Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1906

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included:  Allen; Amery; Andrews; Ash; Avery(2); Baker(3); Bament; Barchard; Bartlett; Bastin(2); Belworthy; Berry(2); Blackmore; Bolt; Bond; Borne; Boucher; Bowden(2); Bragg; Brailey; Bray; Brook; Brown; Buckingham; Burden; Burge; Burnett; Burridge; Callard; Caplin; Carpenter(2); Carter; Chadder; Chappin; Chard; Codd; Coles; Connett; Coombes; Cottle; Crannaford; Creese; Crook; Crossman; Cudmore; Cummings; Daley; Dalzell; Daniel; Doman; Drake; Driscoll; Duncan-Harrison; Eastley; Eddiford; Edwards; Ellis; England; Engledue; Evans(3); Featherstone; Fergusson; Flay; Ford(2); French; Gale(2); Gilpin; Goodacre; Gosling; Govier; Grant; Hall; Ham; Hammett; Hargreaves; Harrison; Harvey; Hawkings; Hawkins(2); Heil; Hicks; Hill; Hoare(3); Holland; Hooper; Howard; Howe(2); Hubbard; Jellicoe; Jermond; Jonas; Kiff; King(2); Knight; Lamacraft; Lang; Langdon; Larcombe(2); Lee; Legassick; Lendon; Lester; Lewis; Leyworthy; Lidstone; Livermore; Lock; Locke; Loveridge; Lucas; Lyne; Lyte; Madden; Maeer; Major; Mallett; Manning; Mantle; Mardon; Marks; May(2); Maynard(2); Meardon(2); Melhuish(2); Michelmore(2); Miles; Miller; Mitchell; Mitchelmore; Moore; Moser; Moyle; Murch; Nash; Netherway; Newbury; Newell; Norrish; North; Paddon; Palmer(2); Parish; Parminter; Parnell; Parr; Pedrick; Pellew; Pemberton; Pengelly; Perriman; Perring; Perris; Petherick(2); Petter; Phare; Phillips; Pike; Plank; Pollard; Pope(2); Potter(2); Pound; Powell; Pratt; Quance; Radford(2); Rattenbury; Rennels; Rice; Richards; Riley; Rivron; Robbins; Rooks; Roscamp; Rutherford; Ryder; Salmon; Salter(2); Sanders(2); Scagell; Searle; Sermon; Shaddick; Shapley; Shapter(2); Shephard; Shorland; Skinner; Slater; Smith; Smyth(2); Snell; Snow; Spencer; Spiller; Staddon; Stanbury; Standing; Steadman; Steer; Stephens; Stone(2); Stoneman; Strange; Surridge; Symes; Symons; Tancock; Taverener; Taylor; Thomas; Thorn; Thorne(3); Toms; Trick; Tucker(2); Tuckett; Turner(2); Underhill; Unsworth; Veale; Vicary(2); Vincent(2); Vosper; Wallis; Ware; Warren; Way; Webb; West; Westcott; White; Williams(3); Winsor; Wood; Woodland; Wright; Yeo; Zaple.


Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 4 January 1906
EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of RONALD ERNEST PALMER, the three-weeks-old son of MR R. J. PALMER, plumber and MRS PALMER of No. 15 Pavilion-place, Exeter. The father, in his evidence, said he got up at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, when the child was all right. The child had been sleeping with its parents. When he returned to the room with a cup of tea for his wife, she called his attention to the baby. Witness looked at it and then went for a doctor. Mr Hayman Wreford, Surgeon, who made a post-mortem examination, certified that the child died from inward convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER HEAVITREE - Child's Death At Heavitree. Improper Feeding. - Mr H. W. Gould, the Coroner for the district, conducted an Inquiry at the Horse and Groom Inn, Heavitree, yesterday, respecting the death the previous day of ELSIE RENNELS, 39 Goldsmith-street, Heavitree. - The evidence showed that the child expired while in bed. It had at one time been in the grandmother's custody. The child's mother had been in the habit of feeding it on bread sops with scalded milk and sometimes with bread and butter. The child on the day of its death had a teacupful of sops at about 8 a.m., and a round of bread and butter, with a little skimmed milk, at 1.30 p.m., all of which it ate. The mother had fed the child with the food spoken of for about six months with the approval of her own mother. - Mr R. J. Andrews, Surgeon, practising at Heavitree, said the child had not been properly fed; it had not been given sufficient milk. On making a post mortem examination he discovered that the infant's lungs were compressed, which was, no doubt, due to the fact that the abdominal organs were very much enlarged. There was some undigested food, which he supposed was bread, in the stomach. In his opinion death was due to convulsion as the result of the child's condition, which had been gradually brought about by erroneous feeding. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," but, upon a request made by the Foreman, Mr J. R. Nethercott, the Coroner warned the mother of the necessity of obtaining competent advice as to the feeding of children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 January 1906
SANDFORD - An Inquest was held yesterday at Venn Farm, by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, on the body of JAMES POWELL, farmer, who died suddenly. The widow said deceased, who was 48 years of age, complained feeling very ill. She sent for the doctor, but deceased died before he arrived. Leslie Powne, Surgeon, Crediton, who was called to deceased, and on arrival found him dead, was of opinion that deceased died from natural causes. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

HONITON - Honiton Railway Tragedy. Inquest Yesterday. - At the Honiton Railway Station yesterday afternoon Dr R. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of a man who was found killed on the line near Honiton under circumstances as reported in our columns yesterday. Inspector Cheney watched the proceedings on behalf of the London and South Western Railway Company. - Dr Semple, of Budleigh Salterton, identified the body as that of MR ROBERT STEWART DALZELL, of Budleigh Salterton. Deceased, who was between 47 and 48 years, was an architect, but had not followed the profession lately. He left a widow and three children. the widow was too ill to attend the Inquest. Witness attended deceased three years ago. The last time he saw deceased was in November when he was, apparently, in good health and spirits. Deceased had been in Asylums on two or three occasions. He was discharged as cured from one in Staffordshire early in November, and since had been, apparently, well. He suffered chiefly from melancholia, but was a great walker. Witness received information from MRS DALZELL that her husband had been missing since the early hours of Tuesday morning. Deceased had had an attendant, but not recently. - John Viney, ganger, said that on Wednesday morning he was proceeding to work, when about 2 ½ miles from Honiton, near Ashford Bridge, he noticed an object lying in the down road. On examination he found it was the headless body of a man, from which also one of the arms and both of the legs were missing. The limbs were found about 30 yards further on, while the head was also some distance away. The remains were placed on a lorry and taken to the Honiton Railway Station. - Henry Bailey, driver of the 5.48 train from Honiton on Tuesday evening, said he did not notice anything unusual on his journey between Honiton and Exeter. On examining the engine at Exmouth Junction he found blood stains and on the left side, under the ash-pan, he found a little piece of cloth. - George King, the fireman, corroborated. - P.S. Cridland stated that on proceeding to the spot he first observed a portion of a foot in a sock. On removing the latter he found the name "R. S. DALZELL" on a tab attached. In the vest pocket was a pen nib and another piece of tape bearing the same name. - P.C. Lang corroborated. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased Accidentally met his death on the Railway in the vicinity of Honiton on January 2nd.

SWIMBRIDGE - At an Inquest on the body of MRS ANN BRAILEY, the aged widow of the late postmaster, the Jury found that death resulted from falling downstairs and breaking her neck. Deceased was 86 years of age. The funeral has taken place.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 9 January 1906
TORQUAY - Old Lady Burnt To Death At Torquay. - An Inquest was yesterday held at Torquay by the County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, on the body of HANNAH STEPHENS, 58, who had lived at 22 Sanford Crescent, and was burnt to death on Saturday morning. - WILLIAM STEPHENS, gardener, of Foxdown Lodge, Wellington, brother of deceased, identified the body. - Herbert Lewis Parish, of 23 Sanford Crescent, stated that he was called out of bed about 1 a.m. by his mother, who said she smelt something burning. He forced an entrance to the next house, and, making his way upstairs through the smoke with great difficulty, located the fire in a bedroom. inside the door he found deceased's dead body. the room was full of smoke and curtains, woodwork, etc., had all been burnt. The fire was evidently due to the overturning of a paraffin lamp. With help from his father and brother; who handed water up over the stairs, witness extinguished the fire. - William Bernhard, Railway Porter, Emily Parish, Inspector Jeffery and Dr H. K. Lacey also gave evidence, the latter stating that death was due either to burns or suffocation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, Due to the Overturning Of A Lamp," and expressed their appreciation of Parish's prompt action.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 11 January 1906
TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at Torquay, by Mr Coroner Hacker, on the body of JAMES VINCENT, 39, foreman mason, who died suddenly in Middle Warberry-road. the medical evidence showed that death was due to heart failure. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 17 January 1906
EXMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Withycombe Church Institute, Exmouth, on the body of BEATRICE EMILY STEER, infant daughter of EMILY STEER, domestic servant, Withycombe. The medical evidence was to the effect that the child, who was found dead in bed, probably died from convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

KINGSBRIDGE - An Inquiry was held by the County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, at the Workhouse, Kingsbridge, yesterday, touching the death of the male child of MRS STONE, of Bearascombe Cottages, Buckland-tout-Saints. Dr W. H. Webb (Kingsbridge) said that the child was dead when he arrived and, as a result of a post-mortem examination, he found that it never had a separate existence. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 18 January 1906
OKEHAMPTON - Drowned At Okehampton. Recommendations By The Jury. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Okehampton, yesterday morning on the body of DAVID STANBURY, retired farmer of Sampford Courtenay, who was found drowned in the river Okement, near Okehampton on Sunday morning. - John Page, of Treehill, Sampford Courtenay, said deceased was his uncle and he last saw him alive on Saturday afternoon. - Frederick Bate, of Okehampton, deposed to seeing and speaking to deceased on Saturday evening. - Lily Horn and Laura Soby, of West-street, Okehampton, deposed to seeing a man walking down Rosemary-row on Saturday evening. It was very dark and directly after they heard a splash in the river and raised an alarm. - William Carr, farm bailiff, said he was riding by Knowle Bridge on Sunday morning, when he saw the body of a man in the river lying face downwards and he informed the Police. - Dr E. H. Young said drowning was the cause of death. - The Jury found that death was Accidentally caused, and added riders desiring that the attention of the town authorities be called to the very dangerous state of Rosemary-row and the roadway leading to Mr German's factory; also to the fact that there is no lamp there, and that they were of opinion that such a dangerous place should be at once lighted and fenced. The Jury also considered that the authorities' attention should be called to the dangerous state of the leat and waterway adjoining the town Mill, which should, in their opinion, be at once remedied.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 January 1906
BRADNINCH - A Hele Boy Drowned. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Hele Reading-room, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM CHARLES MILES, aged three years, son of MR CHARLES WARD MILES, baker, of Hele. Mr G. Bonner was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The evidence was that on the 17th inst., MRS MILES missed deceased from the house, and, despite every enquiry, was unable to find him. About 4 p.m. the husband returned from his bread round. He was informed of his son's disappearance. He, too, commenced a search and saw footprints in the garden leading to the river Culm. He also saw marks on three steps leading to the river. This aroused his suspicion that deceased had fallen in. P.C. Hunt was called and the river was dragged, but the body was not found until next morning, when it was recovered from the river by William Willis and James Don, a private in the Rifle Brigade. The body was found about 200 yards from the steps referred to, in about 4 ft. of water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 January 1906
EXETER - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by the Jury at an Inquiry conducted by Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter City Coroner, at St James's School, yesterday, into the circumstances of the death of MRS SARAH VICARY, of 1 Salutary Cottages, Exeter. The deceased had been medically attended for heart trouble, but had seemed better lately. She was taken suddenly ill, however, during the early hours of Tuesday morning and died. Death was due to heart failure. Deceased was aged 79.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 January 1906
WITHERIDGE - Mr F. Thomas, Deputy County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Higher Queen Dart Farm, Witheridge, touching the death of JOHN GEORGE SANDERS of Rackenford. GEORGE SANDERS, labourer, father of the deceased, identified the body as that of his son, who was aged 11 years. Deceased had complained of a stiff neck and a pain in his head. Mr Charles Graham Meade, surgeon of Witheridge, said when he was called the deceased was dead. He made a post mortem examination and was of the opinion that death was due to tonsillitis. Witness added that the case was a most unusual one. He had never known of a similar instance. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 30 January 1906
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at 3 Culverland-road, Exeter, on the body of MRS MARY ELIZABETH MANNING, aged 55, wife of MR GEORGE MANNING, commission agent, of that address. - MISS FLORENCE CAROLINE MANNING, daughter of deceased, stated that on Saturday night her mother complained of feeling unwell and attempted to get out of bed. She fell on the floor. Witness called her brother and a neighbour and they assisted her back to bed. Deceased complained of wind spasms. About a quarter to six the next morning witness saw a change in deceased and her brother called a doctor, but deceased expired before the latter's arrival. - MR ERNEST GEORGE MANNING, son, and Mr Dobbs, of 5 Culverland-road, corroborated. - Dr Duncan said he treated deceased for influenza and indigestion a few years ago, and he considered death was due to an apoplectic seizure, brought on by bronchitis and indigestion. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

GREAT TORRINGTON - Sudden Death At Torrington. - An Inquest has been held at Torrington by Mr G. W. F. Brown, of Barnstaple, District Coroner, on the body of MARY PERRIMAN, aged 73 years, wife of SAMUEL PERRIMAN, of New-street, Torrington. Deceased died rather suddenly on Friday night. - The husband stated that deceased suffered from spasms and pains in the head. She had had no medical treatment for the past two or three years. About 11.30 on Friday night, soon after retiring to bed, she complained of pains in her head and asked him to fetch her some milk and water. He did so, but after taking a little liquid she dropped her head on his shoulder and died. Dr Macindoe was at once sent for and pronounced life extinct. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

WOODBURY - Dr Tweed, the Deputy Coroner for the District, conducted an Inquiry at the Parish Room, Woodbury, yesterday, concerning the death of FREDERICK GEORGE BLACKMORE,, the two-year-old son of ALICE BLACKMORE, single woman, who lives with her parents at Little Silver Cottage, Woodbury Salterton. The child, which had been in delicate health from its birth, was found dead in bed by its mother on Saturday. Dr Beesley attributed death to convulsions and the Jury, of which Mr Abbot was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 1 February 1906
NEWTON ABBOT - Inquest At Newton. The Coroner's Criticism. - At an Inquest held last evening at Newton Abbot on the infant child of FRED MAJOR, 9 Watham-terrace, it was stated that the baby, 12 days old, slept between its mother and father on Tuesday night, and was found dead on Wednesday morning. Dr Hunt, who conducted a post mortem, stated that the child was suffocated, but he could not say whether it was by being overlaid or by the bedclothes. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, said that for the life of him he could not see why people would insist upon having infants sleeping in bed with them. It was a most dangerous practice, but he supposed this state of affairs would continue until the Legislature interfered. When there were so many other measures for the protection of infant life, it seemed to him extraordinary that people should be allowed to have infants sleeping with them and thus subjecting them to the danger of suffocation. the idea that parents were doing children a kindness by allowing them to sleep with them was a fallacy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Suffocation," and added a rider that they considered it very dangerous for infants to sleep in bed with their parents, and hoped the Press would voice the opinion. - The Deputy Coroner asked Mrs Bradbury, a midwife of 16 years standing, to use her influence in getting people to give up this dangerous custom.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 2 February 1906
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Police Court, last evening on the body of the 19 months' old daughter of WILLIAM BORNE, cycle agent, of 11 Blackboy-road. The father said the child was not very well when he put it to bed the previous evening. She was attended to during the night and at seven in the morning she seemed a little worse. He fetched his wife from the business premises, where she slept with three of the children. MARIA BORNE, mother of the deceased child, said when she arrived in the morning, she found the child's hands clenched and the body dark. It died before the doctor arrived. Dr T. Duncan said the result of the post-mortem examination he had made was that he believed death was due to failure of the heart owing to inflammation and congestion of the lungs. There was no evidence of neglect, and he could say the child was very well attended. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

HENNOCK - Chudleigh Knighton. - Mr Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of MISS BEATRICE BRAY, youngest daughter of the late MRS HAMLIN, of the Clay Cutters' Arms. The evidence showed that deceased died suddenly in bed. Dr M. B. Steuart, of Bovey Tracey, stated that he found deceased's heart was diseased. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 3 February 1906
BUCKFASTLEIGH - In the Buckfastleigh Town Hall yesterday the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, held an Inquest touching the death of WILLIAM HENRY PENGELLY, age five years, who died from burns. MRS J. PENGELLY, the mother, deposed to leaving a lamp in the bedroom and deceased was in bed. Lawray Henderson, who lodged with the last witness, deposed to hearing screams, and upon going upstairs found deceased in flames. He extinguished the flames with a mat. Dr Stanley Wood attributed death to shock and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 February 1906
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquest at 110 Cowick-street, Exeter, last night, on the body of MRS HARRIET LENDON, aged 65 years, widow of MR GEORGE LENDON, a blacksmith, of Exeter. Deceased died on Friday. Mrs Slade, with whom deceased had lodged for six or seven years, said she complained on that day of pains in her right side. Mr Farrant attributed death to heart disease. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 February 1906
ILSINGTON - An Inquest was held by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, at South Knighton, concerning the death of MABEL HOARE, 16 years of age, a daughter of JOHN HOARE, labourer, of Ilsington, whose body was found in a pond on the Barton Estate, Bickington. It appeared that the girl had been unwell and remained in bed several days. During Monday night she was given some milk, but on the following morning she was missing. Her father searched for her and eventually found the girl in three feet of water on her face. She was wearing only her night-dress. P.C. Cottey stated that deceased must have surmounted a railing three feet height in order to reach the pond. The ice was a quarter of an inch thick, and the girl must have gone nearly the whole length of the pond before the ice broke. Deceased had written to a cousin at Ashburton, in which she said she was much better in health and wished to obtain a situation in that town, making an appointment to visit her grandmother on Sunday. The Coroner said that the letter was a sensible one, and from which it was not possible to say that deceased was mentally wrong. Dr Nisbett, of Newton, said deceased had never seemed depressed, and was never seriously ill. There was nothing in her behaviour or condition to account for anything violent happening. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was eventually given.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 February 1906
GEORGEHAM - The Georgeham Tragedy. Verdict Of "Suicide." - An Inquest was last evening held at North Buckland House, Georgeham, where for some time has resided MR FREDERICK GEORGE WILLS SPENCER, a gentleman, who was found dead the previous morning with a gun lying across his feet, as reported in yesterday's "Gazette." Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, conducted the inquiry. - The widow, MRS LUCY SPENCER, said her husband was 37 years of age and had lived at Georgeham since May 1904. Deceased had not been unwell, and had been under no medical treatment, but he had occasionally been depressed. On Wednesday she noticed nothing unusual about him. She had arranged to go to a dance at Braunton, but she offered to stay at home. Her husband, however, said, "No, don't stay at home; go and enjoy yourself." She left her husband and little girl, aged six years, in the house. She had arranged with Mr Jones, of Georgeham, to stay with her husband. Deceased had never threatened to do away with himself. - By the Foreman: Her husband knew that Mr Jones was coming to spend the evening with him and he seemed pleased at the arrangement. She believed that insanity was in her husband's family, an aunt having been insane. - John Jones, a grocer of Georgeham, deposed to going to the house to stay with the deceased on Wednesday evening. He knocked two or three times at the door, but got no answer and, thinking that MR SPENCER had gone to bed, he went home again. Since he had known MR SPENCER, the latter had seemed rather depressed at times, but he had never heard him threatened to do away with himself. - Miss Alice Tucker, a farmer's daughter, stated that she accompanied MRS SPENCER to the dance at Braunton on Wednesday evening, and they returned together at 4 a.m. Later in the morning MRS SPENCER sent word to her that she could not find her husband. Witness went down, looked around the premises and almost immediately found the deceased lying in an outhouse at the back of the house. She saw a gun resting on his feet, and she fetched her brother. - P.C. Churchill deposed to being fetched and finding the body in the position described by the last witness. The gun contained one cartridge spent and another loaded. - Mr Walter Harper, Surgeon, stated that the top of the skull was completely blown away and the bulk of the brains were blown out. Death must have been instantaneous. The wound was undoubtedly self-inflicted. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that deceased was not addicted to drink, but was an inoffensive man and one whom no one would have expected to have committed such a rash act. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 February 1906
WOODBURY - An Inquiry was conducted at the Parish-room, Woodbury, yesterday, by Dr Tweed, Deputy Coroner for the District, respecting the death of ELIZABETH GOLDSWORTHY, the eight-months'-old child of ELLIS WILLIAM POTTER, labourer, of Woodbury. Deceased was found dead in bed at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. After hearing the evidence of the parents and of Dr Furnivall, the Jury (of which Mr Daly was Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 February 1906
BIDEFORD - THOMAS EVANS, aged 87, fell downstairs at his residence at Torrington-lane, Bideford. He was removed to the Bideford Hospital, where he did as a result of a fractured thigh, followed by shock and exhaustion. An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EAST BUDLEIGH - The Railway Tragedy. Inquest At Salterton. Jury's Tribute Of Sympathy. - Last evening Dr Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Marine Hotel, Budleigh Salterton, touching the death of JOHN HENRY DUNCAN STRANGE, who was found dead in a railway carriage on the Budleigh Salterton line the previous day, under circumstances reported in yesterday's "Gazette." Inspector Cheeney represented the London and South Western Railway Company and Mr Street, Stationmaster at Salterton, was also present. - MR WILLIAM STRANGE, of Ottery St. Mary, father of the deceased, said he saw his son on Monday morning. Deceased was quite in his usual health. He was a little worried during the previous week and was quieter than usual. He was a private in the Grenadier Guards and had received his discharged on the 19th January, his time of service having expired. Witness had never heard him on any occasion threaten to commit suicide. He was of a reserved disposition. He had an excellent character. He knew of no reason why he should take his life. If he had any worries he kept them secret. He was not engaged to be married. - Charles Greening, Stationmaster at Tipton St John's, deposed that on Monday, on the arrival of the 11.24 train, he went through the train to examine tickets. Deceased was sitting in a third-class compartment. He asked him where he was going and he said "Exeter." Witness thought it strange that a person should come from Ottery and travel that way to Exeter, and he asked him the second time, when he repeated "Exeter." - In answer to the Coroner, Mr Greening said no one got into the carriage with the deceased before the train started. - The Rev. H. M. Drake, vicar of Otterton, said he joined the train at Ottery St. Mary. Before reaching Newton Poppleford he heard a report, as if from a pistol. As that, he thought, was unlikely, he looked out of the train on both sides to see if a door was banging. On arrival at Newton Poppleford, he spoke to the guard, who said he also had heard a noise on the journey. They looked at the wheels and the axles, but could see nothing wrong. Witness went with the train to East Budleigh and was present when the body was discovered. There was no doubt about life being then extinct. - William Wilson, guard of the train, said he heard a noise when between Tipton and Newton Poppleford, and thought it might have been caused by the brake. At Newton Poppleford he examined the train, but could find nothing wrong with the wheels, axles or springs. The body was found when a passenger opened the door of the compartment at East Budleigh. - John Pook, Stationmaster at East Budleigh, stated that on the arrival of the 11.23 a.m. train from Tipton, a soldier, named Larcombe, opened the door of a compartment, and at once cried out that there was a man lying at the bottom of the carriage. Witness found the deceased there quite dead, and bleeding from a wound in the forehead. There was blood on one of the seats and a revolver was lying at the man's right hand, which was ungloved. - P.C. Marchant deposed that he was at Budleigh Salterton when the 11.40 train arrived. He had previously received intimation of the tragedy. The body was lying at the bottom of the carriage and the revolver was about three inches from the right hand. There were five loaded cartridges in the revolver and one empty case. Deceased had a wound in the centre of the forehead. He took it that when the shot was fired the man was sitting facing the engine, and that he fell on the seat and then rolled on to the floor. On the body were found a railway ticket from Ottery St Mary to Exeter, a key, a purse containing 8d., two Army discharges, a card from the National Association for the Employment of Discharged Soldiers, a blank postcard, addressed to MRS STRANGE, 4 Victoria-terrace, Ottery St. Mary and a gun license issued at Queen-street Post-office, Exeter on February 3rd. - Dr Semple, of Budleigh Salterton, who examined the body, stated that there was a small wound over the nose in the centre of the forehead. He had come to the conclusion that the injury was self-inflicted. The wound would have caused instantaneous death. - The Coroner remarked that the chief point for the Jury to consider was whether deceased took his own life while in a state of temporary insanity, or whether he accidentally shot himself while examining the pistol. - Mr Blight, Foreman of the Jury, said they would like to know if deceased was in the habit of carrying firearms. - MR STRANGE said he did not know his son had a pistol. - P.S. Moon: Or a gun license? - MR STRANGE: No. - A Juryman asked Dr Semple if it was possible the injury could have been caused by accident. - Dr Semple: I don't think so. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect "That deceased Committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity." - The Foreman expressed the sympathy of the Jury with MR STRANGE in his sad bereavement and this was joined in by Inspector Cheeney, on behalf of the Railway Company and by the Coroner.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 15 February 1906
LANGTREE - Burning Fatality At Langtree. The Inquest. - A sad fatality befell OLIVE CONSTANCE, daughter of MR HENRY NETHERWAY, of Dogaport Farm, Langtree, on Sunday. It appears the child was standing in front of the fire when her pinafore became ignited and she was soon enveloped in flames. She died the following day. - Yesterday the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest on the body. Evidence was given by MR NETHERWAY, father of deceased, and her two sisters, MARY and MAY, as to extinguishing the flames. - Dr Brown stated that death was caused through excessive burns and shock and the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony. - The Coroner and Jury expressed their deep sympathy with the bereaved parents and relatives in their sad loss.

TIVERTON - Morebath Threshing Accident. Inquest At Tiverton. - At the Tiverton Infirmary last evening Mr L. Mackenzie, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the sad death of GEORGE HOWARD, 23 years of age, of Morebath, who met with a shocking accident on Monday last and died on Tuesday morning as a result of the injuries. - CHARLES HOWARD, brother of the deceased, having identified the body, said his brother was employed for the day at Halwell Farm, Morebath, for threshing. Witness was also occupied with the same work. His attention was drawn to the deceased by the threshing engine stopping. On looking round he saw his brother in the drum of the machine. Deceased was perfectly sober. - Samuel Morrell, engine-driver, said he saw the deceased suddenly fall, but he saw no reason for his falling. Witness had never heard of such an accident happening before. - Richard Kingdon, labourer, stated that he was assisting in the threshing operations and the engine had been working satisfactorily all day. - P.S. Parnell said that when he went to the scene of the accident deceased had been removed to the Tiverton Infirmary, but his right arm was still in the machine, and witness took it out on the following morning. - Mr E. Stubbs, House Surgeon, said that deceased died in the Infirmary on Tuesday, never having regained consciousness. His right arm was completely torn off, and there were several scalp wounds at the back of the head. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 16 February 1906
TORQUAY - At the Inquest on MARY VOSPER, aged 75, who was found dead in bed at Torquay, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 February 1906
EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquiry yesterday afternoon into the circumstances attending the death of the three weeks old child of RICHARD ANDREWS, 39 Preston-street, Exeter. The evidence showed that the child was born on the 28th of January and had been all right up to Thursday morning. It was quite healthy at birth. Mr Clapp, Surgeon, said he had made a post-mortem examination and found that the lungs were congested. He arrived at the conclusion that death was due to convulsions, brought on by the congestion, which had only been of a few hours duration. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 23 February 1906
DUNSFORD - Mr Gould, Coroner, held an Inquest at Holeland Farm, Dunsford, touching the death of the illegitimate child of BLANCHE VIOLET LARCOMBE, niece of Mrs Dicker, of Holeland Farm, with whom she lived as a domestic servant. Mr W. Richards was chosen Foreman of the Jury Mary Jane Dicker identified the body as the child of BLANCHE VIOLET LARCOMBE, a domestic servant in her employ. She was present at the birth. In answer to questions, the witness admitted that she placed the child in its mother's arms. Witness subsequently awoke and found it dead. Dr Laurie, of Moretonhampstead, said the child was under the average weight. His opinion was that death was due to suffocation, owing to weak development. He commented upon the mistake mothers made in taking children to bed with them. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Mysterious Affair At Moreton. Sequel To A Carriage Accident. Driver Commits Suicide. - A considerable sensation was caused in Moretonhampstead when it became known that a driver named TOM CONNETT, in the employ of Mr G. P. Brooks, of the White Hart Hotel, was missing from his home. Diligent search was made by P.C. Needs and CONNETT'S father, and an overturned carriage, in which deceased had driven a party to North Bovey, was found overturned and damaged on the road between Moreton and Bovey. No trace could be found of the driver or the horse either until Wednesday morning. Then the animal was found in the path fields close to the town. Later in the day CONNETT'S body was discovered in a pond at Wray Barton. It was stated that Mr Brooks did not know that CONNETT had taken out the carriage, and it is supposed that the deceased, becoming frightened at the consequences of the accident to his vehicle, was temporarily unbalanced, and, after bringing the horse back 3 ½ miles to Moreton, went off to the pond, a mile and a half away, and, after putting his watch by a wall, threw himself into the water and thus came by his death. - An Inquest was held yesterday by the Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr G. F. Kellock, at the Smethurst Schoolroom, Moretonhampstead. - THOMAS CONNETT, labourer, Bow Cottage, Moretonhampstead, said deceased was his son, and 23 years of age. Deceased had been working for Mr G. P. Brooks, of the White Hart Hotel, as a cab-driver. Witness last saw him alive on Sunday evening. On Wednesday morning, about 9.45, he was searching for his son and found the deceased lying on his back in Wray Pond three or four feet under water. He informed the Police of his discovery. He had never heard his son complain; he was always high-spirited and witness knew of no trouble. - Ernest Hannaford, of Heathercombe, Manaton, said that on Monday night, about ten o'clock he saw deceased near the four cross roads between Moreton and North Bovey. He was standing beside his carriage, which was upset on its side. A shaft was broken and the horse was standing a few yards away. Deceased was asked what he was going to do and he said "Accidents will happen, and I must get it up and go home." Witness helped to right the carriage, but it was then found that a wheel was broken. The lamps were out and the night was very dark. Deceased then left with the horse. He seemed to be sober and walked away all right. - George Coniam, of North Bovey, said deceased drove him and a party to North Bovey on Monday night. They arrived about half-past nine. Deceased had one drink, and did not stay at North Bovey more than ten minutes. Both lamps were lit when he left. - P.S. Gatting said he heard deceased was missing on Tuesday morning. He visited the scene of the accident, and found that deceased had driven close against the right hedge for a considerable distance before the carriage came into contact with a big stone and overturned. The horse was found in Courtenay Park by deceased's father. The latter informed witness of the discovery of deceased and witness took the body from the water. there was nothing on the body that would throw any light on the mystery. The pond was two miles from the scene of the accident, and the horse was found a mile and a half from the pond. Deceased's watch and chain were found by a wall near the pond. His hat was on the water's edge. - Mr Thomas Woolldridge, one of the Jury, said that when he found the watch on Wednesday at midday it was still going. - Dr R. Sutherland said that there had never been any sign that deceased's mind was affected. He was a strong, healthy man. A post-mortem examination showed that deceased had not received the slightest injury through the accident, and there were no marks of violence about the body. Death was due to drowning. The deceased must have been in the water at least twelve hours, because rigor mortis had fully developed. - The Deputy Coroner said it was evident that the deceased had had an accident to the carriage. It was possible that that might have weighed on his mind and he might have been afraid to come back and face his master. He did not appear to have acted in a very sane way, but it was for the Jury to say what was the state of his mind. - After a short deliberation the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

COLYTON - Mr C. E. Cox, District Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of MR GEORGE POTTER, who died suddenly on Saturday last. A verdict of "Death from Heart Disease" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 26 February 1906
DARTMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Dartmouth on Saturday, touching the death of a labourer named GEORGE WILLIAMS. The deceased and another man were engaged in taking a handcart loaded with scaffold-poles from the town to Mount Boone. At the entrance to the latter place one of the poles came into contact with the doorway and the cart was overturned. WILLIAMS being knocked down and killed. Dr Ellis said deceased dislocated his neck and also sustained an extensive fracture of the skull and a fracture of the thigh bone. Death must have been instantaneous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed their sympathy with the widow and family of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 27 February 1906
EXETER - Exeter Tradesman's Tragic Death. - Considerable sensation has been caused in Exeter by the death, under tragic circumstances, of MR THOMAS WILLIAM CAPLIN, of Paris-street, taxidermist. The circumstances were disclosed at an Inquest held last evening by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown. - MRS ANN CAPLIN identified the body as that of her husband, who was 50 years of age. Of late he had had a great deal of trouble in regard to financial matters. About a week ago the Sheriff's officer was put in possession of deceased's goods, which were to have been sold. This preyed on his mind. On Sunday night, between 9 and 10 o'clock, her husband entered the kitchen from the workshop and said he had taken corrosive sublimate, a poison used for preserving stuffed birds, animals, etc. He kissed witness and said "Good-bye." A neighbour, Mrs Lidster, gave him an emetic and witness sent for a medical man. Deceased succumbed at 4 o'clock yesterday morning. - Mr E. A. Brash, Surgeon, said Messrs. Andrew and Shirley Perkins had been called, and had used the stomach pump when he arrived. The usual remedies for poisoning by corrosive sublimate were used and deceased was put to bed. A sleeping draught was given. Witness left at 1 a.m., and visited him again just after 4 a.m. Deceased had just died owing to collapse. - Mrs Lidster said deceased called on Sunday evening at her house in Paris-street, and wished witness and her husband "Good night." As he looked ill, witness followed him to his house. He walked to the workshop and on returning to the kitchen said he had taken corrosive sublimate. She gave him some mustard, which seemed to do him good. He had not, apparently, been right in his mind for some time. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." - Deceased leaves a widow and six children, all of whom are grown up. One of the family is a well-known Volunteer shot.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 February 1906
BIDEFORD - Burning Fatality At Bideford. The Inquest. - Mr Coroner Brown held an Inquest at the Bideford Hospital yesterday on ANNIE MARY BOWDEN, aged 11 years of Torridge-street, Bideford, who died the previous day as the result of a burning accident. - GEORGE BOWDEN, father of the deceased, identified the body. On Saturday last, about 3.20, he heard that his child had been burnt, but he found she had been taken to the Hospital. Subsequently, at the Hospital, she told him that the top of the boiler slipped down, and in trying to put it up she caught her muslin pinafore on fire. - By a Juryman: Nobody was in the house at the time of the accident. - Elizabeth Squire, who lived opposite to where the deceased lived, said that on Saturday afternoon, between 3 and 4 o'clock, she heard screams, coming, apparently, from BOWDEN'S house and, looking across, saw the deceased standing in the back door holding out her hands, her clothes being on fire. Witness put the fire out and asked her how it happened, but she seemed too exhausted to tell. Deceased had a flannelette blouse on, which was considerably burnt and the muslin apron was burnt on the top. Her front hair was also burnt. Witness thought the deceased's sleeve must have caught fire first and she tried to put it out, but did not succeed. There was no smell of oil in the house. - Henry Spearman gave similar evidence. - Dr Gooding said both deceased's arms were burnt from the hands upwards, extending to the neck and top portion of the chest. The hair was singed and the face blistered. The wounds seemed to be superficial and he hoped she would rally, but she never did and she died from shock on Monday. She was practically in a state of collapse the whole time. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

LANGTREE - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, yesterday held an Inquest at Langtree concerning the death of the seven weeks old child of a labourer named PELLEW, which was found dead in its cradle. Dr Macindoe stated that death was due to acute indigestion and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Inquest At Exeter. The Coroner's Criticism. - Mr W. Linford Brown conducted an Inquiry at the Police Court, Exeter, yesterday, touching the death of MARY ANN RIVRON, late of 6 Bond's-terrace, Bartholomew-street, aged 74 years. - ISABELLA RIVRON, daughter of deceased, said that she heard her mother had had a bad cold since Christmas. On Monday night she complained of feeling unwell and a doctor was called in. During the night deceased made a noise in her throat, but witness thought that was owing to her cold. Deceased died about 6.30. - Dr Leonard Robert Tosswill said that when he saw deceased she was conscious. He instructed the previous witness to put deceased to bed. He had since made a post mortem examination and found that deceased died from heart failure, brought on by bronchitis and pleurisy. He did not think her life could have been saved. - WILLIAM RIVRON said he was called by his sister, and looked into his mother's bedroom many times during the night. He also heard the noise made by his mother, but did not think anything of it. - MISS RIVRON recalled, said her brother might have looked into the room once or twice. - The Coroner said the brother and sister should think themselves lucky they were not in a different position. There was no doubt the old lady was very bad and if they had got her a drop of brandy she might have been relieved. It was quite inconsistent that they should have acted in the manner they had. - The Jury concurred with the Coroner's remarks. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 2 March 1906
CHERITON FITZPAINE - A sad accident happened to WILLIAM TAVERNER, the eldest son of MR TAVERNER, of Wellcombe Farm, which ended fatally on Wednesday. The unfortunate young fellow was returning from a field on the farm with an empty cart and two horses. It appears that the horses made a sudden start, and the deceased fell from the front of the cart, the wheel passing over his stomach. He got up and called to a young brother and then fainted. Upon being removed home he revived. Dr Reynolds could not discover any internal injury and hopes were held that he would soon be about again. A turn, however, for the worse took place and the unfortunate young fellow succumbed to shock to the system. The deepest sympathy is felt throughout the parish for the parents and family. The deceased was 18 years of age. - Mr H. W. Gould, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Cheriton Fitzpaine, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM FREDERICK TAVERNER, of Welcombe Farm, aged 17, who died after meeting with an accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and, with the Coroner, expressed their sympathy with the deceased's parents.

GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Burning Fatality. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Torrington on the body of LILY CUDMORE, aged 13 months, daughter of MR and MRS J. CUDMORE, of Calf-street. The evidence showed that the deceased and another child, aged two years, were left sitting in front of a fire while the mother went to a shop across the street for some oil. She was absent about a minute. On her return she found the flannelette clothing of the deceased in flames. The mother's cries secured the assistance of Mr T. Richards, who extinguished the flames by wrapping the child in a coarse apron. Medical aid was obtained, but the case was hopeless, and the child died from the burns received. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Coroner commented on the danger of flannelette clothing.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 5 March 1906
ILFRACOMBE - The poisoning Case At Ilfracombe. A Strange Letter. - At the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on Saturday morning, Mr G. W. Browne, the Coroner for the District, opened an Inquiry concerning the death of MARY ANN STADDON, a single woman, aged 62 years, who met her death by supposed poisoning at Hele the previous day. Mr R. Dadds was elected Foreman of the Jury. - JOHN STADDON, labourer, and brother of deceased, went to his sister's house on Thursday. Owing to certain suspicious circumstances he helped to break open the door, when he found the deceased lying on the bed groaning. Dr Langridge was sent for, and found the woman in a state of collapse and she soon afterwards died. The result of a post-mortem examination showed that deceased had died from carbolic acid poisoning. A bottle of Calvert's disinfectant was found in the room, and a glass which had contained this substance was by her side. The doctor told the Jury that deceased was very eccentric in her manner, and had the idea that people were persecuting her. - Deceased's brother deposed that when he saw his sister on Tuesday she seemed bright and was sensible enough in most things. The note (produced) was like her handwriting. He could not say she was not right in her mind, and had no suspicion of any tendency to suicide. - The Coroner then read the letter, which was written very indistinctly, as follows:- "There been a very long mystery and dittry between ..... and ...... is greatly interested about me. I should like to know whatever is the matter. They say I am going to be transported for life, and they will make me repent now hers going to have it. When I get in jail they are going to cut me. When I get there they say I shan't live long. I have lived in good service and kept my self respecktable all my life. I can't think what is the matter and two pollice is coming for me without giving me any summons for me. Its put me in a fever. I can't stand this sort of thing; my nerves is very bad at times. I am not going to be brought up, I prefer in preference death not to be tortuege by jaylors, indeed, my own people I hope will not greve or truble about me. I have no malice or hatred to no one. I have no bills, only the rent. Pleas pay it for me - M. A. STADDON." - In summing up, the Coroner said there was no doubt deceased suffered from delusions and at last committed this rash act. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 March 1906
TEMPLETON - An Inquest was held at Mill Cottage, Templeton, yesterday by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, on the body of BEATRICE PARMINTER, aged one year and eight months, daughter of JON PARMINTER, labourer. The mother, MRS ALICE PARMINTER, said the child had been delicate from birth. She had been giving it medicine, but it had suffered from a cough for some time. Mr C. G. Meade said there was nothing to suggest that death was not the result of natural causes. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 7 March 1906
TOTNES - Totnes Labourer's Suicide. Nurse's Prompt Action. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, concerning the death of CHARLES FREDERICK CROOK, labourer, who resided at 7 Coldharbour, Bridgetown, Totnes, and whose body was seen floating in the River Dart the previous evening by Winifred Betts, nurse at the Totnes Workhouse. - WILLIAM CROOK, labourer, identified the body as that of his son, who was 42 years of age, and unmarried. Deceased had been broken down in health for twelve months with sciatica. He belonged to a Benefit Society, but his pay had been reduced to 3s. a week for the last three weeks. He had never made any complaint. - Albert Hawkins, labourer, of Cold Harbour, said he saw deceased about a quarter to six, standing at the stile in the Exeter-road, adjoining the Rope Walk. - Winifred Betts, assistant nurse at the Workhouse, said she saw deceased floating down the river by the bridge and informed the Police of her discovery. The body was floating near the surface of the water face downwards. This was at 6.20 p.m. - The Deputy Coroner asked Dr Gibson if he had ever known a case of a person floating head downwards. - Dr Gibson said that he had known a case in which a woman was floating with only her head and shoulders under. He had rescued her and she was not dead. There might be air in the upper portion of the body, or in the clothes, which would keep the body afloat. - Henry Phillips, salmon fishery lessee, said he found the body beside the lawn of the Seymour Hotel hung upon some stones in a foot of water. The face was under the water and deceased was quite dead. - Dr Gibson said he had attended deceased for a little over a year. He was perfectly helpless for a year and only lately was getting better. He never grumbled, but his illness was likely to have preyed on his mind. There were no signs of any external injury. - The Coroner said that Nurse Betts deserved great praise for the prompt manner in which she had acted. There was always great praise due to any man or woman who would go to the aid of anyone in distress. The Court thanked her for acting so promptly. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily insane" The Deputy Coroner said it would be his pleasure to give Nurse Betts a certificate by which she would be entitled to a reward of 5s. from the parish for finding the body.

EXETER - At the Exeter City Workhouse, yesterday, Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of JOEL HILL, an inmate of the Workhouse, aged 71. Edwin Hooper, an inmate, said that deceased was a carpenter, of Exeter. Witness slept in the same bedroom as deceased, and, hearing him breathing heavily, sent for the wardsman. HILL died just after. Mr Pereira, Surgeon, said death was due to heart failure, brought on by chronic bronchitis. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 8 March 1906
EXETER - Fatal Accident At Exeter. Octogenarian's Sad End. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Mount Dinham Cottages, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of CHARLES CORNISH SALTER, aged 84 years, retired tea dealer. - MRS SALTER, widow, said she was married to deceased 57 years ago. On January 31st she went upstairs and left her husband in front of a fire in the sitting-room. She subsequently smelt something burning and, on going downstairs again, found deceased lying on the floor, between the grate and the chair on which he had been sitting. Witness was of opinion that deceased's cap fell off and that in attempting to pick it up, the chair capsized. Witness helped up deceased. Subsequently, he was assisted to bed by Mr Arthur Pincott. There were burns on deceased's head. - Dr C. J. Vlieland attributed death to shock and exhaustion, caused by deep and somewhat extensive burns on the left side of the head. Deceased told him that he slipped off a chair and fell against the grate. - Miss F. Turquand, who dressed the burns, said deceased also told her he slipped off a chair. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BICKLEIGH (NEAR TIVERTON) - The Exe Drowning Case. Inquest At Bickleigh. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Bickleigh yesterday on the body of RICHARD PIKE TUCKER, son of MR RICHARD TUCKER, sen., farmer, of Hatherland Mill, Washfield, which was recovered from the River Exe at Copenhagen Weir, near Bickleigh. Deceased had been missing since January 25th. - RICHARD TUCKER said his son was 31 years of age and lived with him on the farm. The last time he saw him alive was on January 25th, about noon, when he said he was going to Tiverton on private business. Deceased intended to have gone to a ringers' supper at a Mr Butt's in the evening. He left instructions that his boots should be cleaned. Deceased was not addicted to drink. He was steady, cheerful and had no trouble so far as he knew, and the bottle of whisky found on him was intended for witness. - Robert Harris, groom at Bolham House, near Tiverton, said he saw a man answering the description of deceased on the Bolham-road at 11.30 p.m. on January 25th. Witness overtook him as he was walking home. They got into conversation. Deceased asked him to go up to Mr Butt's with him, but witness replied: "No, thank you," and left him in the road at the entrance to the back of Worth House. He should say deceased had had a drop of liquor, but was not "rambling." - William Cockram, labourer, of Bickleigh, said he found the body near Copenhagen Weir. - P.C. Bradford, of Bickleigh, said deceased was lying face downwards in two feet of water and jammed between three oak stakes. He was fully dressed, with the exception of his hat, which had not been found. The bottle of whisky was in deceased's breast coat pocket. He was wearing a watch and chain, had 6s. 1 ½d. in money, a receipt for a guinea and two pipes. the watch stopped at 12.15. - Mr Marshall, Surgeon, of Thorverton, said the body had the appearance of having been in the water about six weeks. There were three cuts on the head, but these were quite consistent with having been caused after death. He attributed death to drowning. - MR TUCKER, recalled, said deceased would have been able to have returned home by way of Worth House. He could have gone through the grounds and would then have had to pass near the river. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 March 1906
INWARDLEIGH - Suicide At Inwardleigh. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the New Inn, Folly Gate, Inwardleigh, on the body of RICHARD TRICK, aged 75 years. - Mary Chamings, of Folly Gate, with whom deceased resided, said he left on Wednesday morning, saying he was going to Sourton to work with the steam roller. He appeared then in good health, but he had told her a few days before that "something had taken him in his head." - Frank Chamings, of Folly Gate, said he was making a search on Sunday morning, and found the body of deceased hanging by a rope from a tree on Mr Reddaway's farm, Norratons. - Dr Burd said death was due to strangulation, and everything seemed consistent with the deceased having hanged himself. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

EXMINSTER - The death has occurred at Exminster Asylum of THOMAS CHARD, a naval pensioner, of Sidmouth, who was admitted to the Institution on February 14th suffering from general paralysis. At the Inquest held Dr Downing, Assistant Medical officer, stated that death was due to congestion of the lungs. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 12 March 1906
EXETER - Shobrooke Farmer's Death. Inquest At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, held an inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday on the body of WILLIAM JOHN KELLAND MAY, of Pennycott Farm, Shobrooke. - Deceased's brother identified the body and said deceased was 36 years of age and a farmer. - William John Martin, High-street, Crediton, coal merchant, said that on February 20th while on the Exeter-road, near Creedy Bridge, he saw deceased on a horse which while trotting appeared to stumble and turn a complete somersault on its rider. Deceased was taken to Crediton and afterwards removed to the Devon and Exeter Hospital. - Mr Stirk, House Surgeon, said he had made a post-mortem examination and found a fracture of the pelvis and other internal injuries. Deceased died from blood poisoning on the 8th March. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 March 1906
CREDITON - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Crediton Town Hall by Mr Henry W. Gould, District Coroner, on the body of MRS MARY JANE MELHUISH, who was found dead in her bedroom on Sunday. The deceased had been in receipt of parish relief. - Sarah Paddon, wife of Fred Paddon, a labourer, of Exeter, identified the body as that of her aunt, whose age was about 70. Witness was unable to say if deceased's husband was dead or not. She knew her aunt was separated from him a good many years back. - Beatrice Davey, a girl residing in the same court, said that on Sunday morning, between half-past 8 and 9, she went with a cup of tea, as was her custom on Sundays. Witness discovered deceased lying on the floor, and called John Stone. It was then found that deceased was dead. Deceased was dressed and the bed did not look as if it had been slept on. - Dr Walter Scott-Campbell said deceased must have been dead for at least 12 hours. There was a small wound at the back of the head, which was no doubt caused by a fall. He knew deceased had heart disease. Failure of the heart was undoubtedly the cause of death. - Louisa Greenslade deposed to having seen the deceased standing at the end of the passage on Saturday evening. - The Jury found that death was due to Natural Causes.

BEAFORD - The Beaford Fatality. The Inquest. - Yesterday the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an inquest at the Globe Inn, Beaford, on the body of SYDNEY PETHERICK, aged 20, a farm labourer, in the employ of Mr George Arnold, of Here Path Farm, and whose sad death was reported in yesterday's "Gazette." - The evidence showed that the deceased took a horse attached to a cart laden with mangold wortzel from one field to another to distribute the mangold wurtzel for the cattle. He was seen by a labourer named Henry Forti going down the road leading the horse. Finding that the deceased had not returned, Sydney Badcock, a labourer, went to look for him and, entering the field, he saw the cart on its side and the horse standing by it. He released the horse and found the deceased, with the nave of the wheel on his chest, quite dead. - Dr Drummond, who was sent for, said that death was due to a severe blow over the region of the heart. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. It is presumed that the accident occurred through the cart going up over the side of a heap of mangolds and overturning.

EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Police Court, Exeter, yesterday, touching the death of GLADYS IRENE THORNE, aged 19 months, whose parents reside at 8 Summerland-square, Exeter. The mother, MRS THORNE, said that the baby had had a slight cold. She did not think there was any danger. A doctor was sent for on Friday morning, but he did not arrive, and the baby seemed to be sleeping when her husband, ELI THORNE, picked up the body and found it dead. Dr Pickard said that it was impossible for him to come in the morning owing to other medical duties. The doctor had made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to bronchial pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 March 1906
BUCKFASTLEIGH - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest in the Town Hall, Buckfastleigh, yesterday, touching the death of JOHN HEATH HOARE, of Dial House. - JOHN HEATH HOARE identified the body as that of his father, who was 66 years of age. - William James Murch, postman, said he saw deceased in Bossell-road on Monday evening going up the hill. When near the top a little girl named Furneaux drew his attention to deceased, as he appeared to have fallen down. Witness found deceased alive and conscious. He expired a few minutes later. - Dr S. R. Williams said the post mortem examination showed that deceased died from heart disease. The recent severe weather accelerated death. - The Coroner said it was a sad and painful case. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence. The Jury expressed their sincerest sympathy with the family and the Coroner associated himself with them. - MR J. H. HOARE returned thanks on behalf of the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 15 March 1906
AVETON GIFFORD - An Aveton Gifford Sensation. - A sensation was caused at Aveton Gifford by the finding of the body of MRS MARY GRACE TOMS, the wife of MR JAMES TOMS, gardener at Aveton Gifford Rectory, in tidal water at Pitten's Point, just below the village. MRS TOMS, who was between 55 and 60 years of age, had been much depressed of late. - At an Inquest held in the Parish Room, P.C. Norrish deposed to finding the body. Dr H. P. Miles, who held a post mortem examination, said death was due to drowning. - The Jury, of which Mr S. Widdicome was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide through Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 16 March 1906
HOLSWORTHY - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the day schoolroom, Chilsworthy, on Wednesday touching the death of EDWIN ENGLAND, who was found dead, hanging with a rope around his neck, in his fowl-house early on Tuesday morning, as reported in our Wednesday's issue. The evidence of Mr T. Oke, the deceased's late employer, showed that the man was dismissed on Saturday last. After the evidence of HENRY ENGLAND, son of the deceased, as to the finding and cutting down of the body, and also of Dr Kingdon and P.S. Wills (Holsworthy), the Jury found a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while in a state of Unsound Mind, and added a rider to the effect that no blame attached to anyone. The Jury also expressed their sympathy with the family of the deceased

EXMOUTH - Exmouth Woman's Death. Reflections Upon The Husband. - An Inquest was held at the Public Hall, Exmouth, yesterday, by Mr C. E. Cox, on the body of ELIZABETH ANN MAYNARD, aged 34, wife of HENRY MAYNARD, of Staples-court, Exmouth, who died on Tuesday. - Superintendent Jesse watched the case on behalf of the Police. - Dr Hanna stated that he was called to see the deceased on Tuesday at 2.15 and found her in a dying condition. She expired at 2.30. He had not attended her previously, but had been to the house to attend the baby. The woman looked ill then, but did not complain. He had made a post mortem examination and found that the woman had tuberculosis of about 12 months' duration, and pleurisy in both lungs. there was no food in the stomach, but the disease would cause a disinclination for food. - By Superintendent Jesse: The house was dirty and so were the blankets on the bed. He did not know anything about the food in the house. - HENRY MAYNARD, the husband, said deceased had never complained of illness, but when she said she could not do anything he suggested having a doctor. She said "No." On Tuesday she did not get up, and when the District Nurse came she asked him to get the doctor. Witness procured an order from the Relieving Officer for medical attendance. - Witness, in reply to a Juror, said he had an allowance of 12s., out of which he paid 3s. a week rent. - By Superintendent Jesse: Only a two-penny loaf was found in the house. - ELLEN MAUD STONE, a sister of deceased, alleged that her sister and the latter's husband drank, which accounted for the poverty and dirty condition of the house. Nurse Pegg gave evidence and P.S. Staddon spoke of the dirty condition of the house when he visited it the previous Wednesday. MAYNARD was present and was very abusive. - The Coroner commented upon the circumstances and said the husband had not fulfilled his duties as he should have. But, although the circumstances did not reflect credit upon MAYNARD, he did not think it possible to connect him with the death of the woman. It was clear that death was due to tuberculosis. - The Jury, of whom Mr H. Bridle was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TEIGNMOUTH - At an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on the three-months' old child of ALICE CUMMINGS, of 5 Chapel-street, the medical evidence showed that death was due to natural suffocation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 March 1906
HATHERLEIGH - Suicide At Hatherleigh. The Inquest. - The town of Hatherleigh was thrown into commotion he evening before last by the report that a man had committed suicide by hanging himself in some out-buildings connected with Mr Purchase's bakery in Bridge-street. It was ascertained that the man, CHARLES PHARE, who had been subject to fits, and of late very much depressed, was staying for a few days with his sister, MRS MARY ANN PURCHASE. - He partook heartily of food on Sunday and seemed fairly bright, so the family did not feel concerned at leaving him alone in the house in the evening while they went to Chapel. MR PURCHASE was called before the service closed, and having ascertained what had taken place fetched P.S. Hill, who cut the rope by means of which PHARE had hung himself. Dr Atkins was sent for and pronounced life extinct. - PHARE, who was 45 years of age, was unmarried. - Mr J. D. Prickman, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body at the Police Station, Hatherleigh, yesterday. - GRACE PHARE of Monkokehampton, identified the body as that of her son, who was 45 years of age, and was a carpenter and wheelwright. Deceased had been ill and had not done any work since Christmas. - ALFRED PURCHASE deposed to finding deceased hanging by a rope in the back yard on Sunday evening. Deceased was his brother-in-law and had been staying with witness for change of air, he being unwell. He had appeared bright and cheerful. - P.S. Hill said he cut the body down. Upon it he found a letter, which read as follows;- "My dear mother and father, - I hope you will forgive me for what I have done. I have gone fair off my head. I can't stand it any longer. I am as maze as a brush. God forgive me." On another piece of paper was written, "Read 28th Deut., and 1st 14 verses." - Dr Atkins attributed death to dislocation of the neck, caused by hanging. He had treated deceased for indigestion. He seemed of a cheerful disposition. There was no indication of trouble. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound mind." They expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 March 1906
SOUTH MOLTON - LEWIS WRIGHT, a farm labourer, of Little Hele. Southmolton, has died of lockjaw, due to a wound in the nose, caused by falling from a horse. The Inquest was held by Mr G. W. F. Brown. Dr H. J. Smyth, of Southmolton, said he was called to WRIGHT'S house and found deceased in bed with symptoms of lockjaw, which proved fatal. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 23 March 1906
BISHOPS NYMPTOM - A gloom was cast over the village by the news of the death of MR BRAGG of Capitol Farm, as the result of an accident a fortnight previously. At the Inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The funeral was attended by a large number of people from the parish and surrounding district. Great sympathy is felt for MRS BRAGG and family in their sad bereavement. Deceased had been a member of the Parish Council since its inauguration and always lent a willing hand to help forward anything of interest to the village.

OKEHAMPTON - The death took place suddenly of a labourer, named JOHN PALMER, of Little Croft, near Okehampton. Deceased had attended the March fair and was returning to his home in a trap with Mr Shobbrook, a farmer. When Tanner's hill was reached both decided to walk. As they ascended the hill PALMER, who was holding on to the back of the trap, fell down and died. At the Inquest Mr Bird said he was of opinion that death was due to syncope. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 27 March 1906
EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an inquest at 1 Sydney Villas, St Thomas, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of GRACE SALMON, widow of JOHN SALMON, farmer, of Colan, Cornwall. JAMES SALMON identified the body as that of his mother, who was aged 81 years. On Friday his mother complained of feeling unwell and he called a doctor on his way to business. MRS MARY SALMON, wife of the last witness, said deceased complained of a headache, and died before the doctor arrived. Dr Vlieland said death was due to heart failure and want of vitality, owing to the cold weather. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 March 1906
EXETER - An Exeter Tragedy. Death From Misadventure. Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter City Coroner, held an inquiry at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday afternoon into the circumstances attending the death of RICHARD PASSMORE STEADMAN, of Sydenham Villas, Bath, who met with his death on Saturday in a rather tragic manner. - WILLIAM HENRY STEADMAN, schoolmaster, Northfleet, Gravesend, said that deceased was 40 years of age, unmarried and an insurance agent. - Henry Davy said that the deceased arrived at the Franklin Hotel, Fore-street, Exeter, on the 17th of March. Deceased was sober and reserved. On Saturday witness thought deceased was rather late in rising, and on going to his bedroom found the door locked, but heard him breathing hard. He sent for a Policeman, who broken open the door and found deceased in a semi-conscious state. If deceased had gone to breakfast that morning he would have found his bill for £1 4s. 10d. on his table. - P.C. Underhill said he took deceased to the Hospital. In his coat pocket he found a bottle of chlorodyne, which had been purchased locally. - Frank Kirkby, the local manager of the firm of Timothy White, Ltd., said that he supplied deceased with a bottle of chlorodyne. The bottle contained three ounces. People had been known to recover even after taking a whole bottle full. The chlorodyne might have been taken as a sedative. - Mr John Veale, proprietor at the Era Hotel, Exeter, said he had known deceased for some time and had always found him steady. He purchased a case of pipes of deceased for 7s. Deceased said he was hard up. - Mr P. Sturt, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said that on admission to the Hospital deceased was just alive. During a post mortem examination he found some dark fluid in the stomach and no doubt death was caused by that matter. He did not know that chlorodyne was allowed to be sold generally, as it contained 12 drops of morphia and one had been known to kill. - Herbert Snow, South-street, Exeter, said he was with deceased during Friday, when he appeared to be in good health and spirits. - P.C. Hoyle said that among deceased's effects was a letter from an Insurance Company giving him notice of termination of engagement. He had traced deceased's movements during the last few months. He had lodged in Well-street, Clarence-road (which he left owing money), and Buller-road (which he had left owing 16s.) - William James Blackler, Hill Crest, Upper Wells-road, Bath, said he had known deceased for 20 years and during the whole of that time he had taken chlorodyne for acute pains in the stomach and neuralgia. He had seen him take it repeatedly. - The Coroner recalled MR STEADMAN, who said deceased was addicted to the taking of quack medicines. - EVA ELLEN GRIFFITH, Sydenham Villa, Bath, deceased's second sister, gave evidence similar to that of Mr Blackler. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure through the taking of Chlorodyne," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 29 March 1906
SIDMOUTH - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Marino, Sidmouth, touching the death of MRS HICKS, widow of the late MAJOR HICKS, whose death from burns, accidentally received, has been reported in the "Gazette." The deceased, who was 80 years of age, was most generous to the poor and interested herself greatly in the religious work of the town. Dr B. G. Pullin having stated that death was due to shock, said the deceased told him the lace on her nightdress caught fire through coming in contact with a candle. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Post-Mortem Revelation. Improper Feeding At Exeter. Coroner's Severe Rebuke. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Exeter Police Court on the body of GEORGE GALE, aged three months, the son of CHARLES GALE, of 35 West-street, Exeter. - MRS MARY JANE GALE identified the body. The child had been fed on milk. Lately it had been unwell and suffering from cough. She had not given the child any bread. - Mr H. Andrew, Surgeon, said that the child died from rickets and had had bronchitis. He had made a post-mortem examination and found a quantity of bread in the stomach. - MRS RENDALL, mother of MRS GALE, said that the child had never had bread to eat; it always had raw milk. - The Coroner: Do you honestly say that the child never had any bread? - Witness: Yes, sir. - The Coroner: Leave the box. I am disgusted with you. You and your daughter have deliberately come here and sworn that the child has had no bread and the doctor states that bread was in the child's stomach. I have a good mind to send you before a Jury to answer a charge of perjury. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 2 April 1906
EXETER - At the Exeter Police Station on Saturday, the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest on the body of LEONARD CHARLES PERRING, aged six months, son of CATHERINE MARY PERRING, an inmate of St Olave's Home, Exeter. The child, which was put out to nurse, was delicate. Dr Pickard attributed death to convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 3 April 1906
IDE - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an inquest at the New Inn, Ide, yesterday, on the body of CHARLES AMOS GOVIER, aged 45, of Ide. LOUISA AMELIA GOVIER, spinster of Ide, identified the body as that of her brother, who was a baker. He had been in an Asylum. During the last seven weeks he had been gradually wasting. On Friday she noticed a change and he died on Saturday morning. Mr Stokes, Surgeon, of Exeter, said that he had made a post-mortem examination and found deceased died from consumption. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

TORQUAY - The adjourned Inquest on the body of the illegitimate child of FANNY MANTLE, domestic servant, in the employ of Bishop Churton, of Longcroft, Torquay, was held in the Upton Parish Room yesterday afternoon. The mother of the child having given evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure, through inability of the mother to give the child the necessary attention."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 6 April 1906
BARNSTAPLE - The Fatal Accident At Barnstaple. The Inquest. - The Inquest on the body of the late MR S. N. PETTER, who was thrown from his trap while driving near Goodleigh, Barnstaple, on Tuesday, was held at the residence, Victoria-road, Barnstaple, yesterday, by the Borough Coroner, Mr Bencraft, and a Jury, of whom Mr J. D. Young was Foreman. - The Coroner said he had known MR PETTER for many years and o words of his were necessary to emphasise the loss which the town had sustained. - Having viewed the body, the Jury were shown into the bedroom of the widow, who is suffering from a broken rib. She was attended by the deceased's sister, mother and the widow's sister and aunt. - MRS PETTER stated that she and her husband and little child went for a drive in their trap on Tuesday afternoon in the neighbourhood of Goodleigh. When passing a wall the horse shied, the trap was turned over and all of them were thrown out. She picked up her little child and then went to her husband's assistance. A horse and cart were obtained and her husband was driven with her a little way towards Barnstaple, when they met Dr Harper in his motor car, he having been sent for. Her husband was then transferred to the car and they were carefully driven home. Everything possible was done for him, but he died the next day, just before twelve o'clock. - In answer to the Coroner, MRS PETTER said the horse did not kick her husband, who was thrown into the road in front of the horse. - The Jury then returned to their meeting room, where Dr Harper stated the circumstances of his motoring with the deceased to his residence, where he had the assistance of his partner, Dr Jonas, and Dr Ware. They saw that the case was a hopeless one, but, notwithstanding, they sent for Dr Russell Coombe, of Exeter. He arrived at midnight, but they all agreed that nothing more could be done. The deceased was perfectly unconscious. He had a fracture at the base of the skull, a laceration of the brain and other injuries. He died as the result of the injuries. In answer to the Coroner, the witness said he should think that the deceased pitched on his head. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Foreman expressed the sympathy of the Jury with the widow and friends. The Jury agreed to give their fees to the Nursing Association.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 April 1906
EXETER - Inquest At Exeter. The Late MR E. V. HAWKINS. - Mr W. Linford Brown, the City Coroner, conducted an Inquiry last evening at No. 39 Pennsylvania-road, Exeter, concerning the death of MR EDWARD VARWELL HAWKINS, of the above address, the circumstances of which were fully recorded in yesterday's "Gazette." - MR JOHN BLAKE VARWELL, of Paignton, identified the body. Deceased, he said, was a retired stock and share broker. He was 66 years of age. Witness last saw him alive on March 7th, when he seemed fairly well, and witness went for a seven-mile country walk with him. - Mr John Surridge, of Exeter, related the circumstances of MR HAWKINS' death. Deceased and himself, he said, were playing a game of chess at the Exeter Literary Society's Institute, about 12 o'clock on Thursday, when he noticed his friend was breathing heavily. He drew the attention of Mr A. Clarke, who was in the room, to this, and restoratives were promptly obtained and attempts were made to administer them by Mrs Codner, wife of the librarian. A doctor was also sent for, but MR HAWKINS died shortly afterwards. - Dr Goulston, of Heavitree, who was called to the Institute on Thursday, and, on his arrival, found that life was extinct, attributed death to heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Both Coroner and Jury joined in expressions of regret at the death of a citizen so well-known and so much respected and in sympathy with the widow and family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 9 April 1906
EXETER - Exeter Boy's Tragic Death. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday on the body of ARTHUR KING, aged 10, of 20 Little Silver, Exeter. - WILLIAM KING, carman for the Great Western Railway, and father of deceased, said that he gave his son a ride down St David's Hill. White putting on the drag his horse bolted, and deceased was thrown into the road. The horse, a young one, appeared to have been worked very little before witness had charge of it. - William Phillips, 62 Park-road, and Frederick Caswell, 20 Beaufort-road, gave evidence to the effect that they saw deceased fall from the waggon on account of colliding with another vehicle. Two wheels went over him. - Mr Stirk, Surgeon, said deceased was in a state of collapse on admittance. The right chest was crushed and several ribs were broken. There was also lung injury, and a large wound on the right arm. He died from the injuries sustained. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 12 April 1906
HENNOCK - Chudleigh Knighton. - An Inquest was held on Monday evening by Mr Kellock, on the body of ELIZABETH GALE, wife of JOHN GALE, labourer. From the evidence given, she started on her way to Chudleigh on Saturday night about 7 o'clock, her husband having gone on in advance. When about 100 yards from her house she dropped dead. The evidence of Dr Farncombe, of Chudleigh, after a post mortem, was that the heart was fatty and diseased. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," expressing their sympathy with the relations and friends of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 April 1906
HENNOCK - The Trusham Quarry Fatality. Curious Misadventure. Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was held on Thursday afternoon by Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, at the Club-room, Chudleigh Knighton, concerning the death of JAMES LOVEYS COOMBES, aged 37, married, of Chapelry, Chudleigh Knighton, quarryman, employed at the Teign Valley Granite Quarries at Trusham, who was killed on Wednesday morning through being crushed between the buffers of two railway trucks while engaged in shunting operations at Trusham Station. - MARY COMBES, of Trusham, mother, identified the body. - Sidney Honeywill, Stationmaster at Trusham, stated that the Granite Company had a private siding at the Station, which was worked by the Great Western Railway Company. The Granite Company drew the trucks from a loading dock by means of a tow rope attached to a travelling steam crane. On Wednesday morning the crane was drawing out five empty trucks and two loaded ones. The crane and five empties ran on a loop line and then the points were put over and the loaded trucks ran along another line towards a goods train to which they were to be attached. Deceased was running along beside the two trucks with his hand on the cable to unhitch it. Witness was standing with a shunting pole ready to couple the trucks. Just as the trucks got within about two feet of the stationary train, deceased jumped between the trucks and was crushed by the buffers in an instant. Deceased must have misjudged the distance between the trucks. Witness did not know what possessed deceased to get between the trucks, as there was no object in doing so. He should have unhitched the rope after the trucks had become stationary. - The Coroner: A shunting pole ought to have been used. - Witness: It is impossible to unhitch the rope with a pole owing to its length. - The Coroner: Then to obviate the danger the only safe thing would have been to wait until the trucks stopped. - Witness: That was what he ought to have done. - Mr Farncombe of Chudleigh, stated that the lower ribs and chest walls had been all crushed in, and one of the lungs had been perforated. Death must have been instantaneous. - Robert Bathurst, manager to the Teign Valley Granite Quarry Company, said that the Company had nothing to do with the coupling of the trains. The deceased had been employed at the Quarry about a month. His duty was to work with the steam crane wire rope, hitching and unhitching it from the trucks being drawn from the loading dock. He had been instructed never to go between the trucks when they were in motion. - The Inquest was adjourned until next Thursday afternoon to enable the Inspector of Quarries to be present.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 16 April 1906
OKEHAMPTON - Fatal Fall At Okehampton. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Okehampton, on Saturday morning, touching the death of CHARLES PEDRICK, a farm servant, aged 17 years, who died on Good Friday. - The evidence showed that deceased, on the 12th instant, was sent by his employer, Mr George Hodge, to fetch some oats from Mr Perkins' seed stores. On his arrival there he was proceeding to carry one of the bags downstairs when a noise was heard and deceased was found lying at the bottom of the stairs with his head against the wall. He was in an unconscious condition. - Dr McDonald stated that he was called to see the deceased just after the accident occurred and on examination found him suffering from fracture of the upper part of the skull and quite insensible. In addition to the fracture he had sustained a fracture of the vertebra below the shoulder. The lad was unconscious up to the time of his death. - The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased died from Fracture of the Skull, arising from Accidentally slipping while getting a sack of oats down the staircase," and recommended that a handrail be affixed to the staircase.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 April 1906
DAWLISH - Sad Death At Dawlish. - Yesterday Mr Sidney Hacker conducted an Inquest at the Dawlish Vestry Hall relative to the death of MR WILLIAM AMERY, 53, of 2 Iddesleigh-terrace, a retired grocer, who was found dead in bed on Saturday morning. - DOROTHY MAY AMERY, deceased's daughter, said she noticed nothing unusual in her father's health. He had breakfast and went out of doors on Good Friday, returning between 6 and 7 o'clock and going to bed. At 10.30 deceased called and on going to him she found he had left his bedroom, and lay at the bottom of a flight of three stairs. She, with assistance, helped him to bed again, where he appeared to soon become comfortable. On coming down in the morning, she looked into his bedroom, when he appeared to be asleep; but on going again and noticing his appearance was peculiar, she called the Rev. H. B. W. Hammond. - This witness said he assisted deceased back to bed. He appeared little hurt externally. When called later MR AMERY appeared to be dead. - Dr F. J. H. Cann said he made a post mortem examination and found the organs generally degenerated, the heart being especially weak. He considered death was due to syncope. - The Jury, of which Mr J. Gamlin was Foreman, returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 April 1906
SEATON AND BEER - The Accident At Seaton. Inquest And Verdict. - Yesterday, Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest at Seaton on the body of Second-Lieutenant GUY DUGDALE BARCHARD, of the Royal Field Artillery, son of MRS BARCHARD of the Manor House, Seaton, who died from injuries received by falling into a goyle while badger hunting early on Tuesday morning. - MRS BARCHARD gave evidence of identification, saying her son was 20 years of age. - Mr Wm. Hy. Head, huntsman to the Axe Vale Harriers, stated that on Monday evening they were badger hunting. The night was very dark. At about 2 o'clock they were in the midst of a run, near Borcombe Farm. Soon afterwards the hounds were checked and they heard a cry of help, and someone said somebody had fallen in the goyle. Dr May stated that he was out with the hounds. He was a few yards behind Mr Head, and heard a cry for help. Witness had a lantern with him and climbed down into the goyle, and found deceased lying there. The drop where deceased had fallen was 15 ft. or 18 ft. and it would be impossible to jump across, as it was covered on both sides with undergrowth. After some time deceased was conveyed to Borcombe Farm, and then taken home. Deceased told him he was going through the bushes and stepped out into what he thought was a lane, but fell into the goyle. - Dr Evans said deceased told him he fell into the goyle. On examining MR BARCHARD he found a fracture of a rib, which caused laceration of the kidney, that being the cause of death. - In summing up, the Coroner said it was one of the saddest Inquests he had presided over. It was a rash thing to take a leap in the dark unless one knew the circumstances, but deceased thought he was leaping into the road. Their sympathy went out to MRS and MISS BARCHARD in their bereavement. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and Mr Hole, Foreman, expressed the Jury's sympathy.

HENNOCK - The Trusham Accident. - At the adjourned Inquest yesterday, on the body of JOSEPH LOVEYS COOMBES, quarryman of Chudleigh Knighton (who was crushed between the buffers of two railway trucks while engaged on the siding at the Teign Valley granite quarries), it was suggested by Mr J. S. Martin, I.S.O., of Bristol, H.M. Inspector of Quarries, that deceased got between the trucks to unhitch the wire cable attacked to the trucks, as it was easier to do it that way then to wait until the trucks had stopped and stoop underneath the buffers. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 April 1906
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Station last evening by Mr W. L. Brown, the City Coroner on the body of MARIA LOUISA YEO, 45, Hawkins' Buildings, who died on Thursday. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Station last evening by Mr W. L. Brown, the City Coroner on the body of a child belonging to CHARLES AVERY SNOW, Bartholomew-street, a painter, when a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 April 1906
EXETER - The Sudden Death At Exeter. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, held an Inquest at 12 Carlton-terrace, New North-road, last evening, on the body of MR WILLIAM TUCKETT, who died the previous day while walking home from church. - Mr Henry Venton identified the body as that of his father-in-law, aged 80, a retired builder. Deceased was taken ill after leaving church and while proceeding to New North-road he fell. Witness placed him in a cab and conveyed him to his home. Mr Roper was summoned but before medical aid arrived MR TUCKETT died. - Mr A. C. Roper, Surgeon, said heart trouble had caused deceased much anxiety. He considered MR TUCKETT died from sudden heart failure. There were signs of apoplexy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 May 1906
SOUTH MOLTON - The Southmolton Suicide. An Exmouth Solicitor Gives Evidence. An Undeserved Complaint. - Last evening an Inquest was held at Fern Bank, Southmolton, by the County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, of Barnstaple, and a Jury, on the body of JOHN PIKE, aged 54, a gentleman of independent means, who committed suicide on the previous Saturday. The Foreman of the Jury was Mr G. H. Mountjoy. - EMILY PIKE, the widow, said they had resided at Southmolton for nearly seven years. Her husband had property at Exmouth and Mr E. M. Bastin, solicitor, of Exmouth, acted for him. Correspondence had taken place between them and deceased had decided to sell it for £850. The agreement was forwarded to the deceased. He, however, afterwards received another offer of £875, but Mr Bastin informed the deceased that he could not legally dispose of the property, he having accepted the former offer. Deceased troubled over trifles and he had been worried over her illness. On Saturday, the day of the tragedy, he breakfasted with her and seemed in his usual spirits. - Ellen Baker, servant, James Hill, a retired farmer and Emma Northam gave evidence as to the discovery of the body of MR PIKE in an outhouse with a gun lying beside him. - Dr Wigham of Southmolton, said deceased died through a shot, which was undoubtedly self-inflicted. There were burns in his mouth and the charge had come out of the back and top of the skull. - Mr A. F. Seldon, of Barnstaple, stated he appeared for Mr Bastin, who was rather upset, deceased being a very old friend of his. The contents of the letter found near deceased complained of Mr Bastin not writing as he had promised and on the back of the letter was written, "You are responsible for my death." - The whole of the correspondence between the deceased and Mr Bastin was produced and it showed clearly that Mr Bastin had done everything in his power to get the property sold on the best terms. - Mr E. Bastin briefly gave evidence, in which he stated that there were no grounds for imputing any responsibility to him. - The Coroner summed up, and commented very feelingly on the reflection cast upon Mr Bastin, by the letter. There was clearly no imputation deserved and everything necessary had been done. Deceased had no one to blame but himself and from the evidence of the widow it was clear that he was an excitable man. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased Committed Suicide by Shooting Himself at a time when he was Insane, and they attached no blame to Mr Bastin. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with Mr Bastin for being placed in such an awkward position. - The Jury passed a vote of condolence with the widow and family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 2 May 1906
PAIGNTON - Paignton Child's Terrible Death. The Dangers Of Lime Pits. - Mr Hacker yesterday held an Inquest at Paignton touching the death of ALFRED JOHN MITCHELMORE, aged 2, who died as the result of shocking injuries sustained by falling into a pit of hot slack lime shortly before one o'clock on Saturday. - The parents live at 13 Nuneham Terrace, St Michael's, and at the back is a pit belonging to Mr Stidworthy, builder, and which was filled with boiling lime at the time of the accident. The child, with several others, was playing about and was seen by a little boy named Matthews to slip in the pit. This lad told his mother, who ran to the spot and whose screams attracted others, including the mother. When the child was taken from the pit it was so covered with lime that at first the mother failed to recognise it. Dr Adams, who was called in, found that the eyesight was completely destroyed, and that the child had sustained terrible injuries. At his orders the deceased was conveyed to the Cottage Hospital, where he died on Sunday morning. - Some strong comments were made by the Coroner and Jury as to the great danger of leaving these lime pits unprotected, and the close contiguity of this pit to the road was regarded as an additional danger. The Coroner told Mr Stidworthy that he was not blameless in the matter, and should have taken precautions to fence the pit directly lime was put into it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider calling upon the District Council to instruct their officials to see that all lime pits in this neighbourhood, where several builders are erecting houses, are properly protected.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 3 May 1906
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Court yesterday by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, on the body of SARAH JANE CARTER, of Tucker's-cottages, Tudor-street, Exeter. WILLIAM JOHN CARTER, son, identified the body. ALICE ELIZABETH CARTER, daughter, said that she left the room in which her mother was, and, on returning, found her dead. Deceased had suffered from bronchitis and asthma. Elizabeth Hannaford, a neighbour, also gave evidence. Mr E. E. P. Tindall said deceased died from heart failure, following chronic bronchitis. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 4 May 1906
EXETER - Going To The Doctor. Fatal Exposure At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at 34 West-street, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM FERRIS WEST, baker, of that address. - ELLEN WEST, widow, said that deceased had not had a doctor for two years. On Tuesday he complained of feeling unwell and went and saw Mr Duncan. She gave him on returning some beef tea and went to serve in the shop. On returning to him she found he was dead. - Mr Duncan said deceased was suffering from bronchitis. He considered death was due to acute bronchitis and exposure to cold through going to see him. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 7 May 1906
EXETER - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Exeter Workhouse on Saturday on the body of JAMES BURGE, a tailor, aged 74 years. Mr J. H. Bellamy, Master of the Workhouse, said that deceased had been an inmate for two months. He gave no information on admission as to his friends. Witness had heard no complaint from deceased as to illness, but on Friday morning he was found dead. Joseph Thomas, an inmate, occupying the same ward as the deceased, said he heard the deceased breathing heavily and making "gurgling" sounds early on Friday morning. He died almost immediately. Witness called assistance. George Crouch, Wardsman, corroborated. Dr Duncan stated that death was due to sudden failure of the heart, owing to a diseased condition. A verdict was returned accordingly.

