the first three days she had no brandy, and she did not think she could have been supplied with any by anyone fetching it for her from anywhere else. All this time she appeared to be quite sensible. On Friday witness lent her two shillings. On the Saturday night she honestly did her best to get deceased off the premises. - Henry Walling, husband of the last witness, said he did not know of deceased's presence in the house until the Wednesday evening. He did not, until Saturday, make known his presence because she did not wish her friends to be made aware of it. He did not know what drink she had had. - P.S. Cole said on Saturday night, the 23rd of May, he went with MR TURPIN to the Golden Lion. Deceased absolutely refused to go. She was perfectly sober then. He believed the landlord and Mrs Walling endeavoured to act rightly by both parties. On the following Thursday deceased was taken home in a cab. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from Alcoholic Poisoning due to excessive drinking. The Foreman of the Jury stated that it was not a unanimous vote that there should be no rider.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 8 June 1903
LYMPSTONE - At an Inquest at Lympstone on Saturday on the body of WALTER WEEKS, painter, of Russell-street, Exeter, who was killed on the Exmouth Branch of the London and South Western Railway on Friday afternoon, the evidence showed that deceased had complained during the day of being unwell. He was employed painting signal posts on the railway. Dr Barton, of Lympstone, thought the deceased must have had a sunstroke. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died on the line, but whether as the result of an accident or from natural causes, there was not sufficient evidence to show.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 10 June 1903
EXETER - The Fatal Accident At Exeter. Inquest Yesterday. - Yesterday Mr H. W. Gould held an inquiry at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, concerning the death of JAMES SPRAGUE, age 20 of 8 Sandford-street, Exeter, whose death occurred under circumstances reported in yesterday's "Gazette," and who was employed at Messrs. Shepherd and chick's, grocers, of Sidwell-street. - It appeared that deceased, together with William Henry Passmore, was riding in Messrs. Shepherd and Chick's van. They had been delivering goods at the Quarries, Dunsford Hill. On the return journey the horse bolted and came down the hill at a furious pace. Deceased, becoming alarmed, jumped out, although advised not to do so by the driver (Passmore), who made every endeavour to stop in the animal, which was eventually brought to a standstill by P.C. Bishop at Exe Bridge. - Passmore said he had only driven the animal for the first time that day, although he had accompanied another driver in charge of the horse on a previous occasion. - In reply to a Juror, witness said he had driven the animal in the afternoon up Pennsylvania and round Mount Radford, also up the Barnfield. - A Juror: Did the horse bolt up the hill? - No. - then why was it going at stretch gallop? - It was not. - Would you be surprised if I brought witnesses to prove that it was? - I should be glad to see them. - Have you been accustomed to drive a horse? - Not very much lately. It is the first time Messrs. Shepherd and Chick have had a horse and van since I've been there. - Further evidence showed that deceased was taken after the accident to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital when Dr Pettigrew found him suffering from an extensive fracture of the skull, from which he died. - The Coroner said that had the deceased had the presence of mind to sit tight, as the driver did, he would have been living at the present time. The results of his observations had been that in nine cases out of ten more fatal accidents resulted in jumping from a runaway vehicle than by sitting tight. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 June 1903
LODDISWELL - An Inquest was held on Hatch Farm on Wednesday evening by Mr S. Hacker on the body of MR E. WINZER, a retired butcher of Aveton Gifford. Deceased was assisting his son, who is the occupier of the farm, in loading wool into a waggon. Missing his hold of a bale of wool he fell violently to the ground and sustained a dislocation of the spine. The Jury, of whom Mr F. A. Parker was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and passed a vote of sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 June 1903
BRISTOL - Braunton Girl's Death At Bristol. Inquest Again Adjourned. - The Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of MARY ELIZA AUGUSTA SUSAN LUSCOMBE, 24, under mysterious circumstances at Bristol on May 23rd, which has already been the subject of prolonged hearing, was not resumed yesterday, owing to the sudden illness of the Coroner, Mr Doggett. It has been adjourned until the 23rd inst.

BISHOPSTAWTON - Suicide At Bishopstawton. A Letter. - Mr J. F. Bromham, County Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Mill House, Bishopstawton, on the body of WILLIAM SKINNER, aged 17, a packer on the London and South Western Railway, who was found hanging in a linhay about a mile and a half from his parents' house the previous day. - WILLIAM SKINNER, of Mill House, a platelayer on the L. and S.W. Railway, at Barnstaple Junction Station, the father, said deceased was a platelayer at Ilfracombe Station, and for the last twelve months he had lived in lodgings at Ilfracombe. He had been in the habit of coming to his home at Bishopstawton every two months. On Sunday morning witness saw him at half-past 10 at his (witness's) house. He cycled over and stayed the day and slept the night. On Monday morning witness went to work before the deceased left, and therefore did not see him. About half-past 12 he received a telephone message while he was at the Barnstaple Junction Station stating that his son had not arrived at Ilfracombe. They heard nothing about him until Thursday morning. In answer to the Coroner, witness said deceased had not been peculiar lately. - William Holland, a labourer, of Bishopstawton, deposed to seeing the deceased on Monday morning. In reply to the Coroner witness said deceased was quite sober and there was nothing strange in his manner. - Richard Prideaux, a labourer, of East Downrew Farm, Bishopstawton, stated that on Monday, at 1 o'clock p.m., he saw the deceased in the roadway near Downrew. He had no cycle with him. There was nothing strange in his manner. On Wednesday morning at 7.30 witness went into a linhay on the farm after some harness and saw the deceased standing there. Witness asked him if he had had a "shake down," but deceased did not reply. Witness left the linhay, leaving the deceased there. On the following morning (Thursday) witness went to the same linhay for a bottle of oil and saw the deceased hanging at the back of the linhay. His feet were about four or six inches off the ground. He called assistance and then cut him down. Life was extinct, and the deceased was quite stiff and cold. He was fully dressed. Information was given to the Police. P.S. King said he found on deceased an old envelope, on which was written the following: "I am tired of this world; I am nothing more than misery. Whoever finds me, take me to my mother. God be with you till we meet again. Good-bye. I have been nothing but a worry to you all my life, but I hope to meet you again in Heaven, singing glory. Trouble is playing on my mind. This is what drink will do. God be with you till we meet again in Heaven. I have done it for love of you. May God bless you. Good-bye. - In summing up, the Coroner said it was his opinion that it was very seldom, if ever, a young person committed suicide without being first deprived of his reason. The very fact of a young fellow committing such a rash act was quite sufficient evidence for the Jury to come to the conclusion that something had upset his mind, and that he was not responsible for his actions. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 June 1903
OTTERTON - Fatal Trap Accident At Otterton. - Yesterday the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquest on the body of MR WILLIAM PILE, farmer, of Aylesbeare, who was killed on Saturday by being thrown from a trap. - MRS PILE identified the body as that of her husband, who was 54 years of age. On Saturday, about 8.45, her husband and herself were driving home from Mr Haywood's when, in the narrow road, near Newton Poppleford, the horse shied. The wheel of the trap on the left side struck the post of some railings and the vehicle capsized. On recovering herself she found her husband lying on his back in the road quite dead. Blood was flowing from his ears and nose. - Lewis French, labourer of Otterton, said on Saturday night he was in his garden, when he heard screams. He proceeded to the spot from whence they came and met the last witness, who was calling for help. Further down the road he found a trap capsized. The deceased was lying on his back close by, quite dead. - Mr G. A. Mitchell, of Ottery, said he saw deceased about 11 p.m. He was quite dead and in witness's opinion deceased sustained a fracture of the base of the skull, which caused immediate death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 17 June 1903
TEIGNMOUTH - Sad Suicide At Teignmouth. The Inquest. - Yesterday, at the residence of the deceased, Teignmouth, Mr G. C. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of GEORGE SWEETMAN, refreshment house keeper, of the Station-road, who was found shot the previous morning in his bedroom. - BESSIE SWEETMAN, who was in great distress, stated that deceased, who was her husband was 55 years of age. He enjoyed fairly good health. He was addicted to drink. On Sunday he came home and had his lunch as usual. The next morning, shortly before nine o'clock, he told witness he was going to get a shave and then went upstairs to his room. Witness thought he had been in his room a long time and went up and called him, but could get no response. She found the door locked, and, becoming alarmed, sent her daughter for the Police. Deceased was to have appeared before the Magistrates on Monday morning and the fact must have preyed on his mind, though he never mentioned the matter to her. She was not aware that he had a revolver in his possession. She heard no shot fired. - MABEL SWEETMAN, daughter, confirmed this evidence and proved going to the Police. - In answer to the Coroner, P.S. Hannaford explained that deceased was arrested on Saturday for drunkenness and was released on bail he following morning in his own recognisance in the sum of £10. He asked him (the Sergeant) how he thought the Magistrates would deal with him. He had been previously convicted and was evidently worrying lest they should deal with him under the new Act. When deceased was released he bore no appearance of suffering from delirium tremens. - P.C. Friendship said on the previous morning, about a quarter to 10 o'clock, he went to the house and burst open the bedroom door. He found deceased lying on the floor face downwards. A five-chambered revolver (produced) was lying at his feet. The revolver contained four whole cartridges, the fifth having been discharged. He found two Police-court summonses in one of the pockets of the deceased, who had to appear before the Magistrates that morning in answer to two charges of drunkenness. Inquiries had been made as to the source from which he had procured the revolver, but with no result. He thought it probable that he had bought it out of the town some time ago. He appeared to have forced open a box, the keys of which he had lost, to obtain the revolver. The cartridges were stale. Over £4 in money was found on deceased's person. Witness quickly called a doctor. - Dr F. C. H. Piggott said he had attended deceased once professionally. He was at the time of intemperate habits. Deceased was quite dead when witness examined him on Monday. there was a bullet wound in his right temple and the muzzle of the revolver from which the bullet was fired was undoubtedly held against the skin. - The Coroner remarked that it was fearful to think how many such deaths occurred through a man giving way to drink. When a man took to drink it was like pole-axing him. Sooner or later it was all over with him. In the present case it was very hard upon those dependent on deceased. - The Jury, of whom Mr W. H. Bonner was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and passed a hearty vote of sympathy with the widow and children, in which the Coroner joined.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 18 June 1903
ILFRACOMBE - Army Officer's Sudden Death. Inquest At Ilfracombe. - Mr J. F. Bromham, District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Royal Clarence Hotel on the body of a visitor named WILLIAM HENRY CLARKSON, lieut-colonel in the Army, and said to have formerly belonged to the Devonshire and Lancashire Regiments, who died suddenly the previous evening. Mr J. G. Dadds was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was MRS CHARLOTTE CLARKSON, widow of deceased, who said her husband was on the retired list of the Army, and had previously been in the Devonshire and East Lancashire Regiments. They resided at Raby Lodge, Wellesley-road, Croydon, and came to Ilfracombe on the 3rd inst. A day or two ago he complained of shortness of breath, but on Tuesday was in his usual health. When in his bedroom about 6.30 he was taken suddenly ill and a doctor was sent for. Deceased died about 10 minutes after the doctor's arrival. - Dr George Cole Baker, locum tenens of Dr Langridge, said he was called to see deceased at 6.50 p.m. On arrival deceased was in bed suffering from great difficulty in breathing. He looked cyamised and was practically pulseless., and covered with cold sweat, but he was perfectly conscious. The case appeared to be one of cardiac asthma, and deceased said he had previously suffered from this. Witness injected 1.30 grains of strychnine, and gave him some brandy. Witness informed deceased's wife that it was a grave case. He then left the room to get another stimulant, but was at once called back, when deceased died. He had no hesitation in saying that death was due to natural causes from some form of heart disease. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 June 1903
CRUWYS MORCHARD - The Fatal Accident At Cruwys Morchard. Result Of The Inquest. - Mr A. Burrow, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Pulsford's Farm, Cruwys Morchard, relative to the death of NEWTON NOTT, the youngest son of MR ISAAC NOTT. The father of the deceased said he instructed his son, who was 13 years of age, to take two cows to Week Farm on Monday morning, about 8 o'clock and to ride a colt two-years old. Shortly after he was summoned from the dairy factory and found his son lying in a cottage terribly injured. - George Newcombe Pope said he was with the deceased and accompanied by two dogs, driving three cows in the direction of Week Farm. Just before reaching Furze Hill they met a boy driving a sow and accompanied by a dog. Two of the dogs commenced fighting, which caused the horse to plunge, throwing NOTT under him and at the same time stepping on his head. Witness at once picked him up and carried him to the house of Mrs Sharland, close by. - Dr Reynolds, of Cheriton Fitzpaine, said he was telegraphed for, and on arriving he found deceased in an unconscious state. He from the first gave no hope of recovery, deceased's skull being fractured, in addition to the shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They gave their fees to the deceased's father and expressed their sympathy with him and the lad's sister.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 June 1903
BRISTOL - A Braunton Girl's Death. Result Of The Inquest. - The Inquest on the body of the Braunton girl, MARY ELIZA AUGUSTA LUSCOMBE, 23, a tailor's presser, was concluded yesterday at Bristol. - The evidence showed that the girl stayed out late on several nights. On May 11th she left the factory unwell, saying she had a bad cold. A doctor subsequently found the girl had undergone an illegal operation. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from the effects of an illegal operation, but by whom performed there was not sufficient evidence to show. Mrs Kennedy, with whom deceased lodged, was censured for her contradictory evidence and lack of kindness to deceased in her illness.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 July 1903
DOVERCOURT, ESSEX - The Death Of A Plymouth Solicitor. The Inquest And Verdict. - Dr John Harrison, the Essex Coroner, held an Inquest at Dovercourt yesterday concerning the death of CHARLES HENRY BENNETT, solicitor, aged 55, practising at Devonport and living at Plymouth. His son, ARTHUR BENNETT, a medical student at Guy's Hospital, said he left his father at the Great Eastern Hotel at Liverpool-street, London, last Friday, his father's apparent intention being to go on the Continent. Deceased had suffered from asthma and heart trouble for some time, but last week he seemed in better health than he had been for many months. - Further evidence showed that deceased arrived at the Cliff Hotel, Dovercourt, on Sunday morning and his behaviour was absolutely rational. In the afternoon he hired a bathing machine on the beach and on entering the water fell face downwards. Assistance was quickly at hand but he was dead when taken out of the water. Fragments of a letter close to the bathing machine created the suggestion that deceased had committed suicide, but the medical evidence pointed to shock due to sudden immersion and the Jury agreed that it was not a case of suicide. - A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

PAIGNTON - Inquest At Paignton. A Suspicious Case. - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquiry at Paignton yesterday touching the death of a newly-born baby, the mother being ETHEL PINHEY, 20 years of age, a domestic servant, living at 4 Bishop's-place, Paignton. - Mrs De Legh said that for some time PINHEY had been in her employ. On Monday afternoon witness went to the young woman's bedroom, and saw a child lying on the floor. - Dr Cosens deposed that on Monday, after attending to the mother, he asked if the child was born in the bed, and she replied "No, it was born on the floor." The result of a post-mortem examination was that he found the umbilical cord torn, a skin abrasion over the right eye, which was also badly bruised and two fractures of the skull, which, he believed, was the cause of the child's death. The child was born alive, fully matured and had a separate existence. He attributed the fractures to a direct blow probably given by some instrument and not by falling out of bed. Dr Adams corroborated. - The Coroner said the case at present had a very serious aspect and must be adjourned for a fortnight, when Dr Adams expressed the opinion that PINHEY would be well enough to attend.

LYNMOUTH - Child's Death At Lynmouth. - Yesterday Mr Bromham held an Inquest at the Lynmouth School relative to the death of the infant son of BERTHA SARAH OLIVER, of Middleham, Lynmouth. - The evidence showed that the child was born last Thursday. It was allowed to sleep between the mother and grandmother on Sunday night and was found dead on Monday morning. Dr Michell told the Jury there were signs of the child having been overlaid, and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 3 July 1903
PAIGNTON - Seaman's Suicide At Paignton. A Sad Case. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Paignton on the body of THOMAS HENRY PARNELL, 18 years of age, ordinary seaman, belonging to H.M.S. Hogue, who was found hanging to a beam in an outbuilding belonging to the house in which his widowed mother resided. The mother's evidence proved that deceased had broken his leave, as he should have returned to his ship on Monday. He, however, promised witness that her would return to Plymouth by the first train on Tuesday, in consequence of which she got up early to give him some breakfast. Finding that he was not in bed when she went to his room she looked for him and discovered him hanging to a beam in an outhouse. She went for assistance, and the body was shortly afterwards cut down by a man named Davis. P.C. Lang proved finding a letter on the deceased, as follows:- "Dear mother, - I am tired of life and am going to end my days by hanging myself, and you know what I am doing it for; all because you are always barking at me like a dog when I am home on leave. When I am gone I hope you will enjoy yourself. Good-bye to all I know in Paignton." - In answer to the Coroner the mother said she had always done her duty to her son, but admitted scolding him because he had broken his leave. - Lieut. A. Bayly Prowse, of H.M.S. Hogue, attended the Inquest and said deceased bore a good character and his ability was good as a seaman. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide by Hanging Himself.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 July 1903
OTTERY ST MARY - Sudden Death At Ottery St Mary. - Yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, at the Escot Club-room respecting the death of MARY WEBBER, a spinster, aged 68, and lately residing at Talford, Ottery St Mary. Mr A. Blackmore was chosen as Foreman of the Jury. The deceased lived with her sister. On Saturday she went to bed at 2 o'clock. About 4 o'clock her sister left the room to get some tea. Half an hour later MISS WEBBER was found sitting on a chair, dead. Deceased had previously complained of pains in the chest and left side. - Mr G. Mitchell, Medical Practitioner, Ottery St Mary, said death was due to heart failure. - the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 8 July 1903
TOTNES - Bathing Fatality At Totnes. - A very sad fatality occurred at Totnes yesterday morning, when THOMAS TERRY, booking clerk at the Great Western Railway Station, Totnes, lost his life while bathing. - It appears that he and two porters were swimming in the non-tidal portion of the Dart, when TERRY called for assistance. - Both the porters went to his aid, but he struggled violently, and after a gallant attempt to save his life, Roberts, a shunter on the Great Western Railway, lost his hold of TERRY, and the unfortunate young fellow sank and was drowned. The body was recovered an hour afterwards by the weir fishermen and conveyed to the Mortuary. - The Inquest was held at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner. Mr J. Clark was chosen Foreman of the Jury, and Inspector Tonkin and Mr W. C. Sim, permanent way inspector, were present on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. - THOMAS TERRY, who resides at Penzance, said the deceased was his son and was 21 years of age. He considered he was a fair swimmer. - John Roberts, a shunter on the G.W.R., deposed that about 7.50 a.m., he went to the river above the weir and the deceased, who followed, swam near to the centre of the river and then said to him, "Come here, Jack." Witness went to him and asked what was the matter and deceased grasped him round the neck, and they went under water. Witness got away from deceased and then went again to his assistance, and was again pulled down. He got free again and swam away, and then back to the deceased, who had then disappeared. He should think they were struggling not more than five minutes. Deceased seemed to be able to swim all right. He believed deceased was nervous, and he saw no signs of cramp. - The Foreman asked if witness thought it a safe place to bathe, and he replied in the affirmative, provided that the person who went there was a swimmer. - Ernest Rowse, porter, stated that he had bathed with the deceased before, and he could swim across the river below the weir. He heard the deceased call Roberts, and then the latter called him. As he was swimming round to catch TERRY by the head deceased kicked him and it was as much as he could do to struggle to the bank. He saw deceased and ROBERTS go under twice. When Roberts came out of the water he seemed exhausted, and had to lie on the bank to get breath. He could not say if deceased had been in fresh water before. - The Coroner said they knew the difference between it and the tidal way. Did he think that had anything to do with it? - Roberts observed that it might have. He swam into the centre of the river without hesitation. - P.S. Webber stated that he arrived at the weir shortly after 8 a.m., and under his direction a boat was brought up over the weir and the body was recovered by a man named Hannaford Hill about ten minutes to nine, and witness assisted to land it. The water was so deep that an oar would not reach the bottom. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case. The evidence showed that it seemed to be the first time that deceased swam across the river in the dead water, and in mid-stream he became nervous. Roberts must have had a desperate struggle. He considered he did his very best and it was with deep regret that they were not able to compliment him on having saved the poor fellow's life. No doubt if the deceased had kept his head, with a little guidance and help, he might have got ashore. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and passed a vote of condolence with the bereaved family. They also commended Roberts for what he did in trying to save the deceased. - The Coroner concurred and said Roberts and Rowse were not men who would shirk responsibility. They did their utmost to save deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 July 1903
OTTERY ST MARY - Old Man's Suicide At Tipton St. John. "I Want To Go To Heaven." - Yesterday the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquest at Metcombe, Tipton St. John, relative to the death of JAMES WOODLEY, age 83, formerly a farm labourer, who was found with his throat cut on Thursday night. - ANNIE TURNER, wife of Albert James Turner, carpenter, of Metcombe, identified the body as that of her grandfather, who resided with her. Witness, being out, was sent for by her sister, and on returning found deceased on the floor of his bedroom bleeding profusely. He was in bed when witness last saw him at 9.45 p.m., and he refused a cup of tea and said "I want to go to Heaven." He was taken ill on Sunday, and had been very melancholy since the death of his wife three weeks ago. During Friday, when spoken to, he would say, "I want to go to Heaven," but she had never heard him say anything about suicide. The knife (produced) was deceased's. - Alice Pring, wife of a labourer, of Metcombe, and sister of the last witness, said about 10 o'clock she heard deceased breathing very heavily and on going upstairs saw him in the bedroom bleeding. Witness then sent for the last witness. - Albert Turner, carpenter and wheelwright, said on his arrival deceased was lying on the floor, blood all over. The knife was at the foot of the bed and covered in blood. All deceased said was "Heaven," and "Help me up." Deceased had appeared restless. - Dr E. Mitchell, of Ottery St Mary, said he saw deceased at 11.15 p.m., when he was quite dead. He had a punctured wound entering the windpipe in the centre of the neck, self-inflicted. The Jury, of which Mr W. Coles was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 July 1903
DAWLISH - The Drowning Case At Dawlish. The Inquest. - At the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, yesterday, Mr S. Hacker (County Coroner) held an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY CHUDLEY, aged 16, auctioneer's clerk, who met with his death at the Bathing Cove, Dawlish, on Saturday evening. Mr W. C. Tapper was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MR JOHN CHUDLEY, mason of the Longhill, said deceased was his son. He left home to bathe on Saturday night shortly before 7 o'clock. He was not very much in the habit of bathing, but he (witness) believed he could swim a little. During the last twelve months he had enjoyed good health. A few years ago he suffered from asthma, but not recently. - William John Holman, reporter, of 16 The Strand, Dawlish, said he was boating on the evening in question about 20 minutes after 7 o'clock and was pulling a boat into the Cove. He heard someone on the wall calling out and witness, looking round, saw something agitating the surface of the water near the diving-board. The depth of the water at that point was about 7ft., and it was a good distance from the shore. Witness pulled to the spot and saw deceased , with his face lying downwards at the bottom. Witness took off his boots and dived for him, but could not quite reach him. When he returned to the surface a boat had come out from the beach. Witness rested a moment and then dived again, but without success. In the meantime a young man, named Cornelius, had swum to the diving-board, and he dived and brought up the deceased at the first attempt. - Albert Edward John Cornelius, who is at school at Dawlish, said he was in the act of dressing after a bathe, when he heard shouts from the wall, and immediately afterwards he saw a hand held up out of the water twice about 20 yards out and about six yards from the diving-board. Witness got out on to the diving-board and could see a body at the bottom of the water. He dived, caught hold of deceased by the neck, pulled him up and swam ashore with him. Deceased did not move, but he was foaming at the mouth. The two bathing-masters, Cornelius and Westcott, endeavoured to restore animation, and a doctor was sent for. The water was calm and clear. Witness was of opinion that deceased was trying to swim out from the shore to the diving-board. He would have had to swim many yards before he could have got back into his depth. - William Westcott, one of the bathing superintendents, said he heard shouts, and, turning round, saw deceased's feet sticking out of the water. He at once launched the boat. Deceased was not in the water longer than four minutes. There was no boat kept afloat with a man resting on his oars. - The Coroner suggested that it might be advisable for the Urban Council to consider the introduction of this practice. - The Town Surveyor, Mr Clarke, remarked that the Council had once proposed to add such a bye-law, but that it had not been sanctioned by the Local Government Board. - John Henry Rawton, Medical Practitioner, said he saw no signs of life when he examined the body of deceased on the beach. He tried artificial respiration without effect. Deceased had all the appearance of having died by drowning. - Bessie May Lamacraft, a nurse at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, who was the first to endeavour to restore deceased, when he was brought out of the water, said she thought he was dead when he came out. - Sidney Lewis Harris, a visitor, spoke to seeing deceased swimming towards the diving-board. When he looked around shortly afterwards he saw him struggling in the water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and commended the admirable behaviour of Holman and Cornelius.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 16 July 1903
WIMBORNE, DORSET - The Death Of An Exeter Guard. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday morning at Wimborne Cottage Hospital on the body of a goods guard, named WILLIAM COLES, recently transferred from Exeter, where he had been 13 years, to Salisbury, who sustained shocking injuries on Monday and succumbed shortly after admittance to the Hospital. - It appears that he was attempting to leave the van for the platform at the Station before the train stopped, when he slipped and fell between the van and the platform. His injuries were so severe as to preclude the possibility of recovery. The deceased was a native of North Tawton, and leaves a widow and eight children. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the body was afterwards removed to Exeter for interment at the Higher Cemetery tomorrow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 17 July 1903
BRAMPFORD SPEKE - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held on ERNEST VERNON, carter, of Exeter, who met with an accident on the Great Western Railway at Stafford level crossing.

