Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1905

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included:  Ackland; Acock; Adams(3); Alford; Anstey; Aylesbury; Ayloff; Back; Baker(2); Bale; Ball; Barrell; Bartlett; Bazley; Beasley; Bevan; Birch; Bird; Blaxland; Boon; Boundy; Bowden; Brant; Bray; Breton; Bridges; Bright; Brimecombe; Brimicombe; Broome; Brown; Browning; Brownscombe; Bruckland; Budham; Bull; Bulley; Butland; Came; Carmona; Carpenter; Cattell; Causley; Cavill; Challice; Chambers; Chard; Chivall; Clarke; Clatworthy(2); Cleeve; Clements; Cole; Collins; Colquhoun; Colson; Coppers; Cornelius; Cornish; Cottle(2); Cotton; Couzens; Cowell; Crew; Croote; Cusick; Davey; Davies; Davis; Derges; Derrick; Dimond; Down(2); Downey; Dunn; Eastman; Eastwood; Edwards(2); Ellis; Elworthy; Farley; Farrant(2); Fieldon; Finney; Fletcher; Ford; Foster(2); Fowler; Fursdon; Gale; Geatches; Genge; Giles; Glass(2); Goss; Gould; Gray; Green; Gregory; Hamlyn; Hammett; Hares; Harris(2); Harvey; Hawke; Hawkins(2); Heales; Heath; Hele; Hellier; Heyward; Hibberd; Hill(2); Hillman; Holden; Holley; Holmes; Hooper; Horn; Horwood; Hounlow; Hoyle; Hoyte; Hutchings(3); Jago; James; Jarman; Jasper; Jephson; Jervis; Kellaway; Kerswell; Kifft; Knight(2); Lake(2); Lambshead; Lane; Lang; Laskey(2); Lawrence; Leach; Leslie; Lewis(2); Lightfoot; Loaring; Lock; Loram; Love; Loving; Lowden; Lowes; Malkin; Mallett; Manning; Mardon; Marks; Martin(2); Masters; Matcham; Matthews; Maunder; McKnight; Midwood; Miller; Mitchell(2); Monk; Morgan; Morris; Morrish; Mudge; Newberry; Noble; Norman; Nosworthy; Notley; Osborne; Opie; Palmer; Pavey; Perring(2); Perry; Phillips(2); Pike; Plater; Pridham; Pring; Prowse; Quick; Rabjohns; Randle; Reeve; Reynolds; Rich; Richards; Roberts; Rottenbury; Rowden(2); Russell; Rylands; Sadler; Salter; Saunders; Scanes; Selway; Setters; Shortridge; Simpson; Skinner(2); Slade; Slaughter; Sloman; Smale; Smith; Smyth; Southwell; Sowden; Spurway; Stacey; Staddon; Staples; Stapleton; Stevens; Stokes(2); Stuart; Swinner; Symons; Taylor(3); Thomas; Thompson; Tolly; Tolman; Trinaman; Trythall; Tucker(2); Turner; Upton; Vickers; Vincent; Wannell; Ward; Warren(3); Way; White; Willey; Willis; Wills; Wilson; Winter; Winter-Wood; Wood; Woolacott; Wright(3); Wrigley; Yeo; Youldon.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 3 January 1905
EXETER - Woman's Suicide At Exeter. Verdict Of "Temporary Insanity." - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Court yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of ELIZABETH HARRIS, aged 56, of 7 Courtenay-road, St. Thomas, Exeter, who was found with her throat cut on Saturday. - GEORGE HARRIS, the husband, gave evidence of identification. He last saw his wife alive between 6.30 and 7 o'clock on Saturday morning, when she prepared his breakfast for him to take to work. She complained of feeling giddy and afterwards went back to bed. His wife generally enjoyed good health. She was not an intemperate woman. While at Starcross recently deceased fell down the steps at the Railway Station and had complained of pains ever since. Deceased had lost a friend by death lately. - P.C. Pike said he was called to the house and found the woman lying on the floor of a bedroom. the room was not in disorder, and deceased's dress was not in an unusual state, except at the neck, where it was unbuttoned. Her throat was cut and he found a knife and razor with blood stains on them in the room. There were no marks of violence, except the cut on the throat. - Mrs Ingram, of 34 Courtenay-road, said her house was opposite deceased's. The latter was usually up about 6 o'clock in the morning, but on Saturday witness noticed just before 11 o'clock that the blinds of the house were down. Witness thought something was wrong and spoke to a neighbour. She then went up the stairs of deceased's house and found deceased as described by the previous witness. Witness did not hear any screams proceed from the place. On the previous day deceased caught hold of witness by the arm and said, "Dear Mrs Ingram, we are here today; we may be gone in ten minutes." Witness thought deceased was alluding to a friend who had recently died. Witness had not heard deceased quarrelling. - Mrs Selina Coles, 6 Courtenay-road, who went with Mrs Ingram, said deceased was very excited on the previous day. She had not heard deceased quarrelling during the week, neither did she hear screams on Saturday morning. - Mr H. G. Toombs, Surgeon, said deceased had a cut on her throat; otherwise there were no marks of violence. There was blood round about. He thought the wound was self-inflicted. Death was due to haemorrhage, the result of a cut throat. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 4 January 1905
NEWTON ABBOT - The Sudden Death At Newton Abbot. Inquest Last Evening. - At the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, last evening, the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, held an Inquiry relative to the death of the REV. JOHN R. TUCKER, late rector of Trenze, Norfolk, who was found dead in bed at his lodgings in Queen-street, Newton Abbot, on Sunday morning. Mr J. Relland was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - WILLIAM TUCKER, solicitor, Paignton, identified deceased as his uncle. Deceased had been residing at Totnes, but removed to Newton Abbot about a fortnight since. - Hannah Soper said deceased took lodgings with her a fortnight ago, and had since lived indoors most of the time. He complained of a slight indisposition on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, receiving no answer on knocking at his bedroom door, she called in the Police and they found he was dead. - Dr Charles Martin said the cause of death was syncope. There was no doubt that death was due to natural causes. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - The Deputy Coroner said a point that called for remark was that the doctor was not called in until several hours after deceased was found to be dead. It was a duty that devolved upon every householder to at once call a doctor under such circumstances, as life might often thereby be saved.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 5 January 1905
DUNSFORD - Sudden Death At Dunsford. - An Inquest was held by the County Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at Dunsford, yesterday, on the body of GEORGE LASKEY, (64), a farm labourer, who was found lying unconscious by the side of a hedge which he had been paring on Monday. - George Pooke, a labourer, of Reedy, with whom deceased lived, identified the body. Deceased brought him a cup of tea before he left for work. He complained of feeling unwell, as he had done for several days previously, and of suffering from a pain in his left side. He said he was more fit to be in bed than to go to work. - George Horrell, insurance agent, of Christow, whose employ deceased was, said LASKEY was engaged in cutting a hedge on Monday. Witness saw him at work about 12.30 p.m., and he made no complaint of feeling unwell. George Horrell , insurance agent, of Christow, said he found deceased about 2.30 p.m. laying on his stomach in the road. He was insensible. His tools were on the hedge as though he was going home to dinner. Witness thought deceased breathed his last while witness was with him, and before he reported the matter. - Mr Arthur Budd, Surgeon, said there were no marks of violence on deceased's body to account for death. It presented a natural appearance, and he attributed death to syncope. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

TOTNES - An Exeter Woman's Death. Inquest At Totnes. - The Inquest on the body of MRS EDWARDS, of Exeter, who died suddenly at Totnes on Monday night, was conducted by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, at the Guildhall, Totnes, yesterday morning. Mr R. Cuming was elected Foreman. - Deceased's sister, MRS SULLY, gave evidence of identification and said that the deceased was stopping at Totnes for the Christmas and was returning on Monday evening when she felt unwell. She was driven back from the Station in a cab and expired in about 15 minutes. She had always been in excellent health. - Dr G. J. Gibson said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly, the Coroner expressing sympathy with the deceased's relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 6 January 1905
EXETER - Exeter Coal Haulier's Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at 61 Commercial-road, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of JOHN JARMAN, a coal haulier, of 62 Commercial-buildings, who died on Tuesday. - MRS HALSE, daughter of deceased, identified the body. Her father was at her house on Monday morning, and then seemed to be in his usual health. He was 73 years of age. - Mrs Jessie Ward of 61 Commercial-buildings, said she saw deceased two or three times during Tuesday morning and he then seemed brighter than usual. Shortly after 2 o'clock she was called to deceased in the street. She had him taken into his house and sent for a doctor. Deceased, she knew, had been suffering from his heart and had done no work for two years. - Mr Stokes, Surgeon, said that when he saw deceased on the kitchen floor he was dead. He ascribed death to heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

EXETER - The Suicide At Exeter. - Yesterday the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Station into the circumstances of the death of GEORGE GREGORY, general dealer, of No. 27 Quay-lane, West Quarter, Exeter, who was found with his throat cut on Wednesday morning. Deceased was formerly a plasterer, and was 54 years of age. He had suffered from rheumatism for 30 years and latterly had been subject to acute pains in the head. On Wednesday morning at breakfast time GREGORY was strange and in pain. He was advised by his wife to go upstairs. He did go, but shortly afterwards she saw him lying in the yard behind the house. His throat was cut and a razor lay close by. - Mr Harrison, Surgeon, deposed that GREGORY had a deep wound on the throat about seven inches long. It was evidently self-inflicted. Death was due to haemorrhage. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 9 January 1905
PINHOE - Inquest On A Pinhoe Child. - An Inquest was conducted at the Poltimore Arms, Pinhoe, on Saturday, by Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the Crediton Division, concerning the death of DORIS ALICE MATTHEWS, the two year old daughter of JAMES WILLIAM MATTHEWS, gardener to the Rev. Prebendary Granville, Pilton House, Pinhoe. Mr A. E. Gould was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - THIRZA MATTHEWS, of Southlands-terrace, Pinhoe, mother of the deceased, identified the body and said that on Thursday afternoon, about 2 o'clock, the deceased was in the kitchen with witness. Witness had her back turned, when she heard the child scream, and on looking around saw a saucepan, the water in which had been boiling, lying in the grate. The child had, apparently, pulled over the saucepan. Deceased was scalded on the shoulders, back and the left side. She sent for Mr Miller, Surgeon, immediately and he attended. The child had a fit between 2 and 3 o'clock on Friday afternoon and became unconscious. She was soon after seen by Mr Miller again, but never recovered consciousness and died on Friday night about 9 o'clock. - Mr G. W. Miller, Surgeon, practising at Pinhoe, said the child was scalded chiefly on the left side of the body. Death was due to shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the parents in their bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 January 1905
EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at 5 St James's-terrace, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of HENRY HOUNSLOW, who died suddenly on Saturday morning. Ellen Densham said deceased had lodged with her for 20 years. He was 48 years of age and a butcher's assistant. Deceased had been in pretty good health of late, and on Friday night was in the best of humour. At about 6.15 on Saturday morning he called her son, as he always did. After her son had left she heard groans. She went upstairs and spoke to deceased, but she could see no sign of life, and sent for Dr Perkins. Dr Perkins said heart disease was, in his opinion, the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 11 January 1905
EXETER - An Inquest was held by the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Police Station yesterday, on the body of CORA ELIZABETH MAUD LAWRENCE, the six-months-old daughter of GEORGE JOHN LAWRENCE of 14 Albert Street, Exeter, who died on Sunday morning. Mr Wreford, Surgeon, said the general appearances seemed to point to a convulsion. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 12 January 1905
UFFCULME - The Sad Death At Uffculme. Inquest And Verdict. - The sad death of MR AYLESBURY, of Leigh Court, Uffculme, has cast quite a gloom over the neighbourhood. Deceased was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him, and the greatest sympathy is felt for his widowed mother, with whom he resided, and his relatives, in the melancholy bereavement which has befallen them. Deceased, who was charitably disposed, was 48 years of age. - The Inquest on the body was conducted at Leigh Court by the District Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox. - Mr W. R. Chapple, of London, identified the body as that of his brother-in-law. - Frederick Wellsman, gardener, at Leigh Court, said he harnessed the horse to a four-wheeled dog-cart for his master to catch the 8.10 a.m. train at Tiverton Junction for Exeter. Deceased was in the best of spirits. He commented on the weather, and as he left wished him "Good morning." - Frank Burford, a young man of Hemyock, gave evidence to the effect that about 8.30 a.m. he was walking down the lane about a quarter of a mile from Leigh Court en route to Ashill, when he found the deceased lying in the road. His dogcart was on its side and the horse was also on the ground, lying perfectly quiet. Deceased's feet were pinned underneath the cart. Witness hastened to Rull, and informed Mr W. R. Wood of the discovery, and they returned to the scene of the accident. Assistance was forthcoming and the body was conveyed to Leigh Court in a conveyance provided by Mr Chilcott. - William Robert Wood corroborated. - Dr Date described the condition of the body when he examined it at Leigh Court. Deceased sustained a fractured skull and there were other wounds on the face and head. He came to the conclusion that these were the results of kicks from the horse. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - A vote of condolence was passed with MRS AYLESBURY and relatives. Deceased would have taken possession of his new residence at Northtawton on the 15th inst. He returned from abroad about six months ago, and it was his intention to have gone abroad again two months hence. - The horse, which is described as being a young and quiet one, escaped with a few scratches. The harness was not broken. The dogcart was only slightly damaged. How the unfortunate accident happened is not known. But it is thought the horse shied at some pampas grass in the roadway and ran into the embankment.

UPTON PYNE - Exonian's Death At Upton Pyne. Inquest Yesterday. - An Inquest was held by the County Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at Stevenstone Farm, Upton Pyne, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM GEORGE CORNISH, corn merchant, of Lower North-street, Exeter, who died suddenly on Tuesday. - Tom Harris, of 60 South-street, Exeter, said he was out rabbit shooting with deceased on Tuesday at Stevenstone Farm, Upton Pyne. About 2 p.m. MR CORNISH complained of feeling unwell. After a time he became better and they continued shooting. Shortly afterwards deceased was taken bad again and fell to the ground. With witness's help MR CORNISH tried to walk towards the house, but fell down again. Witness went for assistance, leaving his son with deceased. On returning deceased was dead. - Charles Zouche Marshall, Surgeon, said both of deceased's lungs were extremely congested, and the whole body was very fat. One valve of the heart was very slightly diseased, but, with the exception of the fat around them, the other organs were quite healthy. Death was due to heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and expressed their sympathy with the wife and family of deceased, a sentiment with which the Coroner concurred.

TOPSHAM - The Sudden Death At Topsham. - The Crediton District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquiry at Topsham yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of GEORGE NELSON WANNELL, of the Ship Inn, who died suddenly on Tuesday. MRS WANNELL, widow, identified the body, and said deceased was aged 55. He had complained of pains in his head for a good many years. He complained to witness on Tuesday morning and then went upstairs and laid upon his bed. Witness went upstairs a few minutes after deceased. He said, "I am dying." Witness fetched some brandy and sent for a doctor at once, but before the arrival of the latter deceased expired. - Mr Ashford, Surgeon, said he arrived at the deceased's residence about one o'clock. Death had then taken place and, in his opinion, was due to heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 13 January 1905
CHUDLEIGH - At an Inquest held at the Clifford Arms by Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, on the infant son of MR THOMAS HEATH, painter, who was found dead in bed, the Jury returned a verdict of Death from Exhaustion following premature birth.

EXETER - Exeter Medical Man's Death. An Overdose Of Morphia. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at 34 East Southernhay, Exeter, yesterday, concerning the death of WILLIAM HENRY HOLDEN. - MRS HOLDEN identified the body of deceased as that of her husband, aged 52. He had been in ill-health for some months. He returned home on Sunday after having a change, and then went to bed complaining of pains in his legs. He was a temperate man and was in the habit of taking drugs to relieve his pain. - Dr Raglan Thomas stated that deceased had been suffering from influenza and chronic bronchitis, which caused severe attacks of pain. On Tuesday afternoon he was breathing heavily and appeared to have taken an excessive dose of morphia to relieve the pain. The stomach pump was used and the usual remedies were applied, but MR HOLDEN died on Wednesday afternoon. On a post mortem examination all the organs were diseased, especially the heart and lungs and liver. He also had a large gall stone, which would cause great pain. In the doctor's opinion, deceased died from syncope. - BASIL HOLDEN said he found a bottle of morphia in the cabinet by the side of his father's bed. Deceased said to witness, "If my pain is no better I shall take some more morphia." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death through an Excessive Dose of Morphia, which was administered to relieve pain."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 January 1905
PAIGNTON - Yesterday Mr Hacker held an inquest at Paignton on the body of MRS JANE COLE, aged 86, who met with an accident on Boxing Day through some clothes in her bedroom catching fire while she was in the act of lighting a candle. Dr Alexander attended her next day and found her suffering from severe burns on the left hand and left side of the face. Deceased gradually sank under the strain and died at midnight on Wednesday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - Sudden Death At Barnstaple. A Parish Doctor's Duties. - The Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury, of which Mr J. Fry was Foreman, last evening investigated the circumstances attending the death of MRS ELIZABETH ACKLAND, aged 72, of Newport, Barnstaple, who was found dead in her bed on Thursday morning. - Mr Bencraft stated that the circumstances were exceptionally sad, inasmuch as the deceased's husband was dying of cancer in the same house and the deceased had been looking after him. - Mrs Emily Boyes, of Victoria-street, said she had been with the deceased at her house between half-past 11 and 12 o'clock on Wednesday evening. That evening deceased, who was very stout and also nervous, was very depressed and excited, stating that she had lost some money. She eventually went to sleep in the same bed with witness. Just after 3 o'clock on the following morning, witness discovered that deceased was dead. She sent for P.C. Fry and a doctor. Mr Woodbridge, Surgeon, arrived and pronounced life to be extinct. Deceased had been run down through attending on her husband. - P.C. Fry deposed to asking Mr Charles Cooke, Surgeon, to attend the deceased, but said Mr Cooke refused on witness saying he thought MRS ACKLAND was dead. Witness then fetched Mr Woodbridge. - The latter now deposed to being called to the deceased's house early on the previous morning. Deceased appeared to have died from heart failure. Everything tended to show that the death was a natural one. - A verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence was returned. - The Foreman asked if a parish doctor was justified in refusing to attend a patient. The parish doctor had been attending deceased's husband. - The Coroner stated that Mr James Cooke, the Parish doctor, had told him that his brother, Mr Charles Cooke had received the message and when he heard that MRS ACKLAND was dead he did not think it necessary to go until later. - The Foreman said there was a feeling that poor people must be protected and he asked whether a parish doctor was justified in refusing when he was asked to visit a patient. - The Coroner said he did not think he could officially express an opinion. If the relatives thought that there was any dereliction of duty on the part of any medical man they should make their complaint to the Guardians. - P.C. Fry said he understood that Mr Charles Cooke did duty at night for Mr James Cooke. - The Coroner said the evidence showed that deceased was dead before the doctor could have arrived. If, owing to a doctor not attending, it was shown that a life was thrown away, he (the Coroner) would have something very strong to say.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 15 January 1905
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - A Moretonhampstead Tragedy. Man's Head Blown Off. A Powerful Explosive. - An Inquiry was opened at Moretonhampstead on Saturday by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, concerning the death of a miner named JOHN MARKS, aged 48, employed by Mr Hosking, of Newton Abbot, who lived at Ashton with his brother-in-law, William Short. This witness stated that deceased left home on Wednesday morning apparently to go to work as usual and did not return. Deceased was a pensioner, having served 25 years in the Navy. Miss Florence Willcocks found the body of the deceased lying against the wall on the highway between Moreton and Chagford on Thursday evening. - P.S. Thomas said the head of deceased was completely blown off. No firearms or weapon of any sort were found on deceased, who was in a sitting position against the wall near the entrance gate of Highgrove House. In one of his trouser pockets were 3 ½ packets of gelignite, while in a coat pocket was a fuse and three percussion caps. The explosive was similar to that used in the mine where deceased worked. - Dr Laurie, of Moreton, said that, judging from the marks on deceased's chest and the spread of blood, death was due to some powerful explosive. Deceased, he thought must have held the explosive in his mouth. - Mary Jane Loram, of the Punch Bowl, Moretonhampstead, said deceased came to the house on Wednesday evening, apparently suffering from toothache. He had two teeth out and stayed that night and the next day at the Inn, leaving in the evening. - John William Highgrove, of Moreton, deposed that he heard a loud explosion on Thursday evening, but on looking out of his window could see nothing. - the working foreman of the mine where deceased was employed stated that on Wednesday morning MARKS complained of pains in his head and left the mine. According to the regulations, 5lb. of gelignite was allowed to be kept. The explosive found on deceased was similar to that used at the mine and was kept in a locker, to which any of the three miners who worked underground had access. - Deceased's brother, SAMUEL MARKS of 24 Queen-street, Devonport, said that deceased had had a sunstroke in West Africa. - At this stage the Coroner adjourned the Inquiry till tomorrow, for the attendance of an Inspector of Explosives from the Home Office.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 18 January 1905
EXETER - Yesterday Mr W. Linford Browns, City Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court on the body of the infant son of ROBERT BARTLETT, labourer, Silver-lane, Bath-road, Exeter. The child was born on the 14th inst. Mr Brash, Surgeon, attributed death to insufficient vitality. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 January 1905
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - On Tuesday the Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN MARKS, a miner, who was found at the entrance to High Grove, Moretonhampstead, yesterday week with his head blown off, was proceeded with on Tuesday. The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, in re-opening the Court, refreshed the minds of the Jury with the evidence given at the opening of the inquiry, and said that the same had been adjourned for the attendance, if necessary, of an official from the Home Office, who, however, had not come. The evidence, as reviewed by the Coroner, was to the effect that the man MARKS was found with his head blown off, apparently by a gelignite charge, as used in mine blasting, which must have been place in deceased's mouth, other charges being found in his pockets. The only additional evidence taken was that of Mr William Henry Hoskin, mine manager, of Newton Abbot, who said he knew deceased, he having been in his employ. The cartridges, caps and fuse produced were the same sort as used in his Shutamore Mine, but he could not identify them as having been taken from there, as the same thing was used in nearly all mines and quarries. After a short deliberation, the Jury returned a verdict that the deceased Committed Suicide during Temporary Insanity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 January 1905
TIVERTON - Burning Fatality At Tiverton. - Dr L. Mackenzie, Tiverton, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Infirmary last night touching the death of ADA HELLIER. - MRS S. HELLIER said she was the mother of deceased and lived at Little Hensleigh. She had seven other children and her husband, a labourer, was at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with a broken arm. On Wednesday afternoon she left four children in the house and went to draw her husband's Club money. As she was returning she was met by her son, LEONARD, who said ADA had burnt herself. On arriving home she found her child at a neighbour's, Mr Darch's. She had nothing to dress the wounds with, but took off the remainder of the burnt clothing and used a damped cloth. Dr Cullin, on arriving, advised immediate removal to the Infirmary and witness carried the child there. The grate was an ordinary kitchen one, with an oven one side and in front was an ordinary fender with a bar and round plate in the centre, which anyone could stand on. The Coroner: The most dangerous sort of all. - There was no fire-guard. The child was wearing an apron, flannelette dress and petticoat and flannel vest. Witness was away about two hours. - LEONARD HELLIER (12) said he was by the fire, holding the baby, when the accident happened. ADA came in to warm herself, stood on the fender and he saw her apron catch fire at the bottom. Her other clothes rapidly became alight and she ran back into the room. He put the baby down on the floor and extinguished the flames with water and by wrapping a blanket round his sister. She did not scream much and he ran at once for his mother. - J. F. E. Bridgman, House Surgeon, said the deceased died from collapse, the result of burning, about 3 o'clock that morning. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury complimented LEONARD HELLIER on his prompt action in extinguishing the fire and on his intelligent evidence. - The Coroner greatly regretted that fire-guards could not be made compulsory by law, for without them these accidents were bound to recur. Thousands of children were lost every year through parents' neglect of this one precaution.

EXETER - How Babies Are Fed. Disclosures At Exeter. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Station by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, touching the death of WALTER JAMES MORRISH, the illegitimate child of EMILY ELLEN BRANT, of 16 Sun-street, Exeter, who died on Tuesday. - MRS BRANT, wife of FREDERICK JOHN BRANT, identified the body as that of her child, aged five months. As far as she knew, it was a healthy child when born. - The Coroner warned the witness that whatever she said might be given as evidence against her. - Witness, continuing, said the child was an illegitimate one. Until two months ago she fed it from the breast and with boiled bread. About six weeks ago she consulted Mr Clapp, with reference to the child's health. Her reason for doing so was because she noticed it was thin. Mr Clapp advised her to feed the child on milk and a little water. Since then, however, she had continued to feed it with boiled bread as well. She gave it bread because she thought milk and water was not sufficient for the child and she thought it would starve on it. About a fortnight ago Dr Andrew came to vaccinate the child, but he refused to do so, as it was not in a fit state. She told him she had been feeding it on bread and he stated that the child was to have nothing but milk. Since that time she had not given it any bread, but had stuck to the milk diet. Witness had been married a fortnight. She worked during the day up to last Monday as a charwoman and each day a woman named Mrs Westrope took charge of the child, for which she paid her 4d. Witness provided the child's food. The first intimation she had that anything was wrong with the child on Tuesday was when she called at Mrs Westrope's after leaving work and the latter said the child had been unwell all day. Mr Clapp saw the child the same evening between 7 and 8 o'clock, but it was then dead, having succumbed at 5.30, but before this it had convulsions. She knew there was a wound under the child's arm, but she thought this was the result of teething. The rash on the ear she attributed to the same cause. She had three other children, two of whom were illegitimate and were in the St. Thomas Workhouse. Several women, including Mrs Westrope, had previously told witness she ought to have a doctor to see the child, but she thought it was getting better. She did not think that if it came to the notice of the parish doctor she was married that she would have to take her other children from the Workhouse. - In reply to the Foreman of the Jury, witness said she sometimes gave a pint of milk to the child and sometimes a pennyworth. When it would not take the milk she gave it bread. - By Chief Inspector Dymond: Dr Andrew advised her to have the child medically examined, but she had not done so. The child was insured by her husband in the Prudential Office, but she could not say for how much. The insurance was effected before her marriage. - Mrs Margaret Elizabeth Westrope, a widow, living at Coffin's-court, Smythen-street, Exeter, said that about three weeks after the birth of the child the last witness went to work and she took charge of the infant. Witness first fed it on Quaker oats and boiled sago, and afterwards boiled bread, which the child ate heartily. When the last witness took the child away on Monday witness suggested that she should have a doctor, and on the following morning she believed she suggested the same thing again. She found it to be getting worse and would have sent for a doctor had she known where the mother was working. - The Foreman said he thought it was very indiscreet to give the child bread against the doctor's orders. - Julia Ebdon, a midwife, of Paragon-place, Exeter, said the child was a fine, healthy baby when born. - Mrs Sarah Snell, of Coffin's-court, said she had offered to take the child to Mr Clapp, but MRS BRANT replied that she thought it was getting better. - Mr Clapp, Surgeon, said the child was brought to him on the 21st November and he found evidences of improper feeding. It was not so well nourished as a child 11 weeks old should be, and was suffering from dyspeptic trouble. He instructed the mother to give it nothing but milk and water in certain proportions. He did not see the child again until Tuesday, when he found it dead. Deceased showed signs of having died in convulsions. He weighed the body and found it to be 7 ½ lb. The ordinary weight for a child of the same age was 11 ½ lb. There was an absence of fat on the body. The cause of death was convulsions brought on by improper feeding. The child had not had a sufficient quantity of nourishing diet, which practically resulted in starvation. - In reply to the Foreman, Mr. Clapp said there was no excuse for overlooking the sores on the child. - FREDERICK JOHN BRANT said he insured the child's life about six weeks ago. He would not get any money, as the child had not been insured long enough. the child was all right when he left home in the morning. - The Coroner said what the Jury had to consider was whether the gross neglect constituted manslaughter, or whether it was a case in which ignorance and want of judgment were so very strong that the neglect was not of a criminal character. They knew sometimes that illegitimate children were not wanted. There was the fact that the child was insured, and it did seem a very terrible thing that these insurances should be permitted. It seemed to him to be holding out a premium on the death of the child. He did not say people insured to get rid of their children, but the child was allowed to drift. It was not properly attended to and they knew the result. The conduct of the woman Westrope was open to censure. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The Foreman said the Jury had come to the unanimous conclusion that, while there had been serious neglect, they were not of opinion that anyone had acted criminally. They were disposed to take a lenient view of the case. It was a very nice point. The Jury were also of opinion that there had been neglect on the part of the mother and, to a certain extent, on the part of Mrs Westrope, who deserved censure. - The Coroner said the Jury had returned an extremely merciful verdict. If they had given one of manslaughter he should have signed the warrant and MR and MRS BRANT would have been arrested on the spot. There was an Act of Parliament for the prevention of cruelty to children and he hoped that the Police or someone would take steps to institute proceedings for cruelty. - Chief-Inspector Dymond said he was instructed by the Chief Constable to state that, in case the Jury returned the verdict they had, proceedings would be taken against both MR and MRS BRANT. - The Coroner: I am glad to hear it. - The Foreman said this was satisfactory to the Jury, because there was a feeling that the parties concerned should not be allowed to go scot free.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 January 1905
STOKE DAMEREL - A Rotten Life line. Devonport Diver's Death. - At the Coroner's Inquest held at Devonport Dockyard yesterday, relative to the circumstances of the death of CHARLES LEACH, shipwright's diver, who met with his death on Friday while diving, the Jury returned a verdict of Death through Asphyxiation, due to the sluice valve being inadvertently opened while deceased was under water. - The evidence showed that the life line was rotten and the air tube defective. - A rider was added that in future better supervision of diving gear and diving operations generally should be exercised. - Chief-Constructor Black promised that greater attention should be bestowed on the diving department and the time allowed for overhauling the gear.

ALPHINGTON - Sudden Death At Alphington. The Inquest. - The County Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquiry last evening into the circumstances surrounding the death of HENRIETTA ELIZABETH JANE MITCHELL, aged 49 years, the wife of MR JAMES RAYMONT MITCHELL, market gardener, of Spring Gardens, Alphington, who died suddenly early yesterday morning. Mr William Perkins was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MR JAMES RAYMONT MITCHELL, husband of the deceased, stated that about midnight his wife began to show signs which, as he knew from past experience, implied she was suffering pains in the region of the heart. She asked for brandy, as she had used this on previous similar occasions, and he gave her a little. He then carried her to the window and opened it, knowing that fresh air usually revived her. She began to show signs of sinking, however, and he conveyed her back to the bed. He called his sons and sent one of them for a doctor and another for a neighbour. His wife, expired, however, in his arms, just as the neighbour was coming up the stairs. Dr Stokes quickly put in an appearance. Deceased suffered from rheumatic fever when 12 years old and witness believed that this had left her with an affected heart. - Dr Stokes, of St. Thomas, Exeter, stated that death was due to natural causes, and the Jury, in returning a verdict accordingly, expressed their deep sympathy with the bereaved widower and family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 26 January 1905
TIVERTON - Sudden Death At Tiverton. - At the Tiverton Infirmary last night an inquest was held by Dr L. Mackenzie into the sudden death of MRS LUCY DAVEY, who, with her husband, had recently returned from America, and was staying with her married daughter, MRS KNIGHT of 5 Morley-terrace, Tiverton. - On Monday night she had paid a visit to her brother, MR J. HARWOOD, and was walking home when she was taken ill. Her husband said her symptoms were similar to what she had shown before in America, where the doctor told her she had valvular inaction of the heart. Shortly after midnight she fainted and died before medical aid could be summoned. - Dr J. R. R. Pollock, who made a post mortem examination, said death was due to the rupture of the vessels of the pericardium due to calcarius degeneration and a verdict was returned in accordance with his finding.

NEWTON ABBOT - Child's Death At Newton. - At the Inquest conducted last evening at Newton Abbot by Mr G. F. Kellock on ETHEL LOUISE, the four-year-old child of WILLIAM COUZENS, the grandmother, GEORGINA COUZENS stated that on Monday, on deceased returning from school, she took off her outdoor apparel and went upstairs. She had only been absent a few minutes when deceased ran into the passage in flames. Witness came downstairs and put the fire out, but not before the child was burnt about the face and arms. She could not say how deceased's clothing caught alight, as there was no one in the kitchen. There was a small fire in the stove, but there were no matches or paper about. The child was not addicted to playing with the fire. - Dr Hunt said the child was burnt all over the face, hands and arms, but the wounds were superficial and death, which occurred on the day following the accident, was due to shock. When he went to the house there were no matches or paper lying about, and nothing to show how the child could have caught fire. Only the pinafore and dress were burnt, the underclothing being intact. - The Coroner could not understand how it was the fire got such a hold of the child in three or four minutes. - Dr Hunt said the whole thing must have happened in a very short space of time as the wounds were of such a superficial character. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to shock, the result of burns, but there was no evidence to show how the child got on fire. They handed their fees to the father.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 27 January 1904
STOCKLEIGH ENGLISH - Quite a sensation was caused in the parish by the burning to death of a girl, aged four, named ANNA MARIA FORD, who had been left at home in charge of a baby while the mother was out marketing. At the Inquest the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and added a rider concerning the danger of leaving children of tender age alone in a room in which there was a fire.

LYDFORD - Mr J. D. Prickman, District Coroner, has held an Inquest at Dartmoor Prison on the body of WILLIAM MORRIS, a convict, who was undergoing a sentence of three years' penal servitude for housebreaking. He was described as a labourer, and 37 years of age. Mr S. R. Dyer, Medical Officer of the Prison, said he had made a post-mortem examination, and ascertained that the cause of death was a tumour, about the size of a duck's egg, on the brain. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 January 1905
CREDITON - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Town Hall, Crediton, by the County Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, relative to the death of JAMES LAKE, aged 55 years, an employee of the Crediton Urban District Council who fell down dead on Wednesday. - William Burrows, of Church-street, Crediton, who is also employed by the Urban District Council, said deceased fell down dead at the Council's depot on Wednesday evening after putting his tools away. Witness had never heard deceased complain of feeling unwell before and they conversed together on the way back to the depot. - Mr Leslie Pound, Surgeon, said that when he was called deceased was dead. He had made a post-mortem examination and found the walls of the small artery which went to feed the heart thickened and hardened with lime for the space of about an inch. The spot was quite blocked and would be quite sufficient to cause death in itself, although the heart was sound. The other organs and arteries were healthy. The cause of death was syncope. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

NEWTON ABBOT - A Newton Child's Death. Three In A Bed. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot last evening on the infant daughter of SERGEANT SYMONS. R.M., of H.M.S. Monmouth, and 5 Tudor-road, Newton, it was stated that the mother was too ill to attend and that the father was at sea. - The infant which had been sleeping with the mother and another child, was found dead in bed. - Dr Nesbit said the child was extremely well nourished. The internal organs were deeply congested and he considered that death was due to overlaying. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, said it was a very serious case, because they had evidence of three persons sleeping in one bed, which must be a terrible danger to the life of an infant. It was a great pity that a life should be thrown away in this manner. Some people alleged that they were too poor to provide the necessary cradles and bedding, but in this case there was no evidence of poverty and he should like to warn others of the fearful danger accompanying such sleeping arrangements. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and added a rider attaching blame to the mother for allowing another child to sleep in the same bed. - The Coroner said if people were not sufficiently taught by this and other cases the day would come when someone would be criminally blamed. It was gross carelessness.

SANDFORD - Fatal Accident At Sandford. - Mr H. W. Gould , County Coroner, held an Inquest at Sandford yesterday touching the death of ELIZABETH SUSANNA WRIGHT, aged 74 years, who died as the result of a fall downstairs. - FLORENCE MARION WRIGHT, who identified the body, said she slept with deceased on Thursday night. Witness left deceased in bed at 7.15 the following morning, when she appeared to be in her usual health. Deceased lived alone. - Mrs Sarah Chudley, of Sandford, said that on that day week she was called to help deceased by a man named Acres, and on going to deceased's cottage witness found her lying at the bottom of the stairs unconscious. With assistance witness laid her on the sofa and then sent for a doctor. - Mr L. H. Moiser, Surgeon, of Crediton, said that when he saw deceased she was in bed. She was conscious and told him she was going downstairs and when on the top step felt giddy. She had a severe bruise on the top of the forehead and was suffering from bleeding of the brain, from which she died on Wednesday. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 30 January 1905
SOUTH MOLTON - The Late MR BIRD. Inquest At Southmolton. - An Inquest has been held by Dr Slade-King at the Guildhall, Southmolton, concerning the death of the late MR MATTHEW JAMES BIRD, woolstapler, of Southmolton. the body was identified by MR H. J. BIRD, son of deceased. His father was 74 years of age. - An employee at the Southmolton Railway Station, named Evans, said that shortly after the arrival of the 6.52 p.m. train from Barnstaple on the 13th instant he received information that a passenger had fallen between two carriages. He went to the spot indicated and found deceased there. He was lying on his left side. With the assistance of Mr George Searle, witness extricated MR BIRD, who was removed to the waiting-room. - Mr George Searle corroborated. When found MR BIRD was in a dazed condition. He could walk with assistance. - Edwin Cruwys, a Juror, said he spoke to MR BIRD after the accident. Deceased said he had knocked his back, but not badly. Deceased walked out of the Station and was conveyed home in a 'bus. - Dr Smyth stated that the cause of death was inflammation of the left lung, caused by injuries received by falling on the couplers of a railway carriage. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added the following rider:- "That this Jury is of opinion that a bridge or other provision for the safe passage of passengers across the line should be provided by the Great Western Railway Company at the Southmolton Station; that the Station is not adequately lit; also that sufficient attention is not given to passengers by the Railway Company at the Station." A further rider was added "That this Jury desires to record their dissatisfaction at the unseemly delay on the part of the Police in informing the Coroner of the necessity for this Inquest.

DARTMOUTH - Sad Occurrence At Dartmouth. - On Saturday at Dartmouth, an Inquest was held by Mr A. M. Davson, on the body of MRS CHARLOTTE TRINAMAN, wife of MR WILLIAM TRINAMAN, landlord of the Seale Arms Hotel. - The husband testified that on Monday his wife appeared to have been drinking. Between 5 and 6 o'clock in the afternoon he took her to bed and after making her comfortable, locked her in as a precaution. Two hours later he found she had gone and on examination he saw that the window of an adjoining dressing-room was open. He found her in the stable yard below sitting on a box. She was put to bed again, and Dr Harris was sent for. She was unconscious and it was found that she had sustained a fracture of the skull. Dr Harris bore this out. - After hearing several witnesses the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed deep sympathy, with which the Coroner concurred, with MR TRINAMAN.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 31 January 1905
BIDEFORD - A Child's Death At Bideford. The Danger Of Overlying. - Dr E. J. Slade-King, the Deputy Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest yesterday at Bideford on the body of FLORENCE LUCY SHORTRIDGE, the 11-weeks-old child of JAMES SHORTRIDGE, a mason's labourer, living at Meddon-street, Bideford. - The evidence of the mother, MRS EMMA SHORTRIDGE, went to show that the deceased slept in the same bed with the parents. The mother last saw the child alive at 4.30 a.m. on Saturday, when she fed it. When the mother awoke at about 7 a.m. on Saturday she found the child warm, but dead. She was the mother of three children, two of whom were alive. - Mr J. S. Grose, Medical Practitioner, deposed to examining the body about an hour after the child was stated to have died. The cause of death was suffocation, probably produced by overlying. He considered that the taking of infants into bed with parents was a very risky proceeding, at any rate if done before they were nearly 12 months' old. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 February 1905
WESTWARD HO! - The Tragic Affair At Westward Ho! A Farewell Letter. - The circumstances attending the death of MR CHARLES HAIG MIDWOOD, a retired calico printer, living at Edgehill, Buckleigh, Westward Ho! who was found shot early on Monday morning in the bathroom of his house, were investigated yesterday morning by the North Devon Deputy Coroner, Dr E. J. Slade-King, and a Jury, of which Col. Munro was Foreman. - MRS AGNES MIDWOOD, the widow, stated that the deceased was 46 years of age. She last saw him alive at about twenty minutes past nine on the previous morning, when she took his breakfast to the bath-room. Witness went downstairs for her own breakfast and returned to the bathroom at about half-past nine, when she saw the deceased lying on the floor. He had been in very bad health for over eight years, suffering from paralysis and complications. She identified the letter (produced) as one which the deceased had written to her. The deceased was formerly of Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, where he lived for four years. She thought he must have been dead when she found him lying on the floor. - Mr C. K. Ackland, Medical Practitioner, of Bideford, said he had known the deceased for about two months, having acted as his medical attendant. At about 10 o'clock the previous morning he was called by telephone to the deceased, whom he found lying on the bed, dead. Witness found a little blood about the mouth, the lips were blackened, and there was a wound in the throat caused by a bullet which penetrated the brain. Deceased had had locomotor ataxy and had suffered terrible pain and was very helpless. Witness last saw him alive on Thursday. The immediate cause of death was a bullet wound through the brain. He saw a revolver (produced) lying on the bathroom floor. He was of opinion that the wound was self-inflicted. - By a Juror: The intense pain might certainly have affected his mind. - Wilfred John Harris, a servant in the deceased's employ, stated that at half-past nine on the previous morning he went with MRS MIDWOOD to the bathroom, where he saw the deceased lying on the floor. He thought the deceased was not quite dead, but was just giving a last struggle. The revolver (produced) was his master's property, and was hanging to the finger of deceased's right hand. He helped MRS MIDWOOD put the body on the bed and then telephoned to Dr Ackland. - The Coroner stated that the letter referred to was addressed to MRS MIDWOOD. It was merely an affectionate farewell from a husband to his wife. It stated that he could not bear his pain any longer and hoped his children would be taken care of. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Jury.