CHULMLEIGH - Chulmleigh Baker's Suicide. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, of Barnstaple, District Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday at Chulmleigh on the body of RICHARD FORD, baker, who was found hanging from a beam in a lumber room at his private residence in New-street on Thursday afternoon. Mr W. Short was Foreman of the Jury. MRS MARY FORD identified the body as that of her son, whose age was 49 years. About 18 months since he lost his wife and that and the worry of the business had made him very depressed. He had been attended by his medical attendant. - Mr S. Smale, of the White Hart Hotel, deposed that, in company with Colr.-Sergt. Instructor W. G. Hudson, he went into the lumber-room upon an alarm being raised and found the deceased hanging from a beam by a rope. Hudson lifted the body while witness cut the rope. Life was extinct. He had never heard deceased express any idea of committing suicide, and as regarded financial matters he was in a very good position. - Mr L. Feaver, Surgeon, stated that the cause of death was hanging. He had attended deceased of late for depression. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned. - The Foreman expressed sympathy on behalf of the Jury with the three orphan children and friends of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 8 May 1906
POUGHILL - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Poughill Farm, near Crediton, yesterday, on the body of CHARLOTTE PARISH, aged 50 years, daughter of HENRY PARISH, farmer. MICHAEL PARISH, of Poughill Farm, labourer, identified the body. Deceased died on Friday. Mr J. J. Reynolds, of Cheriton Fitzpaine, Surgeon, said he had made a post-mortem examination and found death was due to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 9 May 1906
NEWTON ABBOT - At an Inquest held at Newton Abbot yesterday on the infant child of JOHN SAMUEL VEALE, bargeman, 8 Court, Wolborough-street, it was stated that the child, seven weeks old, was found dead by the side of its mother on Sunday morning. It was all right at 4.30 when the mother nursed it and she went to sleep with it at her breast. The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, asked MRS VEALE if she had not been told that this was a very dangerous practice and she replied that she knew it, but did not think of it at the time. Dr Stewart, who made a post mortem, stated that death was due to suffocation. The child was well nourished and of good weight. The Coroner said it was a terrible thing that so many children who might have grown up to be healthy men and woman, should lose their lives in consequence of ignorance and carelessness. The mother in this case admitted that she knew the danger, but did not think of it at the time and she could not be freed from blame. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Suffocation."

SAMPFORD PEVERELL - Killed On The Railway. A Sampford Peverell Labourer's Death. - An "Open Verdict " was returned last evening at an inquest conducted by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, at the New Inn, Sampford Peverell, on the body of JAMES MARKS, aged 55 years, a labourer, of Sampford Peverell, who was found dead on the Great Western Railway between Tiverton Junction and Burlescombe early yesterday morning. - The Rev. P.C. Rossiter was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Chief-Inspector Shattock watched the proceedings on behalf of the Railway Company. - MRS MARKS, the widow, said she last saw her husband alive on Monday afternoon, when he left saying that in all probability he should go to Mount Stephen Farm. In this case he would have to cross the railway. Deceased never threatened to take his life and so far as she knew had no trouble. He left no communication behind. - Edward Milton, labourer, of Sampford Peverell, saw deceased about 7.30 p.m. on Monday evening, when MARKS asked him to accompany him to Mount Stephen. Witness, however, did not do so. Deceased was sober. - John Bater, platelayer on the railway, of Sampford Peverell, said that as he was walking down the line towards Tiverton Junction at 5.40 yesterday morning he came across the dead body of deceased lying outside the up line rails. The left hand was severed and lying between the rails, and the head was smashed. Deceased was about 60 or 70 yards from a crossing. - P.C. Fewings said that when he examined the body he found deceased's watch still going. MARKS had no money on him. Brains and bone were scattered along the railway for a distance of some 40 yards. - Mr Joule, Surgeon, of Sampford Peverell, described deceased's injuries. The face was completely smashed and the skull badly fractured. The left arm was severed at the elbow joint. - Inspector Shattock said that between 9 o'clock and the time of the finding of deceased's body twelve trains passed up the line. No marks had been found on the engines. - P.C. Fewings said he had ascertained that MARKS did not call at Mount Stephen Farm

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 11 May 1906
LYDFORD - Death Of An Old Offender. Inquest At Dartmoor Prison. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmoor Prison on the body of CHARLES NASH, a convict, who died on Sunday last, aged 33 years. Mr J. H. Palmer (clerk in the Governor's office) said deceased came to Princetown on the 20th December 1904. He was convicted at Southampton Quarter Sessions on the 8th April 1904 of breaking and entering a church with felonious intent and was sentenced to three years' penal servitude. He had never undergone penal servitude before, but had been convicted 42 times previously for various offences, chiefly larceny. His conduct at Princetown had been good. - Dr Dyer said the deceased had been suffering from phthisis for some time past, and that was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

YARNSCOMBE - Yarnscombe Woodman's Death. - ROBERT ELLIS, a woodman, in the employ of the Hon. Mark Rolle, has met with his death. He was felling trees when one fell upon him. He was conveyed to his home and was attended by Mr Good, of High Bickington, but he succumbed two days afterwards. - At an Inquest held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, District coroner, Mr Good said that death resulted from shock, as the injuries received - a blow under the left eye and another across the bridge of his nose - were not sufficient to cause death. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Deceased was 76 years of age.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 May 1906
EXETER - Extraordinary Suicide At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter City Coroner, held an inquiry at the Exeter Police Court, yesterday, touching the death of THOMAS JOSEPH HOOPER WARREN, who was found in the Exeter Canal on Sunday. The body was decomposed and the Coroner said that he had communicated with the Town Clerk with a view to having a glass receptacle provided by the City Council for such bodies. - George Miller, of 92 Mount Gould-road, Plymouth, identified the body as that of his brother-in-law, and said deceased was 54 years of age, and a cook and confectioner. When witness last saw him in February he understood deceased was going to Dartmouth for a situation. Deceased occasionally gave way to drink. His last address was Probus, in Cornwall, where he had work. - Tom Johns, cloak-room porter at St David's Station, said he saw deceased on February 20th and twice since, when he took something from his boxes. The last time witness saw deceased was on the 5th or 6th of April. Deceased said he was out of a situation and appeared very depressed. - John Lyons, 11 Waterbeer-street, Exeter, said he was strolling along the Canal banks near the Welcome inn when he saw a body in the water. There was a stone tied to the neck by a rope, while both hands were wound round with string. - P.C. Russell corroborated the last witness, and said the stone attached to deceased's neck weighed 21 lb. - Dr Duncan showed the Jury how deceased could have tied his hands. Death was due to drowning, accelerated by the strangulation caused by the stone attached to the neck. The body had been in the water from three to four weeks. - Mr Miller said he thought deceased gave way to drinking because he lost a business in the north of England. - A verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 16 May 1906
OKEHAMPTON - Chagford Octogenarian's Death. Inquest Yesterday. - The accident which occurred to an old man named GEORGE UNDERHILL, of Chagford, towards the end of last month ended fatally on Sunday at the Moretonhampstead Cottage Hospital, and an inquest was held yesterday by the Coroner, Mr S. Hacker. - Aaron Brimmicombe, labourer, of Moreton, stated that deceased, who was 81 years of age, was his uncle, and was in receipt of parochial relief. He had resided with his wife, but she was almost an imbecile and incapable of looking after herself. On April 22nd, witness was sent for and his uncle told him that he had had a fainting fit and had fallen off a seat into the fire. He was removed to the Moreton Hospital ten days later. - Mrs Burridge said that MRS UNDERHILL called her to "see to GEORGE". He was sitting on a chair at the foot of the stairs and said he had scalded his shoulder. He was wearing sound clothes at the time. the fireplace of the cottage was an open one. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said that there was no evidence whatever that the old woman had thrown a bucket of water over her husband, as the floor was clean and dry. - Mrs Anderson, of Chagford, parish nurse, said that UNDERHILL told her he had changed all his clothes. She put him to bed and dressed his wounds. He was severely burnt on the back and right arm, and in removing his shirt and an inside flannel the deceased had greatly irritated the wounds. A doctor was called on the following day and repeatedly advised the removal of the old man to the Hospital, as there was no one to look after him properly. - The Coroner said he was surprised that the man was not removed for ten days under the circumstances. - The nurse said she supposed the arrangements could not be made for his removal. - The Coroner: Who had to make the arrangements, the Relieving Officer? - Witness: I suppose so. - The Coroner: Why did he not do his duty and have him removed at once? - Witness: The poor old man would not go; he had to be coaxed. - Brimmicombe said that his uncle would not be removed by the Relieving Officer, but only by him. - Dr Laurie said UNDERHILL was admitted to the Moreton Cottage Hospital on May 2nd suffering from extensive burns on the body. The wounds were very deep and had healed but little. His death was due to blood poisoning caused by the burns. Deceased, being a very old man, there was little vitality left in him. Owing to his condition, the shock to the system was not great, although an ordinary man would have died from the shock in a few days. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 17 May 1906
TAVISTOCK - Yesterday morning Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the Cottage Hospital, Tavistock, on the body of COLONEL ENGLEDUE, of Osborne House, Tavistock, whose death took place under circumstances reported in yesterday's "Gazette." MISS OLIVE ENGLEDUE stated that her father was 66 years of age. As he did not respond to her call to breakfast on the previous day she entered his bedroom and found him lying across the bed dead, with a pistol in his hand. He had shot himself. For some time he had had financial troubles. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" and expressed sympathy with the family in their great bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 18 May 1906
At an Inquest held at Torquay yesterday on the body of SUSAN HALLAN PLANK, widow of a Wolverhampton fancy warehouseman, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Heart Failure."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 21 May 1906
HALBERTON - Suicide At Halberton. Farmer Cuts His Throat. - Distressing in the extreme are the circumstances surrounding the death of WILLIAM EVANS, farmer, of Halberton, who committed suicide on Saturday morning by cutting his throat with a razor. EVANS and his aged parents are widely known throughout the whole of the Culm Valley and also in the Tiverton district, and the news of his tragic death created great surprise. - The facts, as related at the Inquiry conducted by Mr W. Gould, Coroner, on Saturday afternoon are briefly as follows. The deceased, who was 43 years of age and unmarried, appeared very strange in his manner on Friday evening and about three o'clock the next morning came downstairs to the kitchen, where his father (JOHN EVANS) was lying on a couch, as he is almost too infirm to mount the stairs leading to his bedroom. "Father," deceased said, picking up one of the old man's walking sticks, "Hit me on the head and finish me off." The old man tried to pacify his son, who suddenly jumped up, went to a drawer and then drew his hand across his throat. The father made an effort and succeeded in catching hold of his son's arm. A razor dropped and immediately after EVANS himself fell, blood flowing profusely from a fearful gash in the throat. P.C. Bromell was sent for and a neighbour went for Dr Joale, of Sampford Peverell, but life was extinct before the latter arrived. - Asked if the deceased had had any trouble, financial or otherwise, the father said, "No; he always had a good home with us." - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by the Jury. A vote of sympathy was extended to the relatives of the deceased in their great sorrow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 24 May 1906
EXETER - Sad Case At Exeter. Mother Accidentally Suffocates Her Child. - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Station last evening on the body of ANNIE POPE, the infant daughter of a waggoner, living at Higher Shilhay, Commercial-road. - The evidence was to the effect that the mother, while holding her baby in her arms on Monday afternoon, fell to the floor in a fit. Before they were picked up the child had been suffocated. MRS POPE had been subject to fits for the last fourteen years. - EMILY POPE, aged 14, stated that her little brother called her from the street, saying "Mother has had a fit." She ran home at once and found her mother and baby sister on the floor. She picked up the baby and handed it to Mrs Coles who entered the house just then. Mrs Coles said the baby was quite dead when she took it from the girl, and Mr Mark Farrant, Surgeon, stated that death was due to suffocation. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

LITTLE TORRINGTON - The Tragedy At Little Torrington. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Little Torrington touching the death of MR JOHN QUANCE, aged 42 years, whose death under sad circumstances was reported in yesterday's "Gazette." - Evidence was given which showed that before shooting himself deceased wrote a note, in which he stated he could not stand his trouble any longer. He expressed the wish that his brother SAMUEL and sister, BESSIE PRISCILLA, should take his share of all his stock and goods in his possession, except his six National Provincial Bank shares, which he gave to Miss Lucy Metherell, of Stoke Barton, Hartland. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 25 May 1906
TOPSHAM - Mr H. W. Gould, County Coroner, held an Inquest here on the body of the five-month-old son of JAMES BAKER, licensed victualler. Evidence was given by the mother to the effect that she found the child dead in bed between herself and her husband. It was alive and well three or four hours before. Mr William Ashford, Surgeon, stated that he had examined the child and was of opinion it had died from suffocation, the result of over-laying. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 May 1906
TIVERTON - A Septuagenarian's Suicide. Inquest At Tiverton. - In the absence of the Borough Coroner, Mr L. Mackenzie, Mr Arthur Fisher, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Tiverton Infirmary last evening into the circumstances attending the death of an old man named THOMAS WARE, labourer, of Holcombe Rogus, who attempted suicide by cutting his throat last Saturday morning. - Deceased had been suffering from Bright's Disease for the last 2 ½ years. Latterly he had been very despondent and frequently cried, owing to the acute pain he suffered. Early on Saturday morning he was found with his throat cut. Asked what he had done he replied, "I am made." He was conveyed to the Tiverton Infirmary where he died on Thursday. He was 70 years of age. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

HOLSWORTHY - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Holsworthy on the body of MR JOHN JONAS, who met with his death in the Market under circumstances already fully reported in the "Gazette. " The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 30 May 1906
RYDE, ISLE OF WIGHT - Buckfastleigh Barrister's Suicide. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Ryde, on ALFRED JOHN POUND, a barrister, of Buckfastleigh. - The evidence showed that the deceased had to appear at Totnes Court on Monday to answer a judgment summons for £70. Instead, he proceeded to Newport on Saturday and in the stable of the Bugle Hotel fired two revolver shots into his head, dying twenty-four hours later. He left a letter for the Police giving particulars of himself and persons in Ireland, who could identify him and directing that the Registrar of the Devon County Court be informed of his suicide. He also left a letter for the Coroner, and papers relating to the action. He had an allowance of £360 a year from his wife. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

BIDEFORD - An Inquest was held at Bideford yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM ROBBINS, 66, labourer, who died suddenly the previous day. Dr Grose, who made a post mortem said the deceased's heart was very much diseased and that was evidently the cause of death. The Jury, of which Mr J. Pengilly was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 June 1906
TOTNES - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Totnes Guildhall by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, concerning the death of HARRIET CALLARD, a single woman. ABRAHAM CALLARD, of Bank-lane, said the deceased was his daughter. She was 50 years of age and worked as a laundress. She was not very well on Monday, but was at work during the morning. He found her dead in bed yesterday morning. Dr Edmond said he found the heart very fatty and much deteriorated, death being due to a sudden rupture, probably caused by an attack of retching, soon after she retired to rest. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 8 June 1906
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM BOWDEN, 11 Clarence-road, St. Thomas, who was a packer's assistant. Evidence was given to show that deceased had been employed at Messrs. Yolland, Husson and Birkett's establishment for some years and owing to the financial position of the firm he had been depressed. The evidence also showed that he purchased salts of lemon at a chemists and took them in the shop cellar, and Mr Stirk, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to poisoning. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 June 1906
NEWTON ST CYRES - The Newton St. Cyres Tragedy. Inquest On Bastin. - Mr J. D. Prickman, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Lower Marsh, Newton St. Cyres, yesterday afternoon on the body of GEORGE BASTIN, of Newton St. Cyres, platelayer, who met his death on the London and South Western Railway on Thursday. - Mr W. R. Cocks (Messrs. Dunn and Baker) appeared on behalf of the widow; Superintendent Egan on behalf of the Police. Mr G. Hancock was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - P.C. WILLIAM BASTIN, of the Exeter City Police, identified the body as that of his brother. Deceased was 41 years of age and had no difficulties or trouble of which witness was cognisant. - William Pitman, of Newton St. Cyres, platelayer, stated that on Thursday afternoon he was at work with the deceased and a man named George Mills, driving keys on the up line near Marsh Mill, on the Crediton side of St. Cyres, in the six-foot way. Witness, who was 35 ft. distant from BASTIN, saw an up fast train approaching when it was about 250 yards off. Witness shouted "Look up, the up train," and, with Mills, moved to the hedge on the same side as the train was running. BASTIN also moved towards the hedge and got quite clear of the rails on the path running beside the metals. Witness did not notice any further movement by BASTIN until struck on one of his legs by deceased, who he found was dead. Deceased had been working as a platelayer for 16 years and was sober at the time of the accident. Witness could in no way suggest how deceased was knocked down. If deceased had stayed where witness last saw him alive he would have been safe. Deceased had two keys in his hands. - George Mills, Newton St. Cyres, platelayer, said that after BASTIN had moved out of the six-foot way he saw deceased in a stooping position. He shouted, but the alarm was too late. Subsequently witness saw a defective key in the crossing where deceased was working and was of opinion that BASTIN, having also noticed it as the train was approaching, attempted to deal with it, but misjudged the distance of the train, and was struck by the engine. - John Dyer, of New-street, Torrington, driver of the train, said he did not notice deceased previous to his being knocked down. He subsequently found marks of blood on the buffer beam. The train was travelling at from 45 to 50 miles an hour at the time of the accident. - John Parkhouse, 1 Furzebeam-road, Torrington, fireman of the train, said he saw deceased outside the rails, but in a stooping position, when the train was a few yards off. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 11 June 1906
EXETER HEAVITREE - The Exeter Railway Tragedy. - The circumstances surrounding the death of MR GEORGE TUCKER, of Foxhayes, Exwick, were investigated by Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the District, at an Inquest at the Whipton Inn, Whipton, on Saturday evening. - The evidence showed that the deceased left home between 9 and 10 o'clock on Friday morning, saying he was going for a walk and would call at the Bank. In the afternoon he was observed walking in the path beside the Exmouth branch line near Polsloe Bridge, by John Pomeroy of Polsloe Park, Exeter, an engine driver in the employ of the London and South Western Railway Company. Pomeroy was at the time in charge of the 3.42 p.m. goods train from Exmouth, and was nearing Exmouth Junction. When within about 10 yards of the approaching train deceased suddenly and deliberately stretched himself on the line in front of it. It was not until the train had completely passed over the man that the driver was able to bring it to a standstill. The body was found to be terribly mutilated and the neck completely severed. Deceased had never threatened to commit suicide. He had, however, been greatly depressed of late, because of a bad leg from which he was suffering and which he was under the impression would have to be amputated. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

OKEHAMPTON - Fatal Quarry Accident. A Man Killed At Meldon. Inquest Adjourned. - Early on Saturday morning, while engaged in quarrying at Meldon on the quarry belonging to the London and South Western Railway Company, a man named CHARLES PARNELL was killed by a fall of earth and another labourer, named Jennings, was so seriously injured that he had to be removed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - PARNELL was a native of North Tamerton, aged 20 and unmarried. Jennings's home is at Kilkhampton. The men were undermining and it is said that the headings had been loosened on the previous day. - An Inquest was opened by Mr Prickman, County Coroner, on Saturday evening at the Town Hall. - The body was identified by ALBERT WILLIAM PARNELL, postman, of Clawton, as that of his brother, who, he said, lived with his father and mother at North Tamerton. Deceased worked at the ballast hole, about five or six weeks before which he had been employed on a farm. He had no previous experience of quarry work. When witness last saw his brother, about a fortnight ago, the deceased told him that there had been slips at the quarry and witness advised him to give up the work. - William Pearce, of North Tamerton, said he was working with the deceased and Jennings (the injured man) the previous day at shifting the heading about the centre of the hole and were shovelling the earth into trucks. They were under the supervision of Mr Mark Gardener, the ganger in charge of the work. That morning (Saturday) they had no specific orders, but went to the same place as the day before, but under Mr Gardener's supervision. The latter was there when they went on, and passed by while they were at work. About a half hour after they started there was a slide of the top of the quarry about ten feet above them, and about six or seven ft. in width. The deceased, who was working the middle, was completely buried and Jennings was thrown down and injured. They were working underneath the heading. There was a slip of the heading about a month ago, but nobody was then injured. They were working on a bench 50 or 60 feet above the railway. It was the practice to go on the top to let down bars to shake the top earth to make it fall easier. They had done that the previous day. - Dr Young said he saw the body of deceased about 7.20, when he had, apparently, been dead some little time. He found deceased had sustained a compound fracture of the skull and a simple fracture of the right leg. The injuries were sufficient to cause death and were consistent with having been received from a land slip. - The Inquest was adjourned until today.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 12 June 1906
OKEHAMPTON - The Meldon Quarry Accident. Adjourned Inquest. Verdict And A Rider. - At Okehampton, yesterday, Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, resumed the Inquiry as to the death of CHARLES PARNELL, which occurred on Saturday morning. - the Coroner and Jury first visited the scene of the accident. - William Pearse, one of the labourers working with deceased at the time of the accident, recalled, said, in reply to a question put by Mr Martin (Inspector of Mines), that he had never seen any rules posted at the Quarry respecting the working of quarries. - Richard Vodden, who had worked at the quarry for six weeks, said he was engaged on similar work to that of the deceased. The latter was working in front of him on the day previous to the accident. He saw the deceased and Jennings go on the top and sink down their bars to loosen the ground, which was to be thrown. The practice was to undermine a bit and then go on top and throw it. The ganger (Mr Gardener) had many times told the men to "bide out" and not to work it when dangerous. By the inspector: He had never done that kind of work before. - Frederick Babb, labourer at the quarry, said the ganger (Mr Gardener) had often checked the men from undermining, and he was fully instructed in the work by the ganger when commencing his job at the ballast hole. - Mark Gardener, of Launcells, Cornwall, said he acted as ganger at the ballast hole. He did not allow much undermining, but he did not think where the men were working that it was dangerous. He had given no instructions to the men to use any bars on the previous night to loosen the earth. He did not examine the work on Saturday morning before the men went on, but he usually examined the work and ground several times during the course of the day. It was, of course, cheaper to undermine, but he never encouraged it. - The Jury (Mr W. Rouse, Foreman) returned the following verdict:- "That the cause of death was compound fracture of the skull, occasioned through the Accidental falling in of the overburthen of the quarry, and that it was an Accident," but added a rider that, whilst saying no one was to blame in this particular case, the Jury wished to add that they were of opinion that when any men are employed in a quarry who have had no previous experience special instructions should be given them and that special attention should be called to the rules, especially to Rule 32, which directs that the workman himself should secure and prepare and see to the ground previous to commencing work.

DAWLISH - Naval Pensioner Commits Suicide. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Railway Hotel, Starcross, yesterday, on the body of HENRY AVERY, naval pensioner, of Starcross. - SARAH JANE AVERY, wife of JOHN AVERY, brother of deceased, identified the body. Deceased was 43 years of age and had been a first-class petty officer in the Navy. He had been slightly unwell, but early yesterday morning he was much better. He afterwards called witness, and said that he was going to have a shave before the doctor came. She accordingly gave him his razors. Just after she heard deceased say, "I've done it," and saw him on the floor in a kneeling position. He was bleeding from the throat and died in a few minutes. He had been attended by a doctor. She had heard deceased say he would poison himself and there was insanity in the family. - Mr Edgar R. S. Lipscomb, Surgeon, of Starcross, said there was a deep cut extending from the front of the throat and severing the windpipe, the gullet and large blood vessels. The wound appeared to have been self-inflicted. Witness had been attending deceased for a slight ailment. Insanity appeared to run in the family, as three of deceased's relations had taken their own lives. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

EXMINSTER - Another Railway Fatality. Platelayer Killed AT Exminster. - Yet another railway fatality has occurred in the Exeter district. A young man, named ROBERT SHORLAND, was proceeding to his work on the Great Western Railway, near Exminster, yesterday morning, when he was knocked down by a goods train. Deceased's basket was found on the vacuum pipe of the engine of the train. - Mr H. W. Gould, District coroner, held an inquest on the deceased at the Railway Hotel, Exminster, yesterday afternoon. - Chief Inspector Shattock, of Exeter, watched the case on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. Mr Blackler (Engineering Department) and Mr Flewellen (Locomotive Department) were also present. - The father, SAMUEL SHORLAND identified the body and said deceased was a platelayer. He was 21 years of age. He left home about 5.30 yesterday morning. He had no trouble and had worked on the line for two years. - James Edwards, of Exminster, ganger, said he was going to Exminster Station, and was near the Three Arch Bridge in the parish of Exminster, when he saw the deceased laying in the four-foot way. He heard a train pass as he left his house. The morning was foggy. - Thomas Joseph Tranter, driver, of Exeter, said he was driving the 3.40 train from Plymouth to Exeter. He passed through Exminster about 5.55. He had no knowledge that deceased was on the line. When he arrived at Exeter he found the food basket produced on the front of the vacuum pipe and noticed blood on the bogey of the engine. He passed a fast goods train at Exminster Station. It was a very foggy morning and witness's train was travelling about 25 miles an hour. the train ran about the same time every morning. - Mr M. Farrant, St. Thomas, Surgeon, said the top of the deceased's skull had been taken clean off. That alone was sufficient to cause death. - Inspector Shattock said that as soon as the engine arrived at St. David's, the authorities sent an engine and men down the line to ascertain what had occurred. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and a vote of condolence was passed with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 June 1906
NEWTON FERRERS - THOMAS MICHELMORE, aged 54, employed by Mr Sherrell on Newton Downs Farm, was kicked by one of a team of horses he was driving, but although forced to give up work, did not regard his injuries as serious. A day later he rapidly got worse and died before medical aid could be procured. At an Inquest the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

UFFCULME - The Uffculme Sensation. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the George Hotel, Uffculme, by Me C. E. Cox, District Coroner, on the body of SIDNEY EVANS, aged 17, who was found dead in a tributary of the river Culm on Wednesday morning, under circumstances fully reported in yesterday's "Gazette." - MR JOHN EVANS, of Mounstephen Farm, the father, said deceased was of a nervous disposition and in his early years suffered from fits. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 June 1906
ABBOTSHAM - The North Devon Tragedy. The Inquest. - Yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest at the New Inn, Abbotsham, touching the death of FRANK GOODACRE, an artist, who was found drowned under the cliffs under circumstances already reported in the "Gazette." Deceased was 41 years of age. The widow said he had been in financial difficulties and had often threatened to commit suicide. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

ASHBURTON - The Ashburton Tragedy. Extraordinary Incident. The Inquest Adjourned. - Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, attended yesterday at Blackmoor Farm, about two miles from Ashburton, for the purpose of holding an Inquest on the body of URIAH COTTLE, a farmer, who was found the previous day with his head partly blown off. - The Jury were sworn and viewed the body; and the Coroner called CHARLES COTTLE, a son, who was found to be in such a state of intoxication that he was quite incapable of giving evidence. - He then called another son, GEORGE, who was in a similar state. The Coroner ordered both sons to be taken into custody, and they were taken to the Police Station and locked up on a charge of drunkenness. - The Inquest was adjourned until this morning.

PAIGNTON - Insurance Agent's Trouble. Inquest at Paignton. - Yesterday afternoon the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, held an Inquest at Paignton, on the body of CHARLES RILEY, an insurance agent, of Fore-street, Kingsteignton, whose body was found on the sands at Paignton early on Thursday morning by the Coastguards, as previously reported. - Deceased, who was 58 years of age, was formerly in the Royal Marine Band, and was in receipt of a pension. He was an insurance agent for the Pearl Life Assurance Society. He left home on Wednesday morning to go to Newton Railway Station. His wife expected him home at dinner time, but heard nothing more until the news came that he had been found drowned on the sands. - Richard Eddy said deceased spoke to him at the Pier Inn, saying: "I don't see there is anything in this world worth living for. I have written two letters telling them that they will never see me again." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

EAST STONEHOUSE - A verdict of "Death from natural Causes" was returned at Stonehouse yesterday at an Inquest on LIEUT. ARTHUR EDWARDS, aged 40, who died suddenly while making the rounds of H.M.S. Hood in the Hamoaze, Devonport, on Thursday morning. Death was due to heart disease of long standing, accelerated by the excitement of mobilisation for the manoeuvres.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 18 June 1906
EXETER - Blacksmith's Tragic Death. Inquest At Exeter. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, and a Jury, of which Mr Diggines was Foreman, investigated, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, on Saturday, the circumstances attending the death of URIAH WOODLAND, blacksmith, aged 65, of Wynard's Almshouses, Magdalen-street, Exeter. The deceased, shortly after 6 o'clock the previous morning, cut his throat with a razor. He was removed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and died from his injuries within 12 hours. - The evidence at Saturday's Inquest showed that the deceased, in addition to being subject to heart trouble, had a lung affection, and was often "light-headed." On Thursday evening, on returning home from work (having complained during the day of pains in the head), he went to bed and as he was under the impression that he was going to die his wife sent for the children (grown up) and Mr Childs, Surgeon. The three sons remained in the house until the early hours of the morning and then left. At about 6 o'clock MRS WOODLAND (the wife) who had been attending the deceased, left him temporarily in order to get a cup of tea. There were two daughters, who lived in the house, downstairs. On her return she found her husband in the act of cutting his throat with a razor. Her screams brought Henry Thorn, a neighbour, and while the latter held deceased's hands, MRS WOODLAND took away the razor. Mr Childs, who was again summoned to the house by George Lucas, caretaker of the Almshouses, ordered deceased's immediate removal to the Hospital. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

MARLDON - An Inquest has been held at Marldon on the body of FRANCIS WILLIAM WOOD, the six-months-old child of JOHN WOOD, a Compton gardener, which died suddenly early on Thursday morning. A post mortem examination by Mr Adams showed that the cause of death was natural and a verdict to that effect was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 19 June 1906
BARNSTAPLE - A Barnstaple Tragedy. Pathetic Letter. - MR J. H. SMYTH, of Gloster-road, Barnstaple, was yesterday found dead at his residence. He leaves a widow (who has been in a very precarious health for some time), but no children. He was greatly respected by his business associates. He was for nearly 30 years with the late firm of Messrs. Yeo, Dennis and Co., but recently accepted a position in the firm of Messrs. W. L. Richards and Co., the North Devon Stores. - The deceased was found by Mr Lake, draper, hanging by a rope behind a door downstairs. The rope had been tied at one end to the handle of the door, and then thrown over the top of the door. - An Inquest was held last evening at the Newport schoolroom by the Borough Coroner, Mr A. T. Bencraft, and a Jury. From the evidence of Mr William Lake, draper, of Boutport-street, it transpired that the deceased was 48 years of age, and that he and his wife - both being unwell - had come to stay at his (witness's) house on the previous Saturday night for a week or two. Yesterday morning, before 6 o'clock, deceased went out, saying he was going to Newport for a walk. He did not return, and witness went to deceased's house at Newport, and there found him hanging behind the sitting-room door, a chair being close by, from which he had evidently stepped off. He found two letters on the table, one being addressed to him (witness), saying that he had left the house that morning with the intention of ending his life, as he could not bear his troubles any longer. He thanked Mr Lake for all he had done, but said he was broken-hearted. - He asked to be forgiven, and that somebody would take care of his wife and concluded, "May God have mercy on my soul. Amen." - There was also a letter addressed to Mr Hopper, solicitor, giving instructions as to his effects. - Dr W. Cooper said deceased had suffered from influenza and had been depressed of late. Deceased had also told him that the business in which he was engaged was new to him and he was rather worried. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 21 June 1906
EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Police Court yesterday, on the body of ALFRED JOSEPH THORN, aged 64, ironfounder's hammerman, of 5 Holloway Buildings, Holloway-street, Exeter. Deceased was found dead in bed on Monday night by his wife. He had been to work in the day and did not complain of feeling unwell. Mr Harrison, Surgeon, of Exeter, who made a post-mortem examination, found deceased had fatty degeneration of the heart, and that death was due to cardiac syncope. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed sympathy with the widow and family in their bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 June 1906
ASHBURTON - Devonshire Sensation. Ashburton Farmer's Death. Sons Certified To Be Lunatics. - At the Market Hall, Ashburton, Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, resumed his Inquiry into the death of URIAH COTTLE, farmer, of Blackmoor, who was found dead from a gunshot wound. The Inquest had had to be adjourned in consequence of the intoxicated state of two sons of deceased. - ANNIE COTTLE of Buckfastleigh, identified the body as that of URIAH COTTLE, aged 73. She had not seen him since January, as they were not on very friendly terms. The deceased was witness's husband's father. - CHARLES COTTLE, son of deceased, stated that he last saw his father alive on Thursday, about 6 a.m., in bed. Witness and his brother went into a field to work, and on going home to breakfast they heard the report of a gun. They hastened along, and saw their father sitting on the step of a barn near the kitchen door with his head blown off. Witness went for the Police. - GEORGE COTTLE, another son, corroborated. He said deceased was very restless the whole of the night and had a cough. He had been greatly troubled about his wife, who died suddenly last Christmas. - P.S. Prew stated that he was called to Blackmoor by CHARLES COTTLE who said his father had shot himself. On arrival he found the deceased sitting on the step as described, with his head partly blown off and he was dead. His legs were crossed, a double-barrelled gun was lying on the body and a walking stick was under the gun. Witness did not touch the body or gun until the arrival of Dr Wilcox. Witness asked the sons if the body and gun were in the same position as they found them. CHARLES replied, "GEORGE took up the gun and I made him put it down again. The stick was lying by my father's side." - Dr Wilcox stated that he found deceased had died from a gunshot wound. The whole of the right eye had disappeared, and the charge had passed through the brain to the base of the skull. The brains were scattered in every direction. Death must have been instantaneous. Deceased could not touch the trigger of the gun with his finger, and must have used a stick. He had attended deceased, who had often complained of headache and said he was terribly worried by the loss of his wife. - THOMAS COTTLE, eldest son of deceased, who had not seen his father for some time, said there were often quarrels between his two brothers and deceased, but he could not say if there had been any lately, as he left home two years ago. - The Deputy Coroner, in summing up, said all would agree that it was a most deplorable and painful case. - The Jury retired, and in a few minutes returned an Open Verdict to the effect that deceased died from a gunshot wound, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show how it was inflicted. - At the Ashburton Police Court, before Col. Amery (in the chair) and Major Tucker, CHARLES COTTLE and GEORGE COTTLE, brothers, were brought up in custody charged with being drunk and disorderly at a Coroner's Court held at Blackmoor Farm the previous day. Both pleaded guilty. - P.S. Prew stated that accused were ordered to attend the Court as witnesses. When called they were very drunk and behaved in such a disorderly manner that the Deputy Coroner was unable to go on, and ordered witness to take the brothers into custody. - John Coombes, retired police inspector, who was Foreman of the Jury, corroborated and Dr Wilcox also deposed to the drunken state of the men. - The Bench severely reprimanded the accused and imposed a penalty of 20s. each inclusive. - Both sons have seen been conveyed to the Devon County Asylum, they having been certified to be wandering lunatics.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 25 June 1906
EXMOUTH - The Exmouth Suicide. Inquest And Verdict. - An Inquest was held in St Margaret's-room, Exmouth, by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, relative to the death of WILLIAM CHAPPIN, a retired farmer, who had resided at No. 2 Belvedere-terrace, and who was found with his throat cut on Thursday afternoon. - JOB CHAPPIN, brother, of Marsworth, Buckingham, farmer, deposed that the deceased, whose age was 55, was a retired farmer. They both occupied the same farm up to 20 years ago, when his brother gave up his share and retired. Deceased wrote to witness on June 20th, when he complained of feeling rather low and distressed, and said he should visit witness and see if that would do him good. Deceased, about 22 years ago, was some twelve months in an asylum, but recovered. - THOMAS WILLIAM CHAPPIN, 15, son of deceased, stated that his mother died four years ago. His father for about a week prior to his death complained of nervousness and pains in the head, but said nothing to alarm witness. On Thursday he heard deceased fall in his room and went up and touched him. He did not know whether he was dead or not then. He called a neighbour to see his father. - George Stidsworthy, farmer, of Salisbury-road, said deceased had many times referred to the loss of his wife and the morning of the day before he died he told witness he did not know where he was when he awoke sometimes. Witness believed deceased was troubled about the death of his wife. - Dr Hanna stated deceased died from a wound in his throat, which, there was no doubt, was self-inflicted. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane, and the Coroner expressed his sympathy with the three children, who were alone in the house at the time.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 26 June 1906
FENITON - Lad's Death At Feniton. A Fatal Kick. - Mr C. E. Cox, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Sherwood Barton Farm, Feniton, yesterday on the body of DANIEL GOSLING, aged twelve years, who died on Saturday as the result of a kick from a horse. - ELI GOSLING, father of the deceased, and a labourer, employed by Mr E. Cruwys, of Sherwood Barton Farm, said his son went to school, but milked cows for Mr Cruwys morning and evening. He was very fond of horses and liked to be with them whenever possible. - John Marks, a youth, employed by Mr Cruwys, said that about half-past six on Saturday morning, deceased and himself tried to drive a mare from one field to another. While witness went one way deceased went another. Shortly afterwards he saw deceased lying on the ground. Witness tried to lift him and spoke to him, but received no answer. The mare was usually quiet. - Mr Reginald Cruwys, occupier of Sherwood Barton, said that he was called by his wife, who said that GOSLING had met with an accident. He went to the yard and picked up deceased, who was unconscious but breathing. Deceased was a bright, willing lad and always ready to do anything to oblige. The mare was an unusually quiet one, but had recently had a colt. - Mr Fielding, Surgeon, said he saw the deceased about two and a half hours after the accident. Deceased had been then dead some time. The face was considerably bruised and bore a mark which was probably caused by the hoof of the mare. Death was caused by internal haemorrhage. - The Coroner, on behalf of the Jury, who returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed sympathy with the father.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 27 June 1906
TORQUAY - Mr Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on the body of FLORENCE AGNES SHAPLEY, 23, in domestic service at Woodbury, the residence of Mr and Mrs Harry E. Dale, who was burnt while engaged in household duties in such a manner as resulted in death. The deceased was the daughter of a farmer's labourer, living at Manor Cottages, Newton Abbot. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 28 June 1906
MONKTON - The Fatal Accident Near Honiton. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Pug's Cottage, Monkton, near Honiton, touching the death of ROBERT DOMAN, a labourer, employed by Mr James Griffin of Whitehall Farm, Luppitt. - Deceased was riding on the shafts of a waggon, when the horse bolted. He jumped down to stop the runaway horse and, losing his footing, fell under the wheels, which passed over him, he having sustained shocking injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. the Jury gave their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 29 June 1906
NEWTON ST CYRES - Newton St. Cyres Mystery. Inquest Adjourned. Analysis To Be Made. - An Inquest was held at Venny Cleave Farm, Newton St. Cyres, yesterday, by Mr H. W. Gould, on the body of ADA LILLIAN PARR, aged 16 months, daughter of a farm labourer. - The mother identified the body and stated that deceased died on Monday evening. She was poorly on Saturday and Sunday, and on Monday morning was sick. She also had a fit, and was twitching from head to foot until death. Witness was not positive what she gave deceased to eat on Saturday, but she believed it was a piece of boiled egg. Another daughter of deceased, aged nine years, complained of feeling unwell on Friday, the 15th inst., and on the following day she was also sick. She remained unwell until the following Wednesday. Witness's other daughter, aged three years, was taken ill on Thursday last in a similar manner and was still unwell. Witness's husband also complained of feeling a pain in his stomach, but was not sick. All the family partook of boiled bacon on the Wednesday or Thursday night and witness, when about to fry some more of the bacon, noticed that it was tainted and could not be eaten. Witness bought the bacon from a Crediton trader. On Monday she purchased another piece of bacon from him and again found it uneatable. The water used in the house was taken from a brook, but the children never drank it unless boiled. - CHARLES PARR, husband of the last witness, gave similar evidence. He had a headache and also a pain in his chest. In consequence, he had to take to his bed and he was still unwell. - Mr L. H. Moiser, of Crediton, deposed to being called to see the deceased on Monday afternoon. She was unconscious when he arrived. The whole body was more or less stiff and there was a twitching of the right arm and face. Witness could not account for her condition and he had since made a post mortem examination. He found all the organs healthy, with the exception of the lower part of the bowels, which were a little inflamed, but he could see nothing to account for that. There was no undigested food in the intestines. Witness had sent the stomach, a part of the large bowel and part of the liver to Dr Winter Blyth, the County Analyst, for analysis. - The Inquest was adjourned for a fortnight to await the result of the analysis.