EXMOUTH - The death took place on Tuesday of GEORGE WILLIAM BRIDLE, waterman of 38 New-street, and an inquest was held on the following day. From the evidence, it appeared that the deceased was in his boast on June 1st just pushing off from the shore, when the "Duchess" came up the bay. The boat being broadside on, the swell from the steamer capsized it on top of deceased, who, however, seemed to recover from the effects. He, however, had a weak heart and a destroyed lung, and death was attributed to natural causes. the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 July 1903
PAIGNTON - The Death Of An Infant At Paignton. Adjourned Inquest. - Mr Sidney Hacker resumed the Inquest on the body of a newly-born child found at No. 4 Palace-place, Paignton, on June 29th. Mr Culbert Distin was again Foreman of the Jury. Mr Hutchings appeared on behalf of ETHEL PINHEY, 21 years of age, the mother of the child. - The evidence of the witnesses at the previous Court was read. - Mr Hutchings cross-examined Dr Cosens whether it was not possible for the death of the child to have been caused by falling on the floor at the time of birth. - Dr Cosens, in reply, said that it was possible for death to have been caused by falling on the floor, but, in his opinion, it was highly improbable. He believed death was caused by a direct blow from some blunt instrument, although he saw no such instrument in the room. The blow must have been dealt with very considerable force. A Juror: Did Dr Cosens think that the death of the child could have been caused by a blow or kick from the mother while she was unconscious? - Dr Cosens: No, I do not think so. - Margaret De Legh, living with her mother at 4 Palace-place, said ETHEL PINHEY was her mother's general servant. PINHEY, witness said, was about as usual on the day in question. - Accused, on oath, said she had no father or mother, and had lived at Mrs De Legh's as servant for ten months. On June 29th she was in the garden hanging out clothes, when she fell from a chair, which strained her very much. Soon after that the child was born. Witness denied using violence in any way whatever towards the child. The father of the child had promised to look after her, but had failed to do so. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that it was a question for the Jury to consider whether the accused, to get over her trouble, killed the child, or did they believe her statement. - The Jury retired for about half an hour, and on their return gave their verdict as follows:- "Death caused by Accidental Injuries during Birth."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 20 July 1903
KINGSBRIDGE - The Churchstow Sensation. Child Buried In A Field. The Throat Cut. The Inquest. - Sensational developments have followed the remarkable confession made to the Police at Kingsbridge by BERTHA JOHNS, 27, housekeeper to Robert Michelmore, labourer, of Sorley Cottages, Churchstow, near Kingsbridge. On Wednesday, July 15, the woman told the Police at Kingsbridge that on the previous Sunday she had been prematurely confined and had afterwards burnt the body of the child. Consequent upon this confession she was removed to Kingsbridge and there charged with concealing the birth of her illegitimate child. She was remanded bail being allowed. - On Friday, however, a startling tale was told the Police by Mitchelmore, who said the child had been buried in a field at Sorley. A search was at once instituted, and in a field, close by a hedge, the body of the infant was discovered. It was then found that the throat had been cut. Mitchelmore was at once arrested in connection with the affair, and the woman, who had returned to the cottage, and who is in a very weak state, was removed in custody to the Kingsbridge Workhouse. The County Coroner was communicated with and arrangements were made for a post mortem examination to be held of the child's body. - On Saturday afternoon Robert Mitchelmore also was charged at the Kingsbridge Police Court, before Mr Thomas Adams, with concealing the birth of the infant. - P.S. Yendell said he did not propose to offer any evidence that day and asked for a remand until Monday. The Inquest would be held that evening. - Mr William Davies said he appeared on behalf of prisoner. - Mitchelmore was then formally remanded until a quarter-past eleven o'clock this morning. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, opened the Inquest upon the body at the Kingsbridge Town Hall on Saturday evening. Robert Mitchelmore was present in custody, but JOHNS was not well enough to attend. Mr William Davies appeared on behalf of the male prisoner. There was a large attendance of the public, and the evidence was followed with the greatest interest. - The first witness was Police Sergeant Yendell, who said that on Wednesday, the 15th of July, BERTHA JOHNS, a single woman, living at Sorley Cottages, and who was accompanied by the Rev. H. C. Stevens, called at his office and made a statement, which he now read. In this the woman said that on Sunday, the 12th July, between three and four o'clock in the afternoon, she was at her house at Sorley, in the parish of Churchstow, when she was confined of a male child. She could kiss the Bible it was born dead. She never saw it move and she burnt the body in the stove fire the same day. She made that confession of her own free will and under no compulsion from anyone. She was alone at the time it took place, and was not on good terms with her neighbour. Had anyone been there it would never have happened. She had been frightened by the blood of a horse. She did not expect to be confined for a month, when it was her intention to go into the Kingsbridge Workhouse. This statement, the Police Sergeant said, was signed by prisoner. JOHNS was taken into custody, brought before a Magistrate, charged with concealment of birth and remanded. On Friday Robert Mitchelmore, with whom prisoner lived as a housekeeper, came to him and made a statement. This was now read, and asserted that the child was not burnt. It was put in a pail for two or three days; then it was buried out of doors. He dug a pit, she buried it and he covered it up. - P.S. Yendell said the man could not write, but made his mark at the foot of the statement. Witness proceeded to describe how he afterwards found the body in a field known as Lower Borough, at Sorley. The body was buried about a foot down and was that of a female child and was lying face downwards, with its legs doubled under its belly. He noticed what he considered a cut in the throat. - By Police Supt. Ryall: He did not notice any blood on the earth. - P.S. Yendell, continuing, said he took Mitchelmore into custody, and he had since been remanded. - Dr James Wilson Pettinger, partner with Dr L. de Courcy Harston, practising at Kingsbridge, said he had made a post-mortem examination in conjunction with Dr W. H. Webb, of Kingsbridge. When he first saw the body there was a lot of earth upon it. There was a wound in the throat smeared all over. They washed the body and found it was that of a full-term female child, 20 inches long and weighing 7 ¾ lb., which was over the average for a newly-born child. It was fully developed. The mouth was full of earth and there was a transverse cut along the front of the neck four inches long. The wound severed all the tissues down to the backbone. - By the Coroner: It would require some force to make the wound. - Dr Pettinger, continuing, said the right-hand side of the wound was shallower and more jagged than the left-hand side. The right-hand side of the wound was not a clean cut, but the other part was a clean cut, and appeared to have been made with a sharp instrument. There was a slight depression in the skin on the right side, going half-way round the body, as though there had been something tied round the thorax. The umbilical cord was attached to the child and had apparently been torn or cut by some blunt instrument. It was not tied. The child had breathed. All the organs were found to be healthy, and in his opinion the child had lived, though he could not say for how long. In his opinion the child died from haemorrhage, and it was possible the wound in the umbilical cord, or the wound in the neck, might have caused death. He, however, considered the wound in the neck was the cause of death. - Dr W. H. Webb was next called, and corroborated the statement of Dr Pettinger. He said the child had had a separate existence. Death was due to a cut throat. There was a certain amount of grit in the division of the bronchial tubes from the windpipe. That rather suggested that the child breathed after its neck was in the earth, for the grit would, in his opinion, not have got where it was without a respiratory effort. - P.C. Waldron said he was present when P.S. Yendell found the body. Mitchelmore was also there, and said, "This is the first time I have seen the child. I had nothing to do with buying it, but I dug the pit." - The Rev. Henry Chicheley Stevens, Duncombe lecturer and curate of Churchstow. narrated how the woman told him she had had a child and had burnt it. At her wish he accompanied her to Kingsbridge, where she made the statement which had been read by P.S. Yendell. The rev. gentleman also said that Mitchemore made the same statement to him as had just been read. - At this juncture the Inquiry was adjourned until Friday, when it is expected JOHNS will be well enough to attend.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 July 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - Death At Newton Abbot Workhouse. The Medical Officer And Sunday Visiting. - At the Newton Workhouse Mr S. Hacker conducted an Inquest upon the body of WILLIAM BEER, an inmate of the Institution, whose death occurred the previous day. - The Master of the Workhouse, Mr F. W. Scott, stated that deceased was aged 78, a general labourer, and admitted to the House in 1899 from West Teignmouth. On May 31st deceased met with an accident, and was removed to the Infirmary. It being a Sunday, the doctor did not see deceased the same day, but attended him the following day. Deceased informed witness that he had a fit of giddiness and fell down. - In reply to the Foreman of the Jury, Mr D. Vile, witness said he left it to the discretion of the superintendent nurse to call in the doctor. - John German and Thomas Dodd, inmates of the Workhouse, spoke to seeing deceased fall. - Maria Kay, superintendent nurse, stated that when deceased was admitted to the Workhouse Infirmary he did not appear to be in pain, and she did not think it necessary to send for a doctor. - Dr Stephens deposed that deceased died as the result of a fracture of the thigh. If witness had been called in on the Sunday he could not have done more for deceased than he did. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and added a rider expressing the opinion that the Guardians should request their Medical Officer to visit the Workhouse on Sundays.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 July 1903
KINGSBRIDGE - The Churchstow Sensation. Resumed inquest. Verdict of Wilful Murder. - The sensational case of alleged child murder at Sorley Cottages, Churchstow, near Kingsbridge, yesterday advanced another stage. At five o'clock the Inquiry into the circumstances of the death of the child of BERTHA ELLEN JOHNS was resumed at the Kingsbridge Town Hall by Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner. There was a large attendance of the public. - Mr William Davies appeared on behalf of BERTHA ELLEN JOHNS and Robert Mitchelmore. - P.S. Yendell produced various articles he had found in the prisoners' house, including a woman's skirt, upon which there was blood. He also produced a pair of trousers, upon the left leg of which there were blood stains. - P.C. Greenslade, stationed at Kingsbridge, said that on the 15th July he visited Sorley Cottage and saw Robert Mitchelmore in the house. In his company he went into JOHNS' bedroom and underneath a bolster found a nightdress (produced) upon which there were blood stains. He also produced the following letter which was found in JOHNS' purse;- "I have done this all through my nasty, bad mother and sister and Robert; and they will suffer as long as they live. If it had not been for they I should not have done this. Mrs Harvey is to have all my clothes. That is my wish, and no one else is to have a thing of it, as she's my only friend that I have. And I must trust my dear boy into King (Kingsbridge) Workhouse, as he'll be looked after there. Signed by my own hand. - B. JOHNS." - Mrs Harvey, a neighbour, stated that a horse had met with an accident near the cottage and that had frightened JOHNS. - Mrs Annie Mitchelmore, of Newton Abbot, daughter-in-law of the male prisoner, also gave evidence. - Ernest Easterbrook said that on Thursday of last week Mitchelmore was present when a bullock was slaughtered and he was near enough for some blood to have got on his trousers. - The Coroner summed up at length and described the statements of the prisoner JOHNS as a tissue of falsehoods. - The Jury retired, and after a long deliberation returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder " against BERTHA ELLEN JOHNS, who was then committed to the Assize on the Coroner's warrant.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 29 July 1903
EXETER - The Death Of The REV. F. J. BLEASBY, Of Tiverton. - Yesterday Mr A. Burrow held an Inquest at the Exeter City Asylum on the body of the REV. F. J. BLEASBY, who was admitted to the Institution on Sunday, when he was removed from Tiverton, where he had become chargeable to the Guardians. On Wednesday he was found dangerously ill and on the following night some painful scenes were witnessed and the removal of the deceased to the Asylum was rendered necessary. - Dr Robert Leonard Rutherford, Medical Superintendent at the Asylum, said deceased was admitted into the Institution on the 24th inst., from Tiverton, and witness produced the order of admission, which was signed by two medical men and a Magistrate. Deceased was described as a Clerk in Holy Orders and was 51 years of age. - The Coroner read the report of Dr Collins, one of the medical men who signed the order, in which he stated that deceased had been in the custody of P.C. Takle, of the Tiverton Borough Police, since July 22nd, for attempting to commit suicide by poisoning himself. - In answer to the Coroner, Dr Rutherford said he did not know what poison deceased had taken and he telegraphed to Dr Collins, who replied that it was morphia. He examined deceased when he was admitted to the Asylum, but there were no signs of any poison or drug. He died on Sunday morning shortly after 2 o'clock. When admitted he was in a feeble condition, and did not recognise his position or surroundings. Deceased was very restless. On Sunday morning witness made a post mortem examination, assisted by Dr Davy, senior Physician to the Devon and Exeter Hospital and Dr Harris-Liston. they were unanimously of opinion that death was the result of blood poisoning, due to kidney disease. He did not find any symptom of any drug or poison in the body. If deceased had taken morphia it would have accelerated death. the symptoms would soon pass off if the patient had been treated properly. No analysis had been made of the contents of the stomach. - The Coroner offered, if the Jury desired, to have the Inquiry adjourned, so that further evidences could be obtained from Tiverton, or the contents of the stomached analysed. - The Jury expressed themselves satisfied with the evidence before them and returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 August 1903
EXETER - Death Of An Exeter Compositor. Open Verdict. - At the Exeter Guildhall yesterday, an Inquest was held by Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of HENRY LOCKYER, whose body was discovered about midnight on Saturday in the mill leat which works the City Flour Mills, West-street, Exeter. Mr F. Searle was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MARTIN LOCKYER, father of the deceased, a painter, residing at 37 Exe-street, identified the body as that of his son. He had had no fixed abode, and was a compositor. He was 41 last birthday. He (witness) knew nothing about his circumstances and he had not seen deceased to speak to for six or seven months. - Henry Burridge, residing at 10 Buller's-road in the employ o Mr Hellier, of the City Flour Mills, stated that on Sunday morning about 1 a.m. he was clearing the grating at the City Mills when he found the body of deceased against the grating. The water at that point was about 4 ft. deep. The mill leat was fenced from the river, but it was possible for a man to get over the fence. Deceased was fully dressed. - Alfred Moore, coachman of Dinham-road, stated that he saw the deceased on the Iron Bridge about 11.45 p.m. on Saturday. Deceased was walking in the direction of the North Devon Inn, Paul-street, where witness believed he had been lodging. They had a few words together as to the lateness of the hour, deceased remarking that he was having a little walk round before he went home. He was perfectly sober and witness had never seen him the worse for drink. - Dr Pereira, Police Surgeon, who examined the body at the Mortuary, stated that there were no marks of violence but there was a small punctured wound on the right eyebrow. The wound, however, was not the cause of death, and he did not consider it would cause unconsciousness. He considered the wound was ante mortem. Death was due to drowning. - The Police stated that 1 ½d. was found i his pocket, a pair of glasses and a tin box containing tobacco. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 5 August 1903
UFFCULME - Sudden Death At Uffculme. - An Inquest was held at Smithincott, Uffculme, yesterday, by Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, on the body of HENRY JOHN DARE, who was found in the roadway on Sunday morning. The body was identified by deceased's wife, who stated that her husband was 53 years of age, and a gate-keeper, employed by the Great Western Railway. She last saw him alive on Sunday about 10 o'clock in the morning, when he left the house after partaking of breakfast. About half an hour afterwards she was told by a neighbour that there was something amiss with her husband, and subsequently she learnt that he was dead. For some years he had not been in good health and two years since he was attended for dropsy. Albert Disney, son of a farmer, gave evidence as to finding deceased in the roadway, apparently dead. Medical evidence was given showing that in all probability deceased died from heart failure. There was no post-mortem examination. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Friday 7 August 1903 - The sudden death has taken place of HENRY J. DARE, aged 53, a crossing gate-keeper on the G.W.R., at Rat's Ash, between Uffculme and Culmstock. Deceased, who resided in a cottage at Smithincott, a small hamlet near Uffculme, took a walk on Sunday morning to Mr Disney's farmhouse, and when returning was bidden good-morning by one of the latter's sons, Mr Albert Disney, who was turning out cows in close proximity to Sunny Bank. Mr A. Disney and Mr Perrens were proceeding to Mr Disney's farm about 10 a.m. when they discovered DARE lying in the roadway on his face and hands. He was raised, made a slight moan, and appeared to immediately die. Another of Mr Disney's sons, (Mr T. Disney) rode for medical aid. Dr Walters, locum tenens for Dr V. E. Barrow, who speedily arrived, pronounced life extinct and P.C. Babb subsequently conveyed the body to deceased's home, about 200 yards distant. DARE leaves a widow and 11 children. The previous Friday he had seen a son off to Aldershot on the conclusion of furlough from active service in South Africa. Two other sons of the deceased are in the Army. About two years ago DARE was treated for dropsy. Seven years previously he met with an accident at Coldharbour Crossing during shunting operations. At the Inquest medical evidence indicated that death was probably due to heart disease and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. The Jury gave their fees to the widow.