AXMINSTER - Smoking In Bed. An Axminster Widow's Death. A Man's Extraordinary Conduct. - Mr C. E. Cox, County Coroner, and a jury Inquired yesterday at the Axminster Cottage Hospital, into the circumstances attending the death of ANN BROWN, aged 76 of Castle Hill, Axminster, who died at the Institution from the effects of burns. - Henry Griffin, labourer, who lodged with the deceased, said he returned from work on Saturday night about 7.30. The deceased was downstairs and he thought she had been drinking, but she denied it. Witness went to bed about nine p.m. and deceased followed a few minutes later. Witness went to work at eight o'clock on the Sunday morning, at which hour his landlady was not up. He returned at ten o'clock, and, detecting a smell of smoke upstairs, he made investigations. He went to the deceased's bedroom and found her standing by the side of the bed, with her clothing on fire. He was frightened and ran downstairs to give the alarm. - The Coroner: Didn't you attempt to extinguish the flames? - Witness: No. I was so frightened to see her in that way. - The Coroner: Do you mean to say you went away and did nothing? - Witness: I was very much frightened. - A Juror: Was she burning when you saw her? Was she in flames, or were the clothes only smouldering? - Witness: They were smouldering. - The Coroner: And you didn't attempt to extinguish the flames? - Witness: I was frightened. - The Coroner: It was most extraordinary conduct on the part of a man. What did you do? - Witness: I gave the alarm. - The Coroner: Who did you tell? - Witness: People about there. I gave the alarm and then there were plenty of men to render assistance. - The Coroner: Did you go back to the room again? - Witness: No. - The Coroner: This is a most extraordinary action on the part of a man. That will do. I don't consider you have come out of this in very glowing colours. - MRS BEDFORD, of Kennford, said the deceased was her mother and was the widow of an Army pensioner. - In reply to the Coroner, she said she never knew that her mother smoked. She did not drink to excess, but could take a glass of beer. She always thought she was too "close" to spend much money. - The witness said it had been stated that her mother was smoking in bed and caught on fire in that way. Her mother never smoked, so far as she knew. - The witness, addressing Griffin, said: I think you ought to have done something for my mother. - William John Enticott, of Castle Hill, said when he got to the deceased's bedroom, he found her underclothing burning. The corsets and other articles of apparel were smouldering. He extinguished the fire. The deceased was very badly burnt. She tried to explain that Griffin should have done something or other, but she had not the strength to finish the sentence. The deceased was, after being attended to by Dr Padbury, conveyed to the Hospital. He saw a candle and box of matches on the table. There were some pipes about the room, and he thought that the fire must have been occasioned by the pipes or the candle. When he got there the candle was not lit. He had heard it said that the deceased smoked a pipe, but he had never seen her doing so. - P.S. Gammon said the deceased was shockingly burnt under the right arm, and the burns were so extensive that he could see the ribs. The injuries under the throat were very severe and the windpipe was almost visible. He made investigations, and on the woodwork under the mattress found a box of matches. A short distance inside the bed he found the wooden pipe, produced. The bed clothes were burnt where the pipe was lying. As the deceased was being moved a clay pipe fell from her clothing, while another clay pipe was discovered on the floor near the bed. - Griffin recalled, said neither of the pipes produced was his. He had never seen the deceased smoking. - P.S. Gammon said the woman probably smoked on the sly. She was, as far as he knew, never been smoking. To his mind the fire was caused by the pipe which was found in the bed. - Replying to the Coroner, the witness said there were no symptoms which pointed to the deceased being under the influence of drink or that she had been drinking. She was somewhat addicted to drink and was fined by a Magistrate about a month since. The Matron, Miss Saunders, having given evidence, a Juror remarked that one of his men had often seen the deceased smoking. - The Coroner said there would be no doubt, he presumed, in the Jurors' mind that the deceased was in the habit of smoking and that she had been smoking a short time previously to being discovered to be on fire. The situation of the pipe in the bed pointed to this. He could not understand a man, on seeing the woman on fire, not doing something to extinguish it. Probably he was not in some respects as other men were, and for that reason he would not refer further to the matter. - The Jury found that the deceased met her death through being Accidentally Burned, the fire originating by her clothing becoming ignited while smoking in bed. They desired to express their appreciation of the prompt action taken by Mr Enticott.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 2 February 1905
ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Child's Death. - Yesterday afternoon Dr E. J. Slade-King held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM GOSS, the infant child of MR ERNEST GOSS, fruiterer. - ERNEST GOSS, father of the deceased, said the child was six months old. On the previous evening he and his wife went to bed at about 11 o'clock. The child, who was suffering from bronchitis, slept with them. - Dr Jones said the child had all the appearance of being overlaid. He did not think it wise to put an infant in a bed with grown-up people. It should have been placed in a cradle. But he did not suggest there was any blame attached to the parents. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE CANON - The Stoke Canon Mystery. Body Identified. A Dangerous Spot. - At Stoke Canon yesterday, Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner and a Jury, of which the Rev. F. Robson was Foreman, Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of a respectably dressed man, whose body was found in a mill stream at Stoke Canon on Sunday. - Mr Samuel Withers of 82 Albert-street, Devonport, a retired member of the Civil Service in New South Wales, identified the body as that of a fellow passenger on board the steamship Runic, which left Sydney on December 26th and arrived at Plymouth on the 26th of January. Deceased joined the ship at Sydney and went by the name of HENRY FIELDON. Witness had never seen deceased before he saw him on the ship. Deceased was not communicative and was peculiar in his manner. He would scarcely speak to anyone on board except he was spoken to first, and during most of the voyage he sat on a chair by himself, looking over the stern of the ship. Deceased never told witness where he was going, but he noticed that he came off by the same tender as he did at Plymouth. Deceased was about 50 years of age. He did not notice whether he had any luggage with him. When on board the Runic the deceased carried a pair of field glasses in a case across his shoulder. - Wm. Hutchings, 12 John-street, Exeter, said that on Sunday morning he acted as auxiliary postman between Exeter, Stoke Canon and Rewe. About 7.15 as he was leaving Mr Tremlett's residence, he noticed the body of a man in the mill stream opposite. It was lying face downwards. - By a Juryman: He did not attempt to pull the body out of the water. The discovery gave him too much of a shock. - P.C. Redwood, stationed at Stoke Canon, said deceased was lying on his face and hands in about 2 ft. of water. His head was up stream. He was wearing a dark check motor cap and had on him £8 10 ½d. in money. A walking stick was found lower down the stream. Deceased was wearing am metal watch attached to a silver chain. The watch had stopped at 4.30. The only paper found on him was a card relating to some Hotel in Tenerife. He had a pipe, but no tobacco. A cardboard match-box bore the address of the seller, "John Tipshut, 175 Swanston-street, Melbourne." - Mr Withers here remarked that on the way to England the ship stayed five days at Melbourne. - P.C. Redwood, continuing, said that deceased had two handkerchiefs, which bore the initials "H.F." He was wearing two pairs of socks and they also were marked with the name of FIELDON. On the waistcoat and jacket deceased was wearing was printed the address of the makers, "Farmer and Co., Limited, Victoria House, Sydney," while over the address was the name FIELDON. He found no field glasses. The articles mentioned were produced, as also were a knife and two pairs of kid gloves. He (the Constable) had made every inquiry, but could not get anyone to identify deceased except Mr Withers. He had made inquiries of the Police at Stonehouse, Devonport and information gained from the shipping office was to the effect that deceased was 45 years of age, that he was from Australia and that he gave his address as Hill Crest, Beresford. He had been unable to discover such a place as Beresford. - Mr Withers, in reply to the Coroner, said he knew of no such place in New South Wales as Beresford. - Mr Clayton Jones, of Silverton, said that when he saw the body it was quite cold but not fully rigid. He thought death must have taken place three or four hours previously. There were no marks of violence on the body. Death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said he thought the Jury would be of the opinion that identify had been sufficiently established, thanks to Mr Withers. But, beyond this, there was very little evidence to show under what circumstances deceased met his death, and he did not think the Jury could return any other than an open verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." - Mr Tremlett said he hoped he would be voicing the feelings of the other members of the Jury when he said that the place where the body was discovered was most dangerous. It was on the side of the public road, and this as the second drowning case which had occurred there since he had been in the parish. He suggested that the Coroner call the attention of the County Council to the desirability of a fence being erected alongside the stream. In the days of the old Highway Board there was a fence there, and he maintained that a fence should again be erected. - Mr Besley said that at present the St Thomas Rural District Council was responsible for the maintenance of the road. - Mr Tremlett said it seemed to him there were so many authorities that they did not know to whom the road did belong. - The Coroner remarked that probably Mr Besley would bring the matter before the District Council? - Mr Besley said that, if it was the wish of the Jury, he would do so at the next meeting. - This was agreed upon. - The funeral of deceased will take place at Stoke Canon today.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 3 February 1905
KINGSWEAR - Kingswear Boy's Death. His Comrades Censured. - Last night, at Kingswear, Mr G. F. Kellock held an Inquest touching the death of STANLEY HAWKE, aged 10, the son of a haulier, of Kingswear. Evidence showed that the body was found lying on the Great Western Railway line, near the cattle pens, at Kingswear, soon after 9 o'clock on Wednesday morning. The boy had been missed since 8.30 the night previous. Dr W. B. Kendall said the deceased's back was broken and death was probably almost instantaneous. Four boys named Crisp, Lipscombe, Trickey and Hamlin, whose ages ranged from 12 to 14, deposed that they were with the deceased the night before, playing in the Station siding. Deceased and some of the rest were riding on the footboard of a carriage that was being shunted. Suddenly they heard deceased call out "Oh, my." They then ran away and said nothing to anyone about the matter. Lipscombe was asked by his father at 1 o'clock in the morning, whether he knew where STANLEY HAWKE was, and replied in the negative. Questioned by the Coroner, the boys declared that they did not touch HAWKE, and they ran away and said nothing because they were afraid. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and strongly censured the boys, who were severely admonished by the Coroner. He said it was a shameful thing that educated English boys should act in such a manner. Both Coroner and Jury deeply sympathised with the father and relatives. Chief-Inspector Shattock, G.W.R., watched the case for the Great Western Railway Company.

CREDITON - An Inquest has been held on the body of JAMES LAKE, aged 55 years, an employee of the Urban District Council, who fell dead. The medical evidence showed that death was due to syncope, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly. All the fellow workers of deceased were present at the funeral and several members of the Council also attended. A beautiful floral wreath, "In deepest sympathy from fellow public servants," was placed on the coffin.

SANDFORD - MRS ELIZABETH SUSANNA WRIGHT, a widow, aged 74 years, recently succumbed to injuries sustained in a fall downstairs. At an Inquest the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 February 1905
EXETER - Fatal Accident At Exeter. A Porter's Death. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday on the body of WILLIAM ROBERT MARDON, 37, porter, in the employ of Mr Charles Ham, wine and spirit merchant, of Fore-street, who died at the Institution on the previous day. - MRS MARDON, widow of 92 South-street, gave evidence of identification. She said her husband came home on Friday evening, and, complaining of being unwell, went to bed. In the morning he had convulsions and a doctor was fetched. During the night her husband moaned and did not reply to her when she spoke to him. On the advice of Dr Andrew, her husband was removed to the Hospital. Her son told her that her husband had fallen off the cart during the afternoon. The deceased suffered from fainting fits, but had not had any for three years. - Mrs Harding, of Prince's Cottages, Bonhay-road, said deceased called at her house on Friday. On looking out of the window immediately after, she saw two men picking deceased up from the road. They told her deceased had fallen from the cart. He said he was all right and drove away. Deceased was perfectly sober. - Mr Percy Stirk, House Surgeon, said when deceased was admitted to the Hospital he was unconscious. He had a bruise behind the left ear, and another on the left elbow. He recovered somewhat on Sunday and was able to answer questions. Early on Tuesday he suffered from convulsions. He had about 50 fits in the course of the morning. The symptoms pointed to haemorrhage on the brain, and an operation with the view of removing the blood was decided upon. This was done, but brought no relief, the convulsions recommencing after the effects of the chloroform had disappeared. Deceased gradually became weaker and died on February 2nd. A post mortem examination disclosed an extensive fracture of the skull, which was quite sufficient to account for the man's death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 February 1905
EXETER - A Fatal Fall At Exeter. Hurrying Downstairs. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of MARY JANE HILLMAN, of Chapel's-court, Exeter. - ANNIE PENGELLY, 13 James's-street, identified the body as that of her mother, aged 44, and stated that deceased had always enjoyed the best of health. Last Saturday week witness was sent for, and on going to deceased's residence found her lying, apparently unconscious, on a couch. A doctor was immediately sent for and ordered the removal of deceased to the Hospital, where she died on Saturday last. - IDA HILLMAN, daughter of deceased, stated that at about 7.30 last Saturday week she heard her mother scream and the sound of a fall immediately followed. Witness proceeded downstairs and found deceased lying unconscious at the bottom of the stairs. - Mary Jane Stevens, 7 Chapel's-court, gave corroborative evidence. Deceased had a clock in her hand. The staircase was dark, and she had no light. - Mr Stirk, House Surgeon, said that on being admitted to the Hospital deceased had a contused bruise on the left side of the scalp and was bleeding at the ears. The symptoms pointed to a fracture of the skull. She improved for a few days and then gradually got worse and died on Saturday. Deceased stated that she fell downstairs when hurrying. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TOTNES - Totnes Widow's Sad Death. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Totnes Workhouse concerning the death of ELIZABETH PRISCILLA SWINNER, widow, of Totnes, admitted December 31st, and who died on Saturday morning. - Evidence of identify was given by Mrs Mahoney, of Brixham, who said the deceased was 70 last birthday. It appeared that on December 27th at 11 p.m., P.C. Stoneman on passing the deceased's house in Leechwell-street, Totnes, heard her groaning and found her lying on the floor. She said she had lost the use of her legs. He put her in bed and subsequently called several times at the house, once finding her in bed intoxicated. - A neighbour, Mrs Brown, said the deceased told her she fell off a chair on Christmas evening and lay on the floor all night. Dr Edmonds said he was not called until late on December 28th, when he found she had a fractured thigh, and told her she would have to go to the Workhouse, but she declined to do so until the 31st. She died of pneumonia, but the fracture was the primary cause of death. - The Coroner observed that the deceased was well-known and whatever her failings she had a wonderfully charitable disposition to the children, poor and aged. - The Jury, of whom Mr J. Westaway was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 9 February 1905
HALWILL - The Halwill Accident. The Inquest. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an inquest at the Halwill Junction Hotel on the body of CHARLES CHALLICE, a relief porter, employed by the London and South Western Railway Company, who died from injuries received on the railway at Halwill Junction. The deceased was 29 years of age, a bachelor and a native of Exeter. - George Henry Bird, of Exeter, travelling district inspector, said on Monday he was in charge of the special traffic in connection with the debris at Halwill, caused by the recent collision. The deceased and four other men were engaged on the work. At the time of the accident, at about 10.35 p.m., CHALLICE was assisting in shunting operations. Just previous to the occurrence a covered box waggon was standing in the slaughter-house siding, adjoining the slaughter house. It was there to be fitted for travelling and was stationary. Witness ordered it to be pushed on the main line, with a view to getting the same coupled to other trucks prior to being sent on to Exeter. As the trucks attached to the engine approached the box waggon witness noticed the shadow of a man pass between the trucks. Witness called out, "Don't go in there," and with the same shouted to the shunters to stop. The deceased was not required to couple up at that time; the plan was to get all the vehicles together and then get them coupled up when stationary. the engine and seven trucks were being backed very slowly, in accordance with the signalling. When the engine and trucks had stopped witness found deceased lying on the railway. The deceased had been employed in coupling the whole day, and he had a proper coupling pole, as required. The pole was found lying near the slaughter house siding, and it was probable the deceased put it down there himself. There were distinct rules that poles were to be used in coupling, and no going between trucks was allowed, except vehicles were stationary. It was a very dark night, but deceased had a lamp. - Alfred Madge, Samuel Hunkin and John Easterbrook, railway employees, who were working near deceased at the time the accident occurred, gave it as their opinion that what happened was purely by accident and no one was to blame. - Dr E. H. Young, of Okehampton, said he was called to Halwill on Monday evening and found deceased suffering from fracture of the skull and injuries to his legs, either of which was sufficient to cause death. The fracture of the skull was the real cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 February 1905
EXMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Exmouth. - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for the Honiton District, conducted an Inquiry at the Rolle Hotel, Exmouth, yesterday, into the circumstances surrounding the death of HELENA AUGUSTA BOON, the six-year-old daughter of MR and MRS E. W. BOON, of Danby-terrace, Exmouth. - Mr Bishop was Foreman of the Jury. - EDWARD WALTERS BOON, assistant superintendent of the Prudential Assurance Company, identified the body. - IVY BOON, sister of the deceased; George Coombe, jeweller, Exmouth; Edmund Dean and Walter Charles Pile, labourers; and P.S. Staddon gave evidence to the effect that just before 9 o'clock deceased, with her sister, was in Chapel-street on her way to school, and while putting her skipping rope into her pocket she slipped and fell against the off wheel of a passing cart. The cart was loaded with clay, and the witness Pile was leading the horse attached to it at the rate of three miles an hour. He did not notice anything had occurred until his attention was called to the accident by a scream. He immediately stopped the horse, and on looking saw the little girl lying on the ground behind the cart. She was picked up and taken into Mr Coombe's shop, where it was found that life was extinct. The back of her skull had been, apparently, crushed by the wheel of the cart. - Dr Eaton (Exmouth) said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the parents in their bereavement. They attached no blame to the witness Pile for the occurrence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 February 1905
EXETER - Fatal Accident To An Exeter Child. - An Inquest was held by the City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of MARY ENID TRYTHALL, aged nearly two years, the adopted child of MR and MRS BREARLY, of 25 Melbourne-street, Exeter, who was run over and killed by a baker's van on Saturday. - ANNIE TRYTHALL, a single woman, the mother of the child, gave evidence of identification. - Mrs Brealy said that on Saturday afternoon the child rushed out of the house into the roadway. Witness heard a van go by, and went to the door and saw the child lying in the road. - Thomas Salter, (14) who saw the accident, said the deceased ran out of the house at Mr Harding's van passed and stumbled across the pavement and fell under the wheels of the van. The vehicle was not being driven at a very rapid rate. - Mr Stirk, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said the child was dead when brought to the Institution. The injuries he found on the body were quite sufficient to cause death. - Percy Harding (13) of Coombe-street, Exeter, who was in charge of his father's van, said he was driving at a trot at the place where the accident occurred. He had no knowledge of the affair until told of it afterwards. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that the father of the boy Harding should have accompanied his son, or instructed someone to attend with him at the Inquest.

BARNSTAPLE - Burning Fatality At Swymbridge. - Mr A. R. Bencraft held an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, yesterday, on the body of JOHN TAYLOR, aged two years and ten months, son of SUSAN TAYLOR, a farm servant, employed at Hearson Farm, Swymbridge, who died as the result of burns at that Institution on Saturday. - On Wednesday morning the mother left the house to milk the cows, deceased following her. He turned back, however, and, entering the kitchen, caught his clothes alight at the fire, which was burning on the open hearth. The mistress of the house, Mrs Keall, ran down from her bedroom and extinguished the flames. As soon as possible deceased was removed to the Infirmary. - Questioned by the Coroner, Mrs Keall said there was nothing to show that the flames had secured a better hold of the flannelette petticoat than of the other flannel and cotton garments. It would be impossible to carry on the work with a guard round the fireplace. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury expressing the opinion that the child had received every attention. - Dr Mary Morris, House Surgeon, explained that it was best in a case of the kind merely to wrap clean linen round the burns. If oil or vaseline were applied there was a danger of introducing germs.

ASHPRINGTON - A Runaway Horse. Fatal Accident Near Totnes. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the Inn, Ashprington, touching the death of WILLIAM HENRY LOCK, labourer, aged 56. - MRS LOCK, the widow, said the deceased went to Totnes on business at about midday. When he was brought home injured in the evening he said that he was riding in a waggon with some timber, when the accident occurred through the horse running away. He also stated that there was no blame due to anybody. - Robert Marsh said that he was bringing home 12 match-boards from Totnes. At the Kingsbridge Inn, Totnes, deceased got into the cart. When near Bowden House the cart went over some stones. The boards flapped and the horse ran away. Deceased caught the reins and the horse swerved to one side of the road and turned the cart over. Deceased fell underneath and when witness got up he saw LOCK helped from under the cart. - Richard Rowse, a farmer, stated that while he was returning from Totnes market he saw the horse, driven by Marsh, start off. It ran for about 140 yards and then turned a corner. When witness reached there he found the cart capsized and the horse on its back. He considered the wheel must have struck the hedge. The legs of Marsh protruded from under the cart, which covered the deceased. The cart was raised and when the tail-board was lifted, Marsh was able to come out, but the deceased had to be helped from under the cart. Deceased remarked that "he was finished." He was taken home in Mr Harvey's trap. - Evidence was given by William Harvey that he also witnessed the mishap and saw LOCK try to stop the horse, which was out of control. - Dr W. R. Edmond, of Totnes, said that LOCK had suffered for years from very bad heart disease and ribs being broken over the heart was too much for him. T he accident was the cause of death. - The Jury, Mr Burgoyne Foreman, returned a verdict accordingly.

ILFRACOMBE - A Child Asphyxiated At Ilfracombe. - Yesterday afternoon Dr E. J. Slade-King, acting Coroner for the District, held an Inquest at the South Western Railway office on the body of an infant child, FREDERICK NORMAN, son of MR W. L. NORMAN, Railway Inspector. Mr J. Irwin was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MR NORMAN said the child was 18 days old. He last saw him alive between four and five o'clock yesterday. He was then quite well. Witness's wife was also in the room. they went to bed the previous evening about 10.45. The child laid on the bed away from its parents and well away from the wall. About 7.30 his wife called his attention to the child being cold. Witness felt the deceased and found the body warm, but the face cold. He then sent for Dr Gardner. At no time was the child's face covered. - Dr E. J. Gardner said he was called at eight o'clock and found the child lying in the bed quite cold. In his opinion death was due to asphyxiation. There were no marks whatever of violence. The death was o doubt purely accidental and there was no evidence that the child had been overlaid. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" through Asphyxiation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 15 February 1905
KENTON - The Sad Tragedy At Kenton. - Yesterday afternoon, at the Devon Arms Hotel, Kenton, an Inquest was held by Mr W. Gould, Coroner, on the body of the late MR F. CORNELIUS. Mr A. Toogood was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS MARY CORNELIUS, the widow, said on Friday evening deceased left the house in good spirits to get a glass of ale. He had been out of work since Christmas, and had been unsuccessful in obtaining employment. No disagreement had taken place between them. She had no idea that he would take his life. Sometimes when in drink he would say so, but not latterly. She was not so much troubled about his absence, as often he had gone away without saying anything. She had made inquiries as to whether anyone had seen him. On Friday evening he had a summons for using bad language, which troubled him and he said it meant death to him. - Francis Edward Morrish, who lives at Kenton, and is a labourer, said that on Monday he was passing the allotment field and saw the body of the deceased. He gave information to a man named Elliott and another person fetched the Police. - P.C. Taylor said the body bore a large wound in the throat. A razor was lying close to deceased. - Dr E. R. S. Lipscomb (Starcross) said that all the vital parts of the throat were severed and he should judge, from appearance, the wound was self-inflicted. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 16 February 1905
TORQUAY - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Upton Parish Room, Torquay last evening, relative to the death of ROSA EMMA NOBLE, 27, cook at Elfordleigh, Belgrave-road, who died suddenly on Monday. The medical evidence showed that death was due to apoplexy and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

TORQUAY - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner held an Inquest at the Upton Parish Room, Torquay last evening relative to the death of ELIZABETH JANE HAMMETT, 54, wife of PETER HAMMETT, cabman, 12 Park-street, who died suddenly on Saturday, and the Jury, after hearing the evidence of Dr Comer, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 17 February 1905
TALATON - An Inquest was held on Monday by Mr Cox, Coroner, on the body of ISAAC CHARD, a workman in the employ of Mr Podbury, of Moorhayes Farm, who, after partaking of his breakfast on Saturday morning, suddenly expired. Dr Mitchell, of Ottery St. Mary, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to heart disease. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

EXETER - Octogenarian's Death At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Guildhall yesterday into the circumstances of the death of JANE HUTCHINGS, a widow, of 2 King William-terrace, Exeter, who died suddenly on Wednesday evening. - HENRY HUTCHINGS, of 2 King William-terrace, identified the deceased as his mother, who, he said, would have been 82 years of age in August. His mother had enjoyed very good health and had not been attended by a doctor for some 20 years, when she suffered from rheumatic fever. Deceased had some tea just before 6.30 the previous evening, and shortly afterwards a change came over her. Witness immediately called a neighbour named Mrs Whitfield. - Mrs Clara Whitfield gave corroborative evidence. - Dr Thomas Duncan, of Sidwell-street, deposed to seeing deceased a few minutes before 7 o'clock on Wednesday evening. Life was then quite extinct. He attributed death to senile decay and heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 21 February 1905
AXMINSTER - Death After An Operation. Inquest At Axminster. - The Coroner for East Devon, Mr C. E. Cox, held an inquest at the Axminster Cottage Hospital yesterday on the body of EMMA HOLMES, 60, widow, of Phoenix-lane, Axminster, who died at the Institution on Sunday. - MARY HOLMES, daughter, said her mother had been a great sufferer for some considerable time. She had been much worse of late. An operation was rendered necessary, and was conducted with the consent of the family. - Dr Langran (Axminster) said deceased was suffering from an enlarged thyroid gland or goitre. An operation was necessary and was successfully conducted on Saturday by Dr Russell Coombe, of Exeter. It was not considered advisable to administer chloroform, owing to the weak condition of deceased's heart. A local anaesthetic was applied. The deceased was conscious at the operation which was of a serious nature, owing to the adhesion of the gland to the windpipe. The operation was necessary if the life of the patient was to be saved, and long-continued suffering prevented. - Dr Crooks, who was present at the operation, gave similar evidence. The operation was successfully performed, but deceased subsequently died from heart trouble. - The Coroner said everything possible was done for the patient at the Hospital. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 23 February 1905
EXMINSTER - Tragedy At Exminster Asylum. Attack By An Imbecile. Torrington Man's Death. - An Inquest was held at the Exminster Asylum yesterday by the County Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, on the body of JOSEPH MORGAN, of Torrington, an inmate of the Institution, who died on Tuesday evening as the result of injuries received the previous day at the hands of a fellow-imbecile. - Dr Davis, Medical Superintendent, identified the body of deceased, who, he said, was 25 years of age. MORGAN was admitted to the Asylum on the 7th February inst. from the Torrington Union and had been an imbecile from birth. His health was poor when he came and it was suspected that he was suffering from phthisis of the lungs. The incidents leading up to the man's death took place at 12.40 p.m. on Monday, being committed by another patient, named Coffin. Witness was in Exeter at the time of the assault, and the matter was reported to him on his return. Witness subsequently saw deceased and found him to be extremely weak and evidently suffering from shock. MORGAN improved under medical treatment at first, and next morning his pulse was so much better that witness thought he would recover. He died, however, at midnight on Tuesday. - James Charles Teague, an attendant, said that both the deceased and Coffin were patients in his ward, but they occupied separate rooms. On Monday he went on ahead of the patients, who were carrying dinners on trays into the gallery and on looking into Coffin's room found that the latter was not there. Witness discovered him in the next room, which was occupied by deceased. He was sitting on his heels in a corner and on witness attempting to shift him he resisted a little. MORGAN was in bed and breathing with difficulty. Witness noticed bloodstains on the sheet and on deceased's face. He then removed Coffin to his own room and went to the day-room and reported the matter. Witness did not see any implement in deceased's room. As far as he knew, Coffin bore deceased no malice, and there had been no quarrel between them. Witness saw both patients about ten minutes prior to his discovery, but was not in charge of them at the time. - In reply to a Juror, witness said he had never previously seen Coffin in deceased's room. He had no business there. Witness heard no scuffle. No one saw Coffin enter deceased's room. - In answer to Sergeant-Major Chammings, who was watching the case on behalf of the Police, witness said the blood was streaming from deceased's cheek just below the eye. - George Rogers, charge attendant, said that on the last witness reporting the matter to him, at about 12.40, he went to deceased's room and found MORGAN in bed, with his face badly bruised. The moveable seat of the night commode was out of place. The clothes were over deceased's shoulder, and were not in disorder. The room was in no way disarranged. Witness thought deceased was unconscious and sent for the doctor. He had frequently seen the two patients together and had never noticed any signs of disagreement between them. - Charles Henry Holman, an attendant, said he was in charge of the gallery in which deceased's and Coffin's rooms were situated on Monday at the time of the occurrence and another attendant, named Drake, was also with him. Witness last saw Coffin about 12.30 p.m., when he was in his own room. He was supposed to remain there, but was not shut in. There was nothing to prevent Coffin leaving, but witness would have done so had he seen him come out of his room. Witness had never received instructions to see that another attendant supervised the rooms while he was elsewhere. - A Juror: I suppose vicious patients are kept under lock and key? - Witness: No. - Thomas Arthur Drake, another attendant, gave similar testimony. - Dr Alfred Reid, second Assistant Medical Officer, said he immediately went to the gallery on the matter being reported to him. MORGAN was in bed unconscious and was bleeding from the nose and mouth. His lower jaw was broken. On making an examination witness found the upper jaw was also broken, as well as the cheek bones on the right side. Deceased was breathing heavily and his pulse was very bad. Deceased also had a severe bruise behind the right ear. The injuries were such as might have been caused by the top of the night commode, and were probably effected by several blows. Deceased had previously been in a bad state of health, suffering from bronchial pneumonia and diarrhoea, and had been confined to his bed in consequence. He remained semi-conscious for two or three hours afterwards. On Tuesday morning witness paid him two visits and he showed signs of improvement. Since deceased's death, which took place on Tuesday midnight, witness had made a post-mortem examination, and found the lower law was broken in two places. The upper jaw and cheek bone were also broken. Both lungs were affected by bronchial pneumonia, and witness also found deceased suffered from tuberculosis of the right lung and intestines. The liver was undergoing waxy degeneration. The brain on the right side was very slightly congested, this being the result of the wound inflicted behind the ear. Witness thought deceased was going to succumb to his former ailments on Sunday. Death was accelerated by shock, as the result of the injuries he had sustained. Witness had never previously noticed any disposition on the part of Coffin, who was brought to the Institution early in January, to be homicidal. His mental condition improved and he became for a time quite rational, but was afterwards reported to be sullen. There was no other instrument besides the top of the night commode with which the injuries could have been inflicted. - In reply to the Foreman of the Jury, witness said deceased was in too weak a condition for the injuries to have been self-inflicted. - Rogers, on being recalled, said Holman neglected his duty by not calling Drake's attention to Coffin while he was away. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that if the Jury were of opinion that the injuries had been caused by Coffin, his state of mind must not be taken into consideration, but he must be treated as a rational being. - The Foreman said he thought deceased's injuries were inflicted by Coffin, but he did not think anyone was to blame in the matter. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, which was to the effect that death was due to bronchial pneumonia, accelerated by the injuries which were inflicted by Coffin. - Coffin will in due course be arrested and brought before the Magistrates.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 February 1905
ALPHINGTON - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest on the body of KENNETH HAWKINS, the seven-months-old child of MR and MRS JAMES HAWKINS, of Cutteridge Farm, who was accidentally suffocated by the bedclothes while in bed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 February 1905



GREAT TORRINGTON - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Week Farm, Torrington, touching the death of MR JOHN ALFORD, who had his neck broken through being thrown off a horse he was riding. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

CULMSTOCK - The Culmstock Drowning Case. - Yesterday Mr C. E. Cox held an Inquest at Culmstock touching the death of MR JOHN DUNN, a butcher, whose body was found in the mill leat under circumstances already reported in the "Gazette." - Deceased, who was 38 years of age, had been suffering from influenza. - Evidence was given of his transacting business on Tuesday in his usual manner. The following day his body was found in the mill leat. - Dr Date, Medical Practitioner, of Culmstock, stated that deceased had been attended by his assistant and himself. He was suffering from sciatica. - The doctor, in answer to a question, said the deceased might have had a sudden paroxysm of pain, and caused him to fall into the water as he was passing. - By the Foreman: The footbridge, although a private one, was dangerous to passengers. - The Coroner: Does anyone remember if a strong gale was blowing at the time? - Several of the Jurymen replied in the affirmative. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict. - The Jury passed a vote of sympathy to the widow and young family, in which the Coroner acquiesced.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 February 1905
BROADCLYST - Lad's Shocking Death At Broadclyst. The Inquest. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquiry at Gateshayes Farm, Broadclyst, on Saturday, concerning the death of GEORGE WILLIS, aged 15 years, a farm servant. - Harry Clarke, farmer, Broadclyst, deposed that the deceased was in his employ, and that he last saw him alive about 7.20 a.m. on Thursday, when he left for Whimple Station in charge of a horse and spring cart containing milk. Deceased had driven the horse - a very quite one - for ten months. Witness was told that deceased had been seen driving very carelessly and he had cautioned him. Witness saw the horse, attached to the cart, walking at an ordinary pace, about 200 yards from his house, about 8.50 a.m., and, seeing deceased was not in the cart, he secured the animal. - Tom Reed, of Gateshayes Farm, said he saw deceased returning from Whimple, and sitting on the tail-board of the cart. - William Holmes, miller's waggoner, Whimple, deposed to finding the body on the road outside Gateshayes Farm. - P.C. John Nankivell, Whimple, said he saw the print of a hand and nail marks and hairs in the road about fifty or sixty yards before reaching the spot where the body was found. There was a line along the centre of the road as if the deceased had been dragged some distance. Witness had never seen deceased driving in a careless manner. - Mr G. W. Miller, Surgeon, practising at Pinhoe, said the whole of the skin at the back of deceased's head was pulled off, and the skull at the back was fractured. The latter injury accounted for death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 28 February 1905
DARTMOUTH - A Chisel Cut. Dartmouth Youth Bleeds To Death. - At the Inquest on ERNEST EDMUND PLATER, aged 18, cabinet maker's apprentice, at Dartmouth yesterday, ERNEST PLATER, his father, school teacher, stated that his son came home at half-past 2 o'clock on Saturday, and knocked faintly at the door two or three times. He and his wife called to him to come in, but he said he had cut himself. They rushed to the door and he fell into his mother's arms, expiring a minute or two afterwards. Inquiries elicited the fact that a sharp chisel had penetrated an artery under the arm-pit. He had been in the habit of taking a short cut from the road to the house, over a garden and traces were found showing that he had slipped and fallen. The pathway was marked with blood and deceased's clothes were saturated with it. - Dr G. Morgan Soper said deceased was dead when he arrived, though he came on the scene as soon as he was summoned. He doubted, if he had been there at the first, whether he could have saved the lad's life. Death was due to syncope, following haemorrhage, the result of the chisel cut, which was an inch and a half in length, and had severed the artery. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and passed a resolution of sympathy with the parents, which the Coroner amplified on his own behalf. He said it was one of the most painful cases he had ever known.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 March 1905
BUCKFASTLEIGH - The Buckfastleigh Accident. The Inquest Adjourned. - Yesterday Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of JAMES HENRY CHIVALL, which took place under circumstances reported in the "Gazette." - Mr E. Windeatt appeared on behalf of the deceased's employers, Messrs. J. Berry and Sons Ltd. He expressed the deepest sorrow and sympathy with the bereaved and said the desire of the firm was that everything should be inquired into. - Deceased was a mill operative, 47 years of age. On Monday he was found wound round the shafting of the machinery at the mill. His skull was shattered and his limbs were mutilated and torn into an indescribable mass. The shaft made about 175 revolutions a minute and was turned by water and steam power. It was, one witness said, quite unprotected and the man who oiled and started the turbine had to stride across the shaft both when in motion and when stationary. - The manager of the mill, Mr J. B. Honeywill, said the Factory Inspector had visited the place, but had not advised the covering of the shafting. - The Inquest was adjourned until March 3rd to permit the Inspector of Factories to be present.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 2 March 1905
COLYTON - Strange Death At Colyton. - An Inquest was held by Mr C. E. Cox, (Honiton) at the Country House Inn, Colyton, yesterday, on the body of ELIZA MARY ANN GOULD, a widow, 58 years of age. Deceased was found dead in her residence at the Butts on Monday. Evidence concerning the finding of the body was given by Emma Long, a neighbour, who stated that she had been in the habit of taking the deceased a cup of tea occasionally. On Sunday she went to the house at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Deceased was then sitting in a chair, and complained of feeling sleepy. The witness, not seeing anything to be alarmed at, left the house. Nothing more was heard or seen of the deceased alive. The next morning witness went into the house as usual, and found deceased sitting in the same chair, with her head resting on the table. On approaching she found her dead and cold. She at once sent for medical assistance. Dr W. H. Evans said that when he reached the house life was extinct. He made an examination and found that death had occurred before midnight. - MR GOULD, of Seaton, identified the body as that of his sister-in-law. - The Jury returned a verdict, after hearing the medical evidence, of "Death from Excessive Alcoholism." - At the suggestion of Dr Evans, the Jury remarked that there should be a public mortuary in Colyton, in which post-mortem examinations could be made. - The Coroner concurred and Mr Board, one of the Jurymen and also a Parish Councillor, said he would lay the matter before the Parish Council.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 March 1905
BUCKFASTLEIGH - The Buckfastleigh Accident. The Adjourned inquest. - The adjourned Inquest on JAMES HENRY CHIVALL, who met his death at Messrs. J. Berry and Son's, Limited, mill, on Monday morning, was concluded yesterday at the Buckfast Working-men's Institute. Mr E. Windeatt was present watching the proceedings on behalf of Messrs. J. Berry and Sons, Limited. Each of the witnesses were called and the evidence which was given on Tuesday read out to them. - Cross-examined by Mr Shutter, Inspector of Factories, Mr Edworthy said that one man was employed in oiling the machinery. He should think it was possible for the most dangerous parts to be oiled during meal times. The turbine was put up more than 10 years ago. - In answer to Mr Shutter, Mr J. B. Honeywill said he had been with the firm about 12 years and they had never been asked to have the place where the accident occurred protected. The lubricators would contain enough oil for four to five days, and that there was special times for oiling the most dangerous parts, viz., during the meal hours. No one was allowed over the shafts, and it was no thoroughfare to any part. - Mr F. Bezzell, in reply to the Factory Inspector said if he oiled the bearings in the morning this would last until the dinner hour. Asked why he did not report an accident which happened to himself, he said he had his apron undone at the time, and as no one had any right to go that way but himself, he thought he would not report it, but be careful for the future. - Mr Shutter then addressed the Coroner and the Jury. He pointed out that in all factories there must be some dangerous portions of machinery. Messrs. J. Berry and Sons, Limited, had always carried out any suggestion of his with regard to fencing, but he wished to lay down this fact, that even if the Inspector did not make any suggestion, that did not relieve mill-owners of their responsibilities. He did not ask Messrs. Berry's to fence this particular place because he thought no one went near it when the machinery was in motion. He certainly thought that Bezzell should have reported his slight accident to Mr Berry. He had never seen any man near the place, where deceased had met his death, when the shaft was in motion. If he had, he would have asked Messrs. Berry and sons to fence it. - The Coroner then reviewed the evidence, remarking that, according to the Factory Act, all dangerous parts of machinery must be securely fenced or protected. He considered that Bezzell did wrong in not reporting his accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that the shaft be fenced and regretted that it was not done at the time when the other parts were fenced. They also recommended that the man oiling the machinery should not wear an apron in his work. - The deceased worked for the firm for about 32 years.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 March 1905
NEWTON ABBOT - Burnt To Death. A Flannelette Nightdress. Accident At Ipplepen. - At the Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on the body of SEPTIMUS JOHN WOOLACOTT, the three-year-old son of NOAH JAMES WOOLACOTT, labourer, of Ipplepen, who died from burns received on Saturday, the father stated that he had a child burnt to death in a similar manner some time ago at Exeter. He was warned then, and had since taken every precaution. - The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, said it did not seem so, or he would have provided a fire-guard, which could be obtained for 3d. - The father said he was a widower, and left his children in charge of an 11-year-old daughter. - The latter, BEATRICE GERTRUDE WOOLACOTT, stated that she left the deceased in bed while she went to a farm for some milk. She had not gone far before she heard screaming and, on returning, found deceased, who was in his nightdress, in flames, which Mrs Chapman, a neighbour, was endeavouring to extinguish. A younger sister told her that deceased was trying to light a paraffin lamp at the fire, and in doing so caught his flannelette nightdress on fire. - In reply to the Coroner, the father said he had no idea that flannelette was dangerous. - Dr Scott said the burns extended practically over the whole of the body and the child died a few hours after being admitted to the Newton Hospital. - The Coroner, summing up, said the father was a bit careless in not providing a fire-guard, after having lost one child by fire. He ought to have been more up-to-date in knowing the dangers of flannelette. Fifteen hundred children were burnt every year in a similar manner and that should be sufficient to warn people of the dangers of flannelette. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 8 March 1905
COLYTON - Colyton Child's Death. Alleged Neglect. Mother Committed For Manslaughter. - After a protracted hearing, a single woman, of Colyton, was committed for trial yesterday, on the Coroner's Inquisition, charged with the Manslaughter of her 14-weeks-old son. - The woman's name is CAROLINE LOUISA RICHARDS, who occupies a cottage in the town, and the name of the child, into the cause of whose death a Jury Inquired yesterday, was WILLIAM JOHN RICHARDS. - The Coroner was Mr C. E. Cox, and the Foreman of the Jury was Mr Farmer. A number of witnesses were called, including Elizabeth Long (a neighbour), Frances Chick, Mabel Hurford, Bessie Scott, Anna Fox, Dr Evans and P.C. Gimblett. - The evidence went to show that the child had been continually neglected. The woman was attended in her confinement by Dr Evans and Mrs Chick looked after her for a fortnight. It was alleged that when she was able to get about the woman went out to work, leaving the child for hours at a time in the charge of a daughter 14 years of age. The infant was often left entirely alone, the girl going out after the mother had left. - The child was frequently heard crying by the neighbours, whose attention was also attracted to its condition. It did not progress in the manner that a well-attended child should. - The child, it was stated, was naturally fed by the woman, who also provided it with ordinary milk, often skimmed and sops. The quantity of raw milk purchased was said by a witness not to have been large. - It was alleged that the woman had been frequently spoken to about leaving the child, but without any result. She was also urged to have it medically seen to, but the doctor was not consulted. On Saturday the child was left in the house and cried so piteously that it was fetched by Mrs Long, who sent for the mother, who had gone to work. She spoke to RICHARDS about the child's condition. On Sunday Dr Evans was called in, but his services were then of no avail. No good could be done for the child, who died shortly after he saw it. - The doctor stated that he attended the woman in her confinement. The child was a fully-developed and healthy one. When he was called to see it on Sunday it was in an emaciated condition, and had the appearance of having been neglected or improperly fed. A post-mortem examination disclosed that the child was badly nourished. There was an absence of fat on the body. In the stomach were about two spoonfuls of food - milk. The cause of death was inflammation of the lungs, accelerated by neglect. The child only weighed 5 lb. 9 oz., whereas the normal weight for a child of that age should be 9 lb. - The woman was questioned by the Coroner, and was asked whether she desired to give evidence, but she said that she would rather not say anything. - The Coroner having summed up the evidence, the Jury, after a brief deliberation, returned a verdict to the effect that the child died from inflammation of the lungs, accelerated by inattention and insufficiency of food. - The Coroner said that that amounted to manslaughter. The woman was then committed to take her trial at the Devon Assize on the Coroner's Inquisition. Bail was offered, but was not then forthcoming, in two sureties of £25 each. - RICHARDS was afterwards taken into custody by P.C. Gimblett and removed to Axminster where she will be brought before the Magistrates today. It is not probable that the case will be gone into, but that a remand will be asked for.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 10 March 1905
LANDKEY - Sad Suicide At Landkey. - An Inquest has been held at the Barnstaple and North Devon Infirmary by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft on the body of THOMAS LEWIS, 66 years of age, labourer, of Landkey. The evidence of MRS ELIZABETH LEWIS (widow), MISS ANNIE LEWIS (daughter) - both of whom were much distressed - and P.S. King, showed that the deceased, who was much respected, had been suffering from influenza for some time. He was left by himself for a short period and when the wife and daughter returned they found the house locked. They gained admittance by the back way, and found the deceased sitting on the stairs with his throat cut. P.C. Watts and P.S. King were soon on the spot and the latter found a knife on the stairs. Dr C. Jonas, of Barnstaple, was sent for and the deceased was taken to the North Devon Infirmary. Everything possible was done, but he expired soon after he was admitted. - P.S. King said that the deceased, after he had committed the act, said to his wife, "All through trouble. I have been a good husband." He embraced his wife and said, "It is all over now." - Dr C. Jonas stated that the deceased had cut half way through his jugular vein and had also cut across the place where all the veins joined. He had attended him for some time for influenza, and he had been depressed because he could not go to his work. He said he had always been able to keep above water, but was afraid he would have to get parish relief. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and sympathy was expressed for the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 13 March 1905
NEWTON ABBOT - At the Inquest held at Newton Abbot on Saturday on JOHN BRIMECOMBE, 42, East-street, it was stated that deceased, who was 85 years of age, left home after dinner on Thursday for the purpose of picking sticks. He was seen by Thomas Webber, gamekeeper, to enter the woods at Decoy. As he did not return home in the evening, information was given to the Police, who unsuccessfully searched the woods. On Friday morning the search was resumed and about 11.15 P.C. Penwill found deceased lying dead in Blackball Wood. The ground was boggy and there were marks as though deceased had unsuccessfully endeavoured to rise. Dr R. H. Grimbly, who made a post mortem examination, said the cause of death was haemorrhage of the brain. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

CULLOMPTON - Farmer's Suicide. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Hackland Farm, near Cullompton, on Saturday afternoon relative to the death of MR FRANCIS G. BAZLEY, a farmer, who was found hanging in a pound-house on Friday afternoon. - The widow, MRS EMMA JANE BAZLEY, identified the body of deceased, and said that on Friday, about 1.30, after having his dinner, her husband left the house and did not return at his usual time. Her suspicions being aroused, she sent the servant girl, Jane Hitchcock, to look for him. She eventually found her master. The servant immediately raised an alarm and William Cross, a labourer in deceased's employ, cut his master down. Witness further said that her husband was in no financial difficulties, although of late he had been very much depressed owing to witness's ill health, and also the illness of a horse. He had told her that if he had very much trouble he should put an end to his life. - Jane Hitchcock, the servant, gave evidence as to finding deceased hanging and William Cross as to cutting the body down. - Dr Alleyne testified as to death being caused through strangulation by hanging, and said that on his arrival he should say deceased had been dead for some time, the body being quite cold. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

TIVERTON - The Tiverton Railway Accident. Over-Absorbed In Work. - On Saturday, at the Tiverton Infirmary, Dr L. Mackenzie, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of THOMAS FURSDON, 45, Tiverton goods yard foreman. Mr Thomas Lock was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Chief-Inspector Shattock, of Exeter, Locomotive Inspector Llewellyn, of Newton Abbot and Mr L. Harvey, Stationmaster, Tiverton, were present on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. - THOMAS FURSDON, of Teignmouth, gave evidence of identification. - Inspector Shattock said that deceased had been in the Company's service since 1875. - William Pellow, of St. Thomas, Exeter, said that he was guard of the goods train which arrived at Tiverton from Exeter at about 1 o'clock and remained there shunting until 1.25. He was standing by the side of the line on which the shunting was proceeding, and was signalling to the driver to back the engine to clear a "fouling road," but though the driver put on steam he could not move the trucks because the brakes were down at the rear. Deceased was then coming towards him from the opposite side of the train with a number taking book in his hand. As he approached he said something about some Bampton empties. Just as deceased got on the line the driver, in order to get more power to start the trucks, reversed his engine. Witness just then looked up, saw deceased between the buffers, recognised the danger he was in, seized his coat, and pulled him partly through, but he was pinned between the buffers. Deceased's back was towards the moving trucks. Witness immediately signalled to the driver to reverse and draw ahead and as deceased was released witness caught him, but he never spoke a word, and could not stand. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said he could not tell why deceased was between the buffers. It was not part of his duty to be there. As foreman shunter he should have known why the engine had drawn ahead. It was not customary to whistle in such cases. He had often worked with deceased and knew him to be a careful and sober man. - Leonard Daw, St. Thomas, Exeter, the driver, said that on the day of the accident part of the train was left at Tiverton, and he was about to back and pick up four timber trucks, which had to go farther. The guard signalled to him to reverse, but he had not enough steam to move his engine and trucks backward, so went ahead for a short distance to get more power. It was not an uncommon thing to have to do this to get power but he thought deceased must have been ignorant of what witness was doing, and did not expect the trucks to come back again immediately. - The House Surgeon at the Infirmary said that FURSDON was dead when admitted. He had a large bruise in the region of the liver and a corresponding one on his back. There were several broken ribs and he believed there was also internal haemorrhage. - The Coroner said the case appeared to be an illustration of familiarity breeding contempt for danger and there was no doubt that deceased came by his death through his own act. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the deceased's widow and family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 March 1905
EXETER - An Inquest was held by the City Coroner, Mr Linford Brown, yesterday to Inquire into the circumstances of the death of MARY ANN SMITH, of 30 Union-road, Exeter. Deceased, who was 51 years of age, appeared to be well on Friday evening, but died early the following morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Mr J. Shirley Perkins expressed the opinion that death was due to failure of the heart's action.