TOTNES - Bory Creek, where the Harbourne flows into the Dart, has been the scene of a painful accident. Two boys, named WILLIAM GEORGE RYDER and Aiston, were bathing together when the former got out of his depth and was drowned in sight of his father, who had rushed from his garden to the river bank in response to the shouts for assistance, but arrived too late to help, although he was in time to see the boy go under for the last time. A number of people quickly joined in the search for the body, which, however, was not found until the river had been dragged for five hours. At the Inquest on the body the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Coroner said that it would not do to stop boys bathing, but he thought a notice should be erected that bathing above the well in the creek was dangerous, and it was a question if it was not worth the whole of the Parish Council to purchase a lifebuoy. The Jury commended a lad named Aiston for his plucky conduct, an expression in which the Coroner joined. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 3 July 1906 EXETER - A Boy's Tragic End At Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court yesterday on the body of HENRY OLIVER HAM, a boy, who met his death while bathing in the Weir Fields on Friday. - BESSIE HAM, widow of JOHN HAM, late market gardener of Cheddar, who now resides at 26 Pancras-lane, identified the deceased as that of her son. She last saw him on Friday last. - Willie Soper, aged seven years, said he went with the deceased to Weir Fields on the Friday afternoon. Deceased undressed and went into the water. There were several other boys present. The deceased stepped into deep water. the bathers were larking and playing about. - Gunner Dooley, R.F.A., said he helped to drag the river and recovered the body. Last week he pulled a little girl out of the river at the same spot. It was a very dangerous place. - Dr Pereira said death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 6 July 1906
TORQUAY - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an inquest on the body of MARGARET HICHENS DRAKE, spinster, of Woodland-terrace, Chelston, where she resided with her mother and three sisters. She was a daughter of the late REV. W. H. DRAKE, and 50 years of age. She was found in bed unconscious and died shortly afterwards. Mr Mervyn Thomson, House Surgeon at the Torquay Hospital, said he made a post mortem examination of the deceased. There were no signs that she had partaken of anything injurious. He attributed death to heart failure, owing to fatty degeneration accelerated by congestion of the lungs. Mr Halpin corroborated. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 7 July 1906
TORQUAY - Mystery Cleared Up. - An Inquiry was held by Mr S. Hacker, at Torquay, into the death of JESSIE ZAPLE, 25, domestic, whose body was found on the shore. The evidence taken was to the effect that deceased had a child, which she placed to nurse with her mother, paying 3s. a week for maintenance. Two months ago she was in arrears. Since then she appears to have been eccentric. On the 21st June she entered the employ of Mrs Reed, of the Manor Dairy, Fleet-street, who gave her an excellent character. On Monday she gave a key to one of the milk boys, and that was the last that she was seen until Wednesday morning when her body was found by P.C. Hatherley near Peaked Tor bathing-place, in about ten feet of water. Dr Thomson, who had made a superficial examination, said he hesitated to attribute death to drowning. The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 9 July 1906
OKEHAMPTON - Meldon Quarry Fatality. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, opened an Inquiry at Okehampton on Saturday into the death of CHARLES BROOK, who was killed by a fall of stone while working at Meldon Quarry on Friday. William Screech, of Meldon Railway Cottages, ganger at the quarry, gave evidence as to identification and the Inquest was then adjourned until 10.15 this morning to enable the inspector of Mines to be present. [Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 July 1906: Sympathy will be extended to MRS BROOK, of Sourton, who has lost her husband and one of her sons at the Meldon quarry within less than three years. Her husband was killed as the result of an explosion two and a half years ago and on Saturday the son, who supported his mother, was killed owing to a fall of rock. Meldon is a busy place, some 500 tons of stone being taken away from there every week for railway ballast. The quarry has been open since 1899 and within that period four men have met their deaths. At the Inquest yesterday the Jury considered that the accident was unpreventable and that every precaution was taken for the safety of the men.]

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 July 1906
BAMPTON - Fatal Accident At Bampton. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Swan Inn, Bampton, yesterday, on JOHN HENRY BURNETT, a farm labourer, of Filleigh, who met with his death while cycling over Grant's Hill, Bampton, on Saturday. Mr G. F. Whittaker was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - JAMES BURNETT, father of deceased, identified the body as that of his son, who left home about 3 o'clock on Saturday to go to Quantock Farm, near Crowcombe. His son was an expert cyclist and had served in the Devon Regiment during the late South African War. - Frederick Challes, journeyman baker, in the employ of Mr E. Newberry of Bampton, stated that about 7 p.m. on Saturday he was coming slowly up Grant's Hill with a horse and cart on his return from Exbridge and on nearing a sharp corner of the road he heard a bell ring. Deceased, who was coming around the corner at a good rate, came in contact with his cart and the bicycle and its rider were instantly dashed on the side of the road. Though he offered to drive him to Dulverton Station or Bampton, BURNETT refused his assistance. On asking him if he was much hurt, the deceased replied in the negative. BURNETT did not complain that witness was driving carelessly, but said he had not given him enough room. - John Snow, storekeeper, of Dulverton, said he was going up Grant's Hill about 7.15 p.m., and found deceased lying in a ditch and in great agony. the mail-cart driver, Alfred Snow, took the unfortunate man to Bampton and left him at the Swan Inn. Witness followed with the bicycle. - William Henry Atkins said he saw deceased about 60 or 100 yards from the pond riding at a good pace down the hill. He wished him "Good night," but he did not hear any reply. - Dr H. Paine gave evidence to the effect that when he was called to the Swan Inn to see deceased on Saturday, about 7.45 p.m., he was quite conscious, but badly bruised in the abdomen a little below the liver. There was a large swelling under the skin due to internal bleeding. As deceased was too ill to leave the Inn, he ordered him to be put to bed. Deceased died shortly after 1 p.m. on Sunday. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Suggestions were made by several Jurymen that the District Council should be asked to put up a notice warning cyclists of this dangerous hill. - The Coroner concurred and remarked that it would be humane of the Council to do so, seeing that the cost would be very little.

TORQUAY - Torquay Domestic's Suicide. - At the resumed Inquest at Torquay yesterday on the body of JESSIE ZAPLE, domestic servant, Dr Thomas gave, as an explanation of the bleeding from the ear, that some minute sea animal had entered the orifice, as there was no sign of a blow on the head. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest at 81 East John-street, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of SUSAN HALL LUCAS, aged 70 years, who died on Friday. It appeared that deceased had not been well for some time, and had a relapse on Friday morning, when she died. Mr Child, Surgeon, said that deceased had suffered from bronchitis and died of senile decay. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

OKEHAMPTON - The Meldon Fatality. Resumed Inquest. - The Inquest on the body of CHARLES BROOK, an employee at the Meldon Quarry, Okehampton, whose death was caused by some rock falling on him, was resumed in the Town Hall, Okehampton, yesterday. The Coroner was Mr J. D. Prickman, and there were also present Mr Martin (Inspector of Mines for the South Western District), Mr W. Granger (District Engineer L & S.W.R), Mr W. R. Cocks (Messrs. Dunn and Baker), representing the Police. - The Coroner said an Inquest on a man who lost his life at the quarry was held a month ago that day. The proportion of deaths in quarries and mines was one in every 800 persons employed per annum; therefore, two fatal accidents at Meldon Quarry in about a month was a very abnormal thing. - William Screech, Railway Cottages, Meldon, stated that he ordered deceased and other men to carry on boring operations. He considered some rock slipped to water and vibration caused by the boring machine. There was no overhanging rock, but the face of the rock went back about half upright. He had worked in quarries about eight years and considered no blame was attached to anyone. It was impossible to take any further precautions than in this case to safeguard those working in the quarry. No blasting had taken place in the part of the quarry in question for three weeks prior to the accident. The rules and regulations dealing with quarry working had been placed before the men working there. Deceased was a very careful man. - Cross-examined by Mr Cocks: There were no cracks visible in the rock before the accident. The boring took place on the ground, about six feet from the bottom of the rock, through which water was weeping. He admitted that the presence of water indicated danger to a certain extent. He visited the place where deceased was working almost every quarter of an hour. He also particularly examined the spot when the drill was placed. Deceased's father was killed at the quarry three years ago as the result of an explosion. Forty-eight men were working in witness's gang. - A Juryman: Do you consider the system of supervision at the quarry efficient? - Witness: Yes, the men are sufficiently cautioned. - The witness, replying to Mr Martin, stated that where the accident occurred the rock was in beds three and four feet thick. The rock that fell was about 12 ft. by 5 ft. - Dr Young, who examined the body, considered that deceased died instantaneously. There was a total crushing of the body. - Richard Pellow, of Sourton, one of the gang, stated that he swept the earth off the rock after the last blasting, and saw no sign of danger. There was a little water running through the rock. He had had 30 years' experience in quarrying, and considered that ample precautions were taken at Meldon. Witness saw the stone fall. At the time deceased was working the drill and a man named Hucker, who was assisting BROOK, jumped, but was not successful in getting clear. Hucker, who was working a little farther away, also jumped, and was struck near one of his knees. - William Voaden and Thomas Mills gave corroborative evidence. Both considered that no blame was attributable to anyone. - THOMAS HENRY BROOK, brother of the deceased, said his father was killed 2 ½ years ago. His mother lives at Sourton and was dependent upon deceased. - The Coroner, in addressing the Jury, said the utmost they could put the cause of death at was an error of judgment in boring, but such error did not constitute negligence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider expressing the opinion that it was unfortunate a hole in the rock which fell had not been charged and fired before other boring operations took place underneath. They considered, however, that the accident was unpreventable. - The Jury expressed regret to the relatives of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 11 July 1906
BICKINGTON - A Doctor's Obligations. - "There is no obligation upon a doctor to attend any patient - even in a case of emergency - if he has other engagements, or does not feel inclined to do so." - This was the ruling of the County Coroner, Mr Sidney Hacker, who held an Inquest at Bickington, near Newton Abbot, yesterday, relative to the death of MRS MARY PHILLIPS, a widow, of 73 years. Deceased was talking to some neighbours in the road on Sunday night, when she was suddenly taken ill. Mrs Emily Cole helped her home and sent her husband to Ashburton, distant a couple of miles, for a doctor. He did not come, and at the conclusion of her evidence witness advised the Jury to "go for him." - Dr Ernest Wilcox said he was ill himself when called. He gave the messenger a bottle of medicine and told him to come again if deceased got worse. Receiving no further message he went the following morning and found deceased was dead. Deceased died from cerebral haemorrhage, and it would not have benefited her had he gone the previous evening. - The Coroner said there was no obligation upon him to attend, but the messenger ought to have secured another doctor. It was an error of judgment, as they apparently did not think deceased was so ill. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 12 July 1906
BRAUNTON - Fatal Fire At Braunton. Plucky Constable. - A fire occurred at a dwelling house in Caen-street, Braunton, in the early hours of yesterday morning and resulted in the death of a lodger - MRS JEANETTE SLATER, of London. - The house, a comparatively new one, is tenanted by Mrs Cooper and has on one side the grocer's shop of Mr Brooks, and on the other the chemist's shop of Mr Barlow. - About midnight P.C. Veale was on duty near the Cross Tree when he heard cries for help proceeding from the house of Mrs Cooper. He went to the door and forced it open as Mrs Cooper was apparently unable to unbolt it from the inside. - The Constable rushed into a bedroom which was in flames and from which groans were proceeding. He found on the floor, between window and bed, MRS SALTER with her nightdress in flames. - The Constable removed the burning portions and carried deceased into the passage. P.S. Rouse, Messrs. W. H. Howard, G. Staddon, Barlow and others rendered valuable assistance and MRS SLATER was recovered and carried to the house of Mr Howard. - Dr W. J. Harper was sent for, but she died about half past 3 in the morning. - In the meantime the local fire extinguishing appliances had been brought to the fire and, under the command of Mr Gould Clarke, the out-break was subdued. - Practically the whole of the furniture in Mrs Cooper's house was destroyed and great damage was done to the structure. The house, which belongs to Mr Westren, of Mortehoe, is insured in the Commercial Union Fire Insurance Company. The Bridge Wharf Fire Brigade from Barnstaple was called by a cyclist named Clarke. When it arrived on the scene, however, the fire was well under control. - The Inquest. - In the afternoon the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted the Inquest. - The evidence of Miss Perryman (niece of Mrs Cooper, who occupies the house), P.C. Veale and Mr W. J. Harper (Surgeon) went to show that the deceased was in the habit of reading in bed by lamplight. Miss Perryman, at 11 o'clock the previous night, smelling smoke, went to the deceased's room, where she found her lying on the floor, enveloped in flames. The bed was on fire, and a reading lamp upset and blazing furiously by her side. She (Miss Perryman) immediately shouted for help and P.C. Veale, who happened to be close by, broke open the front door and attempted to enter the bedroom, which then resembled a furnace. He pluckily crawled in on his hands and knees and took the deceased into the passage. With the aid of Mr Howard and Mr Staddon, he conveyed the woman to the house of Mr Howard. The deceased was terribly burned, and, notwithstanding the attention devoted to her by Dr Harper, she succumbed to her injuries at about 3.30 a.m. The deceased was stated to have come from London and to have stayed with Mrs Cooper for some months. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and warmly commended P.C. Veale for his courageous and prompt action. Some of the Jury expressed the opinion that the fire appliances should be kept near Cross Trees, as, in the present instance, this would have meant a great saving of time.

EXETER - An Exeter Tragedy. Inquest On CROSSMAN. - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court yesterday on the body of ARTHUR JOHN CROSSMAN, aged 55 years, a gardener, who was found in the Exe on Tuesday. - WALTER J. CROSSMAN of 11 Bath-road, identified the body as that of his father, who resided at 105 Sidwell-street, Exeter. He saw deceased on Monday night, at about 11 o'clock, at the top of Paris-street. He was under the influence of liquor and witness asked him to go home. Deceased refused; said he had got a bed in Paris-street; that he had had words with his sister and that that was the reason he was not going home. Deceased had been out of work five months. His previous situation was at Streatham Hall, where he worked for 25 years. Deceased's sister had kept him during the time he had been out of employment. Deceased lost his wife last December, suffered from depression and gave way to drink occasionally. - Frederick Russell, foreman of the Ammunition Column, Topsham Barracks, and living at 24 Jubilee-street, said that he passed through Weir Fields at about 6 o'clock on Tuesday morning and saw a hat lying on the bank and the body of a man in the water. Witness pulled out the body, which was that of CROSSMAN, and went for the Police. - EMILY CROSSMAN, of 105 Sidwell-street, said deceased had been living with her since he lost his employment. She saw him on Monday night, at about a quarter to 9 o'clock. He had been drinking and she told him it was very inconsiderate to arrive home in such a state, as he knew how it worried her. He replied that he had called in and had a drink. He then went out again. Deceased had done a day's work occasionally, but witness had kept him in everything. - Mr Pereira, Surgeon, said death was due to drowning. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

EXETER - An Inquest was held by Mr H. W. Gould at the Exeter Prison yesterday afternoon touching the death of a prisoner named WILLIAM BROWN, aged 35. The evidence showed that deceased was sentenced to three years penal servitude at Aberystwyth on the 19th October 1905, and during his stay at the Exeter Prison he had been engaged in making mail bags. Mr J. S. S. Perkins, Deputy Medical Officer, said deceased suffered from a swelling in the stomach and later, paralysis of the lower limbs. He died from exhaustion. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 13 July 1906
NEWTON ST CYRES - The Whitestone Mystery. No Trace Of Poison. - The adjourned inquest on the body of ADA LILIAN PARR, the infant child of CHAS. PARR, farm labourer, of Ashford, Whitestone, near Exeter, who died on June 25th, took place at Veany Cleave Farm, Newton St. Cyres, yesterday. - The Inquest was adjourned in order that some bacon (similar to that consumed by members of the family) and certain organs of the deceased might be examined. - The Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, reported that no traces of poisoning could be found, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The report of Dr Blythe, who examined the organs, was as follows:- "I have made a careful chemical examination of the organ submitted, and also of the bacon received at a subsequent date. I have also examined the bacon bacteriologically and have also had a bacteriological examination of the organs made by Dr Eastes, of the Laboratories of Pathology, Queen Anne-street, London. The chemical examination proved, beyond a doubt, that there was neither vegetable nor mineral poison present in the organs. the bacon was absolutely normal, save for a small quantity of borax in the rind. Both the cooked and uncooked bacon was administered to a dog and two cats. The animals fed eagerly, and remain up to the present perfectly healthy. The bacon received had no taint whatever. Cultures were made of different parts of the bacon, but no disease-producing organism was isolated. The result, however, of the bacteriological examination of the organs led to a more positive result, a spirillum being isolated by Dr Eastes, which has been associated with epidemics of diarrhoea. I am, therefore, of opinion from the information you have supplied me, and from reading the newspaper report of the Inquest and from the chemical and bacteriological examination, that the case is not one of poisoning, but of disease. How the malady originated is, of course, and will always remain, obscure, but the scientific evidence will clearly support a verdict of death from natural causes.

SOUTH MOLTON - The Southmolton Accident. - An Inquest yesterday on the body of WILLIAM EDDIFORD, labourer, who was found dead on the road about a mile from Southmolton, on the Show day, resulted in a verdict of "Accidental Death." The evidence showed that a horse which deceased was driving was frightened by a cyclist and pulled the waggon it was drawing partly up a hedge. Deceased was thrown out and had his neck broken.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE, SOMERSET - An Inquest was held at Weston-Super-Mare, on the body of EDWARD SERMON, 59, jeweller, of Torquay, who died suddenly while on a visit. MR SERMON, his wife and family arrived at Weston on July 2nd, and all went well until Sunday, when he suddenly expired. As the result of influenza and bronchitis, the deceased had a weak heart and the medical evidence showed that death resulted from heart failure.

SIDMOUTH - Sidford Labourer's Death. A Fatal Fall. - Yesterday an Inquest was conducted at the Sidford Reading Rooms by Mr Cox, the Coroner for the District, concerning the death of JOHN BERRY, a labourer, aged 46 of Sidford. Deceased was seen to ride up to his house at 9 o'clock on Sunday evening. Before dismounting he jokingly remarked, "Shall I get off, or fall off?" He threw his legs over the animal's back, over balanced himself and fell heavily on his back and head in the road. He became unconscious and died on Wednesday morning. Deceased was quite sober at the time. - Dr B. G. Gooding stated that death was due to a fractured skull. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 July 1906
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter on the body of MR JACOB JOHN MOSER, aged 72 years, who resided at 5 Park-road, Polsloe Park, Heavitree, and who fell and expired in Sidwell-street, Exeter. The medical evidence showed that deceased died from cardiac syncope and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 16 July 1906
EXETER - An Exeter Dealer's Death. Verdict of "Manslaughter" Against A Butcher. - An Inquest was held by the Exeter city Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, at the Exeter Guildhall on Saturday, touching the death of ROBERT SANDERS, aged 57, a cattle dealer, living at 24 Courtenay-road, St. Thomas, Exeter. Mr W. H. Tarbet appeared to represent Henry Western, one of the witnesses and Sergeant-Major Chamings was present on behalf of the County Police. - Evidence of identification was given by SARAH WESTCOTT, sister of deceased, who stated that on Monday last deceased went to Brampford Speke Market, and he was brought home ill the same night. Medical attendance was obtained, but deceased died on Wednesday evening. - Henry D. Staddon, landlord of the Agricultural Inn, Brampford Speke, said that on Monday deceased and Henry Western were both in his house. SANDERS became quarrelsome and challenged Western to fight and they both left the house. They went in the direction of a field belonging to Mr Wadman. - Mrs Sarah Jane Roberts deposed to seeing the men enter the field and when she went down she saw SANDERS on his left side and Western was looking at him. She saw Western move his hand to lift SANDERS up, but the latter did not seem to have any power in his limbs. She did not see any blows struck. - Henry James Western, butcher, of Brampford Speke, said he knew the deceased quite well and on Monday last they went to the Agricultural Inn. They stayed there for about three hours. He left because deceased was getting quarrelsome. They were told to go by the landlord. They were both sober. While in the Inn they had a conversation about certain business. SANDERS commenced the row by saying he would throw the witness over the table with one hand. He said, "If you are going to serve me like that, I am going to shift." SANDERS became so excited that witness went out, but deceased followed him to the yard, and caught hold of him. There was no struggle, they having been separated by a blacksmith. The distance from the Agricultural Inn to Wadman's field was about 50 yards. On the way there witness asked deceased if he was going to sell the bullocks he had been talking about. There was no more conversation until they got to the gate, when deceased said: "You come in here and I will bury you." Witness asked him to come and have some tea, but deceased replied, "Not until I have done with you." They then had a tussle, witness falling down. In another struggle they fell together, deceased being under him. Witness offered to help him, but he refused, saying he would be all right after having a sleep. Witness then went home. It did not occur to him that deceased was hurt. He had seen him like it before. He, however, thought it was strange that deceased wanted to go to sleep. Witness asked him if he was hurt, and he said "No." He did not hear anything of the affair until the next morning. When deceased was on the ground he tried to raise him. They had about 2 ½ pints of cider to drink at the Inn. - Dr Stokes said that when he examined deceased on Monday night he smelt strongly of liquor, and he told witness that he had had two quarts of cider. He was paralysed in all four limbs, but denied that he had fallen down. He was complaining of great pain in the neck when witness first saw him and he died on Wednesday evening. A post mortem examination revealed the fact that the spine in the region of the neck was fractured and this was the cause of death. Deceased admitted to witness on Wednesday morning that he might have had a bit of a fall. - The Jury, after a few minutes' consultation, returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" against Western. - Mr Tarbet asked that Western be granted bail and this Mr Brown granted, saying he would consider the recognisances. - At the conclusion of the Inquest, P.C. Hoyle, the Coroner's Officer, was complimented on the able manner in which he had obtained the necessary evidence in so short a time.

POLTIMORE - Poltimore Labourer Commits Suicide. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Schoolroom, Poltimore, on Saturday, on the body of AARON WESTCOTT, aged 45, labourer, of that place, who died on Friday. FRANCIS WESTCOTT, labourer, said that deceased, who lodged with him, was his brother. He had been depressed lately. He had been employed at the Stone Quarries, Poltimore. Frederick Burdon, labourer, of Pinhoe, said he saw the body hanging from a hay rack in some stables near the Quarry. Deceased was in a kneeling position. A rope was around deceased's neck. The landlord of the Red Lion, Broadclyst, John Hamlyn, said deceased was sober when he left his house about 4.15 on Friday afternoon. He complained to witness of having pains in the back. - Mr G. W. Miller, Surgeon, of Pinhoe, said death was due to strangulation. A verdict of "Suicide while of an Unsound Mind" was returned.

DAWLISH - Sudden Death At Dawlish. - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Dawlish on Saturday, on the body of JAMES AVERY, of Marina, Plantation-terrace, Dawlish, who died on Friday. ELIZABETH AVERY, the widow, said deceased who was 53 years of age, had not fully recovered from a serious illness a year and a half ago, although he had been able to get about. He walked to Starcross and back a week ago. He complained at midday on Friday of pain in his throat. Witness and deceased went out together in the evening, but her husband returned home first, and when she reached home found him struggling on the doorstep. He, however, walked to the kitchen, but again collapsed. Mr C. Ll. H. Tripp said deceased expired as he entered the room. His subsequent examination revealed a diseased heart, while the right lung, the liver and spleen were affected. Death, in his opinion, was due to syncope. The Jury, through Mr H. Silifant, Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 July 1906
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday on the body of CHARLES RICHARD BOLT, of 4 Albany-place, Exeter. Alfred William Mills, livery stableman, Exmouth, said deceased was aged 62 years and was a cab driver. Evidence was given to the effect that deceased was found on the floor of the cab shelter, St. Thomas, in a fit He had broken a blood vessel. Dr Stirk said death was due to the braking of a blood vessel on the brain. Deceased died on the 13th inst. He had been an out-patient for five years. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

TOPSHAM - Drowned At Countess Weir. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Countess Weir Inn, Countess Weir, on the body of REGINALD HAWKINGS, aged one year and eight months. - ANNIE HAWKINGS, wife of THOMAS HAWKINGS, carpenter, of Countess Weir, identified the body as that of her son. About quarter to 2 witness heard another little son call, ran into a field adjoining the house, and saw deceased in the Exe. She called Mr Goss, who pulled out the deceased. She did not jump in after the baby because the water was too deep and she was frightened. All witness could get out of her other son, aged 6 years, who was in charge of the deceased, was that he fell into the water. - John Goss, gardener, Countess Weir, who pulled out deceased, said the depth of the water was from 2 ft. to 3 ft. He tried artificial respiration, but without success. - Mr Frood, Surgeon, Topsham, said death was due to drowning. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - Tragic Death Of An Exminster Widow. Poison And Delusions. - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter Coroner, held an Inquiry yesterday, at the Devon and Exeter Hospital, touching the death of MARY ANN SYMONS, widow, of Exe View, Exminster, who was admitted to the Hospital suffering from carbolic acid poisoning. MR WALTER SYMONS, stepson, said deceased complained on Thursday morning of a sore throat and could hardly speak. He advised his mother to have a doctor if she got worse, and he told his sister she had better fetch a doctor if deceased did not soon get better. On coming home to dinner he found his sister still in bed. He asked the reason why she had not gone for a doctor, and she replied "That her mother had asked her not to go because she (the girl) had got a sore throat also." His stepmother was lying on the bed. She was breathing very heavily. He did not think then she was bad enough to send for a doctor. She was in the habit of lying down and sleeping like this. He had never before seen the bottle produced. Since her husband's death, two years ago, and the Nelson tea smash, deceased had been very worried and had gone on the parish. - BEATRICE EMMA SYMONS, aged 12 ½ years, stepdaughter, said she was sleeping in the same room, and she noticed deceased could not speak loud. Deceased got up to get breakfast and went back to bed. She told her to turn over and go to sleep. Her mother told her "If she coughed or breathed funny to take no notice of her." Witness repeatedly gave contradictory evidence. She stated that her step-mother did not leave the room, but, on pressure, said that she did leave the room, and she heard her pour something into a glass and return to bed again. She heard her gulp something down. She went for a doctor about 3 o'clock, because her mother was breathing heavily and catching hold of her throat. She did not tell her brother that deceased had drunk anything from a bottle. She had not seen the bottle before. Witness took it out from under the deceased's bed. - Dr J. J. Scanlan, Assistant Medical Officer at Exminster Asylum, said he was called, and found deceased in bed unconscious and in a state of collapse. She was frothing at the mouth. As he had no instruments he went to the Asylum and got another doctor. He applied the usual antidotes. The contents of the stomach smelt strongly of carbolic acid. He got two nurses to attend the woman. About half-past seven she was conscious. He asked her why she had taken the poison and she replied, "I know nothing about it - I did not take it." - P.C. Crago said he was called about seven o'clock. He could not ascertain where deceased bought the bottle. - Dr Stirk said when deceased was admitted to the Devon and Exeter Hospital she was semi-conscious. To all questions as to her age, where she lived and name, she said she did not know. She was very violent during the Friday morning and would not let the nurses go near her. She refused all things offered her. She said they were going to poison her - but she would drink water if they would take her to the tap. Later in the morning she still refused to take anything and was still under the delusion that they were going to poison her. He was present at the post-mortem, and he did not doubt that death was due to poison. Deceased denied having taken poison. - Captain T. M. GREGORY, of the Marine Hotel, Fore-street, Budleigh Salterton, said deceased was his sister. He had not seen her for thirty years. He had been to sea, but had been home three years. Deceased was about 58 years of age. He received a letter from her a week ago, in which she stated "That she had lost a lot of things that her mother and father thought a lot of, and she had given information to the Police." - The Coroner said it was a very peculiar case and it struck him there were very bad points about it. He did not know whether they would adjourn the case for further evidence. - WALTER SYMONS, recalled, said that when he saw deceased her mouth was clean, and the reason why he did not call in the neighbours was that she was very eccentric. - The Vicar of the parish, the Rev. Joseph Adamson, said deceased was a very reserved woman and the death of her husband dwelt very strongly on her mind. She was in very poor circumstances. Deceased was given a dole by the Guardians. He had assisted her himself. She was very depressed. She told him she had lost things out of her house, and that neighbours had a false key and had stolen goods while she was at church. Ten days ago she brought this to his knowledge. She told witness that she had told the Police. He gave her a shilling to get a new lock for the door. - The Coroner thought the Rector's evidence had cleared matters up a little. The children did not call in neighbours because deceased was peculiar and was not friendly with her neighbours. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 18 July 1906
EXMINSTER - Inquest At Exminster Asylum. A Violent Inmate. - Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at the Exminster Asylum yesterday afternoon touching the death of PETER LEGASSICK, aged 7, labourer, of Kingsbridge, and an inmate of the Institution. - Mr Richard Eager, M.B., identified the body and said that deceased was of suicidal tendencies. He had to be placed in the padded-room because of his restless condition. He could not be left alone in bed, as he was liable to injure himself. Witness was informed on July 12th that deceased had a bruise on his chest and he also suffered from valvular disease of the heart and pneumonia of the right lung. Deceased had previously threatened to drown himself and had tried to cut his throat. On making a post-mortem examination, he found deceased had five of his left ribs broken. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said deceased's ribs might have been broken by his falling down. - Philip Wall, chief attendant at the Institution, stated that on the morning of the 12th inst., he visited the room occupied by the deceased, and it was reported to him that he had a bruise on the left side. LEGASSICK was quiet when witness saw him. - A charge attendant said he had received instructions to watch deceased. On the morning of the 12th inst. witness was told by Attendant Walters that deceased had a bruise on his side. - William Henry Walters, night attendant, said that on the night of the 11th inst. he remained in the dormitory where deceased was. The door of the deceased's room was locked and witness visited him every half hour. Deceased was restless up to about 11 o'clock, and on one occasion witness saw him trying to stand on his head. LEGASSICK also carried his bedding about in the room. there were mattresses placed on the floor to prevent deceased from hurting himself, but LEGASSICK removed these on two occasions. Witness first noticed that there was a bruise over deceased's ribs at 6.25 when he last visited him, but he did not then complain to witness of feeling any pain. - Frederick Eager, night inspector, said he visited deceased six times during the night of the 11th inst., but beyond his being restless in the early part of the night, witness noticed nothing amiss with him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Heart Disease, accelerated by the broken ribs, but there was no evidence to show how the ribs were broken."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 July 1906
TAVISTOCK - At Hendrea, Glanville-road, the residence of MR G. WILLIAMS, head of the firm of J. D. WILLIAMS and Son, Saddlers, an Inquest was held by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, on the body of JOHN ROSKILLY WILLIAMS, son of the above, aged 28 years. Mr W. Snell was Foreman of the Jury. MR WILLIAMS stated that his son complained on Saturday week of a pain in his abdomen, and stated that he had received a blow, in fun, from Mr Braddick, a young bank clerk, while they were larking on the balcony of the Constitutional Club. He got worse and Dr Smith was fetched. His son emphasised the fact that the other young man was not to blame, and witness believed that was true. Dr Smith stated that he found the deceased suffering from what appeared to be the symptoms of appendicitis. He appeared to be getting better, but on Friday last became worse, and on Sunday an operation was performed, when it was found that he had appendicitis, with abscesses in the neighbourhood of the appendix. The blow was probably the exciting cause. Joseph Reginald Braddick also gave evidence, and said that he was not conscious of the deceased knocking himself against his knee. They were on the best of terms, and all that took place was in fun. The Jury found that death was due to appendicitis, hastened by the Accidental Blow, the doctor having stated that sooner or later the deceased would have had appendicitis. The Coroner and the Jury expressed deep sympathy with MR WILLIAMS on the death of his only son and the Jury decided to purchase a wreath with their fees. The deceased was a very popular young man. He was a member of the Cycling Club and had been its captain, a Freemason, and a member of the Constitutional Club, the flag of which is being flown at half-mast.