TALATON - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Talaton by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, on the body of JOHN ASH, of Ivy Cottage, Talaton. The widow said her husband was a farm labourer, and 40 years of age. She last saw him alive on Sunday morning in the garden. Later a neighbour came to her stating that there was something the matter with deceased. Proceeding to the spot she found her husband lying on the ground in an unconscious condition. Deceased died about five minutes later. He had not complained of illness. Mr George Mitchell, Surgeon, Ottery St Mary, said he had made a post mortem examination. There were no marks of violence. Deceased was suffering from chronic heart disease, which accounted for death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 6 August 1903
EXMOUTH - The Drowning Case At Exmouth. - Yesterday, at the London Hotel, Exmouth, an Inquest was conducted by Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, relative to the death of SAMUEL JOHN PRING, aged 14 months, who was drowned in a tub of water the day before, as reported in yesterday's "Gazette." - Mr A. Hayman was Foreman of the Jury. - MARY PRING, wife of WILLIAM PRING,, labourer, of Meadow-street, said that on Tuesday she left the home at 1.30 to go to work at the laundry. OLIVE was left in charge of the three children. She (witness) was fetched at 6 o'clock and found the baby dead on the sofa. - OLIVE PRING, daughter, aged 10 deposed to going out to play. She left the baby in the cradle asleep. At the back of the house was a tub of water. In answer to the Police, she said that she did not put the baby in the water. - STANLEY PRING, aged eight, said that after his elder sister went out to play he followed her example. When he went indoors later he saw the baby leaning in the tub of water. He lifted her out and placed her on the sofa and went for help. - Dr Hanna said that the deceased met her death by drowning. He used artificial respiration for a long time, but without success. The clothes of the deceased were wet. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

CREDITON - The Shobrooke Mystery. An Inquest Instead Of A Marriage. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Burrow, Deputy Coroner, at the Crediton Police Court, on the body of a man who was found floating in the ornamental pond at Shobrooke Park on Sunday. - Charles Symes, farm labourer, living at Chudleigh, identified the body as that of WILLIAM CROOT, 26 years of age, a farm labourer, who worked at Luton Farm, Chudleigh. Witness saw him on July 28th. Deceased lodged at his house. When he left he said he was going to Newton Abbot, and then home to Shobrooke. As he did not return home after some days had elapsed witness made inquiries at the Police Court, and also at the Canadian Emigration Office, but without effect. The deceased was to have been married to his daughter that very day. They both were very friendly and happy together and had, as far as he knew, never had any quarrel. He could not account at all for CROOT'S death. - RICHARD CROOT, father of deceased, said he was living at Shobrooke. He had not seen his son WILLIAM for about four years, and could not give a reason for his drowning himself. He was not thought to be short of money, and was of a cheerful disposition. Witness had been working near the pond in the employ of Sir John Shelley. Deceased had no reason to visit the pond. - Evidence as to the finding of the body and as to the cause of death having been given, the Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 7 August 1903
LAMBETH, SURREY - An Inquest has been held at Lambeth on JAMES FREDERICK STEVENS, 49, a platelayer in the employ of the London and South Western Railway Company, lately residing at Wandsworth, and whose widowed mother lives at Uffculme. Deceased was engaged about 20 yards east of Wandsworth road-bridge picking up keys on the main up line. A number of other men were at work near the spot. One shouted to deceased warning him of an approaching train, but deceased did not appear to hear and was knocked down and killed. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Deceased, who was a native of Washfield, attended for years the Tiverton Blue Coat School and was subsequently apprenticed to the baking business under the late Mr James Holway at Uffculme. The trade not agreeing with his health, he got work on the railway. He leaves a widow and 11 children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 August 1903
SEATON AND BEER - The Seaton Bathing Accident. The Inquest. - Yesterday the County Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox, of Honiton, held an Inquest at the Clarence Hotel, Seaton, on the body of HAROLD MAY, a young man of Worthing, who was on a visit to the town, and who was drowned while bathing at Seaton Hole on August 7th. - JOHN PERCY MAY, brother of the deceased, gave evidence of identification. He said his brother was 21 years of age and was in the fruit-growing trade at Worthing. He was with the deceased on Friday when the accident happened. witness, the deceased, and a cousin, named Victor Shepherd, hired a boat in the morning for the purpose of going out bathing. The deceased could swim and was with witness at Cromer last year in much rougher seas than at Seaton. ROLAND, another brother, did not go out in the boat, bathing from the beach instead. They rowed about 100 yards from the shore, sounded the depth with the oar and touched bottom. Witness dived off first from the side of the boat nearer the shore. When he got to the surface his brother was preparing to "take off." Witness said to him "You are sure you can swim?" and the deceased replied, "Oh, yes, that is all right," and laughed at him as he jumped from the boat. Earlier in the morning witness's younger brother, ROLAND, was chaffing the deceased about his swimming and suggested he should bathe from the beach. Witness, however, believed he could swim, or he would not have let him bathe from the boat. The deceased jumped into the water feet foremost and came to the surface almost immediately. To all appearances he was swimming, but soon after witness thought he was doing so flurriedly. It did not strike witness that he was in any danger. He was going in the direction of the shore. Thinking his brother might become exhausted, witness got into the boat and called to his cousin to return with the intention of pulling to the deceased. They took hold of the oars, but on looking for the deceased he had disappeared. They made a search, but without avail, and witness went to the shore to his mother. Several boats went out, but could not see the deceased. He fancied he heard his brother cry for help immediately before he went down, but he could not distinguish any word. - George Welch, boatman, of Seaton, said that on Wednesday his attention was called to the body of the deceased, which could be seen on the water, and about 100 yards from the beach. It was almost low tide and the spot was about that from which the deceased bathed on the day of the accident. He brought the body ashore. - Dr G. E. A. Evans said he had made a post mortem examination of the body. Death was due to drowning. There was no organic disease of the heart. - The Coroner said he requested a post mortem examination to be made in consequence of a report that the deceased's neck appeared to have been broken. It had been proved that that was not the case. - In summing up, the Coroner said there seemed to be rather a want of knowledge as to how far the deceased was able to swim. It might be that he was a fairly strong swimmer and was attacked by cramp. It was a sad case, and their sympathies would be to the mother and the relatives of the deceased in the great loss they had sustained. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives. - MR MAY said he desired to acknowledge the kind expressions of the Coroner and the Jury.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 August 1903
EXETER - A verdict of "Accidental Death" has been returned at an Inquest on the body of FRANK PASH, aged 9 years, at Exeter. Deceased on Sunday fell off a ladder which he was climbing but appeared to have escaped serious injury. On Tuesday, however, while sitting at table awaiting tea he suddenly became unconscious and, despite medical aid, died. A post mortem revealed a clot of blood on the brain and a fractured skull, which had caused the rupture of a blood vessel.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 August 1903
ST MARYCHURCH - At the Palk Arms Hotel, St. Marychurch, last evening, the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, held an Inquest on the body of ROSIE CROSS, 52, wife of a labourer residing at Coombe Cottage, Coombe Pafford, who died on Sunday after a fall over the stairs on the previous day. The evidence showed that deceased slipped while going down the stairs and fractured the base of her skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

COFFINSWELL - South Devon Farmer's Suicide. - Mr G. F. Kellock, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Coffinswell, near Newton, on the death of MR WILLIAM BOND, of the Manor Farm, who died on the previous night from gunshot wounds in the face. Mr F. Watts, of Newton, represented the deceased's family. The evidence of JAMES L. BOND (son) and CAROLINE BOND (widow), and Daniel Milton (labourer)showed that a slight report was heard, and a subsequent "cry." Deceased was found lying on his face in a tool house in the garden adjoining the farmhouse. An empty cartridge was on the ground and a gun close at hand. It was supposed that deceased held the gun close to his chin and pulled the trigger with a cricket stump. Deceased had been depressed for some time, and, after receiving the injuries, wrote that he wished to die. - Mr Ernest Hunt, Surgeon, practising at Newton, deposed that the actual wounds were not fatal. The lower portion of the mouth was destroyed and a part of the tongue blown away. It was the absorption of poison from the shot which proved fatal. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 20 August 1903
EXMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Exmouth. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth by Mr C. E. Cox, the County Coroner, on the body of MARY JANE DURANT, age 76, who died on the previous day as the result of an accident which befel her some time since. RYDER DURANT, the husband of the deceased, stated that on the night of 2nd June his wife tripped in a rug in the bedroom and fell heavily on to the floor. He assisted her into bed. His wife did not feel much hurt at the time, and by her desire witness did not call in a doctor for a day or two. Eventually when seen by Dr Thomas it was found that her leg was splintered and she was attended daily by the doctor up to the time of her death. FRANK DURANT, son, said his mother thought she was only slightly bruised and that she would soon get better. They did not consider the injury serious, and that was why a doctor was not at once summoned. Dr Martyn, who had attended deceased during the past week on behalf of Dr Thomas, who is away, said death was due to a bed-sore, caused by her having to keep her bed in consequence of the accident. Everything possible was done for the deceased. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 August 1903
ILFRACOMBE - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, on the body of JOHN THOMAS HISCOX, a Westminster contractor and a visitor, who died suddenly at the Ilfracombe Hotel on Saturday. The medical evidence pointed to angina pectoris as the cause of death.

PAIGNTON - Mr G. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Paignton last evening touching the death of SIDNEY HARRIS, 51 years of age, a retired brass and bronze founder, formerly of Birmingham, who for the last few months had been living at Paignton. The Coroner said that he intended only to take formal evidence at that Inquiry, as there would be an adjournment in order to obtain expert medical evidence. Mr H. C. Full, of Teignmouth, watched the case on behalf of the family of the deceased, and Mr Welch on behalf of persons interested. Evidence of identification was given by SIDNEY N. HARRIS, bank clerk, son of the deceased, who resided at Shaldon House, Shaldon. He said his father left his home on April 4th and had not resided there since. The last time he saw his father was about the middle of June. The Inquest was adjourned to September 4th.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 24 August 1903
PAIGNTON - The Cliff Accident At Paignton. - Mr G. F. Kellock held an Inquest at Paignton on Saturday evening touching the death of MISS ELLEN IDA ALLAN, a native of Cheltenham, who fell from Roundham Cliffs, a distance of 120 feet, and was instantly killed, on Friday afternoon. The REV. W. C. ALLAN, brother of the deceased, identified the body. It appears that the lady had resided at Paignton twelve months previous to her death and for some time past at South Eden, a home for invalids and for training nurses. Dr Bennett said MISS ALLAN had been a patient of his for some time. He saw her on Friday morning, when she complained of pains in her head, and he advised her to take a walk. She had, witness said, been in indifferent health for some time. Soon after two o'clock the same afternoon he was called to go to Goodrington Sands, where he saw the body of the deceased. Death must have been instantaneous. Mr G. Ferrier deposed that about two o'clock on Friday afternoon he was on Goodrington Beach when he saw deceased pitch on the rocks from the cliffs above. He did not actually see her until she was in the air, and therefore could form no opinion as to whether she accidentally fell over the cliffs. He immediately swam out to her and, with the assistance of three men, brought the body to the beach. The Coroner commended Mr Ferrier for the pluck he displayed. P.C. Christopher searched the clothes of the deceased, and found on her a pocket handkerchief only. There being no evidence as to whether the deceased accidentally fell over the cliffs or the contrary, an Open Verdict was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 26 August 1903
SILVERTON - Railway Fatality At Silverton. The Inquest. - Mr A. Burrow, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at a private residence near Silverton Railway Station yesterday afternoon on the body of MISS MARY BAKER, aged 53 years, who met her death in a shocking manner on the railway on Monday afternoon. - Chief-Inspector Shattock (Exeter) and Mr G. F. Llewellen (of the Locomotive Department) represented the Railway Company at the Inquest. - MR I. J. BAKER, of the Railway Hotel, Hele, identified the body of the deceased as that of his aunt, who for some time had acted as housekeeper for Mr Webber of Silverton. - The Stationmaster at Silverton Station said that MISS BAKER came to the Railway Station at about 4.51 p.m. the previous afternoon and was in the act of crossing the line to the down platform when she was knocked down by an engine. Witness was in his office at the time, but heard the signalman shout and the whistle of an engine was blown. Upon looking through the window he saw what had occurred and immediately rushed out. Witness found the deceased quite dead. - Fred Homeyard, Signalman, said that the deceased appeared to him to have stood still between the two sets of rails and the driver of the engine, who had shut off steam, seeing her in that position, thought that he could pass before she moved. The deceased, however, shifted, and was knocked down. - Charles finch, engine driver and Henry Howard, fireman, having given evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner inquired of Finch what his instructions were when he saw persons on the railway. - Finch replied that they were to sound the whistle and pull up.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 28 August 1903
EXETER - Last evening the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at Exeter on the body of EDWARD JOHN WATKINS, aged 6, son of MR THOMAS WATKINS, grocer's porter, of 27 Preston-street, Exeter, who was accidentally drowned in the river Exe, at the Quay, on the previous day. From the evidence, it appeared that the deceased went down the steps at the ferry to recover a fishing string and fell into the water. Before the ferryman could get to him he had disappeared. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 August 1903
DARTMOUTH - A Fireman's Death At Dartmouth. - At the Inquest yesterday on GEORGE PERRING, a member of the Dartmouth Fire Brigade, Charles Favis, also a member, said the Brigade received a call to a fire at Townstall on Thursday afternoon, between 3 and 4 o'clock. When they started driving the engine up Victoria-road, deceased was riding with him on the front. There were five men on the engine. Near Mr Jackman's gardens deceased stood up and leant forward, taking the whip from witness to touch the horses up. Then he slipped from the shaft and fell under the wheels, with his head outwards. The wheels went over his body. They were travelling smartly at the time. Witness pulled up the engine very quickly, not more than a yard from the deceased's body, and the Brigade took him to Mr Wallis's house, close by. - J. H. Wallis assistant superintendent of the Brigade, said he was riding on the step of the engine behind, and therefore did not see deceased get on the shaft. He saw him fall under the engine and, jumping off at once, endeavoured to extricate him before the hind wheel went over him, but it was beyond his power. The fore wheel had already gone over his chest. - The Coroner: What would be the weight of the engine? - Thirty hundredweight, without counting the men. Deceased expired while they were taking him to his (witness's) house, close at hand. - Dr G. B. Soper said deceased was dead when he arrived a few moments after the accident. Several ribs and the main chest bone were fractured and deceased died from a ruptured heart. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Coroner expressed deep sympathy, on his own and the Jury's behalf, with the widow and relatives of the deceased.

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Mystery. The Inquest. Post-Mortem Ordered On CHERRY. Proceedings Adjourned. - The circumstances attending the deaths of JOHN CHERRY and SARAH THORNE, of Hull, whose bodies were found in the Ilfracombe harbour on Wednesday, were investigated yesterday by Dr E. J. Slade-King and a Jury at an Inquest held at the Police Station. Mr J. D. Grant was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence relative to the death of JOHN CHERRY was first taken. - RICHARD CHERRY, a shipwright, of Kingston-on-Hull, said the deceased was his brother. He was 41 years of age, and lived at Kingston-on-Hull. He was a detective in the Hull City Police. Witness last saw him alive about a month ago and he was not aware that his brother had left Hull for Ilfracombe. Deceased was a married man, and was in no pecuniary difficulties. Witness knew of nothing on his mind likely to lead to his committing any rash act. Deceased was a very cheerful man. - Mrs Diana Macaulay, of 87a High-street, Ilfracombe, said the deceased had lodged at her house. She last saw him alive at about 6.30 on Tuesday evening. He arrived at her house on the 17th inst. in the company of a woman. He did not appear to be in any way depressed. At 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday the woman said "We are going to Hillsborough for the last time," and the deceased assented. He had previously paid his bill. They appeared perfectly happy and witness's opinion when they were leaving the house on Tuesday evening was that they were more pleasant than usual. Witness began to be uneasy when they did not come home after the concerts were over and her husband communicated with the Police. - By the Foreman: The deceased gave no name or address when he came to lodge at her house. - By a Juror: The lodgings were not taken for any fixed time. There was nothing to indicate that there was anything behind the statement about seeing Hillsborough for the last time. - Daniel Lovering, boatman, of Ilfracombe, stated that on Wednesday afternoon, hearing an alarm, he went out in his boat and dragged the body of a man out of the water. there was a lot of blood running from a wound over the left eye and the water around the body was discoloured. The body did not appear to have been in the water more than an hour or two and he should not think it could have been washed far when he found it. He did not consider that it had been washed from Hillsborough, but from within the limits of the harbour. - By a Juror: The hoarding erected near the wall of the old pier would prevent anyone seeing a person struggling in the water, and it would hinder a person from rescuing a drowning individual. - The Jury having considered in private for some time, the Coroner announced that they had decided that a post-mortem examination was desirable and he accordingly adjourned the Inquiry until 6 p.m. on Monday next. - The Inquest on the woman was then proceeded with. - RICHARD CHERRY identified the body as that of SARAH THORNE, aged 28, of Kingston-on-Hull, a single woman. When witness last saw her she was at Hull in the company of his deceased brother's wife. She was on friendly terms with his brother and with all the family. Witness knew nothing of her intention of joining his brother at Ilfracombe. - Thomas Rudd, boatman, of Ilfracombe, said that on Wednesday last, about 12.30 he found the body of the deceased in 3 ft. of water between the old and the new piers. Blood was running from a wound over the right eye. He should say that the body had been in the water for three or four hours. - By the Jury: It was low water at about 2 o'clock that morning. If a person fell on to the steps at the pier he or she would probably be found in the same position as that in which he found the body of the deceased woman. In the woman's hair he saw some of the small shingle and weed which could be found in the harbour. Deceased was fully dressed, with hat and shoes on. It was quite possible for a person sitting on the edge of the pier to fall over on to the steps, a depth of from 12 ft. to 14 ft. Provided that a chain was put across, the steps were sufficiently protected to prevent accident. The lamps were burning all night, and there was a night watchman on duty. - MRS MARY BEAUMONT, of Garforth, near Leeds, said she last saw the deceased (her sister) alive a fortnight ago, when she was on a visit at her (witness's) house. Witness knew nothing of her subsequent movements. Deceased was on very intimate terms with the wife of JOHN CHERRY. She was of a very lively temperament. :She had never hinted that she had formed any attachment for JOHN CHERRY, and witness did not know of his ever having been away with deceased before. Witness knew of nothing that could have led to the deceased not wishing to return home. - By the Jury: Her sister left her (witness's) house for Leeds a fortnight the previous day, saying she was going to look around Leeds for a day before returning home. Her mother thought the deceased was staying with witness and witness thought that the deceased was with her mother. - Edward Zouch, boatman, of Ilfracombe, deposed that on Tuesday night he saw the two deceased crossing the new pier at about a quarter after 10 o'clock. they were walking a considerable distance apart and joined and re-joined each other. They went over the stone bench and that was all he saw of them. They were talking together, but witness did not hear what they said. It was impossible for anyone to leave the pier at that hour through the gate without the night watchman seeing them. - By the Jury: They did not appear to be unfriendly, but it looked as if the man wanted to do something and the woman was unwilling. They walked in the direction of the only unprotected place, which was not then lighted. the only part of the pier where people had any business to go was well lit, but the stone bench was in darkness. - MRS JESSIE CHERRY, widow of the deceased JOHN CHERRY, said she last saw her husband alive a fortnight the previous day. He told her he was going to Hamburg. She had not the slightest suspicion of any undue intimacy between SARAH THORNE and her husband. Witness and SARAH THORNE were like sisters and the latter was on very good terms with her husband who was on his annual eave. She knew nothing about his going to Ilfracombe. - George Pine, a night watchman, employed by the Harbour Company, said that on Tuesday he was on duty on the pier. If there were people remaining on the pier at a quarter-past 10 he must have seen them, but not a man or woman in company left after 10.30 that night. - By the Jury: He patrolled the pier on the night in question, but did not go down the steps. He saw Zouch leave and no one left answering to the description of the deceased man and woman after him. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until Monday evening.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 September 1903
ILFRACOMBE - The Ilfracombe Mystery. Adjourned Inquest. - The Inquiry into the death of JOHN CHERRY and SARAH THORNE, of Hull, was resumed at the Police Station last evening by Dr Slade-King, Deputy Coroner, and a Jury. Mr J. P. Finch represented the harbour authorities. - Dr Ernest Gardner stated that he had made a post mortem examination on the body of JOHN CHERRY. He was of opinion that deceased met with his death by drowning. There were no marks of external injury except the wound over the left eye. - Dr F. W. Langridge then deposed as to the result of his post-mortem on the body of SARAH THORNE. The body was fully developed and there were no signs of external violence, with the exception of an abrasion on the face. He was of opinion that death was due to syncope, caused by shock. There were no signs of death by drowning. - In reply to the Jury, witness said deceased must have either been dead before she entered the water or on the first contact with it. - The Coroner then gave a resume of the case, tracing the parties from the time that CHERRY left Hull and THORNE, Leeds, to their supposed departure for Hillsboro'; their being seen on the Pier and their bodies found next morning. They could only draw inference from the facts of a sad and pitiable case. - The Jury, after half an hour's deliberation, found that the man died by Drowning, but how he got in the water there was no evidence to show. - The verdict in regard to the woman was that death was due to heart failure produced by shock, but what caused the shock there was no evidence to show.