DARTMOUTH - At Dartmouth, yesterday, Mr A. M. Davson, the local Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of CHARLOTTE KNIGHT, a widow, aged 46. Mrs Tregoning, a neighbour, said MRS KNIGHT called to her from the bedroom window and in running to the room she found deceased holding on to the bed-rails. Deceased said she had fallen from a chair, which was lying overturned near the window. There was blood on the floor. Deceased was put to bed and the doctor sent for, but she died before he arrived. Dr Harris deposed that he made a post mortem examination and found the organs healthy. There had, however, been a great deal of haemorrhage, and to this he attributed death. Verdict accordingly.

KINGSBRIDGE - Yesterday afternoon, at Kingsbridge Town Hall, the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, held an Inquiry concerning the death of HENRY LESLIE GEATCHES, the 18 months old son of BARTHOLOMEW ANSTEY GEATCHES, marble mason, Ebrington-street, Kingsbridge. MR GEATCHES said he had 10 children living and one was younger than deceased. The child died suddenly on Friday afternoon. Dr J. W. Pettinger said that death was due to bronchitis and cardiac failure, consequent upon a general condition of weakness. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 15 March 1905
SEATON AND BEER - A Seaton Child's Death. - An Inquest was held by the County Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox, at Friedenheim Girls' School, Seaton, on the body of EILEEN LESLIE, aged 3 ½ years, who died at the school on Monday morning. - Miss Grover, the principal, said the child came to her school in February. It was an orphan, but its guardians were the Rev. R. A. and Mrs Chudleigh of West Parley, Wimborne. She noticed there was something wrong with the child on its arrival; it was delicate, could not speak like other children, and was unable to swallow properly. It suffered from chronic constipation. On February 26, in order to relieve the child, the hot water treatment was resorted to. The child gave a sudden plunge and upset the receptacle containing the boiling water, some of which must have gone over it. Mr G. Evans was called in and treated the child, but it died on Monday morning. - Miss Mabel Greenwood gave similar evidence. - Dr Evans said he was called in to attend to the child, who was suffering from scalds on the buttocks and the lower part of the thighs. He saw the child several times, but on Sunday there was a collapse and death occurred on Monday. the primary cause of death was the scalding. The child was not strong and was undoubtedly mentally deficient. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that no blame was attaching to Miss Grover.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 16 March 1905
EXETER HEAVITREE - Tragic Affair At Wonford House. Retired Colonel Hangs Himself. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Wonford House, Exeter, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of an inmate - COLONEL ALFRED SADLER, of the Army Ordnance Department, (retired)- which occurred under tragic circumstances. Mr Gray, solicitor and treasurer to the Institution, watched the proceedings on behalf of the Asylum authorities. Mr Hext, of Torquay, attended on behalf of the deceased's family. - Dr L. M. Churchill, Assistant Medical Officer at the House, said deceased was 47 years of age. He was admitted to the Institution on May 19th 1904 from the Plympton House Asylum. He was suffering from melancholia, and was described on the papers as having a suicidal tendency. Deceased, when admitted to Wonford House, was very depressed, but improved for a time. Latterly, however, he had become worse, but not more so than when he was admitted from Plympton House. Deceased was kept in No. 1 gallery, where he was always under observation. There were 12 patients in the gallery and eight attendants. The eight attendants were not always on duty in the gallery at the same time, but there were never less than two attendants. At night time an attendant slept in the deceased's bedroom. At 8.30 on Tuesday morning witness was called by Attendant Channing, who informed him that he had found COLONEL SADLER suspended by a sheet from a gas bracket, which was about 6ft. from the floor of his bedroom. When witness saw deceased he was lying on the bed unconscious. Artificial respiration was resorted to for about an hour, but without avail. Deceased was in his pyjamas. It was the duty of the attendant in charge of deceased to be with him until he came downstairs. The general instruction was that deceased was to be kept under constant supervision. Witness heard that about two months ago deceased placed a rope around his neck in the billiard-room. Witness was of the opinion that death was due to heart failure, brought on by the shock of his attempt to take his life. - Charles Henry Hill, attendant in No. 1 gallery, said deceased was handed over to his charge by the attendant who slept with him. He took the Colonel to his bath at 5 o'clock and remained outside until he had finished. He then conducted him back to his rooms, and left him to attend to another patient. Deceased always went downstairs himself after he had dressed. He knew deceased was of a suicidal tendency, but never heard of his having previously attempted to take his life. - Charles Richard Totterdale, attendant in No. 1 gallery, said he slept in the bedroom occupied by deceased. He handed deceased over to the charge of the last witness. At 7.30 a.m., when witness took over another case, he noticed nothing more than usual in deceased's manner. - Charles Attendant Henry Channing, No. 1 gallery, said it was customary for him to see the Colonel outside the dining-hall about 8.25. On Tuesday morning he was not there, and on going to his bedroom he found him suspended by means of a sheet from the gas bracket. It was part of Hill's duty to see deceased to the gallery. - The Coroner said he felt the Jury could have little doubt that deceased's death was the result of his own act. The evidence showed that deceased was left in his own room by himself, when he should have been under the observation of Attendant Hill. That would not affect the verdict, but , no doubt, the authorities would make inquiries into the matter. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." - Mr Gray, on behalf of the Committee, expressed sympathy with MRS SADLER (who is staying in Exeter) and family. The Coroner concurred on behalf of the Jury and himself.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 17 March 1905
EXETER HEAVITREE - The Whipton Suicide. The Inquest. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Half Moon Inn, Whipton, into the circumstances of the death of FREDERICK DOWNEY, a retired blacksmith of Whipton. - ANN TURNER, the married daughter of the deceased, deposed to finding her father, about 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday, hanging from the ceiling of the linhay at the back of the house in which she and her husband, with the deceased, lived. Her father had never threatened to commit suicide, but had said he was tired of life and wished he could die. - Richard Petheybridge, of Whipton, said he cut the body down on being called to the spot by the last witness. - Dr Miller, of Exeter, who had attended deceased since Christmas, when he had an attack of influenza, said death was due to suffocation caused by hanging. He was of opinion that the deceased was not at the least responsible for his actions, as he had been very weak and depressed for some time. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

ILSINGTON - An Inquest was held at Higher Brimley, in the parish of Ilsington, on Tuesday evening, touching the death of the infant child of MR WILLIAM DERGES, aged one month. The mother of the deceased stated that about 3 o'clock on Monday morning she awoke and heard the child making a peculiar noise. She called her husband, and he immediately dressed and went to Bovey Tracey for a doctor. When the latter arrived the child was dead. Dr M. B. Steuart stated that he had made a post mortem examination of the body and came to the conclusion that the child was properly nourished and well cared for. Death was due to congestion of the left lung and inflammation of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." The Coroner, in summing up, gave the parents credit for their promptitude in calling the doctor and the doctor for having attended immediately. Several of the Jurymen gave their fees to the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 22 March 1905
EXETER - An Exeter Boy's Death. - An Inquest was held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Exeter Police Court, yesterday, on the body of the seven-year-old boy named FREDERICK STOKES, of Edmund-street, who was knocked down by a cart and received fatal injuries. ELIZABETH STOKES, wife of EDWARD STOKES, labourer, Edmund-street, mother of the deceased, said her son was spinning a top in the street and she saw him fall down. - Frederick Chave, 2 Summerland Crescent, said he was driving a waggon load of bricks in Frog-street, and saw a number of little boys playing at marbles or spinning tops in front of the first horse. he shouted to them to get out of the way and they did so. After he had moved on, he saw the deceased run between his cart and the horse drawing a waggon which was following. He was knocked down by the horse's front leg and the waggon went over the deceased. The man in charge of the waggon did all he could to prevent the accident. The waggon was only moving at a walking pace. - Frank Payne, Whipton, who was in charge of the waggon by which the deceased was knocked down, having been spoken to by the Coroner, elected to give evidence. He said he was in charge of a waggon load of bricks and was riding on the vehicle. He heard Chave shout to the boys, who immediately went on to the path. The first waggon having passed, witness saw the deceased run behind it, apparently after his top. He was knocked down by the knee of the horse drawing the waggon of which he (witness) was in charge. The animal plunged and before anything could be done the waggon had passed over the boy. - Mr E. V. Solly, of Exeter, said when he examined the boy he was quite dead. Death due to injuries received by the wheel of the vehicle passing over his chest. - The Coroner said that a man named O'Brien, who saw the accident, had made a statement that so far as he was able to see, no blame was attachable to the driver. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from any blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 23 March 1905
TIVERTON - Tragic Occurrence At Tiverton. An Errand Of Mercy Ends Fatally. - Dr L. Mackenzie, the Tiverton Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Infirmary last evening, touching the death of JOHN CLEEVE, proprietor of Tidcombe laundry. - The deceased's widow said she asked her husband to go to Tiverton on Tuesday night just after 8 o'clock to fetch Dr Cullin for a girl in her employ, who had broken a varicose vein in her leg. He started on horseback, but she did not see him off, nor did she see him again alive. About nine o'clock she heard that he had been thrown from his horse by North Close-gate, and was lying in the roadway. He was quite sober, had been ploughing all the afternoon and tried the same horse a little in the evening. He was at supper when she sent him for the doctor. - James Thompson, Sergt.-Instructor at Blundell's School, was walking home between 9 and 9.15 and found deceased lying in the centre of the roadway, flat on his back. It was moon-light and he noticed deceased had a stirrup on each foot, which he removed. He felt the man's head and got his hand covered with blood. He was unconscious, but breathing heavily. Witness's wife recognised deceased. He loosened deceased's collar and then hailed a cab, which he ascertained was going to the deceased's house. He begged the driver to return as soon as he possibly could and then stopped Dr Cullin, who was passing, and who, after examination, ordered deceased's removal to the Infirmary, which was accomplished in the first cab. Witness, standing near Petergate saw deceased pass previously, and heard that the horse stopped, trotted and then broken into a gallop. He heard no cry and did not know of anything to cause the horse to shy, except about 12 yards from where the accident happened the road had been broken up for gas. Deceased could not have been dragged, for his cap was still on the back of his head. - P.C. Takle saw deceased ride into Tiverton, and from his face thought there was a fire, but later ascertained his mission. On witness's advice, deceased took his horse to the Boar's Head, as a crowd had collected. Witness asked him why he was riding so fast through the town, and deceased explained, appearing considerably excited. He remarked that he could give the doctor some start, as he could get there quicker than he. Deceased was quite sober. He noticed the horse was excited and a breedy one. He noticed the two rings (produced) on the bridle. - Thomas Sansom deposed that deceased was perfectly sober when at the Boar's Head. He saw CLEEVE mount his horse as he left for home. The horse left the yard quietly. - Fred Moore, farrier, said deceased bought a half share of the horse from him the morning of the accident. He had tried it before. The horse was nine years old and had carried a lady all through the hunting season. It was considered a quiet animal, but he had not seen it before that morning. Deceased and he were good friends. - The bridle found at Willand was produced, and showed that the reins were broken and the horse, it was stated, was found at Brithem-bottom, near Tidcombe. It had rolled. - The House Surgeon said deceased was admitted at 9.30 p.m., did not regain consciousness and died from concussion of the brain. - The Coroner said deceased had been under his care for a fortnight suffering from influenza and bronchitis and the accident had, under the circumstances, taken him at a disadvantage. He knew the spot where the accident happened and thought the ridge must have caused the horse to shy. - The Jury found a verdict of "Death from an Accidental Fall from his Horse," and passed a vote of sympathy with the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 March 1905
TAVISTOCK - Mr Rodd, County Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Tavistock Cottage Hospital, yesterday, on the body of ARTHUR MATCHAM, aged 28, butcher's assistant, who three weeks ago was thrown out of a trap. The evidence of Dr Brodrick, who had been in consultation with three other doctors, was that death was due to inflammation of the brain, following an attack of influenza, and had nothing to do with the accident. MR T. MATCHAM, commercial traveller, of Plymouth, said that no one could have treated his son better than Mr T. H. B. Knight, his employer, had done. The Jury - Mr J. Morris, Foreman - returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 March 1905
KINGSBRIDGE - Coroner Disagrees With The Jury. Inquest At Kingsbridge. - At the Kingsbridge Workhouse last evening Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest regarding the death of SAMUEL RICH. - The Master, Mr E. Lawrence, said deceased was 66 years of age, and had been an inmate of the Workhouse practically all his life. He was an occupant of the imbecile ward, but, although his intellect was not very bright, he was not actually incapacitated. On the evening of the 11th January he fell down some steps where there was no light and witness was called to see him. He, however, could not say if he noticed any injuries sustained by deceased. The imbecile attendant stated that when deceased was brought into the ward after the accident he seemed unconscious. He died on Wednesday evening. - Dr L. de Courcy Harstin, Medical Officer of the Workhouse, said he had attended deceased since the accident, and considered death was due to shock consequent upon the accident and also to general debility. When he first saw him there was a small incised wound on the back of the head, and contusions over the left eye and the nose. - Mr W. H. Kelland, a member of the Board of Guardians, said that it had been decided to fix a gas jet over the steps. - The Coroner commented upon the fact that the Master had not troubled to ascertain what injuries the man had received, and questioned whether he had taken altogether a right view of his duties. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence. - The Foreman, Mr W. J. Drake, said the Jury would like to say they did not consider the Master to blame in any way, as he went to deceased directly he was fetched and gave him brandy, after which he appeared to be better. - The Coroner said he disagreed on that point. - The Master said there was no one more particular than he in sending for a doctor when necessary. He could not tell whether there were bruises before they became visible.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 March 1905
AXMINSTER - Suicide At Axminster. - On Saturday, at the Petty Sessions Room, Axminster, Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an inquiry touching the death of GEORGE STUART, under circumstances previously reported in the "Gazette." Mr James Morgan was Foreman of the Jury. - JAMES STUART, father of deceased, said his son was a single man and lodged with him. He was 38 years of age, and had previously worked at the Tolcis Lime Works, but had been discharged owing to his not attending to his duties. He had done nothing for the past week and when witness went to work on Friday morning he left him in bed, apparently asleep. - MISS ELLEN STUART, sister, said she went upstairs at 1.30 on Friday afternoon, when she found her brother hanging against the bedstead. She at once raised an alarm. Mrs Holt and William Moulding at once proceeded to the room and found STUART hanging to the bedpost by a leather strap. He was in a sitting position. They at once cut him down. - Dr Padbury said he was called and examined deceased, but life was extinct, he having been dead for some time. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 29 March 1905
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Choked To Death. St Thomas Pauper's Ravenous Appetite. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the St Thomas Workhouse yesterday concerning the death of SAMUEL JAMES SLADE. - ELIZABETH SMITH, Buller-road, St Thomas, identified the body of deceased as that of her son, aged 37, who was a labourer and visited the Workhouse periodically for some years. - Mary Anne James, nurse at the Workhouse, stated that she knew the deceased as an inmate, who had been in the Union for about twelve months. She was fetched on Sunday and on entering the dining-room saw deceased black in the face. Witness took two large pieces of bread crust from SLADE'S mouth and then sent for a doctor. Deceased, who was a very ravenous eater, died before the arrival of the doctor. - Mr Farrant, Surgeon, deposed that on making a post-mortem examination he found a large piece of masticated bread blocking the windpipe. Death was due to choking. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 30 March 1905
EXETER - An Inquest was held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Exeter Police Station yesterday on the body of the male child of ARTHUR YOULDON, tailor, of 22 Clifton-road, Exeter, who expired half an hour after birth on Monday morning. Mr Wreford, Surgeon, said the child was fully developed and, in witness's opinion, died of inanition. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

TORQUAY - Death In A Fit At Torquay. - Last evening, at the Torquay Police Court, Mr hacker held an Inquest on the body of JESSIE LIGHTFOOT, 33, single, of 35 Queen-street, who was found dead in bed the same morning. The mother stated that deceased had for 16 years been subject to epileptic fits. Yesterday morning she went to her bedroom to call her and found her with her face buried in the pillow. She was quite dead. - Dr Thistle attributed death to suffocation while in an epileptic fit. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 31 March 1905
EXETER - An Oakford Woman's Death. Inquest At Exeter. The Proceedings Adjourned. - Yesterday the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on the body of ELLEN MILDRED BARRELL, aged 24 years, of Iron Mills, Oakford, near Bampton. - JOHN BARRELL, a gamekeeper, said deceased was his eldest daughter. She was a domestic servant, her last situation being a temporary one with Mrs Tanqueray, of Willand, but about five weeks ago she came home unwell. Dr Payne, of Bampton, recommended her removal to the Hospital, and witness obtained a recommend. While at home deceased vomited and could not take any food. She complained of internal pain, but did not inform him she was in trouble. For the last three or four years she had been keeping company with a young man named Thomas Baker, of Cullompton. Witness, however, had never heard any talk of their getting married. The last occasion on which witness saw deceased alive was on Saturday. She then said nothing about the cause of her illness, but stated that she expected to undergo an operation. - Mr W. H. Marsden, Assistant House Physician at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Institution on the 9th March. From a previous knowledge of her history he came to the conclusion that she was suffering from acute inflammation of the stomach and vomiting of blood. She did not improve with treatment. It was a more difficult matter to treat her than usual as it was impossible to feed her by the mouth owing to the vomiting. Towards the end the question of whether her condition might not be improved by an operation was considered, but she became so rapidly worse that any interference in that respect was rendered out of the question. Deceased died on the morning of the 27th March. As the case was an unusual one, a request was made to the parents that a post-mortem examination might be made to ascertain the exact cause of death and this was agreed to. Witness conducted the examination the same day and found the kidneys, stomach and liver were badly inflamed, and also that deceased was enciente. Considering the state of the organs, he was of opinion that an irritating substance had passed into the stomach, but whether it was poison he would not say. In order to ascertain the nature of the substance an analysis of the organs should be made. - A Juror: We may take it there has been something administered? - Witness: I cannot say definitely, but the signs of the organs were that some substance had got there. - Dr W. Gordon, hon. Physician at the Hospital, said that after an examination of deceased when she entered the Institution, he concluded she was suffering from inflammation of the stomach, of which she had had an attack, and was treated at the Hospital in May of last year. It was an unusual case. He thought it was an exceedingly severe case of gastritis and was surprised to find the kidneys and stomach so congested. He thought it was desirable the stomach should be examined, but he could not express any opinion with regard to the probability of anything having been given. He thought the possibility made a further examination desirable. If there had not been some irritating substance administered he would not have expected to find both the kidneys and stomach so much inflamed. - The Coroner said the Inquiry could not be concluded that day as they must have an analysis of the stomach made to ascertain whether or not some irritating substance had been taken by the deceased. From the medical evidence he thought it was a matter about which there could be very little doubt. He proposed adjourning the Inquest until next Wednesday, to enable further investigation to be made. - The Inquiry was adjourned accordingly.

SAMPFORD PEVERELL - The Deputy Coroner for the Crediton District, Mr Thomas, has conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances connected with the death of JAMES SELWAY, of Ashford Moor Cottage. ELIZA SELWAY identified the body as that of her husband, who was 58 years of age. Deceased on Friday complained of feeling unwell, owing, he said, to a bad cold. He stayed in bed the following morning and complained of feeling faint. He came downstairs but gradually lost consciousness and died in about 10 minutes. Dr Joule stated that on making a post-mortem examination it was found that deceased's liver was large and the heart fatty. He attributed death to the bursting of a blood vessel by coughing. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 April 1905
PAIGNTON - The Fatality At Paignton. - Mr Hacker yesterday held an Inquest at Paignton on the body of HENRY FOSTER, aged 46, a plumber, who was knocked down by a hay waggon, belonging to Messrs. Holman and Son, and killed in the Torquay-road. - George Grimwood, Henry Buckingham and William Brewer stated that they saw deceased, who was not sober, stagger off the footpath into the road between the two waggons (both belonging to Messrs. Holman). The second waggon knocked him down and went over him. - The Coroner said the real cause of the accident was that deceased was drunk. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 April 1905
EXETER - Inquest On An Exeter child. Parents Censured. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Exeter Police Station yesterday on the body of ANNIE ALICE MAUNDER, daughter of SAMUEL MAUNDER, Due's-place, Frog-street. - MRS ANNIE MAUNDER identified the body of deceased, who was 16 months old. Deceased aroused witness from her sleep on Saturday morning. She appeared to be unwell and looked very strange. Witness's husband fetched a doctor at about 6 o'clock, but before the latter's arrival deceased died. Previous to becoming unwell deceased had an attack of diarrhoea. The child was insured. - By a Juror: The doctor did not arrive until 7.50. - Mr Clapp, Surgeon, stated that he was called at 6.30 and reached the house at 7.30. Witness assumed that death was due to convulsions, caused by diarrhoea. A post-mortem examination showed that the child had been well nourished and that there were no marks of violence. If medical assistance had been summoned on the Thursday or Friday the child would most probably have been spared. The child had been fed on the ordinary food of the parents, which included some biscuits, previous to death. Such food would cause painful irritation in the stomach. - Mrs Trout stated that she lived next door to MRS MAUNDER and was called at 2 o'clock on the morning of Saturday. The child then appeared to be in convulsions. - MR MAUNDER stated that he had no answer at the doctor's house for over half an hour. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," due to convulsions, accelerated by diarrhoea, and censured the parents for not summoning medical assistance earlier.

STAFFORDSHIRE - The Late MISS NOTLEY, Of Diptford. The Inquest. - The Inquest on the body of MISS DOROTHY GRACE NOTLEY, daughter of the Rector of Diptford, South Brent, who was drowned in the River Trent at Great Haywood, near Stafford, through a motor in which she was riding crashing through the parapet of a bridge, was held yesterday. - James Roper, chauffeur to Mr Arthur Challener, Town Clerk of Hanley, the owner of the car, described how the accident happened, stating that as he was turning the corner on to the bridge the steering gear broke and the car swung round and crashed through the parapet into the Trent. - Mrs Challener, who was also on the car, said she remembered it swerving to the left on rounding the corner and she saw the chauffeur turned the steering wheel several times without result. She saw nothing of her niece after she entered the water, but as witness was sinking a second time she heard her niece scream twice. Witness was carried by the stream to a shallow place, where she was rescued. The car was going at only a moderate speed when the accident happened. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Drowned and they attached no blame to the chauffeur.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 5 April 1905
EXETER - Waterside Dangers. Youth Drowned At Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Station yesterday into circumstances attending the death of ALBERT GLASS, son of the late MR WILLIAM GLASS, Smythen-street. - MRS MARY GLASS identified the body of deceased as that of her son, aged 16. Witness last saw him alive at 10 o'clock yesterday morning, when he went for a walk along the Canal bank with a stray dog. - Sarah Hearn, also of Smythen-street, stated that she saw the deceased at the Basin yesterday morning throwing stones into the water for a dog which he had with him. He was stepping backwards when he fell into the water. Witness informed a man on a ship of the occurrence. - Louis Bourke, seaman on the Buttercup, now lying in the Basin, stated that he was on the vessel when he saw GLASS playing with a dog on the bank. Witness asked the deceased to come on board and loosen a rope for him to come down the mast. He then walked around the Basin. Soon after a splash was heard. Witness and the cook jumped into a boat and endeavoured to save the deceased, but lost sight of him. The body was recovered within a minute. Artificial respiration was tried for some time, but without success. - Dr Toombs stated that when he arrived at the Basin, about 11 o'clock deceased was dead. There were no marks of violence on the body. Death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Drowning."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 6 April 1905
TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was held at the Tavistock Cottage Hospital yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd on the body of CHARLES HENRY ACOCK, insurance agent, of Tavistock, aged 22. Albert Thomas Sweet, outfitter, of Tavistock, stated that on Friday last they were cycling down a hill when the deceased looked back to him, and the front wheel went in the direction of the hedge. The deceased put on the brake too strongly and was thrown into the road. Dr Brodrick stated that the brain was very badly injured. The Jury, with Mr S. Raymont as Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the parents and Mr Sweet.

EXETER - An Oakford Woman's Death. Inquiry Further Adjourned. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, yesterday resumed at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, an Inquest on the body of ELLEN MILDRED BARRELL, aged 24 years, daughter of MR and MRS JOHN BARRELL of Iron Mills, Oakford, near Bampton. About a month ago deceased was admitted to the Institution suffering from acute inflammation of the stomach. An operation was deemed necessary, but as her condition grew worse this was found to be impossible. A post-mortem examination showed that inflammation had been caused by some irritant substance and the Inquest was adjourned for an analysis of the stomach. - Yesterday MRS BARRELL said that deceased was delicate. When she came home from her situation, three or four weeks before being admitted to the Hospital, she could not keep any food in her stomach, and threw up blood. A doctor advised her removal to the Hospital. When home witness had not the slightest suspicion that her daughter was enceinte. Deceased had been keeping company with a man named Thomas Baker. - At this juncture Mr A. Burrows, of Cullompton, said he appeared to watch the proceedings on behalf of Baker, who was, he said, present, and was prepared to give evidence. - Thomas Baker deposed that he resided in Station-road, Cullompton, and was an insurance agent. He first became acquainted with deceased three years ago last September. Since then he had kept company with her. At one time she was in service at Cullompton, and during the time she was away from there in service he wrote her about 200 letters. He did not know what she was suffering from when she left her last situation, although he knew she was not strong. Deceased in her letters never said what was the matter with her. He never suspected her condition. He had never given her substances to take, neither did he know that she had taken anything. - By Mr Burrows: Witness urged MR and MRS BARRELL to consent to a post-mortem examination. - The Inquest was further adjourned until the 19th instant, as the analysis had not been completed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 7 April 1905
DARTMOUTH - The Britannia Drowning Case. The Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned by the Coroner's Jury at an Inquest at Dartmouth yesterday in the case of First-class Petty-officer LORAM, late of the Britannia cadet training ship, whose body was found floating in Dartmouth harbour. - The evidence showed that on the night of February 23rd LORAM and two blue-jackets, Hockaday and Bartlett, were going from the shore to the Britannia and the boat capsized. Bartlett struggled ashore, Hockaday reached a buoy with LORAM, but became so exhausted that he was compelled to let go his hold of LORAM. Subsequently, he was picked up. The Jury commended the blue-jackets for their gallant and praiseworthy conduct.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 11 April 1905
SIDMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At Sidmouth. The Inquest. - Yesterday, at the Cottage Hospital, Sidmouth, Mr C. E. Cox held an inquest touching the death of FRANK TOLMAN, aged 21 years, a gardener's labourer. JOHN TOLMAN, the father of the deceased, said his son left his home at Ottery about twenty minutes to six on the morning of the accident. He was in the best of health. Deceased was a good cycle rider and the machine was nearly a new one. - Richard Charles Beer, cab driver, said he was driving from Bickwell-road into Glen-road. When he reached Atherton Corner the deceased suddenly appeared and collided with witness's horse. TOLMAN tried to avoid the collision and in doing so his machine swerved and turned over, deceased's head striking the kerb. Witness rendered what assistance he could, and conveyed the poor fellow, who was quite unconscious. to the Cottage Hospital. He did not hear deceased ring his bell and it was impossible to have avoided the collision. He was only driving at a gentle trot. - John Luxton, of Yonder-street, Ottery St. Mary, who worked with deceased, and who was riding behind him at the time of the accident, said they were travelling about six or seven miles an hour. Both had their brakes on. He saw the deceased come into collision with the cab horse. He considered it a pure accident, and no one was to blame. - William Holmes, who saw the accident, also considered no blame attached to anyone. George Cross also corroborated. - Dr Lean, who attended deceased until his death, said TOLMAN never regained consciousness. Death was due to injury to the brain or cerebral haemorrhage. He thought the place where the accident took place was a dangerous spot to persons riding fast. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that no one was to blame. They also expressed their deep sympathy with the father and relatives of the deceased and in this the Coroner joined.

BUCKFASTLEIGH - Suicide At Buckfastleigh. - Yesterday afternoon Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquiry at Buckfastleigh concerning the death of RICHARD PROWSE, who was found with his throat cut on Sunday morning. - The evidence showed that deceased, who was a loom turner, employed by Messrs. Hamlyn Bros., formerly lived at Liskeard. He had been at Buckfastleigh but seven weeks, and it was clear that he had worried about his work. the widow told the Coroner and Jury that the machinery was not the same as he had been used to. - Mr W. P. Hamlyn, assistant manager of the department in which the deceased worked, said PROWSE could not get on from the first. He lacked knowledge. He had £1 per week to start with and when witness found he could not get on with the work the deceased offered to do a labourer's job for 16s. per week. This was given him. On Saturday he said he must give the work up, as it was too much for him. Witness then offered to have him taught the weaving by one of his daughters, who worked in the shop and, in order that he should not suffer, agreed to give him 15s. per week until he earned enough for himself. Deceased was afraid he would not be able to learn the trade. - After the Coroner had summed up, a verdict was returned that deceased Committed Suicide, being at the time of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 April 1905
LONDON - Exeter Man's Suicide. Remarkable Letters. - Yesterday afternoon, in Wormwood Scrubs Prison, Mr Ingleby Oddie, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry with reference to the death of WILLIAM ALFRED WEBB ROWDEN, 27 years, who committed suicide by hanging himself in his cell while undergoing a term of imprisonment for larceny. - EMILY ROWDEN, the widow, of 4 Allen-street, Goswell-road, E.C., identified the body of her husband, who was formerly a cellarman. Prior to his arrest in November last he had been drinking heavily and he had chased her about the room with razors, and thrown things at her, that she had to take advice as to the state of his mind. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said she could not get a living in Exeter and came to London. Deceased wished her to stop at Exeter, and she sent her letters there to be forwarded to him. She did not want him to know she was in London. - MRS EMILY ROWDEN, of 27 Bartholomew-street East, Exeter, stated that she wrote a letter, which deceased received on Monday, telling him his wife was in London. She had no reason to suspect it would distress him. - Captain Boucher, D.S.O., Deputy Governor of the Prison, proved the conviction of deceased at the North London Sessions on December 8th, 1904, for felony and larceny, after a previous conviction. On Monday deceased received a letter from his mother, and the same evening he was found hanging. This letter was found in his cell in a book from the library. It was "To the bitter End," by Miss Braddon, and the letter was placed at the chapter which was headed "Then fell upon the house a sudden gloom." There were also two letters written on his slate, which the Coroner read. They were addressed to MRS ROWDEN, 27 Bartholomew-street East, Exeter, and stated: "I knew she had been deceiving me all along. Remember me to my sister and brother, and kiss my dear little child for me. I am sorry you have had so much trouble, but I am here innocent. I never stole that man's watch; it was her that got me that four months. I suppose she never told you that she has only come back here (London) to carry on with someone. ..... Good-bye. - Your broken-hearted son." - The other letter, addressed to his wife, accused her of infidelity and felony and was signed, "Your broken-hearted husband." - Assistant-Warder Roderrib stated that deceased had utilised the thin string with which the bales of wool for mat-making had been tied and platted several strands together and made a rope. He had tied it round his neck when standing on the stool, and then kicked the latter away. - Dr R. N. Paton, the Medical Superintendent, said deceased had never exhibited any signs of mental disturbance. Witness could form no definite opinion as to the state of his mind; he had always appeared sane, but his letters showed great distress, which may have upset his mental balance. - The Jury then returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and added a rider that they did not consider any blame attached to the Prison authorities.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 April 1905
SAMPFORD COURTENAY - Mine Accident At Sticklepath. Man Killed. Thirty Hours' Rescue Work. - Fortunately, mining accidents do not often occur in Devonshire, but during the past week one has happened at Sticklepath, near Okehampton, which resulted in the death of a man under most distressing circumstances. The unfortunate fellow was named CROOTE, a native of Milton Abbott, who was engaged in clearing an adit for the purpose of getting the water out of an old mine some distance away. - Deceased and his comrades commenced work at the usual time on Wednesday and everything went smoothly until shortly after midday when a fall of gravel and stone almost completely buried CROOTE, pinning him against a wooden beam. - The other men, who were working close at hand, quickly realised the perilous position CROOTE was in, and set to work with their hands picking and scraping away the earth and gravel in the hope of relieving him. It is evident that deceased did not realise the great danger he was in, as during the time his comrades were endeavouring to take away the accumulation, he remained calm, and told them not to use a pick. After working a short time, it was thought that CROOTE would soon be out of danger, but suddenly there was a second fall of gravel and stone, and the poor fellow was doomed. - CROOTE remained alive for an hour and a half after the first fall, and fought desperately against death, but it was soon seen that the task of the rescuers was hopeless. Owing to the suffocating air, men were unable to remain in the adit for any length of time. And all the time these men were working there was fear of water accumulating, and attention had to be given to "keeping it down." More and more earth, gravel and stone fell and CROOTE was hemmed in tighter and tighter. For over thirty hours his comrades worked continuously to release the body. The adit was too small to use any large tools such as a pick and shovel. Even had the men been able to do so, they would have refrained, as a few minutes after the first lot of stone fell CROOTE told them that the use of a pick might be dangerous, as his legs were bent back under him. After a short time deceased's legs and thigh were partially freed, but his head and shoulders became invisible, and he literally "died by inches." - The Inquest was held at Sticklepath yesterday. - Prior to swearing in the Jury, the Coroner, Mr Prickman, said he felt sure he would not be travelling outside his province if he expressed the great sympathy they all felt with deceased's comrades. It was a great shock to lose one of their number in so tragic a manner. Not only did they sympathise with the relatives, but with all connected with the mine. That was the first time during the period he had held the Coronership that such an accident had happened. It must be a great sorrow to his friend, Captain Jopling, the managing director of the Syndicate, who had been for so many years so well-known to them all, as was also his coadjutor, Mr Parkin. In the midst of the tragic circumstances, one could not but help feeling there was a satisfactory element. Great gallantry and heroism had been shown in endeavouring to save the life of the unfortunate man. CROOTE had met his death as a result of one of the unfortunate accidents which were almost bound to happen as long as men were engaged in such work. - WILLIAM CROOTE identified deceased as his uncle, who was 50 years of age, single and lodged with Mr Hellier, of Sticklepath. - William James Newcombe stated that he had worked at Belstone about three years. Deceased who was an experienced miner, had been engaged at the mine about 15 months. On Wednesday he was working with CROOTE and a man named Ernest Cole. They were cleaning out the old adit, and were about ten fathoms underground. The length of the adit was over 200 yards, but they entered from the nearest air shaft. they commenced working about 7 a.m. Deceased was in front, witness second and Cole, third. They were taking out some "muck" and about 1.30 p.m. CROOTE, who was using a pick, was suddenly partially buried by falling gravel and earth. - The Coroner: How big was the adit there? - Witness: About 2ft. 6in wide at the bottom and about 1ft. 3in. at the top, and 4ft. 6in high. Deceased and himself had cut out the old timber and were about to put in new. There was old timber over deceased. He tried to dig CROOTE out, but there was no room to work with tools. Witness uncovered a portion of him, when the "muck" again fell. Witness shouted to Cole, who was some 30 fathoms away. When witness was endeavouring to dig him out, deceased shouted "Mind, don't use a pick." CROOTE also shouted for water. Other men came to the spot and all did what they could. Deceased continued to speak to them for an hour and a half. He did not think any timber fell on the deceased. Three men could work in the adit continuously, but when ten or a dozen men came they could only work about an hour each without getting fresh air. Dr Bird arrived about the middle of the afternoon and went into the adit. At that time all but the head and shoulders of the deceased was exposed, and on examination the doctor pronounced life extinct. Deceased was behind a set (four timbers, consisting of a floor, two sides and a cap). The size of the adit was not so convenient as it might have been. - The Coroner: Have you ever complained of the size of the adit? - No. - The second man who was with deceased, Ernest Cole, stated that he had been a miner for two years. He was working as described by the last witness, when Newcombe came to him, remarking that "his mate was buried up." They had candles and tried to scrape back the "muck" with their hands. He heard deceased say, "Don't use a pick." He considered the "muck" pinned CROOTE against the timber. Finding they could do no good, witness went to the mouth of the adit for help. They were there about a quarter of an hour before anyone came, when Albert and Henry Hellier arrived. They went in again, when deceased told them to keep the water down. Other helpers came and by continued shifts of about an hour the work of rescuing continued all night, and until 8 o'clock the following night. Witness was present when the body was released, a rope being fixed around it. They were obliged to do that as the fallen "muck" left no room to work in. - Replying to Mr Walker, who represented the Inspector of Mines, witness said he never heard Hellier, the captain, tell the men not to go beyond the new timber. - John Hellier, the captain of the mine, residing at Sticklepath, stated that he had been working there several months. Deceased was instructed to clear and timber the adit. At the time of the accident he was in bed with a cold. On going into the level he found deceased was buried up. Deceased asked them to be careful, as his legs were doubled under him and the hatchet was close to his feet. CROOTE did not complain of pain. They cleared the legs, when additional gravel and stone fell, which jammed him against the old timber on the left-hand side, causing him to die within a few minutes. Witness thought he had hold of deceased's leg when he died. They were working for 30 hours before the body was rescued. - Replying to Mr Walker, witness said he had charge of the mine and his duty was to go underground once a day. He was instructed by Captain Gorden to see the adit was cleared. There was always plenty of timber at hand, and on the very day of the accident CROOTE said to him, "I believe we have got through the worst of it." Deceased told him not to go in front of the new timber, but he considered CROOTE thought he was going through solid ground, and, therefore, ran a risk. One of the deceased's arms was broken. - Albert Hellier, who had both his hands bandaged through injuries caused by endeavouring to rescue deceased, confirmed the statement made by his brother. - Mr Davis, assistant to Dr Burd, said death was caused by suffocation, and not through injuries. One of the arms was broken, but that, in all probability, was caused by pulling the body out after death. - Captain Jopling, managing director of the Ramsley Syndicate, also expressed deep sympathy with deceased's relatives. He had been interested in mining in the district for 30 years and never remembered a fatal accident happening there before. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, caused through Suffocation."