BARNSTAPLE - Inquest at Barnstaple. - An Inquest was held at the North Devon Infirmary last evening on the body of WILLIAM SHADDICK, of Green-lane. - Evidence was given to the effect that the deceased told the doctor, Mr C. Cooke, that he had taken rat poison while he was "howling drunk." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

SANDFORD - Afraid Of The Workhouse. A Sandford Girl's Suicide. - Mr H. W. Gould, the District Coroner, held an Inquest at Sandford last evening, on the body of ANN WEBB, aged 22 years, of Stones Hill Cottage, Sandford. - ABRAHAM WEBB, father of the deceased, identified the body and said she was subject to fits. She appeared in her usual health on Monday, when she left home to go to her grandmother's Witness produced a letter in the deceased's handwriting, in which she stated that she did not want to be a trouble to her parents any longer. She added:- "My dear mother, I don't like the sound of the Workhouse - they wanted to see me in the fits." The father, continuing, said the deceased had applied to the Guardians for relief, but it had been refused her. - Evidence was given as to the finding of the body in a well near the grandmother's cottage and Mr H. M. Body, Surgeon of Crediton, said death was due to drowning. A verdict of Suicide while Temporary Insane was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 July 1906
LYNTON - A Lynton Visitor's Death. Trouble And Suicide. - The North Devon County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, of Barnstaple, held an Inquest at the Crown Hotel, Lynton, yesterday, on the body of CHARLES UNSWORTH, who, as reported previously in the "Gazette," arrived at Lynton on Wednesday, and after some mysterious movements, took poison the following day and died at the Crown Hotel. Mr Herbert Medway was Foreman of the Jury. - In opening the Inquiry, the Coroner read a letter which had been found on the deceased, addressed to the Coroner. The letter expressed regret that he should trouble the Coroner with an Inquiry, but, as a consequence of heart pain and money losses, he had taken two ounces of morphine solution. He was leaving £5 15s. which would pay for a plain coffin and other expenses. The letter was dated July 18th, 1906. The "18th" was written in pencil. - Mr Fursdan, Stationmaster at Lynton, told of the deceased arriving at the Station, leaving his bag and coming for it the next day in a dirty and suspicious condition. He then became ill. The witness had him taken to the Crown Hotel. George Chugg, a coachman, Charles White, a mason and Charles Madge, a carpenter, deposed to seeing the deceased in different parts of the district on Wednesday and on Thursday morning. P.C. Bibbings, who was called to the Hotel after the deceased had died, said there was £5 15s. found in his purse. - Mr Buxton, of the Crown Hotel, said the deceased collapsed soon after he was brought to the Hotel. - Dr Atkinson, who had made a post mortem examination, said deceased's stomach gave traces of morphia. He had died from asphyxia, due to morphia poisoning. When examining him before death he heard the deceased mutter something, which pointed to the fact that he must have been of the surgical profession. The scissors found on him were those used by surgeons. He found a scar on the deceased's head, which reached the bone. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide by taking an Overdose of Morphia.

TORQUAY - Torquay Baker's Death. - Mr Sydney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on the body of JOHN ASH, 70, journeyman baker, who died suddenly at his home, 25 Melville-street, on Sunday evening. Charles John Bond, baker, and Ellen Wilcocks, deceased's landlady, gave evidence. It appeared that the deceased complained of feeling poorly and went to bed. He was later found dead. Dr T. D. Cook attributed death to heart failure, accelerated by indigestion. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 26 July 1906
SIDMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Sidmouth Cottage Hospital yesterday touching the death of SAMUEL JOHN WEEKS TURNER, of Exeter, who fell from a ladder. Samuel Turner, aged 46, of Bartholomew-street, Exeter, who was in the employ of Messrs. Skinner, fell from the ladder while engaged in painting a house in the Bickwell Valley Estate. In falling he struck against a brick and a severe fracture of the skull resulted. It was stated that the deceased was at work on the top of a ladder, and that Frank Smith, who was about 15 feet away from him, heard him call out "Oh!" Looking round, Smith saw TURNER falling. The medical examination showed that deceased had fractured his skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives. Mr W. R. Cocks, of Messrs. Dunn and Baker, Exeter, watched the proceedings on behalf of the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 30 July 1906
LYNMOUTH - The Lynmouth Drowning Cases. The Inquest. - The Inquest on the bodies of MR GEORGE LESTER, of Stroud Green-road, London, N., and MR THOMAS JAMES WHITE, of Lynmouth, a native of the Cullompton district, was held on Saturday by the County Coroner, Mr G. W. Browne, at the Lyn Valley Hotel, Lynmouth. Capt. E. B. Jeune was the Foreman of the Jury. - MR S. LESTER said his brother was 52 years of age, and a fairly good swimmer. He left his house about 6.30 on Friday morning to bathe. A few minutes later witness followed. On arriving at the beach he saw his brother n the water swimming towards land. After three or four minutes he saw him go under water. The rest was a blank. In answer to the Coroner, witness said he should think the deceased was in about eight or ten feet of water. Mr Bale shouted to the bathers to get into the centre of the pond. His brother's wife and his own were bathing with others. He saw nothing of WHITE. From the condition of his brother's body - there being gashes on the legs, etc. - he should think he must have been dashed by the sea against the ridge. In answer to Mr C. N. Bevan, witness said there was no life-line at hand. If there had been probably both lives could have been saved. - Mr Samuel Bale, painter and glazier, said he passed MR and MRS G. LESTER about 6.35 on Friday morning. Afterwards he saw MR LESTER standing in the water apparently on the eastern ridge inside the weir. The water was about breast deep. He was bathing himself. He shouted to MR LESTER to come farther in as the seas were strong there. MR LESTER replied, "All right, thank you." He considered MR LESTER was overcome by the ground seas, which came on immediately after and was also frightened at seeing WHITE go under. He himself had as much as he could do to get to land. As he was swimming back he heard WHITE, who was a weak swimmer, shout. It sounded as if his mouth was full of water. He turned back and passed Charbonnier, junr., who had been swimming near WHITE. Previous to WHITE'S shouting he did not know anyone was behind him. There was a succession of huge waves. He (Bale) swam light, though he was not a good swimmer. When he turned, a heavy sea struck WHITE, whom he found deep in the water. He caught him under the arm and urged him to float. WHITE said "I can't swim." They both sank. He got behind and tried to push WHITE. But, with the heavy seas, he became exhausted himself and sank. Mr Chas. J. Charbonnier, who was a good swimmer, swam out a little way again, but was apparently frightened, and returned to the beach. No one else gave assistance. Another huge wave then came and WHITE SANK. He heard MR LESTER shout, "Help me, help me." This was all he heard. Witness and WHITE had bathed together every morning. - By Capt. Jeune: He and WHITE were about 20 yards from land. He was about 15 yards from WHITE when he first shouted. A line could easily have been thrown. The people on the beach seemed to think that they were shouting for a joke. He did not see MR LESTER go down. They were quite close to the shore. He believed MR LESTER was washed on to the rocks. - Mr Jno. Crocombe, Lynmouth, said he pulled out MR LESTER, who was insensible, by the aid of a life-line. When he arrived Mr Bale was just coming out of the water. He rescued the body of MR LESTER about 20 or 30 yards from shore. - Mr Archibald Osborne and W. Johnson, (visitors) rendered efficient first aid, securing blankets and hot water. They were thanked by the Coroner. - MR GEORGE WHITE, Cullompton, identified the deceased WHITE as his cousin. - Mr George Richards proved finding the body of MR WHITE at noon on Friday. - Dr Atkinson said the cause of death in both cases was asphyxia, caused by drowning. Everything possible was done. MR LESTER'S body was warm. Resuscitation was tried until 9.35 a.m. - A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned, with a rider to the effect that life-saving apparatus should be supplied, and a boat, by the Lynton Council. - The Coroner complimented Mr Bale on his gallant conduct and said he would report the case to the Royal Humane Society. MR LESTER also thanked Mr Bale. The Coroner said all sympathised greatly with the relatives of the deceased.

OTTERY ST MARY - The Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox, held an Inquiry at the Five Bells Inn, Ottery St Mary, on Saturday, as to the cause of the death of MR GEORGE TURNER, late of Mill-street. Mr John Dunford stated that he was speaking to deceased when he suddenly fell. Medical evidence was given to the effect that deceased's heart was diseased, and a verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 31 July 1906
KINGSBRIDGE - Death Of A Bargeman At Kingsbridge. - An Inquest was yesterday held by Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, at the Town Hall, Kingsbridge, touching the death of WILLIAM HENRY WAY, a bargeman, 50 years of age, who died at his residence, Church-street, Dodbrooke, on Saturday morning. From the evidence it appeared that deceased attended a rent audit dinner on Thursday at St. Edmund's Hall, where he had a lemon and dash to drink. Previously to this he had had one or two glasses of beer, and about 7 o'clock he seemed drunk and incapable. A young man, named William Heal, was asked to see deceased home, and took him up on his back. He descended the steps leading to the hall in safety, but while going down the street deceased began to wriggle, saying he was going to walk home. In consequence, Heal gave a lurch forward and deceased slipped off, falling on his head. He never regained consciousness, death being due to collapse, following on concussion of the brain. The Coroner said Heal, though he had some ale at the dinner, was quite capable and was certainly free from blame. The Jury, of whom Mr T. M. Lidstone was Foreman, brought in a verdict to the effect that deceased died from Concussion of the Brain, the result of an Accidental Fall.

EXETER - Exeter Woman Censured. - Unusual interest centred around the proceedings at a Coroner's Court held by Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter City Coroner, at Exeter, yesterday, concerning the circumstances of the death of HENRY GEORGE HEIL, the infant child of ELIZABETH BESSIE HEIL, of No. 7 Mary Arches-street, Exeter. - MRS HEIL has been living apart from her husband. On Saturday evening the woman, in company with others, visited several public-houses in the city, carrying the baby in her arms. Between 10 and 11 p.m. she returned home in a drunken condition, escorted by three of her companions. The latter assisted the woman to undress and the child was placed in the bed with the other little boy and the mother. During the night the infant was smothered. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure," but, on their recommendation, MRS HEIL was severely censured for the manner in which she had conducted herself and the other women were blamed for leaving the child in her charge while in the condition stated.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 August 1906
BUCKFASTLEIGH - Fatal Accident At Buckfastleigh. - An Inquest was held at the Tradesmen's Arms, Buckfastleigh, yesterday afternoon touching the death of JOHN PHILIP SYLVESTER CODD. Mr S. Hacker was the Coroner. Mr J. Rowlands was Foreman of the Jury. - The father, W. CODD, identified deceased, who was four years old. He said the vehicle which caused the accident was a two-wheeled box-covered trap. He had loaded it and it was standing in the yard on Friday morning. He thought the boy must have climbed up at the back, and, finding it slipping, tried to save it. They heard the trap fall back and found the child underneath the tail part. They took him to the house and found a dent in the head. He was unconscious. He sent for the doctor. On Sunday morning the child died. Dr D. S. Wood found the child suffering from a fracture of the skull. He died from shock. The verdict was "Accidental Death."

STAVERTON - Staverton Drowning Case. Gallant Conduct By The Deputy Coroner. - At the Inquest yesterday afternoon by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, on the body of FREDERICK GEORGE CRANNAFORD, evidence was given by WILLIAM FRANK CRANNAFORD that deceased was 12 years of age. he did not know if he could swim, but had heard him say that he could. He knew that he was in the habit of bathing. Arthur Henry Baskwill said at 12.45 p.m. on Monday he went with the deceased to bathe in the river off Great Marsh. Deceased went into the water and came out several times. He then went in again and floated down the stream, getting out of his depth. He sank several times, but witness did not know he was drowning until he threw up his hand and disappeared. Witness could not swim, but he waded out to his chin before he dressed and went for assistance. He knew of no other bathing place. Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, said Mr Rabjohns came to the Court-room, where he was attending an audit and asked if anyone could swim. He at once rushed to the place and the body was pointed out to him in a deep pool. He undressed, and, swimming out, brought it ashore. Artificial respiration was tried without success. The place where deceased was drowned was most dangerous as the rock shelved, and, getting over it, the deceased would be carried down by the current. The water was 12 ft. deep under the bank. The island was a perfectly safe bathing place. Dr Edmond said when he arrived from Totnes the lad was dead. The Coroner observed that if anyone who could swim had been there before deceased might have been saved. He suggested that the Parish Council should put up a board, stating that the island was safe and other places dangerous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" and the Coroner expressed admiration of the action of Mr Kellock, to whom the Jury passed a vote of thanks for his prompt action. The Coroner said that swimming should be part of the curriculum of Council Schools wherever possible. Mr Kellock agreed, and said someone could be found to give instruction in every place. The Jury gave their fees to the father.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 2 August 1906
ASHBURTON - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Market Hall, Ashburton, touching the death of ANN HARVEY, 70 years of age, who died on Sunday. Mr W. H. Langler was foreman of the Jury. GEORGE HARVEY, labourer, identified the body as that of his mother, who resided with him. On Saturday, the 14th ult., he left her about 7 a.m. to go to his employment. She was then in her usual good health, but could not walk without the aid of a stick. When he returned in the evening he was told she had fallen down. He assisted her to bed, and fetched medical aid. Rhoda Kingwell, who lives next door, stated she often went to deceased, and was there on the evening of the 14th July assisting to get supper for the son. About 7 p.m. she went to her own house, when a neighbour shouted after her saying someone had fallen down. When she returned to the house she found deceased lying on the floor with her walking-stick by her side. She could not give an account of how she fell. Dr Fitzpatrick stated he attended deceased, who was very excited and suffering from shock. Her left arm, hip and leg were bruised very much. she had partial paralysis. The cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage of the brain accelerated by a slight fall. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 August 1906
PAIGNTON - The Fatal Accident AT Collaton. - At an Inquest on HENRIETTA POPE, of Brixham, who died on Sunday, held at Paignton yesterday morning by Mr S. Hacker, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated Dr Gibson, who drove his motor car past the trap containing deceased on the hill leading from Blagdon Barton to Collaton, from all blame. - The husband, an old man, whose head was bandaged, and who was evidently much shaken by the accident, stated that he did not hear the motor soon enough to jump out and hold the pony's head, as was his custom. As soon as the motor car had gone on the pony commenced plunging and bolted. Witness and his wife were thrown out near the church corner. - Dr Gibson said he had no idea whatever that any accident had happened and added that the pony was quite quiet when he passed it. - Dr Bennett deposed that death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 8 August 1906
CREDITON - The Crediton Accident. Inquest On VICARY. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Crediton yesterday on the body of CHARLES VICARY, labourer, in the employ of Messrs. Dart and Francis, who met his death through falling from a waggon when dismounting on Saturday. - Arthur Hodge identified the body and gave deceased's age as 64 years. Deceased informed witness that he hitched his foot in the reins. - Charles Frost, coachman, living at Spence Combe, and in the service of Mr J. M. Pope, said that he was cycling from Crediton about 6 p.m. and that just by Spluce Combe he saw deceased driving a horse and loaded waggon. Deceased on ascending the hill there got off the waggon, but hitched his foot in the reins and fell to the ground. No wheel of the waggon went over the deceased, but grazed his side and pinned him. Deceased attempted to rise by catching hold of the shaft. Witness assisted him to the hedge, called a man on the hill and went into Mr Pope's for assistance. He afterwards drove deceased to Crediton on the waggon. - Mr Lionel H. Moiser Surgeon, who attended deceased, said that, as the result of a post-mortem examination, he found the right half of the deceased's liver was practically torn through. All the other organs were healthy. The fall would not be sufficient to cause death, but a wheel had crushed the liver without passing over the body, and, in his opinion, that was the cause of death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The case comes under the Employers' Liability Act.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 10 August 1906
TORQUAY - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of PHILIP LIDSTONE, 54, railway porter, who died suddenly at the Railway Station. Dr Halpin, as a result of a post-mortem examination, attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

BIDEFORD - Death Of A Pedlar. The Jury's Comments. - An Inquest has been held at Bideford in connection with the accident that happened to KATE DALEY, otherwise CATHERINE DRISCOLL, of Pimlico, Torquay. - Sarah Martin, of Torquay, identified the body. Mr John Andrew, the Barton, H. Grigg and Reuben Baglow, together with P.C. Townsend also gave evidence. - Dr Pearson stated that there were no marks of external violence, but there was a clot of blood about the size of a Tangerine orange on the left side of the brain, due to the rupture of a blood vessel. There was also evidence of alcohol in the stomach, but no evidence that she was a heavy or habitual drinker. Death was caused by apoplexy, which might have been brought on by undue exertion of trying to lift her companion. Absolutely nothing could have been done to save the woman even if a doctor had been on the spot at the time. - The Jury found that deceased died from Apoplexy hastened by exertion as described by the doctor. They were also strongly of opinion that the present system of non-payment for medical assistance in cases of accident when medical men were called by the Police is very unsatisfactory, owing to their being no official medical man.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 August 1906
BRISTOL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE - An Exonian's Death. Inquest At Bristol ("Gazette" Special). - A Bristol Jury yesterday returned a verdict of "Suicide by Jumping from Clifton Suspension Bridge while of Unsound Mind" in the case of WILLIAM HENRY MEARDON, 30, linotype operator. - Deceased visited Whimple, near Exeter, for a week's holiday with his father, who was formerly a Mace-Sergeant at Exeter. That was three weeks ago and he appeared to be run down. He had been depressed for some time, but had never shown signs of anything wrong mentally. On Wednesday he did not return to his lodgings to dinner. A workman saw him fall from the bridge to the roadway, a distance of 250 feet.

OTTERY ST MARY - Ottery Boy's Strange Notion. - An Inquiry concerning the death of PERCY HOWE, aged nine, youngest son of MR JOHN HOWE of Yonder-street, Ottery St Mary, and who was found drowned in the River Otter, was conducted yesterday by the Coroner for the District, Mr Cox. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Drowning," and censured the deceased's four boy companions, who had seen him go under the water three times and sink, but went home and said nothing about the matter, presumably because one of their number (as he admitted in giving evidence) advised that course, or else they would "get hanged." The Jury expressed an opinion that a proper bathing ground should be provided.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 13 August 1906
GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Child's Death. A Fatal Bath. - At the Town Hall, Torrington, on Saturday the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. Pike, held an Inquest touching the death of WILLIAM HENRY ALLEN, aged six years, son of MR ALBERT ALLEN of Mill-street. It appears that the mother left a tub of boiling water on the floor and during her absence of only a minute to fetch some cold water the child fell into the tub and died the next day from the effects and shock. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 August 1906
LYDFORD - Inquest At Dartmoor Prison. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmoor Prison yesterday on the body of HENRY BAKER, a convict, who died on Saturday, aged 43 years. Mr Palmer (clerk in the Governor's office) said deceased was convicted on the 9th January, 1904 at the Middlesex Sessions of house-breaking and sentenced to five years penal servitude and three years' Police supervision. His previous conviction was on the 8th December 1902 at Surrey Assize, for burglary, when he was sentenced to 12 months' hard labour. He arrived at Dartmoor on the 21st July 1904 and since then his conduct had been good. On the conviction deceased was described as a seaman, a widower without children and a native of London. He had been employed at light work at Princetown. Dr Dyer said deceased complained of feeling poorly on the 4th inst. Acute pneumonia was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 15 August 1906
EXETER HEAVITREE - An Inquest was held at the Schoolroom, Wonford, yesterday morning, by Mr H. W. Gould, touching the death of EDITH TAYLOR, aged 3 years, of 25 Wonford-street, Heavitree, who was fatally injured on the previous day. The evidence showed that the child fell off the pavement at Wonford into the road, and the wheel of a passing coal waggon, which was driven by a man named Charles Low, in the employ of Mr Davy, Exeter, passed over her skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the driver being exonerated from all blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 16 August 1906
DORCHESTER, DORSET - Sad Death Of A Dawlish Man At Dorchester. - At Dorchester yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr Symes on the body of CHARLES HENRY SHAPTER, in the employ of Mr F. G. Longman, printer, etc., who was found dead in bed at his lodgings, 22 Alexandra-road. Deceased left Dawlish for Dorchester two or three years ago and entered Mr Longman's employ. Latterly he had suffered from fits and had been treated by Dr Broadway, who warned him not to sleep alone. He was found dead with his face buried on his pillow and Dr Broadway stated he had been suffocated during a fit. Apart from fits the young man was in good health. Deceased's father said when his son came to Dawlish at Whitsuntide he was in good health. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

KENN - Sudden Death At Kennford. - Mr W. H. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Anchor Inn, Kennford, yesterday, on the body of JOHN HOLLAND, labourer, of Kennford, aged 39 years, who died on the 14th August. - Mary Rendell, wife of George Rendell, labourer, identified the body as that of her son-in-law. He had complained of a pain in his left side occasionally, but otherwise he was in good health. - William Prout, labourer, of Kennford, said deceased was returning to the stables with his horse after a day's harvesting, when he fell down unconscious and expired almost immediately. - Mr Mark Farrant, Surgeon, of Exeter, said death was due to natural causes. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, and gave their fees to the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 20 August 1906
TOTNES - The Totnes Motor Car Accident. Fatal Miscalculation. The Inquest. - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Totnes, on Saturday afternoon on the body of MRS JULIA BOUCHER, of Bristol, who was killed in the motor car accident at Hood Bridge, near Totnes on Thursday afternoon. - JOHN M. BOUCHER, of Leigh Woods, near Bristol, identified the body as that of his mother. She was 65 years of age, and the widow of JOHN BOUCHER, druggist of Bristol. Deceased had been staying at Paignton on a visit, while witness had been at Torquay. - William C. Sims, permanent way inspector for the Great Western Railway, produced a plan of the spot where the accident occurred. There was a sharp turn at Hood Bridge, where the accident occurred, when approaching from Buckfastleigh. The Great Western Railway line was 22 feet below the bridge and where the deceased fell was 30 feet. - MISS HELEN CONSTANCE BOUCHER, of Bristol, stated that the occupants of the car were Mrs Lewis, the deceased, witness and witness's brother-in-law (Mr Lewis) who was the driver. They went to Ashburton. the deceased was sitting beside the driver. They did not go the same way as they came back. As they approached the bridge there was a sharp turn. They were not going fast. As they got to the corner Mr Lewis put on the brake and the car grazed the side of the wall on the left-hand. There was a slight jerk, and witness only remembered jumping out of the car. There was a crash, and the car came to a stop. Witness did not see her mother fall out of the car, but Mr Lewis told her that deceased had gone over the bridge. Witness went down to deceased and thought she was dead. Witness did not feel any great jerk, neither was she bruised. - Charles Smith, Totnes, said the car passed him near Liverford at an ordinary speed. - William Percival Lewis, of Bristol, said he was the owner of the motor and had driven down from Bristol. The bridge was strange to him and he must either have under-rated the sharpness of the turning or the car was going faster than he thought. He approached the bridge at about 16 miles an hour, but he slowed considerably before he got to it. - The Coroner: Rather a sharp pace for such a turn. - Witness: I did not think the turning was such a sharp one. The car scraped the side of the bridge for 32 feet before the deceased fell out and then went 22 feet more. He did not feel any jerk and he did not anticipate any danger, as he saved the car from going into the wall. - The Coroner asked witness why he did not pull up when he first touched the wall. - Witness replied that he was afraid to put the brake on hard because the occupants might be unseated. - Dr Edmonds deposed that when he reached the spot deceased was dead. There was no bodily distortion and he formed the opinion that deceased died from shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 23 August 1906
NEWTON ABBOT - At Newton Abbot last evening an Inquest was held on BESSIE HOWE, an inmate of the Workhouse. A certified imbecile, she, on June 18th, fell on getting out of bed and broke both bones of the left leg just above the ankle. The bones were set and united, and Dr Scrase stated that she quite recovered from the effects of the accident. Owing to the development of symptoms of heart disease, however, she had to be kept in bed, and, gradually becoming worse, died yesterday morning. In his opinion, the accident had nothing to do with the development of heart disease, the latter being the sole cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Death From Anthrax. Sad Woodbury Case. - Mr W. R. Cocks, the Exeter Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, on the body of SAMUEL BURDEN, aged 58 years, tan-yard labourer, of Thorne Cottage, Woodbury. - Mr Shuter, Chief Inspector of Factories, and Mr W. J. Wreford, Sanitary Inspector, of Exeter, were present officially. - CAROLINE BURDEN identified the body as that of her husband. He was in the employ of Messrs. Ware and Sons, of Woodbury. Last Saturday week two or three pimples appeared on his left arm, which, on the following Wednesday, commenced to swell badly. Deceased went to the doctor on Thursday and was treated. On Friday he entered the Hospital, where, on Sunday he said he thought poison had caused the illness. He had worked regularly in the tan-yard and was a very steady man. Last Thursday week he skinned a cow - the only one in that week - at a local farmer's. The cow died suddenly. Deceased would have the handling of a good many hides during the week. She noticed the pimples two days after the cow had been skinned. - Mr Stirk, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted on Friday, the 17th, suffering from swelling of the left arm - from the finger tips to the shoulder - to twice its natural size. Between the wrist and elbow there were many blisters. He had a note from deceased's employers saying they were afraid he had contracted anthrax. Witness withdrew a little fluid from one of the blisters and, after examining it microscopically, he had little doubt it contained the bacilli of anthrax. A small portion of blood was removed from the patient's left ear. that blood also contained numerous bacilli, and showed that the whole body was affected. Deceased improved under treatment, but collapsed suddenly on Sunday evening and died at 10 o'clock. Deceased must have had an abrasion through which the disease was contracted. He told witness the first pimple appeared on the inside of the left wrist ten days before he entered the Hospital. It disappeared in two days without causing any swelling. Deceased remained well until three days before he arrived at the Hospital, when another pimple then developed on the other side of the wrist, and the arm began to swell. There was no apparent wound, but there must have been an abrasion of some kind. If deceased had visited the Hospital on the day he saw the first pimple he would doubtless have been cured; in fact he was safe as long as the germs did not reach the body. - Harold Ware, one of deceased's employers, said deceased was a lime yard labourer at the tan-yard. Deceased went home on the Wednesday, but visited the works on Thursday. Witness warned deceased of the danger of anthrax, and told him to ask the doctor whether he had contracted the disease or not. He seemed no better on the Friday and was driven to the Hospital. It was an unfortunate thing that deceased never spoke of the pimples. The cow whose skin deceased dressed at the farm was killed by lightning. - The Deputy Coroner read a report by Mr Kidd, a veterinary surgeon, who examined the body of the cow and found that it was not suffering from anthrax. - Mr Ware, in answer to Mr Shuter, said the firm had not bought foreign hides for two years. They had a consignment of 50 Oporto hides a few weeks ago, but they were wet and salted and were still stacked. Deceased had never touched them. A card was posted before deceased on the treatment of anthrax. The workmen were not given overalls, but were supplied with leather gloves. Deceased skinned the hide at the order of the firm. Witness did not examine the hide to see whether it was infected in the face of the veterinary's certificate. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that "Deceased died from Anthrax, but that there was nothing to show how he contracted the Disease."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 August 1906
CLYST ST MARY - An old and respected parishioner, THOMAS POLLARD, while making a corn rick for Mr W. N. Goldsmith, Kennyford Farm, fell, and became unconscious. He was taken home, but never regained consciousness, and succumbed. At the Inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and a rider was added that no blame attached to anyone. The funeral took place on Tuesday at Clyst St Mary churchyard. There were many wreaths, including one from Mr and Mrs Goldsmith. The coffin was of polished elm, with brass mountings, and on the breastplate was inscribed "THOMAS POLLARD, died August 17, 1906. Aged 61 years." The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr N. Pratt.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 28 August 1906
ASHBURTON - Fatal Accident At Ashburton. The Inquest. - Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Market Hall, Ashburton, yesterday afternoon, touching the death of GEORGE G. PERRIS, who died at the Cottage Hospital on Sunday morning. - Arthur J. Balmond, fireman, stationed at Ashburton, Frederick Robert Cousins, of Ashburton, carriage cleaner and others, gave evidence bearing out the facts as published in the "Gazette". Dr E. Wilcox stated that on examination he could not find any external marks or bruises. He came to the conclusion that there was a serious injury to the head. He had made a post-mortem examination and there was no fracture of the skull or external marks or bruises, but there was an extensive haemorrhage behind the left ear and a large quantity of clotted blood. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. Deceased had remarkably thick hair. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They considered there should be two men employed at night work in case of an accident and requested the Coroner to communicate with the Railway Company.

EXETER - The Deputy Coroner for Exeter, Mr W. R. Cocks, held an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court yesterday on the body of JOHN SKINNER, labourer, of 19 Artizans' Dwellings, Cowick-street, Exeter. Deceased's wife stated that her husband was 71 years of age, and employed by the Exeter City Council. During the past fortnight he had complained of feeling unwell in his stomach, but did not cease going to work. In the early hours of Saturday morning deceased got out of bed and drank some pepper and water. Witness woke up about four o'clock and found him dead. Mr Farrant deposed to making a post-mortem examination. The large blood vessels of the heart were diseased and quite sufficient to account for death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 29 August 1906
TORQUAY - The County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on the body of WILLIAM HENRY LYTE, 60, labourer, of 20 Braddons-street, who died suddenly on Sunday night. William C. Burton, temporary House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, attributed death to heart failure, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

TEIGNMOUTH - The Railway Fatality Near Teignmouth. - Mr Sidney Hacker, last evening conducted an Inquiry at the Teignmouth Hospital to investigate the circumstances attending the death of DAVID LEWIS, mate of the schooner Belmont, who was knocked down by the 10.25 a.m. down train on the railroad from Teignmouth to Newton, on Sunday morning. Deceased was well known in the town, having been in and out of the harbour for about eight years. The Great Western Railway Company were represented by Mr T. Shattock, chief district inspector, Exeter; Inspector Flewellan, of the locomotive department, Newton Abbot, and Mr Blackler of the engineering department. - Mr J. Poole was Foreman of the Jury. Evidence of identification was given by HERBERT LEWIS, deceased's brother, who last saw him alive six weeks ago. The deceased was 34 years of age and unmarried. - Alfred Ernest Jessop, master of the schooner Belmont, said deceased joined the ship seven months ago in Kent. The ship's boat having sunk early on Sunday morning while the vessel was lying at the Quay, deceased baled it out and went up the river to look for the bottom boards. Witness's son and his brother accompanied LEWIS, who was a sober and very steady man. the two boys brought the boat back during the morning. Deceased was not deaf. - Leslie Jessop, son of the last witness, said he went up the River Teign with deceased. They found one of the boards a mile up. Deceased went ashore and tied the boat to the railway railing. As the tide was high he could not walk on the river beach, so he went on to the railway and walked on the edge of the sleepers, as he had no boots on. Witness watched him out of sight and then took the boat home, thinking deceased would walk back. - Edward Brookman, of Bristol, driver of the 6.45 a.m. train from Bristol on Sunday morning, said they arrived at Teignmouth at 10.39 a.m., being a few minutes late. He kept a sharp look-out all the way to Newton. It would be almost impossible for him to see the deceased, as he (witness) was on the right side and deceased was on the left. - The Coroner: I can't understand how you did not see the deceased if you were looking out. - Witness: I did not see anything, sir. - Inspector Shattock: The driver would not see anything for 150 yards, especially if coming from around a curve when standing on the right hand side of the engine. - Witness, continuing, said he did not know until informed at Newton that anyone had been knocked down. He then examined the buffer plank and saw marks of human hair on the extreme end. He had been a driver for 16 years. - Victor Flower, of Bristol, fireman of the train, said he saw nothing on the way to Newton Abbot. He could not keep a good look-out because he "fired" three or four times to blacken his fire down, having to return to Bristol in the evening. - The Coroner: You know you are expected, together with the driver, to look out. It is a very serious matter. - John Packer, guard of the train, residing at Cecil-street, Plymouth, said half-way between Teignmouth and Newton Abbot he looked out of the side lights of his van, and thought he saw the body of a man between the fencing and the left down line. The train took nine minutes running to Newton, and was travelling about 35 miles an hour. He reported what he had noticed to the Inspector. Had he been sure it was the body of a man he would have stopped the train. - Joseph William Bastin, 31 Decoy-road, Newton Abbot, said he was driving empty coaches to Exeter from Plymouth on Sunday morning. He was stopped at Newton Abbot by signal and told that the guard of the down mail fancied he had seen the body of a man on the line. He kept a sharp look-out and saw it was the body of a man a mile away. Coming from Teignmouth, a driver would not see a horse if it was at the same spot. He was certain of that, as there was a long sweeping curve at the spot. Witness pulled the train up, and placed the deceased on some cushions and brought him to Teignmouth. - George Honywell, foreman porter, who took charge of the body on its arrival at Teignmouth, and had it conveyed to the Hospital and P.S. Coles also gave evidence. - Ernest Aubrey Price, temporary House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was deeply unconscious when brought to the Institution on Sunday morning about 11 o'clock. He was suffering from a compound fracture of the arm, both bones in the forearm being broken, a lacerated wound on the right thigh, the fore finger of the right hand broken and a small scalp wound on the top of the head. Blood was also oozing from the left ear, which indicated internal injuries. In his opinion the injuries to the head caused death. - After the Coroner had summed up, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 September 1906
EXETER - The Weather. Another Hot Day. Inquest At Exeter. - Beautifully fine weather prevailed again yesterday. For several days past the temperature has been unusually high, and, although there have been welcome breezes at intervals, the weather has generally proved oppressive. Yesterday was probably the hottest experienced for the week. In Exeter the thermometer in the shade registered a little over 80. At 7 p.m. last evening it stood at 71. At 1.40 this morning the thermometer showed a drop to 58 degrees. In London yesterday the temperature was reported to be the highest of the year, reaching 93 deg. in the shade. Devonshire has the advantage of being surrounded by the sea, which has the effect of keeping the temperature equable. In addition, there are the moors, on which refreshing breezes nearly always prevail. Visitors spending their holidays in Devon have much to be thankful for. The agriculturists in the city yesterday complained sadly of the lack of rain. The meadows are scorched and food for cattle is scarce. - An Inquest was held by Mr Cocks, Deputy Coroner for Exeter, at the Exeter Police Station yesterday on the body of FREDERICK BUCKINGHAM, aged 50 years, coach builder of Chute-street, Exeter. REGINALD BUCKINGHAM, a signalman, of Newport, Monmouth, identified the body. A daughter of deceased, RUTH ELIZABETH BUCKINGHAM, said that deceased complained of pains in the stomach on Monday and Wednesday last. John Radford who worked with deceased at Messrs. Standfield and White's, said that on Thursday afternoon deceased complained of feeling unwell. He was given some water, but expired. Mr Alfred S. Perkins, who had conducted a post-mortem examination said that deceased died of heart failure aggravated by the heat. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Mr W. R. Cocks, the Deputy Coroner for Exeter, held an Inquest in Salisbury-road, Exeter, yesterday on LEAH LANGDON, aged 68, widow of PHILIP LANGDON, labourer, of Exeter, who died on Thursday morning. The evidence showed that on Thursday morning deceased complained of feeling unwell and expired. Mr E. Steele-Perkins said that no doubt deceased died from heart failure. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 3 September 1906
NEWTON ABBOT - Drowned At Newton Abbot. - At Newton Abbot, on Saturday, Mr G. F. Kellock, held an Inquest on WILLIAM GILPIN, son of MR DAVID GILPIN, who was drowned in the River Teign on Friday. Deceased, 2 years and 4 months old, went out to play with his ten-year-old sister, FLORENCE. The latter joined several other children paddling without boots and stockings in the water. She subsequently went round Mr Nosworthy's house thinking the boy was following her. A quarter of an hour elapsed before she missed him and in the meantime Henry Bore, an assistant schoolmaster, walking on the bank of the river noticed the body of a child floating down with the tide. He called to Arthur Lang, who was bathing near the boat-houses, and the latter swam out and brought the body to the bank. Artificial respiration was resorted to by Mr Hore and Constable Rundle, but Dr Martin pronounced life extinct. - The Coroner pointed out that the girl FLORENCE had given her evidence in a most intelligent manner and as she was entrusted with the child and failed to look after it, it was for the Jury to say whether she deserved to be cautioned. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," and expressed the opinion that, while the girl might have exercised more care, she was too young to hold responsible or censure.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 September 1906
TEIGNMOUTH - Diving In Shallow Water. A Teignmothian's Death. - Yesterday an inquest was held at Teignmouth Hospital on the body of GEORGE SCAGELL, age 20, a gardener, of Teignmouth, who died in the Institution the previous night from injuries received while diving off a spring-board on the beach on Sunday morning. - Evidence of identification was given by JOHN HENRY SCAGELL, lumper, of 3 Mulberry-street, Teignmouth, who stated that deceased left home on Sunday morning about 9 o'clock to have a bathe, as was his usual custom. Deceased could swim, and was fond of the water. Witness later saw him in the Hospital and in reply to a question deceased told him that he was diving off the board and must have pitched on his shoulder. - Jack Hooper, bathing machine attendant, said deceased often bathed and always dived off the spring-board. On Sunday morning the diving board was close against the sea wall, where it had been all the week, as the tides did not suit for it to be run out far enough into the water. He told deceased of this. But he said they would push it out and haul it up after. Deceased and his companions pushed the board down as far as they could get it and deceased was the first to dive off. It was about half tide. - Mr Truman (a Juror): They must have got it on to the flat sand? - Yes. - What was the depth of the water? About 3 ft. 9 in. This dive would be about 8 ft. from the top of the board. - I did not know you were allowed to run the boards out on to the flat sand? The sand had washed away. I tried to hold the rope to prevent the board being taken, but they were too quick for me. - James Henry Grindrod, painter, of Teignmouth, said he helped deceased to push down the board, although Mr Hooper told them at the time it was not safe. Deceased went off first and came to the surface, lying flat. They went to his assistance, and took him into a bathing machine. No one interfered with deceased in his dive. Deceased must have dived too straight, as someone went off the board after and was not hurt. - Dr Rudkin said he found deceased lying on his back in the bathing machine. He had fractured his spine. He was taken to the Hospital, where he was attended by the House Surgeon. - Dr E. A. Price also gave evidence as to the cause of death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and a vote of condolence with deceased's relatives was passed by the Jury, with which the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, concurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 5 September 1906
CLYST ST MARY - Suicide At Clyst St Mary. Saturday Night's Drinks. - An Inquest was held in the Clyst St Mary Schoolroom last evening, conducted by Mr C. E. Cox, on the body of WILLIAM MAY, a market gardener's labourer, of Sowton, who was found in the Clyst river on Monday morning. - WILLIAM HURFORD, stepfather of the deceased, said he did not think MAY was of weak mind. - Charles Vanstone, of Sowton, stated that he was in the company of deceased on the night he was last seen alive. They met outside the Half Moon public-house. Afterwards MAY had a drink of cider with three other men; they had two quarts between them. They drank it at witness's lodgings, deceased and himself having previously been drinking in the Half Moon. MAY left his lodgings shortly before midnight. When in witness's company MAY was happy and jolly. He was not the worse for liquor when he left the house. - The Coroner: The circumstances are suspicious as regards MAY'S condition when he left your house. - Richard Walland, landlord of the Half Moon, Sowton, said deceased came to the house shortly after 8 o'clock on Saturday night. He was there for an hour and a half, and during that time he served him with two pints of cider. Deceased's sister died in the Devon County Asylum. MAY had appeared to be of weak intellect, but was always able to carry out his work. Deceased was not the worse for liquor when he left the Half Moon. Vanstone was also sober. - Mrs Bessie Goslin stated that deceased had lodged with her for about 18 months. He was employed as a market gardener's labourer. Last week MAY was very queer. Some time ago he said he would drown himself, but she did not think he had any intention of doing so. She expected deceased was affected by the heat. MAY could not drink very much and she considered he would not have entered the water if he had not taken liquor. When MAY came home from work on Saturday she gave him some cider. That was about 8 o'clock. - Thomas Havill, labourer, working for Colonel Garratt, considered deceased was of weak intellect. Witness found the body near the withy-bed in the water running through Sowton Barton Farm. MAY was lying face downwards in the middle of the river. Where deceased was lying the water was about 2 ½ feet deep. - Dr Frood said there were no marks of violence on the body, which had every appearance of death from drowning. - Mrs Goslin stated that deceased was very easily led and would be tempted by an offer to drink. - P.C. Chambers considered that when the body was first seen it had been in the water for hours. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said it was no credit to Vanstone to have treated such a man as MAY, who was of weak intellect. He hoped that the mysterious death would act as a warning to Vanstone for the remainder of his life. - The Jury found a verdict of "Suicide while in an Unsound State of Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 7 September 1906
EXMOUTH - Inquest At Exmouth. Allegations Of Violence. - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for the District, held an Inquest at the Exmouth Cottage Hospital, yesterday, touching the death of ELIZABETH SHAPTER, aged 44. Mr H. W. Crews was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - HARRIET HARDING, of Watford, Herts, sister of the deceased, stated that she last saw her sister alive in the middle of August, when she complained of pains, at the same time placing her hand on her hip. Deceased's husband came to witness and told her his wife would complain to her that he had pushed her down on the beach. Deceased and her husband lived aboard their fishing smack, Elizabeth. when her husband was at sea at night sometimes she slept in a shed. - Dr Eaton said he was called to see deceased in the smack, and he ordered her removal to the Cottage Hospital, where he could better examine her. She was suffering from a cyst. She continued to be in pain and on Sunday evening an operation was performed. It was then seen that the case was hopeless and without an operation deceased could only have lived 48 hours. A part of the injury was due to violence and exertion. At the Hospital the deceased said she had her husband to thank for her being there. - THOMAS GEORGE HENRY SHAPTER, the husband, was cautioned by the Coroner, but he elected to give evidence and swore that he had never on any occasion struck or butted his wife. He had pushed her down on the sands. He was aware that on one occasion she had a black eye and sometimes she had bruises. She drank, but she would not tell him how she got bruised. - The Coroner commented on the grave points in the evidence, which were not to the credit of the husband, though from the medical evidence it was clear that deceased could not have recovered without an operation. But the cause of the twist of the tumour had not been definitely accounted for. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that death was due to shock consequent on the necessary performance of an operation for tumour.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 10 September 1906
LYDFORD - Inquest At Dartmoor Prison. - An Inquest was held at Dartmoor Convict Prison by Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, on GEORGE HARRISON, a convict, aged 25 years. The deceased was convicted on the 8th February 1904 at the Old Bailey of wounding with intent to do bodily harm, and sentenced to four years penal servitude. There were four convictions against him prior to 1904. He was described as a tailor, of 18 Sage-street, Shadwell, London, E. He came to Princetown on the 18th August, 1904. Dr Dyer said the cause of death was pleuro-pneumonia and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 11 September 1906
GEORGEHAM - Drowned At Croyde. The Inquest. - The North Devon County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, yesterday conducted an Inquest at Georgeham (at the house of P.C. Churchill) concerning the death of SIDNEY JOHN RADFORD, aged 19, a painter, of Barnstaple, who was drowned on Friday morning while bathing at Croyde Bay. Mr Edwin Zeal was the Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner described the occurrence as one of those sad cases which one had to often deal with during the summer months. - the father of the deceased identified the body. - Arthur Ward, a painter, of Newport, Barnstaple, said he and the deceased were working together at Croyde. On Friday morning they went for a bathe. RADFORD was able to swim very little. Witness could swim fairly well, and he went out seven or eight yards further than the deceased. He advised the latter to wade out until the water was up to his armpits and then swim in to land. There was a heavy ground sea, and the deceased called out suddenly "Art!" Witness immediately saw that there was something amiss, and swam towards the deceased. The latter had not been under water then and witness caught hold of him, cheered him up and told him to strike out and not lose heart. Witness struggled with him for a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes and did all in his power to save him and to get to land. Owing to the heavy ground sea he could not get him in. An extraordinarily large breaker parted them and witness did not see anything more of the deceased. Witness was getting very exhausted and was giving up hopes when, luckily, a large breaker landed him on the top of a rock. He then signalled for help and after a man named Jenkins had come to his assistance, and he had told Jenkins he had lost his mate, he remembered no more. Witness did his utmost to save the deceased. - William Jenkins, who lives opposite Freshwell Pit, the scene of the accident, deposed to seeing Ward on the rocks and to going to his assistance. He dragged Ward out of the reach of the breakers, which nearly washed witness off the rock. Mrs Grey prepared a bed and Ward was carried to her house. Witness returned and looked for the other man, but saw nothing of him. - George Yeo, a machinist, of Barnstaple, spoke to finding the body on Sunday afternoon about two gunshots from where the accident occurred. - Dr Walter Harper stated that the marks on the deceased's face were caused after death, which was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and complimented Ward on the efforts he had made to save the deceased. They also expressed sympathy with the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 13 September 1906
EXETER - Minister's Sudden Death. Inquest At Exeter. Coroner's Comments. - Yesterday afternoon the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on the body of the REV. JAMES EDWARD HARGREAVES, retired Wesleyan minister, of Bishopsteignton. - Mr J. H. Bellamy, master of the City Workhouse, and nephew of the deceased, identified the body. The deceased was 64 years of age. Witness saw deceased about five weeks ago, when he complained of not feeling as well as usual. He suffered from an affection of the heart. - Richard Wise, cab-driver, said that about 10.15 a.m. on Tuesday deceased engaged his cab at St. David's Station to drive him to the Mint. On the way a waggoner named Balsom called to witness to stop. On pulling up witness saw that the deceased appeared to be ill. Balsom went for some brandy, but, in the meantime, the Rev. Alfred Robert Dickerson came up and directed witness to drive to the Hospital. - The Rev. A. R. Dickerson, Wesleyan minister at Paignton, said he came up in the train to Exeter with the deceased from Teignmouth. In the train deceased complained of being unwell and took a tabloid. The deceased also said that if his doctor knew he would have forbidden his travelling. He complained of feeling "all heart." Witness afterwards saw the deceased in the cab and noticed his head go back and his hat fall off. Seeing that something was wrong, witness intercepted the cab near the Elmfield Hotel. He sent for some brandy, but he heard a noise in deceased's throat, and, without waiting for the brandy, he ordered the cabman to drive to the Hospital. He rode beside the cabman. - The Coroner: Why did you ride outside? - Witness: I preferred not to ride with a dead man. - What was the objection? - Oh, purely sentimental. - As a Christian minister there was no objection to a dead body? - No, certainly not. - Mr Stirk, House Surgeon, said life was extinct when the cab arrived at the Hospital. As a result of the post-mortem examination he attributed death to syncope due to a fatty heart and the condition of other organs of the body. - The Coroner said it seemed a pity that Mr Dickerson did not wait for the brandy. There was everything to gain and nothing to lose by doing so. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - The news of the sudden death of the REV. JAMES HARGREAVES was received at Teignmouth with profound regret. At Bishopsteignton, too, where he possessed many friends, his sudden demise cast a gloom. It has been known to his most intimate friends that the rev. gentleman was not in the best of health. MR HARGREAVES during his active years of ministry held several important appointments before retiring as supernumerary to the Teignmouth Circuit. His death has created a void which it will be difficult to fill, as the Wesleyan body are just at this moment seeing to the erection of a new chapel at Bishopsteignton to replace the present building. MR HARGREAVES also closely identified himself with the Independent Order of Good Templars.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 September 1906
EXETER HEAVITREE - Mr H. W. Gould, the District coroner, held an Inquest at Brook Cottage, Whipton, respecting the death of JANE WILLIAMS, aged 64, the wife of a shoemaker. The previous afternoon the woman, apparently in good health, went to her bedroom to dress to go out. Her husband, hearing a fall, and, subsequently, a groan, went to the room and found deceased lying on her back on the floor. She again groaned, and almost immediately expired. Mr H. Andrew, Surgeon, of Exeter, expressed the opinion that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

