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Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette)

Printed at Tiverton, Devon

1900

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: Arthurs; Bailey; Beckett; Beer; Blake; Bowers; Buckingham; Burr; Chanin; Coles; Collins; Dommett; Drew; Flew; Gooding; Hallett; Hore; Howe; Hutchings; Jones; Kingdom; Lock; Perry; Pine; Pollard; Richards; Salter; Southern; Sprague; Stuckey; Taylor; Turner; Warren; Way; Willmetts;

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette, Tuesday 2 January 1900
MOREBATH - Fatal Accident At Morebath. - Mr A. Burrow (Deputy Coroner) held an Inquest at Whitehall Farm, Morebath, on Thursday morning, on the body of THOMAS PINE, 42, farmer, who was thrown from his horse at Morebath, on December 16th, and died on Christmas Day. - The following composed the Jury:- Rev. Annesley Voysey (Foreman), Messrs. J. Gooding, W. C. Nott, S. Besley, J. Podbery, S. Wood, M. Moore, J. Staddon, M. Ridler, R. Brewer, W. Keeble, C. Sully, and J. Chapple. - MR JOHN CATFORD PINE, farmer, of Whitehall Farm, said deceased was his son. He was 42 years of age, and lived with witness. On December 16th he took a young horse to Morebath to be shod. About noon witness heard that deceased had met with an accident and that he was not expected to recover. Witness saw deceased at Mr Chapple's house, where he had been carried; he was conscious and spoke. Mr Chapple got a trap and drove deceased home. After he was taken home deceased complained of pains in his head and died on Christmas Day. - Edward James Chapple, wheelwright, of Bonny Cross, Morebath, deposed that on Saturday, 16th December, deceased went to the smithy at Morebath to have his horse "roughed." He saw deceased mount his horse, which was a young and restive one, and soon after heard a boy named Bertie Keeble call out that the horse had thrown deceased. Witness ran out and saw MR PINE on his back by the side of the road. he was unconscious and the horse was running in the direction of Moor Bridge. Witness fetched a board, and with the assistance of his father and a man named Hobbs, conveyed deceased to his (witness's) house. He afterwards took him home. - Bertie Keeble, a lad, living at Morebath, said he was standing outside the blacksmith's shop and saw deceased leave with his horse. He tried to mount, but the animal gave a spring and, on running into the road, witness saw deceased lying on his back, while the horse was galloping away. Witness at once called for assistance. - John Cottrell, bootmaker, of Bampton, deposed that on the day in question he had been to Timewell House and on passing Bonny Cross on the return journey saw deceased trying to mount his horse. He made several attempts, but in trying to get his leg over the saddle the horse gave a start and threw him to the ground. The horse bolted towards witness who stopped it and then leaving the animal went to deceased, who was unconscious. Witness returned to Bampton and informed Mr H. Paine. - Miss Sibella Symons Whiteway of Morebath, said she attended deceased after his accident and was present when he died. - Mr Henry Paine, Medical Practitioner, of Bampton, said he found deceased suffering from shock. He had three severe cuts about the head and through the lower lip, and one on his forehead and eyebrow, laying bare the skull. There was also another bruise in the back of the head. The cause of death was injury to the brain. - The Coroner having briefly summed up, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury.