WEST DOWN - Suicide Of A Naval Pensioner At Westdown. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, has held an Inquest at the New Inn, Westdown, concerning the death of JAMES SETTERS, a naval pensioner, and native of Westdown, but whose wife and family live at Plymouth, from where deceased recently came to stay at Westdown. - James Coats, sen., stated that on Tuesday he saw the deceased sitting on a stone in the linhay of Easter Field. Witness did not speak to him. On Wednesday at about p.m., witness went into the linhay again, and saw the deceased hanging by a rope from a beam. The rope was around his neck, and fastened to the beam. By the Foreman: Deceased was asleep when witness saw him on the Tuesday. - James Coats, jun., and W. P. Smith, of Church-street, Ilfracombe, who also saw deceased hanging by a rope on Wednesday evening, gave evidence. - Mr C. T. Jones, Surgeon, of Ilfracombe, stated that death was caused by suffocation and dislocation of the neck. - P.C. Fishleigh said that when he was called to the linhay he saw deceased hanging by the rope (produced) about one foot from the beam. He cut down the body and found that deceased had been dead several hours. He found some pension papers on the body, which showed that deceased was a naval pensioner, and drew his last pension on the 3rd inst. |He believed deceased to be about 69 years of age. He had seen deceased during the past week going from public house to public house in the village. He had noticed nothing strange in his behaviour but he was not surprised to hear that he had committed suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 April 1905
NEWTON ABBOT - Teignmothian's Distressing Death. - At an Inquest held on MARTHA RABJOHNS at Newton Abbot on Sunday, MERCY RABJOHNS, daughter, stated that she and her brother had assisted in maintaining deceased, who was 64 years of age, and a resident of West Teignmouth. Prior to August last deceased was in receipt of out-relief, but on the Relieving Officer reporting that she was addicted to drink the pay was stopped. An order for the Workhouse was offered, but refused on Thursday. Dr Heyward ordered deceased's removal to the Workhouse and on Friday morning Mary Jane Chambers, Tiverton, accompanied deceased in a cab. When near Bishopsteignton she died. - Mrs Chambers, in reply to the Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, said she thought deceased might have had a little more care. She was properly provided for after witness's arrival, but previous to that there was nothing in the house. - Thomas R. Clemas, Relieving Officer, said he believed that the daughter did what she could for her mother, but the latter neglected herself. A great deal of the relief money was spent in drink. It was in consequence of witness seeing her about the streets drunk that the relief was stopped. - Dr Heyward said that, as there was an entire absence of comforts in the house, he ordered deceased's removal to the Workhouse. The cause of death was heart failure. The deceased's organs were diseased, and there were signs of want of proper nourishment. It was a case of long-continued neglect. - The Coroner said the circumstances showed strongly what an unfortunate thing it was that it was not legal to order the removal of a person in such a case to the Workhouse. Here was a woman addicted to drink, living in a state of squalor and misery; yet there was no power to place her where she would be properly cared for. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 April 1905
BARNSTAPLE - The North Devon Quarry Fatality. An Ambulance Wanted. - The Inquest concerning the death of JOHN KELLAWAY, married, a quarryman, of Milltown, Marwood, who died as the result of an accident sustained while working at Plaistow Quarry, Sherwill, about three miles from Barnstaple, on the 7th inst., was resumed yesterday at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, by the Borough Coroner, Mr A. Bencraft. The Inquiry was adjourned from last week in order that H.M. Inspector might attend. Mr H. Walker, H.M. Inspector of Mines for the Southern District, was yesterday present. - WILLIAM KELLAWAY, quarryman, of Hardaway Head, Barnstaple, said he and his deceased brother had worked at Plaistow Quarry together for five years. About half-past three in the afternoon of the 7th inst., they were both at work on a benching some 30 or 40 feet up in the quarry, when a large stone, weighing about half a ton, rolled down some seven or eight feet and struck against a rock. The stone broke in two, and the smaller portion, weighing about half a cwt., struck the deceased in the thigh, knocking him forward on his face and hands. - Examined by the Inspector, witness said the quarry was occasionally visited by Mr George Chichester and Mr Vavasour. They had told witness and his brother to look after their own safety as much as possible. The usual custom was to work from the top of a joint, but they sometimes did it from the bottom. Since the accident some 15 tons of stone had fallen from the same place where the large stone fell. Witness explained that the large stone had loosened the rest when it fell. He thought the quarry a safe one to work. - Dr Mary Morris, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, said the deceased died at 2 o'clock on Saturday, the 8th inst. There was a good deal of haemorrhage, she discovered, as the result of a post-mortem examination, but not sufficient to account for death, which resulted from severe shock. The thigh bone of deceased's right leg was also broken. It would have been better had the deceased been conveyed to the Infirmary on an ambulance, instead of in a cart. - The Inspector informed the Jury that he had seen the quarry. He did not think the men KELLAWAY had the slightest business to have worked the stone in the way they did, although the opinion of WILLIAM KELLAWAY was quite to the contrary. His (the Inspector's) contention was borne out by the fact that 15 tons of stone had since fallen. WILLIAM KELLAWAY had since promised him that he would not work at the bottom of a joint in the future, but would work downwards. - In regard to a remark by the House Surgeon that it would have been better had the deceased been brought in on an ambulance and not in a cart, a Juror (Mr Welch) remarked that he thought all quarry proprietors should be compelled to keep an ambulance at the quarry for use in case of emergency. - The Inspector said the law required that an ambulance should be kept at all quarries where more than 25 persons were employed, but not unless there were 25. There was, however, no reason why the law should not be altered. - The Coroner said he thought the deceased met his death from a pure accident, and that no one was to blame. - A Juror (Mr Hooper) asked if the case came under the Employers' Liability Act. - The Coroner said he would express no opinion, as it was entirely without the scope of the Inquiry. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 April 1905
EXETER - Suicide In The River Exe. A Woman's Trouble. - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court last evening on the body of BESSIE LOWDEN, single woman, of Exeter, whose body was recovered from the river Exe the previous day. - JOHN LOWDEN, 10 Bonhay-road, Exeter, identified the body as that of his sister, who resided in James-street, Exeter. She was 48 years of age. He had heard her complain several times of pains in her head, but she had never threatened to take her life. She lost a relative about 12 months ago, and over this she grieved much. Deceased had influenza at Christmas. - MARY JANE GREENSLADE said she last saw her sister alive on Sunday morning, about 9.30. Replying to a question, she said she was better. She had complained of pains in the head. Deceased had been treated at the Dispensary. When deceased went out she said "Don't trouble about dinner, POLL; I will get it when I come back." Deceased left to go to a Mrs Edwards. - Ernest Marks, 2 Colleton Buildings, said that when in his father's garden on Sunday morning he heard screams of help coming from the river. He rushed down and saw a woman struggling in the water about 8 feet or 9 feet from the bank. He called his father and they got in a boat and went to render assistance. As they approached the body sank. They then went ashore and fetched a grappling iron. His brother brought the body to the bank. About a quarter of an hour before he heard the cries for help a man passed along the banks, but he did not see any more of him. - William Marks, brother of the last witness, said he joined in the search for the body, and it was he who succeeded in bringing it to the bank. - P.C. William Bradford said he tried artificial means of respiration for a few minutes. The doctor then arrived and pronounced life extinct. In deceased's skirt pocket witness found eight sovereigns tied up in a handkerchief and in a purse there was a half-sovereign, 9s. 6d. in silver and 4 ¼d. in bronze. - Mrs Yardley, who rented a room from deceased, said that MISS LOWDEN had told her the pains in the head would drive her mad. On Sunday morning she said it seemed as though her brain was cracking to pieces. - Dr Harrison said he saw the body at the Quay. There were no bruises. He attributed death to drowning. There was no appearance on the body of a struggle having taken place. There was a dilution of the pupil of the right eye, which indicated brain trouble. - Replying to the Foreman, the doctor said deceased might have had a sudden seizure or desire to jump into the water. - The Coroner, in addressing the Jury, said he understood that deceased's mother drowned herself exactly at the same spot some 15 years ago. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 April 1905
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Moreton Resident's Sudden Death. - Mr Sidney Hacker, District Coroner, yesterday held an Inquiry at the Smethurst Schoolroom, Moretonhampstead, into the circumstances attending the death of MRS SUSAN BENNETT HIBBERD, widow, which occurred suddenly on Sunday morning. ALBERT HIBBERD, of Pound-street, stated that deceased was his mother, and lived with him. She was 74 years of age last Christmas Day. Three weeks since she had an attack like a faint, but would not have a doctor. On Saturday night she seemed as usual, and went to bed about 9.30. On the morning of Sunday, about 8.45, she called him three times and he found her in a chair in her bedroom. She was conscious, but only made him understand that she wanted a cloth to wipe her mouth. Miss Snell came up and witness went for a doctor, but his mother died very quietly a few minutes after he came back. Annie Snell, who lives next door, gave corroborative evidence. - Frank Hill said he lived and worked at MR HIBBERD'S. Deceased called him about five minutes to eight and asked him to light the fire. She sat in the kitchen while he did so and he made her some tea, but she said she could not drink it and went upstairs again. She told him to call Miss Snell, but did not appear to be in pain. - Mr Robert Sutherland, Surgeon, practising at Moretonhampstead, said he did not know deceased well and had never attended her professionally. He had made a post-mortem examination and found no external injury. The organs were healthy, except the brain. A blood vessel had burst and very extensive haemorrhage had taken place, causing unconsciousness, and, owing to the large extent, death ensued much more rapidly than usual. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 20 April 1905
EXETER - An Oakford Woman's Death. Result Of The Analysis. Adjourned Inquest. - At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday, the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, resumed an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of ELLEN MILDRED BARRELL, aged 24 years, the daughter of MR and MRS JOHN BARRELL, of Iron Mills, Oakford, near Bampton. Some weeks ago deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from acute inflammation of the stomach, and a post-mortem examination showed that the inflammation had been caused by some irritant substance. The Inquest was adjourned for an analysis to be made. - Mr A. Burrow, of Cullompton, appeared to watch the proceedings on behalf of Thomas Baker, a man with whom the deceased had been keeping company. - Mr Thomas Tickle, Exeter City Analyst, said he had made an analysis of the stomach of the deceased, but had not detected any poisonous substance. - The Coroner: Supposing anything had been taken by the deceased before admission to the Hospital, would it be possible for it to have passed out of the body and not have left any trace which you could detect? - Witness: That would be possible. - In answer to further questions by the Coroner, witness said he had examined bottles handed to him by P.C. Hoyle, but had found nothing in them of a poisonous or suspicious character. He finished the examination that morning. - Mr Burrow: Assuming that irritant poison had been the cause of death, would you have expected to find that in your examination? - I could not say that that would be true in every case. There would be some likelihood in the case of certain poisons. - Mr Burrow: Let me put an abstract case to you. Assuming a person died from irritant poisoning, and you made an examination of the intestines, as you have done in this case, would you expect to find any trace of that in the intestines? - Witness: If a person died within a few hours of having received a dose of irritant poison then it would, undoubtedly, be found; but if there had been an interval of some weeks the chances of detection would become more and more remote, and the poison might have entirely disappeared. - Mr Burrow: If the person had been admitted to the Hospital on the 9th of March and died on the 27th, would you expect to find traces of any irritant substance upon examination? - Witness: Certain poisons would remain longer in the body than other poisons. - Mr Burrow: So that all traces in this case must have passed away? - Witness: That is so. - P.C. Hoyle deposed to going to the house of the deceased's father and taking possession of certain letters and bottles. The former he handed to the Coroner and the latter to Mr Tickle. - In answer to Mr Burrow, witness said he had made inquiries at chemists' shops, but could not find that any poison or suspicious substance had been purchased by Baker. - Mr Marsden, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said, in answer to the Coroner, that it might be quite possible, assuming that deceased had taken anything before she entered the Hospital, for the traces to have disappeared. The signs he discovered, red patches, etc., were most severe and unusual. He would not have expected to find such conditions from natural causes. He was inclined to think that something had been taken and passed out. - The Coroner: Do I take it that from the post-mortem and the result of the analysis you are practically unable to say the actual cause of death? - Witness: I should say acute inflammation of the stomach and acute engorgement of the kidneys, but I could not say how that was produced. - In answer to Mr Burrow, witness said, assuming that he had not found that deceased was enceinte, he would not have attached much importance to the state of the stomach. He could not say definitely whether death was natural or whether it was produced or hastened by any poisonous substance. - The Coroner reviewed the evidence at considerable length. He added that he had read the letters, but did not propose to make them public. He found nothing in them giving the slightest suggestion to the girl to take anything. They seemed to be proper letters and simply showed the relationship existing between the deceased and Baker. The question seemed to narrow itself down to whether the girl died a natural death from gastritis and engorgement of the kidneys, or whether death was produced by some other means. It appeared to him that the doctor could not say positively whether the deceased had had a poisonous substance or not. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence, but added that there was not sufficient evidence to show the exact cause of death.

TIVERTON - At the Inquest held at the Infirmary on the body of ERNEST SAMUEL WRIGHT, aged six years, son of SAMUEL WRIGHT, labourer, of Bolham, Dr Cullin said he had made a post-mortem and attributed death to a fit caused by shock. the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. The boy's father said that deceased was healthy until last July. He then fell over a hedge on to his head and had been since subject to fits. DAISY WRIGHT, 13, said that she was playing with her brother near the old racecourse on Saturday. A loose horse ran towards them. Deceased passed out of a gate, across the road, and fell into a hedge, when she found him in a faint.

UPOTTERY - An Inquest has been held by the District Coroner, Mr Cox, at the Sidmouth Arms on the body of MRS MINNIE SKINNER, aged 36, late of Harvest Wood. Mr F. Greenham was Foreman of the Jury. MR SKINNER, the husband (estate mason for the Hon. G. Addington), stated that the deceased complained of pains in her head on Tuesday in last week, and suffered the whole of that day. The next morning he left home for work, and did not return until about quarter to seven in the evening. Mr Beer, Honiton, went with him to the house to deliver bread. As they could not make anyone hear, witness casually remarked that his wife had gone for a bicycle ride. However, on looking in a shed he saw the bicycle, and also discovered the deceased's jacket. He then proceeded upstairs and found his wife hanging by a rope just inside the bedroom door. He at once cut down the body and shouted to Mr Beer for assistance. The deceased always suffered in her head, but especially when thunderstorms were prevalent. He had had no doctor to examine her, as she always made light of the trouble. MISS SKINNER and Mr Beer gave corroborative evidence. Mrs Wyatt, of the village, stated that deceased always seemed bright and cheerful, but on Tuesday witness noticed a difference in her when she entered her shop to make purchases. P.C. Doidge produced the rope. The beam to which the rope was tied was 7 ft. from the ground, and the deceased measured 5 ft. 7 in. Dr Reede, Churchinford, stated that he was called by a telegram and also by a messenger. On examining the body he found life extinct, and judged that deceased had been dead from eight to ten hours. The Coroner, in summing up, expressed sympathy with MR SKINNER in his sad loss. The Jury concurred, and returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane". The funeral took place at Tiverton on Monday.

DARTMOUTH - At the Dartmouth Guildhall last evening Mr A. M. Davson held an Inquest touching the death of FRANCISA CARMONA, a Spanish fireman belonging to the German steamer Mario Therese. Deceased died at sea on Tuesday on the way from Huelva. Dr G. M. Soper said death was due to intestinal obstruction. The only thing that could have saved his life was an operation, which was impossible under the circumstances. Captain Garbe, of the Marie Therese, said everything possible was done for deceased. He could not speak German, nor could any of the crew speak Spanish. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 24 April 1905
EXETER - Exeter Engine Driver's Death. The Inquest. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday into the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS SCANES, aged 33, engine driver on the London and South Western Railway, who was recently found lying dead on the rails at Exmouth Junction. - Alfred Baker, of South View-terrace, Heavitree, identified the body. He saw deceased last on Tuesday morning when he appeared to be in perfect health. - Henry Fewings, of 39 Mansfield-road, Exeter, fireman on engine No. 145, of which deceased was the driver, said they signed on together on Wednesday morning, when deceased seemed about as usual, and proceeded to the engine. About a quarter past 1 deceased asked witness to move the engine about a yard. Witness did so, and asked deceased "Will that do?" Deceased answered "Yes." Witness then went on with his work and deceased went towards the engine, as if to go on with oiling. Witness did not see deceased mount the engine, but a minute afterwards, on turning around, he saw him lying on the ground, with an oil feeder beside him. A fitter's stool was standing near the engine. Witness was getting down from the tender, when he saw deceased on the ground. - John Holman Manning, engine driver, 14 Clifton-road, Exeter, gave corroborative evidence. Deceased was lying on his back when witness spoke to him. He made no answer when spoken to. - John Martin, storekeeper, living at 36 Clifton-street, Exeter, said that when he was called to see deceased he was alive. Deceased was put on a stretcher, but died before he got to the Hospital. - Mr W. H. Marsden, Assistant House Surgeon, said he examined deceased on his admittance. Life was extinct. - A post mortem examination revealed the fact that there was a large amount of blood all over the brain, but that the skull was not fractured. The vertebrae was fractured and dislocated. Death was due to haemorrhage of the brain caused by a broken neck. There was no trace of disease in the other organs of the body. - The Jury found that deceased met his death by accident, in some manner unknown. The Jury exonerated the fireman from all blame, and expressed sympathy with the family in their bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 27 April 1905
HARBERTON - The Harberton Tragedy. Inquest And Verdict. - Yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an inquest at Moore Farm, Harberton, touching the death of MRS MARY ADAMS, 73 years of age, whose death, under sad circumstances, was reported in yesterday's "Gazette." - The evidence showed that two sons of the deceased had committed suicide in the same stream in which deceased was found, and that she had frequently expressed a wish to die. Two of her family were in an Asylum and her father destroyed himself about 70 years ago. Not long since deceased threatened to starve herself. It was stated she seemed troubled because the family was leaving the farm. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." [26 April 1905 - South Devon Tragedy. Sad Occurrence At South Brent. - At Moor Farm, about three miles from South Brent, there has resided for a number of years, MR JOHN ADAMS, a well-known farmer of considerable standing. - He was now about to leave the farm and retire from active life, with his wife and two daughters, but this anticipated pleasure was darkened by a sad occurrence which took place on Monday evening. - The MISSES ADAMS left their home to visit one of their adjoining farms and after about an hour's absence they returned. Not seeing their mother in her usual place in the sitting-room, they naturally inquired where she was. MR ADAMS replied that he thought she had gone upstairs. - A search was made without success and eventually MRS ADAMS was found lying, with her face downwards, in a stream of water, 10 inches deep near the farm. - Assistance and medical aid were soon rendered, but were of no avail. P.C. Crispin, of South Brent, was informed and has, by the direction of the Coroner, arranged for an Inquest at 1 o'clock today.]

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 April 1905
TOTNES - Sudden Death At Totnes. - Yesterday afternoon great regret was expressed at the sudden death of MISS E. HARRIS, sister of MR JOHN HARRIS, the well-known and respected President of the Devon Master Bakers' Association. The deceased, who was 46 years of age, had assisted her brother in business at 100 High-street, Totnes, for many years, and seemed in her usual health yesterday. During the morning she was engaged in the shop and before dinner went upstairs to change her garments. Being absent longer than usual, her niece went to the room and found the deceased dead. Medical aid was summoned, but it was of no avail. - The Inquest on the body of deceased took place at the Guildhall last evening. Dr Smith stated that the deceased died from syncope. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 2 May 1905
BARNSTAPLE - An Inquest was yesterday conducted by the Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr A. Bencraft, concerning the death of MRS MARY BALE, aged 89, of 107 Newport-road, Barnstaple, who died on Sunday morning. It appeared from the evidence of MR GEORGE BALE (son), Mrs Morgan (niece) and Mr Charles Cooke (Surgeon) that the deceased, who was the widow of the late MR HENRY BALE, a gardener, was on the night of the 22nd ult. put to bed by her niece, who a quarter of an hour afterwards heard her fall over the first flight of stairs. She sustained some contused wounds, fractured one of the small bones of her right forearm and was severely bruised. She died from shock to the system. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

CHULMLEIGH - Fatal Fall Downstairs. Inquest At Chulmleigh. - Yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Chulmleigh touching the death of MR JAMES MANNING, a retired farmer, of East-street, Chulmleigh. Mr Samuel Smale was chosen Foreman. - MR JOHN MANNING, of Highbridge Farm, Kingsnympton, identified the body as that of his father. He last saw him alive on the 26th ult. He then appeared to be in his usual health. - Mr W. Grimshaw, carter, living in the adjoining house to the deceased, stated that on Friday, about 1.30 a.m. he heard a "bump" in deceased's house, but had no suspicion that anything had happened. - Mr Edward Prettyjohns, butcher, stated that he called about midday on Friday to see the deceased on business. He knocked at the door, but received no reply. About 3 p.m. he returned again, knocked, but got no answer. His suspicions being aroused, he forced the back door and found the deceased at the bottom of the stairs dead. He appeared as if he had fallen down the stairs backwards. Witness at once sent for the Police. - Mr E. R. Hanson, Surgeon, stated that the base of the skull was fractured. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 May 1905
TIVERTON - "A Bundle Of Rags." Found Drowned At Tiverton. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton Infirmary, last night by Dr L. Mackenzie touching the death of GEORGE UPTON, a drover, found in the Canal on Monday. - Mrs Elizabeth Saunders, with whom deceased lodged, said he was a heavy drinker, was 70 years of age, a drover not in regular employ, and it was no unusual thing for him to be away from his lodgings for days together. She last saw him on Saturday, when he was under the influence of drink, and had two cups of tea at his lodgings. - James Venner, (14), Haypark, had driven cows past Tidcombe on Monday and on returning went to the boat-house to look for rats. In the boat-house he saw a body lying on its face in the water by the side of the boat. He was in the boat-house on Sunday morning, but did not see the body then. He fetched Mrs Chanin, who thought it was a bundle of rags and a man who worked on the farm came and looked at it and went back to work. - The Coroner: What, went back to work and left the man in the water? - Yes, sir. - John Venner, who, in answer to the Coroner's questions as to his employment, said he worked for Mr Chanin when he "felt inclined," deposed to being fetched by the boy Venner and to finding the body in the water. - P.C. Tackle said deceased had recently "slept out" in a linhay at Tidcombe. - The Coroner said it was quite probable that the man had gone into the boat-house with a view to a night's lodging. - An Open Verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 8 May 1905
EXETER - Exeter Carpenter's Sad Death. A Pathetic Question. Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday on the body of ALBERT BUTLAND, a carpenter, who resided with his daughter, MRS MAY, at 3 Frog-street, Exeter. - MRS MAY, who gave evidence of identification, said her father was 52 years of age. She last saw him alive on Wednesday night. She could not understand why she was not sent for on his admission to the Hospital. - William Greenaway, sen., of Frog-street, said he saw deceased in Coombe-street on Thursday evening. He had the appearance of having had a drop of beer and fell in the street on to the back of his head. Witness asked his son to take deceased home. - William Greenaway, jun., said he did his best to persuade deceased to let him take him home, but he declined to go to his daughter's house in the condition he was. When witness left him he was perfectly sensible. - William Henry Harris, of Lower North-street, spoke to seeing deceased fall in Lower North-street later in the evening. BUTLAND had, apparently been drinking, but was not drunk. - P.C. G. E. Parker said deceased was conveyed in an unconscious condition to the Hospital on the Police Ambulance. - Mr Stirk, House Surgeon at the Institution, said deceased's skull was fractured but not extensively. Unfortunately, however, one of the large vessels of the brain was opened. He attributed death to haemorrhage. - MRS MAY said the Hospital officials did not know deceased's name. Someone in the crowd informed the Police that the man was named Harris. The Police understood to communicate with the friends. - MRS MAY: I should like to have seen him before he died; I am his daughter. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 10 May 1905
PAIGNTON - The Death Of MR T. WINTER-WOOD. The Inquest. - Yesterday Mr Hacker held an Inquest at Paignton touching the death of MR T. WINTER-WOOD, who died on Sunday evening. Deceased's son, MR E. J. WINTER-WOOD, stated that while driving his father down Livermead-hill he was unable to pass a water-cart in the middle of the road, and stopped the car against the hedge. There was a very slight jerk, although he did not personally feel it and deceased slipped out of the car into the road on his shoulder. - A cyclist named John M. Parnell, of Ellacombe, spoke to the driver of the water-cart refusing to move or stop the water and said the car was going very slowly. - Dr Sykes stated that deceased was taken home unconscious. The right side was absolutely paralysed, but there were no wounds or bruises on the head or body, except a very slight bruise on the shoulder. Death was due to apoplexy. How far it was accelerated by the accident he could not say. - The Coroner said the only point to determine was the actual cause of death, there being no question of bad driving or wrongful conduct. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

TOPSHAM - Drowned While Fishing. Topsham Lad's Death. - Mr H. W. Gould conducted an Inquiry at the Salutation Hotel, Topsham, touching the death of ERNEST LESLIE EDWARDS, aged six years, of Topsham. Mr W. Luxon was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - ARTHUR EDWARDS, aged seven years, a brother of the deceased, said that about 7 o'clock on Monday evening he was on the pier with his brother and "Archie" Norton. While they were playing "Archie" accidentally pushed witness while passing, and he fell into the water, dragging his brother (who held his coat) after him. - Archibald Norton, son of James Norton, oilman, Topsham, in relating the facts, said he and the other boys were fishing for crabs at the time. Directly the other boys fell into the water he went for help as they had got beyond his reach. - James Salway, of Topsham, said that while on the river in a boat with another man he saw a boy in the river. They made their way as soon as possible to the spot, and witness pulled the boy - ARTHUR EDWARDS - out of the water. they just reached the spot in time to save him. They saw nothing of the deceased. - William Ware, fisherman, deposed to recovering the body of the deceased. - Dr N. J. Frood stated that death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Coroner kindly undertook to convey a recommendation regarding the provision of life-saving appliances on the Pier to the Pier Committee, and commented on the fact that deceased's brother owed his life to the promptitude of the witness Salway.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 11 May 1905
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - Mr W. R. Cocks, Deputy Coroner for Exeter, conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Station yesterday concerning the death of ELIZABETH WARREN, widow, of Baring-terrace, St. Leonard's . - Mr Frank Hutchings, Moretonhampstead, identified the body of deceased as that of his sister, who was 75 years old. - ELIZABETH WARREN stated that she was with the deceased up to the time of her death. The deceased had a cold for a few days. On Tuesday witness went downstairs and on returning she found deceased was dead. Deceased had nothing to eat on Tuesday; on Monday she only had a glass of milk, an egg and a particle of custard; and on Sunday she ate nothing. Witness suggested that deceased should receive medical aid, but she said she would not see a doctor. Deceased said she was in no pain, but felt exhausted. - Mr Harrison, Surgeon, stated that he was summoned at 1.50 a.m. on Wednesday and found deceased dead. A post mortem examination showed that there were no marks of violence; the lungs on the right side were shrivelled up to less than one-third of their original weight and the heart was slightly fatted. Death was due to cardiac syncope, due to pressure on the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

SHEPTON MALLET, SOMERSET - Tragic Death Of An Exonian. Alleged Manslaughter. The Inquest. - A sensation was created in Exeter yesterday morning by the receipt of news that MR H. C. SKINNER, who travelled for the Yacht Beverage Company, Exeter, had met his death under tragic circumstances at Shepton Mallet. - It was stated that shortly after midnight a discussion took place at the Hare and Hounds Hotel, Shepton Mallet, between Trooper Hole, of the North Somerset Imperial Yeomanry, who was on his way from Wincanton to camp at Bath, and the deceased. It was alleged that the latter pushed MR SKINNER and, falling to the ground, he expired shortly afterwards. - The deceased, who was 35 years of age, was well known in Exeter as the only son of MR G. H. SKINNER, the head of the Yacht Beverage Company, for which firm he travelled. He resided at St. David's-terrace. Last Monday week he left the City to go upon the journey which has ended in so sad and tragic a manner. During the time he had been away MRS SKINNER, as usual, received many letters from her husband indicative of the fact that everything was going on satisfactorily. Early in the forenoon yesterday the shocking news was conveyed to her. - Some light is thrown upon the terribly sudden nature of MR SKINNER'S death by the statement that he had for some time past complained of his heart. Only a fortnight ago so badly was he attacked that the application of a stimulant was necessary in order to relieve him. - The very sad nature of the occurrence is intensified by the fact that MRS SKINNER, thus suddenly plunged into widowhood, is by no means of robust health, and only quite recently had to undergo an operation. There are four young children, ranging in age from about two years. - Yesterday no little commotion was caused in Shepton Mallet when it became known by the inhabitants that a commercial traveller from Exeter had died under tragic circumstances, and that an Imperial Yeoman, who served his country in South Africa, was in custody charged with manslaughter. - The affair was the general topic of conversation during the day, and that something unusual had happened in the quiet little town would have been most apparent to a visitor had he even not heard of the tragic occurrence. - The Hare and Hounds Hotel, where the unfortunate affair happened is situate in the heart of the town. - The Police took the case in hand immediately and the expeditious manner in which the arrangements were made for the Inquest reflected credit on them. - Wm. Arscott Hole, the accused man, is a son of the proprietress of the Greyhound Hotel, Wincanton. He belongs to H. Troop (Wincanton) of the North Somerset Imperial Yeomanry and served in South Africa. He is 36 years of age, of good physique and pleasant countenance. - Hole was arrested at about 1.45 a.m. yesterday, and at 10 o'clock was brought before Major C. D. Sherston and Mr F. Spencer charged with manslaughter. He was bailed out, himself in £200 and two sureties of £100 each, to appear at the Police Court on Saturday. - The Inquest was arranged by telegraph. Mr E. Q. Louch (Coroner for the South Eastern Division of the County) arrived at Shepton Mallet shortly before 4 o'clock, and at once proceeded to the Hospital to open the Inquiry, SKINNER'S body having been conveyed to the Mortuary at the Institution. - Before the Inquiry was opened Mr H. W. Crane, representing deceased's father, asked whether it would be possible to adjourn the proceedings for an hour. When he arrived at Shepton Mallet he was unaware of the seriousness of the case. He telegraphed to MR SKINNER, sen., that his presence was necessary and he would arrive at Shepton mallet at about 5 o'clock. - The Coroner replied that he could not adjourn the Inquest from the hour fixed. Other people had to be considered; but there would have to be a formal adjournment of the proceedings. - Mr Crane said he would like the father to be present, because there were questions which he (Mr Crane) would not like to take the responsibility of answering. - The Coroner said he should proceed with the Inquiry until about 6 o'clock, and then adjourn. - At this juncture the Jury were sworn and the body viewed, but the Inquest was not proceeded with at the Hospital. It was suggested that the proceedings should be conducted at the Police Court to allow of more room and the Coroner concurred. - The Deputy Chief Constable for Somerset (Mr J. Bidgood) accompanied the Coroner on the Bench at the Court House, and watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police. Mr J. Hodge, of Shepton Mallet, appeared on behalf of the accused, who was present in Court, wearing his uniform, with the South African ribbon attached to his coat. - Henry Wm. Crane, of 10 North-street, Exeter, gave evidence of identification. He said he was in the employ of MR G. H. SKINNER, the firm being known as the Yacht Beverage Company. He had seen the body of deceased, and identified it as that of HENRY CHARLES SKINNER of 8 St David's-terrace, Exeter, and who, he thought, was about 35 years of age. Deceased represented the firm as a traveller, although sometimes he worked at headquarters. He (witness) last saw deceased on Monday week at the office, when he started on his round. He usually stayed away a week, but on this occasion he had been absent a fortnight. Shepton Mallet was a part of his district. - James Davies, proprietor of the Hare and Hounds Hotel, said he knew deceased well as a traveller who came to the Hotel. He arrived on Tuesday between 5 and 6 o'clock. He saw him between 7 and 8 o'clock in the hall waiting for dinner, and had a conversation with him about business matters. About half-past 11 deceased met other gentlemen, including Hole, in the bar, and a conversation was commenced, and this was kept up, until half-past 12. While they were conversing on general topics the talk turned on money matters. SKINNER, who seemed a bit excited, said some rather nasty things. Hole asked deceased if he owed his (deceased's) firm any money. SKINNER replied "No." Subsequently he said to Hole that he supposed he (Hole) had a few sovereigns to flash round now, but next morning he would be "a poor bally soldier." This appeared to annoy Hole, who was in uniform. The remarks were made use of three or four times. Hole then put up his hand and pushed deceased. They were standing close together at the time. Deceased fell to the floor, and on attempting to rise fell back again. Witness summoned assistance. they picked him up and placed him in a chair and bathed his forehead and hands. Their efforts, however, to bring him round seemed to fail, and they then got deceased to bed. Believing that he was in a serious condition, witness immediately called in Dr Bishop, but SKINNER had died before his return from the doctor's. All the other gentlemen in the bar were staying in the Hotel. Deceased addressed his remarks more particularly to Hole than to any of the other members of the company. Deceased, who went into the bar about 11 o'clock appeared to be very excited and his conversation seemed to be generally unpleasant. Witness thought he seemed to be ready to have a row with anyone. But that was not his usual demeanour, although he had heard him chaffing people. He was chaffing people all the evening on Tuesday, including criticism on strokes in the billiard-room. Witness did not think deceased had a good reputation so far as temper was concerned, but he did not regard him as an unpleasant visitor. His behaviour on this particular occasion was out of the common, and tended to make a man angry. Some of deceased's remarks were very offensive, but he (witness) did not remonstrate with him because he understood that both men knew one another, understood one another, and, in addition, the conversation was quiet. Hole remonstrated with deceased once or twice and asked him to prove what he was asserting, but deceased - who had only had two drinks, two brandies and sodas - always "backed down" and started again on the same thing. The push which Hole gave was a sudden one, but he did not think there was any great violence in it. Both men were leaning against the counter, and Hole did not move from his position to push him. Hole's behaviour during the evening was very quiet. In fact, he had never known it otherwise. Hole, who was perfectly sober, wanted to stand SKINNER a drink, but deceased turned to him, referred to the money question and asked Hole if he thought he was the only man who had money. SKINNER had a drink with Hole earlier in the night and he seemed to resent being asked the second time. - By the Deputy Chief Constable: Hole was staying in the Hotel the night. He rode from Wincanton in the evening and intended going on to Lansdown Camp, Bath, that morning. - By Mr Hodge: Mr Hole stood the remarks from MR SKINNER very well and he was not surprised to see him push him. In fact, he would not have been surprised if he had struck him. - Mr Hodge: When deceased fell, did his head strike the ground? - Witness: So far as I can say, deceased's head did not strike the ground. - Percy Robertson, veterinary surgeon's assistant at Wincanton, and a trooper in the North Somerset Imperial Yeomanry, said he was present at the Hare and Hounds during the conversation. the remarks of the deceased were a sufficient excuse for Hole acting as he did. There was no justification for what was said. - By the Deputy Chief constable: Hole had his legs crossed and was leaning against the bar counter when he pushed SKINNER. The push was a sudden one, but was not violent. During the whole of the evening Hole exercised great forbearance, and if SKINNER had spoken to him (witness) in the same manner as he addressed Hole he would certainly have "let go." Hole and SKINNER were sober. Hole did not threaten SKINNER. - Charles F. H. Thompson, commercial traveller, who was staying at the Hare and Hounds, also thought Hole exercised great forbearance with deceased. both men were strangers to him. - The Coroner said the other evidence to be produced was that of the doctor, which they could not have that evening, because a post-mortem examination was being made. - The accused volunteered evidence, Mr Hodge remarking that no one regretted more than he did the unfortunate affair. - Hole said that on arrival at Shepton Mallet he put up at the Red Lion Hotel, intending to proceed from there to camp that morning. He first saw deceased as he was passing the Hare and Hounds Hotel. He was having supper. Deceased came out, and asked him to join him. Witness said he was going to the Red Lion, and an arrangement was made for a meeting at the Red Lion at 9.30 p.m. He (witness) knew SKINNER very well indeed. He stayed at his house the previous night. Deceased, Mr Robertson, and he (witness) went to the George Hotel, where they had something to drink. They stayed there about 20 minutes and then proceeded to the Hare and Hounds, arriving there about 10.15. He (Hole) intended lodging at the Red Lion the night, but Mrs Davies told him that arrangements had been made for him at the Hare and Hounds. That being so, he sent to the Red Lion to tell them that he was remaining at the Hare and Hounds. There were five in the bar during the conversation - deceased, Mr Robertson, Mr Thompson, Mr Davies and himself. Up to a certain point the conversation between deceased and himself was of a pleasant character. SKINNER then introduced a conversation about "toy soldiers." He (Hole) however, did not take any notice of this chaff until deceased mentioned money matters. He said the money he (Hole) was spending he would want before camp was over. Deceased further said, in an irritating manner "You seem to have plenty of money." He also said that as members of the Yeomanry they were a lot of little boys who had come out to enjoy themselves, to show their money, and that after camp they would want some. He (Hole) said "We always pay you and pay 20s. in the £" Deceased then said there were two or three commercial travellers who came to his (Hole's) house who were no good, and that they were not doing any great bar trade. There had never been any ill-feeling or malice between deceased and himself. They had always been on the best of terms with each other and his demeanour was different on that occasion to what it was usually. Deceased was very "nasty." - At this juncture (6.30 p.m) the Inquiry was adjourned until this morning, at 10.45, when accused will continue his evidence, and the doctor will convey to the Jury the result of the post-mortem examination. - MR SKINNER, deceased's father, arrived at a late stage in the proceedings, but was not called upon to give evidence.

STOKENHAM - Remarkable Case Of Suicide. A Beesand Girl's Death. - Yesterday at the Torcross Hotel, Mr Sidney Hacker conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of ELIZABETH JANE DIMOND, daughter of ROBERT and JANE DIMOND, of Beesands, who died on the 24th April. - Deceased was 18 years of age and last year was in service at Plymouth with Mr John Bevan, retired engineer commander, R.N. She was under notice to leave her situation. On the 27th December she left her duties in the kitchen and went to the lavatory. When she came out she said to Commander Bevan, "I've taken poison; I've killed myself," and immediately fell down. Commander Bevan found that about two ounces of spirits of ammonia had been used from a bottle which he kept for his personal use. Deceased was taken to the Devon and Cornwall Hospital, and afterwards she returned to her home at Beesands, where she was attended by Dr Orford Jones, of Chillington. She gradually became worse and died on the 24th April. - On making a post-mortem examination, Dr Orford-Jones found the stomach congested and corroded by an irritant poison. - Deceased's mother stated that the girl gave no explanation of the reason why she had taken the poison. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 May 1905
TIVERTON - Suicide At Tiverton. Thought She Had Done Wrong. - MRS BESSIE EASTWOOD, aged 42 years, a widow, residing at 6 Heathcoat-square, Leat-street, Tiverton, was found dead in her house yesterday morning with a rope round her neck and hanging from a bannister on the staircase. - At the Inquest conducted by the Borough Coroner, Mr L. Mackenzie, at the Town Hall, last evening, evidence was given by several witnesses to the effect that deceased had not been right in her head for years. About 11 years ago she was an inmate of an Asylum for three or four months. Dr Leisching said he saw deceased in March, when she was suffering from mental depression. She was under the delusion that she had done things which she ought not to have done and that she would never be forgiven. That morning he was called to 6 Heathcoat-square, and found deceased lying on a bed, partly dressed, with a rope round her neck. Her face was very blue and the rope had broken the skin of the neck. He attributed death to suffocation. Deceased recently became an inmate of the Tiverton Workhouse, and only discharged herself on Tuesday, when her condition, so the Master (Mr Penny) stated, seemed to have improved as compared with when she entered the House. At times she was cheerful, but deceased, who became a widow 13 years ago, told her mother, MRS WOODMAN, of Phoenix-lane, Tiverton, on Tuesday, when she came out of the Workhouse, that she was bound to do something to herself. The mother told her to cheer up but she replied that she could not. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

DAWLISH - At the Inquest on WILLIAM MONK, labourer, aged 31, of Mamhead, it was stated that he sustained two fractured ribs through falling off a pony, which he tried to ride without saddle or bridle, "playing circus." He was conveyed to the Hospital, but pneumonia set in, death being accelerated by exposure. A verdict of "Death from Accidental Fall" was returned by the Jury, of which Mr W. F. Ferris was the Foreman.

EAST WORLINGTON - Sad Burning Fatality. Strange Affair At East Worlington. - Yesterday the Deputy Coroner, Mr Frank Thomas, conducted an Inquiry at East Worlington concerning the death of MARY ANN ELWORTHY, of Hackford Farm, East Worlington. - THOMAS ELWORTHY, husband of the deceased, identified the body as that of his wife, aged 37. He last saw her at 7.30, on the morning of Monday, when he left for his work. - HERBERT ELWORTHY, son of the last witness, stated that he came home from school at about five o'clock on Monday evening. His brother, aged three years, told him to go out in the garden. He proceeded there and found his mother lying on the ground with all her clothes burnt off. There was a lamp on the ground close by. - Charles Graham, Surgeon, of Witheridge, stated that the appearance of the body pointed to death from burning. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict, stating that there was no evidence to show how the affair occurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 May 1905
SHEPTON MALLET, SOMERSET - Shepton Mallet Tragedy. The Medical Evidence. Result Of The Inquest. Death From Misadventure. - The Inquest on the body of HENRY C. SKINNER, of Exeter, was resumed at the Court House, Shepton Mallet, yesterday, when Trooper Hole, of the North Somerset Imperial Yeomanry, with whom deceased had an altercation, was again put in the box. Giving a fuller account of his movements with deceased, Hole stated that when he rode into town SKINNER hailed him at the Horse and Hounds, and then by agreement followed him to the Red Lion Hotel, where they each had a brandy and soda. They then proceeded to the George, where they each had two brandies and sodas, and from there to the Hare and Hounds, where each had a fourth brandy and soda. He and his companion then had supper. The deceased not being present. Afterwards they rejoined SKINNER in the bar, where the last-named had two more brandies and sodas. Witness had two hot Scotches. Neither was under the influence of liquor. The conversation with the deceased and his remarks about toy soldiers and about money matters was then referred to and the witness stated that when SKINNER made one remark about him (witness) being likely to need the money he was then spending SKINNER put his hand on witness's shoulder to emphasise the remark. It was then he put up his left arm and pushed him off with his elbow. He was not angry at his remarks, though he felt annoyed. He had no thought that SKINNER intended to assault him, nor had he any intention of hurting SKINNER. He did not regard the fall as a serious one till afterwards. He was friendly with deceased and regarded his remarks as banter. - Dr Bishop said he was called by Mr Davies between one and half-past on Wednesday morning, and went to the Hare and Hounds. He was taken upstairs to a bedroom and found deceased lying on is back dead. He examined him for any marks of violence. He could find none. He then advised Mr Davies to communicate with the Police at once, on hearing the history of the case. He had made a post-mortem examination on the previous afternoon. there were no external marks of violence at all. A post-mortem staining was well marked. One leg was shorter than the other, ill-developed, with a club foot. On opening the chest he found the lungs adherent to the pleura on both sides. Probably he had suffered from pleurisy at some time. The lungs themselves were rather dark and congested, probably post-mortem. The heart was enlarged, the left ventricle considerably hypertrophied (that meant the walls thickened), the aortic and mitral valves both incompetent - they would not act quite as well as they should. I may explain the effect would be that when the heart pumped the blood out, it would allow a part to come back again. The left auricle was dilated, with very thin walls. The stomach was slightly congested, but otherwise normal, and contained undigested food and fluid smelling slightly of alcohol. the liver was enlarged and congested, also the kidneys and spleen. This, of course, would be due to the condition of the heart. The bowels were normal. With regard to the head, he found a large quantity of blood effused under the erachnoid membrane. The brain tissue was healthy, with no surface laceration. The conclusion he came to was that death was due to pressure on the surface of the brain, caused by the effusion of blood, which was probable due to indirect violence. He considered, from the general condition of the body, a very small amount of violence would have been sufficient to cause the rupture of the vessel of the brain, which led to the bleeding which caused death. - The Foreman: Do you think, doctor, the push was the cause of his death? - Witness: Well the fall resulting from the push was the cause of his death. - The Coroner: It is a case of cause and effect really? - Yes. - The Coroner: The mischief was in the head, doctor, and not in the heart? - It only came very indirectly from the heart. the condition of the heart led to general ill-health all round. The actual cause of death was in the head - pressure on the brain. - By a Juror: Anything may have caused it. If he had been sitting in a chair and, by way of a practical joke, somebody had pulled it away, that might have caused death, or if he had jumped from a height of, say, five feet the jar might have been sufficient. - The Coroner: Any sudden jar? - Very likely. - The Coroner: In all probability? - Anything like a fall would be likely to produce what actually did happen. Or, of course, a heavy blow without a fall might have produced the same thing, or if something had fallen on his head; that would have been direct violence then instead of indirect. - The Coroner: The heart was practically diseased? - He might not have felt it much up to the time of h is death, but he would probably have suffered a good deal from it in the future if he had lived. - Mr A. Parker (a Juror): Do you think running to catch a train would do it? - That would not be so likely to do it. It would not have been good for him. - Mr Hodge: Having regard to the state of health he was in, do you think if he sat down suddenly or quickly in a chair that would have been sufficient to cause death? - No, hardly. It would require a little more violence than that. Going to sit down as he might think in a high chair and sitting in a low one might do it, but it would require a jar or a jerk of some sort. - Mr Bidgood: I should like to know if you consider the fall deceased had was the direct cause of death? Witness: That was the immediate cause. And would that have resulted without any prior violence supposing he had fallen down? - If he had stepped back and caught his heel in anything it might have done so. - In reply to Mr Hodge, witness said that a man with a club foot could not balance himself quite as well as a man with two sound and well-developed legs and feet. - The Coroner summed up, dealing with the various points in the evidence before the Court, and pointed out especially to the Jury the fact of the close proximity of the men to each other, their friendly relations and the unpleasant form of conversation, as well as the fact that the deceased put his hand on Hole's shoulder, which led to his pushing him off. They had heard that the deceased was standing cross-legged and, for the first time that morning, from the doctor that he had a club foot. He left to the Jury the decision whether, in the eye of the law, the man Hole had been guilty of an assault in what he did. If so, there was no alternative but to return a verdict of manslaughter. If he did not commit an assault it was for the Jury to say so. - The Jury, after discussing briefly in private, returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure." - They expressed, through the Foreman, their sympathy with the father and with the widow and four children of the deceased, a sentiment which the Coroner and the man Hole, through his advocate, Mr Hodge, endorsed, and which Mr Norton, as representing the family acknowledged, stating that the family had no vindictive feeling, but only desired that the facts should come out.