LIFTON - The adjourned Inquest on the body of MR DUNCAN-HARRISON, of Hart's Farm, has been held at the Police Station. The Inquest was adjourned in order that the Coroner might communicate further with the Medical Officer connected with the Birmingham Convict Prison, where deceased was at one time principal warder, and who, while in the execution of his duty, was struck a violent blow on the head with a mat hammer by a convict. The medical evidence from both Drs. Murray (Birmingham) and Musgrave (Lifton) went to show that death was not directly attributable to the blow, although it possibly might have hastened it, but the outcome of kidney disease and its usual complications. The Jury, of whom Mr R. Buller was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

MARY TAVY - Fatal Supper. Marytavy Man's Misadventure. - An Inquest has been held at Marytavy by Mr J. D. Prickman on THOMAS TANCOCK, who was choked when attempting to swallow a piece of meat. - MRS TANCOCK, the widow, said that she gave deceased his supper and soon afterwards noticed that he was choking. Mr J. Littlejohns, a neighbour, was called and they endeavoured to remove the obstruction, but were unable to do so. - Mr L. R. Marshall, Surgeon, said he arrived at 6.50 p.m. He found that a piece of meat had been drawn down into the larynx. He used artificial respiration, but without avail. - The Jury, of which Mr C. H. Grace was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 September 1906
WOODBURY - A Farmer's Death At Woodbury. A Pathetic Story. - The circumstances of the death this week of a young Woodbury farmer, named FRANK DUNSCOMBE MITCHELL, aged 29, have caused concern in the village. MITCHELL was found dead, hanging in a hay loft at the rear of Bridge Pitt Farm - where he lives with his aunt, MISS DUNSCOMBE - early on Tuesday morning. The deceased was well known in the village, and well liked by all who knew him. The good feeling entertained towards him was shared by the whole of the villagers, and his death cast a gloom over the village. The deceased, it appears, was last seen alive on Monday evening, when he took his cows into a field. The previous evening he was in the company of his fiancée, a young woman belonging to Totnes, who had lived with Mr and Mrs Nicks at Coombe Farm, Woodbury, for the past two years. Then, it was stated, and also on Monday, nothing unusual was noticed in his demeanour. He was a person particularly cheerful in disposition as a rule. A pathetic circumstances is that he was engaged to be married to the young lady before-mentioned at Christmas. - On Tuesday morning, it is stated, MISS DUNSCOMBE, on getting up just before seven o'clock, missed her nephew and was subsequently horrified to discover him hanging in the hay loft of a cowshed at the back of the farm. Much frightened, she immediately raised an alarm, and summoned Mr Rewe, a Woodmanton farmer, who, with assistance, cut the rope with which MITCHELL was suspended from the roof. Life was extinct. The full weight of the body, when discovered, did not, it is stated, depend on the rope. The body was leaning forward, the feet resting on the edge of the boarding forming the floor of the loft. Deceased's cap was placed over the rope under his neck. He was in his shirt sleeves, and his coat was found hanging in the house. - As far as can be ascertained the deceased had no financial or other troubles. He appears to have parted from his sweetheart, when she last saw him, on the best of terms. MITCHELL, it is stated, is the son of a sister of MISS DUNSCOMBE (now living in London), who married, nearly 30 years ago, a MR MITCHELL, an estate carpenter living in Woodbury. Later he was left in possession of the farm. It is stated that the deceased's mother visited the farm about a week ago. She went back on Tuesday week. Another visitor to the farm left on Tuesday morning - the date of the tragedy. The latter, it is alleged, intended to return on the Monday evening. He had depended on receiving help with his luggage from the deceased, but, eventually, essayed the journey alone. After an ineffectual attempt to find his way, he delayed his departure until the morning, leaving then, it appears, before the painful discovery was made. - Mr Cox, the Coroner for the District, the day after the tragic occurrence, held an Inquiry at the farm, concerning MITCHELL'S death. - Mr Henry Glanville was chosen Foreman of the Jury. It was stated that when discovered deceased must have been dead ten hours and death was attributable to strangulation. A verdict of "Suicide by Hanging while Temporarily Insane" was returned. - The funeral took place yesterday at Christ Church, Woodbury. Mr James Starr was the officiating minister. There was a large assembly at the graveside. The principal mourners were the deceased's father and mother, Mr Harry Dunscombe (uncle), and Miss Dunscombe (aunt). Deceased's fiancée was too unwell to attend. - Also present were Mr and Mrs F. Hill, and Mr F. Reeve (Woodmanton), Mr R. Medland (Higher Willocks), Mr and Mrs J. Nicks, (Coombe Farm), Mr and Mrs Hutchings (Coombe Farm Dairy), Mr Tom Daley and Mrs Cumes. - The following acted as bearers: - Messrs. H. Glanvill, jun., H. Down, W. Pavey, Jarman, Gooding, and W. W. Perry. The death is still the great topic of conversation in the village.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 September 1906
DARTMOUTH - Inquest At Dartmouth. - Mr A. M. Davson, County Coroner for Dartmouth, held an Inquest yesterday at the Guildhall, Dartmouth, touching the death of JOHN WINDSOR JERMOND, 82, retired shoemaker of Newcomen-road. HENRY LONG, grandson, said he was employed as a cadets' servant at the R.N. College, Dartmouth. He identified the body as that of his late grandfather, whom he last saw alive on Tuesday, on which day he made an attempt to take his life by cutting his throat with a table knife. Deceased had many troubles during life. Recently he had been upset in consequence of one of his grandsons (FREDERICK LONG) being committed to the Assizes for alleged theft, but who was at present on bail. His grandfather had been ill for several month and often complained of pains in the head. ELIZABETH and FREDERICK LONG corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. - Dr G. M. Soper stated that he was hurriedly called on Tuesday evening to JERMOND'S house, where he found deceased sitting in bed with his throat cut and bleeding profusely. He at once stitched up the wound. Deceased made no remarks to him. He had an incised wound, 4 ½ inches long, across his throat, which undoubtedly was self-inflicted. the arteries on the left side of the throat were a little jagged. On Wednesday he visited JERMOND and asked him if he could eat anything, to which he replied he could not swallow any food. In his, the doctor's opinion, death resulted from severe shock caused by the injuries to deceased's throat. - The Coroner having summed up the evidence, the Jury were unanimous in their verdict that "Deceased met his death by shock caused by self-inflicted injuries while Temporarily Insane, caused by Depression." - The Coroner and Jury expressed their deepest sympathy with the relatives.

EXMOUTH - Exmouth Suicide. Tired Of Life And Troubles. - An Inquest was held at the Public Hall, Exmouth, yesterday, by Mr C. E. Cox, on the body of HENRY GEORGE MAYNARD. - It appeared from the evidence that deceased, who slept at Lympstone at the house of his mother-in-law, MRS MILLER, and spent the days in Exmouth, told MRS MILLER that he would not return on Tuesday evening, but would get lodgings. On Wednesday afternoon deceased was found dead in a disused cab in the Exeter-road by a man named Hiscox, a machinist, employed by Mr James, miller. The Police found beside the deceased a bottle, and in his pocket a letter, in which he stated he was tired of life and his troubles, and that he had destroyed himself with laudanum. - Dr Eaton deposed that when found deceased must have been dead eight or nine hours. He had made a post-mortem examination and results pointed to opium poisoning. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 September 1906
BERRYNARBOR - The North Devon Tragedy. The Inquest. - On Saturday Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Bodstone Farm, Berrynarbor, concerning the death of a young farmer named GEORGE BAMENT, aged 25 years, who shot himself. - The evidence showed that on the day of the tragedy the deceased appeared very quiet. His mother said he had been rather low-spirited for a week, and he had told her he could not sleep at nights. While working in the barn with a workman named George Shapland the deceased suddenly went out and was afterwards found dead by his father in the garden with a gun lying beside him. He had no troubles of any kind and was described as a quiet and inoffensive young man. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 September 1906
EXMINSTER - Suicide At Exminster. Labourer Takes Rat Poison. - Yesterday the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, held an inquest at Towrington, in the parish of Exminster, on the body of WILLIAM ROBERT LOVERIDGE, a labourer, aged 44 years. - Evidence was given to the effect that the deceased threatened to take poison on Saturday week. On Thursday he complained of feeling ill. A doctor was sent for, but on Sunday morning he was found dead in bed by his wife. He was addicted to drink, and it was stated that there were frequent domestic quarrels. It was stated that phosphorus poison was kept in the house for the purpose of killing rats. - Dr Farrant said that the symptoms and appearance of deceased were consistent with phosphorus poisoning, and a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 September 1906
TORQUAY - The Lamp Explosion At Torquay. - Mr Coroner Kellock held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on the body of GEORGE BOND, 53, gardener of 7 Victoria Park, who died as the result of injuries sustained in a lamp explosion on Saturday. - After hearing the evidence, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider condemning the use of oil lamps, especially when defective. - The action of the two men, Webber and Tucker, who rendered great assistance in extinguishing the flames that enveloped the deceased, and in doing so received serious burns, was commended.

NEWTON ABBOT - The Stover Canal Fatality. Inquest And Tributes. - Yesterday morning an Inquest was held by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, at Jetty Marsh Cottage, Newton Abbot, on the body of WILLIAM UNDERHAY LANG, superintendent of the Stover Canal, who fell into the Basin connected with it on Monday morning. - WILLIAM HENRY LANG, labourer, of Stokeinteignhead, identified the body as that of his father, who was 63 years of age. He was foreman for Messrs. Watts, Blake, Bearne, and Co., clay merchants. - Samuel Hunt, clay-cutter, of Mill-lane, Newton Abbot, said that on Monday morning he received orders from the deceased to lower the Canal. He proceeded to do this until there was between four and five feet of water left in the Basin. While attending to the fenders he heard deceased say "Oh!" and on looking around saw him falling into the Basin from the top of the locks. He must have slipped off and the rush of water carried him into the stonework away from the wooden frame. Witness immediately lowered the fenders and after a little time deceased came to the surface. Witness seized a pole, kept deceased to the side of the Basin, and called for help. Witness was lame, and could not render any further assistance to deceased. The place where LANG fell was not dangerous to those who were used to it. Deceased had been employed for 30 years with the firm, and witness had crossed over the lock for the last 35 years. There had been a slight frost the previous night and the boards were a bit slippery. - William Davey, labourer, said that, hearing cries for help, he ran to the Basin and saw deceased being held up by the last witness by a pole near the ladder. Witness went down the ladder, and held deceased's head above water until a rope was obtained, when LANG was drawn out of the Basin. He appeared to be dead and never moved. - Dr W. W. Forbes, locum tenens for Dr Hunt, said that when he arrived deceased was dead. He had a bruise and an abrasion on the right side of the face, the result, apparently, of a severe blow, caused by striking the stone weir near the locks. Death was due to syncope from the shock of immersion. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and the Foreman, Mr F. E. Fuller, expressed sincere sympathy with MRS LANG and family in their sad and sudden bereavement. - Major Bearne, on behalf of the firm, expressed deep sympathy with MRS LANG and family and intense regret at the occurrence. The firm had lost a most faithful servant and a trusty friend, whom it would be very difficult to replace.

COLYTON - Octogenarian's Fatal Fall At Colyton. - The District Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox, held an Inquest at Colyton yesterday on the body of MARY ANNE FRENCH, 80 years of age, who resided with her stepson and a nurse at Bagwell's Cottages. - The evidence was to the effect that deceased, who had been an invalid for two years, sustained a fall on Friday, which left her with a bruised temple, but from which she apparently recovered. She got suddenly worse on Sunday, however, and passed away in the evening. - Mr W. G. Evans, who was called to attend MRS FRENCH, said that, in his opinion, death was due to shock occasioned by the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

ILFRACOMBE - Strange Case At Ilfracombe. Death Of A Visitor. - Mr C. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, held an inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday afternoon touching the death of WILLIAM RUTHERFORD, commercial clerk, who died suddenly while on a holiday at Ilfracombe. Mr J. Coats was chosen Foreman of the Jury. THOMAS RUTHERFORD, a clerk, identified the body as that of his brother, aged 29, a clerk of 81 London-road, Calne, Wilts. He last saw him alive on Wednesday morning last, he being then in bed. Later in the day deceased left for Ilfracombe, where he intended spending a holiday. He was run down, but did not think he was seriously ill and he had not seen a doctor. Witness received a postcard from his brother while he was at Ilfracombe, asking him to come there and spend a few days, as he was leaving his place. The card contained no complaint as to his health. Just as witness was about to leave for Ilfracombe he received a telegram from the Police advising him of his brother's illness. Deceased had never, to his knowledge, complained of pains in his head. Mrs E. A. Davis said she resided at 3 Capstone Place, Ilfracombe. Deceased came to lodge with her on Wednesday last, and complained of not being well, but said he hoped the change would do him good. On Friday he appeared to be much as usual, and went to bed about 10 o'clock. The following morning she called him soon after 10, but could not rouse him, although she heard heavy breathing. Witness called her brother-in-law, who was also unable to get a reply and they then summoned P.S. Woolacott. Deceased was found on the bed unconscious and he died on Sunday evening without having recovered consciousness. He took no medicine that she was aware of and she had seen no bottles in the room. P.S. Woolacott explained that on bursting the door he discovered deceased lying across the bed face downwards. The bed clothes had not been disturbed. Deceased was in his nightdress. He turned him over and attempted to rouse him, but was unable to do so. He thereupon sent for Dr Kettlewell. There was a candlestick in the room, but the candle had evidently burned right down, as the paper which was around the bottom of the candle was also burned. Dr Kettlewell stated he found deceased quite unconscious lying on his back. There was never the slightest sign of returning consciousness and he died on Sunday. He had made a post-mortem examination and found all the organs healthy except the brain. There he found a large haemorrhage on the right side of the centre quite sufficient to cause death. A blow would not cause haemorrhage of such a character. It was more like a stroke, or might have been caused by kidney or heart disease. It might have been expected in an old man, but was inexplicable in the case of an apparently healthy young man such as deceased was. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" expressing their sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 24 September 1906
WESTON-SUPER-MARE, SOMERSET - Baby In A Trunk. A Weston Sensation. Axminster Girl In Custody. - The Weston-super-Mare Magistrates were on Saturday engaged in hearing a case in which BESSIE NORTH, kitchenmaid, described as a native of Axminster, is charged with concealment of birth. - P.C. Bartlett said that on Friday he proceeded to No 41 Hopkins-street, in company with P.S. Beaton, where the accused had lived. Going upstairs in a back room they saw a brown tin trunk, which they opened, discovering inside the body of a newly-born male child. The only clothing on it was a piece of linen and an old skirt, and it did not appear that the child had received any attention at birth. In its mouth, which was wide open, was tightly crammed a piece of flannel six inches square. Witness caused immediate inquiries to be made at Mr Huntley's restaurant, where the girl had been engaged, but without avail. He afterwards found her at Mrs Stall's house, 41 Union-street. He said he wished to speak to her privately, and called her into the street. Then witness told her he had been to 41 Hopkins-street, and said he believed she had let a brown tin trunk in her bedroom there. She replied that that was so. Witness then told her that he had examined the trunk and found the body of a child, of which he believed she was the mother, and that he would have to charge her with the concealment of the birth of the child, which he believed had occurred the previous week. He cautioned her and accused replied: "If you won't make a charge against me, I will tell you all about it and how I did it." Witness conveyed her to 41 Hopkins-street, and took charge of the tin trunk, which, with the accused, he conveyed to the Police Station. - On the application of Superintendent Brown, the accused was remanded for a week. - The Inquest on the body of the child was formally opened at the Three Queens Hotel by Dr S. Craddock, Coroner for North Somerset. - Alice Venn, wife of Edwin Venn, furniture remover, of 41 Hopkins-street, Weston-super-Mare, said: BESSIE NORTH came to lodge with me on Tuesday last, the 18th inst. She took the lodgings for as long as Mr Huntley required her at his restaurant. Last night I went to make her bed, and then I noticed a peculiar smell. I looked around the room without finding the cause. Discovering nothing to account for it, I went to a tin box in the room and, on opening it, found a baby's body. The box was unlocked and belonged to BESSIE NORTH. I was so frightened that I could not remember whether it was a boy or a girl. The body was becoming decomposed and turning black. I was very frightened at the time and there was something in the mouth, which I believe was a piece of flannel. I called in a neighbour to inquire what I should do and we subsequently went to the Police Station and gave information of what we had seen. The Police afterwards took charge of the dead child. - Dr Temple considered death was caused by asphyxia, produced by the piece of flannel being pushed into the mouth. - The Inquest was adjourned till Friday next.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 25 September 1906
EXETER - Exeter Railway Tragedy. The Inquest. Effects Of Pneumonia. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday into the death of MISS MONA MAUD KINGSTON JELLICOE, the tragic circumstances of whose death were detailed in yesterday's "Gazette." Mr W. D. Trenchard was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness, DR STANLEY COLEMAN JELLICOE, of Laventor, near Totnes, identified the body as that of his sister, who was 28 years of age. Her father was MR PALMER JELLICOE, of the same address as himself. When he last saw his sister - about a month ago - she appeared very well. She had been staying at Richmond. In June of 1905 MISS JELLICO had an attack of pneumonia, and while suffering from this, went temporarily out of her mind. She was attended at the time by nurses night and day. She was, however, supposed to have recovered from her illness. - Mr Martin Handon, of Fern Cot, Carshalton, Surrey, a passenger on the 11.40 non-stop corridor express from Paddington on Saturday, stated that the deceased entered the compartment in which his wife and himself were seated just as the train was about to start and sat next to witness. She seemed much preoccupied or worried and he noticed her cover her eyes with her hand. She had taken no ticket, but the ticket-collector made out one for her. About 12.30 she left the carriage compartment, as he supposed, to go to the luncheon car. At about 2.15 his wife mentioned to him that the lady was again in the corridor. Deceased did not return to the compartment, but a few minutes later appeared to have entered the lavatory compartment. About 14 or 20 minutes after this witness's wife suddenly screamed and directed his attention to the lavatory window. He immediately looked out and was just in time to see the legs and feet of the woman as she apparently fell from the lavatory window on to the line. He immediately pulled the communication cord, but was not prepared to say he pulled it with sufficient force to attract the attention of the guard. Meanwhile, another gentleman rushed up and endeavoured, but unsuccessfully, to open the lavatory door. The ticket collector just then came along, and witness told him what he had done. The train was rapidly nearing Exeter at the time and a minute or so later the train pulled up at the Station. - Mrs Jennie Handon, wife of the last witness, deposed to having noticed the upper part of the woman's body appear at the lavatory window. She immediately called out to her husband. - By a Juror: She had no conversation with the deceased - in fact, she (deceased) spoke to no one. - Horace Henry Smith, travelling ticket-collector on the Great Western Railway and who was in the 11.40 express, stated that, finding that MISS JELLICOE had not taken a ticket, he made out one for Paignton for her and she paid him 16s. 7 ½d. He made an endeavour to open the lavatory door when spoken to by Mr Handon, but found it was bolted on the inside. He looked through the lavatory window, which was about ten inches square, when the train had entered St. David's Station and saw the lady's clothes scattered about the floor. He directed the door to be forced, and the clothing was taken to the Stationmaster's office. - Porter Loveys, in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company at Stoke Canon Railway Station, said that information that a body was lying on the line was conveyed to the officials of the Station by the driver of the engine attached to the 2.35 up train (from Exeter). The Station Master and witness proceeded to the spot, and found the deceased in a semi-conscious condition and in a perfectly nude state in the six footway. An overcoat was wrapped around her and she was immediately taken in a ballast train to St David's Station. - Dr W. H. Marsden, House Physician at the Hospital gave evidence as to having admitted the deceased on Saturday afternoon about 4 o'clock. She was suffering from a compound fracture of the skull, and there were general abrasions all over the body. A large mass of hair, a plate of artificial teeth and some hair pins had been forced into the deceased's mouth. She died about 5.50 the same evening as the result of her injuries. - The Coroner asked if a person who had been suffering from pneumonia was likely to have had her mind effected. - Witness: It is not very frequent to hear of such things, but acute mania coming on after diseases such as pneumonia is not unknown and a person gets completely well afterwards. If the medical officers at the place where she was treated say she was completely cured, I do not see why I should oppose that statement. - Dr Jellico, asked by the Coroner if his sister had ever shown any signs of mental disease except on the occasion referred to, said his sister had always been very quiet, and had an idea that she was consumptive. She suffered, in fact, from slight melancholia. - The Coroner mentioned that he had received a written statement from Dr Lacey - who was the gentleman who attempted to open the lavatory door of the train - bearing on Mr Handon's evidence. - Chief-Inspector Shattock, who watched the case on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company, stated that the guard of the train had told him that he did not hear a bell ring as the result of the pulling of the communication cord. If the cord had been pulled with sufficient force the brakes would have acted. The train was travelling at such a speed that it reached the Station in a few minutes. The deceased could not have been picked up more quickly than she was under the circumstances. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 25 September 1906
DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Borough Coroner held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Dartmouth, on Saturday, touching the death of HENRY DAVID DANIEL (25) of St Ives, a seaman, who was engaged on board the three-masted Whitehaven steamer Fleswick. A Juryman arriving late was severely admonished by the Coroner, but his explanation and apology were accepted. Dr Gerald Morgan Soper said he found deceased suffering from injuries received by being crushed in a steam winch. He was informed by the captain that DANIEL was hoisting the foresail when he was caught in the winch. The injuries were a compound fracture and dislocation of the left shoulder joint, internal injuries, injury to the right eye, large bruises to the neck, forehead, left arm and thigh; also a large abrasion right across the lower part of the back. He attended him until he expired on Friday morning. The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until Tuesday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 26 September 1906
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, held an inquest at the Police Station, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of BEATRICE ANN FLORENCE BARTLETT, aged six months. FLORENCE BARTLETT, wife of ROBERT BARTLETT, 1 Silver-lane, Blackboy-road, brickyard labourer, identified the body and said that the child was in good health, but on Saturday suffered from diarrhoea. Witness awoke about two o'clock on Sunday morning and fed the child. On awaking subsequently she found the child dead. She had let the child eat biscuit and bacon rind. She had not read a circular the Registrar gave her on how to feed children. - Dr Bradford, Surgeon, said death was due to convulsions. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM SAMUEL MARDON, aged seven weeks, son of JOHN MARDON, 5 Plantation-buildings, Newtown. The mother of deceased said that the child was in good health, but on Sunday morning slept on her arm. She had not read the infant-feeding circular. - Dr Duncan said on seeing the body on Sunday he found that the head and chest were discoloured. The internal organs were all healthy, with the exception of the lungs, which were congested, and the stomach was very distended. Death was due to over-lying. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BISHOPS TAWTON - Supposed Suicide Near Barnstaple. - A man named JOHN FEATHERSTONE, a carpenter, of Bishopstawton, near Barnstaple, aged 60 years, was yesterday morning found drowned in the river Taw, under circumstances which point to suicide. He lived in the village with a married daughter, who went to call him early in the morning at his usual hour. She was surprised to find that he was not in bed. He had retired to bed the previous night in his usual health. - After she had given an alarm, a number of men went in search. P.C. Seldon, MESSRS. T. FEATHERSTONE (deceased's son), John Facey, William Warren, and others went to the river Taw close by. A boat was obtained and in about an hour the body of the deceased was found with grappling irons in a pool in the river, not a gunshot from the house. It was taken out and conveyed to the daughter's residence. It is said that the deceased had not been well since the death of his wife a few months ago. - An Inquest was held last evening by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, and a Jury. A verdict was returned that the deceased met his death by "Drowning while Temporary Insane."

HATHERLEIGH - Mr Coroner J. D. Prickman held an Inquiry in the Police Court yesterday concerning the death of KENNETH MEARDON, aged one month, the illegitimate child of ALICE MARY MEARDON. The case was watched by an officer of the N.S.P.C.C. Mrs Jane Ellacott (certificated midwife) stated that she attended ALICE MARY MEARDON. The child was of full size, of ordinary weight and development. MRS MEARDON, sister-in-law, deposed to seeing the baby with milk in a feeding bottle at times, but saw the child ailing last week when called by her sister-in-law and sent for the doctor. the child died soon after. - ALICE MEARDON, mother of the child, stated that she fed the child on milk for the first fortnight and then gave it tea and biscuits. - Dr King said he found the child cold and emaciated and obviously in a dying condition. The condition could not have been brought about in a short time. It must have been declining for a week or ten days. He considered death was due to improper feeding. Sergeant Hill gave evidence regarding the weight of the child. The Jury arrived at the verdict that the child died from improper feeding. They desired the Coroner to severely censure the other for the bad life she had been living and to advise her to take this as a warning for the future.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 27 September 1906
TOTNES - Accidental Death At Totnes. - A labourer named GEORGE MURCH, aged 60 years, of Moorashes, Totnes, met with a fatal accident on Tuesday afternoon by falling from an apple tree at Warland, where he was picking apples for Messrs. J. Symons and Co., cider merchants. With assistance he was able to walk home, but died soon after midnight. At the Inquest held yesterday afternoon by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock, at the Totnes Guildhall, Mr R. Reed was Foreman of the Jury, and evidence was given by Richard Pengilly and John Janes, who were working with the deceased. Pengilly found him on the ground and deceased then said he thought his ankle was broken, and asked to be helped home. Janes said about ten minutes after the deceased had placed the ladder against a tree, on which he had told him he did not think the apples were worth picking, he heard a rattle and saw deceased trying to get up from the ground. He complained of injury to his leg and ankle. Dr Johnson said that when he was called to the deceased he found no bruises externally, but the man was suffering from shock and at 10 p.m. he was much worse. He had previously attended him for a bad heart and lung trouble, and considered death due to shock. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 September 1906
WESTON-SUPER-MARE, SOMERSET - Charge Against An Axminster Girl. Verdict Of "Wilful Murder". - Yesterday, at Weston-super-Mare, the Inquest was resumed on the body of the illegitimate male child of BESSIE NORTH, aged 21, kitchenmaid, employed at a local restaurant and a native of Axminster, now in custody on the charge of concealment of birth. - Ellen Bennett said NORTH lodged with her for three months. Witness suspected her condition and questioned her, NORTH replying that there was nothing wrong. - John Clapp, kitchen boy, said he fetched the woman's trunk from her previous lodgings. He identified the box (produced by the Police as the one in which the child's body was found) as that of NORTH'S. While putting down the box he found it unlocked, but did not look inside. NORTH had told him the trunk was locked. - P.S. Bartlett proved interviewing NORTH in the presence of the latter's new landlady. The latter said "Why did you bring this trouble on me? I found the child in your trunk and had to tell the Police." NORTH replied, "I will go and drown myself." - The Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against NORTH.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 2 October 1906
NEWTON ABBOT - Alcoholic Poisoning. Sad Death At Newton Abbot. - Yesterday, the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. F. Kellock held an inquest on the body of GEORGE FREDERICK HENRY HAMMETT, 23 years of age, a gardener, who lived at 33 Beaumont-road, Newton Abbot. - On Saturday evening the deceased visited two hotels and partook of several drinks. When he got into the open air he collapsed, and only reached home with assistance. He was put to bed. Early the next morning his mother went to see if he was all right, but found him very ill. Before medical aid could be summoned he died. - Dr Nesbit gave it as his opinion that death must have been caused by an overdose of alcohol, causing heart failure. - The Coroner commented on the sadness of the case and said it was almost a life thrown away. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and passed a vote of condolence with the deceased's parents.

EXETER - An Exonian's Sudden Death. Coroner On Relatives' Duty. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Police Station, Exeter, by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on the body of MR JOHN SURRIDGE, aged 76, a retired miller, who died at his residence, No. 10 Bartholomew-terrace, Exeter, on Friday. - The Coroner said the Inquest was not held on Saturday because the officer whom he sent to inquire about the death of deceased was refused any information at the house. He was again sent to the house for an explanation, but was once more refused any information. He (the Coroner) had had no statement from the family until that morning. It was quite useless for the relatives to keep anything back. - One of the Jurors asked whether it was necessary to view the body, which he understood had been screwed down two days, and was in a bad state. - The Coroner said that he could not excuse them. - William Braddon, licensed victualler, Station-road, Bristol, identified the body. - Beatrice Butland, domestic, stated that on Friday morning she was called by her mistress at 11 o'clock. Deceased looked as if he was in a fit. He was given brandy, and the doctor was sent for, but before he arrived deceased was dead. - MISS FLORENCE SURRIDGE, daughter of the deceased, stated that on Friday morning she saw her father taken ill. When given the brandy he did not swallow any, but only moistened his lips with it. On Thursday deceased was ill, but witness did not send for a doctor as she did not anticipate a fatal ending. The deceased had been out nearly every day since the 19th. - The Coroner: Why did you not tell the officer this? - Witness: I told him to get his information from the doctor. - The Coroner: It is the duty of anybody whose relations have died suddenly to give every information. By refusing this they are defeating the object they have in view. - Mr Mark Farrant, Surgeon, stated that the last time he saw the deceased was on the 19th. On the 14th he had an attack, and nearly died then. - The Coroner: Did you examine the body? - Witness: No. - The Coroner: Then how could you give a certificate of death? - Witness: I ascertained that deceased was dead. That was sufficient. Continuing, witness said that from what he had known of the deceased he was of the opinion that death was due to heart failure. The deceased had a similar attack about a year or so ago. - The Coroner, in addressing the Jury, said that Mr Farrant had said he did not examine the body, although he gave a certificate. Because the deceased had suffered from heart disease he was not bound to die of that complaint. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed the opinion that an Inquest was necessary.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 October 1906
COLYTON - The East Devon District Coroner, Mr C. E. Cox, held an Inquest at the Lion Inn, Colyton, yesterday, on the body of the newly-born male child of MR and MRS FRANK HAWKINS, of The Butts. Mr F. W. Kingdon was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence was given by the father of the child, EDITH PHIPPEN (sister of the mother) and Mrs Baker (a maternity nurse). - Mr W. G. Evans, Surgeon, who conducted a post-mortem examination, said the child was born prematurely, and, in his opinion, had no separate existence. The Jury found that the child was Still-born.