BRADNINCH - Sad Death At Bradninch. Excessive Drinking. - Mr A. Burrow, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry in the Parish Room, Bradninch, last evening, into the circumstances surrounding the death of WILLIAM FORSE, labourer, of Bradninch, who was found dead by his wife early on Sunday morning. Mr Wm. Baker was Foreman of the Jury. - EDITH FORSE, widow of the deceased, said when she retired to bed she left deceased in a chair. She went downstairs between two and three o'clock. He was then lying on the carpet. She placed a cushion under his head. He was apparently breathing all right. At five o'clock she found him dead and immediately called a Mr Snell. - Richard Vinnicombe, employed at the Bridge Mills, Bradninch, said he saw deceased at the Sportsman's Arms Inn. They left the Inn together. Witness took a bottle of gin with him. Deceased when near his door, said, "Aren't you going to ask me to have a drink?" Witness did so. He did not drink much. - George Splat, landlord of the Sportsman's Arms, said that on Saturday night deceased had four pints of beer. When he left the house he appeared to be sober. - P.C. Hunt, of Bradninch, said that on Saturday night he saw deceased lying inside the porch of his (deceased's) house. Vinnicombe took the deceased into the house. After he was inside witness heard the deceased tell Vinnicombe to get outside and it seemed that he tried to put him out. The deceased's wife, when she came downstairs, also requested Vinnicombe to leave the house, which he did. Recalled, Vinnicombe denied that the deceased fell in the porch. - Dr D. R. Muir said that deceased died from suffocation, caused by excessive drinking. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and gave their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 2 September 1903
SEATON AND BEER - A Sad Death At Seaton. - Yesterday, Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest in the Church Institute, Seaton, on the body of EDWIN GEORGE GIGG, aged eight years, son of MR SIDNEY GIGG, a shoemaker, of Seaton. - On the 25th June the little fellow, with other boys, was playing in the marshes. One of the lads named Sidney Newton, threw a bamboo cane over the railings, and it struck GIGG as he was in the act of rising from the ground. The boy went home, and up to last Friday week he complained of pain in the head. Dr Evans was called in, and did all that was possible, but the little fellow died on Sunday. Evidence was given by the lad Newton and this was corroborated by SIDNEY GIGG (deceased's brother). - Dr Evan, who made a post mortem examination, said that the cause of death was a fracture of the skull. - The Jury, of which Mr H. Abbot was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," caused by being struck on the head with the bamboo. The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 September 1903
PAIGNTON - Sudden Death At Paignton. The Adjourned Inquest. - Mr G. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an adjourned Inquest at the Town Hall, Paignton, last evening touching the sudden death of SIDNEY HARRIS, a retired brass and bronze founder, formerly of Birmingham. Mr Sidney Hacker, the Coroner, was also present. Mr Full, solicitor, of Teignmouth, attended on behalf of the family of the deceased, and Mr Welsh was also present on behalf of persons interested. - In opening the Inquiry, the Coroner intimated to the Jury that there would be a further adjournment as the report of the analyst had not been received. - Samuel Ward, skipper of the deceased's yacht, said he last saw the deceased on Sunday, August 16th. He was then at Madeira Cottage, Paignton, and appeared to be in his usual health. Deceased had been living at that house with a Mrs Jones for about three months. The Friday previous to his death he went with his master to Mr Roberts' office, who made his will; he was a witness to the document. Mrs Jones was also present. After the will was read witness saw the deceased sign his name to the same. - Harold Cottrell Adams, Surgeon, proved being called to the deceased a few hours previous to his death. He was suffering from an abscess, and also had the appearance of having been drinking heavily. The question of an operation was discussed with Mrs Jones, but witness considered him too weak to be operated upon. He saw deceased again just before his death, when he was partially recovered from a fit. He called again the same day and found he was dead. Witness considered deceased died from chronic alcoholism, which brought on epileptic fits, and he had given a certificate of death to that effect. - By Mr Full: Witness considered that deceased's intellect had become weakened by chronic alcoholism; it certainly was not normal. - Dr James Alexander proved making a post-mortem examination, at which Dr Adams assisted. He found no external signs of poisoning. Decomposition had set in to a large extent. According to instructions, he removed the stomach and other organs and left them with the Police, who forwarded them to an analyst. On opening the skull he found a large effusion of blood over the brain, which was quite sufficient to cause death. He should say a degenerated blood vessel had given way, caused, probably by a fit of coughing. It was his opinion that the primary cause of death was through drinking heavily, but finally the effusion of blood, inducing the fits, was the cause of death. - Mrs Jones was the next witness. Previous to her giving evidence, Mr Kellock remarked to her that she was not bound to be sworn, and that she need not give evidence unless she chose. Witness said she courted the fullest Inquiry. She then gave a long account of the deceased's sudden illness and his death. - The Coroner informed the Jury that he had received a telegram from the analyst, which stated that he could find no symptoms of poison in the stomach, therefore the Inquiry would be completed that evening. At the commencement of the case there were great suspicions as to the cause of death, but those had been cleared away by the medical evidence and the expert's report. It would be therefore for the Jury now to consider their verdict. - The verdict returned was that "Deceased died by a rupture of a blood vessel on the brain, the result of chronic alcoholism."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 10 September 1903
BIDEFORD - Found Drowned At Bideford. - An Inquest was held at Bideford yesterday on the body of STANLEY SCOINS, who was found drowned the previous day. The mother of the boy said that when she came home from work on Monday night the boy met her in the street and told her he was going to the show-yard at East-the-Water. Thomas Bisset, another lad, deposed that he saw the deceased about 10 o'clock. He was playing on a heap of gravel just by the edge of the Quay, but said he was going home shortly. Thomas Davis said he found the body about 40 feet from where the boy was seen playing by the last witness. The body was then in about a foot of water. Dr Crosse said the cause of death was undoubtedly drowning, but when it occurred he could not say. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 14 September 1903
SIDMOUTH - Sensational Suicide At Sidmouth. A London Corn Merchant Poisons Himself. Preferred Death To Prison. - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Albany Villas, Cambridge-terrace, Sidmouth, on Saturday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the tragic death of FRANK HURT, 64 years of age, a London corn merchant and a member of the Corn Exchange, who committed suicide on Friday morning in a most determined and sensational manner. - Mr F. H. Drew was appointed Foreman of the Jury. - Frederick William Sauer, managing clerk for Messrs. Sandilands and Co., solicitors, London, identified the body as that of FRANK HURT, corn merchant, of the Corn Exchange Chambers, London, and who until his disappearance resided at 5 Lawnfield-road, Ealing. The firm which witness represented were his legal representatives and since deceased's departure from London had continued to act as adviser on behalf of the family. Since deceased left London, about April 23rd, he had not had the slightest idea as to his whereabouts. - Georgina Parkhouse, Lodging-house keeper at Sidmouth, stated that towards the end of April deceased came to live with them under the name of FELIX HARVEY, and gave his address as a London Hotel. He did not tell her what his occupation was. At times deceased appeared in a despondent state and particularly so during the last fortnight. He had several times made use of the expression that he was tired of life. - The Coroner: Did he say anything more than that? - Not much. He had said he might give himself a "pop" off. - The Coroner: Did you think much of what deceased said at the time? - I thought it rather strange, but passed it off. - Continuing, witness stated that she had not the slightest idea that he had absconded from London until Friday morning, when the warrant was served upon him. It greatly surprised her. Witness took the men to the bedroom. Three of them subsequently left, only Mr Morgan and the Police Constable remaining. This was at about 8.30 a.m. Deceased sent P.C. Hutchings for some coffee, and on a second occasion he returned for buttered toast. As the Police Constable was ascending the staircase with it Mr Morgan called for assistance. Witness went up into the bedroom and there saw deceased lying on the bed, as if he had carefully walked across the room and lain down. Mustard and water were poured down his throat, but to no avail. Deceased had his trousers, waistcoat and collar and tie on at the time. Witness had never noticed among deceased's bottles the two bottles produced, which contained prussic acid. She had an idea that deceased had a revolver in his possession, but could not find one. - By a Juryman: Have you within the last few days seen a new razor in deceased's bedroom? - I saw one on Friday, but I don't know how long he had purchased it. - By Mr Sauer: With the exception of business letters, deceased had only received one letter since he had resided at the house and that was two or three days after he had arrived. - Replying to a Juryman, witness said that prior to coming to reside at Sidmouth in April deceased came down in March and made arrangements. - George Morgan, acting for his brother as tipstaff for the Royal Courts of Justice, produced the warrant which was given to him by the Chief Clerk to the Bankruptcy Court to execute upon FRANK HURT for having avoided bankruptcy proceedings. Witness said the warrant ordered him to take HURT to Brixton Prison. In company with P.C. Hutchings, he executed the warrant on Friday morning in deceased's bedroom. HURT replied, "Very well," and commenced to dress. Subsequently he set about packing his portmanteau. Deceased did everything very carefully and his manner placed witness off his guard. Turning to witness, deceased said, "Send the Police Constable out of the room. He is worrying me." Witness replied, "He is doing no harm." When deceased found that P.C. Hutchings would not leave he asked the Constable to fetch him some coffee. The Constable did so. Deceased said the Policeman had brought him too much and asked him to return the remainder. P.C. Hutchings complied with the request. While he was away deceased proceeded to meddle with two or three little boxes. He took something from one of the boxes, which he must have slipped up his sleeve. He threw the box on the bed, walked over to the washstand, put something into a small glass and drank it. He then turned round and lay flat on the bed. Witness had not the slightest idea that HURT had taken poison, and when on the bed witness said to him, "Cheer up. This is nothing; you will soon get over it." Witness thought that what deceased had in the glass was a drop of brandy, or that it was something with which he was going to clean his teeth. He regarded the case as a deeply-planned one. - P.C. Hutchings deposed that he received instructions to assist in the arrest. On Friday morning, about 8.15 a.m., witness accompanied the last witness and two others to the house. After the warrant had been served Mr Robertson and Mr Dansie left the room, but witness remained with Mr Morgan, who served the warrant, witness only being present to prevent a breach of the peace. Witness corroborated Mr Morgan's statement as to what subsequently took place in regard to his being asked to fetch the deceased some coffee and toast. When witness saw that the man had poisoned himself he applied mustard and water and then went for a doctor. Witness did not notice any bottles in the room. Deceased passed the remark in the morning that he did not feel very well, having contracted a slight cold. - By a Juryman: Witness did not know that deceased had a new razor in his possession. - Dr Leon (Sidmouth) stated that he was called about 9 a.m. He found deceased lying on the bed dead. In the room witness found two bottles, both of which smelt of prussic acid. A label bore the name of "FRANK HURT, Corn Exchange, London," and the bottle must have been purchased in Banbury. Witness had written to the chemist whose name was on the bottle inquiring if he could tell the contents. Prussic acid was an extremely rapid poison; in fact, the most rapid poison known. He had no doubt but that deceased died from prussic acid poisoning. No pain was endured. - By a Juryman: Supposing the bottle was full, witness would say that it was probable deceased drank about three drams. - In reply to a question by a Juryman as to the deceased's pecuniary position, the Coroner said he was a bankrupt. - D. D. Robertson, chartered accountant, London, said that the deceased was adjudicated a bankrupt on May 29th. Witness was appointed trustee on June 9th. Since that date he had been tracing banknotes which deceased took away with him. Deceased absconded with a considerable amount of money. Last Wednesday morning he (Mr Robertson) found that four banknotes had been cashed in the name of FELIX HARVEY through the London and South Western Bank at Sidmouth. He recognised the signatures as being similar to the handwriting of HURT, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He (Mr Robertson) came down from London to take possession of the deceased's property. Mr Hames, of the London and South Western Bank, Sidmouth, having seen a photograph, identified HURT as the man who cashed the cheques. Mr W. Dansie, clerk to the petitioning creditors, also recognised him. As trustee he (Mr Robertson) had taken possession of a large amount of the deceased's property found in the house. It was hardly desirable for him to give the amount. - Mrs Parkhouse, recalled, said she had never seen the deceased the worse for drink. - The Jury then considered their verdict. With the exception of Mr J. T. Clarke, all were agreed that deceased Committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind. - Mr Clarke thought the case was one of Felo De Se. - The Coroner: I don't want to dictate to you. If the other Jurymen are agreed I shall accept the verdict. - Mr Clarke: I should be the last to wound feelings, but one must be conscientious. - Mr Robertson said that the landlady would tell them that quite recently deceased saw some friends who recognised him. After that he kept to the house for several days. - Subsequently Mr Clarke agreed with the other members of the Jury on the verdict returned. - Mr Sauer informed the Jury, in reply to a question, that deceased had left a wife hopelessly paralysed. There were no children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 September 1903
TOTNES - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was yesterday returned at an Inquest at Totnes Cottage Hospital on the body of EMILY BATTLE, housemaid to the Hon. Mrs Jervoise Smith, of Sandwell, who was killed as the result of a trap accident when returning from Totnes Races on Thursday. the evidence showed that the horse drawing the trap shied at a passing break, and that the trap was overturned through contact with a hedge. Deceased was 19 years of age, and belonged to Essex.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 16 September 1903
CHUDLEIGH - LIEUT. MACKAY HERIOT'S Sad Death. The Inquest. - Yesterday, at the Town Hall, Chudleigh, Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest into the death of LIEUT. MACKAY HERIOT, of the Indian Staff Corps, son of Major-General MACKAY HERIOT of Newton Abbot. Deceased was found on the previous day lying on the main road between Ashcombe Cross and Thornes, in the parish of Chudleigh, apparently having been thrown from his horse. - MRS MACKAY HERIOT, wife of Captain GRANFIELD MACKAY HERIOT, who is now in China, identified the body as that of her brother-in-law, OSCAR, aged 23. He was a lieutenant in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and had been home on sick leave for exactly twelve months. He was unmarried. At the time of his death he was still suffering from debility. - Frank Hellier, a young farmer, of Harcombe, Chudleigh, said he was informed the previous morning that deceased's horse had run away near Ashcombe Cross. Witness rode in the direction in which he was told the horse had gone. On the Exeter road, and about a mile on, he saw a man's hat lying in the road. About a quarter of a mile further on he came upon the deceased lying near the hedge. The horse was not to be seen. Deceased was bleeding from the nose and there was a good deal of blood in the road. Witness went back for assistance, and then fetched a medical man from Chudleigh. Witness did not think deceased was dead when he left him. - Frank Dunford, in the employ of Mr Hopkins, London Hotel Mews, Dawlish, said he drove to the meet of the Haldon Harriers, at Ideford, in a dogcart. He there saw deceased riding a horse. Some time after the hounds drew from Ashcombe covers he again saw him leading his horse. He remarked that the horse was "a little too much for him, and he should take it to the bottom of the hill and give it a gallop up to quiet it a bit." Witness was of opinion that really he was not strong enough to be with a horse. As witness, in his dogcart, turned off to Chudleigh, the horse again passed him, coming up the hill at a canter. A short distance ahead deceased turned and called out that he could not stop his horse, though, added witness, he did not appear to be in difficulties. However, he dropped his hunting-crop and witness picked it up. The previous witness came up immediately afterwards and witness informed him that deceased's horse had apparently run away. Later on witness came upon the body on the highway in Chudleigh parish. Deceased was unconscious, but seemed to be breathing. Witness procured some water from a cottage and bathed deceased's head. There were then no signs of life. In answer to the Coroner, witness said if deceased had possessed an ordinary man's strength he did not think he would have been unable to stop the horse. He was using a Pelham bit. - James Hutchinson Walker, medical practitioner, of Chudleigh, said he was called shortly after 10 o'clock to attend deceased, who had apparently been dead for some little time. Near where he lay was a large pool of blood. There was a scalp wound at the back of his head. The pupils of his eyes were widely dilated, which pointed to an injury to the brain. As far as he could tell from an external examination, deceased's neck appeared to have been broken and the base of the skull was probably fractured. Death must have been very speedy. A pace and a half from the pool of blood there were marks of a horse's hoofs as if it had stopped suddenly - either through shying or a stumble - and this seemed to suggest that deceased had been thrown over the animal's head. - Frederick Bulley, horse dealer of Newton Abbot, said on the way to the meet deceased rode up to him and remarked: "Bulley, I have got a handful." The horse was excited, and was reaching at its bridle, and would have taxed the strength of a strong man. Witness saw that deceased could not hold it and advised him to take it back. Deceased replied that he would do so after attending the meet. Deceased was riding a fresh, thick-set, strong cob. Witness saw nothing more of him after the meet. - Cranley Williams, livery stable keeper, of Newton Abbot, said he kept the cob for Mr Dobson, the owner, who lent it to deceased. The cob was a perfectly quiet one, but had a hard mouth. It went away from the stables very quietly, but probably became upset by the hounds. It was found on Haldon about two hours after the accident without a scratch. - P.C. Joslin spoke to removing the body to Chudleigh Town Hall and finding a spur in one of deceased's pockets. - Mr Dobson spoke to the perfect temper of the cob, remarking that children had ridden it. He should now, in view of what had occurred, get rid of the horse, but, in ordinary circumstances, he would not have sold it for money. No one regretted the accident more than he did. Deceased was a great invalid, and never ought to have been on horseback at all. - Mr Baron Webster, master of the Haldon Harriers, corroborated the statement of the owner. - The Coroner, in summing up, said deceased evidently had not the strength to pull in the horse and that was the explanation of the cause of the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding an expression of opinion that no blame attached to anyone and passing a vote of condolence with the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 21 September 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - The Newton Sensation. Inquest And Verdict. - At the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, on Saturday, Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, Inquired into the circumstances relating to the discovery of the body of a recently-born female child at Pendennis, Keyberry, Newton, on Friday. The body, it appeared, was found wrapped in a linen petticoat and deposited in the cellar of Pendennis. The discovery was made by Mrs Yarde, wife of the Rev. Edward Yarde, and daughter of Mr and Mrs Todd, who reside at Pendennis. Upon being questioned NELLIE WEST, the housemaid, admitted being the mother of the child, and upon the Police being sent for she was given into custody upon a charge of concealing the birth of the child. It appeared in the evidence that WEST, who is only 17 years of age, was taken ill on the 17th of August and was sent to bed, but she attended to her work again the next day. Dr Stephens spoke to making a post-mortem examination of the body. He found it in an advanced stage of decomposition. There was a hole under the angle of the left jaw. It extended to behind the wind-pipe, and through it one could put the tip of one's finger. Witness could not say whether the hole was due to decomposition or not. It might have been a wound. Around the neck of the child was tied a piece of linen, about a quarter of an inch wide. Asked if the linen was tied tight, the doctor said one could just get one's finger underneath by pulling at it. After an interval of a month the body would have a tendency to shrink. There was a mark around the neck. The piece of linen was not tight enough at the time of examination to produce strangulation. Witness would not express an opinion as to whether the child was strangled. The body was so decomposed that he was unable to say whether the child had had a separate existence. It might have been a stillborn child. Dr Hunt corroborated and added that the body was that of a full-term female child. The Coroner, summing up, referred to the suspicious nature of the case, and the Jury returned an Open Verdict. - Subsequently NELLIE WEST, whose parents reside at St Austell, whence she came to Newton Abbot about six months ago, was charged before Messrs. W. J. Watts, jun. (in the chair) and W. Laycock with concealing the birth of her child and was remanded until today. Mr Armstrong represented accused.