BRIDESTOWE - Fatal Accident At Bridestowe. - An Inquest was held by Mr J. D. Prickman on Tuesday evening at Point Farm, Bridestowe, on the body of JAMES JORDAN GALE, who met with a fatal accident. Mr J. D. Palmer was Foreman of the Jury. - WILLIAM JORDAN GALE, brother of deceased, identified the body. His brother was employed by him, and went to Bridestowe Station on the 5th instant to bring home half a ton of manure. The horse he drove was a quiet one. - Mr William Waller, a groom, said he was coming down Leawood-hill on Friday about six yards in front of the horse and cart, when suddenly the horse broke into a trot. He saw deceased jump off the cart and fall in front of the wheel, which went over the top part of his thigh. Mr G. Northcott being close behind, he followed the horse to the village and informed P.C. Sage. He could give no reason why the horse bolted. - Mr George Northcott said he was about 40 yards behind deceased coming down Leawood-hill, when he saw the horse break into a trot. Deceased jumped off. On coming up he found deceased lying in the road. He conveyed him to the hedge and called assistance. Messrs. Scott and Barkell arrived and deceased was carried to the White Hart. A carriage was procured and GALE was taken to his home. He could not say if anything had frightened the horse. Deceased was perfectly sober. - Dr Benson, of Lewdown, said he was called to attend to the deceased on Friday evening and found him in a state of collapse through shock and loss of blood. The injuries received were extensive. Death took place about 7.30 p.m. on the 8th. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The witnesses and Jurymen's fees were handed to the widow, who is left with eight children, the youngest being three months old. - The Police Officers in charge of the case were Sergeant Ball and P.C. Sage.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 May 1905
SEATON AND BEER - An Inquest was held in the Town Hall, Seaton, on the body of WILLIAM BEASLEY, aged 40, which was found in a pond in a field adjoining Horner-lane and a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

CHERITON BISHOP - A Cheriton Bishop Farmer's Death. Thrown From His Horse. - Yesterday Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Lewdown Farm, Cheriton Bishop, on the body of THOMAS HEALES, farmer. - James Labbett, retired farmer of Northcote, Crediton, identified the body of deceased as that of his son-in-law, late of Lewdon Farm, aged 44 years. - William Boundy, farmer, said he saw deceased about 6.15 p.m. on Friday. He was then riding out of his yard gate. He proceeded along the road towards Cheriton Bishop at a gallop. He appeared to have control of the horse and the animal did not seem restive. - George Pitts, farmer, said he found the deceased on the Yeoford-road about a quarter of a mile from his house. He was lying on his left side and partly on his face. Deceased said "Get some water and wash my nose." He made other remarks which were not sensible or that could not be understood. The horse was lying in the hedge trough close to the deceased. - He (witness) went for assistance and deceased was subsequently removed to his house. - Mr Fenwick, Surgeon of Dunsford, saw deceased in bed at his house in a semi-conscious state. His face was considerably swollen. Over the left eye there was a small wound about half an inch long, which was bleeding. His nose was bleeding and also his mouth from two wounds inside his lips. Deceased was also bleeding from the right ear, which he considered was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - Frank Morrish, labourer, of Lewdon Farm, said he had heard deceased say the horse shied. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Paignton Woman Drowned At Torquay. A Plucky Railway Porter. - Last evening, at the Upton Parish Room, Mr G. F. Kellock held an Inquest on the body of MARY ANN JAGO, 70, widow, of Brimley-road, Paignton, who was found in the sea about 12.30 a.m. on Sunday. - The evidence was to the effect that about 12.15 two railway porters, named Leach and Emmett, heard groans while on duty at the Torquay Railway Station and on going in the direction of the sound they saw a woman in the water. Leach pluckily swam out to her, but she pulled him under and he became exhausted and had to be dragged ashore by Emmett. The woman's body was recovered two hours after. About 11 o'clock the deceased was seen in a Shelter burning a quantity of papers and accounts, a portion of which he found, together with a ring and portions of a purse. - The Coroner, in summing up, expressed the greatest admiration for the conduct of Leach, who risked his life to save the woman, but, unfortunately, did not succeed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 17 May 1905
HATHERLEIGH - Shocking Occurrence At Hatherleigh. Young Lady's Death. Suggested Attack By A Bullock. Inquest And Verdict. - The greatest consternation was caused at Hatherleigh on Monday night when it became known that a young lady had met her death in a tragic manner. - MISS IDA MARY BRETON, a niece of Mrs Isbell, of Claremont House, Hatherleigh, was a frequent visitor to Hatherleigh. She spent most of her time in sketching and went out on Monday evening in pursuit of her usual pastime. Not arriving home so soon as usual, her friends went to look for her and found her dead body in a field under circumstances detailed in the evidence given at the Inquest, which was held at the Police Station yesterday. Mr David Vallance was elected Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner, Mr J. D. Prickman, spoke of the sad circumstance of a young lady, 33 years of age, meeting her death in such a manner. They all felt the greatest sympathy for the relatives and friends. He thought they could not but arrive at the conclusion that the deceased met her death by being struck by the horns of a cow. After the Jury had viewed the body witnesses were called. - Mr Arthur Isbell, Claremont House, stated that MISS BRETON had been staying at his house about a month. He had been out with her in the afternoon, with other members of his family. Deceased spent a lot of time at his house. She was a niece of Mrs Isbell's and was an orphan, but had brothers and sisters. She spent most of her time sketching. She went out sketching on Monday evening, as was her practice, and proceeded to the same spot which she had frequented for several days, working on the same picture, by the river bank in a field under the copse. As she did not return so soon as usual, he went down the road some distance, expecting to meet her, but failed to do so. He returned to the house and Mr Veale offered to accompany him to the spot where he had seen her sketching earlier in the evening. On reaching the place, they discovered her by the river bank lying on her face. Witness found her face and hands covered in blood and wounds on her face and head, and that she was quite dead. Her clothes were not torn or disarranged, but she was wet up to the waist. The picture, stool and easel were close by. He understood the field belonged to Mr Cobbledick. There were no bullocks in the meadow, but there was a number of bullocks on the opposite side of the river. - By the Foreman: No dog accompanied her. - His dog was with him in the house. - By the Jury: Her pockets were not turned out. - Mr H. M. Veale corroborated the last witness's statement and said he had passed the spot at 6.40 in the evening and saw MISS BRETON sketching. It was about 8.45 when he left the house to join in the search with Mr Isbell. On finding what had occurred, he informed the Police and also sent a message to Dr Atkins. Mr Isbell remained on the spot. - Miss Gertrude Isbell said she helped to undress the deceased. The clothes were not torn or disarranged. - Similar evidence was given by Mrs Jane Ellacott. - P.S. Hill, stationed at Hatherleigh, said he and P.C. Smith went to the spot at 9.30. He found deceased lying on her back. She had two wounds on her face and head. He produced the articles of clothing worn by deceased, together with a ring and brooch. He made a careful examination of the banks and bed of the river and found an impression on the bank as if someone had slid or jumped down on to the gravel below. Blood was found at this spot and from there he traced blood to the spot where the body was discovered. In his opinion, deceased was attacked by a bullock. He had examined the hors of 15 bullocks in the field opposite, but could see no trace of blood thereon. - Dr Atkins, of Hatherleigh, gave evidence as to examining the body before its removal. There was a wound o the lower left jaw, which he considered was produced by a blow from some blunt instrument, and was probably given upwards. A severe blow must have been received near the temple. This was, no doubt, a side blow, as a straight one would have broken the skull. This, too, must have been produced by some blunt instrument. There was considerable bleeding and the loss of blood would be quite sufficient to account for death. He did not think both wounds could be caused by one blow if delivered by a bullock. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict, and after some deliberation, agreed to an Open Verdict as follows:- "That IDA MARY BRETON, who was 33 years of age, died on May 15th from Haemorrhage, occasioned by injuries to the head, but that there was no evidence to show how such injuries were received."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 19 May 1905
ZEAL MONACHORUM - An Ex-Policeman Commits Suicide. The Inquest. The Inquest on SAMUEL THOMAS CARPENTER, ex-policeman of the Barnstaple Police Force, was held at Zeal Monachorum, Bow, on Tuesday evening by the County Coroner, Mr H. Gould. Mr R. Down was chosen Foreman. HANNAH CARPENTER, the widow, identified the body. There was no one in the house excepting herself and children at the time of the sad event, viz., 1.15 p.m. on Sunday last. While working in the kitchen she heard two bumps on the floor upstairs and thinking her husband was knocking for something she hurried up to see what was wanted and was horrified to find him lying on the floor in a pool of blood. His throat was cut in a dreadful manner. She rushed downstairs screaming and her sister and brother-in-law, Mr and Mrs Brealy, who lived next door, hearing her screams came to her and went up the stairs. The deceased only lived for about five minutes after they arrived. A neighbour named William Martin hurried to Bow for Dr Haycroft, and also informed P.C. Facey, who were both quickly on the scene. Her husband had been ill for about two years suffering from consumption, and though he had never been known to have threatened to commit suicide, yet his illness and his financial position played upon his mind and he was often very much depressed, and would cry at intervals. She had no idea that such an affair would happen, however, and was much shocked at the terrible event. - The only other witness was Dr Haycroft, who stated that he was called on Sunday afternoon to the case, and made all speed to the scene of the tragedy, which he reached about 1.50 but found the man quite dead. The cut in the throat separated the windpipe and the gullet. There was every evidence that the wound was self-inflicted. He had been attending the deceased since March last. He was suffering from rapid consumption. The disease had got such a hold on him that there were practically no hope of his recovery. He found that his being invalided from the Police Force, and his not being a member of any Sick Benefit Club and his general position as to monetary matters, greatly affected him. He was constantly speaking about these things and this caused considerable depression. He considered the deceased was not responsible for his action at the time. The Jury were unanimous in their verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." Sympathy for the widow was expressed and the Jury handed over their fees to her.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 May 1905
EXETER - An Exeter Drowning Case. Body Recovered After Long Immersion. - Mr H. W. Gould conducted an Inquiry last evening into the circumstances surrounding the death of GEORGE HENRY WRIGLEY, 50, of 4 Friar's-terrace, Exeter, who was employed at the Trew's Weir Paper Mills. - The evidence showed that the deceased, while clearing the fenders at the mills on March 13th, found a trunk of a tree was obstructing the flow of the water. He removed it and then attempted to drag it towards the wall of the weir, apparently with the intention of throwing it over into the river, which was in flood. His companion missed him and next saw the body being washed over the weir. The body was not recovered until Thursday. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Mr W. Linford Brown appeared on behalf of Mr Rowland, the proprietor of the mills.

RACKENFORD - Rackenford Innkeeper's Sad Death. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquiry at the Stag Inn, Rackenford, yesterday, concerning the death of HENRY TURNER, landlord of the Inn, who was found drowned on Thursday. - LOUISA TURNER identified the body of deceased as that of her husband. She last saw him alive on Wednesday when he was in his garden. Deceased had complained of feeling unwell for some time, and had been suffering from pains in the head. He was depressed at the time. He had no occasion to go near the spot where he was found. - Mr Richard Leach, Surgeon, stated that he saw deceased about four hours after he had been found. He was then foaming at the nostrils. Death was due to drowning. He had previously treated deceased for an ailment which in some cases induced depression. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind, " and expressed sympathy with the deceased's family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 May 1905
MEMBURY - The Stockland Drowning Case. The Inquest. - Dr Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Longbridge Inn, Membury, yesterday, on the body of a man found in the river Yarty, about half a mile above North Mills, and nearly opposite Yartyford Farm, under circumstances reported in yesterday's Gazette. - Mr William Stone was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness was Mr W. P. Beer, who stated that he was attending to his water supply on Friday, when he saw the body of a man in the water. He immediately went to Stockland and Membury to give information to the Police, but found both Constables were away on duty. - Dr J. H. Gordon, of Dalwood, said he happened to be at Stockland when he heard of the occurrence, and proceeded to the spot, where he saw the body in the water. Judging from its appearance the body must have been immersed at least six or seven weeks. He sent word to the Police at Axminster. - P.C. Tolman (Membury) stated that, in company with P.C. Tuplin, he proceeded to the spot mentioned and found the body in about three feet of water. They procured a horse and trap and conveyed it to the Longbridge Inn. The body was in a very decomposed state, and had a piece of cord around the neck. - P.C. Tuplin corroborated. - Mr J. Matthews, of Haye Farm, Yarcombe, identified the clothing, leggings and boots as belonging to SIMON PAVEY, labourer, single, aged about 38, who formerly worked for him, but left on the 21st March, since when he had not seen him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." - The funeral took place at Stockland at 3 p.m. PAVEY was well known locally as a "character." Although a good fellow to work, he preferred "roughing it" by sleeping in linhays and outhouses.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 May 1905
LYDFORD - Inquest At Dartmoor Prison. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the above Prison touching the death of a convict, named FREDERICK FOSTER, who died on the 20th inst. - R. A. Gibbs, clerk in the Governor's Office, deposed that deceased, who was 31 years of age, was undergoing a sentence of 3 ½ years' penal servitude received at the North London Sessions on the 22nd December 1903, for stealing a purse. He was sent to Dartmoor on the 16th June last, and had been working with the light agricultural party up to the 17th ult., when he was admitted to Hospital suffering from pains in the back and general illness. His record showed seven previous convictions for larceny and 12 for minor offences. His conduct while in prison had been good, but he had received punishment for three minor offences. - Dr Dyer, Medical officer, stated that he examined the deceased on his reception, and he was then in fair health. He had previously been in Hospital in July, September and October last. On the 17th ult. he was again admitted and died on the 20th inst. from septicaemia, produced by abscess of the spine. It would appear that deceased was kicked in the back about eight years ago and caries was set up, but it, apparently, healed, and remained quiescent until April last, except for a slight discharge. - After hearing other evidence (including that of a convict) that deceased had had every care and attention, the Jury returned a verdict that the cause of death was septicaemia, arising from abscess of the spine.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 May 1905
DAWLISH - Sad Suicide At Dawlish. - An Inquest was conducted by the District Coroner, Mr Sydney Hacker, at Dawlish yesterday respecting the death of GEORGE WOOD LAMBSHEAD, aged 67, of Town Tree Hill, formerly a fisherman. - The widow, MARIA LAMBSHEAD, said deceased had been an invalid for some time, and occasionally was in great pain. He suffered from several complaints. Going out on Thursday morning she left her husband sitting in the kitchen. On returning at noon - she was away an hour - she discovered him on the landing upstairs, in a sitting posture, on a hassock, his head resting on the left shoulder. A broken rope was around his neck. She immediately released it, but he appeared to be dead. The other portion of the rope was tied to the bar of a panellette over the bedroom door. - Mr William Knott said he was called by MRS LAMBSHEAD and found deceased in the position stated, dead, but quite warm. - Dr C. Ll. H. Tripp said he had attended deceased. He was in generally failing health, suffering from chronic bronchitis, a dilated heart and also a troublesome stricture. Considering the discomforts of the complaints he was of a cheerful disposition. He saw him on Wednesday, when he appeared as usual. On Thursday he was called and found him dead. There was a red mark around the neck. This was the only indication of violence, and, in witness's opinion, death was due to strangulation. The neck was not broken. By the Coroner: Being physically a wreck compared with the health he had formerly enjoyed, his mind was bound to suffer correspondingly. - The Jury (Foreman, Mr H. S. Loram) returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 30 May 1905
CLYST ST MARY - The Clyst St Mary Mystery. Inquest On STADDON. - "Found Drowned" was the verdict returned by the Jury at an Inquest conducted by Dr Tweed, Deputy Coroner for the Honiton Division, at Clyst St. Mary schoolroom yesterday on the body of WILLIAM STADDON, a thatcher, aged 47 years, who lived at Clyst St Mary village. The deceased disappeared from his home on Saturday week. Subsequently, his bag, in which he carried his food, etc., was found on the bank of the Clyst, near the old rifle range, but dragging operations at the time failed to provide a clue to deceased's whereabouts. On Saturday last, however, the body of STADDON was recovered from the spot where the dragging operations had been previously carried out. The remains were taken to the Half Moon Inn, Clyst St. Mary to await the Inquest. - The evidence went to show that deceased was a very nervous man, and worried about the danger which he had to face in working at a height from the ground. The deceased's bag, containing a tool, was found by one of deceased's neighbours near the bank of the Clyst. This witness reported his discovery to the Police. Further evidence was given in corroboration of the above facts as to the initial dragging operations by P.C. Chambers of Clyst St Mary, and others being unsuccessful, and as to the body being found later in the water about five yards from the spot on the bank where the bag was found. The body was fully clothed and in an upright position in the water. - Mr N. Pratt was Foreman of the Jury.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 1 June 1905
EXETER - Exeter Labourer's Sad Death. Coroner's Advice To A Witness. - Mr W. Linford Brown conducted an Inquest at the Guildhall, Exeter, yesterday on the body of GEORGE SOWDEN, aged 39 years, builder's labourer, of Alma-place, St Thomas, Exeter, who met with his death under singular circumstances. - MRS SOWDEN said she last saw her husband on the evening of May 29th, when he said he was going to help Mr Cox cut a limb off a tree. He said he should be away about three quarters of an hour. - George Cox, labourer, of Southwood Buildings, Cowick-street, St. Thomas, said deceased and himself had been working together for about four years. He (witness) rented a piece of garden on Dunsford-hill, and deceased offered to help him trim an oak tree there. The work was commenced on Saturday and continued on Monday evening. Deceased went up into a fork of the tree, which was about 30 feet high and tied a rope to the branch which was to be cut off. Deceased sawed the limb and gave instructions as to the way in which it should be pulled. The limb was pulled and, owing to the wind, rebounded. It struck deceased and pinned him in the fork of the tree. Witness got a ladder and took steps to release deceased, but the detached limb and deceased came down together. He thought deceased was dead when in the fork of the tree. He told deceased he thought the limb would rebound, but he said he thought not. - Frank Cox, son of the last witness, who assisted to pull the rope, corroborated. - Edwin Henry Brown of Dunsford-hill, said that from the appearance of the body in the fork of the tree he thought deceased was dead before falling to the ground. Cox, who went up a ladder to endeavour to release the body by cutting the limb, had a very narrow escape. He fell for some distance, but happened to regain his hold of a branch just before the limbs and body came down. He (Mr Brown) was also up the ladder, but one of his men warned him of the danger and he came down. - James Crump, gardener's labourer, also gave evidence. - The Coroner asked witness what he meant by saying to Cox in the presence of the Coroner's Officer while he was making inquiries that he should make it hot for Cox. - Crump denied that what he said had anything to do with the accident. He had nothing at all to say against Mr Cox. - The Crooner advised Crump to be a little more careful in the future. - Mr M. Farrant, Surgeon, attributed death to dislocation of the neck. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and agreed with the Coroner's remarks to Crump.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 2 June 1905
OKEHAMPTON - Fatal Accident At Okehampton. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday morning at the Town Hall, Okehampton, touching the death of JOHN JASPER, of Meldon Cottages, Okehampton, who died on Tuesday from injuries received by falling from a bicycle. - MARY JANE SCREECH, of Meldon, identified the body as that of her brother JOHN JASPER. He had previously served with the D.C.L.I. in South Africa, and on his return last year worked for a short time in Cornwall. Last September he was employed by the London and South Western Railway Company at the quarry at Meldon. He was unmarried and 25 years of age. - James Hubber, of Meldon, labourer, deposed that on Saturday evening he was at Okehampton with the deceased, who borrowed a bicycle from a friend and went along the New-road in the direction of his home. When a short distance past the Castle, witness found JASPER lying in the road in an unconscious condition. this was about 10.30 or 11 in the evening. The lamp on the bicycle was lighted. The night was dark and the wind was blowing. Deceased was perfectly sober. - Elizabeth Evely, of Okehampton, said that she was walking in the New-road with her husband when the latter was knocked down by a bicycle. The rider was thrown some distance on the road and rendered unconscious. She did not hear any bell or see any light. the bicycle was going in the same direction as they were, viz., to Okehampton, and was travelling at a good pace. - Dr Burd, of Okehampton, stated that everything possible was done for the deceased. The cause of death, in his opinion, was concussion of the brain, producing haemorrhage and, probably, compression , such injuries being consistent with a fall from a bicycle such as described. - The Jury, of which Mr R. Passmore was Foreman, returned a verdict that the cause of death was Concussion of the Brain, arising from being thrown from a bicycle by reason of an Accidental Collision, and added a rider that the attention of the Police be called to fast riding of bicycles in the New-road so as to avoid the recurrence of accidents similar to the above.

TIVERTON - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held at the Infirmary on the body of MISS FLORENCE MARGARET CLATWORTHY, aged 20 years, domestic servant, of Minehead, who died under tragic circumstances at the Railway Station. She was crossing the footbridge to proceed into the town to attend the funeral of her step-sister - Mrs Rowe - when she fell and expired almost immediately. Dr Pollock, who made a post mortem examination, said all the organs, with the exception of the heart, were healthy.

SAMPFORD COURTENAY - Sticklepath Hermit's Death. - The Coroner for the Okehampton District, Mr J. D. Prickman, has held an Inquest on SAMUEL COPPERS, who was discovered dead at Sticklepath, near Okehampton. - The flooring of his abode was of earth [torn] was on the ground, and there was no furniture save the remains of what was at one time an armchair. The place was [torn] and insalubrious and the building and surroundings spoke loudly of misery and [torn]. One can hardly credit that in these days of perfect sanitation a human being should have been allowed to exist in such a hovel. When the Jurymen visited the house all were horror-stricken at what met their gaze. The body, lying on the bare ground, was undressed and the greater part of the face and neck had been eaten away by rats and other vermin. - The cottage of deceased was erected barely 15 years since, in view of the villages of Sticklepath and South Zeal. A ladder was used for the purpose of ascending to an upper room, which contained only the man's best clothes. He owned the house and other property in the vicinity and yet he died in absolute loneliness and without nurse or medical attention. There were small stacks of hay near the cottage, but in a very rotten condition. Potatoes were breaking through the ground in the garden and appeared to have been spread broadcast; in fact all the surroundings spoke of the eccentricity of the deceased. Many women in the district had received offers of marriage from the deceased, but none availed themselves of the opportunity. He was known to have many times carried a large number of potatoes to Okehampton (a distance of five miles), and taken them back because he could not make his set price. - Mr D. S. Ware was Foreman of the Jury. - MR GEORGE WONNACOTT deposed that deceased was his uncle. He had lived alone for the last 15 years and was 64 years of age. [Very torn area]. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died on or about the 20th May of Natural Causes, probably heart disease.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 June 1905
SOUTH BRENT - A Dangerous Staircase. Inquest At South Brent. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. Kellock, held an Inquiry at the London Hotel, South Brent, last evening, relative to the death of MARGARET HORWOOD, aged 60, wife of FREDERICK HORWOOD, a mill foreman. - Deceased fell downstairs last week and sustained a broken thigh, dying on Sunday as a result of shock. - P.C. Crispin deposed that the house was a new one and said the staircase was very dangerous. - The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death, added a rider calling attention to the staircase and the owner of the house and the Local Authority will have their attention drawn to the matter.

NEWTON ABBOT - Grief At A Wife's Death. Husband's Suicide At Newton. - Yesterday, at the Inquest held at Newton Abbot on WILLIAM JOHN STACEY, whose body was found floating in the River Teign the previous day, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - The deceased's wife died last Thursday. STACEY was very much distressed, became dazed and complained of pains in the head. He wrote to his sister at Weston-super-Mare as follows;- "Dear Sister, - Could you come and assist me? MARIA is dead and going to be buried on Sunday. I have wired to let you know that I am here all alone. They have been in here from Bovey searching and I am that bad in my head that I don't know what I am about. Love to all. If there is anything happen to me I hope you will carry out everything. So good-bye." - The letter concluded with some references to his wife's death and family matters and was signed on the top instead of at the bottom. - Elizabeth Hamlyn, a neighbour, saw deceased go to the tap on Saturday morning and pour water on his head as though to cool it. He then left the yard. - Evidence was given as to the finding of the body in the River Teign.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 7 June 1905
LYDFORD - The Sad Death Of COLONEL SLAUGHTER. - An Officer extremely well-known, in South Devon especially, and having many friends in other parts of the country, COLONEL CHARLES SLAUGHTER, late of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, died suddenly the day before yesterday on the platform at Princetown Station. COLONEL SLAUGHTER, who resided at St. James's-terrace, Plymouth, left his home on Monday morning to fish at Princetown, intending to return by the four o'clock train. According to the evidence given yesterday at the Inquest held at the Imperial Hotel, Princetown, by Mr Coroner Prickman, COLONEL SLAUGHTER went to the Bachelors' Hall just after one o'clock and asked Mrs Caunter to give him a glass of milk. He then left with a view of catching the two o'clock train, and arrived at Princetown Station, apparently all well, some little time before the train was due. On learning that ait would not arrive for twenty minutes, he said he would take his fishing rod to pieces. A few minutes later the Colonel was found by Major Beamish lying on the platform. Dr Sidney Dyer, the principal Medical Officer at the Prison, was sent for, and arrived a few minutes after two, but the Colonel was then dead. A subsequent examination showed that he had been suffering from heart disease, and death was probably due to his hurrying to catch the train. The Colonel would have been 81 next October. MRS SLAUGHTER said that her husband had been a patient of Dr Swayne, but he had not attended him for something like twelve months. Mr Prickman mentioned that he held the Inquest to facilitate the removal of the body from Princetown, inasmuch as Dr Swayne was away and if they had awaited his return for a certificate some considerable delay would probably have arisen. COLONEL SLAUGHTER was a fine, hale, hearty man and his demise is much regretted.

EXETER - Yesterday the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Station relative to the death of the child of JOHN TAYLOR of 4 Wesleyan Court, St Sidwell's, Exeter. Dr Andrew stated that, in his opinion, death was due to suffocation. There were no marks of violence on the body. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 8 June 1905



NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Sporting Incident. Kingsteignton Man's Death. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Newton Abbot Hospital by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, on the body of RICHARD WARD, aged 65 years, blacksmith, of Kingsteignton, who died in the Institution yesterday morning. - The evidence showed that last Friday WARD went to Chudleigh with a friend. On the return journey he saw a rabbit in a field and went into a cover on Preston Farm to shoot at it. On returning to the vehicle, in which his friend was seated, he complained of having had a fall. Returning home he appeared to be ill and his daughter sent for a medical man. Dr Hunt attended and found deceased suffering from grave internal injuries, from which he did. A post-mortem examination revealed the fact that WARD had an abscess of old standing on the right side round the appendix and this had been ruptured, causing death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, yesterday afternoon conducted an Inquest at the Devon and Exeter Hospital touching the death of HENRY STEVENS, a house painter, of York-street, Plymouth, who met his death through falling from a ladder while working on the Exeter Tramway Station in Paris-street. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TIVERTON - At the Inquest on the body of HENRY SAUNDERS, who for 17 years held the licence of the Lamb Hotel, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the widow and family. Deceased was found in the bar bleeding profusely from a wound in the wrist, which had, no doubt, been caused by a broken bottle, which lay near the body. It was suggested that owing to a worn mat, deceased fell forward, struck some bottles from a shelf, and thus sustained the injury which resulted in his death. Dr Pollock said the wound could easily have been staunched. SAUNDERS must have lost consciousness at once, or he would have done something to stop the bleeding. The Deputy Coroner, Mr A. Fisher, commented on the importance of knowing how to render first aid to the wounded. - The funeral of the late MR HENRY SAUNDERS, landlord of the Lamb Inn, who met with his death through falling on a broken beer bottle and severing an artery in the wrist took place at the cemetery amid tokens of respect and esteem. Deceased having been associated with the Oddfellows, a number of members, in their regalia, headed the funeral cortege and, in addition, nearly all the licensed victuallers in the town were present. The funeral of the late MR FRANK SAUNDERS (who died on Sunday, after a week's illness), the brother who the deceased, MR HENRY SAUNDERS, wished to see on the evening of his fatal fall, also took place during the afternoon. Deceased was a baker and was 41 years of age.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 June 1905
BLACK TORRINGTON - Black Torrington Sensation. Serious Allegation Disproved. - Mr J. D. Prickman, District Coroner, has held an Inquiry at Highweek, Black Torrington, concerning the death of THIRZA OSBORNE, which occurred at Ley on Friday. - ELIZABETH ANN OSBORNE said the deceased (her mother) had lived with her about two months. A bruise on the right temple of deceased was sustained through falling off a chair. She did not call in a doctor after the accident, as she did not consider her mother's injuries serious. She had not neglected her mother, but had failed to get anyone to stay with her while she was absent at work. She had three illegitimate children. On Friday, about 10 p.m., she took her mother some broth and then saw she was worse than usual. She sent for Mrs Lamble, but death occurred a few minutes later. - Evidence was given by Robert Lamble, of Ley Court and Mrs Lamble, his grandmother, to the effect that deceased had not been provided with sufficient food and that her daughter had treated her badly. - Dr Candler said he visited the deceased about three or four weeks ago and again a few days after. She was then down in front of the fire, spoke very sensibly, made no complaint and did not speak ill of her daughter. The bruise on the right temple was a superficial one and not sufficient to cause death. She was not starved to death. He was not surprised to hear deceased was dead, as she had a weak heart and suffered from chronic bronchitis. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 June 1905
LYDFORD - A Man With Seven Aliases. A Death In Dartmoor Prison. - Yesterday Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Dartmoor Prison on the body of THOMAS JAMES, a convict, who died on Thursday, aged 75 years. - Richard A. Gibbs, clerk in the Governor's office said deceased was admitted to Princetown on the 21st July, having been convicted on the 5th January 1904 at the North London Sessions, of burglary. His sentence was five years' penal servitude and three years' Police supervision. His previous sentences were two for penal servitude and seven others, his total imprisonment being about 26 years. He was a native of London, a labourer and unmarried. The deceased had given seven aliases, viz., Thomas, Prout, Prane, Williams, Williamson, Relf, and Ralph. His first conviction was in 1858 for counterfeit coining. His conduct at Princetown had been exemplary. he had had no report, punishment or complaint of any sort. - Dr Dyer, Medical officer of the Prison, said deceased was admitted to the Infirmary on April 3rd and suffered from ulceration of the bowels, the result of previous cholera and that, in his opinion, was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 June 1905
HONITON - Sudden Death At Honiton. - An Inquest was held at the Honiton Police Court by the Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox, on WILLIAM JOHN FARRANT whose body was found in an outhouse adjoining Tracey Cottage. - Evidence was given by Mr Norman, who resides at Tracey Cottage, to the effect that deceased had some tea on Sunday at his house and went for a stroll across the fields. He returned and asked witness to allow him to sleep in the outhouse, as he (deceased) would rather do anything than go into the Workhouse, which he was advised to do. On Monday morning he found deceased on the straw, dead. He at once sent for the doctor. - Dr Parkes, (assistant to Dr Shortridge) stated that he made a post mortem examination and found that the cause of death was heart failure. A verdict accordingly was returned.

EXETER HEAVITREE - The Late MR T. W. COLSON. Inquest Yesterday. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Honeylands, Heavitree, yesterday on the body of TRISTRAM W. COLSON, bank clerk, of Minehead, aged 30 years. - ARTHUR G. COLSON, of Baring Place, Heavitree, said his brother had appeared to be in his usual good health lately. - John W. Wallace, of Regent's-park, Heavitree, said he was out in the tennis courts at Honeylands with the deceased and two others on Sunday. A ball was returned to deceased, but he never attempted to play it. Placing his hands on his knees he suddenly fell forward on his face. Witness went to his assistance and some brandy was given him, but he expired almost immediately. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, said that when he arrived at Honeylands, he found deceased in the tennis court dead. In his opinion death was due to heart disease. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

TORQUAY - At the Upton Parish Room yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an adjourned Inquest on the body of JOHN BULLEY, 75, stonecutter, who was found with serious injuries in Thurlow-road early on the morning of the 25th April by a man named Annear, and died at the Hospital. A man named Gillard stated that he saw deceased at the Havelock Arms at 8.30 p.m. on Easter Monday. Deceased's movements after this could not be traced. Mr F. W. Scott, master at the Newton Workhouse, said deceased left the House for good, on his own application, on Bank Holiday at 9 a.m. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

NEWTON ST CYRES - Suicide In A Pond At Newton St. Cyres. - Mr H. W. Gould, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday morning at the Railway Hotel, Newton St Cyres, into the circumstances surrounding the death of JOHN MALLETT, a labourer. - THOMAS CLATWORTHY, brother-in-law of deceased, gave evidence of identification and stated that MALLETT was a waggoner, aged 33 and lived with his wife and five children. He was not aware that deceased had any trouble, except that his mother was taken to the Asylum about a week ago. He had never threatened to commit suicide and had left behind no communication of any kind. - Lewis Henworthy, farm labourer, said he noticed nothing wrong with deceased when he last saw him in the stable early on Saturday morning. - Robert May Rew, farmer, deceased's employer, said that MALLETT came to work the same as usual on Saturday morning. Witness told him what to do, but when he went to the field where he expected to find deceased at about a quarter past eleven, he saw no one there. The horses deceased was working were tied to the hedge and his bag and coat were also under the hedge. Witness went to his wife, thinking deceased had gone home because he had heard that his father-in-law was ill. His wife had seen nothing of him. Witness searched around again, but as he could not find him he thought he had taken a holiday, as witness had told him he could take one when he pleased. He could not account, however, for deceased leaving his horses and coat by the hedge. MALLETT was a very good workman, but he was probably worried about his mother. The body of deceased was found next day in a pond on an adjoining farm. - Sidney Lang, of North-street, Exeter, a shop assistant, gave evidence as to finding the body in a pond at Hayne Barton farm at nine o'clock on Sunday morning. It was lying face downwards in about three feet of water and only about four feet from the bank. - P.C. Uzzle stated that he found on the body a silver watch and chain, a knife and 4s. in silver. - Dr L. Powne, of St. Cyres, said the only mark of violence on the body was a slight abrasion on the forehead, which deceased might have sustained as he fell in. Death was evidently due to drowning. - In summing up, the Coroner said that the evidence as to the state of deceased's mind was rather slight. But having regard to the fact that his mother was removed to the Asylum a week before, and that insanity was hereditary, no doubt they would have little difficulty in coming to a conclusion. - The Jury, who had previously elected Mr J. Passmore as Foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - The members of the Jury and several of the witnesses handed their fees to the deceased's widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 15 June 1905
STOKE DAMEREL - The Submarine Disaster. Opening Of The Inquest. - Yesterday divers resumed their unpleasant task on board submarine A 8 at daylight and by eight o'clock had succeeded in removing the remaining eleven imprisoned bodies from the wreck. All of them bear traces of the terrific effects of the explosion which occurred after the submarine went down. - Sub-Lieut. FLETCHER'S body and the bodies of two others have been claimed by the relatives, and will not be buried with the remainder of the victims of the disaster today. The funeral arrangements have now been completed and about 1,000 men will participate in the obsequies. The cortege will be headed by one hundred marines, followed by a firing party of 100 sailors from H.M.S. Cambridge. Next will come the officers and ship's company of H.M.S. Forth, the parent ship of the Submarine Flotilla and behind them the gun carriages, bearing their mournful burdens. Following each gun carriage will be the chief mourners. Included in the procession will be three bands, detachments from every ship in harbour and Companies from the Royal Marine Regiments in garrison. The route will be lined by military, marines and police. Ten of the dead sailors will be buried in the Church of England ground, Leading Seaman CUSICK, in the Roman Catholic Cemetery and Chief Stoker REEVE in the Dissenting ground. - The Inquest was opened at Devonport Dockyard yesterday on the victims of the disaster to Submarine A 8, namely, Sub Lieutenant EDWARD FLETCHER, 20, Norwich; Petty-officer WILLIAM GEORGE AYLOFF, 23, Southampton; Engine-room Artificer GEORGE BUDHAM, 27, Cripplegate, London; FREDERICK VICKERS, 23, Gainsboro'; WILLIAM BRUCKLAND, 29, London; Petty-officer ARTHUR CREW, 31, Mile End, London; Leading Seaman JOHN KERSWELL, 27, Crediton; JAMES WILLIAM SIMPSON, 26, Aston, Warwick; JOSEPH THOMAS, 26, Lambeth; Chief Stoker THOMAS REEVE, 37, Plymouth; Stoker EDMOND GREEN, 28, Darvock, Co. Antrim; Able Seaman STEPHEN BIRCH, 23, Hythe, Kent; JOHN MCKNIGHT, 21, Kilkell, Co. Down; and ARTHUR RYLANDS, 26, Devizes. - The Jury first viewed the bodies and then proceeded to the submarine which rested at the bottom of No. 2 dock. At the outset Mr Coroner Pearce congratulated the Dockyard authorities on the expeditious manner in which they had floated and docked the submarine. - Petty-officer Waller, one of the survivors, who had also escaped death in the disaster to H.M.S. Victoria and the submarine A 5, identified several of the bodies and described their positions in the vessel as he last saw the men. Petty-officer CREW was standing by the diving wheel and AYLOFF by the steering wheel below. - Another survivor, Leading Stoker George Watts; Sergt.-Major Spencer, Royal Artillery, brother-in-law to STEPHEN BIRCH; George Harvey Kerswell of Pontypridd, brother of JOHN KERSWEL; William Simpson, of Birmingham, brother of JAMES SIMPSON; David Henry Evans, of Porth, Glamorgan, brother-in-law to WILLIAM BRUCKLAND and John George Reeve, brother to THOMAS REEVE also gave evidence of identification. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives and congratulated Petty-officer Waller on his miraculous escapes. - The Inquest was adjourned until 10 o'clock next Tuesday morning.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 June 1905
EXETER - An Inquest was held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at Exeter yesterday on the body of WILLIAM ARTHUR HELE (26), of no occupation, who lived with his parents at 45 Longbrook-st., Exeter, and died on the 14th inst. FREDERICK WM. HELE, booking clerk, father of deceased, said his son had always been delicate. He was seized with a fit and died soon afterwards. Mr E. Steele Perkins, Surgeon, said deceased died of convulsions due to epilepsy and the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - [Monday, 19th June, 1905 - Mr H. Weller of 45 Longbrook-street, Exeter, writes stating that MR WILLIAM ARTHUR HELE, upon whom an Inquest was recently held. did not live at the above address, as has been stated. MR HELE'S address was 45 Howell-road.]

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 June 1905
NEWTON ABBOT - At the Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY CAUSLEY, it was stated that deceased, 24 years of age, and a gardener, had been employed at Heston, near Hounslow, Middlesex. Four weeks ago he met with a bicycle accident and his doctor ordered him to go to his native place, Newton, for two months' rest. On Saturday he travelled from Paddington to Newton, and died soon after arriving at the Station. The circumstances have been previously reported. Dr Grimbly said death was due to injury of the brain, aggravated by physical exertion. The Inquest was adjourned.

KNOWSTONE - Sudden Death At Knowstone. - Yesterday the North Devon County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at East Kidland Farm, Knowstone, on the body of NORA ELIZABETH BRAY, wife of WILLIAM BRAY, farmer, of East Kidland Farm. - Deceased, who was 46 years of age, was on Thursday in her usual health up to about 11 a.m., when she was taken sick and faint, and retired to bed. Shortly afterwards she became unconscious and passed away at 4 p.m. Mr R. E. H. Leach, Surgeon of Witheridge, said in his opinion death was due to concealed accidental haemorrhage. The Jury, of which Mr E. Newton was Foreman, returned a verdict of " Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 June 1905
NEWTON ABBOT - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot last evening on ELIZABETH WILLS, 63 years of age, the wife of JOHN WILLS, a labourer. On Monday evening she was going upstairs when she fell backwards, receiving injuries which terminated in death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that they considered the stairs were steep and dangerous and recommended the owner to have a handrail provided.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 23 June 1905
INWARDLEIGH - A sad fatality has occurred to a farm servant named JOHN ADAMS, in the employ of Mr Spry, of Westacott Farm. While attending to a heifer suffering from a diseased foot, the animal suddenly sprang upon him, trampling him under foot and causing severe internal injuries. A post mortem examination was made by Dr Burd, of Okehampton. An Inquest was held by Mr J. D. Prickman, the District Coroner, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Jury consisted of Messrs. Brook, Vanstone, Brown, Voaden, Westlake, Sparke, King (Westacott), Speare, J. Stanbury, King (Norleigh), Littlejohn and Paddon. Mr Speare (Westwood) was chosen as Foreman. The Jury gave their fees to the widow, with whom great sympathy is felt. the remains of the unfortunate man were interred at Bratton.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 27 June 1905
IDE - Mr H. W. Gould, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the New Inn, Ide, last evening, into the circumstances surrounding the death of WILLIAM HENRY, the infant son of WILLIAM CHAMBERS, labourer, of Ide. The evidence of Mr F. G. Goble, Surgeon, showed that the child had apparently died during the night from convulsions and the Jury, of whom Mr W. Kemble was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - The A8 Disaster. Inquest Resumed At Devonport. - At Devonport Dockyard yesterday the adjourned Inquest on the fifteen victims of the submarine A 8 was held by Mr Coroner Pearce, a double Jury being empanelled. - Commandeer Hall, of the Forth, was the first witness. He said he was directing the evolutions on June 8th, and ordered A 8 and A 7 to trim outside the breakwater. The A 8 occupied 15 minutes and A 7 14 to perform the operation. It was not an unusual time, as the fact that A 8 was carrying reliefs as well as her full complement would make it a longer task to secure a proper balance. The A 8's full complement was 11 and she carried 19 on the day in question. Had witness thought there was anything unusual in A 8's trimming he would have allowed further time, as there was no restriction in the matter. All the reliefs had had experience in submarines. He had full confidence in the engine-room artificers to take charge of the engines, and engineers were not necessary. In witness's opinion the cause of the disaster was a general movement of all moveable weights, combined with a possible error on the part of the diving rudders. The question of speed would have no effect on a submarine's trim. - Lieut. Candy, who was in command of A 8, explained the methods of trimming, and gave it as his opinion that his difficulty in getting trim as quickly as A 7 was owing to having a heavier supply of petrol and nine extra men aboard than A7. Witness further said he would have trimmed again if there had been time, but an enemy was supposed to be approaching the coast and he felt secure in running A 8 on the surface to the diving rendezvous 10 miles distant. The submarine's stern became depressed beyond the ordinary and witness was about to telegraph for the engines to be stopped when he was washed off. Had the message been received the submarine would have rose to the surface again. - Evidence having been given by Diver Phillips, Fleet-Surgeon Browne deposed that in the case of CUSACK death was due to drowning, but relative to the others death was due either to the shock of the explosion or to the action of poisonous gas. The lungs showed no evidence of chlorine. Death was instantaneous and there were no signs of great mental suffering. The burns on the heads and faces of the victims were caused by flames and hot gases. - The Jury found that CUSACK'S death was due to Drowning, and that in the case of 14 other men it was caused by Asphyxiation by some unknown poisonous gas generated on the boat after she Accidentally Sank.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 June 1905
OAKFORD - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Oakford touching the death of JOHN BOUNDY, the sixteen-months-old son of MR LOUIS BOUNDY, of Ford, Oakford. The child was missed for a few minutes on Sunday afternoon and was found in a trough of water at the back of the house, where it probably went to play or to drink. The parents were away at the time of the accident and the child was in charge of a sister. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 July 1905
TORQUAY - At an Inquest on the five months old child of FREDERICK VINCENT, labourer, of Melville-street, Torquay, it was stated that the child was fed on boiled biscuits and that this caused indigestion. Convulsions followed and the child died suddenly in bed on Saturday morning. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Railway Station. A Jury's Recommendation. - At the adjourned Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY CAUSELEY, who a fortnight since fell unconscious at Newton Station, after travelling from London, and died shortly after at the Hospital. - Joseph Turner, a carman, of Brentford, stated that on May 21st he saw deceased fall from his bicycle in Mill-lane, Norwood Green. He was riding very slowly, and there was nothing to cause him to tumble. He seemed to have a fit. - Hermon Webber, Southall, Middlesex, stated that deceased was a very nervous rider and on the day preceding the accident he fell off his bicycle, but did not hurt himself. He was unconscious for two or three days after the accident and then told witness that he felt dizzy and fell off. - Mrs Minnie Higgins, Heston, said that deceased was in bed three weeks and was then advised to go home for two or three months change. On the Saturday morning on which he started on the journey he did not seem so well and she asked him not to go until the following Monday, or to allow her to accompany him. He would not consent to this. - The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, said that the extra exertion of carrying a portmanteau up the stairs at Newton Station proved too much for the deceased. The Jury might well take advantage of the opportunity to recommend the Great Western Railway Company to improve the Station or commence the building of a new one they proposed to construct. Some three or four years ago a poor fellow was killed by being pushed off the platform of the Station because there was not sufficient room for the Bank Holiday crowd there. On that occasion the Jury called the Company's attention to it and some improvement was made, but it was not very much. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that they considered that the fort of crossing the bridge at the Station with the portmanteau hastened the death of the deceased and they thought greater facilities should be provided for crossing from one platform to the other. They therefore earnestly recommended the Company to take the necessary steps to improve or rebuild the Newton Railway Station with as little delay as possible.