TIVERTON - Child's Sudden Death At Tiverton. - The Tiverton Borough Coroner (Mr Lewis Mackenzie) held an Inquiry at the Infirmary on Thursday evening into the circumstances attending the death of GEORGE STUCKEY, aged nine, son of MR WILLIAM STUCKEY, a mason, living at Greenway Cottages, Water-lane, Tiverton. The deceased, apparently in good health on Christmas-day, was taken ill early on the morning of Boxing-day, and after repeated attacks of vomiting died in the evening before medical assistance had arrived. - WILLIAM STUCKEY, the father, deposed that the child had of late appeared to enjoy good health, and on Christmas-day, with other members of the family, partook of chicken, rabbit and plum pudding for dinner and supper. At about four o'clock on the morning of Boxing-day the deceased, who slept in an adjoining room, entered witness's bedroom on two occasions and was sick. Each time he returned to his own bed again, and witness considered that he was suffering simply from a bilious attack. By the 7.40 a.m. train he left Tiverton for the day and did not return till nine in the evening, when he found his son dead. - BESSIE STUCKEY, the mother, confirmed the statement that on Sunday and Christmas-day the child was in good health. About an hour-and-half after he was sick on Boxing-day, she made him some tea and took it to him; she did not then notice anything wrong. About 8 o'clock deceased went downstairs in his nightshirt, but she made him go back to bed. He dressed and came down a second time an hour later. During the day he sat in a chair or ran about the house, but would not take anything but some milk and soda water. She thought he was suffering from biliousness. At tea time she thought deceased, who was sitting in a chair beside the fire, looked queer about the eyes and that his breathing was wrong. He tried to be sick again, and in a fit of violent vomiting passed away. In the meantime a messenger had been sent for a doctor. - Fanny Mogford, wife of Walter Mogford, compositor, of Water-lane, said that just before six on Tuesday evening she was called by the last witness, who lived next door. As soon as she saw the child she recommended a doctor being summoned. She considered the child had a convulsion at the time of sickness, as he "fell away." he complained to her of a pain in his head. - Mr G. H. Michelmore, Medical Practitioner, stated that he saw the deceased at 6.15. The child was dead in his mother's arms, but death had taken place only a few minutes. He had since made a post-mortem examination. In the stomach were several lumps of partially digested food of a doughy nature of the size of pigeon's eggs. The membranes and surface of the brain were very much congested. Death was probably caused by a convulsion due to the indigestion set up by unhealthy diet. - In summing up, the Coroner remarked that improper feeding and consequent indigestion was very often the cause of convulsions and death in children, but it was seldom they heard of such strikingly tragic instances as this one. - The Jury (of which Mr C. H. Deeks was Foreman) returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