ILFRACOMBE - At an Inquest at the Police Station, Ilfracombe, on the body of THOMAS LANGDON ROWE, bathing attendant at the Tunnels, who was washed out to sea during the recent gale while endeavouring to save a boat a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 22 September 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - Sad Death Of A Bristol Man. Suicide Near Newton. - At the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of JAMES WILDERSPIN, who was found lying with his throat cut in a field at Stokeinteignhead. The facts were briefly reported in yesterday's "Gazette." - BESSIE WILDERSPIN, the widow, identified deceased as her husband. He was 36 years of age and was a washer-cutter for pumps and hydraulic couplings. Since March they had been living at Bristol, removing there from Cambridge. Her husband had been in South Africa. He had enteric fever twice, and when his time was up he came home. He was in the Bedford Regiment, and was for some time in the Reserve, but that was before she knew him. There was one child of the marriage, aged four weeks, and one other child by a previous marriage. A fortnight ago he left home for Exeter. He did not want to go as witness was ill, but she persuaded him to go. He had been in Devonshire taking orders for his washers, and among others had one from Messrs. Willey and Co., of Exeter. He said he would return on the following day, Friday, and told her he should work his way to Plymouth, to which place she was to write. She wrote there twice, but got no reply. She did not trouble about his return, as sometimes he was away for six or seven weeks soliciting orders. He left her 50s. before he went away. He always earned his living, and helped to support his mother. About two months ago he had a sun stroke, and after that seemed a little queer. Business was bad, and he seemed to worry a lot, being afraid he would be unable to get a living for her. On his last journey deceased had not sent her any money, though his custom was to send her money when he did not come home at the weekend. - A pathetic incident occurred while witness was identifying some articles found on deceased. Picking up a photograph she exclaimed "There he is, look!" and burst into tears. Continuing, she said her husband was the last man she would have thought likely to take his life. - William Taylor, landlord of the Jolly Sailor Inn, Newton Abbot, said deceased came to lodge at his house last Friday week. He paid his bill and left on Thursday afternoon without saying where he was going. When he arrived he had nothing with him, but last Friday he had a bag with him. He then mentioned he was going to Bristol, but changed his mind and remained until Thursday. Witness could throw no light on what happened. Deceased, whose manner was quiet and normal, left his bag in witness's charge. - Ellen Dowrick, of Stokeinteignhead, the wife of a gardener, said deceased came to her house at midday on the previous Friday and asked for a drink of water. He then asked her if he was looking ill. She replied that she did not think so, though he was "in a tremble," and he told her he was very ill, adding, "I don't know what will become of me." Then he walked away towards Stoke in the direction of the spot where he was found. He did not appear to have been drinking. - John Hill, farm labourer, said he was on the road from Stoke to Solomon's Post - Long Park-hill - in company with young men and a young woman. He heard a noise from an adjoining field, but took no notice of it. On returning some time afterwards they heard the same noise and entered the field. They saw lying down a man who, they thought, was the worse for drink. He was groaning and they lifted him up. Witness then struck a match and saw that his face was covered with blood. They ran for a Policeman. - P.C. Patch, of Combeinteignhead, proved finding deceased on his face and hands. He had a large cut across his throat and appeared to be quite dead. Dr Snell was sent for and declared that life was extinct. Witness searched deceased, and found a small knife covered with blood in an outside pocket. There was also a purse with a farthing in it. There was no sign of foul play. Deceased was subsequently removed to the Mortuary. Witness had seen deceased the same morning in Combeinteignhead parish, when he appeared to have been sleeping out. - William Ker Bell, Medical Practitioner, of Shaldon, who examined deceased, deposed to finding a deep wound in the throat. Several branches of the large artery had been severed. Deceased, who had bled to death, had probably taken some time to die. Apparently the wound was self-inflicted. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased Committed Suicide during Temporary Insanity. A vote of sympathy was passed with the widow, to whom the Jury gave their fees.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 September 1903
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident To A Child At Torquay. - Yesterday, at the Upton Parish Room, Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of PERCY BASTARD, aged three, the son of EDWARD E. BASTARD, tailor, of Temperance-street, who died at the Hospital on Wednesday from injuries received through being run over by one of Messrs. Farrant and Co.'s furniture waggons. - The evidence showed that at 6 o'clock the waggon was left by the carters with its wheels chained and the shafts fixed against the wall on a piece of private ground belonging to Messrs. Farrant and Co. Twenty minutes after the vehicle was seen to be in motion, and it passed over the body of the child, who, with two others, was playing near it. The chain was then unfastened, and the shafts removed from against the wall, but by whom there was no evidence to show. The child was removed to the Hospital and died almost immediately. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and recommended that vans left so near the public highway should be properly secured.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 28 September 1903
OKEHAMPTON - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday at Okehampton on the body of EDWIN JOHN PETHRICK, Post-office clerk, who died almost suddenly the previous day. The medical evidence was to the effect that deceased was suffering from disease of the valves of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TEIGNMOUTH - At Chamonix, New-road, Teignmouth, on Saturday, Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an inquest touching the death of MRS EMMA VINES, 73, a visitor from Gloucestershire, who suddenly expired the previous night at her lodgings. Miss Hallett, a governess, said only a few minutes before she died deceased remarked to her that she had never felt better in her life. A son-in-law of deceased, Clerk of the Peace for Rochester, identified the body. Dr G. M. A. Rudkin, who made a post-mortem examination, stated that the cause of death was fatty degeneration of the heart and that deceased was in such a condition that she might have died at any moment. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 29 September 1903
EXETER - Child's Death At Exeter. Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Station yesterday by Mr H. W. Gould on the body of the male child of LOUISE COLLIS of 10 The Arcade, Exeter. - Chief-Inspector Dymond watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police. - GEORGINA COLLIS, wife of HENRY COLLIS, manager at the gasworks, Somerton, identified the body as that of the child of her daughter, LOUISE COLLIS. The mother was unmarried. She first saw the deceased on Saturday, when she went to the Arcade in consequence of a telegram received from her (witness's) younger daughter. LOUISE was in bed and the child on the top of a box. She had heard since that the child was born two days previously. - Mr Gould, at this stage thought it would be desirable to adjourn the Inquest. The mother of the child was not in a fit state to attend that day and it was necessary that they should hear her evidence. It was also desirable that a post-mortem examination should be made. He did not know whether the Jury were desirous of hearing what the doctor had to say, but he thought it would be better if they waited until a post-mortem examination had been held before they heard his evidence. - Mr Miller, Surgeon, said he did not think the mother of the child would be able to attend until a fortnight had elapsed. - The Inquest was therefore adjourned until tomorrow fortnight.

BONDLEIGH - The Death Of A Bondleigh Farmer. The Inquest. - Yesterday, Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Cholhouse Farm, Bondleigh, on the body of MR HENRY WESTERN. The Rev. Hugh Rattenbury, of Northtawton, was chosen :Foreman of the Jury - MISS FRANCES WESTERN, sister of the deceased, identified the body as that of her brother, aged 54 years. On Friday evening he came into the house about 6 o'clock, and said he thought of going to bed. She was writing a letter at the time and took but little notice of the remark. He said as she was busy he would not bother her. He then went out of the house and about half an hour afterwards, he not returning and the cows not being in the shippen, she went to look for him and found him lying partly on his side on the ground. She and her sister were greatly alarmed at finding their brother in such a position and concluded that he had had a fit. Asked by the Coroner why she did not get assistance before 11 o'clock in the night, she said that her sister would not let her leave her, as there was no one living in the farm house with them. They got some straw, a pillow and a rug, and made him as comfortable as possible. She gave him no stimulants, but about 11 she saw a change in him. She then left her sister and went for assistance. She called Mrs Kemp, who lived a quarter of a mile distant. - MISS ELIZABETH WESTERN, the other sister, corroborated. - Mrs Ellen Kemp, wife of John Kemp, a farm labourer, deposed that when she and her husband arrived at Cholhouse she considered that deceased was dead. She put a little brandy into his mouth, also got some hot water and bathed his hands. He seemed to be lying very comfortably. - John Kemp gave similar evidence. - Charles Brook, farm labourer working at Cholhouse, said he and a man named Tancock and deceased were working in a barn combing reed. - The Coroner: Did you notice whether your master had been drinking? - Answer: Not that I could see. - Questioned by P.C. Richards, he admitted that there were a few words between the men and his master, the latter saying they were both agreed. They again resumed work for a short time, when the horses stopped, and deceased said they had better taken them out. The last time he saw his master alive was when he was crossing the court. - P.C. Richards said he was called at 1 a.m. on the 26th inst., and at once proceeded to Cholhouse, where he found deceased lying on his left side. He applied artificial respiration, which was of no avail. - Dr Cutcliffe, of Northtawton, said that he had made a post-mortem examination, and found that the cause of death was due to haemorrhage in the centre of the brain, or, otherwise, apoplexy. Asked whether there were any marks of violence, he replied in the negative. Asked whether by his not being removed to the house or any place of shelter would hasten his death, witness replied he did not think it did, but the Jury must not think that such cases of exposure as that should be general. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, sympathised with the sisters, and said that there was o blame attached to them.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 30 September 1903
THURLESTONE - The Suicide Near Kingsbridge. Strange Evidence At The Inquest. - Yesterday at noon, the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, held an Inquiry at Aunemouth House, Bantham, near Kingsbridge, concerning the tragic death of MR HALLIDAY HARCOURT, formerly practising as a solicitor in London, but who retired several years ago. - MR CLARENCE HARCOURT, solicitor of Allan Bank, Rodway-road, Roehampton, identified the body of deceased as his brother, who was 37 years of age. - MRS GRACE LILIAN HARCOURT, the widow, said she last saw deceased alive on Friday night, and when she woke up Saturday morning he was gone away. He had previously told her that he was going out early in order to get his boat over the bar. - George Moore Burgoyne, a farmer, of North Upton, in the parish of Thurlestone, said that on the roadway near Stiddicombe Creek on Saturday he saw some footmarks, as if made by sand shoes or a pair of stockings. Later he saw the body of deceased on the sand, below high-water mark, in Stiddicombe Creek. Life was quite extinct. - Samuel Woodley, of Lower Aunemouth Farm, deposed to having seen deceased's dead body on the sand in Stiddicombe Creek. There were no marks upon the sand where the body was. Deceased had no shoes or hat on. A little blood was issuing from the mouth, and he was lying on his face, with his hands open upon his breast. - James Elliott, labourer, living at Buckland, stated that he found two bags upon the roadway near the house on Saturday morning. One bag contained fishing tackle, &c., and both were stained with blood. Close by he found a pair of shoes. - By MR CLARENCE HARCOURT: It did not appear that the articles had been placed systematically upon the roadway. - Miss Mabel Umfreville, staying at Aunemouth, stated that she found a revolver (produced) in a field near the residence. She had never seen it before. Deceased told her it was his intention to go out fishing early on the Saturday morning. MRS HARCOURT afterwards identified the revolver as having belonged to deceased. - Dr Lionel de Courcy Harston, of Kingsbridge, said he had been attending deceased up to the time of his death. Some time ago MR HARCOURT fell from his horse and sustained an injury to his skull, which produced epileptic fits and convulsions. He saw the body on Saturday. It was face downwards, the face being partly in the muddy sand. As the tide was rising, he had the body removed to the house. He had made a post-mortem examination. There were no external marks, except a small incised wound immediately behind the lobe of the right ear, evidently caused by a blunt instrument. It was not a gunshot wound. There were no other marks of violence. He examined the brain and found the whole of the membranes congested. The brain showed present and past inflammatory trouble. As a whole, however, the brain was an exceedingly good one. He carefully examined the mouth and found no sign of a wound. He considered there had been haemorrhage of the right lung, which would be sufficient to account for the blood which issued from the mouth. Death was undoubtedly due to drowning. - The Foreman (Mr F. H. Hewett) asked if a mark upon deceased's face was caused by powder from a weapon. - Dr Harston said it might be. There were no other powder marks and the one on the face was purely superficial. In the revolver were four cartridges. One had, perhaps, been recently discharged, but the others were rusted in, and great difficulty had been experienced in removing them. - MRS HARCOURT said she was not aware her husband had carried a pistol with him, although some time ago he talked about purchasing one. She then told him that to do so was quite needless. - MR CLARENCE HARCOURT told the Jury that some time ago his brother had some little trouble with a man some distance away and he felt nervous about it and wrote to a friend in town asking him to recommend him someone who sold revolvers. His friend replied, advising him to have nothing to do with it. He knew that, unknown to his wife, deceased used foolishly to take a pistol about with him. - The Coroner gave a précis of the evidence and, after a long consultation in private, the Jury found that deceased Committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind; that he first attempted to shoot himself with a revolver, and afterwards drowned himself. - Sympathy was expressed with the family of deceased. - The funeral will take place in London.

ILFRACOMBE - Shocking Occurrence At Ilfracombe. A Waiter Poisoned. - Late on Monday night a waiter named FRANK POWLEY met with his death under most shocking circumstances. - He had just terminated a season appointment at an Ilfracombe Hotel, and was in lodgings at Cambridge Grove, taking a short holiday before proceeding to Bath to fulfil another engagement. After supper he felt unwell. He then, in mistake for some medicine which he kept, drank a quantity of oxalic acid, although it appears it was labelled "Poison." - For two hours he suffered intense agony, and, notwithstanding that everything possible was done by Drs. Langridge and Parr, he expired. - At the Inquest held by Dr Slade-King, EDITH MARY POWLEY, the widow, said her husband was not well. She left the house for a short time and on her return heard him calling to send for a doctor, as he had made a mistake and taken oxalic acid instead of salts. Witness was in the habit of keeping oxalic acid in the house, as her husband used to clean brass with it. It had a red label on it and was kept in a cupboard. She gave him water and put him to bed and a friend, named Mabel Garrett, who was staying with her, went for the doctor. Dr Langridge came at once. She had not seen the bottle since March, when they came to Ilfracombe. After the doctor came witness remained with deceased until he died, at 10.30 p.m. By the Jury: She did not know where the Epsom salts were kept. - Dr Langridge said about 2 p.m. on Monday he was called to deceased, who, it was said, had taken poison. As he did not know what poison, he told the messenger to give him some mustard and water and promptly visited him and gave the usual remedies. Death was due to an irritant poison, probably oxalic acid. Deceased stated that he had taken this in mistake for Epsom salts. He was quite compos mentis. Witness produced specimens of the two kinds of acids, which bore a strong resemblance. The symptoms were quite in accordance with the taking of oxalic acid. - The wife, recalled, said deceased had another winter engagement at Bath. He was in the habit of taking Epsom salts as a medicine. - Mabel Garrett having given evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure." - Mr H. R. Grover, manager of the Ilfracombe Hotel, gave deceased an excellent character and said he was one of the best waiters he had ever had.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 2 October 1903
BARNSTAPLE - At an Inquest on the body of JOHN LIAS STRIBLING, a pilot and bargeman, late of Holland-street, who was drowned in the Taw through his barge sinking on the 10th of September, the day of the great storm, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned". The funeral took place at the cemetery on Sunday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 October 1903
TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Quay Accident. The Inquest. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, touching the death of CHARLES HAMLEY, 65 years of age, a labourer, who fell over the Quay on Saturday afternoon. Mr. E. J. Tozer (solicitor) and Mr W. S. Wills (Secretary) were present representing the Teignmouth Quay Company and Mr H. Shooter (Inspector of Factories and Workshops) represented the Home Office. - Elizabeth Binning, wife of a builder's foreman, identified the deceased as her brother-in-law. - Carol Straumer, who spoke through a local interpreter named Franks, said he was the captain of the Russian vessel Arcturus. As the vessel was drawing alongside the Quay witness called out to deceased, who was on the Quay, to take a line which he threw him. Deceased failed to catch it and then appeared to stumble and over-balance himself. He fell over into the water, first falling against a pile at the side of the Quay. Within less than half a minute he was taken out of the water by witness and the mate. Deceased did not sink. He did not know whether he was unconscious when taken out. - Hans Gakedelh, the mate, corroborated. He said the railway trucks were so close to the edge of the Quay, that there was dangerously little space for a man to move about in. Deceased fell sideways on the cross-plank between two upright supports before striking the water. - Mr Wills said deceased must have fallen into a depth of about 10 ft. of water. - Dr F. C. Piggott said he had attended deceased for several severe illnesses. He was not a strong man. Witness was called after the accident on the Quay, where he found deceased lying quite dead. Witness was informed that he had been out of the water for 40 minutes and that artificial respiration had been attempted. There was a definite bruise on deceased's right temple, and his mouth and nose were full of froth. The appearance of the skin pointed to the fact that the man was alive when he fell into the water. He was probably insensible at the time and a man who fell into the water unconscious would drown very much more quickly than a man with his wits about him. His general appearance was consistent with death from drowning. - William Shellabear, employed by the Great Western Railway Company, said deceased was very promptly got out of the water. In his opinion he was dead when he was taken out; in fact, he never struggled while he was in the water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning," and expressed their sympathy with the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 8 October 1903
GREAT TORRINGTON - Burning Accident At Great Torrington. Fatal Results. - The Inquest on the body of MARY ELIZABETH HARTNOLL, aged 45, wife of MR WILLIAM HARTNOLL, journeyman butcher, residing in South-street, Great Torrington, was held by Mr Bromham, County Coroner. - WILLIAM HARTNOLL, husband of the deceased(and whose hands and arms were heavily bandaged, he having been also badly burnt), stated that on Friday evening, about 6 o'clock, he went to bed, as he had been ill lately, suffering from sciatica. His wife assisted him into bed. Later in the night she prepared to retire and put on her nightdress, which was made of flannelette. She was in the act of extinguishing the lamp when it exploded with a terrific noise, and in a moment she was enveloped in flames. Witness immediately jumped out of bed and tried to throw her on the floor, but could not manage it. He asked her to lie down, but she was too frightened. He took her in his arms and tried to extinguish the flames by beating them with his hands. She screamed for her next door neighbours (Mr and Mrs Stevens). Witness tried to carry her down stairs, but slipped and fell to the bottom. He unlocked the front door and found Mr Stevens outside waiting. Between them they extinguished the flames by a mat and a bag. Very quickly Drs. Morse and Sutcliffe arrived. The lamp which exploded had been used constantly and always burnt paraffin. In answer to the Foreman, witness said there was a glass container and glass chimney to the lamp. - John Henry Stevens, hairdresser, and living next door to MR HARTNOLL, stated that he heard the explosion and later found MRS HARTNOLL in flames. He assisted in extinguishing the fire. MRS HARTNOLL died about 20 minutes to 9 on Monday morning. - Dr E. Morse stated that deceased was terribly burnt, practically all over, except some part of her back. The husband was also badly injured about the hands and arms. The deceased died from exhaustion caused by the extensive burns she had sustained. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, adding that they desired to express the opinion that the use of paraffin lamps in bedrooms is dangerous. - The Jury gave their fees, which, with donations from the witnesses and hall-keeper, amounted to 18s. to the widower and expressed their sympathy with him in his severe loss and trouble. - The funeral took place yesterday and was very largely attended. Deceased was greatly respected. Many wreaths were sent. The Rev. H. D. Pollock officiated.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 October 1903
TOPSHAM - The Silverton Mystery. Body Found At Topsham. The Inquest. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held at the Steam Packet Inn, Topsham, by Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the District, on the body of a youth, who was found in the river Exe on Wednesday as already reported. - ELIZABETH ANNE PACKER, single, of Silverton, identified the body as that of her son, WILLIAM JAMES PACKER, aged 10 on Friday. She last saw him alive on September 5th at Silverton. He then went out with half a hundredweight of coal, at 4.30 to a place a little way down the village. He delivered the coal, and came back part way with the truck, and left it in the road. There had been no disagreement that day, but during the week he had been keeping some money for coal sent out and had been spoken to about it, but never chastised. He had never threatened to run away from home. Inquiries were made, and it was found that he had been seen at Upexe Station between 6 and 7 o'clock in the evening by a little boy named Pepprell. The river was close to the Station. She could not account for his being in the water. He had spent 6d. of the money for the coal he had delivered that day in rock-cakes. He always had plenty to eat. - William Hutchings, brother-in-law of the last witness, said the deceased lived with him. He searched for him on the evening of the 5th and heard he was seen at Upexe Station. On going there he found that he had been playing there so late as 8 o'clock. He would not go near the river to get to the Station. - George Oak, fisherman, of Topsham, proved finding the body under the bow of his boat, which was moored at Oak-slip, in the Exe. - Dr Frood said the body was well developed, but was very much putrefied and had evidently been in the water a considerable time. There were no wounds, or bones broken. The appearance was consistent with drowning, but it was too far decomposed, to be positive of this. - The coroner said it was one of those cases shrouded in mystery, and would continue so. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

NORTHAM - MRS STAPLEDON has died suddenly at her residence, Irsha-street, at the age of 82 years, from haemorrhage, from congestion of the lungs and heart, accelerated by falling down some steps and breaking the neck of her right thigh. An Open Verdict was returned at the Inquest.

HAWKCHURCH (DORSET) - An Inquest was held by Mr Cox, Coroner, on the body of ANN LOVING, aged 68, a spinster, who lived with her daughter in a cottage in a plantation. Several other relatives had been stopping there for the last month or so and men and women were huddled together in two small bedrooms. Quarrels were frequent and villagers and the Police had been appealed to for assistance. On Sunday week the deceased went a distance of about a mile for some milk. When she returned she seemed greatly upset and could not speak and went to bed. On the following morning she complained to her daughter that a man - Tom Evans - had assaulted her. The woman remained in bed and although the daughter knew her mother was seriously ill she did not send for a doctor until Friday morning. Before the messenger reached Dr Podbury, of Axminster, the woman had expired. Evans denied that he assaulted the woman, and the village Constable stated that one of the relatives informed him that another relative he named committed the assault. The doctor said death was not due to an assault but to a clot of blood on the heart. The house was a perfect disgrace, and not fit for habitation. The parties were also in a very filthy condition and when he removed the deceased's clothing to make a post-mortem the vermin "ran like fire works." The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and added a rider that exonerated Evans from any assault and requested that the attention of the Sanitary Authorities should be called to the condition of the house.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 12 October 1903
ASHBURTON - Sudden Death At Ashburton. - On Saturday evening Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an inquiry at the Market Hall, Ashburton, touching the death of MRS WHITE, wife of MR F. WHITE, china dealer, aged 67, who died suddenly on Friday morning. - Deceased had been in indifferent health for some years, but not under medical treatment until recently. On Thursday she had a fainting attack, from which she appeared to recover, but early on Friday morning she expired suddenly. The medical evidence showed that death was due to heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed sympathy with MR WHITE and is son in their sad bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 October 1903
DAWLISH - The Sad Discovery At Dawlish. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest last night at the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, touching the death of WILLIAM CASELEY, aged 46, an ex-sergeant in the Army, who was found lying in Barton-lane on Saturday night. - GEORGE CASELEY, coachman, of Dawlish, identified the body as that of his brother, who, he said, was a labourer at the time of his death. - He was invalided out of the Army and came to Dawlish to live, from Netley Hospital, about 15 years ago. He lived in lodgings. Witness had reason to believe that deceased had had trouble - though he did not know what. He thought it must have preyed upon his mind. - Edward Stone, mason, of Teignmouth, said on Saturday night, at about 20 minutes to 9, he was walking in the Barton-lane, when he stumbled over a man's legs. He found it was deceased, who, he thought, was drunk. But as he could perceive no movement he fetched P.C. Moore. They then ascertained that deceased was dead. A bottle lay beside him. There was no sign of a scuffle. - Edmond Victor Tozer, a chimney cleaner, said deceased lodged at his mother's house. Witness was at her house on Saturday night, and saw the deceased there. He walked into the kitchen about half-past 7 with a parcel under his arm. He rested his head on his two hands, remarking that he was better than on the previous night, but that he could not take any supper. He went out shortly afterwards without saying anything further. - George John Cutcliffe, chemist, of Dawlish, said on either Thursday or Friday evening deceased purchased an ounce of oxalic acid in crystals from witness. He told him it was for cleaning brass. He had previously bought the same acid. He also bought some plate powder. The bottle found by the side of deceased had the appearance of having oxalic acid in it. An ounce would act fatally in about an hour when dissolved. The law, for protective purposes, required that the bottle should be labelled. This was done and he also warned deceased, as he had done before. He seemed quite sober and sane when making the purchase. - Charles Ll. H. Tripp, Medical Practitioner, said he was called to see deceased at 8.40. He found vomit in the hedge and close to deceased. Witness had made a post-mortem examination. He found the body in a diseased condition generally; fatty heart, diseased liver and kidneys. The mouth and stomach showed the effects of poison. The crystals remaining in the bottle were of oxalic acid. Death was due to poisoning. - The Coroner having summed up, the Foreman of the Jury, Mr H. Hartwill, pronounced the Jury's verdict, that "Deceased Committed Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