HONITON - The Honiton Railway Tragedy. Inquest On HAWKINS - Yesterday, at Honiton Station, the Deputy Coroner, Dr Tweed, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances of the death of WILLIAM HENRY HAWKINS, a fireman, who resided with his parents at 16 Culverland-road, St James's, Exeter, and met with a sad death while engaged in his duty on Saturday. Inspector Cheyney watched the proceedings on behalf of the Railway Company. - JOHN ALBERT HAWKINS, father of the deceased, said the last time he saw his son was a fortnight that day, when he was running into Salisbury with his engine. The deceased was a temperate man. He had been a fireman for seven or eight years and knew the road perfectly well. Saturday was deceased's 27th birthday and his mother, who was staying at Windsor, sent him a present, which he had not received. - Charles Wright, of Heavitree, Exeter, the driver of the 10.20 a.m. express train from Exeter, of which deceased was fireman, said everything went well until Sidmouth Junction was passed. Witness did not notice anything peculiar in HAWKINS'S manner. He was a good fireman. Witness last spoke to deceased at the advance starting signal, when he said he should "shut off " for a minute and work the second injector. After witness had put on the injector deceased gave the steam wheel a quarter of a turn. Witness then shut the regulator and put the lever over and looked out over the left side of the engine to see if the injector was working properly. On turning round he missed deceased. Witness went to the other side and looked out over the right side of the engine, and, not seeing anything of deceased, he stopped the train. He called the brakesman, Harry Lanning, who, together with the other guard, ran back over the line to the end of the train. Witness then climbed on to the coal in the tender and saw deceased lying behind the coal on an iron plate, which forms the roof of the tender, on his back with his knees doubled up. His mouth was open and full of blood and his face was covered with blood. A doctor, who was travelling in the train, was fetched. The latter examined the body and pronounced life to be extinct. The body was covered up and brought on to Honiton, and laid under the passengers' shelter on the up platform. Deceased was perfectly sober. Witness passed under 488 bridge shortly after last speaking to deceased. - Henry Lanning, acting assistant guard, of 40 Larkbeare-road, Exeter, said the train was pulled up about a mile and a quarter from Sidmouth Junction. Witness jumped out and went up to the driver, who said his mate had fallen off. Witness went back to the rear of the train to make a search, when the driver called him again and said deceased was in the tender. He was lying in the position described by the previous witness. Blood was oozing from his mouth. - George Salter, permanent way Inspector, said he examined the line from Sidmouth Junction to bridge 488, in the parish of Ottery St Mary. The bridge was 1,110 yards from the Junction. Witness examined the stonework, and found some hair two inches up from the crown of the bridge. He did not see any blood and believed the hair to belong to deceased. Forty-eight feet on the Honiton side of the bridge a cap belonging to deceased was picked up. The clearance of the arch was 14ft. 5in. which was above the ordinary height. - Frederick Wm. Bowles, guard on the L. and S.W.R., said he was travelling as a passenger on the 10.20 express. He saw deceased lying in the water tank behind the coals. Witness did not think deceased was dead, there being certain movements of the body. - Inspector Cheyney said there was a regulation against anyone going up on to the tender while the train was in motion. - Wright was recalled and corroborated the Inspector's statement. It would have been impossible for deceased to get on to the water tank without going over the coal. - The Coroner said he did to think it necessary to go to the expense of a post-mortem examination, as the cause of death was evident. - P.C. Lang, of Honiton, said he was called to the Station about 11.30 and removed the body to the porter's room. On the right temple there was a triangular wound, from which blood and flesh, which he took to be brains, were hanging. A piece of brain, as well as bone, was protruding from the right ear. There was also a slight wound behind the ear. The skull was smashed all to pieces. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to anyone. - The Foreman, on behalf of the Jury, expressed sympathy with deceased's parents in their bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 July 1905
SIDMOUTH - Drowned At Sidford. - An Inquiry was held yesterday at the Blue Ball Inn, Sidford, on the body of THOMAS SALTER, a tailor, in the employ of Mr H. Barratt, of Sidmouth. Deceased's body was found floating in a tributary of the River Sid, at Sidford, by a man gathering watercress. - Mr W. J. Farrant was elected Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence was given by Mr H. Barratt, the deceased's employer, THOMAS SALTER (a nephew of the deceased), and Mr B. G. Pullin. - The Coroner, in summing up, spoke of the fact that the medical evidence showed that while apparently suffering from an epileptic fit deceased fell into the water and was drowned. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 10 July 1905
EXETER - Traveller's Suicide At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown conducted an Inquest at the Exeter Guildhall on Saturday on the body of GEORGE WILLIAM WAY, commercial traveller, of 49 Magdalen-street, Exeter. - The widow, MRS ELIZABETH ANN WAY, deposed that deceased was 46 years of age. The previous morning, when he left her to go to business, he seemed unwell. Deceased was subject to fits and had one on Thursday. He had also complained of pains in his head. She had never known him to threaten to take his life. - Thomas Fewings, caretaker of the City Council lavatory under Northernhay and that in York-road, said that about 10 o'clock on Friday morning he heard a man groaning in the first-named place. He asked what was the matter, but received no reply. After a time he communicated with some cabmen and a ladder was fetched and he looked over the wall. This was just after quarter to eleven. He then went for a Constable and found one near the market. The Constable as well as cabmen had a look over the wall. Some time later witness went to the Police Station and on his return found P.C. Truman and the doctor there. - The Coroner: Why did you not break open the door when you heard the man groaning? - Witness: I did not know I had got a right to. - Got a right to! Why did you look over the wall? - Because I wanted to see what was the matter. - P.C. Truman stated that he was sent to the lavatory under Northernhay just before twelve. Not being able to get a reply from the deceased, he opened the door of the closet by placing a penny in the slot. The man's face was dark, as if he had had a fit. Witness laid the man on the floor, loosened his clothing, and tried artificial respiration. He sent for a doctor immediately. He found a black bag containing a bottle with some carbolic acid in it. - Dr Clapp said the man was practically dead when he was called. He found a burn on his chin. A post mortem examination showed that the cause of death was carbolic acid poisoning. Deceased had taken a large dose. - Deceased's employer, Mr Henry Hare, said deceased's accounts were perfectly straight, so far as he knew and he was always a straightforward man. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and added a rider that the caretaker (Fewings) and the Constable who first saw the deceased and went away (P.C. Quicke) did not do their duty.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 July 1905
NEWTON ABBOT - At an Inquest on the body of MRS MARY ANN PIKE, the wife of MR E. PIKE, a member of the Torquay Town Council, it was stated that on Tuesday evening deceased was being driven in a pony trap to Newton with Mr and Mrs R. H. Riggs, Chelston, when the animal tripped and fell. The occupants of the trap got out and deceased, who walked about fifty yards, jocularly remarked that she must not wear her best dress when driving. She afterwards got into the trap, but Mr Riggs had only driven a few yards when he noticed that her head had fallen back and she was unconscious. With assistance, he carried her into Aller Cottages, but she was dead. Dr Martin, who conducted a post-mortem, stated that the heart was extensively diseased. Death was due to heart failure probably caused by fright at the pony falling. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

BIDEFORD - Bideford Drowning Fatality. A Dangerous Spot. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Bideford yesterday on the body of SAMUEL EDWARD BROWNSCOMBE , 18, who was drowned the previous day while bathing in the Bridge Pool. Mr J. Pedler was Foreman of the Jury. - The evidence showed that the deceased came to bathe in the Bridge Pool just as some other young fellows had left the water. Almost immediately deceased was noticed by P.C. Summers from the bridge to be in difficulties and he called to the other young men. One of them, named John Kingsbury, immediately swam to deceased's assistance, but he could not grip him because deceased aught hold of him and dragged him under twice. The Constable in the meantime came with the grappling irons which are always kept alongside the Quay for such an emergency as this, but by this time deceased had sunk for the last time. - William Yarnold, a labourer, who was working in the new municipal buildings at the end of the bridge, heard shouting and saw deceased sinking. He immediately took off his clothes and dived for the body. He found deceased in the bottom of the pit in about nine feet of water. After going under five times he managed to attach the grappling irons to the body, which was brought ashore, having been in the water about 15 minutes. Artificial respiration was immediately applied, but without effect. - Dr Thompson said when he saw the body shortly afterwards, life was quite extinct. Death was due from drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidentally Drowned, and passed a resolution asking the Town Council to prohibit bathing in this spot, it being not only dangerous but indecent. They also recommended that the grappling irons be weighted a little more. - The Jury passed a vote of sympathy with the parents.

EXETER - St Thomas Child's Death. Waggoner Cautioned. - Mr W. Linford Brown conducted an Inquiry at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday afternoon into the circumstances attending the death of FRANK NEWBERRY. - RICHARD NEWBERRY, Cowick-street, Exeter, identified the body as that of his son, aged three years. - Frank Huish, 47 Union-street, stated that he was in Cowick-street on Tuesday, at about 1.50 p.m. Deceased, who was outside the parish church, ran across the road. Witness endeavoured to stop him, as there was a waggon approaching. The child, however, broke away from witness, and ran into the horse drawing the waggon, the wheels of which passed over his body. The horse was trotting, but the driver pulled up as soon as possible. - James Thomas Crocker, South Zeal, deposed to being the driver of the waggon. He saw several little boys in the road in the front of his horse. He also observed the last witness jump in front of his horse and catch hold something. Witness felt the wheels go over an obstacle and at once pulled up. On looking around he saw the boy NEWBERRY lying under the back wheel of the waggon. He did not shout when he saw the boys, because he thought they were clear. - Samuel William Clapp, 77 Cowick-street, stated that the driver of the waggon was looking in another direction. - Mr Stirk, House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that the boy was brought in at about 2.10 p.m. on Tuesday. Deceased was very seriously injured, and died within an hour. On examination witness found a bruise on the head and two cuts on his knees. The post-mortem examination showed that the liver and spleen were ruptured. Haemorrhage set in and caused the child's death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and cautioned Crocker to be more careful in the future. The Jury also commended the plucky attempt of Huish to avert the fatality.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 July 1905
EXETER - On Saturday the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Police Court, on the body of EDITH CLATWORTHY, 30, a married woman, who died suddenly on the previous day. JAMES CLATWORTHY, labourer, of 2 Tan-lane, St Thomas, said he last saw his wife alive at 6 o'clock on the previous morning. Earlier in the morning she complained of slight pains, but refused to have a doctor. He left for work just after six and before he returned for dinner she had died. She had never previously had a day's sickness. - LILIAN CLATWORTHY, deceased's sister-in-law, and a neighbour, also gave evidence. Dr Stokes said that death was due to internal haemorrhage. The cause was, probably, exertion consequent on washing clothes the previous day. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 July 1905
EXETER - An Inquest was held last evening at the West of England Deaf and Dumb Institution, Exeter, by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on the death of EMILY WARREN, aged 44. GEORGE WARREN, the husband, said he last saw deceased alive between 10 and 11 o'clock in the morning. She had been suffering from heart disease, and did not seem very well. Arthur Gale, boys' superintendent, said he saw the deceased fall down about 11 o'clock. He assisted her, and Dr Bell also came on the scene. Dr Bell said death was due to heart disease. A verdict of "Death from Heart Failure" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 20 July 1905
EXETER HEAVITREE - The Heavitree Tragedy. Inquest And Verdict. - The Deputy County Coroner, Mr Thomas, held an Inquest at Cross Park, Heavitree, yesterday, on the body of JOHN THOMAS EDWARD WILLEY, whose death occurred under such distressing circumstances the previous day. - Mr John Vanstone was elected Foreman of the Jury. - JAMES RENDELL WILLEY, of Catherine-street, brother of the deceased, gave evidence of identification. He said his brother was a retired painter, aged 69. When he last saw him, about eight days ago, he was in his usual good health. Deceased was not subject to fits. - Mary Emily Toomer, married, of Highgate, London, sister of MRS WILLEY, said she had been staying with deceased and his wife for about a month. On Tuesday they expected MR WILLEY home to dinner at 1 o'clock, and when he did not arrive they began to grow anxious. At 2 o'clock they sent Richards to the stables to look for him. - In answer to a Juror, witness said there was absolutely no trouble between deceased and his wife. They were the happiest of couples. - Joseph Richards, of 59 Preston-street, said, after vainly searching the stables for MR WILLEY, he went to the allotment gardens of the Urban Council. There he saw the charred body lying on a heap of smouldering ashes. The clothes were practically burnt off. He made no attempt to remove the body, because he saw life was extinct. He called at once to some men who were near and then went for a doctor and Policeman. The heap of smouldering material was composed of garden rubbish. - Charles Williams, of 17 Cross Park-terrace, gave evidence as to assisting to lift the body from the fire when called by the last witness. He and a railway employee named Bishop removed the body and extinguished the remains of the fire. The deceased was lying on his face in the burning heap. - Dr Goulston said when he arrived in the allotment garden he found the body extensively burnt. That was quite sufficient to account for death. The result of his post-mortem examination was that he found the deceased died of haemorrhage into the brain. The immediate cause of death was bleeding into the ventricles of the brain from a diseased artery. In his opinion, death was not due to burning. His idea was that deceased was rendered unconscious by an attack of haemorrhage and fell over the fire. He was positive that there could have been no suffering. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and joined with the Coroner in expressing their deep sympathy with the relatives. - Dr Goulston called attention to the pressing need for a mortuary in Heavitree, and said it was most inconvenient to hold a post-mortem examination in a private house. A large place such as Heavitree was ought to be provided with a mortuary, where a body could be kept to be viewed by the Jury and medically examined with some degree of comfort to the relatives and all concerned. - The Jury passed a rider in accordance with the doctor's recommendations.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 July 1905
COMBE MARTIN - A gloom was cast over the neighbourhood when the news became known that the body of MR W. H. PHILLIPS had been found by a boatman lying on one of the beaches near Sandy Bay Cove. The deceased was well known and much respected. He came from Bristol about three years ago and settled in Combe Martin with his wife and family, for whom the deepest sympathy is expressed. Mr G. W. F. Brown, coroner for the District, held an Inquest at the Dolphin on the body of the deceased. Mr William Cutcliffe was Foreman of the Jury. FREDERICK LESLIE PHILLIPS stated that he last saw his father alive on Monday night. He did not notice anything unusual. His father was 64 years of age. Ernest John Parkin spoke to finding the body on a beach known as Daviknowle. He found a cap and a walking stick close by. The body had apparently been in the water. Dr N. Manning said he considered death was due to drowning. He should think the body had been in the water 24 hours. He had seen the deceased professionally on Monday morning. He did not give witness the impression that he intended to commit suicide. P.S. Adams gave evidence as to the removal of the body. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 24 July 1905
ASHBURTON - The Fatal Accident At Holne Moor. Inquest At Ashburton. - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Golden Lion Hotel, Ashburton, on Saturday evening, touching the death of JAMES ROWDEN, who died at the Cottage Hospital on the previous evening. Mr J. Mortimer was Foreman of the Jury. - George Harvey, mason, of Berry Pomeroy, identified the body as that of his brother-in-law, who was about 24 years of age, and employed at the waterworks on Holne Moor. - Charles H. Campion, mason of Ashburton, in the employ of Messrs. Hawkings and Best, contractors for the Paignton waterworks on Holne Moor, stated that on Friday morning, about 7.30, he and deceased were at work building a dam. They had set a large stone in the wall, which the clerk of works condemned. they were ordered to take it out. They put a chain around it. when all was ready a signal was given, and the stone pulled up by a steam crane. When about 12 feet high the stone slipped from the chain and struck deceased, throwing him down. It fell on his left leg and crushed his foot. - J. H. Bennett, foreman of the masons on the works, saw the chain around the stone, and considered it was perfectly safe. He ordered the men to clear away. Deceased was in the habit of looking up after the stone and not clearing away. The stone was 18 inches x 18 x 24 and weighed about 9 cwt. - Dr Wilson Ranson said he saw the deceased at the Hospital about 10.30 a.m. on Friday. After consultation with Dr Williams, it was agreed to amputate the leg, which was successfully done, but deceased died about 7 p.m. from shock, previous haemorrhage and exhaustion. - Charles Penny, signalman, stated that he gave orders to the driver to hoist the stone. He considered it was safe. - William C. Hawker, contractor, said he was on the works at the time of the accident. All the men were given strict orders to clear away a proper distance when a stone was being hoisted. In reply to the Foreman, witness said it would be impossible for the men to get away 20 yards, as there were several steam cranes at work at the same time. The dam they were building was about 300 yards long, 20 feet wide, and in many places 70 feet deep. He took deceased to the Hospital. - Dr Ranson congratulated Mr Best on the way in which he had rendered first aid. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 25 July 1905
IDE - Inquest At Ide. Coroner's Rebuke. - Mr H. W. Gould conducted an Inquest at the New Inn, Ide,, last evening, on the body of EMILY LOUISA BRIGHT, the 11 months old daughter of NELLIE AMY BRIGHT and SAMUEL BRIGHT, chimney sweep, Ide. - NELLIE AMY BRIGHT, mother of deceased, gave evidence of identification. Deceased, who died on Sunday, at 2 o'clock, was taken ill on the previous Friday. On Saturday morning she asked Mrs Kerslake, a midwife, to look at the child and, acting on her advice, she asked a neighbour who was going to Exeter by the 7 o'clock train, to fetch Dr Farrant. the woman returned about 10 o'clock saying that Dr Farrant refused to come. On the following morning the child appeared more bright, but in the afternoon she asked her husband to call at Dr Stokes' while he was in Exeter. On his return at 6 o'clock he said Dr Stokes was away from home. - SAMUEL BRIGHT corroborated as to the neighbour returning and saying Dr Farrant declined to come. - The Coroner: What was the reason, do you think? - It was something between him and my first wife. - Questioned as to his earnings, witness said they averaged 10s. per week, and he had a weekly pension of 4s. 8d. - The Coroner: And you have made no attempt to pay Dr Farrant for his attendance on your first wife? - No I have not. - Continuing, witness said when he found Dr Stokes was not at home he wrote his name and address on a slate and left to go and act as bearer at a funeral. He did not call at Dr Stokes's house afterwards. - The Coroner: When Mrs Kerslake told you a doctor was needed on Saturday, did you not think it was your duty to find one somehow? - Well, my neighbour was going into Exeter. - Did you not think, too, that the life of your child was of more importance than going to a funeral? - Well, I did not think there was any danger. - In answer to further questions, witness said Dr Farrant's assistant attended his wife when she was ill three weeks since. The deceased was not insured. - Fanny Kerslake, the wife of William Kerslake, Ide, having given evidence, Mr Stokes, Surgeon, practising at St. Thomas, Exeter, said the child was well nourished. The cause of death was pleurisy of a few days' standing. The right lung had never been in very good order. If he had seen the child on the Friday he did not think it would have lived. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was the duty of the parents to have taken more trouble than they did to obtain a doctor. They seemed to have treated the matter in a very casual way. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," but concurred with the Coroner's remarks.

EXETER - Pathetic Incident At Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Station last evening into the circumstances attending the death of MATILDA YEO. - SAMUEL YEO, of 40 Church-road, St Thomas, identified the body as that of his wife, who was aged 60. He last saw her alive on Thursday, when he went to Okehampton. Deceased was going yesterday morning to meet him. during the past few weeks deceased had complained of her heart. - Sarah Jane Johns, of 4 Bartholomew-terrace, stated that deceased called at her house yesterday morning and said she could not breathe properly. Witness sent for medical aid and Mrs Glade. Deceased arrived about 8.20 and died at nine o'clock. - Mr Andrew, Surgeon, deposed that deceased was dead on his arrival. The result of the post-mortem examination showed that deceased had chronic bronchitis and an enlarged heart. Death was due to heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence, and passed a vote of condolence with MR YEO.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 27 July 1905
EXETER - At an Inquest conducted by Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, touching the death of CALEB ELLIS, a retired gardener, who lived with his son at 91 Okehampton-road, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 31 July 1905
TAVISTOCK - At Tavistock Cottage Hospital on Saturday, Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on the body of RICHARD HENRY SLOMAN, who died on Thursday as the result of falling off a load of hay in a field at Princetown. Mr J. V. Johns was chosen Foreman of the Jury. JOHN HENRY SLOMAN, assistant-warder, Dartmoor Prison, stated that the deceased, his father, was a granite smith, aged 58. He told witness that the occurrence was quite accidental, as he slipped off the load with some hay. Thomas Reddicliffe, farm labourer, said deceased was on top of a load of hay the witness being at the horse's head. The hay was not roped. Hearing the deceased call out when they were nearing the rick, witness stopped the horse and found that deceased had fallen off. Dr Snowden Smith deposed that death resulted from a broken neck. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 August 1905
PAIGNTON - The Paignton Drowning Case. Inquest. - Mr Coroner Hacker yesterday held an Inquest on the body of JAMES HENRY PERRING, the victim of the recent boating accident at Paignton. The chief witnesses were the survivors, Arthur Beckett and Horace Seldon. - It appeared from their evidence that they agreed to go fishing, PERRING being the possessor of a 10 feet punt, which he kept at Preston. Upon boarding the punt they changed their minds and abandoned the idea of fishing. They pulled the boat up near Redcliffe and went off to the Pier Inn and the Esplanade Hotel bar. They then decided to go back to Preston, and boarding the boat pulled off in that direction. - When just off the shore PERRING leaned over the side and capsized the boat. they could all swim and Seldon gained the shore. Beckett had his legs entangled in the fishing line and held on to the boat. PERRING came up twice and clutched at the boat, but did not succeed in holding on. Beckett attempted to hold deceased but could not, neither could PERRING grasp an oar that Beckett held out to him. - A boatman, named Patterson, saved Beckett. Witness complained that he was not told that PERRING was in the water, otherwise he might have saved him. The body of deceased was discovered in twelve feet of water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 2 August 1905
LODDISWELL - Suicide At Loddiswell - Yesterday afternoon at the Reading Room, Loddiswell, Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of GEORGE RANDLE, a stone-mason. Mr F. A. Parker was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The evidence was to the effect that RANDLE was summoned to appear at Kingsbridge Police Court on Monday to answer a charge of cruelty to his children, preferred by the N.S.P.C.C. The man, however, failed to appear, and a warrant was issued for his apprehension. Upon P.C. Rowland proceeding to the house he found the summons upon the kitchen table, and written upon it the words "Don't be frightened." The Constable searched the house up and downstairs without success, and then visited the cellar where he found RANDLE hanging from a staple fixed in the ceiling. The body was cold and the Constable cut it down. - The Jury found that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 August 1905
SEATON AND BEER - The Beer Tragedy. Inquest On The Three Fishermen. Story Of An Eye-Witness. - The Inquest on the bodies of the unfortunate fishermen who lost their lives in the gale of Thursday morning was held yesterday at the Dolphin Hotel, Beer. Much sympathy is expressed with the relatives by the members of the little fishing community. - A large number of the villagers attended the inquiry, which was conducted by Mr C. E. Cox, County Coroner. the names of the deceased are WILLIAM JOHN MILLER, THOMAS WALTER RUSSELL and RICHARD HARES. - The Coroner, in opening the Inquiry, said disasters of that kind brought home to them the fact that the occupation of a fisherman was one fraught with great danger. - ERNEST MILLER, son of WILLIAM JOHN MILLER, said his father was aged 69. On the afternoon in question there was a nice sailing breeze, and no indications of bad weather. RUSSELL and HARES went out with his father, as was usually the case. The boat was in good condition. - Robert Driver, a fisherman, said he was intimate with the three men who were drowned, and knew they were perfectly acquainted with their work and the coast. RUSSELL possessed the Humane Society's certificate for saving life. It never struck him that there was any danger to the trawlers which had gone out until one o'clock the next morning, when he noticed the wind had freshened. He was on the beach about that time, but no boat could be landed then because the tide was too low. At four o'clock they could have landed if they had entered safely. The sea was very rough then. He first saw the boat about four o'clock when it was about a mile and a quarter from the shore. She had only a foresail set and was coming in all right pretty close to another trawler. When the T.A.R.W. got to within 200 yards of the shore a heavy sea struck her on the starboard quarter and caused her to broach to with her head to eastward. She filled over the lee quarter and went down in an almost upright position, so that her mast was visible out of the water. The boat was quite seaworthy and it was only owing to the sudden sea and broken water that the accident occurred. He could see one man aboard at the helm, whom he took to be MILLER, the skipper. Nothing could have saved the men. There was no chance whatever for them, for a boat could not have been got afloat in that weather. If there had been a hundred men there, nothing could have been done. The other boat had a fine passage until she got close to the beach where she "shipped" one sea, but got in safely. Another trawler came in two hours afterwards, but was obliged to throw oil overboard to smooth the water before getting in. - Samuel Crimp, Chief Officer of the Coastguards stationed at Beer, stated that he was called by the man on duty at about 10 minutes past 4 on the morning of the accident. He looked out of the window, but could only see some wreckage about half a mile from the shore. The sea was nothing but a boil then, and would be highly dangerous to any boat, especially at the spot where the accident happened, because of the shallow water. He saw at once that the men concerned in the accident were doomed, but he telephoned to Sidmouth for the lifeboat and also to Lyme Regis, asking the lifeboatmen there to stand by. He also sent two of his men along the cliff to see if they could see either of the men and reach them with the aid of a life-line. He thought some of them did a little more than they should have done in going out into the surf, for it was very dangerous because of the strong back-wash. The body of MILLER was found two hours after the accident. They tried artificial respiration, but it was no use. Two of his men and one of the fishermen launched a boat the same evening and picked up the body of RUSSELL, which was observed floating near the shore close to where MILLER'S body was found. The body of RICHARD HARES was picked up early the next morning, lying just awash on the beach. - Coastguard Herbert Hill said he was on duty on Thursday morning. Knowing there were three boats out he looked to seaward just before 4 o'clock, but could see nothing. A little later he heard the fisherman Driver give the alarm and immediately awoke his officer. - Evidence as to the identify and age of RUSSELL and HARES was given by ROBERT RUSSELL of Sidmouth, brother of the first deceased and ROSA ELLEN HARES, daughter of the other victim. RUSSELL was aged 62 and HARES 64. - Harry Bending, Coastguard, said that yesterday morning at 4 o'clock he found the body of HARES just awash on the beach. - Dr Tonge said on the morning of the accident he was dressing for the purpose of attending to a boat he had on the beach, as he could hear that a gale had sprung up. He arrived at the beach just after the body of MILLER was recovered. He tried artificial respiration, but was of opinion that it would have been quite useless even if the body had been recovered earlier. He had come to the conclusion that in this case death was not due to drowning. There was no cerebral congestion and he thought death was due to shock. In the other two cases death was undoubtedly due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that MILLER died from Shock consequent on the sudden immersion and that the other two men were Accidentally Drowned. - The relatives who had been dependent upon the earnings of the unfortunate fishermen are receiving some little aid from the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 8 August 1905
COLYTON - Boy's Sad Death At Colyton. - Yesterday Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest at Colyton on the body of REGINALD FOWLER, aged 15 years, who met his death under circumstances reported in yesterday's "Gazette." A medical examination was made by Dr Evans, who stated that death was due to peritonitis caused by the accidental kick of a horse. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 9 August 1905
TIVERTON - An Inquest was held at the Tiverton Infirmary last evening by Mr A. Fisher, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of LILIAN MAY QUICK, the nine-months-old child of JOHN QUICK, carpenter, of Water-lane. From the evidence given by the parents it seemed that the chid spilt a cup of hot coffee over her chest and arm. The Jury, of whom Mr Frank Burgess was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Accidental Suffocation At Exeter. - Mr W. R. Cocks, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court yesterday afternoon on the body of ERNEST FREDERICK BACK, aged two months. - SAMUEL BACK, father of the deceased, who lives at 3 Harris-court, Paul-street, identified the body. He last saw the child alive about midnight on Saturday, when it appeared quite well. About quarter to eight next morning his wife called his attention to the child and he at once sent for Dr Perkins. It was quite dead and cold. - SUSAN BACK, wife of the last witness, gave similar evidence. - Dr Perkins stated that he found the child dead. He made a post-mortem examination and all the organs were healthy and in good condition, but there was some slight congestion of the brain, and he concluded that the probable cause of death was the pressure of the body on its right side, thus causing suffocation. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was an unwise thing for a child to sleep between its parents at night. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, caused by Suffocation."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 10 August 1905
EXETER - Fatal Fall At Exeter. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr W. R. Cocks, held an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Court yesterday afternoon touching the death of ELIZABETH SARAH LOARING, aged 42, widow, residing at Stone's-court, Preston-street, whose death occurred on Tuesday. - MARGARET ELIZABETH WESTROP, mother of the deceased, living at Coffins-court, Smythen-street, identified the body. She said deceased passed her to go downstairs, but had only gone three steps when she fell. - Jane Mitchell, residing at 20 Market-street, stated that she was at the Coachmaker's Arms between 1 and 2 p.m. on Tuesday. She spoke to the deceased just before the accident occurred. She went down the stairs before deceased. When she reached the bottom she heard a scream and saw deceased fall. She cried out "BESS, what have you done?" but received no answer. There were only about half a dozen steps altogether. Deceased was quite sober. She had only had one small glass of beer. - William Henry Ellis, landlord of the Coachmaker's Arms, said he saw the deceased fall. There were nine stairs and there had never been an accident before. - Dr Pereira, Police Surgeon, stated that he was called by the Police about 3 o'clock, and found the deceased dead. In his opinion deceased died from compression of the brain caused by the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 11 August 1905
EXMOUTH - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest at the Rolle Hotel last evening, touching the death of FREDERICK BENJAMIN HAYMAN HORN, signalman of the lifeboat, who was found dead on Wednesday. From the evidence adduced it appeared that deceased had complained of feeling unwell during the day. For this reason, after firing the signal for the launching of the lifeboat for the quarterly practice, he asked a friend to take his place at the Station. On the return of the lifeboat Alfred Ferris found HORN lying dead in the tennis ground adjoining the Lifeboat Station. Dr Hanna, who made a post-mortem examination, stated that deceased had valvular disease of the heart and death was due to heart failure, through vomiting. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

BARNSTAPLE - HENRIETTA LOUISA BROOME, aged one year and eleven months, whose mother lives at Swymbridge Newland, on Saturday morning obtained possession of a box of matches and set herself alight. The child was wearing a flannelette nightdress. She was extensively burnt about the right arm, side and thigh. The mother extinguished the flames and the child was taken to the North Devon Infirmary, where she did the following day from shock. At the Inquest a verdict that the child died from Burns was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 August 1905
TAVISTOCK - Jury And Doctor Disagree At Tavistock - At the Tavistock Cottage Hospital yesterday Mr Brian, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of SAMUEL HAMLYN, cab-driver, of Tavistock, aged 39. - The evidence showed that while in the act of mounting his hansom cab on Whitchurch Down deceased twisted and broke an ankle. - Dr Smyth of Tavistock deposed that he ordered the deceased, who was suffering from a simple fracture of the right leg, to be taken to the Hospital, where he died. Death was due to delirium tremens, alcoholic convulsions, and, finally, cardiac failure. People who had consumed alcohol in considerable quantities were liable to delirium tremens on meeting with such an accident. The deceased was sober when he saw him. A man who had been accustomed to drink might abstain for a week and after that have delirium tremens if he broke his leg. - Some of the Jury stated that they had known the deceased for many years and had never seen him intoxicated. He was very attentive to his duties. - The doctor said that a man might go on for 20 or 30 years drinking a large quantity of alcohol without getting drunk and then he might meet with an accident or an illness which might develop into alcoholism. - After private consultation, the Jury found that the deceased died from a Fracture Accidentally caused while driving his cab. They gave their fees to the widow. - The Deputy Coroner remarked that the doctor wished him to say that he considered the verdict to be contrary to his evidence. - Mr Chilcott represented the General Accident Assurance Corporation Limited, with which Mr Truscott, the deceased's employer, has insured his men.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 August 1905
RATTERY - The Totnes Harvesting Fatality. Censure By The Jury. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Hood Farm, Rattery, by Mr S. Hacker, on the body of CHARLES EDWARD BRIMICOMBE, 13, who met his death in the harvest field. - JANE BRIMICOMBE, widow, of Kingsteignton, gave evidence of identification. - Ernest Hawkins, of Lower Velwell, said he was working with deceased and his brother on Saturday saving a field of corn at Rattery. Deceased was driving the loaded waggons to the rick. Witness was on the top of a load and heard deceased cry out that the fork, which witness's brother had, had been run into his eye. Witness saw deceased fall unconscious. He would swear there had been no larking or fighting. His brother had told him it was an accident. - John Crook, farmer, deposed that he was sent for and found the deceased lying beside the waggon with Ernest beside him. He went for the doctor and the Police. - Dr W. R. Edmond stated that when he arrived he found the deceased unconscious. He had a punctured wound on the left side of the face near the nose and he considered the fork went through the nasal bones into the brain, causing laceration, from which he died. - Frederick Hawkins, 16, said deceased threw a sheaf at him and without looking out threw a sheaf back at him. the sheaf drew the fork with it and deceased fell down, saying, as he fell, "Oh, you have pricked my eye." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but desired both Hawkins to be censured for not obeying orders. - The Coroner told Frederick Hawkins that he had come very near being charged with manslaughter, but the Jury had taken a lenient view of the accident. He had acted very negligently and it should be a warning to him for the future. - The Jury, Mr N. Heath, Foreman, gave the widow their fees.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 16 August 1905
PAIGNTON - Sad Fatality At Paignton. - Mr Coroner Hacker yesterday held an Inquest on the body of FREDERICK THORNTON OPIE, aged 11 years, of Mount Clare, Paignton. It appeared from the evidence that deceased was fishing near Goodrington on a pathway leading from Roundham cliff. He was seen to jump from the edge of the cliff on to a protruding ledge some four feet beneath. he fell 26 feet. - A labourer, named Palk, working close by, saw the lad looking over the ledge of the cliff, preparing to jump on to the ledge. Losing sight of the boy, witness ran down the pathway and was met by a Miss Glanville, who informed him that the boy was lying on the rocks beneath. Miss Glanville, with her sister, was sitting on the rocks, and heard the thud of the body. When reached the lad was apparently dead. - Dr Driffiths Wilkins stated that death was instantaneous, deceased sustaining severe blows behind the ear and on the head. The body was conveyed on a stretcher by the Police and Coastguard home. - It was stated that the pathway is private property belonging to the Belfield Estate. - Mr Puddicombe, the agent, stated that he expected no difficulty in getting the place fenced. It was a disused quarry. - The Coroner replied that in that case the owner must have it fenced. He added that the place was undoubtedly dangerous. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider calling upon the District Council to take steps to have the place fenced. They hoped the pathway would not be closed to the public. The Jury also expressed their sympathy with the parents.

TORQUAY - Sudden Death At Torquay. Inquest. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquiry at Torquay yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of EMILY LOWES, who was found dead at her home in Crownhill. - Jane Blamey, of 13 Crownhill-terrace, said deceased was a spinster. She was 68 years of age and had enjoyed fairly good health. - Mary Chave of Avenue Villas, saw deceased on Saturday evening going to her home. - Thomas Spurway, dairyman of Church-street, Tor, said that on Sunday morning the jug was not on the footstep, as usual, and he went into the house to get one. He found deceased quite dead in the sitting-room in an easy chair. The Police were sent for. - Dr Arthur Henry Howse stated that he made a post mortem examination. Death was due to haemorrhage of the brain. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

MORCHARD BISHOP - Harvesting Fatality At Morchard Bishop. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at Morchard Bishop yesterday on the body of EVELYN TUCKER of Bishopsleigh Farm, Morchard Bishop. - JOHN TUCKER stated that the deceased, his daughter, was four years of age. She went in a cart, with a man named Grant, to the harvest field, where witness found her unconscious, with severe injuries and bruises on the head. She was taken home and died on Monday. - John Grant, in the last witness's employ, deposed to driving the deceased to the harvest field. The horse broke into a gallop. When he looked around he saw the girl had fallen back and that her head was between the rails of the vehicle. She did not speak and appeared to be dead. - Mr Humphrey Allen, Surgeon, Morchard Bishop, stated that he found the deceased unconscious. She had severe bruises on the face and was bleeding from the ears. The base of the skull was fractured and that caused death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BARNSTAPLE - The Barnstaple Poisoning Case. Inquest. - An Inquest was conducted by the Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr A. Bencraft, at the North Devon Infirmary, last evening, on the body of THOMAS DAVIES, 34, a chemist's assistant, from Llanelly, recently in the employ of Messrs. Boots Ltd., chemists, at Barnstaple. Mr A. F. Seldon, solicitor, watched the proceedings on behalf of Messrs. Boots. - WILLIAM DAVIES, a joiner, of Llanelly, brother of deceased, said that some time ago deceased was in business on his own account as a chemist and he then took a situation with Messrs. Boots Ltd., and went to Barnstaple. - William Bell, manager of Messrs. Boots' Barnstaple Branch, said deceased commenced his duties at Barnstaple under him, on Tuesday last, he being sent from headquarters to fill a vacancy. Witness found him to be of very intemperate habits, so much so, that he received instructions to suspend the deceased, which he did on Saturday last. Deceased, notwithstanding, returned to business before nine o'clock on the previous day and about 11 o'clock witness told him that he had received a wire ordering his suspension and witness had to refer him to the firm. Deceased was then most excited and seemed almost on the verge of delirium. He was not intoxicated at that time, but was probably suffering from the effects of drink. Witness pointed out to him that it was very necessary that he should go home and he expressed sympathy with him and suggested that he might be given another chance. Deceased replied: "Don't fret yourself about me; I can look after myself perfectly well." He left for dinner at a quarter to one o'clock. - Witness recognised the bottle produced as one of the firm's, which had probably been taken from the shop. It was kept in the "poison cupboard " upstairs and deceased might have helped himself to it during the Monday morning, he having been out of witness's sight on one occasion. The bottle contained prussic acid. After deceased left the shop, witness received a notification from the firm to the effect that he was to pay him for his week's work. Deceased was engaged on his credentials, which were very good indeed. - Richard Follett, of Summerland-terrace, with whom deceased lodged, deposed that when on the previous day deceased returned to dinner he was a little excited. On the previous Friday he noticed that deceased, who seemed to be worrying about something, had had too much to drink. After dinner on the Monday deceased remained chatting for some little time and at 25 minutes to two o'clock he went upstairs to get his hat. Some six minutes afterwards witness's wife heard groans. On going upstairs witness saw deceased lying on the bed, dressed, and he noticed the empty bottle (produced) labelled "Poison" standing on the chest of drawers, with the cork in. - Mr A. W. Lemarchand, Surgeon, said deceased died at 20 minutes to three o'clock. Prussic acid was generally very quick in its action, and he could only account for deceased lingering so long as from three-quarters of an hour to an hour, either by his having vomited, or having taken a small dose - not the whole of the contents of the bottle produced. Deceased did not recover consciousness. Death was due to a dose of prussic acid. - Inspector Tucker having given evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

DARTMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Dartmouth, yesterday afternoon, by Mr A. M. Davson, touching the death of ELIZABETH PERRING, aged 84, a widow. Deceased fell on the kitchen floor on Friday afternoon and sustained fracture of the skull and rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. She gradually became unconscious and died n Monday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 18 August 1905
TORQUAY - Pimlico Man's Suicide. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Upton Parish Room, Torquay, on the body of HENRY LEWIS LOVING, aged 46, a painter, of Pimlico. ALAN HESTER, painter, Bronshill-road, said that deceased, who was his brother-in-law, was a widower. His two children had lived with witness since the death of deceased's wife. Deceased was in the habit of taking drink. - John Thomas, watercress vendor, Perrett's Buildings, Pimlico, stated that on Wednesday morning he found the body in a stone quarry near the Cockington-lane. Deceased was lying with his throat cut, and there was a razor by his side. The body had evidently been there for some time, as the clothes were wet through. - Harriet Perry, keeper of a lodging-house in Pimlico, said deceased had not been in constant work - in fact, he had not paid her for his last winter's lodgings. He had not been at her house since Monday. - Alexander Johnson, foreman, in the employ of Messrs. Hacking, a London firm of painters, said deceased came to him on Saturday and asked for work. Witness engaged him and deceased worked on Monday, but was told in the evening that he must improve, or his services would be dispensed with. Upon that deceased took his day's pay, 6s. 3d. and left. - Dr George Mitchelmore said he saw the body of deceased on Wednesday morning and it was evident that he had been lying in the open all night. All the circumstances pointed to suicide. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

EXETER - Exeter Labourer's Mysterious Death. - Yesterday afternoon, Mr W. R. Cocks, Deputy Coroner for Exeter, held an Inquest at the Police Station on the body of HENRY FARRANT, 56, labourer, who resided at 9 Bath-road, Exeter, and whose body was found in the river Exe. Evidence of identification was given by MRS SOPHIA FARRANT, widow, who said her husband was employed at Queen-street Station. He went out on Friday morning about half-past five to go to his work. The previous evening he had some drink and when he was in that condition he was excited. He had no financial or other troubles that she was aware of. Mr Shooter, Church-road, St. Thomas, bathing ground superintendent at Head Weir, said that while he was clearing away weeds near the bathing place on Wednesday evening, he discovered the body of the deceased. Mr Pereira, Surgeon, said the body presented the usual appearance of death from drowning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