DARTMOUTH - Seaman Killed. Yesterday the adjourned Inquest took place at Dartmouth on the body of HENRY DAVID DANIEL, 25, married, who was an A.B. on board the three-masted screw steamer Fleswick, of Whitehaven, and who was fatally injured by being caught in the steam winch of the steamer. A Juryman arrived fifteen minutes late and was reprimanded by the Coroner, Mr Davson. - The mate of the steamer, Alexander Brown, of Swansea, said that when the accident occurred he was on watch. The deceased was endeavouring to hoist the fore try-sail by the aid of the steam winch. There was half a gale blowing in the English Channel from the north-east. The object of hoisting the sail was to steady the vessel, which was pitching and rolling. The sail blew over and hid deceased from his view. Before the sail was hauled up he heard cries of "Oh!" from the man. He lowered the sail, promptly turned off the steam and endeavoured to extricate the unfortunate seaman, but could not do so himself. Witness therefore went to secure the assistance of the captain, who was in the wheel-house on the bridge. An interval of about a minute and a half elapsed before the mate with the captain's assistance, released the deceased. - Mr H. Square, solicitor, watched the case for the relatives. Mr Shuter, of Plymouth, inspector of machinery, was also present. Both put questions to the mate, which were lucidly answered. - Mr George Moffatt, superintendent of Customs, appeared as the Board of Trade representative and said the vessel was sufficiently manned. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and added a rider, "That, taking into consideration the boisterous state of the weather, another man should have been called to assist in performing the task, which the unfortunate seaman was endeavouring to do single-handedly before receiving the fatal injuries which resulted in death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 4 October 1906
DARTMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Dartmouth. A Distressing Case. - Yesterday Mr A. M. Davson, the Dartmouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of HEDLEY ALBERT WALLIS, 37, a baker, of Foss-street, Dartmouth. - Yesterday morning, at 3 o'clock, the deceased left his bed and lighted the gas to ascertain the time. He returned to bed. About a quarter to 5, MRS WALLIS heard knocking, and, immediately after, a heavy fall. Thinking her husband had fainted and fallen, as he sometimes did, she got out of bed. Not seeing him, she looked out of the window, and discovered that he was lying in the roadway. - His fall was also heard by William Thomas Dowdick, an engineer, who was proceeding to work. When he reached MR WALLIS he considered he was dead. - Dr Harris told the Coroner and Jury that the deceased had fractured his skull and broken his neck. - Mr P. R. Hockin, solicitor, watched the case on behalf of the relatives of the deceased and informed the Jury that MR WALLIS had a successful business, which had been for years under his immediate and personal supervision. He was a man in a strong financial position, so that business cares or worry could not be attributed to his untimely end. From the low window-sill it was very possible the unfortunate man accidentally slipped and thereby met his death. - The Jury returned a unanimous verdict of "Accidental Death." Both the Coroner and Jury expressed their deepest sympathy with the widow and relatives of deceased, who left one child. Mr P. R. Hockin replied on behalf of the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 October 1906
UPTON HELLIONS - Devon Farmer's Tragic Death. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, has held an Inquest on the body of THOMAS COLES, of Hellions Barton, Upton Hellions. - ANN COLES, wife of deceased, who identified the body, said her husband was a farmer and 51 years of age. She last saw him alive at 3 o'clock on Wednesday morning. He was then in bed. Witness rose at 6.30 and found that deceased had gone out She had reason to go to a barn and found the door locked on the inside. She called assistance and the deceased was found hanging by a rope from a beam. He had never spoken of suicide, but had lately complained of pains in his head. He was convicted of drunkenness a little while ago and that had preyed on his mind. He thought people would despise him. - Mr George Greenslade, farmer of Sandford, deposed to finding deceased hanging from a beam. - Mr W. S. Campbell, Surgeon, of Crediton, said death was due to strangulation. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 October 1906
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - The Suicide At Moretonhampstead. The Inquest. - Yesterday Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner for the Totnes Division, conducted an Inquiry relative to the death of ROBERT WINSOR, who was found hanging in the slaughter-house of Mr Rihll, butcher, on Wednesday morning. Mr G. P. Brook was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - WILLIAM WINSOR, farmer, of Bickington, identified the body as that of his son, who was 24 years of age. - Walter Woodberry, a fellow-workman of deceased, said he and deceased had always slept together. WINSOR was out of bed and gone when witness awoke about 6 o'clock on Wednesday morning. Witness went to the stables and, after attending to the horses, proceeded to the slaughter-house about 7 a.m. He there saw deceased hanging by the neck. Witness, who had a boy with him, summoned his master. Witness was asked if he went to the slaughter-house for the purpose of finding deceased, and he replied, "No," but that he went there to fetch something. Witness saw the deceased the previous night, but did not notice anything in either his manner or speech that was different than usual. - William Ash, rabbit trapper, of Moreton, said that he heard the alarm and went to the slaughter-house. He there saw the body hanging. With the help of a man named Charles Major he cut the body down. The deceased was hanging about 3 ft. from the ground, and witness had to fetch a ladder before he could reach him. - Mr A. E. Rihll, butcher, in whose employ deceased was, said deceased had charge of the slaughter-house but had no work there that morning. The rope (produced) was the usual sort kept for killing purposes. Witness said that deceased had the delivering of certain bills and that he (witness) had received one or two complaints about accounts having been paid to the deceased. He had not yet any proof that that was the case. On looking over deceased's box with the Police he found a number of accounts which should have been delivered last quarter-day. - Dr Sutherland said death appeared to have been caused by asphyxiation. - The Jury, after retiring for a few minutes, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 8 October 1906
RATTERY - An Inquest was held at Rattery on Saturday, when it was recorded that the death of MR GEORGE CREESE, smith and farrier, of that village, was due to an accident. MR CREESE was some six weeks ago returning from Brent, when he was thrown from his pony and received a severe blow in the head. He remained in an unconscious state up to his death. The deceased was a most skilful horse shoer, and his fame was known far beyond the bounds of the immediate district of Rattery.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 9 October 1906
BIDEFORD - The Bideford Suicide. The Inquest. Yesterday Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, held an inquest at Bideford on the body of JAMES LEE, 73, retired refreshment housekeeper, who committed suicide by shooting himself the previous day. - Dr Ackland said he had attended deceased for some years for chronic heart complaint, and saw him the day before he took his life, when he appeared as usual. He had said that he was very ill and hoped he should "go" soon. He went to deceased as soon as he was found shot. there was a bullet wound through his temple. There was no doubt that it was self-inflicted. Deceased still held the revolver clenched in his hand. - Sarah Hunt, widow, a friend of deceased, who had been looking after him during his illness, said she was with him the whole of Sunday morning and he appeared quite rational then. He showed her the revolver a long time ago when he was quite well. He had never threatened to take his life. - John Shute, with whom deceased had resided for some years, said he saw deceased just before dinner on Sunday, and he said he was better. About 1.30 witness heard a bit of noise, but never dreamt it was caused by deceased. Witness's wife went upstairs and found deceased had shot himself. - The Jury, of which Mr P. H. Jenkin was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 October 1906
AXMINSTER - An Old Man Drowned. Inquest At Axminster. - At the offices of the Dorset Lime and Cement Company, Coaxdon, Mr C. E. Cox, District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of SAMUEL MALLETT, whose body was discovered in the river at the rear of his residence. Mr A. S. Phillips was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - FREDERICK CHARLES MALLETT, youngest son of the deceased, stated that his father was 72 years of age. He was formerly employed as manager of the Dorset Lime and Cement Works, but retired about two months ago. Witness last saw his father alive on Monday morning about nine o'clock, when he left the room in which witness was partaking of breakfast. Deceased had suffered from rheumatism for some time, but on Monday he was particularly bright and in good spirits. He had never shown any signs of depression of mind. As he was away an unusually long time, search was made for him and the river at the rear of the house dragged, but without success. - Charles Harvey, clerk, living with his father, John Harvey, at Coaxdon Cottages, said he saw deceased pass the cottage at nine o'clock on Monday morning. - P.C. Lang deposed that he dragged the bed of the river with a pair of grappling irons and found the body in about 15 feet of water, near the hatches connected with the mill pond. The body had been in the water about four hours. A purse in deceased's pocket contained five sovereigns, 18 shillings and two pennies. - Mr W. Langran, Surgeon, of Axminster, expressed the opinion that death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and recommended that fence be placed by the side of the river and that the broken rail of the bridge close by be repaired.

EXMINSTER - Asylum Tragedy At Exminster. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, has held an Inquest on the body of JANE LEYWORTHY, a patient at the Exminster Asylum. - Richard Eager, Assistant Medical Officer said deceased was admitted from the Wellington Union on the 13th January 1872 She was the daughter of JOHN LEYWORTHY, of Hemyock and 59 years of age. She was violent, but not suicidal. He saw deceased on the 23rd September, when she was suffering from a fractured thigh and a bruise on the right wrist. The deceased suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart. - Bertha Powlesland, charge nurse, said deceased and Sarah Pedrick were washing. The former was standing in the latters way. Pedrick pushed deceased, which caused the injuries above-mentioned. Sarah Pedrick had not, to witness's knowledge, struck anyone previously. She had not shown any antipathy towards deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," as the result of a push by another inmate, accelerated by fatty degeneration of the heart.

AXMINSTER - Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Axminster Workhouse touching the death of JOHN NEWBURY, aged 68, a navvy, who resided at Colyton. The deceased, who used to do odd jobs in different parts of the neighbourhood, on the 11th May was picking ivy on Colwell Cliff, Axminster, when the ivy gave way, and he fell a depth of some 11 feet, injuring his head. The old man was subsequently discovered by George Spiller, a youth, lying in a barn. He complained of having had a fall. Spiller put a bag under NEWBURY'S head, and, on going to see him later, found he had gone. NEWBURY appears to have gone to the Axminster Workhouse. The next day he stated he was ill and Dr Langran attended him. He gradually became unconscious and died last Friday from exhaustion, due to paralysis of the left side, following an injury to the occipital bone. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BROADHEMPSTON - An Inquest has been held by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, on REGINALD G. NORRISH, 10 months old, who died suddenly on Saturday night. Dr Smith, of Totnes, who made a post-mortem examination, expressed the opinion that death was due to dentition with convulsions. The Jury, of which Mr J. Parnell was Foreman, brought in a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and gave their fees to the mother.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 October 1906
EXETER - Exeter Barman's Death. The Effects Of Alcohol. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry, at Exeter yesterday, concerning the death of HENRY GEORGE PRATT, a barman and an Army pensioner, aged 46, of 3 Albert-street, Exeter. The deceased returned home apparently in his usual state of health on Wednesday evening. During the night he was taken ill, but seemed to recover. His condition later grew worse, and just before eight o'clock his wife, on the advice of a neighbour, sent for Dr Bradford. The latter, on his arrival found that the deceased was suffering from the effects of chronic alcoholism, and prescribed accordingly. He then left, and promised to call later. During his wife's absence, to take a certificate given her by the doctor to his employer, the man died. - A post-mortem examination made by Dr Bradford revealed the fact that both lungs were adhering to the chest walls at the front and back, as the result of old pleurisy. The lungs were very much congested at the base and the heart was diseased. While an ordinary liver should weigh from three to four pounds, that of the deceased weighed 6 ½ lb., this being chiefly due to the deposition of fat. His kidneys each weighed eight pounds, instead of about 4 ½ lbs each as they should have done. Death, the doctor stated, was indirectly caused by chronic alcoholism, but was directly due to heart failure, caused by the strain resulting from an attempt by the deceased to get out of bed. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and expressed sympathy with the widow, in which the Coroner concurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 October 1906
NEWTON ABBOT - A Man With Many Names. Inquest At Newton Abbot. - At Newton Abbot yesterday Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on RICHARD RATTENBURY, who died suddenly at the Jolly Sailor Inn on Sunday morning. - His brother, THOMAS RATTENBURY, 4 St John's-street, Devonport, a dockyard pensioner, identified him as a brother, although he had not seen him for many years. Deceased commenced life as a groom, and, getting tired of that, obtained employment in the dockyard as a labourer. Then he married, and that, said his brother, "finished him." He left Plymouth and his family heard very little of him for 20 years. His wife is now in the Devonport Workhouse, not having lived with him for some years. - It was stated that the man had been known by the names of Rattenbury, Robert King, King Stephens and Thomas Stephens. - A post mortem examination showed that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, and a verdict of "Syncope" was returned.

EXMOUTH - Sudden Death At Exmouth. Refusal To See A Doctor. - Mr C. E. Cox, District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Exmouth yesterday into circumstances attending the sudden death, on Saturday, of WILLIAM FERGUSSON, aged 68, of 3 Hatherleigh Cottages, Bicton-street, Exmouth. - Deceased was an Army pensioner, and removed to Exmouth from 21 East Southernhay, Exeter, where he had been acting as caretaker, about a week ago. He had been suffering from a severe asthmatical cough, but, although he was ill during the whole of the past week, he refused to let his wife call in a doctor. On a previous occasion he had been greatly annoyed, when the couple were living elsewhere, because his wife summoned a doctor without his permission. Deceased was in the habit of "treating" himself. - He had been confined to his bed since Wednesday and during that time was fed on bread and milk. On Saturday morning MRS FERGUSSON became alarmed at her husband's condition, and obtained his consent to call in a doctor. A neighbour, Mrs Kate Morrison, sent for a doctor, but deceased expired almost immediately in the presence of the wife and Mrs Sarah Hunt, who had been summoned by his wife. - Mr Hodgson, of Exmouth, Surgeon, attributed death to pneumonia and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The witnesses were thanked by the Coroner for their kindly assistance.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 17 October 1906
EXETER - Fatal Burns At Exmouth. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest at the St. Thomas Workhouse, yesterday, on the body of MARY ANN LIVERMORE, aged about 80 years, widow of STEPHEN LIVERMORE, merchant seaman. - Mr T. S. Harding, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, identified the body. - It appeared that the deceased lodged at Fore-street, Exmouth and was in receipt of parish pay. Last Monday week she complained of burns. She said that she was reading in bed and that when she went to put out a candle she fell on it and burnt herself. The district nurse was called and advised her removal to St Thomas Workhouse Infirmary, where she died on Monday last. Mr Farrant, Surgeon, said death was due to exhaustion following the burns. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 18 October 1906
EXETER - At an Inquest held by the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on the body of the infant son of P. R. MOYLE, stonemason, of 3 Victoria Place, Paul-street, Exeter, Mr Harrison, Surgeon, stated that, in his opinion, death was due to insufficient vitality and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Borough Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson, held an Inquest at the Guildhall, touching the death of GEORGE CHADDER, 36, who was engaged as a fitter at the Dartmouth Gas and Coke Works Company. On Friday deceased fell over a flight of steps, sustaining severe injuries to his head. He was taken to the Dartmouth Cottage Hospital, but, notwithstanding skilful attention, he grew worse and expired at three o'clock on Monday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 25 October 1906
EXETER HEAVITREE - The Exeter Railway Fatality. Open Verdict Returned. - An Inquest was held at the Whipton Inn, Whipton, yesterday by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, on the body of JAMES FLAY, of Shepherd's-court, St Sidwell's, Exeter, who met his death in a tragic manner on Tuesday. - Deceased was aged 47 years, and was employed by the Exeter City Council as a general labourer. - Inspector Ching was representing the London and South Western Railway Company. - JOHN FLAY, tramway conductor, a son of deceased, said his father left home at dinner time on Monday, apparently to go to work. Deceased suffered from rheumatism, and this depressed him a little. He never spoke of suicide, and had left no communication behind to throw any light on his death. He had previously gone away for two days', and he said then that he was feeling unwell and had gone down to Withycombe to see his sisters. He had been in the Army and had served in India and on various foreign stations. - William Rupert Boon, engine cleaner in the employ of the L. and S.W.R., said that when he was going to work on Tuesday he discovered a body of a man lying about thirty yards below Polsloe Bridge on the line. His head was on the inside of the rail, and his body was on the path outside of the down line. Both feet were cut off. It appeared that deceased had crawled down the bank and pulled himself up again. There was blood on the bottom of the embankment. - John Martin, 3 Strong's-cottages, St. Sidwell's, storeman at Exmouth Junction, corroborated. - P.C. Holloway said he searched the body and found some leather straps, string, a magnet and a knife. There was nothing to throw any light on the occurrence. - Dr Wolfe, of Heavitree, said he had examined the body. The left shoulder and the left hand were crushed and the fingers missing, as if he had been gripping the rail with his hands. Both feet were amputated above the ankles. Considering the position of the body, he did not think the injuries were sustained simultaneously. - It was stated that ten trains passed the spot where deceased met his death between darkness the previous night and the time when deceased was found. The last train was a motor from Honiton at 10.53. The various trains had been examined, but no bloodstains had been found. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict, there being no evidence to show how deceased met his death.

EXMOUTH - The Exmouth Accident. - Dr Tweed, Deputy Coroner for the District, held an Inquest at the Exmouth Cottage Hospital yesterday afternoon relative to the death of GEORGE SYMES, aged 56, a stone-mason of Pinhoe, who died the preceding day as the result of a fall from the scaffolding of the new tower, which is being erected at All Saints' Church, Exeter-road. - From the evidence adduced it appeared that the deceased and another man were engaged in pointing the turret of the tower, and were standing on a couple of planks, which formed the platform. The deceased had been engaged upon work on high buildings for over 30 years. His comrade did not see him fall, but heard a shout and a thud, and, on looking down, saw deceased lying at the foot of the tower. The scaffolding was faultless. The cause of SYMES falling was unaccountable, he being a steady and sober man, and not liable to fits or giddiness. Deceased died in the cab on the way to the Hospital. - Dr Busby described the nature of the wounds on deceased's head and attributed death to injuries to the brain due to the fracture of the skull. - The Jury, of whom Mr Warwick Redway was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure." - Mr G. S. Taylor, Inspector of Factories, was present during the Inquiry.

EXMOUTH - Exmouth Child's Death. Parents Censured. - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Dr T. Tweed, conducted an Inquiry at Exmouth Hall yesterday into the death of WINNIFRED HALL, the five-year-old child of THOMAS HALL, painter, of 42 New-street, Exmouth. Mr G. F. Perriam was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The father stated that the child would have been six years old in a month. On Tuesday morning at 6 o'clock, when he last saw her alive, deceased was asleep, and, although she had been poorly for several weeks, he noticed nothing unusual about her beyond the fact that she breathed rather quickly. The child had not been allowed out since Saturday. It had not been thought necessary to call in a doctor. His wife's mother had seen the child every day. No one had advised him to consult a doctor. He had four other children, two of whom were older than deceased. They were healthy children. The deceased had not had a good appetite lately. There was no doctor present at the child's death, neither had a medical man seen it since. - NELLIE HALL, wife of the last witness, stated that the deceased had not been confined to bed. She went to bed about 6.30 on Monday evening - a little earlier than usual. The child had been ailing several weeks, but she thought that it only had a cold. The deceased, who slept with her husband and herself, was restless during the night. She noticed in the morning that deceased appeared worse and that its right arm was twitching. She admitted that she had noticed that the child's breathing had been worse than usual during the past few weeks, but attributed it to bronchitis. She had rubbed the child's chest with camphorated oil. Deceased had had no cough and her voice had not been hoarse. the child had had no special diet. She had some Irish stew for dinner on Saturday and ate some stewed mushrooms for tea on Sunday. The child had never made any complaint of pain. On Monday evening, about 5.30, just before she went to bed, the deceased had a thin piece of bread and treacle, and some tea. Directly witness noticed the deceased's condition on Tuesday morning she told her mother. She went up with the latter to look at deceased and thought she was asleep. Later, going upstairs with a cup of tea for the child, she found it was dead. The child was uninsured. A doctor was sent for. - Dr Thomas, of Exmouth, who was called in and found the child dead, stated that, on making a post mortem examination, he found signs of chronic pleurisy on the left. Death resulted from syncope, consequent on difficulty in breathing. A medical man should have been called before. The parents must have noticed the child's laboured breathing for weeks past. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and added a rider to the effect that the parents should be censured. - The District Coroner reminded the parents that if they could not afford a doctor they had only to send the child to the Hospital. By their conduct they had rendered themselves liable to a verdict of manslaughter and were very lucky to have escaped it.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 October 1906
PAIGNTON - Mr S. Hacker yesterday morning held an Inquest at Paignton on the three days' old child of a labourer named JOHN SHEPHARD. Dr Collyer stated that the cause of death was suffocation. The Coroner remarked on the danger of taking in infants to sleep with adults. A verdict of "Accidental Suffocation" was returned.

ARLINGTON - Fatal Accident At Arlington. - An Inquest has been held at Arlington on the body of WILLIAM KIFF, 21 years of age, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, District Coroner. KIFF was engaged in "pitting" mangolds at Combes Head Farm when he slipped off the heap, fell and knocked his head against a butt. He was obliged to be assisted to the homestead, but before reaching it he became unconscious. Dr Manning was sent for, but the young fellow died before his arrival. Dr Manning certified that death was due to haemorrhage. Much sympathy is felt for MR and MRS KIFF and family. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 October 1906
TEIGNMOUTH - The Teignmouth Tragedy. A Pathetic Letter. "Your Broken-Hearted Sister." - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, by Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, on the body of ETHEL MAY NEWELL, 22 years of age, who was found on the previous day to have taken poison at Promenade House, Teignmouth, where she assisted her sister, MRS DOWN, in the conducting of a boarding house. - MRS DOWN, of Promenade House, Teignmouth, wife of ALFRED DOWN, plumber, said deceased had been living with them for the last nine years. Her parents were dead. Deceased appeared in good health, but had complained of headaches. She was to have gone to Bury St Edmunds for a change on Saturday (today), and had everything packed. The deceased went out shopping during Thursday morning, and returned at a quarter to twelve. After speaking to witness she went downstairs. Ten minutes later on inquiring of the maid where deceased was, witness was told that she had gone to lie down. Witness asked if she was unwell, and the maid replied that she did not think she was, as she had taken some medicine. Witness went to deceased's room and asked what was the matter. Deceased replied, "I don't know what I have done, but I have taken poison." Witness said, "What have you taken?" Deceased answered, "Oxalic Acid." Witness asked "Whatever made you do it?" Deceased replied "My head was so bad I thought I was going mad" Witness shouted for help and deceased was given mustard and water and a doctor was summoned. Deceased had a letter in her hand which read as follows: - "Dear ETTIE, - Don't blame me for what I am doing. My head is so bad I am sure I am going out of my mind. My love to all my friends. I don't know what I am doing. You were always good to me and I am grateful, although I don't say much. Kiss my dear little Con. Your broken-hearted sister, ETHEL. I can't live with my head so bad." - Witness, continuing, said that she found in the scullery a glass containing some liquid. - MRS DOWN here swooned, but, after Dr Rudkin had attended her, she was able to continue her evidence. She did not know deceased had a headache on Thursday morning. She was always of a bright and cheerful disposition, and witness did not think she had any disappointments in love. - Georgina Pearce, maid, said that deceased entered the kitchen, got a glass of water, put something in and drank it. She then said she was going to lie down. Witness asked deceased if she was taking a seidlitz powder and she replied in the affirmative. - Mrs Elizabeth Down, of Beach House, said she went shopping with deceased, who was thoroughly good and pious. She used to have headaches, but nothing more than other women did. - Dr G. M. A. Rudkin said that he was called at twenty minutes past twelve on Thursday and found deceased partially conscious, but gradually passing into a comatose condition. She was being given lime water, which was the proper thing for oxalic acid. He gave her something hypodermically, as she was almost past swallowing. Her lips and mouth were terribly burned by the acid. She tried to take his hand, and evidently wished to be saved if possible, but could not speak. She lived for about half-an-hour. On an examination he found that all deceased's internal organs were terribly corroded and burnt by the action of the acid. Deceased was always bright and cheerful and he had never treated her for anything. He did not think there was any brain disease. She probably had a severe headache, and sometimes with people of a bright, cheerful disposition, a headache might cause intense depression. He thought that she had a severe headache which, for the time being, distorted her view of things, and she did not know what she did. There was no cause for apprehension with regard to her condition. - Henry Dring, chemist, said deceased purchased an ounce of oxalic acid and said she wanted it for cleaning hats. She seemed cheerful. Oxalic acid was a common thing in a household. An ounce of the acid in a half-pint of water would be a very strong dose. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and expressed sincere sympathy with the deceased's relatives in their bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 1 November 1906
EXETER - Fatal Teapot. Exeter Child's Death. - Mr W. L. Brown, Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest at 5 Salisbury-road, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of CHARLES ROBERT THORNE, aged 18 months. - CHARLES THORNE, engine driver, identified the body and said that on October 21st inst., he and his wife simultaneously left the room, where deceased was sitting in a high baby's chair, from which the bar was missing. On returning they found that the child had tipped a teapot and scalded himself. Witness got a bag of flour, which he threw over the child. Corroborative evidence was given by the wife and a neighbour, Mrs Newton. - Dr Duncan said that he treated the child for scalds, and it appeared to progress favourably, but complications set in, and the child died from ulceration of the bowels brought on by the scalds. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 2 November 1906
EXETER - Child's Death At Exeter. Injudicious Feeding. - Yesterday, Mr W. Linford Brown, the City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Police Station, Exeter, touching the death of THOMAS SALTER, the six-weeks-old son of ROBERT SALTER, of 30 King-street, Exeter, who died suddenly. - The evidence showed that the child had been fed on bread and Dr Pereira, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to convulsions, brought about by violent dilatation of the stomach. Giving bread to a child of that age would be dangerous, and in the case of a weakly child would no doubt cause death. "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 November 1906
EXMOUTH - Adopted Child's Death. Inquest At Exmouth. - Dr Tweed, Deputy Coroner for the District, conducted an Inquiry at the Exmouth Public Hall, yesterday, concerning the death of PETER MOORE, the adopted infant child of MR and MRS A. L. PEMBERTON, of 5 Marpool-terrace, Exmouth. Mr H. Blackmore was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The evidence disclosed that, in consequence of an advertisement which was inserted in the "Standard" in May last, MRS PEMBERTON had an interview with Mr Howard, a solicitor, of Headgate-Court, Colchester, Essex, and agreed to take charge of the child (then unborn) of a client. On September 27 she received the child into her charge at Waterloo Railway Station, London, from Mr Howard, who was accompanied by a lady, who was said to be a sister of the child's mother. The child's mother's name was given as ENA MOORE, and that of the child as PETER MOORE. MRS PEMBERTON agreed to take the child for two years for a certain sum. MRS PEMBERTON was told that the mother was the wife of a gentleman holding a Government appointment in India, and that the wife was soon going abroad, too. The child, although having a constant habit of sneezing, enjoyed good health until Thursday, when it was very sick. During the night it cried repeatedly. The next morning, after MRS PEMBERTON had brought it from its cot, and put it in a cradle, she noticed that it seemed ill. She went with it to the nearest doctor. He was, however, out, and she immediately took it to the shop of Mr J. Nicholson, chemist. The latter, believing, on examining the child, that it was dead, telephoned to Dr O. Eaton, who, on arrival, pronounced life extinct. - Dr Eaton, who had made a post-mortem examination, said the signs were consistent with death from suffocation. There were no external marks of violence and he could not discover any obstruction in the air passages. The child was in good condition and well nourished. It was quite possible for a child of such age to turn over and get covered with the clothes, or, if a child had convulsions, it might turn over with its head in the pillow and so be suffocated. - MRS PEMBERTON, recalled, said she found the child lying on its left side in the cradle, with its face downwards towards the pillow. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Suffocation."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 8 November 1906
EXMINSTER - The Exminster Railway Fatality. Ganger's Self-Sacrificing Act. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Railway Inn, Exminster, on the body of WALTER EASTLEY, a platelayer's labourer, aged 19 years, of Ugborough, near Ivybridge. - Messrs. T. Shattock, Chief District Inspector, T. H. Blacker, Engineering Department, Exeter, and G. H. Flewellen, Locomotive Department, Newton Abbot, watched the proceedings on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. - ROBERT EASTLEY, deceased's father, identified the body and said his son had been in the employ of the Company for 18 months. - John Hale, of Wrangaton, foreman ganger, said that on Monday he was in charge of a gang, which numbered 20, including deceased, working above Exminster between two bridges, As the 2.35 p.m. train from Exminster Station approached a horn was blown, and the men cleared off the line. Witness distinctly heard the horn blown. He was about 50 yards from deceased, who was the last man of the gang. The gang spread over a distance of 100 yards. Deceased was a quick, athletic young man. All the men had instructions to clear out of the way when the horn blew. The train was travelling at 15 miles an hour. There was not much room for a man to stand unless he went down the bank beside the track. - Richard Howard, platelayer, South Brent, said he was working next to deceased and distinctly heard the horn blown. Deceased was standing about five yards from witness. He had passed deceased previously and warned him of the approaching train. He saw deceased standing clear of the line on the edge of the bank, but did not notice him again till he was found lying dead in a brook beside the line, 27 feet from where he was working. The engine driver sounded the engine whistle on reaching the gang. Deceased was not likely to have been alarmed by leaving a screw undone, because it would not affect the oncoming train. Witness thought deceased must have left a spanner lying against the rail and, thinking it might fly out and hit one of his workmates, went to pick it up and was killed. - Dr Fortune, Exminster Asylum, said deceased had fractures of the skull, jaw, arm and leg, all on the right side. the injuries would be consistent with having been in a stooping position. Death was the result of the fracture of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 November 1906
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest at Wynard's Hospital, Magdalen-street, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of SAMUEL JAMES THOMAS, an inmate, aged 82 years. The wife stated that deceased had not been treated by a doctor for two years. On Wednesday morning deceased got witness a cup of tea, he then complained of feeling unwell, and died before the arrival of a doctor. Mr G. F. Clapp said death was due to cardiac failure, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

ALPHINGTON - Alphington Bricklayer's Suicide. Accusation Against A Wife. - Mr H. W. Gould, County Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the New Inn, Alphington, yesterday, on the body of RICHARD CARPENTER, bricklayer, aged 59, of Alphington, whose body was found on the Teign Valley railway line early yesterday morning. - HARRIET CARPENTER identified the body as that of her husband, whom she last saw alive on the previous evening. She had never heard him complain of being in trouble, and could not give any reason which would have led him to take his life. - Ernest Vanstone proved finding the body on the side of the line. He noticed that deceased had sustained a blow on the back of the head. - George Frederick Coles, New Inn, stated that deceased left the Inn late on Wednesday evening. He was perfectly sober and rational. - John Thomas Haydon, engine driver, stated that the last train to pass the spot where the deceased was found on Wednesday night was 10.5. He drove the engine attached to the 6.35 train the following morning and then noticed the body lying on the side of the rails. - P.C. Bradford proved finding a note in deceased's handwriting. It was as follows:- "Good-bye dear George; good-bye dear children. God bless you all. May the Lord forgive me for the rash act I am going to take. Your mother has driven me to do it." - The Coroner asked MRS CARPENTER if the latter part of the letter was delusion. - Witness: Yes; I have always lived happily with him. - Mr Mark Farrant, who examined the body, stated that on examination he found a compound fracture at the back of the skull sufficient to cause death. He considered that deceased was struck by an engine. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 12 November 1906
LITTLEHAM (NEAR EXMOUTH) - An Inquest was held at the Old Plough Inn, Littleham, Exmouth, on Saturday, before Dr Tweed, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of the three-month-old child of MR GEORGE BURRIDGE, who died on Thursday. Dr Storrs deposed that from a post mortem examination, he found that the child died of pneumonia. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly and attached no blame to anyone.

BROAD CLYST - Broadclyst Carter's Sudden Death. - Mr Frank Thomas, Deputy Coroner for the District, conducted an Inquiry at Broadclyst on Saturday evening, concerning the somewhat sudden death the previous day of WILLIAM FORD, 47, of Bearegate Cottage, a carter in the employ of Mr G. E. Taverner, of Budlake Farm, Broadclyst. - The evidence went to show that about 6.30 last Thursday evening, on leaving the stable, where he had been attending to his horses, to go home, the deceased remarked to a fellow employee, Ernest Pearce, that he had a pain in his arm, and could not move it. Considerably over an hour later another Broadclyst carter named William Atkins, of Chapple Court, found the deceased lying in a waggon linhay in the farm. The deceased seemed helpless, and neither moved nor spoke. Atkins, with assistance, conveyed him home, where he was put to bed. Death occurred about 2 a.m. on Friday. - Mr G. W. Miller, Surgeon, of Pinhoe, attributed death to an apoplectic fit, which was probably due to the condition of the deceased's heart and one of his lungs. A post-mortem examination had shown that the heart was fatty and unnaturally large. The right lung was diseased. This, he thought, was the result of old pleurisy. MRS EMMA FORD, the widow, stated in her evidence that the deceased had a severe illness about seven years ago, when he was attacked by bronchitis and pleurisy. He had not been seriously ill since, but sometimes complained of a pain in his side whenever he had a cold. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and, on the suggestion of the Foreman (Mr Taverner), the Jurymen and witnesses handed their fees to the widow.