EXETER - Sudden Death Of An Exeter Traveller. A Medical Warning. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Station yesterday into the circumstances surrounding the death of GEORGE CHARLES BITTLE, 38, of 23 Baker's-street, Heavitree, a traveller in the employ of Messrs. Quick, leather merchants, Queen-street, Exeter. - MRS BITTLE, the widow, who identified the body, said that deceased appeared quite well when he left home at about 8.15 yesterday morning to go to business. Deceased suffered from heart trouble and a doctor had told her he might die at any moment. - Arthur Penberthy, warehouseman, in the employ of Messrs. Quick, said that when he saw deceased yesterday morning he appeared cheerful. A little later witness was called to a lavatory, where deceased had fallen. He was gasping for breath and unconscious. He died in about three minutes after witness arrived. Deceased had complained of heart trouble. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, attributed death to heart disease. The mere fact that deceased ate his breakfast and hurried into Exeter, a distance of over a mile, in a quarter of an hour, was enough to kill him. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 15 October 1903
EXETER - A Child's Death At Exeter. Resumed Inquiry And Verdict. - Yesterday afternoon Mr H. W. Gould resumed the inquiry into the circumstances connected with the death of the male child of LOUISE COLLIS, a single woman, carrying on business at 10 The Arcade, Exeter. The Inquest had been adjourned for a fortnight, in order that the mother might be present, and also that a post-mortem examination might be made. - Chief-Inspector Dymond watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police. Mr W. H. Tarbet, solicitor of Exeter, represented the family of the mother of the deceased child. - The evidence of the mother, LOUISE COLLIS, was first taken. She said the child was born at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24th, in her bedroom in the Arcade. She was alone at the time, her sister, who lived with her, being at business. The child showed no signs of life, nor did it make any cries. Replying to the Coroner, witness said she had made arrangements to go away during the period of her illness. The birth was premature. Her sister came in an hour and a half or two hours after the birth, but witness could not say whether she saw the child. It was in a box and covered with paper. - Dr John Miller, of East Southernhay, said he visited the last witness on Saturday, Sept. 26th about 3 o'clock. He asked where the child was and was informed it was dead. The body was subsequently produced by MRS COLLIS, wrapped up in flannel, from a tin box. there were no marks of violence on the body, but there was a rupture, caused, he believed, by the child falling. He made a post-mortem examination. the child was not fully developed, the weight being only 4 lb. 6 oz., when it should have been 7 lb. He should say it was an eight months' child, and, in his opinion, it had a separate existence. Witness said there was blood over the scalp of the right temple, which could have been caused by a blow. - The Coroner: Was that blow sufficient to cause death? - Witness: No; I do not think so. - The Coroner: Then what, in your opinion, was the cause of death? - Witness: The child being a feeble one, prematurely born, the fall to the floor and possible exposure to the cold. - The Coroner: That would amount to want of sufficient attention? - Witness: It might. - The Coroner: Assuming the mother had been properly attended the chid might have lived? - Witness: Yes. It might have lived. - EMMA COLLIS, sister of the mother of the child, said she saw her sister as usual on the Thursday dinner time, but she did not know she had had a child until the following Saturday, although she had always slept with her. On the Thursday night - after the child had been born - they slept together, but witness did not know of her condition. - By a Juror: Will you swear to that? - Witness: Yes. I knew nothing, nor was I told. I asked her if she was unwell, and she replied "Yes." I then gave her some Quaker oats. - LOUISE COLLIS was then recalled. - By the Coroner: You said just now that your sister came in two hours after the birth of the child, and that the body was then on a box. She says she did not see it. - Witness: I put a piece of paper over it. - The Coroner: Where was the body between then and Saturday? - Witness: On the box. - Having reviewed the evidence, the Coroner said it was a most unhappy case. The first thing they would have to consider was whether the child had a separate existence - in considering that they would, no doubt, have regard to the evidence of the doctor. Having considered that, they would have to say what caused the death. In the ordinary way a mother must make provision for the birth of her child, but the Jury must have regard to the circumstances. It did not necessarily follow that because a mother neglected to take these precautions she was guilty of a criminal act, because here in this unhappy state of affairs she was alone and unattended. These were circumstances for which every allowance would have to be made. If they thought the child died from want of sufficient attention at birth, then they must return a verdict to that effect, without in any way implicating the mother or suggesting any responsibility for the death of the child. - Without retiring, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death through Insufficient Attention at Birth."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 October 1903
AXMINSTER - Yesterday Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at the Old White Hart Hotel, Axminster, touching the death of DOROTHY ALICE GWENDOLINE HOLT, the four-year-old daughter of MR and MRS ERNEST HOLT of Axminster. ERNEST HOLT, a painter, father of the deceased, said during Wednesday night his wife woke him and said she thought the baby was ill. The child was in bed between himself and wife. Witness at once fetched the doctor. Dr G. J. Padbury, of Axminster, said he was called to see the child, who was dead when he arrived. It was possible that death might have been caused by overlaying. There were no marks of violence. The Jury, of which Mr J. M. Newberry was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. The Coroner said it was a dangerous practice for infants to be placed in bed between their parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 October 1903
AWLISCOMBE - The Awliscombe Sensation. Yesterday's Inquest. Yesterday afternoon, at the Honiton Inn, Awliscombe, Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest concerning the death of JOHN CANN, the village postman, and a superannuated Policeman, who was found shot dead in his kitchen, as reported in the "Gazette" of yesterday. Mr R. Wilmington, of Awliscombe, was Foreman of the Jury, while P.S. Cridland watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police. - MRS SARAH CANN, widow of the deceased, was the first witness, and she deposed that on Saturday morning she and her husband had their breakfast together and afterwards she went upstairs, leaving her husband to get ready for his posting round. At about 3.30 she heard a sound like the report of a gun, and, on running downstairs, found him lying on the floor. She shouted for assistance and several neighbours came. Deceased was, apparently, in his usual health and spirits prior to the occurrence. They were obliged to leave the village owing to being unable to obtain another house and were going to Cotleigh, but she could give no reason for the rash act. - Samuel John Danniells, the village schoolmaster, stated that he was called by the last witness on Saturday morning and found deceased lying face downward on the kitchen floor with a large wound on the back of the head and a double-barrel gun on the ground beside him. Life was extinct. - Edward Dart, farmer, of Awliscombe, corroborated the above statements and said that, finding deceased was lifeless, he fetched the Constable. - P.C. Sansom, stationed at Awliscombe, produced both gun and poker which were on the ground beside the body. The Constable stated that the gun - a double-barrelled 12-bore - had an empty cartridge case in the right-hand barrel, while the poker - an ordinary kitchen one - was pushed a little way through the trigger guard of the gun, and apparently had been used to discharge the weapon. - Dr Macaulay stated that he viewed the body and found that the greater portion of the left-hand side of the back part of the head, from the angle of the jaw, had been shot away. There was every proof that the weapon had been discharged at very close quarters, practically the whole of the charge entering the head. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased Committed Suicide by shooting himself while Temporarily Insane.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 October 1903
STOKE GABRIEL - Tragedy At Stoke Gabriel. A Verdict of Felo De Se. - The Inhabitants of Stoke Gabriel were alarmed on Tuesday morning to hear of the death of FREDERICK JOHN MITCHELL, a retired baker, residing at Redway House. - At the schoolroom yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker. - MRS MITCHELL identified the body as that of her husband, who was 39 years of age. On Monday night he said to her "Go out of the house, you and the two children," and he afterwards said he intended to shoot himself. She said that her husband was of an excitable nature and she took it as a joke, notwithstanding the fact that she was aware he had a gun and cartridges in the house. - The Coroner subjected her to a lengthy examination. - Frederick Cruse, innkeeper of Stoke Gabriel, said he met the deceased on Monday evening at about 7 o'clock and he said "Good-bye to you; Stoke Gabriel will be startled tomorrow." He had also told witness that he was tired of his life and that he could put up with her (his wife) no longer. He believed he lived on very unhappy terms with his wife. - Arthur Andrew Hill bought the six cartridges for the deceased, but knew of no threat that he intended to take his life. - Dr Reynolds, Totnes, described the wound received by deceased, and said the gun must have been held horizontally and the trigger moved by means of a crooked stick (produced). Charlotte Baker said she knew the deceased and his wife quarrelled at times. - Clara Ayres, of Stonehouse, corroborated the statement of the last witness. - P.C. Tucker said there had been frequent disturbances at deceased's house. - The Coroner severely criticised MRS MITCHELL for not informing the Police of her husband's threat, saying it was very evident that the deceased contemplated what he was going to do. They had lived on miserable terms, and, having got tired of it, he decided to shoot himself. - A verdict of "Felo De Se" was returned by the Jury.

TAWSTOCK - Sudden Death Of A Child At Tawstock. - Mr J. F. Bromham, the County Coroner, last evening held an Inquest at Tawstock, near Barnstaple, on the body of EDITH ANNIE DOWN, aged four years, the daughter of ALBERT DOWN, a platelayer on the London and South Western Railway, living at Lake Village, who died almost suddenly on Sunday night. - The evidence showed that a rumour was prevalent that the child had eaten some poisonous berries, but Mr Cook, Surgeon, said an examination revealed no signs of poison, and, in his opinion, death was due to acute inflammation of the bowels and collapse, probably arising from cold and damp. It was rather unusual for a child to go off so suddenly. If nothing had been said to him he would have given his certificate in the ordinary way. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 24 October 1903
AXMINSTER - Sudden Death Of A Workhouse inmate. Inquest At Axminster. - Yesterday Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Axminster Workhouse touching the death of CHARLES HARRIS, formerly a butcher's labourer, of Lyme Regis, who died suddenly on Wednesday morning. Mr J. M. Newberry was Foreman of the Jury. - Mr Bevan, Master of the Workhouse, identified the body, and stated that the deceased was admitted to that Institution on the 14th July 1900. He had enjoyed excellent health. As he was 79 years of age he was placed in the Infirmary Ward. On Wednesday morning he ate his breakfast and seemed well. - Arthur Henry Watts, male nurse, stated that at about 10 o'clock on Wednesday morning the deceased was in the sic ward infirmary sitting by the fire, when he had a fit and died almost immediately. Charles Mills, also an inmate of the same ward, corroborated. - Dr Langran stated that he had made a post-mortem examination of the body and found that death was due to apoplexy. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 2 November 1903
TIVERTON - Dr L. Mackenzie, Tiverton Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tiverton Infirmary on Saturday touching the death of MRS ANN SLEE KINGDOM. MABEL KINGDOM, daughter, said that her mother was 52 years of age, and had always been subject to fits. On witness's return from business on August 21, at dinner time, her mother called her from upstairs and she found her face greatly disfigured with burns. Dr Cullin was summoned and had deceased removed to the Infirmary. A chair was found in front of the kitchen fire and deceased had apparently just had a cup of tea. Witness went to work at 8 o'clock in the morning. Bert Rowe, errand boy, said he called at the house at 11 o'clock. Deceased herself answered the door and said, "I cannot attend to you for a minute. I do not know what ails me." She then shut the door. Witness noticed her face was very red, but she was not burned, as far as he could see. Dr W. J. D. Inness said deceased said she had fallen into the fire. She had three fits while in the Infirmary, and she died from coma on the 29th October. A post-mortem examination revealed a large abscess on the brain. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

EXETER - The Death Of A Bristol Lady. Inquest At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, on the body of MISS ETHELREDA JOHNSTONE, a Bristol lady, whose death took place under sad circumstances. - Mr Cuthbert Mathers, of Urmston, Manchester, identified the body as that of his niece, who was 27 years of age and the daughter of the late MR J. JOHNSTONE, M.D., retired, Bishopston, Bristol. Witness last saw deceased seven weeks ago on Friday, and knew she was suffering from depression, consequent on her father's death, and in a very low state of health owing to the strain of nursing her parent. She had never previously attempted to commit suicide and witness knew of no reason why she should destroy herself. Witness, as trustee of DR JOHNSTONE'S estate, had to allow deceased £250 a year. After her father's death deceased visited Minehead and Sidmouth and then went to Exeter for the benefit of her health. - Mrs Sarah Callandine of 27 St Leonard's Avenue, Exeter, said deceased took lodgings with her on October 16. She seemed very depressed, quiet and reserved. Deceased was never alone and constantly talked about the death of her father. She, however, never said anything which led witness to suppose she would attempt to take her life. On October 22 witness and deceased went for a walk, and n the evening witness left deceased in the house by herself while she went on a visit. About 6.30 p.m., on returning, witness found deceased on the floor of her bedroom with her throat cut and a blood-stained table-knife close at hand. Deceased opened her eyes a little when witness arrived, but did not speak. Witness obtained assistance and deceased was removed to the Hospital. - Acting-Sergeant Skinner deposed to the removal of the deceased to the Hospital and to failing to find any letters throwing light on the case. - Mr Marsden, Assistant Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that on admission MISS JOHNSTONE was in a state of extreme collapse and breathing with difficulty. Her throat was deeply cut and she died on October 29 from shock and haemorrhage following on a weak system. Deceased could whisper but not speak, and made no communication which would throw any light on the matter. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed Suicide during Temporary Insanity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 3 November 1903
SOUTH MOLTON - The Death Of A Southmolton Plumber. - An Inquest was held by Mr J. F. Bromham at the Guildhall, Southmolton, on the body of MR JOHN BOWDEN, plumber, of Broad-street, Southmolton. Mr J. K. Kingdon was chosen Foreman of the Jury. MR G. E. BOWDEN, son, identified the body and said deceased was 47 years of age. Eli Bowden, a lad aged 13, stated that at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday he was sent by his employer, Mr J. Martin, to deceased's shop for some turpentine. At the bottom of a yard, situate behind the shop, he met deceased, who took from witness a bottle and ascended a pair of wooden steps leading from the yard up to a workshop where turpentine was stored. When deceased got to the top he slipped, fell back over the steps, and remained on the ground. Witness called MRS BOWDEN. The son also came and deceased was carried into his house. It was raining at the time of the accident. Deceased did not speak after the fall. - Dr Smyth, of Southmolton, deposed to being called to deceased at 4.30 on the day of the accident. Deceased, who was lying on the floor of his kitchen, was partially unconscious, and could not give any account of the accident. Witness thought very seriously of the case from the outset, and visited deceased four or five times each day. The last occasion was at 11 p.m. on Thursday evening, when deceased was evidently dying. Witness considered deceased had a fracture of the base of the skull with laceration of the brain. The injuries could have happened through a fall from the steps in the manner described by the previous witness. The actual cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider to the effect that the steps and landing in their present condition were not safe. The Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday afternoon into the circumstances surrounding the death of MARY WEBBER, aged 72 years, wife of SAMUEL WEBBER, an old employee of the City Council, living at 59 Paris-street, Exeter, who recently met with an accident at her residence by falling down the last two steps of the stairs. MRS WEBBER was in the act of ascending the stairs, when, hearing a knock at the front door, she turned round and in descending fell. She died on Saturday. Dr Wreford deposed to being called to the deceased on the day of the accident. He found that she had sustained a fracture of the thigh and that she was also suffering from long-standing heart disease. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 November 1903
KENSINGTON, LONDON - A Wedding-Day Tragedy. Loddiswell Gentleman's Accidental Death. - Considerable sensation has been caused in Loddiswell and district by the death of MR DACRES HOPE WISE, eldest son of COLONEL WISE, J.P., of Alleron House, Loddiswell, on the day on which he was to have been married to Miss Deacon, of 6 Kensington Gate. The wedding was to have taken place at St Mary Abbot's, Kensington, which had been decorated for the event. Deceased was 39 years of age and an official in the Colonial Civil Service attached to the Malay Federated States. - An Inquiry has been conducted in the Kensington Court by Mr Luxmoore Drew into the circumstances attending MR WISE'S death. - COLONEL DACRES WILLIAM WISE (retired) of Loddiswell, identified the body as that of his son, who, he said, had been home from The Straits Settlement about twelve months on furlough. He was to have been married on the day of his death, having been engaged about six weeks, and he was to have returned in January. He had been attacked by Malay fever and had suffered from it since his return. It had a very depressing effect. He was a temperate and healthy man and had no trouble. He had never been strange in his manner. He was insured for £3,000. Witness saw him on Tuesday, when he was in excellent spirits. - Colonel R. E. Crompton, of Thriplands, Kensington Court, stated that the deceased had resided with him during the past three weeks and was looking forward to his marriage with pleasure. Witness had suffered from a similar fever as the deceased, and they had discussed the best medicine to take, and agreed that this was the worst time for a recurrence of the fever. Deceased was a most promising officer in the Service. On the eve of the wedding (Tuesday) witness gave a dinner party, at which the deceased's fiancée, Mr Deacon, her brother, and her mother were present. Before the dinner there was a discussion as to guns, and the deceased contended that the only way of correctly finding the "cast off" was by looking down the muzzle. Witness's gun was used in that experiment, deceased having his own in his bedroom. Next morning a noise was heard in his room and witness discovered him on the floor dead, part of his face being blown away. The gun was lying across his body. The electric light was on and deceased was in the position witness would expect him to be had he been examining the gun. Witness had known him from birth. He was a fine, level-headed man, free of trouble, except the malaria. Witness himself, when in the fever, had walked in his sleep and done things unconsciously. The deceased had written his marriage notice for the "Times," and only the day before wrote a letter to his uncle, thanking him for a present, and stating that he had a cold and an attack of the fever. - Lieutenant Sydney E. Deacon, R.N., of 6 Kensington Gate, said the deceased was engaged to his sister. Witness had discussed the results of the fever with MR WISE and knew their depressing effects. On Tuesday night deceased was cheerful, looking forward to his wedding and he arranged with witness to go to the church to see the decorations the next morning. He parted with his sweetheart on the most affectionate terms. - Police Sergeant McMillan, 39 F., stated that he found the gun lying between the deceased's legs. There was no stick or anything with which to touch the trigger. Deceased was near the light and may have been examining the gun. There were two dummy cartridges found, but no other ammunition. - Dr Barton, of Kensington Court, said the left jaw was fractured and the left side of the face blown away. Death was instantaneous. - Police Constable Moss, Coroner's Officer, stated that there was no writing likely to throw further light on the case. - After hearing the evidence of Mr Colton Francis, a solicitor, whom deceased asked two months ago to prepare his will, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 November 1903
AXMINSTER - Child Suffocated At Axminster. A Dangerous Practice. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Bell Hotel, Axminster, before Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr John Loud was chosen Foreman, touching the death of the infant child of THOMAS YOUNG, of North-street, Axminster. - From the evidence it appears that the child, which was three weeks old, was placed in bed on Saturday night with its mother and grandmother. The youngster appeared all right, but, on waking up the next morning, it was found that it was dead. - Dr Langran stated that the child had been apparently dead some hours. - The Jury returned a verdict that the infant died from Suffocation, and the Coroner remarked that the deaths of infants in that way were now becoming too prevalent.