MARY TAVY - Suicide On Dartmoor. - Mr J. D. Prickman held an Inquest at the Mine House at Wheal Friendship, Marytavy, yesterday afternoon, on the body of WILLIAM BALL, a labourer, aged 54 years whose body was found on Black Down on Wednesday. Mr G. Boulton, of the Manor Hotel, Lydford, said that while walking across the Moor about 12.15 on Wednesday, in company with his wife and a boy, he saw what he first thought was a man asleep. Thinking it rather peculiar, he walked round him and saw the face was decomposed. He at once returned to Lydford and informed P.C. Berry, and took him back to the spot where the body was lying. In his presence, the Constable found a razor near the body and the deceased's throat was cut, the head being nearly severed from the body. - P.C. Berry corroborated and said there were no signs of a struggle having taken place and the wound would appear to have been self-inflicted. - THOMAS BALL of Marytavy, said deceased was his brother. He had been strange in his manner for some time past and complained of pains in the head. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 23 August 1905
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquiry at Moretonhampstead yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of ANN HILL, aged 81 years, who died on Sunday morning. From the evidence it appeared that deceased had lived for four years with her daughter, MRS WILLIAM PARKER, of Cross-street. On Saturday MRS PARKER helped deceased from the bed and placed her in a sitting position while she made up the bed. Deceased, however, fell from the seat on to her face, which was bruised. Dr Sutherland, who had made a post-mortem, attributed death to meningitis, due to senile decay and not to the fall, although it might have hastened death. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 24 August 1905
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. Doctor's Alleged Refusal To Attend. Jurors' And Coroner's Comments. - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquiry, at the Exeter Police Court,, last evening, into the circumstances of the death of JANE BAKER, aged 49, of No. 6 Lansdowne-terrace, Holloway-street, Exeter, whose sudden death occurred during the early hours of Tuesday morning. - HENRY BAKER, tinplate worker, identified the body as that of his wife, whose state of health had not been good of late. On Tuesday morning, about 10 minutes to 2 o'clock he was awakened by deceased struggling in bed. He spoke to her, but she did not reply. He subsequently obtained the services of Dr Miller. She died, however, before the doctor came. - A Juror: Is it a fact that you called for Dr Harrison and he refused to come? - Witness replied that when he called at Dr Harrison's house somebody, whom he supposed to be Mrs Harrison, called down telling him to go for his own doctor. He replied that he had come to the nearest doctor, as it was a serious case. - Johanna Way, living in the same house as the deceased, and her husband, deposed to being called by MR BAKER to see the deceased. The latter was insensible and making a noise in her throat. Witness supported deceased and attempted to give her brandy, but she died before MR BAKER returned. - The Foreman of the Jury, Mr F. Payne: I think the first medical man called ought to have gone to her assistance. - The Coroner: It certainly seems to require some explanation. - Dr Miller, of Southernhay, Exeter, stated that when he arrived deceased was dead. He was called at 2.45 a.m. He had made a post mortem examination and found that death was due to a rupture of a vessel on the left side of the brain, which caused apoplexy. - Mr Newberry (a Juror): In your opinion, had the first medical man been on the spot more quickly, would there have been a chance of saving deceased's life? - Dr Miller: Not the slightest. There is no legal obligation for any medical man to go to a case to which he is called unless it is his own patient. - Deceased's husband (recalled) stated that when at Dr Harrison's he said the case was a serious one and that he was anxious for the doctor to come. - Summing up, the coroner said the circumstances pointed to death from natural causes. As to the alleged refusal to attend by the doctor, he remarked that, although it might not be legally compulsory for a medical man to attend every case to which he was called, it was generally viewed as a moral obligation; also, doctors were often called out at night for trivial matters and got case-hardened. Dr Harrison was not there to speak for himself, and it was rather difficult to judge a man in his absence. The Coroner added that they had had the fact stated that even if the doctor had gone at once life could not have been saved. - The Foreman held that if any man other than a medical man refused to attend to give assistance he would have been "rapped on the knuckles" for so doing. In this case it would not have been of any service, but ten minutes or a quarter of an hour wasted often meant that life was lost. - The Coroner agreed that a doctor should go to a serious case but in this instance it made no difference. - A Juror: He was not to know that. - In reply to a Juror, the Coroner said they were quite at liberty to add a rider. - The Foreman said the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and added that Dr Harrison should be made acquainted with the fact that the Jury were of opinion he should have attended. Doctors, the Foreman thought, should be given to understand that they must attend in a case of life or death. They ought to have a doctor in the city that any ratepayer could call. - The Coroner: It is a very unusual and an unfortunate case. - The Foreman: We should like this doctor to explain why he did not attend. - The Coroner said if he had known of those circumstances he could have secured Dr Harrison's attendance, but he thought the rider would carry out the Jury's object. At the same time, there was a certain amount of delicacy in the matter by reason of the doctor's absence. If the statement of the refusal to attend was correct, and the refusal was made with Dr Harrison's knowledge, it was a case of very great neglect of moral duty unless the doctor's own bodily health was such that he could not have gone. If he was able to go he should have gone. No doubt he would see the statement that had been made by MR BAKER, and he could take his own method of answering it. Of course, they should remember that, although he might be morally bound to attend, he was not legally bound to do so.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 August 1905
RAS-AL-TIN, PALESTINE - Devon Officer Drowned, With His Would-Be Rescuer. - It has now transpired that CAPTAIN STOKES, a son of MAJOR-GENERAL STOKES, of Kingsbridge, was one of the officers drowned at Ramleh a fortnight ago while bathing. The distressing occurrence is accentuated by the fact that the would-be rescuer of CAPTAIN STOKES was also drowned. - Deceased was a member of the 2nd Battalion Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers. The other victim of the accident (Captain E. S. Carey) was a brother officer of CAPTAIN STOKES. - A "Times" correspondent, writing from Alexandria, gives the following account of the tragedy:- It appears that the two officers arrived at the Beau Rivage Hotel at Ramleh about 1 p.m., and, after lunching at the Hotel, went down to the beach to bathe. It is said - although the fact is by no means clear - that CAPTAIN STOKES, while swimming about 120 yards out, was seized with an attack of syncope, and that Captain Carey, a good swimmer, at once went to his rescue, but was himself caught by the strong current and rendered powerless to assist his brother officer. An attempt to rescue Captain Carey was made by Captain Crawley, A.S.C., who, in his evidence at the Inquest, which was held at the Ras-el-Tin Hospital on the following day, stated that about 5 p.m. he, hearing a noise on the beach, looked from the balcony of the Beau Rivage Hotel and saw Captain Carey swimming against the current and heard him call for help. Running to the beach he took off his coat and swam to his assistance, but when only five or six yards distant, the current carried him away from the drowning man. He made a second attempt, this time with a rope, but went under water himself and had to be hauled ashore. About ten minutes after Captain Carey was last seen his body came to the surface and was at once brought ashore. All attempts to restore consciousness failed, although the most persevering efforts were made by two doctors, who were immediately summoned. The body of CAPTAIN STOKES was recovered an hour later. The bodies of the two unfortunate officers were interred with full military honours, on Saturday August 12th.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 28 August 1905



EAST WORLINGTON - Suicide Near Crediton. A Suffolk Clergyman's End. - The Inquiry into the circumstances surround the death of the REV. SAMUEL PRICE SMYTH, aged 31 years, rector of Wilby, Suffolk, whose body was found in Rock Meadow, East Worlington, near Morchard Bishop on Thursday was conducted by Mr H. W. Gould, County Coroner, at the Town Farm, East Worlington, on Saturday. - The body was identified by GEORGE SMYTH, of the Town Farm, as that of his brother, a clerk in Holy Orders and late of Wilby, Suffolk. Deceased, who was a single man, had been staying with witness since the middle of June. He last saw his brother alive in the house on Thursday morning. About two o'clock on that day witness found him dead in a field, lying on his face. the empty glass produced, together with a note written by deceased were under the body. The letter ran:- "My dear HARRY and GEORGE, - I do hope you will forgive me. My life has become useless and I cannot bear to be a burden to you any longer. You have both been so utterly unselfish and kind. You will find my will and papers about business matters on the chest of drawers in my bedroom. You will also find there the addresses of those whom I wish you to write immediately. Your loving brother, SAM. - Continuing, witness said deceased had been suffering from depression since Christmas, but he was not aware of the cause, although he attributed it to a cycle accident which deceased experienced about 12 months since. - Mr Richard Ernest Howell Leach, Surgeon, of Witheridge, said, as a result of a post mortem examination, he attributed MR SMYTH'S death to prussic acid poisoning. - The Jury found that deceased committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 September 1905
COMBE MARTIN - A distressing accident has occurred to LORNA LEWIS, aged three and a half years, daughter of MR and MRS G. H. LEWIS, market gardeners. The parents had returned from Barnstaple and the horse was put into the stable. The child, apparently, commenced swinging on the back of the cart, which turned backwards and crushed her head. The mother immediately lifted the cart and the father caught up the child and ran for medical aid. The skull, however, had been fractured and the child died before any professional help could arrive. An Inquest was held at the Town Hall by the District Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, of Barnstaple. the parents were present as witnesses, as well as Dr Manning. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 September 1905
TORQUAY - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by a Jury at an Inquest at Torquay regarding the death of CHARLES BOWDEN, of Abbey-road, Torquay, who fell from a ladder while at work. The medical evidence showed that death probably ensued either from a fractured skull or concussion of the brain.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 4 September 1905
SAMPFORD PEVERELL - The Fatality At Sampford Peverell. The Inquest. - Mr Frank Thomas, Deputy Coroner for the District, conducted an Inquiry at Sampford Peverell on Saturday concerning the death of SAMUEL BRIDGES, aged 51, a quarryman, in the employ of Messrs. R. and I. Pearce, of Sampford Peverell. - Mark Parker, quarryman, of Sampford Peverell, stated that on Thursday morning last he was at work at Prettybench Quarries in company with the deceased. They went boring holes for blasting, but were working independently of one another. BRIDGES was working several paces from witness. They were using rock powder and tape fuses and deceased, as was usual when a hole had been charged and before lighting the fuse, said "Fire." They both retired to await the explosion. No explosion, however, resulted, and after waiting about half an hour they went back to their respective holes. Deceased asked whether he should "beat out the charge," but witness advised him not to do so, but go on a higher ledge and put in another hole. About a quarter of an hour later, witness heard an explosion, and, looking round, he saw the deceased on the ground with the "jumper" (an iron bar) through his head. Deceased who was very deaf, had been employed in the quarries for some time. - In reply to Mr Martin, a solicitor, of Tiverton, who represented Messrs. Pearce, witness said he had seen deceased reading the printed rules which were displayed on a shed at the Quarries. One of the rules was that unless a hole was eight feet deep the charge was not to be beaten or bored out on missing fire. The hole bored by deceased was about three feet deep. - Mr John Joule, Surgeon, Sampford Peverell, said he found deceased with a hole under his chin extending through to the top of his head. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 5 September 1905
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Railway Fatality. An Open Verdict. - At the Inquest held at Devonport last evening, relative to the death of JAMES HENRY WILSON, contractor, of Tyldesley, whose body was found on the London and South Western Railway near Devonport on Saturday night, the Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 8 September 1905
CLAYHIDON - MR BENJAMIN CATTELL, retired farmer, living with his brother and sister at Gladhayes Farm, has died suddenly. He attended church in the morning, assisted in milking in the evening and went out for a walk. Nothing more was seen of him until 8.30 p.m., when, as the result of a search, his brother found him in the garden dead. At the Inquest medical evidence was given that death was due to heart disease.

EXETER - Yesterday afternoon the City Coroner for Exeter, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Police Station touching the death of ELIZABETH DOWN, a widow, who died suddenly at her residence in Paris-street. Deceased, who was 78 years of age, had been unwell for some time and had been attended by Nurse Sanders, of Oxford-terrace. Dr E. Steele Perkins attributed death to heart disease and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 13 September 1905
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Station yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on the body of a child, one day old, the son of WILLIAM RICHARD HENRY PHILLIPS, journeyman baker, living at 25 Stepcote-hill. Medical evidence shewed that death was due to insufficient vitality. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 14 September 1905
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Suicide At Moretonhampstead. An Aged Woman's Delusion. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner for the District, held an Inquiry at Pepperden, Moretonhampstead, yesterday, concerning the death of EMMA STAPLES, aged about 62 years, which occurred the previous morning. Mr George Counter was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Gilbert Charles Saunders, butler to Mr George Wills, of Pepperdon House, said that deceased was housekeeper and occupied the same room as the cook. As deceased had been unwell, he called at her room to inquire how she was. She said she was drowsy and would remain in bed for a time. Later he was called by the cook, who asked if he had locked the housekeeper's door. As he had not, he got a hammer and broke it open. Deceased was in bed with a gash in her throat. He sent for the doctor. Deceased had been unwell and depressed for some time past and had been attended by the doctor. She had a delusion that she had misappropriated some money, which was wrong. Deceased had been like a mother to him and the younger servants. - Eliza Everitt, cook, gave similar evidence. - Dr Sutherland said he had attended deceased . She appeared to be under a delusion of having done something wrong and he ordered her to be looked after, although he did not consider she had suicidal tendency. In consequence certain drugs were removed from her room. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 September 1905
LIFTON - Fatal Bathing At Lifton. Two Boys Drowned. - The circumstances of a very distressing drowning fatality, involving the loss of two lives, were disclosed at an Inquest held at Lifton by Mr J. D. Prickman, District Coroner. The deceased were LEONARD MITCHELL, aged 10 and WILLIAM BEVAN, aged 9, of Lifton. - JOHN BEVAN, aged 13, brother of WILLIAM BEVAN, stated that on Tuesday evening he left school at 4 p.m., and went, accompanied by LEONARD MITCHELL, his brother (WILLIAM J. BEVAN), WILLIE MITCHELL and Ernest Tolson, to pick nuts by the side of the river Lyd. About half a mile from the village LEONARD MITCHELL'S hat fell into the water. LEONARD undressed and went in to the water after his hat. When he was in the water he cried out. Witness undressed and went in to help him out, and witness's brother and WILLIE MITCHELL followed suit. Witness's efforts to succour LEONARD failed, but he (witness) scrambled out. WILLIE MITCHELL caught hold of a branch and climbed up a tree. Witness's brother and LEONARD MITCHELL were drowned. - WILLIAM MITCHELL and Ernest Tolson corroborated. - Samuel Edwards of Lifton, proved the finding of the bodies in the company of Mr Hearle, and trying artificial respiration. Dr Musgrave stated he was called about 6 p.m. and found the bodies lying on the bank. Efforts were being used to restore animation, but the cases were hopeless from the first. - Mr Charles Symons, representing the Lifton Park estate, stated that the boys had no right to be at the spot in question. there was a board erected with the words: "No thoroughfare." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," expressed sympathy with the parents and handed their fees to them.

BARNSTAPLE- A verdict of "Death from natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest on the body of ANNIE MALKIN, aged 17, the daughter of a G.W.R. engine driver, who died suddenly through heart failure.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 20 September 1905
SILVERTON - Sudden Death At Silverton. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Ellerhayes Cottage, near Silverton Station, yesterday, on the body of MRS LAURA DERRICK, aged 31 years, wife of FREDERICK DERRICK, who died at her sister's house at Silverton on Sunday night. - MRS MARY ANN SANGER, mother of deceased, said her daughter resided at Bradninch, but came to Silverton for confinement. On Sunday night deceased was vomiting very much and said she was going to die. She appeared to be in pain and complained of pains about her heart. Her daughter, who previously enjoyed good health, died about 10 o'clock. She was in the Hospital about five months ago suffering from fright. - ELIZABETH KENSOLE, sister, said deceased had been subject to fainting fits. She did not have any supper before going to bed, but ate well during the day. - Dr Jones, of Silverton, attributed death to the strain of vomiting, caused by fright. The doctor stated that a brother of the deceased died in a similar way. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Found Drowned At Exeter. A Pensioner's Sad End. - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Exeter Police Court yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of HARRY BULL, aged about 40 years, of Devonport, whose body was recovered from a mill leat at Exwick on Saturday. - MRS MARY BULL, widow, of Wonford, said deceased was her nephew. She last saw him about seven years ago. She identified the body by a scar over one of the eyes and another near the neck. Deceased was a pensioner from the Marines. His mother and father were dead. She could not tell his age. - Robert Wilcox, of South Wonford, gardener, said he had known deceased from childhood but had not seen him for seven years. He also identified the body by the mark over the eye. BULL was 39 years of age. He served 19 years in the Marines. - Richard Cleave, miller, Exwick, said he found the body in the mill leat, near the grating, on Saturday. P.S. Guppy tried artificial respiration for about three-quarters of an hour, but without success. - P.S. Guppy said that the clothing contained a purse, 5d. and a pipe. - Mr A. H. Rousham, of the School-house, Exwick, said that, to the best of his belief, deceased was the man who called at his house on Thursday evening and asked if he could go into the school and listen to his (Mr Rousham's) daughter playing the pianoforte. Witness told him he could listen to it outside the school. Deceased gave him the impression of a man intoxicated. - By the Foreman< Mr Edgar: Deceased seemed depressed. He did not ask for assistance. - Mr Miller, Surgeon, said he thought the body had been in the water eight hours. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 21 September 1905
BIDEFORD - Last evening an Inquest was held at Bideford Infirmary on the body of EDWARD TAYLOR, aged 6, son of EDWARD TAYLOR, farmer, of Caddesdown, Bideford, who died at the Institution on Tuesday from collapse, resulting from a rupture caused by a blow from one of the arms of the driving gear of a reed combing machine. Deceased had been riding on the arm behind the horse and was caught as he was leaving the shed. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 September 1905
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court yesterday on the female child of ALICE GLASS, single, a laundress of 37 West-street. - Mrs Julia Ebdon, of South-street, a maternity nurse, said the child was born early on Tuesday morning last. It was a very weak baby. - Mrs Lucy Penhallick, who was also present at the confinement, said the child died at a quarter-past four. The mother asked witness to bring the lamp over and she discovered the baby was dead. - Dr Clapp said the child was prematurely born and had died from want of vitality. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - An Inquest was held by Mr W Linford Brown, Coroner on the body of SARAH COWELL, aged 48, married of 47 Preston-street. - JOHN COWELL, fisherman, husband of deceased, said he last saw her alive on Tuesday morning, when he took her some tea in bed. On returning from picking blackberries in the afternoon, he was met by a friend who told him that his wife had fallen down dead. His wife was a healthy woman and he had never heard her complain of her heart. - Mrs Elizabeth Moxey, who lives on the flat below the COWELLS, said the deceased only came out of prison a week before. She said she had had very hard work all the time she was there and had been ill. On Tuesday afternoon witness was fetched by her son to go to MRS COWELL. Deceased then told her she felt very ill, and complained of the pain in her side. She said she felt as if she would choke, and added that she felt like that in prison. Deceased gradually got worse and died about twenty minutes after witness arrived. - Mrs Catherine Bailey, of 49 Preston-street and Mrs Eliza Preston, also a neighbour, corroborated. Dr Pereira said as the result of a post-mortem examination he had arrived at the conclusion that MRS COWELL died from convulsions, due to kidney disease. Both kidneys were diseased but the heart was healthy. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

COUNTISBURY - An Inquest has been held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, District Coroner, on the body of MRS ELIZA PALMER, aged 63 years, wife of MR WILLIAM PALMER, of Wilsham Cottage, Countisbury, who died on Sunday, the 17th inst. The deceased was in the act of getting up from a chair for the purpose of going to bed, when she fell and expired in the presence of her husband. Dr Atkinson, Lynton, who made a post mortem examination, attributed death to failure of the heart. The Jury, of which Mr C. N. Bevan was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and gave their fees to MR PALMER for the purpose of buying a wreath as a token of the respect in which the deceased was held.

DUNSFORD - Ill-Health And Suicide. A Dunsford Tragedy. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at an inquest conducted at the New Inn, Dunsford, by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, on the body of ALBERT COLLINS, aged 25, a stonecutter, of Doccombe, who recently returned home from London, where he was employed, in consequence of ill-health. - Mr R. Short was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS ELIZABETH COLLINS, deceased's mother, gave evidence to the effect that her son left home on Tuesday evening, Sept. 12 and she heard no more of him until his body was recovered from the River Teign, near Dunsford. Deceased, she said, had been strange in his manner. His father was in an Asylum. It also transpired that deceased wrote a letter to a chum in London asking him to dispose of the few tools he had, and that by the time he received the letter he (COLLINS) would be in the water. - J. Aggett, labourer, of Doccombe, said that on the 12th inst. he saw deceased at the Gregory Arms Inn. COLLINS left the Inn at 8.30 p.m., and said he would return shortly afterwards, but failed to do so. - P.C. Yelland, Dunsford, spoke to receiving information on Friday of COLLINS being missed. He went in search of him, and as he passed the turnpike house he asked the woman residing there if she had seen a man answering the description of COLLINS pass by. The woman replied that her little boy was out blackberrying on the Wednesday, when he saw a hat hanging in the bushes by the side of the river. The Constable asked for the little boy to go with him to the river. He did so and there the body of deceased was recovered from 4ft. of water. On the body was found 1s. 1 ½d. in money, a pipe, a knife, and a watch chain, but no watch. - Dr Fennick having attributed death to drowning, the Jury returned the verdict recorded above. - The funeral of deceased took place at the parish church immediately after the Inquest. In the absence of the Vicar, the Rev. F. C. Lloyd (rector of Bridford) officiated.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 28 September 1905
TORQUAY - The Torquay Tragedy. Inquest Opened Last Night. Assailant's Condition. Probable Recovery. - No additional developments have transpired in connection with the sad tragedy which was enacted at the Village of Hele on Tuesday forenoon. The affair is still shrouded in mystery. - The body of the unfortunate woman, MISS EMMA STAPLETON, was yesterday morning removed from Hele to the Mortuary attached to the Torbay Hospital preparatory to the Inquest being held. - The supposed murderer, Stuckey, still lies in a very precarious condition. A nurse and Policeman are in constant attendance at his bedside. He has, it is stated undergone two operations since he was admitted to the Hospital and was yesterday morning visited by his father. He regained consciousness early on Tuesday evening and the opinion is now expressed that there is a likelihood of his recovery. - The funeral of the deceased woman will take place tomorrow afternoon at Torquay Cemetery at three o'clock. the sad affair has aroused much regret and sympathy among the fishing folk of Brixham, where she was well known and where her relatives reside. - The Inquest on the body of MISS STAPLETON was opened last night in the Upton Parish Room, Torquay, but with the exception of the Jurymen and the witnesses there were very few people present. The Inquiry was conducted by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner. Superintendent Roberts was present on behalf of the Police. Mr Charles Burrows was appointed Foreman of the Jury. The proceedings lasted a very short time, only evidence of identification being taken. The Coroner, in opening the proceedings, said they were met to Inquire into the death of the poor woman, EMMA STAPLETON, which was a very sad and tragic affair. He might tell them that the case, as reported officially to the Coroner, was that she had been living as housekeeper with Mr Troake, market gardener, Hele, and that on Tuesday forenoon she was found in Mr Troake's house dead, with her throat badly cut. There was found in the house at the same time a man (William Stuckey), who also had his throat cut. He was not dead and was now a patient of the Torbay Hospital. that was the position of the matter and he proposed that evening only to formally open the Inquiry and allow them to inspect the body. Then he would adjourn the Court to a day when the doctor thought this man (Stuckey) against whom there was grave suspicion, might be able to be present. He was sure they would all give the matter a very careful hearing, for it was a very grave and serious affair. - The Jury then viewed the body. - SAMUEL STAPLETON, Middle-street, Brixham, identified the body as that of his sister, EMMA STAPLETON. Deceased was 53 years of age, and she was a single woman. Witness last saw her alive two years ago. - The Coroner then said he proposed to go no further that evening. - Dr Winter expressed the opinion that if Stuckey lived he could not be present at any Inquiry for at least three weeks or a month. That morning he was slightly better. He would probably get septic inflammation of the wounds in five or six days. If the Inquest was adjourned for a week they would have a better idea of what would happen. If Stuckey got over the primary shock, as he seemed to be doing, the next trouble would be the inflammation. - The Coroner asked if a week's adjournment would suit the Police and on being assured that it would be suitable, the Inquiry was adjourned until next Wednesday at three o'clock. - The witnesses, Walter Troake, SAMUEL STAPLETON, John James Milford, Elizabeth Jane Lawrence, Thomas Townsend, Elizabeth Balsom, Annie Balsom, Amy Louisa Moxhay, Cecil Barber, Inspector Jeffrey, Dr Winter and P.C. Boaden, were bound over to appear at the adjourned Inquiry.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 29 September 1905
PARRACOMBE - An Inquest has been held at Higher Bumsley Farm, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, District Coroner, on the body of HUMPHREY ROTTENBURY, aged 75 years, who was found dead in bed on Sunday morning. Mr G. Court was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MARY NICHOLLS, daughter of the deceased, stated that her father was in his usual health on Saturday, and retired about 8.30 p.m. Walter Nicholls, grandson of deceased, stated that he slept in the same room and spoke to his grandfather about 10.30 p.m. on Saturday night. He then appeared to be in his usual health. Dr Atkinson, of Lynton, stated that he had examined the body and found no marks of violence. He considered that heart disease was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 30 September 1905
NEWTON ABBOT - Sad Death At Newton. The Result Of A Slippery Floor. - At Newton Abbot last evening Mr G. F. Kellock held an Inquest on SAMUEL HERBY LANG, landlord of the Bradley Hotel, who died on Wednesday. - MRS LANG stated that deceased, who was 29 years of age, was standing in the kitchen reading a newspaper, when she heard him fall. His head struck the floor. William Nicholls assisted her to get him into the dining room and about half an hour after she helped deceased to walk upstairs. He was bleeding from a scar at the back of the head, and never spoke. It was a slippery stone floor and nine years ago a waiter named Huntley fell on it and broke his shoulder, while deceased's little daughter fell three years since and broke her arm. - Dr Nisbet stated that when he saw deceased he was unconscious and on Wednesday it was decided that an operation was necessary to relieve the pressure of the brain. This was performed by himself, assisted by Dr Haydon and Dr Stephenson. There was an extensive fracture of the skull and deceased died the same evening. In reply to the Jury, the doctor said three years ago deceased was kicked and since that time he had had fits at intervals of from four to five months. Witness did not think that on this occasion deceased had a fit, as after the accident he, with assistance, walked upstairs. Usually after having a fit he was in a drowsy and more or less comatose condition for hours. He, therefore, thought it possible that deceased slipped and fell. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed opinion that, seeing that there had been so many accidents caused by the slippery stone floor of the kitchen, that it should be rendered safer. They also expressed their sympathy with the widow and the Coroner associated himself with them in this.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 4 October 1905
IDE - Water-Logged Lungs. An Ide Resident's Death. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquiry at the New Inn, Ide, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of FREDERICK PRIDHAM. - ELIZABETH PAGE, sister of the deceased, identified the body as that of her brother, aged 46. Deceased had a bad cold for a fortnight, but made no complaint and appeared to be suffering no pain. About six o'clock on Saturday evening witness received a message that her brother had been taken ill at Dunsford Hill. Witness proceeded there and met deceased in a trap. He was taken home and said "I am dying." Witness went to the Station to telegraph for another brother and on her return deceased had died. - Mr Webb stated that he saw the deceased looking over some rails at the top of Eleven Steps on Dunsford Hill. He said "Will you get a trap for me?" Witness helped along deceased, who said, "I can't walk, it's no use." He was then conveyed home and died in about half an hour. - Mr Mark Farrant, Surgeon, of Exeter, deposed to seeing the deceased on Saturday evening about 7.30 when he was dead. A post mortem examination showed that the lungs were water-logged; there was about a pint of water in each lung. Death, in witness's opinion, was due to heart failure consequent on the condition of the lungs, which would arise from natural causes. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 5 October 1905
TOPSHAM - Seaman Drowned At Topsham. Inquest Adjourned. - At the Salutation Hotel, Topsham, last evening, an Inquiry was held by Mr H. W. Gould into the circumstances of the death of URIAH WINTER, able seaman. whose body was found in the River Exe, near the Dock, the previous evening. - Mr James Norton was foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner, at the outset, said he thought the Inquiry would have to be adjourned, because the captain of the boat to which deceased belonged, and who had been told that he would be wanted, was not in Topsham, and could not at present be found. He, therefore, proposed to take evidence of identification, and, possibly, the doctor's evidence, and then he proposed to adjourn the Inquiry, pending the attendance of the captain. It was understood that the captain was the last person who was seen with the deceased. - William Brookes, of Bridgwater, mate of the ketch Ada, of Gloucester, said the ketch was engaged in coasting. The deceased, who was known familiarly to the men as "Hughie" was an able bodied seaman and a native of Highbridge, Somerset. Witness, deceased and the captain comprised the crew of the ketch. He last saw deceased alive on Monday morning in a public-house. Charles Wonnell, a pilot, was also there, while the captain and his brother joined them later. Witness remained there until about five o'clock - nearly all day. Deceased left early - between nine and ten o'clock - by himself, remarking, "I know a place where I can hang out for a few pence." He saw nothing of deceased after that. - The Coroner: Were you drunk? Did anybody accompany you to the Pier? - Witness: No, I went by myself. - Was there anyone on board when you got there? - No. - Had you previously seen anything of the Captain? - Yes, in the public house. - What time was that? - I can't tell you, to be positive. They came by train from Bridgwater that day. - You are unable to say whether they were there when you left? - I can't say. - What is the captain called? - Martin Nurse. - And his brother? - David Nurse. - Continuing, witness said their home was at Bridgwater. - In answer to a question as to whether they both came on board that night, witness replied, Yes; I should think between half-past ten and eleven o'clock. - Where were you at the time? - In bed. - Did they inquire for the deceased? - No. - Did you? - No, sir. - Was anything said about deceased at all? - No. - Were they the worse for liquor? - No, I noticed nothing the matter with them. - Proceeding the witness said the ketch arrived in Topsham a fortnight ago, on Sunday night, when deceased went ashore for the night It was a common occurrence for them to do that. Deceased liked a "drop of drink," and "occasionally got drunk." Deceased was on good terms with the captain and he had never known them to quarrel. - The Captain of the ketch here appeared. - In answer to the Coroner, the last witness said he was not aware that the deceased had any particular mates ashore. - Martin Nurse, captain of the ketch, in answer to the Coroner's questions as to why he had not held himself in readiness to put in an appearance, said he expected to have got back before. He had not been told the time fixed for the inquiry. He saw deceased at midday, but was away at Exmouth from one until six o'clock. In the evening, about 9.30, as he was going towards where his ketch was he saw the deceased walking up the steps of the Jubilee Pier. Witness went to the end of the Pier intending to "hail" the ketch, but there was no one on board. On returning, he saw deceased had left and was going up the road. Subsequently he and his brother went aboard in their own boat. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said a man put them off in their boat, and then brought them back. The man was a stranger to witness and he paid him nothing. - The Coroner: Why was it necessary to employ that man? - We sent the boat back to be used by the deceased. - In reply to the Foreman, witness said his brother was at Exmouth. - The Coroner: I will have him brought here. Continuing, he said he thought the case was one needing further inquiry, and he, therefore, adjourned the Inquest until next Wednesday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 6 October 1905
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - An Enquiry was held by the Deputy Coroner at the Ring of Bells, Moretonhampstead, into the circumstances connected with the death of ALBERT EDWIN BROWNING, aged eight years, who lived at Howton Cottage with his grandmother, EMMA BROWNING. ADA MILTON, mother of deceased, identified the body as her son. EMMA BROWNING, grandmother, said deceased complained on Sunday of headache and was poorly and she gave him a dose of salts. On Tuesday, when out to work, she was sent for by a neighbour and on arriving home found the boy had died. Dr R. Sutherland said he had made a post-mortem and found evidence of tubercular meningitis in the brain, to which he attributed death. The Jury, of which Mr George Satterley was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 October 1905
TORQUAY - Drowning Fatality At Torquay. The lighting Of The Harbour. - At Upton Parish Room last evening the County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, held an Inquest respecting the death of JOHN LEWIN MARTIN, 50, general labourer, of Prince's-street, Paignton, whose body was found in Torquay Harbour on Saturday night. - The evidence showed that deceased, who was subject to epileptic fits, visited Torquay with his two daughters to have their photos taken. Deceased left his children at about 7 o'clock, and at 10.30 his body was found floating in the inner harbour by Mr J. F. Jenkins, who was prawning near the fish quay. It was conjectured that MARTIN, while waiting for the motor 'bus to Paignton, strolled around the Quay, was suddenly taken with a fit, and fell into the water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a recommendation to the Town Council to improve the lighting on the fish quay and keep the lights burning all night for the safety of the public.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 12 October 1905 TOPSHAM - Seaman Drowned At Topsham. Witnesses Fail To Appear. Inquest Further Adjourned. - Mr H. W. Gould resumed the adjourned Inquiry last evening at the Salutation Hotel, Topsham into the circumstances attending the death of URIAH (otherwise HUGH) WINTER, an able seaman and a member of the crew of the ketch Ada, from Bridgwater. The body of the deceased, who was a native of Highbridge, was found in the river Exe, near the dock at Topsham, on the evening of October 2nd. He was last seen in the neighbourhood of the dock by Martin Nurse, the captain of the ketch at 9.30 on the evening in question. This witness spoke to the deceased, and, judging from his speech, gave it as his opinion that the man was the worse for liquor. - In reply to the Coroner, it was stated that the captain of the vessel had left on the day following the first Inquiry. His name had been called, but he did not answer. - The Coroner, having read over the depositions of the witnesses as previously given, called William Brookes, the mate of the ketch, who said that about 7 o'clock on the morning following October 3rd he noticed a hat alongside the Ada. He did not know who it belonged to or how it came there, as no one came aboard that morning. He used the boat to go ashore, in company with the captain's brother, later the same morning. There was no conversation about the deceased. On the night of the 2nd October he heard the captain and his brother come aboard, but did not see their boat or hear them speak to anyone. Since the day after the first Inquiry he had not seen the captain or his brother. He had had a communication from the brother saying he should be at Topsham without fail either on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning. - It was stated that neither of the men had put in an appearance. - Superintendent Jesse (Deputy Chief Constable) said he had received a telegram from the Bridgwater Police saying the captain's brother had been warned to appear. - William James Norton, a Topsham fisherman, deposed to finding and recovering the body of the deceased from below the Pier at 4.30 p.m. on October 3rd The tide was very low at the time. - The Coroner: What do you think was the state of the tide on the evening of the 2nd? - It would be high water at 9.15. - And what would be the depth of the water at that time at the pier-head? - About eight or eight and a half feet. - By Superintendent Jesse: The pier steps were covered with iron. - Dr J. N. Frood, who made an examination of the body on the evening of October 3rd, said externally it presented the appearance of death from drowning. There was one abrasion above and one below the left eye. These might have been caused by a blow from a fist or stick, or by falling on some hard substance. - By Superintendent Jesse: These abrasions might possibly have been caused by falling on the pier steps, but he did not think this probable. - Dr Thomas Englehart Amyot, who is acting as locum tenens to the last witness, stated that he had made a post mortem examination and agreed with Dr Frood as to what he had said about the abrasions. There was, in addition, a cut on the upper margin of the left ear, of recent origin, which might have been caused by a stick. In addition to the abrasions round the left eye he noticed bruises round the right eye. Both were the results, he thought, of blows. Everything was consistent with death from drowning. The blows which caused the abrasions were undoubtedly sufficiently hard to cause insensibility. - At this juncture messengers were sent to try to discover the captain of the ketch and his brother. They, however, returned without having found the men. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said the captain of the ketch was warned , as they knew, on the last occasion to be present that day, and they had also heard of his subsequent promise to be there. In the meantime his brother had been warned to appear. Neither of them were there. Therefore, it would be necessary to further adjourn the Inquest in order to bring them there by compulsion. Not only were they guilty of contempt of Court by not appearing that day, but he felt that their evidence was necessary for the purpose of the Inquiry and that it must be obtained. He was sorry to put the Jury to inconvenience, but he was sure all wished to have this evidence. - The Jury (collectively): Yes. - Monday next, at 3 o'clock, was fixed at the date upon which to hold the adjourned inquiry. - Mr W. E. Batt (for Mr W. H. Tarbet of Exeter) attended to watch the proceedings on behalf of the landlord of the Steam Packet Inn, the house visited by the deceased on October 2nd. - Judging by the number of people who had gathered outside the Hotel, the inhabitants of the town are taking great interest in the proceedings.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 13 October 1905
LUSTLEIGH - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest in the Parish Room on the body of ALBERT NOSWORTHY, of Manstone, who was found dead in the dining room. Mr C. G. Wills, of Newton Abbot, identified the body as that of his cousin, a retired farmer, 65 years of age. Deceased had complained of sciatica. Mrs Cooke, Hills Haye, deposed to deceased stating that he was in pain. Kate Morecombe gave evidence as to finding deceased lying on the floor with a broken candlestick by his side. Dr Laurie said he found there was slight haemorrhage of the brain. Deceased was wearing a scarf which would help to produce suffocation. The Jury found that deceased came by his death through Suffocation caused Accidentally by his neck scarf while he was in an insensible condition brought on by haemorrhage of the brain.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 October 1905
TOPSHAM - The inquiry into the circumstances of the death of the seaman WINTER, who was drowned at Topsham, has at last been concluded. The deceased was first missed on the night of October 2nd, and on the following evening his body was recovered near the lock. Very little definite evidence was forthcoming at the ensuing Inquest as to the movements of WINTER on the 2nd inst. Martin Nurse, the captain of deceased's vessel, gave his evidence very reluctantly. The Inquest was then adjourned for the attendance of the captain's brother, who it was thought might throw some light on the occurrence. At the adjourned inquiry neither the captain, who was with the deceased during part of the day, nor his brother put in an appearance. - Warrants were accordingly issued for their arrest and they were brought before the Coroner yesterday. The captain at first stated that he would not answer any further questions, but later changed his mind. His evidence was of little use in elucidating the mystery. His brother stated that he was too drunk to remember what happened during the latter part of the day. The Coroner and Jury both expressed themselves as dissatisfied with the evidence given by the captain. An Open Verdict was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 18 October 1905
WASHFIELD - The Tragic Affair Near Tiverton. A Major's Sad End. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Beauchamp Hall, Washfield, near Tiverton, yesterday, on the body of MAJOR ARTHUR HUGHES BLAXLAND, retired from the Royal Marine Light Infantry, aged 59 years, who was found dead in his dressing-room early on Sunday morning by his wife. - The Rev. C. Hesketh Knowlys was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS KATE ANNA BLAXLAND said she last saw her husband alive about 9 o'clock on Saturday night. He came into the drawing-room and seemed very much upset because they had had supper before his arrival. He frequently became upset at the most trifling thing and "lost his head." Deceased left the drawing-room. Subsequently he went upstairs and she (witness) heard a slight noise, but only thought that the servant must have knocked against something. She did not associate the noise she heard with the report of a gun. She (witness) went to bed, and, waking up about 3 o'clock, discovered that the light was still burning and that her husband had not gone to bed. Witness went to deceased's dressing-room and on getting inside said, "ARTHUR, where are you? Why don't you come to bed?" There was no response. She found him lying on the floor. She touched him, and as he was cold she at once arrived at the conclusion that something terrible had happened. She immediately raised an alarm. Questioned by the Coroner as to whether deceased had ever mentioned anything about suicide, witness said that once last summer, when in one of his fits of temper, deceased asked her whether he should cut his throat. She replied that there was another side to be considered besides that. - Dr Pollock, of Tiverton, said he arrived at Beauchamp Hall about 4.15 a.m. on Sunday morning, and on going to deceased's dressing-room found him lying face downwards near the dressing table. There was a quantity of blood on the floor. Underneath the body was the double-barrelled gun (produced) and in the left-hand barrel was an exploded cartridge. There was no cartridge in the right-hand barrel. there was a piece of string attached to the left-hand trigger. Deceased's skull was burst open and the brains were protruding. The wounds were quite consistent with having been self-inflicted. - The Coroner remarked that he did not know whether the Jury desired to hear further evidence. If they did so other members of the family could be called. - The Jury decided that further evidence was unnecessary. The Foreman remarked that they had known MAJOR BLAXLAND for some years and had noticed with regret that of late he had become strange in his mind. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" having been returned, a vote of sympathy was passed with the widow and members of the family in their trouble.

EXETER - Nurse's Sad Death At Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of EMMALINE MOREY HUTCHINGS, a nurse, employed by the Rev. E. Kingsford. - WILLIAM HUTCHINGS of 5 Brunswick-place, Paris-street, identified the body as that of his eldest daughter. She was 24 years of age. - Alice Shell stated that deceased ran upstairs for some biscuits and when she returned she said she had tripped and complained of being in dreadful pain. She subsequently went to bed. Deceased was always complaining of pains, especially after meals. - Jessie Kingsford, wife of the Rev. E. Kingsford, said deceased complained of having a bad pain in her side and witness advised her to go to bed. On Friday morning witness heard deceased groaning and Dr Dyball was telephoned for. Deceased was afterwards removed to the Hospital. - Ronald Leslie Ferguson, Surgeon at the Hospital, said an operation was performed on her, but she died on Sunday morning. Death was due to blood poisoning probably caused by the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, due to an Abscess."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 19 October 1905
TAVISTOCK - At the Tavistock Workhouse yesterday Mr Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of SAMUEL LANE, a tramp, aged 61. P.C. Mair stated that deceased applied at the Police Station for a ticket of admittance to the Workhouse on Saturday evening stating that he had come from Plympton, was going to Okehampton and was a native of Clapham. Frank Lang, porter, stated that the deceased took all his meals on Sunday and Monday and broke six cwt. of stone by 3 o'clock on Monday without any apparent fatigue. Witness found him dead in his hammock at about 7.30 on Tuesday morning. Dr Smith attributed death to heart disease. The Jury, of whom Sergeant-Major Bowles was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 October 1905
BRAUNTON - An Inquest has been held on the body of ALICE MAUD KIFFT, who was found drowned. The body was discovered in the River Caen in about 18 inches of water. Deceased left a letter at her home stating her intention to drown herself, and saying she could not go to bed another night as she was ill and did not know what was the matter with her. She felt something dreadful was going to happen to her. She was only a worry to everyone around her, but hoped her "poor old father and mother" would not be upset. They must not think that a "chap" was worrying her; no "chap" would make her take her life. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

BARNSTAPLE - An Inquest has been held at Barnstaple on the body of ANNE COTTLE, aged 68. Evidence was given by Mrs Shapland (daughter), L.-Corpl P.C. Allan (Royal Army Medical Corps), Dr Cooper and P.C. Gooding to the effect that deceased was driving home with a pony and cart on Monday afternoon, and when near the Hotel, at the bottom of High-street, Barnstaple, she was noticed to be leaning forward. She was taken from the cart into a shop, where she expired. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, deceased having suffered from asthma and heart disease.

SWIMBRIDGE - An Inquest was held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, at Herscott Farm, on the body of a domestic servant (who had been employed by Mr Walton on the farm) named ANNIE SMALE, aged 22, whose father lives at Newton Tracey. Deceased was milking a cow on Saturday in a linhay and, becoming ill, was taken indoors, where she died not long afterwards. She informed Miss Walton that she had been kicked by a cow, but there was no mark on the body to indicate a blow. In accordance with the evidence of Dr Jonas, of Barnstaple, who was unable to certify the cause of death before a post-mortem examination, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" (viz., heart disease) was returned by a Jury.