COPPLESTONE - North Devon Tragedy. Copplestone Farmer's Son's Suicide. A Pathetic Letter. - When the dead body of ROBERT EDWARD SEARLE, aged 30 years, son of MR JOHN SEARLE, of Bewsley Farm, Copplestone, was discovered in a field near his home, with a gunshot wound in the forehead, the following letter was found on him:- "Bewsley Farm, Copplestone, 6/11/06. Dear Father, - I keenly regret to cause you so much trouble. I should have made it a great deal easier for you if you had let me go away as I wished (Monday morning). I wish to say I feel grateful to you for my material surroundings, the many privileges receives at your hands, and your good intentions concerning me. I take nearly all the responsibility for our incompatibility. I hope I have earned my living. I thought it was generous of you when you said you had no doubt you were many £5 in my debt. You need not think that at all. But if you take the trouble to inquire you will find I have studied your interest when you have been absent. Of that rule there has been no exception, apart from the time when you conducted that open war against your own house. I am not extolling the quality of my service, for I am quite conscious of my limited capacity, and whenever we have got into a tantrum I never meant to express wholesale denunciation and I know I have been wrong in expressing any criticism. I ought to have left years ago. You will now have full opportunity of saying as much as you think proper of your dead son, but it will be kind of you not to belittle my memory more than needs be. There is one thing I wish more than that. I beg you don't be harsh on our precious mother. She really deserves the greatest kindness you are capable of. She has tried very hard to make home happy and comfortable for you, and do remember that it is cutting words when there is no fault that kill the best in people. I don't think I am any use in the world, so will pass out. I have tried to write to many kind friends, but get flooded in the attempt. I thank you again for your very good intentions and strenuous efforts, and deeply regret I have never been able to be the joy of your heart. If possible, don't let any foolish action crowd your memory. I attribute my position to lack of interest in my occupation and I cannot bear to think of being useless in the world. It seems most brutal to mother But I can help it no longer. - Your latitudinarian son, BOB. " - Mr Frank Thomas, Deputy Coroner for the District, and a Jury, of which Mr Thomas Edwards was Foreman, Inquired into the circumstances of the tragic affair at the farm on Saturday. - Superintendent Egan, of Crediton, watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police. - MR JOHN SEARLE said the last time he saw his son alive was on Tuesday morning about 8 o'clock. He did not appear at breakfast, but this was nothing unusual. He did not eat enough for a child, and they could not get him to take his food as he should. Deceased, however, never complained of sickness. - The Deputy Coroner: Had there been any difference between you? - Witness: I can truthfully say I have always held up my son to be an ideal for individual life, and he was always ready to comply with me at every call. For some reason or other, however, he did not like farming. He gave his attention to reading, and if I spoke to him about following the farming he would not take any of my advice. - The Deputy Coroner: Did your son ever threaten to go away from home? - Witness: He did so last Saturday evening. I had a lot of things to attend to during the day, and I said to him "You ought to feel the same interest as myself in seeing everything done." Deceased replied, "I would not be like you for all the world. I will not touch another stroke of work." Continuing, witness said deceased remarked that he would go away. Witness asked him what prospects he had in view, and said he would help him in any way he could. Deceased would not say. He was missing from home on Tuesday. - The Deputy Coroner: Did you make any inquiries r institute a search? - Witness replied that he thought deceased had gone away to friends, and he made private inquiries. Witness went to Morchard twice, Cobleigh, (where he had a sister residing), Yeoford and Crediton, but could get no tidings of him. On Thursday evening he missed a gun from the house and sent for the Police. Deceased frequently went out rabbiting. - By the Deputy Coroner: Deceased said on Saturday that he would rather take his life than stay at home. There was no one in the world so dear to his heart as his son. - P.C. Tancock, of Copplestone, said that before hearing from MR SEARLE he received a communication from Sergt. Mogridge of Crediton, that a letter had been sent to an Exeter newspaper by deceased threatening to destroy himself. After going to the farm - he had heard from MR SEARLE before he went - he instituted a search and found the deceased lying on his stomach in a field about 400 yards from the house. The gun produced was lying across his shoulders, with the stock resting on a bank. There were two cartridges in the gun, one of which had been discharged. There were no signs of a struggle or any footprints. Deceased's coat and waistcoat were lying about three yards from the body. - The letter given above was read at this juncture. The letter sent to an Exeter newspaper was similar to the one addressed to the father, with the exception that at the end of the former appeared these words:- "To the Press. On hearing of my death you can publish this." - Another letter found on deceased was as follows:- "My dear friends, - I am very sorry to be unable to carry out my duties concerning you. - BOB. P.S. Cherish mother and father." - Mr Lionel Henry Moiser, Surgeon, Crediton, said there was a large hole in the centre of deceased's forehead. Death took place either on Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 November 1906
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Police Station, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of MRS EMMA HENRIETTA LAMACRAFT, aged 57, of Cheeke-street, Exeter, who died suddenly the previous day. The husband said deceased had not complained of sickness for some time. He could not say his wife was of sober habits. HENRY JOHN LAMACRAFT, son, said that when he went to his mother's room the previous morning with a cup of tea she was dead. Mr J. Miller, Surgeon, attributed death to heart failure, due to chronic alcoholism. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 15 November 1906
HUISH - Death Of A Huish Shepherd. Highway Authority's Negligence. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, has held an Inquest at Huish on the body of WILLIAM JOHN PADDON, a shepherd, of Leytown Cottages, who died on Sunday, at the age of 48. - Deceased's son, GEORGE PADDON, gave evidence of identification. - Dr Drummond said he had attended deceased since October. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found that the cause of death was meningitis, the result of a blow on the head, such as might have been caused by his falling out of a cart on to some hard substance. - Samuel Hill, postman, stated that on the 13th August, when about two and a half miles from Hatherleigh, he saw deceased, who was driving a two-wheel cart and sitting on a pig crate, pull into a hedge in order to pass another cart. The wheel of deceased's cart went over a heap of mud and stones and deceased was jerked off. He fell on his head in the hedge trough. Deceased was sober. The driver of the other cart ought to have given deceased more room. Witness was of opinion that if the heap of mud had not been on the road no accident would have taken place. It was carelessly left there. - The Jury, in returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, expressed the opinion that there was negligence on the part of the Highway Authority in leaving a heap of mud and stones on the highway, but that such negligence was not criminal.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 16 November 1906
TEIGNMOUTH - The Shaldon Mystery. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, yesterday, on the body of JESSIE BARBARA ROSCAMP, aged 26, who disappeared on Monday afternoon and whose body was found on the rocks near Labrador. - Evidence of identification was given by Hugh Sunderland, of Alnwick, who said that deceased's mother resided at Alnwick. He last saw deceased a month ago, when she went to Yarmouth prior to going to a situation at Shaldon. - Mrs Ede, of Haldon View, Shaldon, said deceased was engaged as a companion to her, and took up her residence the previous Monday week. She was very quiet and appeared to be home-sick. On Monday, as she seemed depressed, witness suggested that she should go for a walk, and this she did. As she did not return the Police were informed. Deceased had said she did not sleep well and that when she woke up it was always with a deep sense of fear. - P.C. Prideaux, Shaldon, proved finding the body behind a rock just under Labrador. The beach could be reached by a path, which was somewhat rugged. The deceased, who was partly buried in the sand, was fully dressed, with the exception of a hat. The rock was ten yards from the high-water mark. - Dr Hayward said there was no evidence that deceased had fallen from a height, but there were marks on her face, including a bruise on the right temple, which were probably caused by coming in contact with the rocks just before death. In his opinion death was due to drowning. - MRS MARY RIDDLE, sister of deceased, said that her mother had received a letter from deceased, in which she said: "I am still feeling very unsettled - more than words can tell. Mrs Ede is very kind to me and when she saw me looking miserable today, came up, put her arms around me and told me she wanted to see me happy. I do want to settle, if possible. I have been working hard today to take things off my mind...... Mrs Ede is very sympathetic to me. There is no news at present, but do write to me soon to cheer me up." - The Coroner: What had she on her mind? - Witness: She was missing us, I suppose. Mother attributes it to home sickness. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXMOUTH - Dr Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Cottage Hospital into the circumstances attending the death of MISS ALICE ELIZABETH CARPENTER, a single woman of independent means, aged 48, of No. 8 Park-terrace. The evidence showed that the deceased, who preferred living alone, had been once treated for a mental ailment, but was discharged sane. She always kept her doors and windows barred and locked, and resented interference of any kind. On Monday groans were heard proceeding from the house and the Police gained admittance through an upstair window. the deceased was found lying on the kitchen floor, very scantily clad, and in an unconscious condition. Dr Thomas told the Jury that the woman was in a terrible state and the house was filthy. MISS CARPENTER died after being removed to the Hospital. A post-mortem examination revealed the fact that the deceased suffered from chronic alcoholism, and death was due to exposure following a drinking bout. A number of beer bottles were found in the kitchen and plenty of uncooked food. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 November 1906
LUPPITT - Luppitt Farmer's Sad Death. - An Inquest has been held at Shelf Farm, Luppitt, by Mr Cox, District Coroner, on the body of MR JAMES LOCKE, a farmer, who was found dead on Sunday in a field known as Lower Woodhaye Meadow. - The following were on the Jury: - Messrs. G. J. Berry (Foreman), A. Summers, John Totterdell, James Totterdell, T. Cook, J. Dampier, L. James, W. Ewins, J. Harding, W. Wright, C. Stamp, F. Searle and J. Rew. - The evidence showed that the deceased walked from Luppitt to Honiton on Saturday, met his landlord at the Angel, and paid his rent. On his return home, between 7 and 8 o'clock, he called at the Red Cow, went into the skittle alley and attempted to play, but, after throwing one ball, fell forward and did not play again. On again starting for home he met his niece, Bessie Rattenbury, and wished her "Good night." Nothing more was heard of him until the following day (Sunday), when his wife and others went in search of him. Their efforts proved fruitless. About two o'clock, however, as Henry Loosemore, a boy living at Woodhayes Farm, and his sister, May, were going from the house to Black Aller Cottage they came across the body of the deceased lying on the ground near a gate between two path fields. The boy ran back to the house to inform his master and afterwards went to the Honiton Police Station. Sergeant Cridland and two Constables, with ambulance, were soon on the spot and, after a careful examination, put him in a passing trap and conveyed him to Shelf Farm. Dr Duncan Steele Perkins, who had held a post-mortem examination, deposed that deceased suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The doctor, in his evidence, expressed the opinion that the falling forward in the skittle alley was a premonitory symptom of serious illness.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 November 1906
TORQUAY - Yesterday afternoon Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay concerning the death of GEORGE STONE, 37, mason, who was found dead at 4 Hoxton-road, Ellacombe. Samuel Melluish stated that he allowed the deceased to stay at his house on Sunday out of kindness, as he had no place to which to go. The man was unwell at the time and witness saw a doctor, who could not go himself to see him, but sent a prescription. Dr M. Thomson, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to heart failure, accelerated by congestion of the lungs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 23 November 1906
BRENTOR - A painful sensation was caused when it became known that MR HERBERT RICE, butcher, of Brentor, had committed suicide. The deceased, who was about 28 years of age, and leaves a wife and child, had been depressed for some time. It is believed that he was harassed by business matters, although it is stated that there was no real cause for anxiety. He had not been in good health and recently went to Torpoint, with a friend from Northtawton, in the hope that the change would benefit him. On Saturday morning he served some customers in the shop at Brentor, after which he went upstairs and, shutting himself in a bedroom, cut his throat almost from ear to ear. Much sympathy is felt for the family. His late father and the family were prominent members of the Bible Christian denomination, and of the choir. MRS RICE, senr., resides at Brentor. An Inquest was held at the Recreation Room, by Mr R. R. Rodd, District Coroner, touching the death of RICE. It was stated that the deceased suffered from indigestion, and complained of being ill. There were no monetary difficulties, nor were there any domestic troubles. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased had taken his life while Temporarily Insane. - The Rev. L. Court, Bible Christian Minister, thanked the Coroner and the Jury, on behalf of the family, for their expression of sympathy. The funeral took place in the Bible Christian Cemetery. The mourners were the deceased's wife and his mother, three brothers and a sister; Messrs. Edward and John Rice, his uncles. Following them were about 250 friends of the deceased, hailing from all parts of Devon from Plymouth to Holsworthy, and who by their presence testified of the respect in which the poor young fellow was held. He was ever ready to lend his assistance in any good cause. An excellent singer, he was always ready to give his services at concerts. The Rev. J. Court, assisted by the Rev. G. Ash, officiated at the service at the chapel and at the graveside. Deceased's favourite hymn, "O God our help in ages past," was sung, and many were moved to tears.

CARDIFF, WALES - West Down. - The news of the sudden death of MR THOMAS KING, at Cardiff, was received here at West Down with regret. Deceased was living in London and left there (seemingly in the best of health) as guard of the 8.45 a.m. G.W.R. Irish boat express from Paddington to Fishguard on Thursday. When the train arrived at Cardiff he went to Inspector Seaborne's office, with whom he chatted for two or three minutes. As the train was starting he was seen to stagger and fell on the platform in a fit. He was picked up and taken to one of the waiting-rooms, where he expired in about fifteen minutes. An Inquest was held at Cardiff Town Hall, and the Jury, in returning a verdict of "Death from Heart Failure," concurred in the Coroner's expression of sympathy. The deceased was well known and very highly respected in railway circles. The funeral took place at West Down, his native village. The corpse was met at Morte-hoe Station by the bearers, Messrs. F. R. Coats, W. F. Vickery, G. H. Hookway, E. Hookway, J. Coats, and J. Tucker, most of whom were friends and playmates of deceased in his boyhood days, and Isaac Phillips, who acted as undertaker. The mourners present at the funeral were the widow and daughter, MR JOHN and EMMA KING (brother and sister), and a large number of relatives and friends. The Vicar, the Rev. H. L. Pigot, conducted the service. The breastplate bore the following inscription:- "THOMAS KING, died November 15th, 1906, aged 56 years." There were a number of beautiful wreaths from, among the following, Mamma, Gladys and Annie; his two sisters; Mr and Mrs John King; Bert and Mervyn King; Mervyn Roach; the staff at Paddington Station; the staff at Swansea Station; Mr and Mrs G. H. Hookway; Mr and Mrs Leigh, London; Mrs and Miss Eades, London; Mr F. King and the Misses Howard; Mrs Hudson, London; Mrs Dibley, London. The deceased was the eldest son of the late MR and MRS JOHN KING. He joined the railway in 1871 at Swansea, and had been in the service of the G.W.R. for 35 years. He was made guard in 1875 and sent to New Milford. In 1882 he was removed to Paddington. He worked the Torquay express for 12 years, and acted as Royal Guard, being presented by his Majesty with a bronze medal. He was one of two brothers, both being guards. He was appointed to the Irish boat express only last week, and it is of interest that while he worked the 8.45 a.m. boat express his brother, JOHN KING, was in charge of the 8.45 p.m. boat express from Paddington to Fishguard. Deceased married MISS LOUISA PROTHEROE, sister of Alderman Protheroe of Swansea, and leaves a widow and two daughters, for whom, and his other relatives, much sympathy is felt.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 27 November 1906
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest at Grendon's Almshouses, Heavitree-hill, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of ELIZABETH GRANT, widow of JOHN GRANT, of Exeter, aged 67 years. Mrs Ireland, of Paris-street, Exeter, sister of the deceased, identified the body. Caroline Elizabeth Parsons, a neighbour, deposed to finding the body of deceased lying in the passage. Dr Andrews stated he had treated the deceased on several occasions. Death was due to an apoplectic fit. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

ST GILES IN THE WOOD - The Tragic Affair Near Torrington. The Inquest. Extraordinary Conduct Of The Deceased. - Yesterday the Inquest on the body of HENRY LOCK, aged 17 years, who was found hanging in the wheel house, or horse ring, on Flavil's Farm, Kingscott, on Sunday was held at the farm by Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner. - The evidence of the majority of the witnesses went to prove that the lad had been well behaved and none of them could throw any light upon the reason which caused the deceased to hang himself. - The most important evidence was that adduced by Florence Dennis, aged 14 years, a domestic servant at the farm, who said that about 6 p.m. last Saturday she went out milking. Deceased shouted to her, and told her to come to the barn. She went, and he said he would tie her hands together and put a rope around her neck. He did tie her hands and tried to get the cord around her neck, but she did not permit this. She did not ask him why he did it. She screamed and he then let her go. When she got in the barn deceased shut the door and bolted it. Witness was nearest the door and she slipped the bolt and ran out. Deceased did not follow here. He went one way and she another. He had never assaulted her before, nor threatened to do anything. She did not notice anything unusual about him. He did not have any tea, although she put it ready for him. That was the last she saw of him and she went into the house and fetched her mistress' grandchild and went on with her milking. There was no one else in the place. When he couldn't get the rope around her neck he didn't do anything. He squeezed her neck with his hand and tried to choke her. She did not call for anyone as she was too frightened. - The witness identified the rope, produced, as that which deceased tried to put around her neck. The Coroner produced it to the Jury, and showed it had a running noose. - The Coroner said there was one thing they must be thankful for and that was that they were not holding an Inquest on the poor girl. It was an extraordinary thing how the girl got away. The lad evidently found himself frustrated and got another rope and committed the rash act fearing the consequence of his assault on the girl. - The Jury returned a verdict that the lad met his death by Hanging Himself while of Unsound Mind. - The Jury gave their fees to the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 November 1906
CREDITON - Aged Crediton Man's Death. A Pathetic Case. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry, yesterday, into the circumstances of the death of JAMES THORNE, an aged resident of Crediton, who died on Saturday. - EMILY THORNE, of Dean-street, Crediton, single woman, identified the body as that of her father. Deceased, who had lived with her, was aged 79, and a thatcher by occupation. He left home after breakfast last Wednesday morning and did not return. The next morning she received a letter from the Police Sergeant at Saltash, asking her to go and see her father there. She went to Saltash and saw the deceased. She asked him whether he knew her and why he went to Saltash. He made no reply. Subsequently she brought him home. He was very exhausted and went to bed. He refused to see a doctor, but, as he appeared worse on the Saturday, she had a doctor to see him. Deceased, as far as she knew, had no friends at Saltash. A brother of his once lived there. Deceased had stayed away from home all day occasionally, but was never before absent the whole night. He died at 10 o'clock on Saturday evening. Deceased had done no work since August last. - By the Coroner: She did not know where deceased got any money from, unless he borrowed it. - A Juryman said it was evident that deceased borrowed some money, as he was known to have tendered a five shilling piece in payment for cider and tobacco, at the Plymouth Inn, Crediton, on Wednesday morning. - P.C, Isaac (Crediton) produced report received from P.S. Broad, of Saltash. The communication showed that about six p.m. on Wednesday, while Mr William Clatworthy, boat builder, of Saltash, was standing near his shop, which was about 50 yards from Ashton Wharf, Saltash, where there was a landing-stage, he heard the sound of a splash in the water near the stage. At the time it was dark and foggy. He immediately, however, rowed his boat in the direction of the sound, and found the deceased standing in about four feet of water, making his way to the beach. The deceased, when asked by Mr Clatworthy who he was and how he got there, replied, "I'm a stranger." Deceased was taken from the water, and, having only 2 ½d. in his pocket, was conducted to P.S. Broad, whom he told that he had come to Saltash on business, and had fallen off the steps of the Quay. The Police Sergeant made arrangements for deceased to be given a bed and food at the lodging-house and to have his clothes dried. In the morning deceased's daughter, who had been written to by Sergeant Broad, came and took deceased away. - Mr W. S. Campbell, of Crediton, said that when he called to see the deceased on Saturday afternoon he found him unconscious. Deceased had degeneration of the arteries, which would result in weakening of the heart, dullness of mind, and ultimately degeneration of the brain through insufficiency of blood. It would, in fact, cause dotage. The cause of death was failure of the heart, accelerated by the exertion of the unusually long journey and the shock of the immersion. He had no doubt that deceased felt giddy and faint from his exertion and fell into the water. - The Jury, of which Mr W. Labbett was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 29 November 1906
DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Tragedy. The Inquest. - Yesterday an Inquest was held at the Guildhall, Dartmouth, by Mr Davson, Coroner, touching the death of MR ARTHUR SMITH, the Borough Surveyor and Sanitary Inspector and Chief of the Fire Brigade, who was found shot in his office on Monday evening, particulars of which appeared in Tuesday's "Gazette." - The evidence of several witnesses showed that the deceased had lately had an attack of influenza. He complained of severe pains in the head. On Monday he was desirous of attending a Committee meeting of the Council, where certain charges made against him were to be inquired into. He seemed especially ill and while in his office spoke in so incoherent a manner that his clerk ran out for assistance. When that arrived it was found MR SMITH had blown out his brains with a rifle. - When in ordinary health MR SMITH was of a cheerful disposition, but when suffering from headaches, suffered severely from great mental depression. A foreman employed by the Council said that deceased on Sunday told him he was afraid he was going out of his mind. - Dr Harris said no doubt the influenza had attached the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased Committed Suicide during a fit of Temporary Insanity." A vote of condolence was passed with the widow and children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 3 December 1906
ATHELNEY, SOMERSET - The Taunton Fatality. Inquest On An Exonian. - The Inquiry into the circumstances of the death of JOHN BELWORTHY, labourer, of Exeter, who was killed on the railway on Tuesday, near Athelney Station, was held on Saturday afternoon, at Athelney, near Taunton. The evidence showed that deceased, who was 58 years of age, lodged at Stoke St Gregory, and was employed in connection with the Great Western Railway's new route from London by Messrs. Wills and Company, contractors. On Tuesday morning, about half-past six, he proceeded along the railway line to his work. The morning was very dark, and somewhat windy. Two other men, named Emanuel Thompson and Matthews, followed shortly after, and were passed by an empty stock train travelling at about forty miles an hour. Proceeding along the line they found BELWORTHY'S body in a terribly mutilated condition, the train having evidently gone over him. Life was extinct. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

WOODBURY - Dr Tweed, the Deputy Coroner for the District, has held an Inquest at Woodbury Salterton on the body of the infant child of WILLIAM BERRY, farm labourer, of Bridge Cottage, Woodbury Salterton. The child was found dead in bed on the 28th of November. A post-mortem examination disclosed the fact that the child had a premature birth. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

TIVERTON - Sudden Death At Tiverton. - An Inquest was held at the Tiverton Infirmary on Saturday evening by the Deputy Coroner, Mr Arthur Fisher, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of MRS VINCENT of Catford's Farm, who died suddenly at the Institution that morning. Mr S. Manning was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The husband, WILLIAM VINCENT, said his wife was 66 years of age, and was admitted to the Infirmary on November 22 for the removal of a tumour. He did not see her again alive. - Marjorie Taylor, nurse probationer at the Institution, said at 5.10 that morning she took a cup of tea and some bread and butter to MRS VINCENT. Fifteen minutes later she heard the bell ring and on going to the paying ward found deceased on the floor. She died a few minutes later. - The evidence given by the House Surgeon showed that MRS VINCENT was operated on for a fatty tumour in the thigh. The tumour was removed two days after her admission to the infirmary, the operation being thoroughly successful. She made good progress and was expected to recover. - Mr L. Mackenzie, who conducted a post-mortem, said that all the organs were fatty. He considered after drinking the tea deceased felt some wind about her and got out of bed. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 December 1906
SIDMOUTH - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, at the Sidmouth Cottage Hospital, touching the death of ALFRED MAEER, who was found dead on Saturday under circumstances already reported in the "Gazette." MR S. MAEER said his brother was 49 years of age. He was, apparently, in his usual health on Friday night, but at 9 o'clock on Saturday morning he was found dead in bed. Dr Dedenne, who conducted the post-mortem examination, attributed death to the effects of an epileptic fit. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 5 December 1906
EXETER - Yesterday afternoon the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest on the body of JAMES SMYTH, joiner, 2 Napier-terrace, Bartholomew-street, Exeter, who died suddenly on Sunday. WALLACE JAMES SMYTH identified the body of deceased as that of his father, who was 59 years of age. The evidence of the widow showed that while she was reading to her husband he raised himself in his chair and proceeded towards a sofa, but slipped and fell on his knees. She asked what was the matter, but he only groaned twice and did not speak. A fortnight ago he was attended by a doctor for pains in his back. Dr Raglan Thomas, who was called to the deceased and had since made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to syncope, owing to a weak heart and indigestion. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and expressed sympathy with the widow.

EXETER - Exeter Railway Fatality. Deceased's Terrible Injuries. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, yesterday afternoon held an Inquiry into the circumstances connected with the death of THOMAS PETHERICK, 34, labourer, of Hele, near Bradninch, who was killed at St David's Station the previous day while seeing a friend off to Plymouth. Chief District Inspector Shattock and Mr W. Sanson, Inspector of the Locomotive Department, Exeter, attended on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. - Walter Hooper, ex-sailor and formerly of H.M.S. Commonwealth, said the deceased visited the Station to see him by the 4.50 p.m. train. The deceased stood outside the carriage chatting with witness, and as the train moved off shook hands with him and said good-bye. Witness did not see the deceased fall, but the train suddenly stopped and he saw a crowd of people rushing along the platform. Before train time witness and deceased had a pint of beer at the Red Cow Inn. They both belonged to Bradninch. - Inspector Upham said he started the train a few minutes before 5 o'clock. He then heard shouting, stopped the train, and found deceased under the first wheel of the second coach. The train was backed, and the deceased, who was then dead, was removed. Witness did not see the deceased before the train started, and could not say where he was standing. - Robert Quick, railway porter, said the wheel of the carriage was resting on the deceased's chest and one of his arms was cut off. - Walter Nottingham, Newton Abbot, fireman on the engine, said he saw the two men shaking hands. The deceased was standing on the platform, and suddenly fell as the train started. He rolled under the train, which was pulled up immediately. - Mr Fortescue Sayres, Surgeon, said the deceased must have died instantaneously. His right arm was cut off above the elbow, the right chest was smashed in, the ribs and the spine were broken, and the lungs were protruding. - P.C. Hoyle said the deceased lived by himself at Bradninch and had no friends. He came to Exeter to go into the Hospital. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

BOW - The Bow Tragedy. Inquest On MR HUBBARD. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the White Hart Hotel, Bow, yesterday, on the body of GEORGE HUBBARD, senr., of the firm of Messrs. Hubbard and Son, nurserymen and fruit growers, Bow. - EDWARD GEORGE HUBBARD, of Bow, son, said deceased was aged 62 years. He had lately been suffering from depression and his health had been bad. He would at times seem tired of life and wish he were out of it. He had no trouble to witness's knowledge, except his health. He had been medically treated for some time. Deceased had not left any communication. He feared he must be going out of his mind. - Henry Howe, of Bow, boot dealer, deposed to finding the body in one of a number of water tanks in the garden. The depth of the tank was about 10 feet, and there was about 8 ft. of water. The cover of the tank was lying by the side, and deceased's coat was also there. He did not think deceased could get into the tank accidentally. - Mr C. H. Haycroft, of Bow, Surgeon, said death was due to drowning. Deceased had attacks of great depression and suffered from insomnia and loss of appetite. Witness always feared deceased would take his life. - The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 6 December 1906
EXETER - Exeter Barrack Tragedy. Inquest And Verdict. - Yesterday afternoon the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Depot of the Devonshire Regiment, Exeter, on the body of COLR-SERGT. FREDERICK STANDING, who was found shot in one of the store-rooms on Tuesday. - Sergt.-Major Adams identified the body. - The widow, who was very much distressed, said that during the last few days deceased had been in a terrible state of depression. A short while ago he was in Hospital with congestion of the liver. He had ague on Sunday. She saw him ten minutes before the occurrence, and he then seemed very miserable. She knew of nothing, except health, to worry him. - Pte. John Kilgennan said that about nine o'clock on Tuesday morning he was in the store-room with deceased, who asked him to get him a stick. Witness went into the next room to get a stick, and as he was opening the door to re-enter the store-room he heard the report of a rifle. The deceased was sitting on a form close by a bed, with the rifle between his legs and the muzzle on his face. Witness went out and called Sergt. Taylor. On Saturday and Monday mornings the deceased complained of pains in the head. Witness, in answer to one of the Jurymen, said he believed a colour-sergeant could get ammunition when he liked. - Sergt. John Taylor said he first saw the deceased on Tuesday morning about ten minutes to nine in the store-room. The last witness was in the store-room with deceased when he left. He could not say where deceased got the ammunition. Some time ago the deceased went to a rifle match at Thorverton, and might have got the ammunition then. - Captain Healey said the deceased belonged to his Company. He was a steady man. His accounts were correct and there was nothing he knew of to make him commit a rash deed. There was no knowing where deceased got the ammunition. - Surgeon-Col. Corkery said he examined the body and found a very extensive fracture of the base of the skull. A large portion of the lips was blown away. The bullet entered the mouth and came out at the apex of the skull. The wounds could not have been otherwise than self-inflicted. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and expressed sympathy with the widow in her bereavement. - The remains of the late colour-sergeant will be interred, with military honours, at the Higher Cemetery, Exeter, today, at 11.45 a.m.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 7 December 1906
PUDDINGTON - An Inquest was held on Wednesday afternoon, in the schoolroom, touching the death of RICHARD ROOKS, who was in the employ of Mr Fred Gifford, of Puddington. It appears from the evidence that the deceased had been in a very weak state, and the medical evidence went to prove that he had a rupture of a small blood vessel in the abdomen immediately preceding his death, but from what cause this was produced there was not sufficient evidence to show. The Jury brought in a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 December 1906
BURRINGTON - An Inquest was held on the infant daughter of WILLIAM RICHARDS, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, District Coroner. The Coroner commented on the very great danger to an infant who sleeps with the parents, and called attention to the fact that several thousand babies died last year from overlaying. The Jury returned a verdict that the child died from Suffocation, through being inadvertently over-laid.

LYDFORD - An Inquest was held yesterday at Dartmoor Prison on ROBERT MADDEN, a convict who died on Tuesday, aged 21 years. The deceased was convicted at the Maidstone Assize on the 26th November 1904, of arson and sentenced to three years' penal servitude. The evidence showed that death was due to Bright's Disease. Verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 December 1906
COLYTON - The Colyton Tragedy. - An Inquest was held at Colyton on Saturday on TOM LARCOMBE, farm labourer, aged 56, who resided with his mother and sister in Fore-street, Colyton. The evidence showed that deceased had worked for Mr L. Loveridge, of Colcombe Farm, on and off for about 30 years. During the last few years he had suffered from liver complaint, which made him weak and depressed, and incapacitated him from work for varying periods. He was steady and sober. On Thursday night, when retiring to bed, he complained of pains. On Friday morning his sister, on going downstairs at about 7.30, found that deceased's food was still on the table. This was unusual, as deceased was in the habit of rising and eating it at 6 a.m. He was not in bed, and on making a search she found him hanging by a rope in a small outhouse. She raised an alarm; Messrs. W. S. Lock (baker) and F. Pidgeon (employee) arrived, the body was cut down, and Dr Cosens summoned. Life was found to be extinct. The cause of death was stated to be strangulation by hanging. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and, with the Coroner, expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 December 1906
EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Exeter Police Court, last evening, on the body of ANNIE HOOPER, aged 47, domestic servant, who died the previous day at No. 12, Oxford-road. James Parnell, of Tiverton, said deceased was a native of Week St Mary. She had been lodging at Oxford-road. Miss Ethel Henderson said deceased had been lodging at her mother's house. Deceased complained on Sunday of pains around her heart, but, subsequently, said she was better. Walter Henderson said that on Monday he went into deceased's bedroom to ask what she would like for dinner. He found her dead. Dr Duncan attributed death to syncope, following on congestion of the lungs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TORQUAY - Yesterday an Inquest was held at Torquay by Mr Hacker on the body of MARY JANE SNELL, 61, cook, who was found dead at Birstwith, Chelston, on Sunday evening. Annie Higgin, a fellow-servant, stated that deceased was alone in the house during the day, and when witness returned she found her dead on the kitchen floor. Dr Cash attributed death to syncope, due to a fatty growth over and about the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER HEAVITREE - Accidental Death At Whipton. Birthday On Christmas Day. - An Inquest was held at the Whipton Inn, Heavitree, last evening, on the body of CAROLINE BASTIN, of Mile End Cottage, Whipton, who died yesterday morning at her residence. Mr H. W. Gould was the Coroner, and Mr G. Sclater the Foreman of the Jury. - ROSE SPEARING, wife of a pensioner and farm labourer, identified the body as that of her mother, who lived at Union Terrace, Exeter for some years. Deceased would have been 93 years of age on Christmas Day. While going up the garden path leading to her mother's house on Saturday week she heard someone groaning. On entering the bedroom deceased said she had had a fall. She appeared to be in great pain and after witness had given her some brandy, Dr Duncan was sent for. Previous to the accident deceased was in perfect health and, despite her age, was able to get about. - Dr T. Duncan said he had come to the conclusion that the thigh bone was broken close to the joint. The injury was very common to old people, who seldom recovered from the shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 December 1906
BOVEY TRACEY - MR W. BAKER, head gardener of the Indio Estate, the property of Mr H. Bentinck, has died suddenly. - An Inquest resulted in a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," namely, fatty degeneration of the heart and enlarged liver. The funeral took place on Tuesday. The service was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. W. B. Vere-Stead, assisted by the Rev. H. G. Baker. It was choral. Deceased was a regular member of the choir, and all the choir attended. The Dead March was played as the cortege left the church. At the graveside the hymn "Brief life is here our portion" and the "Nunc Dimittis" were sung. There was a large number of mourners, including Mr H. Bentinck. The floral tributes were very numerous and included a cross from the organist and choir.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 22 December 1906
POWDERHAM - A Fatal Squall. Exmouth Fishermen's Death. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquiry was held at the Powderham Boat-house by Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, into the circumstances surrounding the death of WALTER KNIGHT, fisherman, of Exmouth, who was drowned off the latter place over a month since, and whose body was found on Thursday in the estuary of the Exe, opposite the Powderham Estate boat-house. - ERNEST KNIGHT, yachtsman, of Exmouth, said deceased, who was his brother, and 41 years of age, left his home on the morning of November 17th for the purpose of hauling in his crab-pots at a place called Straight Point. The weather was fair when he started, but half an hour later a squall came on. - Charles Breading, harbour master, of Exmouth, and captain of the Queen of the Exe, said that he saw the deceased going out to sea on the morning of the 17th ult., in a small boat, which he was sailing. Witness was towing out a ship and at about 20 minutes later a very heavy squall of wind and rain came on. He saw deceased haul-to, but then lost sight of him owing to the thick rain. The squall lasted about 20 minutes and when witness returned to Exmouth harbour, with the idea of picking up deceased, he saw some wreckage of the boat, namely a sail, paddle, and corks, which he recovered. He also saw a Sou'-wester and a cap in the water. Witness remained at the spot half an hour, but could see nothing of deceased or his boat. The latter had not been recovered, although the mast and a sail had washed up. - Thomas Scott McClaughlin, fisherman, of Powderham, said he found the body of deceased floating in the Exe at 8 o'clock on Thursday morning off Powderham. Deceased was dressed in oilskins and top boots. - Dr Lipscombe, of Starcross, said the body was in a very advanced state of decomposition, but, as far as he could judge, death was due to drowning some weeks ago. there were no marks of violence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Drowning." Sympathy was expressed with the relatives of deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 24 December 1906
CHERITON FITZPAINE - An Overdose Of Chloral. Cheriton Publican's Death. - An Inquest was held at the Ring of Bells Inn, Cheriton Fitzpaine, on Saturday, by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, on the body of ROBERT MELHUISH, age 52, licensee of the Ring of Bells and a shoemaker, whose death occurred on the 20th instant. - From the evidence it appeared that on the morning of the 18th instant deceased was left sleeping in bed. On his wife going to the room an hour later she noticed that he was looking bad and breathing heavily. She sent for her son and Dr J. J. Reynolds, of Cheriton Fitzpaine. - Deceased's daughter stated that her father suffered a good deal from sleeplessness, and had been in the habit of taking chloral for the last twelve months. The deceased lapsed into unconsciousness on the 18th, and remained in that condition until his death, on the 20th. Dr Reynolds attended him constantly during that time and certified that death was due to failure of the heart's action produced by taking chloral in a weak state. Deceased could not, he added, have taken a big dose, or he would not have lived so long. - While giving evidence the widow fainted, and the doctor certified that she was not fit to give evidence and did not realise what she was saying. - The Jury, of which Mr C. F. Parkin was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, due to failure of the heart as a result of an Overdose of Chloral."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 26 December 1906
AXMINSTER - Inquest At Axminster. - An Inquest was held at the Axminster Cottage Hospital on Monday by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr J. Morgan was Foreman, touching the death of MR RICHARD SPILLER, age 57, of Chubb's Farm, Axminster, who died at that Institution on Friday. - Deceased met with an accident on the 12th inst. at Little Combe, Charmouth, and was taken to his residence. It was found he was suffering from a broken knee cap, and he was removed to the Cottage Hospital, where his injuries were attended to. Dr Langran, who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart disease, accelerated by the accident. - A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 28 December 1906
DARTINGTON - The Inquest n the late MR H. MICHELMORE, who was found dead in the road near Colt Farm, Totnes on Christmas Eve, under circumstances already reported in the "Gazette," was held at the schoolroom, Dartington, yesterday morning. Deceased, who was 71 years of age, suffered from heart failure, and the medical evidence showed that death was due to syncope. A verdict accordingly was returned.

EXETER - Yesterday afternoon the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an inquest concerning the sudden death on Christmas Day of FRANCES SUSANNA LYNE, 52, wife of GEORGE HENRY LYNE, labourer, 19 Follett's Buildings, Exeter. EMMA LYNE, daughter of the deceased, identified the body. Her mother had suffered from bronchitis and weakness of the heart. On Christmas Day she left home to go to St Thomas, but was taken ill and died in Fore-street. Dr Clapp attributed death to heart failure, brought on by chronic bronchitis. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 31 December 1906
AXMINSTER - On Saturday Mr Coroner Cox held an Inquest at the Axminster Police Station touching the death of MRS MARY ANN MILLER, aged 77, which took place on Friday. Mr F. D. Stocker was chosen Foreman. MR JOHN SALISBURY, son-in-law of deceased, identified the body. He stated that he received a wire informing him of the serious illness of deceased, but on his arrival he found her dead. Mrs Mary Jane Hayman, wife of Mr George Hayman, of Axminster, stated that deceased had lodged with them for a number of years. Last Friday morning she did not hear her about as usual, and, therefore, went upstairs to her bedroom, and found her wrapped up in her bed clothes, apparently dead. She at once sent for Dr Langran, who pronounced life had been extinct for some hours. Dr Langran attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

AXMINSTER - Mr F. D. Stocker was Foreman of the Jury at an Inquest which took place at the Police Station, Axminster, touching the death of JAMES HOARE, a single man, labourer, of Secktor, near Axminster, who died suddenly on Friday. Maggie Willey, of Secktor, said she was in the habit of carrying a cup of tea to deceased each morning. On the morning in question she could not get any admittance, and she called her father and Mr J. S. Harding, who effected an entry and found HOARE dead. DAVID HOARE, brother of deceased, Mr Harding and Mr W. Rowe, of Secktor, having given evidence, Dr Langran said death resulted from the rupture of a blood vessel of the heart. A verdict to that effect was returned.

OFFWELL - An Inquest was held at Offwell on AUGUSTUS CHARLES ERNEST RADFORD, aged eight weeks, son of ERNEST THEODORE RADFORD, coachman, of Offwell. The child had been in good health since its birth. On the morning of the 27th the parents left him in bed when they got up at 7 a.m. On going to the room later, the child was found insensible and artificial respiration failed to revive it. Dr Hedden was sent for, but could only pronounce that life was extinct. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, no blame being attached to the parents.

SEATON AND BEER - The Seaton Tragedy. A Groundless Fear. - The Inquest on Engine-driver CHARLES STONEMAN, of Seaton, whose body was found in the tidal waters of the Axe, was held at the Town Hall, Seaton, on Saturday, by Mr C. E. Cox, Coroner for the Division. - Mr W. Gould was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - C. Potter, fireman and mate of the deceased, said that STONEMAN appeared to be in his usual health on Thursday, and drove the 7.22 train into Seaton in the evening. He then did the usual work of taking water and coal for the engine, left without remark, and never returned. Witness searched for him and sounded the engine whistle as the time approached for the departure of the 8.10 train. He got no response and reported that deceased was missing. - Mr Walter Real, toll-keeper of the Axminster Bridge, stated that his brother, Oliver Real, spoke to him about having heard a noise in the river about 8 p.m. Witness supposed it to be caused by otters. On hearing that the deceased was missing he suggested to P.C. Webber the advisability of dragging the river, which was accordingly done, and the body was found about 20 yards north of the toll bridge, in about 3ft. of water. Witness and P.C. Webber, together with the Coastguard and Porter Balsom, tried artificial respiration until the arrival of Dr G. E. A. Evans, but to no purpose. - Oliver Real stated that while coming home from Axmouth he heard a splash in the river. - P.C. Webber stated that the body was in a stooping position, face downwards. The watch of the deceased had stopped at five minutes to eight. A telegram in his pocket read as follows:- "From F. Washer, Exmouth Junction, to Godbeer, Seaton. - Driver Moore will be sent tomorrow. On arrival send STONEMAN here." - Mr F. Washer, locomotive foreman to the L. and S.W.R. Company at Exmouth Junction, said that he sent the telegram to Engine-driver Godbeer as instructed by his Superintendent, as Driver STONEMAN did not appear to thoroughly understand the motor engine which had been recently put on the Seaton branch, and in consequence he was being transferred to Exeter to work the ordinary locomotive. The removal would really have been in the nature of a promotion for him. It was customary to wire to the men on any matter and there was no reason for STONEMAN to worry over it. - Mr A. E. Taylor, Stationmaster at Seaton, said he was well acquainted with the deceased, who had been a driver from Seaton for many years, and was a very steady man. He had had trouble in working the motor engine, which was now at Exeter being over-hauled, as it had not worked satisfactorily. As far as he knew no one had made any complaint to STONEMAN. - MRS EMMA JANE STONEMAN, widow of the deceased, identified the body, and said deceased was 45 years of age. She last saw him alive at 12.30 on Thursday afternoon, and he then appeared to be in his usual spirits. He had been in indifferent health lately, and had worried considerably, and had lost a lot of sleep in consequence of the new motor engine not working properly. She did not see him after he received the telegram. The deceased had never threatened suicide, and left her on the best of terms. - Dr G. E. A. Evans said the body presented the usual signs of death by drowning. - The Coroner, in summing up, expressed sympathy with the widow, and said that it seemed the deceased was troubling about the motor engine and feared he would be reduced or discharged. This apprehension appeared to be entirely without foundation. - The Jury found that deceased "Drowned Himself while Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with the widow.