NEWTON ABBOT - Infant's Fatal Burns At Newton. Dangers Of Flannelette. Coroner's Pointed Remarks. - At the Newton Abbot Hospital yesterday Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an inquest on the body of LOUISA MILLMAN, an infant, who died in the Institution last Friday evening as the result of burns received on October 29th. Mr W. White was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The evidence of the mother, SYBILLA MILLMAN, wife of CHARLES MILLMAN, a clay cutter, residing at 17 Tudor-road, Newton, was to the effect that on the morning of Thursday, October 29th, she left the deceased and her next youngest child, a boy, aged three years, and five months, alone in the kitchen while she washed some clothes in the yard adjoining. Deceased was in a high chair, which was tied to the kitchen table and the boy was seated on the floor. Within a few minutes of her leaving the children began to scream and, rushing in, she found the baby's clothes on fire and the child enveloped in flames. She put out the fire with her hands and after removing all the burnt clothing wrapped the child in a blanket and took her to the Hospital. She saw the remains of burnt paper on the baby's neck. The other child had crawled under the table, and as it could not speak, she could not find out what really occurred. She considered that the boy caught some paper alight and then let it fall on the baby's clothing. - Replying to the Coroner, MRS MILLMAN said the deceased was wearing flannelette chemise and petticoat at the time. She never used any fire guards. - MRS MARY ANN MILLMAN, the last witness's mother-in-law, and a neighbour, gave corroborative evidence. - Dr Margraves said death was due to exhaustion, the result of blood poisoning, due to the burns, which were very extensive, the whole of the left side of the child being severely burnt. - The Coroner, in summing up, said this was another of the far too many cases where children were burnt in consequence of playing with fire, which had a peculiar fascination for them. In this case two young children were left alone in a room with an open fire and no guard. It was for the Jury to say whether they should blame the mother or put it down to that small amount of carelessness which might be excused. But it appeared to him that mothers should not exhibit such carelessness. Continuing, the Coroner dwelt on the highly inflammable nature of flannelette, and pointed out that a similar substance, but non-inflammable, was now procurable. He also added that these kind of cases would be prevented to a great extent if fire-guards were more generally used. They expected mothers with young children not to exhibit any carelessness, but to look after the lives of their off-springs. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the mother from all blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 11 November 1903
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Exeter Police Court by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on the body of the child of ADA EMILY HODGE, of Exeter. From the evidence it appeared the child was born on Sunday last, and the doctor who was called in found that death was due to misadventure. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 12 November 1903
EXETER - The Railway Accident At Crediton. The Inquest. - Yesterday, Mr W. L. Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, touching the death of CHARLES HUBBER, plate-layer, of Crediton, who succumbed to injuries received last Monday on the railway at Crediton. - Two of the Jurymen arrived late and Mr Brown stated if this were repeated he would not keep the Court waiting, but would inflict a fine on the absent Jurors. - WALTER HUBBER, carpenter, living at Trelawney Cottages, Tavistock, identified the body as that of his brother. Deceased lived at Park-street, Crediton, and was 46 years of age last birthday. - John Puddicombe, engine-driver, of Plymouth, stated that last Monday he was driving the 8.20 train from Friary Station, Plymouth, to Exeter. About a mile the Exeter side of Crediton the fireman called his attention to the fact that a man had been knocked down by the train. They ran on to St Cyres, where they stopped and gave information. they were running at a speed of from 55 to 60 miles an hour. Witness did not see the accident. He noticed two or three men on the down road just opposite the place where the accident occurred. Deceased could have seen the train coming for a distance of a quarter of a mile. The whistle was blown before the accident occurred. - Arthur Charles Vincent, fireman on the engine with the last witness, said he first saw the deceased walking clear of the rail towards Exeter. He was about 200 yards away. When some two engines' length from the train he started to cross over the line. Witness blew the whistle and the train knocked the man down. He informed the engine-driver. It was a wet, misty morning. - William Carnall the ganger in charge of the men with whom deceased was working, stated that he picked up deceased with the help of other men. HUBBER was conveyed to Exeter by the 11.22 a.m. train and taken to the Devon and Exeter Hospital. - Mr Percy H. Stirk, House Surgeon, stated that deceased was admitted to the Hospital soon after midday on Monday. He was suffering from severe injuries to the head and face and the bones were driven through. The base of the skull was fractured and there was a compound fracture of the right fore arm. The left hand was also crushed. HUBBER died soon after five o'clock on Monday as the result of the injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 November 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - At the Newton Hospital yesterday Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, opened an inquiry into the death of JAMES BRAY, aged 54, a Kingsteignton clay cutter, who was brought into that Institution, unconscious, on Friday. Evidence of identification was given by AGNES BRAY, widow, and Mr Adam Nisbet, Surgeon, deposed that death took place on Saturday from fracture of the skull. The Coroner adjourned the Inquest at this stage until Friday for the attendance of an Inspector of Mines, as required by the Act of Parliament, when the circumstances attending the accident and the risks run by deceased in his employment will be gone into.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 18 November 1903
TIVERTON - Fatal Accident Near Tiverton. - Dr L. Mackenzie, Tiverton Borough Coroner, last night Inquired into the death of WILLIAM WOODLEY, estate carpenter, of Calverleigh. - J. T. WOODLEY, son of deceased, said his father, who was 59 years of age, was superintending the lopping of limbs from trees overhanging the Tiverton-road at Beacon Down on the 9th November. Witness's son had charge of the horse, which was chained to a limb, and deceased himself gave the word for the horse to haul it away. Deceased had, apparently, not noticed another limb half buried beneath and as the horse started the hauled limb struck deceased, and knocked him over into the road, a drop of over four feet. Witness at once descended and saw the deceased's leg was broken and that his chest was injured. He had him conveyed to the Tiverton Infirmary. - WILLIAM WOODLEY corroborated. - Dr W. J. Inness, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted to the Infirmary on the 9th November with a broken leg and on the 15th developed symptoms of pneumonia. A post-mortem examination showed that deceased had seven ribs broken on one side and one on the other, and the leg badly fractured, all denoting a very violent fall. - The Jury, of whom Mr H. J. Paul was chosen Foreman, found that deceased died of pneumonia, the result of fractured ribs, caused by a fall while lopping trees. - Deceased's death is greatly regretted by a wide circle of friends in Calverleigh, where he was highly respected and for many years held the offices of clerk and sexton, Charity Trustee and school manager.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 19 November 1903
EXETER - A Fatal Refusal. Old Man's Death At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the City Workhouse, Exeter, yesterday afternoon into the circumstances attending the death of ROBERT GODFREY, 84, auctioneer's clerk, but for some years past an inmate of the Workhouse. - Joseph Henry Bellamy, Master at the Workhouse, tendered evidence of identification, and said that on the 7th inst., GODFREY was allowed a half-day's leave of absence. On his return, at about 5 p.m. the porter reported that he had fallen in the avenue, but appeared none the worse for the fall. When witness saw him on the Monday deceased appeared all right, but on the Thursday morning the officer in charge of the dormitory in which deceased was located reported him as unwell. The doctor was sent for, and Mr McKeith, who was doing temporary duty for the Medical Officer of Health (Mr J. Pereira) having examined the deceased said that it was necessary for an operation to take place, and advised removal to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Arrangements were made for removal and he left the Workhouse at 2.55. Shortly after 3 p.m., witness received a telephone message from the Hospital that the man refused to remain at the Institution or to be operated upon. After the deceased's return to the Workhouse at 3.50, witness ordered his removal to the Infirmary, where he remained up to the time of his death on Tuesday. - Mr McKeith said that when he examined the deceased on the 12th inst. he found him to be suffering from some internal obstruction. Owing to the man's grave condition, witness secured the opinion of Mr Bell, who, upon a joint examination, agreed that an operation was the only means of saving his life. Mr Bell made arrangements for the operation at the Hospital and had GODFREY consented to the operation being performed there was considerable chance of his life being prolonged. - Mr Pereira, who resumed his duties as Medical Officer on the 13th inst., deposed that he spoke to GODFREY of the great mistake he was making, and offered to again send him to the Hospital, but he refused to go. Witness could do nothing for him except relieve his pain, and he gradually sank. After death he made an incision over the side and found two ulcers, which perforated the bowels. Death was due to exhaustion, pain and peritonitis. He did not think the fall had anything to do with death. Had deceased consented to the operation his life could easily have been saved. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 November 1903
DARTMOUTH - At Dartmouth yesterday Mr A. M. Davson held an Inquest touching the death of DOROTHY VERA MILLMAN, the illegitimate daughter of MABEL FERRIS. The evidence showed that the deceased, who was nearly two years of age, was put to bed about two o'clock on Tuesday by MRS MILLMAN, mother of MRS FERRIS. MRS MILLMAN then went downstairs and into the backyard. Returning a few minutes later she found the child lying by the door, having apparently fallen downstairs. Dr G. N. Soper deposed that the child sustained concussion of the brain, and died next morning. Verdict, "Accidental Death," and MRS MILLMAN was asked by the Jury to provide some protection at the top of the stairs, which are dangerous, owing to their height and a sharp turn.

EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, concerning the death of SIDNEY LONEY, aged 26, packer, of 11 Salem-place. The evidence given was to the effect that the deceased came home on Tuesday night and ate a hearty supper. His nephew, James Stockman, while out of the room heard a fall and on returning found the deceased lying on the floor face downwards. On the arrival of Dr Perkins deceased was quite dead and the medical evidence went to prove that undigested food in the stomach had caused syncope. A verdict was returned accordingly.

EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter by the City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, concerning the death of CLARA TAYLOR, aged 44, wife of WALTER JOSEPH of Millclift, Buxton, Derbyshire, TAYLOR, who died suddenly in the Franklin Hotel, Exeter, on Wednesday night. - JOSEPH WILLS, of Regent's-park, Heavitree, identified the body as that of his sister. He last saw her in July at Buxton. He was surprised to hear she was in Exeter, and knew of no reason for her being here. She suffered from an affection of the heart. Her husband was coming down that evening. - Mary Ann Davy, proprietress of the Franklin Hotel, said deceased engaged a bed on Tuesday evening about 6 o'clock. Witness again saw her on Wednesday morning about 10 o'clock. She borrowed a cup and afterwards said she had taken some "medicine for the heart," and asked if it smelt nasty. After breakfast deceased went out and returned at 11 o'clock in the evening. She remarked she was "so tired," put her hand to her chest, staggered and fell backwards dead. Just previously she had taken a piece of paper from her purse, saying "she had managed that all right." The paper referred to a pianoforte. - Mr J. Pereira, Police Surgeon, said he was of opinion that deceased died from heart failure. - Three bottles, one containing whisky, were produced. On the suggestion of the Foreman of the Jury the inquiry was adjourned till this afternoon to enable an analysis to be made of the contents of the bottles and a post-mortem examination to be made of the body.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 November 1903
EXETER - Lady Visitor's Death At Exeter. The Adjourned Inquest. - The adjourned inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of CLARA TAYLOR, aged 44 years, of 12 Millclift, Buxton, Derbyshire, was held last evening at the Police Station, Exeter. The deceased visited the City on Tuesday and stayed at the Franklin Temperance Hotel. On Wednesday night, about 11 o'clock, she suddenly fell and expired in the Hotel shop. The Inquest was adjourned to enable a post-mortem examination to be made, and the contents of three bottles found in deceased's possession to be analysed. - Mr Pereira, Surgeon, said he had made a post-mortem examination and found deceased had been suffering from advanced aortic disease of the heart of long standing. There was also pleurisy in the left side. Death was due to syncope brought on by the disease. There was no irritant in the stomach. - WALTER JAMES JOSEPH TAYLOR, deceased's husband, said deceased left home last Tuesday morning, and did not say when she would return, but would possibly be away for a few days. He knew she was coming to Exeter on business, and to see her friends. She had been suffering from heart complaint for over twelve months and had been under a doctor. She took away three bottles with her, one containing spirit, another medicine ordered by her doctor and the third, odourless paraffin, which she used for her hair. - Mr T. Tickle, city analyst, was present, but was not called. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - A vote of sympathy with the widower was passed by the Coroner and Jury.

NEWTON ABBOT - The Fatal Accident At Kingsteignton. Inquest At Newton Abbot. - The adjourned inquest touching the death of JAMES BRAY, who died as a result of an accident in a clay pit at Abbrook, near Kingsteignton, was held yesterday at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner. Mr J. S. Martin, H.M. Inspector of Mines for the Southern District, was present. - Frederick Newton, clay cutter, in the employ of Messrs. Whiteway and Wilkinson, and living at No. 10 Court, East-street, Newton Abbot, said on the day of the accident he was at work with deceased in a ball clay pit. Witness was at the top of the pit and a man named Bunclark was standing on the top of the ladder waiting to descend. Witness passed the delivery shute to Bunclark to send it down the ladder. The shute was wanted about half-way down the pit for the purpose of taking off the water. He put the shute on Bunclark's head and shoulders, and Bunclark started going down the ladder, putting one hand on the shute. When he had moved down a few rungs the shute over-balanced and witness saw it fall off backwards. It pitched on the first ladder board, and then fell into the pit. The men below called out that a man had been hurt and then BRAY was brought up in the bucket, unconscious, and with a wound in the side of his head. He was at once taken home in a cart. In reply to the Coroner witness said that the shute was rarely used. - George Bunclark, of Chudleigh Knighton, the foreman at the pit, said the pit was an open square one, 50 ft. deep and 24 ft. square, which had underground workings. The occasion in question was the first on which the shute was used. The shute had been taken down by hand, as the bucket was on the other side of the pit and if it had gone down by the bucket it would have had to be brought up to the place where it was wanted by hand. Witness went down steadily, with his right hand on the shute. He had only descended a few rungs of the ladder when his hand slipped and the shute over-balanced and fell over his shoulders into the pit. Witness shouted to warn the men in the pit. Witness knew of no regulation regarding the carrying of things down into the pit, nor was he aware, until afterwards, that there was an ambulance on the works, by means of which the injured man could have been taken home. - James Potter, another workman, of Sandy Gate, Kingsteignton, spoke to seeing the shute strike deceased, who had no time to get out of the way, though all the men below heard the warning. Anything wanted for use on that side of the pit had to be carried down the ladder. - William Herbert Whiteway Wilkinson, a member of the firm, said much had to be left to the discretion of the foreman. Bunclark was not disobeying any rule in taking the shute down in the way he did. He acted to the best of his ability. In times gone by similar shutes were taken down in a similar manner. - The Inspector said there was no specific rule as to the carrying down of things. But there was a general rule that nothing must be done to endanger the lives of those below. It was certainly not desirable to carry on work above the heads of those working below; but in the case in question the foreman thought there was no danger in putting the shute on his head and carrying it down, and, in fact, the danger scarcely seemed to be greater than that of his slipping and falling himself. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to anyone.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 23 November 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - The Newton Railway Accident. Inquest And Verdict. - At the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, on Saturday, Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, conducted an Inquiry concerning the death of ARTHUR ERNEST YABSLEY, the young workman who was killed on the railway on Thursday. - EDWARD JAMES YABSLEY, living at Beaumont-road, Newton, identified deceased, who had been in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, as his brother. He was 25 years of age. - Thomas Hughes Gibbons, divisional engineer, G.W.R. Plymouth, produced a plan of the railway where the accident occurred. It showed that the body of deceased was carried 70 yards from where it was struck to where it was picked up. - Albert Edward Watts, living at Abbotsbury, Newton Abbot, stated that on Thursday he was firing the engine of the 11.35 train ex Kingswear, which was due at Newton at 12.46. From the spot where the accident occurred the Plymouth main and Torquay branch line ran parallel into Newton. As they were nearing the place they came in sight of the main line train which was a little behind them. He was looking out over his engine to see if his injector was working, and at the same time he saw the other engine strike deceased. Witness had not noticed the man before, but he appeared to have been working on the outer rail of the up main line. Witness thought deceased was struck by the portion of the engine below the buffers and disappeared under the engine head first. Witness only saw one other man, who was close to deceased. - James Rumbelow, of Newton, foreman of a gang of platelayers, stated that he was in charge of a gang at Aller Junction on Thursday. There were five men, including witness and deceased. They were engaged in levelling the ballast on the up main line at 12.40 p.m. Witness was aware there was a train due. He looked in the Plymouth direction and at that time there was no train in sight. He saw the Torquay train coming up the branch line and after a few seconds he turned round and then saw the main line train close upon them. Witness jumped and shouted to the men to do the same. Witness just cleared the train which he had not heard coming. Deceased was standing about 40 feet further away from them than witness, but did not clear it and was struck down. - Dr Grimbly, of Newton, said that deceased's head was fractured in all directions and death must have been instantaneous. Both legs were crushed, one being completely severed from the body. - Walter Bicknell and Arthur Blackmore, of Newton, driver and fireman of the main line train, both gave evidence to the effect that they did not see the men on the line. The whistle was blown a little distance from where the men were working. A clump of trees hid them from view until they were close on them. The noise of the Torquay train would deaden the noise of the witnesses train because it was steaming up a gradient and theirs was coming down. - James Vinnicombe, platelayer, who was working with the gang, stated that he was working on the outside of the line. He heard the foreman's shout, but the train was whizzing by him then. He did not hear it coming, as his attention was attracted by the Torquay train. - Samuel Tarr Cole, Inspector of Permanent Way, also gave evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that foreman gangers should leave work five minutes before trains were due to pass, and watch and warn the men of the trains' approach. - The funeral of deceased took place in Wolborough parish churchyard on Saturday afternoon. Service was conducted at the Baptist Chapel and at the graveside by the Rev. L. Lyne. There was a vast crowd of persons present.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 November 1903
EXETER - Exeter Woman's Plucky Act. - Mr W. Linford Brown held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, touching the death of FREDERICK W. RICHARD EDDLESTON, the four years old son of FREDERICK JAMES EDDLESTON, brass labourer, residing at 7 Friar's-terrace, Exeter. Deceased was admitted to the Hospital last Friday suffering from severe burns, the result of an accident. - The father of the deceased identified the body as that of his son. HANNAH M. EDDLESTON, wife of the last witness, said that she left the child at 4.55 p.m. on Friday to go an errand. When she went out the child was sitting on an ordinary chair, about 2 ft. from the kitchen range. The door of the range was closed when she went out, but it was open when she returned. She was away about a quarter of an hour. - In reply to the Coroner, witness stated that there was a small fire. The child had been always warned against playing with the fire. - Susan Turner, living at 14 Friary's-terrace, said that on Friday about 5 p.m. she heard a child crying, and saw the deceased come from under an arch. She saw that the child's clothes were on fire. She ran across and put her frock around the little boy, and pulled the burning things off his shoulders. A neighbour, Mrs Jago, wrapped the child in a scarf and took him to the Hospital. The child was burnt over the chest, face and arms. She thought the child must have fallen against the fire. - Mr Stempson (Foreman of the Jury) thought the last witness ought to be thanked for the prompt manner in which she had extinguished the fire. The Coroner expressed his concurrence. - Ann Maria Jago, 8 Friar's-terrace, gave similar evidence. - Dr Percy Stirk, House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that the child, when admitted on Friday, was very severely burnt in the face, neck, front and back of chest, and both arms. The palms of the hands were also burnt. The child died about 6 o'clock on the following morning. The injuries were consistent with his having fallen against a fire-place. Death was due to shock. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Foreman of the Jury expressed the opinion that the accident ought to be a lesson to mothers not to leave children in a room with a fire. Provision should be made by placing a guard in front of the fire. The parents should, perhaps, have been a little more cautious.

BLACKAWTON - The Blackawton Sudden Death. - At Bowden Farm, near Blackawton, yesterday afternoon, an Inquest was held by Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, touching the death of JOHN HERBERT LUSCOMBE, farmer, who resided there. - MISS SUSAN LUSCOMBE, deceased's daughter, deposed that she and her father went to Dartmouth market on Friday in a trap. They left Dartmouth about a quarter to six. On the way deceased complained of slight pains in his head and neck. Everything went well until near home. She got out and opened the gate of a path-field which led to the farmhouse. Her father drove through. Then he called "I'm going," but this did not alarm her. After closing and locking the gate she went to the trap and found that he had fallen out. He was apparently dead. - Joseph Bond, farmer, who came on hearing MISS LUSCOMBE call for help, said he picked deceased up. He found him lying in such a way that he must have fallen on his head and turned over backwards. - DR J. H. Harris, Dartmouth, said he had made a post-mortem and found that deceased's neck was broken. There was nothing in the organs to show disease. Deceased must have had an attack of giddiness, but there would be nothing internally to show that. Witness had several times attended him for accidents, but nothing else. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