SOUTH MOLTON - A Southmolton Sensation. Alleged Concealment Of Birth. Body Found In A Box. - An event which has created some excitement at Southmolton was Inquired into last evening by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, and a Jury, of whom the Foreman was Mr Poole, at the Guildhall. The Inquiry was into the death of a female infant, unnamed, the child of a young woman named MARY CLARKE, a domestic servant at the George Hotel, and whose home is supposed to be at South Brent. - Harriet Wigmore, manageress at the George Hotel, said that her suspicions were somewhat aroused as to the state of CLARKE'S health, owing to her not getting up on Wednesday morning. Witness went up to the bedroom and questioned her, but CLARKE said she was all right, only she had a cold Witness said she should send for a doctor, but CLARKE asked her not to, adding that she would go home if she were allowed to. Witness, however, sent for Dr Smyth. - Ellen Jewell, waitress at the Hotel, who slept in the same bedroom as CLARKE, said she had heard no unusual sounds during Tuesday night. She got up at 6 o'clock the next morning, but CLARKE did not get up as she said she did not feel very well and she asked witness to tell the mistress. - Cross-examined by Superintendent Crooke, witness said a tin box, belonging to CLARKE, was in the bedroom at the other end of the room from the bed. CLARKE could not put anything into the box without getting out of the bed. - Dr Smyth stated that CLARKE admitted to him she had been confined. He asked her if the infant was born alive and she said no, but she thought it moved a little. She added that it was in a tin box near the door, and there he found the dead body of a female child, wrapped in an old skirt. He had that day made a post-mortem examination of the body and found that the child had breathed. It was a premature birth. He could not say the child had had a separate existence. - In answer to the Coroner, Dr Smyth said it was certainly not a case of strangulation. - Cross-examined by Superintendent Crooke as to his opinion of the cause of death, Dr Smyth attributed it to premature birth. - The Coroner summed up saying that the evidence clearly showed that the child had not had a separate existence. If it had, they would be bound to return a verdict of "Wilful Murder " against the mother. But, under the circumstances of the evidence produced, the verdict should be that the child was found dead. - The Jury returned a verdict that the child had had no separate existence and that it was Found Dead.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 October 1905
EXMOUTH - The Exmouth Tragedy. Financial Difficulties. - Yesterday at the Rolle Hotel, Exmouth, Mr C. E. Cox, District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of FREDERICK ANDREW SOUTHWELL, 39, coal dealer, of Exmouth, whose dead body was found in a field at Exmouth on Saturday afternoon. Deceased's throat was cut and he had a razor tightly clasped in his hand. - SAMUEL PETER SOUTHWELL, printer's overseer and brother of the deceased, gave evidence of identification. He said his brother had always been connected with his mother's coal-dealing business and had undertaken the management of the business since his father's death. Neither he nor any of his family was aware that deceased was in any financial difficulties. Witness had lately seen the deceased between two and three times a day. He last saw him alive at midday on Friday in their mother's house, having dinner. He spoke to deceased, but did not notice that he was depressed in spirits. He had been unwell for about a week, complained of pains in his head and was, apparently, suffering from influenza. - MRS ROSE SOUTHWELL, wife of the deceased, said she last saw him alive about seven o'clock on Saturday morning. Deceased got up early and explained he wanted to see someone. While he was dressing she noticed that he was putting on his collar. She remarked that he ought to wear his muffler until he came back, but he replied that he might as well dress, as he was going out. When he got downstairs he called up to her that if a man named Back arrived before he returned instructions for him would be found lying on the table. On getting up, she noticed that deceased's bicycle had gone, and, thinking he would shortly return, she made a cup of tea. He did not come back. He had not a razor of his own, but had been in the habit of borrowing one from Mr Gard, and sometimes from Mr Pope. Deceased had not been very well of late and she had advised him to see a doctor, but he told her she worried too much about him. Three months ago they lost an infant, this naturally caused them to grieve. - Arthur T. Pope, accountant of 1 Imperial-road, Exmouth, said he was well acquainted with the deceased, who had been in the habit of borrowing a razor from him on Sundays. - On Saturday morning, about 7.15 he heard his son talking to someone downstairs. A minute later his son came up and said MR SOUTHWELL wanted to borrow his razor. While his son was asking him for it deceased shouted, "It's all right, Arthur," and witness' son then gave him the razor and a brush. After deceased had gone witness remarked to his wife that it was rather strange he should come on a Saturday morning for the razor. - Arthur T. Pope, son of the last witness, said that when he saw the deceased he thought he looked pale. - Wallace Gibbings, dairyman, of Albion-street, deposed to seeing the deceased riding a bicycle in Exeter-road, at 7.30 on Saturday morning and to speaking to him. About 3.30 in the afternoon he was milking cows in a shed in a field at Halsdon-cross. He sent a lad, who was with him, over to two ricks on the field to get some hay, but the boy returned saying a man was lying there. Witness went to the spot and found the man lying between the ricks. He touched the body and found it was stiff. As there was a lot of blood about, he communicated with the Police. - Henry Manning, cattle dealer, Withycombe, said he saw a bicycle leaning against the hedge in the road, about a gun-shot from where deceased was found, at 10.30 on Saturday morning. - P.S. Staddon spoke of going to the spot, accompanied by P.C. Bawden. The body was lying on the right side. On turning it over he recognised the deceased. There was a terrible cut in the throat and as the body was quite stiff he concluded death had taken place some hours previously. His pipe was lying near his head and he had his left glove on, but the right was off. The razor, produced, was clasped in his hand. On searching the body he found unpaid bills amounting to £147 17s. 6d. There was 2 ¼d. in cash. - A Juror: That's not much for a man in business. - Dr Thomas, who examined the body, said the throat wound was self-inflicted. One of the ricks was covered with blood, and deceased must have cut his throat while standing. The haemorrhage resulting from the wound was the immediate cause of death. - The Jury, of which Mr Webber was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

EXETER - Exeter Visitor's Sudden Death. Body Found In A Bath. - Mr W. Linford Brown conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Station yesterday respecting the death of ROBERT FINNEY, an elderly gentleman, who had been staying at the Rougemont Hotel and whose death occurred suddenly on Saturday evening. Mr John Kemp, barrister, of Onslow Square, London, identified the body as that of his uncle, MR ROBERT FINNEY, who was 78 years of age. Deceased was a retired member of the firm of Finney and Company, South American merchants. Since he retired in 1871 he had not lived in a fixed residence. He last saw the deceased about 18 months ago. He considered the deceased for his age, enjoyed generally good health. Deceased used to do a good deal of walking. - Elizabeth Short, chambermaid at the Rougemont Hotel, said she remembered the deceased coming to the Hotel. On Saturday, at about 2 o'clock, he was lying on the couch when she went to make the fire up. He told her he felt giddy and, at his request, a cup of tea was brought to him. - Ethel Price, also a chambermaid at the Hotel, said deceased ordered a hot bath for 8 o'clock. He dined at 7. He wished her "Good night," and asked her to call him at 8.30 next morning. Deceased seemed tired but made no complaint. - John Roseveare, night porter at the Hotel, said he went at about midnight on Saturday to put out a light which he noticed n the bathroom. He found deceased lying in the water in the bath. Life was extinct, the body being stiff. He communicated with the manageress and then telephoned for the doctor. - Dr John Miller, M.R.C.S., deposed to finding the body "curled up" in the bath under water. The bath was about two-thirds full and the water was warm. He examined the body and found a large abrasion on the left shoulder. As the result of a post-mortem examination he found the actual cause of death was asphyxia by drowning. The heart was fatty and feeble and there was extensive disease of one kidney and the stomach. He considered that getting into a hot bath directly after his meal caused deceased to feel queer. In attempting to get out of the bath he must have struck his shoulder and caused the bruise. He then, he thought, fainted and was drowned. He had been dead four hours when found. - Acting-Sergeant Lewis deposed to finding a card in deceased's coat pocket, containing directions that, in the event of his death, his nephews (whose addressed were given) should be communicated with by telegraph. - The Coroner said it seemed a wise and natural thing that the deceased, considering his age, and knowing that he was liable to fie suddenly, should leave behind him such directions. - Mr S. Lock, secretary of the Rougemont Hotel Company, expressed, on behalf of the directors, regret at the sad event, and conveyed their sympathy to the relatives. - Mr Kemp acknowledged these remarks, adding that he did not think blame was due to anyone. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 27 October 1905
EXETER - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest yesterday on MRS MARY HEYWARD, of No. 9 Ebrington-terrace, St. Thomas, Exeter, who slipped and fell downstairs on Wednesday and broke her neck.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 30 October 1905
BIDEFORD - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," was returned at the Inquest on WILLIAM THOMPSON, of Bideford, aged 71, a pensioned head-keeper from the employ of the late Sir George Stucley. the deceased suffered great pain and depression owing to failing eyesight He had apparently cut his throat with a razor and then slid down a bank into water known as Salt Marsh, where he was found standing almost erect. The Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 3 November 1905
EXETER - Death From Burns. A Fatal Night's Lodge. - At the City Workhouse, Exeter, last evening, Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of WILLIAM GRAY, aged 45 years, of Exeter, and formerly a brick-maker, who died in the Workhouse Infirmary on October 31st, where he was being treated for burns. - Robert Mathias, porter at the Workhouse, said deceased went to the Institution and complained of his arms. At first he said he fell in Paris-street, but subsequently admitted that he spent the night in Messrs. Hancock's brickyard and that he got burnt. - Albert Cook, a stoker, in the employ of Messrs. Hancock, brick and tile manufacturers, deposed to allowing deceased, who was drunk, to lie down in a brick chamber for the night. The bricks in the chamber were not very hot, but there were some hot ashes. - Dr Pereira said deceased was suffering from extensive burns, chiefly on the left forearm. The right elbow was burnt almost to the bone. Death was, in his opinion, attributable to blood poisoning, caused by the burns. - Cook, recalled, said it was a usual thing for men to come to the brickyard to lie down. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure." - One Juryman suggested as to whether a rider should be added that men be not allowed to lie down in the brickyard, but nothing was done.

EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Station yesterday relative to the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM ALEXANDER HOYTE. PERCY HOYTE, of North-avenue, Heavitree, identified the body of deceased as that of his father, who was a retired draper and aged 53. Deceased had for some time suffered from heart attacks and had several times fallen down. Mrs Crocker stated that deceased came to her house in East John-street the previous day. He called witness and then fell down and died almost immediately. James Wolfe, Surgeon, deposed to having examined the body. In his opinion death was due to syncope, following on heart disease. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 November 1905
EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at No. 8 Mount Dinham Free Cottages, St David's, Exeter, concerning the death of JOHN JOSEPH ROBERTS, aged 72, who died suddenly at about 1 o'clock on Saturday morning. KATE ROBERTS, deceased's daughter, stated that at about midnight on Friday she was attracted to her father's room by his heavy breathing. She made a poultice for him, but before it was ready her father had died. Deceased had suffered from heart disease. Dr Domville said death was due to syncope. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 9 November 1905
ABBOTSKERSWELL - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held upon the body of JOHN JEPHSON, 80 years of age, of Kingskerswell, who was found dead in the road at Abbotskerswell.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 November 1905
KENN - Kenn Waggoner's Fatal Fall. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Kenn yesterday on the body of LOUIS RICHARD WARREN, aged 38, waggoner, of Lower Thornton Cottage, Kenn. - EPHRAIM WARREN, farmer, of Ideford, identified the body. - Edward Mann, labourer, of Kennford Farm, said that on the 9th inst. deceased, who was in the employ of Mr Davies of Thornton Farm, was driving a waggon loaded with wheat, drawn by two horses. The deceased fell and two wheels of the waggon passed over his body. Witness could not suggest any reason for the deceased's fall. The horses were steady. - Thomas Webber, labourer, corroborated. - Mr Mark Farrant, Surgeon, of St. Thomas, said that deceased had several injuries about the face and head, and his skull was fractured. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - The Dangers Of Buckthorne. An Exeter Child's Death. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Station yesterday into the death of MARTHA CHARLOTTE CAME. - SUSAN CAME, of Albert-place, Rack-street, identified the body as that of her daughter, aged two months. Witness got up during Wednesday night and on waking up the next morning found the child dead by her side. She had administered buckthorne to the child. - Mr G. Clapp, Surgeon, deposed to finding the child dead when he arrived. In his opinion death was due to convulsions, caused by catarrh of the bowels owing to an overdose of buckthorne. Buckthorne was a very dangerous remedy to give a child of the age of deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death through Misadventure" and added that ignorance was shown on the part of the mother.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 13 November 1905
NEWTON POPPLEFORD - Mr W. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest at Newton Poppleford concerning the death of WILLIAM PRING, aged 70, a native of the village. The deceased was seen to fall in the main street, but on being placed on his feet said he was quite well and walked home. He then partook of tea, but dropped back in his seat and expired almost immediately. Medical evidence showed that death occurred during an apoplectic seizure, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 November 1905
MARYSTOWE - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on the body of JOHN MARTIN, aged 28, a groom in the employ of the Hon. Mrs Tremayne, of Sydenham House, Marystowe. JOHN THOMAS MARTIN, a labourer, of Lawhitton, identified the body as that of his son. John Martin, steward to the Hon. Mrs Tremayne, stated that the deceased had been in her service for about six years. On October 28th he took two horses out for an airing, riding one and leading the other. The horses came back without him. The animal which the deceased was riding returned with one knee-cap torn off and the cap was found near the scene of the accident. He thought the horse must have stumbled and thrown the deceased over its head. the road was in very good order. Thomas Collins, groom and gardener, stated that he walked some distance beside the horses talking to the deceased before the accident, which, however, he did not witness. Stanley Farley, a youth, said that he was an assistant-gardener under the Hon. Mrs Tremayne. As the horses came back without the deceased he went to look for him, and found him lying by the side of the road. With witness's help he walked a few steps and then collapsed. Dr Smith stated that the injury was a fracture of the base of the skull. The deceased was getting better when pneumonia set in. Mr Martin said that the Hon. Mrs Tremayne felt this tragic occurrence very deeply. A more upright, straightforward and honest servant than deceased could not be found. The Coroner said that he and the Jury appreciated Mr Martin's remarks. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TAVISTOCK - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquiry on the body of the infant child of JOHN HENRY DOWN, of Market-street, Tavistock. The child was two months old and the evidence of Dr Brodrick showed that it died from convulsions. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 15 November 1905
EXETER - Burning Fatality At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter City Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Police Station last evening into the circumstances of the death of MISS LOUISA JANE LASKEY, of No. 17 Cecil-road, St Thomas. - Mr S. Archer, of Doddiscombsleigh, said the deceased was his aunt, and would have been 79 years of age today (Wednesday) had she lived. - Mrs E. Land, wife of Sidney Land, of No. 18 Cecil-road, said the deceased lived alone. Her health had been poor of late. On Tuesday, October 24th, the deceased called at witness's house just after 2 o'clock and left between 4 and 5, when witness took her indoors. She left her on the bed to have a little rest while her tea was being prepared in witness's house as usual. During preparation for tea witness was told by a neighbour that deceased was in the street "burning." Witness went to her, and, with assistance, got her inside her house, extinguished her burning clothes, put her to bed and dressed her injuries with linseed oil. Deceased said she did not wish for a doctor and did not seem at all frightened. She, however, had a doctor next morning. Deceased told her that she had been burning some "rubbish paper." There was some burnt paper in the fender of her room. - Mrs E. Woollacott and Mrs Adams, both of Cecil-road, who assisted the deceased into her house, corroborated. - Mr H. G. Tombs, Surgeon, said he had been attending the deceased since October 26th when he found her suffering from severe burns. She died on Monday as the result of shock and exhaustion consequent on the burns. - The Coroner observed that no doubt deceased's clothing caught fire while she was burning the paper. The neighbours seemed to have done everything possible for her. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 16 November 1905
NORTHAM - Burning Fatality At Appledore. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Appledore by Mr G. W. F. Brown (County Coroner) on the body of WILLIAM HENRY EASTMAN, aged three years, the son of WILLIAM GEORGE and SARAH EASTMAN. - The father said he left home between 6 and 7 o'clock on Monday morning, leaving his wife in bed and deceased also in bed in another room. He had been gone about ten minutes, when Captain Harris called him, stating that deceased was in flames. When witness got back the flames had been extinguished. Deceased was wearing flannelette. Witness lighted the fire before leaving. - Thomas Jewell deposed to being attracted to the house by hearing screams. As assistant was being rendered, witness ran for Dr Mence. - Dr Mence said deceased was terribly burned and death was due to shock, caused by the burns. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and gave MR EASTMAN their fees. - The Coroner commented on the folly of children being allowed to wear flannelette, which was an inflammable article.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 17 November 1905
BURLESCOMBE - Burlescombe Labourer's Sad Death. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Oak Inn, Westleigh, Burlescombe, yesterday, on the body of HENRY WILLIAM HOLLEY, labourer, aged 40 years, who was found dead in a lime kiln the previous day. - JOSEPH HOLLEY, of Uffculme, gave evidence of identification. - P.C. Jarman deposed to being attracted to the kiln by hearing groans. With the assistance of Henry Holland, he brought deceased to the surface. Witness had on one occasion ordered deceased away from the kiln. It was a nightly occurrence during the winter for men to sit round the ring of the kiln. Witness had repeatedly cautioned them. - Robert Stone of Westleigh, deposed to seeing deceased alive the previous evening and Mr N. B. Gregg, Surgeon, of Holcombe Rogus, gave evidence as to extensive burns deceased had sustained. The injuries were quite sufficient to cause death. There were also fumes from the kiln which produced asphyxia. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 20 November 1905
ZEAL MONACHORUM - Determined Suicide At Zeal Monachorum. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held by Mr F. Thomas, Deputy Coroner, at Stopgate Cottage, Zeal Monachorum on Saturday on the body of a woman named JANE CLEMENTS, whose dead body, suspended from a rope, was found in the cottage by her husband on Friday. Mr Thomas Hocking, Schoolmaster, was the Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was ABRAHAM CLEMENTS, the husband, who stated that he last saw his wife alive on Thursday morning at 6 o'clock, when he took a cup of tea to her before he started for his work. She then appeared as usual. When he returned from work in the evening he found the door locked, but, supposing his wife had gone to see her brother at Lapford, he walked about the road until midnight, and then went into a neighbour's house, where he slept. The next morning he went to Lapford to see if his wife was there, but they had not seen her. The brother and he went back to the cottage at nine o'clock and got in through the bedroom window. They found the body on the staircase. His wife appeared quite dead. They did not cut down the body, but went back to Lapford to report the matter to the Police. The officer was not at home, but they left a message at his house. - WILLIAM DREW, brother of the deceased, stated that his sister had been in ill-health for about six weeks. Last March she was thrown from a waggon and injured her hand and this preyed upon her mind, as she feared she would not get the use of it again. He corroborated the husband's evidence as to finding the body and going for the police. - P.C. Webber, of Lapford, stated that when he returned home and received the message left by the last witness, he went to Stopgate Cottage on Friday, reaching there at one o'clock. He found the body on the stairs as stated. The rope was fastened to the leg of the bedstead and the body was reclining on the stairs. He removed the rope and carried the body to the bedroom. - In summing up the evidence, the Coroner said he had had to caution people before about the false impression some people had that in a case of this kind the body ought not to be touched before the arrival of the Police. It was the duty of anyone in the circumstances to at once cut the body down, as then a life might be saved. In this case there was no question about the woman being dead when first seen. - A verdict of "Suicide during a fit of Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 21 November 1905
EXETER - The Sudden Death At Exeter. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court yesterday on the body of EMMA MARIA MUDGE, married, of No. 49, Coombe-street, Exeter, who died suddenly on Saturday evening. - JAMES CECIL MILLER MUDGE, iron moulder, of No. 2 Quay-hill, identified the body as that of his mother and the wife of a labourer named JOHN MUDGE. His mother was subject to fainting fits. Deceased's father and four of his brothers, witness understood, died suddenly. - Susan Squires, married, of 48 Coombe-street, said she went to the deceased's house about 6 o'clock on Saturday evening. She then seemed very well. Witness left her, but about 8 o'clock she was recalled to the deceased and found her in a faint. A doctor was immediately summoned. - MABEL MUDGE, daughter of the deceased, stated that her mother suddenly fell backwards while standing in front of the fire, and died without regaining consciousness. - Mr Harrison, Surgeon, said that a post mortem examination revealed the fact that the brain was very much congested and that there was a large clot of blood on the right side. To the coma resulting from this he attributed deceased's death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 23 November 1905
EXETER - The Death Of COLONEL COLQUHOUN, At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court yesterday on the body of COLONEL HUMPHREY MUNGO LAMONT COLQUHOUN, late of Daisy Mount, Polsloe-road, Heavitree, who was found dead in his bedroom on Monday. - Agnes Passmore, the deceased's cook, said the COLONEL was about 70 years of age. He was retired from the 77th (Middlesex) Regiment. For some time he had been complaining of pains in his chest and on Monday morning sent a note for Mr Wolfe, Surgeon. The doctor arrived in the afternoon and witness then went to call her master. She found him in the top bedroom, lying motionless on the floor. He had a stick in his hand with which he had apparently just shut the window. She at once ran down for the doctor. - Henry Short, photographer, of Sidwell-street, Exeter, said the deceased frequently complained of pains from a fall in which, some years previously, he had broken several ribs. - Mr J. F. Wolfe, of Heavitree, said the note he received from deceased stated that he was suffering from lung trouble. When the first witness called him upstairs he found the COLONEL was dead. As the result of a post mortem examination he found the organs of the body were all more or less in a state of congestion and there was evidence of pleurisy. The lungs were congested and the heart was suffering from fatty degeneration. He thought death was due to syncope and that it took place only about 15 or 20 minutes before he arrived. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 November 1905
LUPPITT - Burning Fatality At Luppitt. - An Inquest has been held at the Red Lion Inn, Luppitt, by Mr C. E. Cox on the body of MARTHA SPURWAY, aged 84. - SOLOMON SPURWAY, son, of Nynehead, Mr and Mrs Walter Wright, Mrs Hurford, Mr A. Summers, Dr Duncan, S. Perkins and Mr C. Wright were called as witnesses. It transpired from their evidence that the deceased had lived by herself in a cottage about eight or nine years, during which time she had been an almost helpless invalid, but had, without any remuneration whatever, been carefully looked after by Mrs Georgina Wright, a neighbour. On Saturday she got up as usual, but, not feeling well, went to bed about six o'clock. Mrs Wright went to her several times the last occasion being just after twelve o'clock midnight. At five o'clock on Sunday morning Mrs Wright got up with the intention of getting the deceased a cup of tea, but when she opened the door of the cottage she was unable to go farther than the stairs on account of smoke issuing from the bedroom. She ran back for her husband and also fetched Mr Summers, Mr C. Wright and Mrs Hurford, neighbours. These made an entrance to the bedroom through an outhouse and found deceased on her bed dead, and very badly burnt especially about her legs and feet. The fire was soon extinguished. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Suffocation, caused by the deceased Accidentally setting herself on Fire." - It is supposed that deceased got out of bed and that her nightdress became ignited through contact with a candle which was burning on a chair a short distance from the bed. The bed was burnt through the middle and a large hole was also burnt through the floor under it to the room below. - The Coroner, the doctor and the Foreman of the Jury expressed admiration of the kindness which had been shown to the deceased by Mrs Wright.

EXETER - The Fatal Fall At Exeter. Death Of A Crediton Man. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday concerning the death of ROBERT HUTCHINGS, shoemaker, of Paradise Green, Crediton. - Mr W. H. Tarbet appeared on behalf of the deceased's relatives. Chief-Inspector Dymond watched the case on behalf of the Police authorities. - WILLIAM HENRY HUTCHINGS of 36 Oxford-street, identified the body as that of his father, who was aged 65. Witness met the deceased at the Exeter Poultry Show at about seven o'clock in the evening. Witness afterwards missed deceased, but was subsequently called to him. Deceased was then at the bottom of the stairs in an unconscious condition. He was perfectly sober and was taken to the Hospital, but died without recovering consciousness. - William Albert Cornish, of Regent-street, St. Thomas, secretary of the Poultry Show, said he spoke to the deceased several times during the evening. At deceased's request witness directed him to the lavatory. Witness told him to go to the other end of the hall and turn to the left. There was a light burning in the lavatory. A door on the right hand side leading to the stairs was shut during the evening of the show. - Edward Jonas Copp, caretaker of the Royal Public Rooms, deposed to finding the deceased at the bottom of the stairs. A doctor was called and the deceased removed to the Hospital. - By Mr Tarbet: Witness saw the light in the lavatory a few minutes previous to finding the deceased. The approach to these doors was properly lighted. Anybody opening the door adjoining the lavatory and taking one step forward would fall over the steps. The public were not informed which door was the lavatory. There was no light at the bottom of the stairs. - Percy Henry Stirk, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased when brought to the Hospital was bleeding from the nose and ears and suffering from a fractured skull. He did not recover consciousness. Death, in witness's opinion, was due to fracture of the skull. - Philip Stiling also gave evidence. The Chief Constable of Exeter, Mr R. L. Williams, stated that he had examined the premises, which were licensed for music and dancing. His attention had never been called to the particular door in question. Witness made a suggestion that the door at the top of the stairs be kept locked and a sign put on the lavatory door. - The Jury, after having viewed the premises, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider to the effect that the staircase was an extremely dangerous one and that the door, which was nothing less than a "death-trap" should be properly secured.

HIGHWEEK - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest on JOHN WOOD, age 89, of Bradley-lane, Highweek, who was found by his wife, who was 78 years of age, lying on the floor of his house. He was removed to the Infirmary, but getting better was taken home, where he died from senile decay.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 November 1905
NEWTON ABBOT - At Newton Abbot an Inquest was held on EDITH AMELIA PERRY, infant daughter of JOHN DAVID PERRY, 3 Court, Wolborough-street, Newton The mother deposed to finding the child dead in bed. She took it to bed with her for warmth. A verdict of "Accidental Suffocation" was returned.

EXMOUTH - "Death from Failure of the Heart's Action" was the verdict returned by the Jury at an Inquest conducted on Saturday at Uplands, Portland Avenue, Exmouth, the residence of Miss Gibbons, to Inquire into the death of MRS JESSIE BAKER, who died suddenly at Uplands.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 4 December 1905
ILFRACOMBE - An Inquest was held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, at the Tyrrel Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on Saturday morning, on the body of a child, three months old named GORDON VICTOR WHITE. - ANNIE ROSINA WHITE, mother of the child, said that on Thursday morning the child appeared to have a cold and the grandmother put him in a hot bath and rubbed in embrocation. The child slept until midnight and was then very hot and afterwards clammy cold. During the night he grew worse and died just before 7 a.m. - Dr Kettlewell said he had held a post mortem examination and came to the conclusion that the cause of death was bronchial pneumonia. - The Coroner, summed up and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 7 December 1905



BARNSTAPLE - Suicide At Barnstaple. - An Inquest was held last evening by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, at the house of the MISSES JERVIS, milliners and dressmakers, The Square, Barnstaple, on the body of MISS MARGARET CANN JERVIS, 60 years of age, who had been found dead in her bedroom the day before. - The medical evidence was to the effect that deceased had taken oxalic acid, which had caused her death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" and added a rider that they were of opinion that oxalic acid should be added to the list of scheduled poisons, the buyers of which have to be noted.

TOTNES - Mr George F. Kellock held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM FARLEY, 65 years of age, who was found drowned in the mill leat. WILLIAM R. FARLEY (son) identified the body as that of his father. Dr H. S. Johnson deposed that death was due to drowning. There were no marks of violence, and the body was well nourished. An Open Verdict that deceased was Found Drowned was passed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 8 December 1905
UFFCULME - At an Inquest held at Pile Moor Cottages concerning the death of the infant child of ALBERT and MARY CAVILL, evidence was to the effect that the deceased was suffocated while sleeping with its parents. A verdict in accordance was passed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 11 December 1905
MILTON ABBOT - The Milton Abbot Murders. The Inquest. The Accused Man Present. A Letter Of Confession. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the Reading Room, Milton Abbot, on Saturday on the bodies of ANNIE SARAH MASTERS, aged 35, and her child, IVY, aged 11 months, whom JOHN PATRICK MURPHY, her brother, an ex-soldier, has been charged with murdering. The accused was conveyed from Tavistock to Milton Abbot in the custody of Captain Gordon (Superintendent of Police) and P.C. Mair. He seemed quite indifferent throughout the proceedings. Mr R. Rowe, J.P. (Chairman of the Tavistock Rural District Council) was Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner said they had met to Inquire into a tragedy which had shocked the whole county. He sincerely sympathised with the Vicar and the inhabitants of Milton Abbot that the quiet little village should have been the scene of such a terrible affair. The accused was alleged to have confessed that he killed his sister, with whom he had been living, and her little daughter. If, after hearing and carefully considering the evidence, the Jury found that that was so, it would be their duty, of course, to return a verdict of wilful murder. It was no part of their duty to ascertain the state of MURPHY'S mind at the time that it was stated he committed the act. It would be for the Judge and Jury at the Assize to consider and determine that. No doubt medical observations would be made during the time that he was in gaol awaiting his trial, and a report, if necessary, would be made to the Court as to whether he was sane or not. - The Coroner and Jury then viewed the bodies, which lay together in a coffin in the room in which the woman was murdered. - JOSEPH MURPHY, who until lately was a bandsman in the 2nd Rifle Brigade, deposed that he was living for the time at Exeter. The deceased, his sister, was the wife of JOHN MASTERS, who was an inmate of the Exminster Asylum. He had been a stoker in the Navy. At the time that he was removed to the Asylum he was a general labourer. On Thursday witness received the following telegram from his brother, "Come to Milton Abbot at once. ANNIE and the child have passed away. J.P. MURPHY." Subsequently he received through the post the following letter from his brother:- "My dear Brother, - Just a few lines to let you know I had a letter from Mr Rundle (the Duke of Bedford's steward) saying he could not take on single men. I have also tried for warder in the Asylum, but could not get a job anywhere. It is our bad luck. Dear JOE, please to come to Milton Abbot at once. Dear JOE, it has worried me so much, but I am sorry to say I have killed poor ANNIE and the baby. I could not bear to see them without money and poor ANNIE, dear girl, has suffered a lot with one thing and another, but, thank God, she has gone to a better land, where there is no trouble. Poor ANNIE, she married a rogue and a rascal. She ought to have married better. It has caused us our trouble. So, dear JOE, come to Milton at once and bury poor ANNIE and her dear baby. Dear JOE, I am just going up to give myself up to the Policeman. Dear brother, I could have roughed it myself, but poor ANNIE and her dear baby would starve rather than ask for anything to eat. Her last words were, We shall meet in Heaven.' So good-bye, - J. MURPHY." - Witness continued that on his way to Milton Abbot on Thursday he met his brother in the custody of the Police. He told witness that he had killed ANNIE and the baby. - Dr Thomas Smyth, of Tavistock, stated that on Thursday, at 1.30, he was called to the house and found the woman and her baby with their throats cut. As the result of a post-mortem examination he found a wound on the right side of the woman's neck four inches long, almost severing the interior jugular vein. On the left thumb there was an incised wound opening the first joint. There was also a wound on the right hand middle finger, extending down to the bone. Her clothes were saturated with blood. IVY MASTERS had an incised wound of three and a half inches long in the neck, almost severing the head from the body. He thought that in each instance death was almost instantaneous. The cuts on the hands would indicate that the woman had tried to protect herself. He saw no evidence of want in the home, which was comfortably furnished and there was plenty of food. The wound was likely to have been caused by a sharp instrument such as a razor. - Sidney Davey, a postman, living at Milton Abbot, stated that about 7.30 on Thursday morning he delivered a letter to the deceased woman for her brother, J. MURPHY. The deceased came down partly dressed, and took the letter from him. She partially opened the door and he noticed that she was in her nightdress. Later in the morning he went, with others, to the house and found the woman and child with their throats cut. - Eliza Jane Trise deposed that she lived four houses away from the MURPHYS. On Thursday morning, about 8 o'clock, she heard a row, and, looking out of her door, saw MR MURPHY dragging the deceased in to the house. She could not see how the deceased was dressed, or whether the man had an instrument in his hand, as it was hardly light. She did not attach much significance to the matter as there had been frequent quarrels in the house of late. - By the Superintendent: I heard her crying out "JOHN, JOHN!" - Elizabeth Croote said she lived next door to the parties. About 8 o'clock on Thursday morning she heard the deceased screaming "Oh, JOHN, JOHN!" and then everything became suddenly quiet. She had often heard quarrels between them, which, however, had only lasted a minute or two. About an hour later MURPHY came to her house and wished her "Good morning." Thinking he was looking depressed, she asked him to have a cup of tea, which he did. He said he had received a letter saying he could not have work, and that he was thinking about poor ANNIE and her little child: that he would like to get work and keep a home for her. Witness told him that something would turn up. He thanked her very much for the tea, and went away. As far as she had seen he was always kind to his sister. He was a very steady man. - By the Superintendent: I have heard quarrels between them once or twice. The cry, "JOHN, JOHN, " was a cry of distress, but similar to what I have heard before. - By the Coroner: It was a scream and I hastened downstairs, but heard no more. - Elizabeth Ann Masters, a young girl, of the village, stated that shortly before 10 o'clock on Thursday morning she was hanging up clothes when MURPHY came along and said he had received a letter from the Bedford office stating that there was no vacancy for him. She replied: "Well, never mind, something will turn up soon." He said it was awfully hard, as it was two months ago that he had tried for a place. He asked her for a match and she told him to go into the house and help himself. She went inside and he again complained of want of work, saying that he did not mind it for himself, but he was thinking of ANNIE and the baby. He was smoking a cigarette. He turned to her and said, "What would you do if you had a murder in your house, Liz?" She asked, "What do you mean, JACK?" He answered: "I have murdered poor sister and the baby." She said, "You have not, JACK, have you?" She became frightened, caught hold of a child that was with her, and rushed into Mrs Yeo's house. the accused knocked at the door, but they had bolted it and watching through the window saw him go away. After he had said he had murdered his sister and her child witness looked at him and thought that he appeared strange. - Joseph George Spicer, postmaster at Milton Abbot stated that at 10.30 the accused came in and purchased a penny stamp. About 11 o'clock he entered the office again, and said; "I want to give myself up to you for murdering my sister. I have been over to Mr Trigger's (the Constable), and he is not at home." Witness went to the Constable's, but, finding he was not home, returned to the Post Officer and wired to the Tavistock Police. About 11.30 MURPHY asked to be allowed to send a telegram, saying he had no money. Witness said he would pay for it. The telegram ran: "Come at once to Milton Abbot. Dear ANNIE and the baby have passed away." - The Rev. H. M. Petty, vicar of Milton Abbot, deposed that on Thursday, at about 11 o'clock, from what he had heard, he went to the house of the deceased and knocked at the door Receiving no answer, and finding the door locked, he borrowed Mrs Coate's key, which would not fit. He then, with assistance, forced the door open and found MRS MASTERS lying on the floor with her throat cut. She was partly dressed. The head and upper portion of the body were covered with a coloured tablecloth. He went to the Post Office where he saw MURPHY, and said "Do you know what an awful thing you have done? Whatever made you do it?" He replied that he could get no work and he could not bear to see his sister starve. Witness asked where the child was. The man replied "Upstairs." Witness then went back to the cottage and found the little thing with its throat cut. The accused had not said that he had injured the child, and handed the key of the cottage voluntarily to witness. He had understood that the family were doing fairly well. There were other pensioners in the parish and he thought that the accused had, like some of the others, enough to keep him and his sister. The place looked clean and nice and there was plenty of food. He seemed strange in his manner, but did not appear to be so much agitated as the rest of them. He might have been suffering from suppressed excitement. They kept him quiet and gave him some tea. The deceased married a man who, owing to his weakness and eccentricities, was not able to maintain her. He knew that the brothers had been very good to their sister for years: in fact, he regarded them as a father in that respect. They gave as much as they could and more than might be expected to keep her in the house. JOHN was fond of his sister and very fond of the child. He was always very quiet and steady in the village. Perhaps he might have consulted witness about his difficulties, but there was a difference of religious persuasion between them, the accused being a Roman Catholic. - Sergeant Ball, of Lifton, produced a razor with blood upon it which he found near the bed on which the child was murdered. He also found the following letter:- December 6th, 1905. From H. Blatchford, Bedford Yard Office, Tavistock. To MR J. MURPHY, Milton Abbot. Dear Sir. - In reply to your application for work, Mr Rundle directs me to say that at present he can only take on married men with families. Yours truly. H. Blatchford. - Witness produced blood-marked socks, waistcoat and stationery which he found in the cottage on Friday. - P.C. Mair, stationed at Tavistock, said when he charged the prisoner with Wilful Murder he said, "Yes; all right." He searched him and found upon him a half-penny and some cigarettes. He made the following statement, voluntarily, after being cautioned by witness: - I left H.M. Service (Army) about five months ago and have been trying to get work ever since. I have applied at Whitehall, London, as a warder and at Exminster Asylum as an attendant. I also applied to Mr Rundle and Mr Blatchford, of the Bedford Estate, for employment. This morning I received a letter saying that there was no chance of work on the estate for single men. I felt disheartened at not being able to get employment and when my sister saw the letter and commenced crying to me I thought it better to put an end to it. I could not stand it. About a quarter to nine I look my razor and cut her throat and then cut the throat of the child." Between Milton Abbot and Lamerton on the way to Tavistock they met prisoner's brother, JOSEPH. Witness cautioned both brothers when the vehicle had been brought to a standstill. JOSEPH said, "JACK, whatever have you done?" The prisoner replied, "I have killed ANNIE and IVY, JOE. I thought they were better out of it." JOSEPH told him that he should not have done so and walked away. Prisoner had on three shirts and the middle one was covered with blood. - This being the evidence, the Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder," and the Coroner committed accused to take his trial at the Assize. - On reaching Tavistock the prisoner was formally further remanded by Mr W. Snell, J.P., until Wednesday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 12 December 1905
NEWTON ABBOT - At Newton Abbot yesterday, an Inquest was held on ELIZABETH ADAMS, 19 Highweek-street, who was found dead in bed on Sunday morning, having retired to rest the previous evening apparently in good health. Dr Culross stated that deceased, who was 85 years of age, suffered from a weak heart, and a verdict of Death from Syncope was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 13 December 1905
COLYTON - At an Inquest held yesterday at Colyton by Mr C. E. Cox, District Coroner, on the body of REUBEN LOVE, a gipsy, a verdict of Death from Pneumonia was returned. Deceased was found dead in his van.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 14 December 1905
LYNMOUTH - Sudden Death At Lynmouth. - The cause of the death of a very old inhabitant of Lynmouth was yesterday Inquired into by the County Coroner, Mr G. F. W. Brown, at the Rising Sun Inn. MISS FANNY KNIGHT, who was 84 years of age, resided at Sea Breeze Cottage. The old lady had been somewhat indisposed for a few days, but nothing serious was anticipated when she retired to rest on Sunday night. At eight o'clock the next morning Miss Vellacott, who lived with the deceased, went to deceased's room and found her breathing heavily. She administered such restoratives as she could think of, but the old lady died before medical assistance was procured. - When Dr Atkinson of Lynton, came he could only pronounced life extinct. A post-mortem examination was subsequently made, when it was found that death was due to bronchitis. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 December 1905
EXMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Public Hall, Exmouth, yesterday by Mr C. E. Cox on the body of an Army pensioner, named JOHN HILL, aged 71, who died suddenly on Tuesday morning at his lodgings in Pound-street. The evidence of Dr Stanley Thomas showed that deceased had suffered from pleurisy and a weak heart and died from syncope as a result of the two complaints. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly. The deceased was a Crimean veteran.

EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of AMOS TOLLY, 73, of Crediton. Deceased was suddenly taken ill on Tuesday while in Queen-street, Exeter, and died later in the Hospital. Richard Clements identified the body as that of his father-in-law, a retired railway stationmaster. Deceased had suffered from heart trouble and his health had been failing for some time. Richard Soper spoke to seeing the deceased fall. He was removed to the Hospital by P.C. White. Mr Stirk, House Surgeon, attributed death to the breaking of a blood vessel, which prevented natural action of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 December 1905
EXETER - Exeter Clergyman's Sad End. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday on the body of the REV. THOMAS COWELL HARVEY, who the day before yesterday jumped into the Exe and died from the effects of the immersion. - MR JACOB EMELYN HARVEY, architect, of Exeter, identified the body as that of his father. Deceased had grieved very much over the loss of his wife and suffered from depression. He was aged 84. - Evidence was given with reference to the deceased being taken out of the water by two sailors and conveyed to the Hospital. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 19 December 1905
LYDFORD - At an Inquest held into the circumstances attending the death of HOWELL PRICE DAVIS, a convict of Dartmoor Prison, the medical evidence was that deceased died from heart disease. Deceased was a native of Cardiff. A verdict in accordance with the medical statement was returned.

HONITON - At Honiton yesterday Dr Tweed, the Deputy Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest concerning the death of LEONARD PERCY COTTON, aged two years and eleven months and the child of CHARLES and SARAH COTTON of Honiton. The father said the child had been weakly from birth. It became suddenly ill. The medical evidence was to the effect that the child died from convulsions and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect, adding that the parents were not to blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 December 1905
TEIGNMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held at the Town Hall on GEORGE HORN HOOPER, aged three weeks.

FALMOUTH, CORNWALL - An Inquest has been held at Falmouth on the body of ALFRED CHARLES GILES, an able seaman of the Ocean Swell. When going aboard the vessel deceased lurched and fell into the dock. A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. Deceased's wife, who resides in Devonshire had just received a letter from her husband when she heard of the news of his death from the skipper of a vessel in the harbour.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 23 December 1905
EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at 40 Bath-road, Exeter, last evening, into the circumstances concerning the death of JOHN ANSTEY, of the above address. - MARY ANSTEY identified the body of the deceased as that of her husband, a retired farmer, aged 66. At about midday on Thursday witness found the deceased in the coal cellar insensible. He recovered consciousness shortly afterwards and retired to bed, as usual, in the evening. At about midnight witness heard heavy breathing and spoke to deceased who did not answer. Medical aid was summoned, but was of no avail. Deceased had suffered from chronic bronchitis. - Mr Thomas Duncan, Surgeon, stated that deceased was dead when he arrived. Death, in witness's opinion, was due to heart failure, following on chronic bronchitis and debility. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 29 December 1905
EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Police Court yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of LOUISA MARY REYNOLDS, of 11 Blackboy-road. HENRY REYNOLDS identified the body of the deceased as that of his wife, who was aged 64. Deceased preferred not to go to bed on Christmas night, but stayed in the kitchen on a sofa. At about 5 o'clock the next morning witness went for the doctor and during his absence she died. The medical evidence showed that a post mortem examination had revealed heart trouble and bronchitis which caused heart failure. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

ASHBURTON - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, has held an Inquiry at Blackmoor Farm, touching the death of ELIZABETH COTTLE, aged 69. URIAH COTTLE, husband of the deceased, said she aroused him, saying she was feeling ill. He went downstairs and made a cup of tea of which deceased drank a little and expired. After hearing the medical evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - An Inquest was held last evening by the Exeter City Coroner at No. 15 Verney-place, St Sidwell's, on the body of EMMA GENGE. Jane Routley stated that deceased had lodged with her for five years. On Tuesday morning witness found her dead in bed. Deceased came from London. Dr Duncan deposed that in his opinion death was due to heart failure. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 30 December 1905
EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown conducted an Inquiry at the Police Station yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM WALTER HOYLE. - WILLIAM HENRY HOYLE, Police Constable, identified the body of deceased as that of his father, aged 57, a labourer, residing at No 2 Twiggs' Cottages, St Sidwell's. Deceased had been in ill-health for some time and was employed at the Exeter Gasworks. - Harry Hammett, of York-place, also employed at the gasworks, stated that he was leaving work about six o'clock the previous morning, when he saw deceased stagger and fall down. witness bathed deceased's head, although he considered he was dead and then fetched a doctor. - Mr Charles Stokes, Surgeon, deposed to making a post-mortem examination and finding that deceased had been suffering from congestion of the lungs and diseased blood vessels. In his opinion death was due to syncope. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.