ILFRACOMBE - The Ilfracombe Drowning Case. Recovery of SOUCH'S Body. the Inquest. - Dr E. J. Slade-King, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Ilfracombe Police Station yesterday touching the death of RICHARD SOUCH, a fisherman and hobbler, of Ilfracombe, who met his death while herring fishing off Torre Point, Ilfracombe, on November 9th. Mr T. Knight was Foreman of the Jury. - THOMAS SOUCH, a boatman and hobbler, deposed that the body the Jury had just viewed was that of his brother, RICHARD SOUCH, aged about 40, who was also a fisherman and hobbler. Witness last saw deceased alive on November 9th, off the Whistler Rock, Torrs Point, Ilfracombe, in his boat. In order to make easy work they rowed down Channel against the tide, keeping close to the rocks to avoid the run, the tide being about two hours flood They were out for the purpose of herring fishing, and when off the Whistler, deceased said, "We'll row out a little to clear this rock," and they did so. Deceased added "Now we can keep her straight down again." Just as they did so a heavy sea arose right beside them and broke in the boat, filling it and carrying it on the rock, the boat being struck broadside on. When on the rock another sea struck her and the third pulled her off, capsizing her. When the boat was going over witness jumped clear, catching hold of her when she was in the water. Deceased struck out for the shore about 100 feet away, witness watching him for, perhaps, five minutes, when he could see him no more. A man, named Martin, who was fishing on the Point, signalled to another fisherman, named Rudd, and while he was rowing to witness's assistance the boat righted herself, and witness climbed in and afterwards got into Rudd's boat. The boat was a fairly new one. There were only seven dry nets, witness and deceased in her. The boat was 20 ft. long and about 5 ft. wide. It was not the usual thing to carry a man to steer. - George Thomas Rudd stated that the previous day he was at the back of his house at No. 8 The Quay, and saw a body floating in the water about 200 ft. away. He obtained assistance and went out in a boat and brought the body to the harbour. - P.S. Jeffery said the body was fully dressed and was not very much knocked about. - In summing up, the Coroner expressed his opinion that no one was to blame, but he thought a third man should be taken to steer the boats, as the men who were pulling could not see what was in front. - The Foreman remarked that when larger boats were used a third man used to go out, but as the herring seasons were so bad and the boats were smaller it did not pay to take out three men; in fact it was difficult to earn enough for two. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and, with the witnesses, handed their fees to the widow. A vote of deep sympathy was also passed to the widow and family in their sad distress. - The SOUCH Fund which has been started in Ilfracombe, is being largely contributed to.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 25 November 1903
TORQUAY - Sad Death Of A Torquay Gentleman. - At Tor National School, Torquay, last evening, Mr Hacker held an Inquest on the body of ARTHUR R. PARKER JERVIS, age 46, a gentleman of independent means residing at Rowley, Vansitart-road. - The evidence showed deceased spent most of the afternoon and evening of the 11th inst. at an Hotel, leaving at 11 o'clock with friends and a bottle of whiskey to go to a house in Church-street. At 2 a.m. he left with a man named Avery, and in Vansitart-road fell and sustained a compound fracture of the left leg. Blood poisoning set in and the leg was amputated at the thigh, but deceased sank and died on Sunday evening. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 26 November 1903
DAWLISH - The Dawlish Cliff Mystery. The Inquest. - Yesterday afternoon Mr Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, concerning the death of WILLIAM HENRY BISS, of Luscombe-terrace, Dawlish, who met his death under sad circumstances. - The deceased, a son of MR MARK CHARLES BISS, of Bradford-on-Avon, was the manager of the Dawlish branch of the Co-operative Society. Lately he had shown signs of failing appetite, but his general health was good and his conduct exemplary. On the 17th inst. he left the shop, saying he was going to the hairdresser's. He was noticed by one or two persons to be walking with his head down, and when spoken to did not reply. - In the evening MR BISS'S body was found at the foot of Lea Mount, and there were indications that he had fallen over the cliff. He remained in an insensible state until his death on Sunday evening. To have reached the edge of the cliff deceased must have got over some rails. It was stated by the President of the Co-operative Society that the deceased's accounts were in perfect order and evidence was also given that there was absolutely nothing in his papers or letters to solve the mystery surrounding his death. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased met his death by falling over the cliff, but there was no evidence to show how the sad event occurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 27 November 1903
NORTH BOVEY - South Devon Farmer's Suicide. Inquest Yesterday. - Yesterday an inquest was held at the Littaford Chapel, North Bovey, by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, relative to the death of WILLIAM HARVEY, farmer, who was found shot in a barn on his farm on Tuesday. - The deceased, a single man, 48 years of age, had lived at South Mead Farm, Littaford, for over 30 years. During the past week he had been low spirited and was worried because he had been summoned several times lately at Moretonhampstead Petty Sessions. The last summons was returnable on the day of his death, and he had been heard to say he did not see why people should try to do him any harm; it was making him feel quite bad. He had had some business troubles and was, the housekeeper told the Coroner, rather short of money, but no creditors had been pressing him. - On Tuesday the deceased was found in a barn quite dead. A double-barrelled gun was lying beside him. Half of his face on the left side, including the jaw and the base of the skull, were blown away. The deceased had in all probability put the muzzle of the gun in or against his mouth. One barrel had been discharged and the other contained a loaded cartridge. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 December 1903
NEWTON ABBOT - The Newton Poisoning Case. The Inquest. - Mr S. Hacker yesterday morning held an Inquest at Newton Abbot touching the death of MR HARRY BREALEY, who was found dead in the Constitutional Club on Saturday afternoon. - FRANK BREALEY, 1 Highbank, Coronation-road, Highweek, a carpenter, said deceased was his younger brother. He was 28 years of age and an accountant in the employment of Messrs. Pinsent and Sons. He was a bachelor and lived with his mother at 26 Old Exeter-road. Witness last saw him alive on Friday evening at the Constitutional Club. They had a few minutes' conversation about the prospects of the candidates at the coming election. He appeared to be in his ordinary health and spirits. He had been ill about two months, but he could not be regarded as delicate. Dr Nisbet then attended him for influenza, and he had seven bottles of medicine. He appeared to get all right, but during the last three weeks there appeared to be a difference in him. His manner seemed forced to a certain extent. He appeared as if he tried to be jolly when in himself he was not. - The Coroner: You know no reason why he should commit suicide? - Witness: I know nothing in any shape or form. On Saturday, on account of certain communications, he went to the constitutional Club and proceeded to the room used by his brother, JOHN, who was secretary to the Club, and in the performance of whose duties the deceased assisted. Witness burst the door open and saw deceased sitting in the chair with his head resting on his arms, which were on the table. Witness noticed an empty glass on the table, and, pointing to it, said to one of the other members, "That is evidently what is the matter." Witness also saw a letter in deceased's handwriting, addressed to witness, lying on the table. Witness tore open the envelope and read as follows:- - "November 25th, - My dear Frank, - I am sorry I have not seen you before today re what may occur. Please account for me. I leave my will to you. Destroy all letters in my drawer, please. - Yours, with love, HARRY." - There was an enclosure, which read:- "To MR FRANK BREALEY. - I leave everything I have to my mother, with the exception of my gold watch, chain and also my illuminated address, which I leave to you, FRANK BREALEY. - Signed, HARRY BREALEY, Nov. 25th, 1903" - The Coroner pointed out that the letter was dated three days prior to deceased's death. - Witness could not suggest anything that would account for deceased committing suicide. He knew of no trouble whatever as regards money matters. Witness found £6 10s. in a cash box and there was also a bank book. Deceased had not been "dunned" for money and was not in the habit of drinking. - MARY ANN BREALEY, mother, stated that the deceased was very regular in his habits, and she was not aware of any trouble that depressed him. - John Williams, caretaker, said deceased went to the Conservative Club at about 10 o'clock on Saturday morning and a few minutes later he whistled through the tube and asked witness to bring him a glass of water. Witness did so and remarked that it was unusual for deceased to be there on a Saturday morning. Deceased replied that it was, and said he was going to help his brother owing to the election. Witness's wife saw him afterwards, and there was, apparently, nothing the matter with him. At about 2 o'clock witness went to see if deceased was gone, and found the door locked and he then concluded that deceased had left, taking the key with him. On Mr Tyrrell coming in, witness again went up, and then noticed that the key was in the lock inside. Thinking there was something wrong, he sent for the brother and the Police, and on the door being forced open, the deceased was found dead, as stated in the evidence of the first witness. - P.S. Hannaford stated that deceased had 12s. 10 ½d. in money in his pocket and on the table was a glass containing a little water and some powder. On the floor was a piece of paper, marked "Poison," and in the waste paper basket there were some scraps of paper, which witness had pasted together. These were marked "Morphia; poison; not to be taken." - Dr Nisbet proved that death was due to poisoning by morphia. The deceased's organs were healthy. Two months ago witness treated deceased for an influenza cold, but he could not describe it as general influenza. - George A. Barnes, chemist, said that on Saturday morning, at about 10 o'clock, deceased came to his shop and asked for some morphia to poison a cat. Witness told him he did not usually sell that kind of thing, but as he knew him so well he would let him have some. He sold him five grains of morphia and deceased signed his name. He appeared to be in his usual health and spirits and took away the packet of morphia in his hand without any attempt at concealment. - William Swaine Pinsent, brewer, stated that deceased was employed by him as second clerk. He was at work on SAturday morning at about 9 o'clock and left at about 9.35. That was nothing unusual, as there was someone else in charge during his absence. Witness had examined his books, and found them all right. Deceased had not been threatened with dismissal; in fact he had been doing his work satisfactorily. - JOHN BREALEY, brother, stated that deceased must have written the letter on Saturday morning, because there was no writing paper on the desk until Friday afternoon, when witness placed a supply there. - The Coroner said it was evidently a case of poisoning, and pointed out the lack of evidence with regard to the deceased having suffered from depression. - After about 20 minutes' consultation in private, the Jury returned a verdict that "Deceased took his life by taking Morphia." - The Coroner said that amounted to Felo De Se.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 3 December 1903
OKEHAMPTON - The Okehampton Explosion. The Resumed Inquest. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, resumed his Inquiry yesterday at the Okehampton Town Hall respecting the death of EDMUND BROOK, aged 67 years, which occurred last Thursday at the Meldon Quarry, belonging to the London and South Western Railway Company. Mr Walker, Government Inspector of Mines and Quarries, was present and Mr A. E. Dunn appeared on behalf of the deceased's family. - James Turner, of Okehampton, railway employee, said last Thursday afternoon the deceased was engaged at the Meldon Ballast Hole in charging holes with gelignite. He had put in four or five cartridges in one hole in the shelf of a rock and was placing in the sixth when all exploded. The charge struck deceased chiefly in the lower part of the mouth. The deceased was an experienced man in charging, and witness could give no explanation as to how the cartridges exploded prematurely. Gelignite had been used in the quarry for about 12 months. - James Cockwill (ganger), Frederick James Turner and William Squires also gave evidence as to being at work in the quarry at the time when the explosion took place. Cockwill stated that deceased used a stick for the purpose of pressing in the cartridges, no wooden rammer being provided by the Company. The deceased was in the habit of carrying cartridges in his pocket, but he (witness) knew it was contrary to the rules. - Dr Young said he examined the body of deceased and found cuts on the head and a fracture of the left arm. He thought death was instantaneous. - The Jury found that death resulted from injuries received by an explosion of gelignite, that such explosion was Accidental, and there was no evidence to show how it arose, adding a rider that more supervision should be exercised at the quarry, and that the observance of the rules as regards quarrying and explosions should be more strictly enforced than appeared to have been the case from the evidence given.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 December 1903
STOKE CANON - Burning Fatality At Stoke Canon. Inquest. - Mr W. H. Gould, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Stoke Canon Inn, Stoke Canon, last evening, into the circumstances surrounding the death of ETHEL MIRIAM SMITH, aged five years, daughter of JOHN SMITH, labourer, of Stoke Canon, who died as the result of burns received on November 25th. Mr George Harris was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MIRIAM SMITH, mother, stated that on November 25th, about 12.25 p.m., she and her little daughter went across to the church to see a wedding. ETHEL returned home before her (witness). Subsequently she heard a gentleman scream, and upon going into the road she saw her daughter's clothing on fire, and the gentleman, whom she did not know, endeavouring to extinguish the flames. The doctor was telegraphed for, and he had attended her every day up to the time of her death. The child was perfectly conscious and on Sunday she told witness that her apron caught fire while endeavouring to get a box of matches from the mantel-shelf. - Mrs Staddon, wife of Mr Abraham Staddon, paper maker, having given evidence, Dr Owen Clayton Jones, of Silverton, who attended the deceased, attributed death to shock caused by burns. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

LYDFORD - Death From Exposure On Dartmoor. The Inquest Adjourned. - Yesterday Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, at the Imperial Hotel, Princetown, opened an Inquiry respecting the death of ALFRED BREEN, carpenter, of Well-street, Plymouth, aged 26 years, who was found dead on the Moor, near Cherry Brook Bridge, on Wednesday. - HENRIETTA BREEN, wife of deceased, said her husband left home on Monday morning for the purpose of going to work at Badger's Holt, Dartmeet. He had been working there for the past three months and generally came home from Saturday to Monday. - William Harrison Veitch, of 2- Bishop's-place, West Hoe, Plymouth, painter, said that on Monday he went from Plymouth to Princetown with deceased by train, reaching the latter place at 11.40. They went on to the Plume of Feathers public-house and waited there until 3.15, hoping that they would get a chance to ride out to Dartmeet, which was about 6 ½ miles from Princetown. They then walked on to Two Bridges, where they had a glass of spirit each. When they left Two Bridges and got on to the top of the hill the deceased fell. In doing so he grazed his left cheek, but said he felt all right. He (witness) helped him up and deceased followed him on the road for some time. When he got to Brown Berry he lost sight of deceased. Witness walked on to Badger's Holt, reaching there at about 9 or 10 o'clock, and went to bed. - Albert Charles Houseman, clerk of works at Badger's Holt, said that the witness Veitch told him on Monday night that he had left the deceased behind on the road, but Veitch said he felt sure he was safe, and had gone back to Mr Gregory's, the water bailiff's cottage. - James Crocker, landlord of the Plume of Feathers, Princetown, said that the deceased came to his house last Monday, in company with the witness Veitch, shortly after 12 o'clock, and left at about 3.15 p.m. They had two pints of beer each. - Dr Pearson, of Princetown, said from his examination he had no doubt that death resulted from exposure. - P.C. Goodman said that the body of deceased was brought to Princetown on Wednesday by Messrs. Gregory and Coher. - At this stage the Inquest was adjourned until Wednesday next, at 1.30 for the purpose of getting the evidence of Mr Gregory as to the finding of the body.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 10 December 1903
LYMPSTONE - At the Inquest held yesterday morning at the Railway Hotel, Lympstone, upon the body of MARIAN WEST, a lace worker, who died suddenly at Lympstone on Monday, medical evidence was adduced which showed that deceased died from perforation of the stomach, due to an old chronic ulcer. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 11 December 1903
BIDEFORD - An Inquest has been held at the Hospital by Mr Bromham relative to the death of SUSAN CURTIS, wife of a labourer, who resided in Bridge-street, Bideford. On November 6th deceased, who was very much crippled, broke her hip joint through falling over her cat and as a result she was admitted to the Bideford Hospital the day following. Dr Gooding attended her. She got on very well until last Friday, when cerebral complications set in and she died the day following. A post-mortem examination showed that the actual cause of death was fluid in the ventricles of the brain, but it was not considered the accident had anything to do with that. The brain was generally congested. The Jury, of which Mr Northwood was foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

COMBE MARTIN - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned at an Inquest on LAVINIA DRAPER, wife of BENJAMIN DRAPER, who lost her life under sad circumstances. She went out picking laver with Jane Brownscombe, a sister-in-law, on the rocks below Great Hangman, and near the Sherricombe Waterfall, on Thursday morning. They were surrounded by the tide. Brownscombe pluckily waded through the water and, by means of the support afforded by rocks, got safely ashore. She urged deceased to follow suit, but, apparently DRAPER'S heart failed her, and she was drowned. The Jury thanked the coastguard, the lifeboat crew and the Police for endeavouring to effect a rescue.

BARNSTAPLE - An Inquest was held last evening at the North Devon Infirmary on the body of MR JOSEPH WARD, groundsman, who hung himself under the grandstand in the football field. He had been in ill-health for some time, and had undergone one or two operations. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity." - Mr A. Bencraft was the Coroner.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 December 1903
LYDFORD - Inquest At Dartmoor Prison. Thirty Years Of Prison Life. - An Inquest was held by Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, at Dartmoor Prison yesterday on the body of BENJAMIN WATSON, a convict, aged 66 years. - From the evidence of Mr R. A. Gibbs, (Chief Clerk), it appeared that the deceased had spent over 30 years of his life in prison, chiefly for crimes of larceny and drink. He had served three terms of penal servitude, two of seven years each and the other of three years, and was serving another term of five years, received at Leeds in July 1900, when he died. His convictions altogether number 27, the remaining 24 being for periods of one to six months. He was 28 years of age when he commenced his first term of penal servitude. His conduct while at Dartmoor had been good, and he had only done slight punishment for an offence against the disciplinary rules. His religion was Church of England. - Dr F. E. Forward deposed that the deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the 10th ult. for vomiting and enlargement of the liver. Jaundice supervened on the 9th instant and he gradually sank, dying on the 11th. Witness had made a post-mortem and the cause of death arose from a malignant growth on the liver. - The Jury, of whom Mr W. H. Gray was Foreman, returned a verdict consistent with the doctor's evidence.

OTTERY ST MARY - Sudden Death At Ottery St Mary. - JAMES HAYMAN, aged 68, recently living by himself in a cottage in Mill-street, Ottery St. Mary, was found on Sunday at 9 a.m. by Miss Hettie Pardon, "captain" in the Salvation Army, in his kitchen, dead. She informed the Police, who took charge of the house and communicated with the Coroner (Mr C. E. Cox), who yesterday held an Inquest at the Five Bells Inn. Mr H. G. Luxton was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Evidence of identification was given by MARY BOVETT, sister of deceased. - Hettie Pardon said she visited the deceased man's cottage early on Sunday morning and found him dead. John Sheriff, plumber, of Ottery St. Mary, Albert Corney, blacksmith, P.C.'s Nankivell and Broom gave evidence to the effect that they had seen deceased on Saturday when he was apparently under the influence of liquor. - P.S. Newbery stated that he had been informed of the death of deceased and went to the cottage. The place was in a filthy condition; there was no food in the house, and the "bed" used by HAYMAN was composed of rags. He held a warrant of ejectment against deceased, which was to have been executed on the 23rd inst. The cottage had been condemned as unfit for human habitation. - Dr Mitchell said deceased was suffering from dropsy and bronchitis which caused death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 28 December 1903
ILFRACOMBE - Fatal Fall At Ilfracombe. - On Saturday afternoon Dr Slade-King, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of a widow, MARY ANN DAVEY, aged 85, who died from the effects of a fall. Mrs Mary Norman, laundress, identified the body, and said she last saw her alive on December 10th, about 3 p.m., outside her (witness's) house in High-street. Deceased was lying on her side groaning. She said "Oh! my leg." Witness procured assistance and deceased was placed in a chair and taken to her home at Croftside. There appeared to be no one else in the street. Dr Toller said he attended deceased on December 10th. He found she was suffering from a fracture of the left thigh bone, and she died from exhaustion on December 24th. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 29 December 1903
TIVERTON - Sudden Death At Tiverton. - An Inquest was held by the Tiverton Borough :Coroner, Dr J. Mackenzie, last night touching the death of WILLIAM HENRY SKINNER, of No. 3 John's-terrace, Tiverton. - FRANCES ELIZABETH SKINNER, widow, said deceased was 73 years of age, and had worked 58 years in the Tiverton Lace Factory. On Sunday morning she was called to deceased's room, about 10.30 by her daughter, when she found him lying on his back on the floor, partially dressed. He was near the bed, as though he had slipped off it. He was perfectly still, though the body was warm. He swallowed some brandy. Dr Liesching was summoned, and on arrival, ten minutes later, pronounced deceased quite dead. Deceased was dressing to go to church as usual. He had complained recently on one or two occasions of indigestion, but was otherwise in quite good health. - Dr G. F. Welsford said that, not having attended deceased for three years, there was nothing to guide him as to the cause of death. He made a post mortem examination and found a rupture of the left ventricle of the heart. Deceased had one arm in and one out of his under-vest, and probably the effort of getting into the garment caused the rupture. Any little exertion might have had a similar fatal result. - The Coroner said it was a simple case and in recommending a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, explained that when one got old the heart got soft, and any little exertion might cause a rupture. Such verdict was accordingly returned. - The Coroner expressed his sympathy with the widow and his respect for the deceased, who was, he said, a man of unblemished reputation.

EXETER - The Sudden Death At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner for Exeter, conducted an Inquiry at the City Police Court yesterday afternoon into the circumstances surrounding the death of SOPHIA EDWARDS, aged 53 years, of 3 Millbrook Cottages, Bartholomew-street, Exeter. - JOHN EDWARDS, the husband, said that just before 10 am. on Saturday his wife and himself were on their way to Queen-street Station. When near the Mint deceased uttered a cry, fell into his arms and never spoke again. With the exception of a slight cold, deceased was in good health. - Elizabeth Hannah Passmore, of the Mint, spoke to seeing deceased stagger when turning a corner. The deceased died almost immediately. - P.S. Guppy said life was extinct two minutes after his arrival. A doctor was sent for and the body was conveyed on the ambulance to Bartholomew-street. - Mr Pereira, Surgeon, said he had made a post-mortem examination. Deceased had suffered from bronchitis and there was also congestion of the lung tissue. There was also some disease on the left side of the heart - in fact, all the organs were more or less congested. He attributed death to asphyxia, due to bronchitis. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 31 December 1903
TORQUAY - The Accident At Torquay Station. - Yesterday an Inquest was held in the Upton Parish Room touching the death of JOHN CROSSMAN HARRIS, who was killed at Torre Railway Station. - Mr Bennett (Plymouth) watched the proceedings on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company, for whom Inspectors Scantlebury (Plymouth) Tomking (Newton Abbot) and Mr Smale (Stationmaster of Torre) were also present. - Charles William Chalet, driver in the Army Service Corps, said he met deceased about 10.15 on Monday night at Torre. Deceased accompanied him to the Station to see witness's brother and friend off by the 10.37 train. Deceased shook hands with them just before the train started. He then went away, while witness stopped talking to his brother. On turning round to go away witness heard someone say that there was a man between the train and the platform. He had got hold of deceased when someone pulled him from behind, thinking, perhaps, that he (witness) would met with an accident. - Mr Montague Cobley, draper, 30 Union-street, was called. He said that he accompanied his married sister and the latter's daughter and son-in-law to Torre Station on Monday night. His sister's daughter and the latter's husband took their departure by the 10.37 p.m. train. When the guard of the train blew his whistle, witness proceeded down the platform towards the stairs of the bridge, and he noticed deceased standing on the footboard of the train, outside the last compartment of a carriage. Witness, on nearing the place where deceased was, saw the poor fellow swing round and disappear between the couplings of the carriages. A scene of confusion followed. Eventually the injured man was got up from the line, and witness saw that he had received such injuries that he was beyond human aid. - Guard Wellington gave evidence to the effect that he went from his van in the rear to the front of the train, asking the passengers to take their seats, after which he walked back along the platform, closing the doors of the carriages as he went. Everybody was then clear of the train. He received the signal to start from Parcel-porter Bartlett, and blew his whistle. The train started and he entered his van, neither seeing nor hearing anything wrong until he arrived at Newton Abbot. When he entered his van he heard shouting, but took little notice. Had he suspected there was an accident, he would have stopped the train immediately. - After further evidence, Dr Thistle described the injuries, and attributed death to shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," no blame being attributed to anyone.

CLAYHANGER - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the New Inn, Clayhanger, into the circumstances attending the death of SAMUEL GAMLIN, aged 71 years, a retired quarryman, and widower residing with a married daughter at New Inn Cottage, Clayhanger. It appeared that during the past eighteen months deceased suffered from paralysis and for some time was confined to his bed. On the 22nd inst., during the absence of his daughter, deceased got out of bed and cut his throat with a knife. Death ensued on Saturday evening. The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide while of Unsound Mind.