EXETER - Shocking Discovery On The Railway. Tiverton Woman's Suicide. - The mutilated remains of ELIZABETH BEER, a single woman formerly employed at the Tiverton Lace Factory, but for some months past an inmate of Digby's Asylum, were found near the railway siding near the Asylum on Friday morning. enquiries showed that the woman had, through the broken window of a storeroom, escaped from the Institution on Thursday morning, eluding all attempts to re-capture her made by search parties during the day. The lifeless remains were discovered on the railway line by the driver of the 8.30 a.m. train from Exeter to Exmouth. The body presented a shocking sight, having been literally cut in pieces by the train. It was removed to the mortuary of the Asylum and information given to the Police. Portions of the unfortunate woman's clothing were found some distance up the line, whither they had presumably been carried by the engine. - The deceased was about 35 years of age, and was well known in Tiverton, where she had lived most of her life. Some time in 1898 she met with a bicycle accident which resulted in injury to one of her ankles. Subsequently she became greatly depressed, her melancholy ultimately leading to two attempts at suicide, once in the river Exe near Tiverton and a second time in the Canal. On each occasion she was rescued, and being remanded by the Magistrates to Exeter Gaol, was transferred thence to Digby's Asylum in July last. It is stated that since her admission to the Institution she has caused much trouble to the authorities because of repeated attempts at suicide. On December 14th she escaped from the building but was brought back. - The Inquest. - Mr A. Burrow, Deputy Coroner, held the Inquest at Digby's Asylum on Saturday. - Inspector Percival watched the proceedings on behalf of the South Western Railway Company and Mr Shorto (Town Clerk) for the Exeter City Council. - Dr Rutherford, Medical Superintendent at the Asylum, gave evidence of identification and said the deceased was 35 years of age. She was received into the Asylum from the County Prison in July. She had been sentenced at Tiverton to six weeks' imprisonment for attempted suicide. She was a single woman and being of a suicidal tendency was placed under special precautions. On December 14th when out in the court with some other inmates, she escaped. Later on she was found by two strangers on the Topsham-road, one of whom stayed with her while the other came to the Asylum with the information. She escaped again on Thursday through a window in the store-room, which she had broken on Christmas Day, and was missed five minutes afterwards. She was not seen again until her body was found on the railway. - Edith Rendall, nurse, deposed that she saw the deceased on the last day she escaped standing outside one of the ward doors. Deceased disappeared directly afterwards, and witness with another nurse made inquiries but was unsuccessful in finding the woman. - Hetty Pike, under-nurse, spoke to seeing the deceased on Thursday morning in the room where the broken window was. - John Greenslade, engine driver, said the previous morning he was running the 8.30 a.m. train from Exeter to Exmouth, but nothing attracted his attention on the way. When he was examining the engine at Exmouth he saw spots of blood outside and underneath the engine. When the driver of the 9 a.m. train from Exeter arrived he told witness that he had found a woman on the line near Digby's. - James Stone, engine driver, gave evidence to the effect that he saw the body of the deceased nearly opposite the Asylum lying in the four-foot way. She was dead. He removed the body from the line and gave it in charge of a ganger. - Dr Harris Liston, Assistant-superintendent at the Asylum, gave similar evidence to that of Dr Rutherford as to the suicidal tendencies of the deceased. He examined the body about half-past nine on Friday morning. The skull was smashed, and the deceased had received many other injuries. The injuries to the head were quite sufficient to have caused death. - A verdict of "Suicide while temporarily Insane" was returned, the Foreman adding that several of the Jury could not understand why the pane of glass could have been left unrepaired for so long. - Dr Rutherford said it was owing to the men being away at Christmas.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Thursday 9 January 1900
TIVERTON - Sudden Death At Tiverton. Inquest. - At the Tiverton Infirmary on Saturday evening, Mr Lewis Mackenzie (Borough Coroner) held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of GEORGE WILLIAM EDMUND HALLETT, aged 27, a baker, living at 5 Westexe-north, Tiverton. Deceased, apparently in the enjoyment of good health, was taken ill during the night of Tuesday, January 2nd, and without recovering consciousness thereafter died at 11 p.m. the following day. - MR GEORGE HALLETT, deceased's father, said his son assisted him in his business as baker and confectioner. Up to the Tuesday before his death deceased was in his usual good health. Witness last saw him at 11.15 p.m. on Tuesday, when he was quite well and went to bed. His son had worked up to 7 p.m. that evening, and was at home with witness in the house afterwards. For supper he had some sausages and a glass of ale. he could not bear the thought of seeing his son after he was taken ill, as they told him he could not speak. Deceased was always a strong and healthy young man. On the Tuesday he had dinner with the rest of the family, but witness could not remember what the meal consisted of. There was no potted meat or fish eaten. Deceased was not insured. He was on very good terms with the rest of the family. - James Melhuish, baker, employed by the last witness, said he worked and lived in the same house as deceased. He had known deceased for seven or eight years, and considered he (deceased) had not been in his proper health for some time, as he had often complained that he did not feel well in his head. Deceased's bedroom adjoining his and on Wednesday morning witness heard a groaning noise as if deceased were in pain. After a few minutes he went over to the door and asked deceased to unbolt it and let him in. There was no reply. Witness went back to bed and then about an hour afterwards hearing the same noise and gain receiving no reply, he called MRS HALLETT, who came up with a light. Meanwhile he had heard deceased moving, and fancied he was trying to come to the door. He heard deceased fall and a noise as of falling crockery. Bursting the door open he saw him lying on his back; he did not move nor could he speak. The wash-stand had fallen against the bed and deceased was on the floor below. The jug and basin were broken beside him. There were no blood marks about. he lifted deceased on to the bed and fetched the doctor. When he returned he saw on the chest of drawers a tumbler of whiskey and water and an empty whiskey bottle. He had never seen deceased the worse for liquor and he was sober on the previous day. Deceased was not frothing at the mouth, and did not strike witness as being a dying man. - Mrs Elizabeth Upton, nurse, said she was called to look after deceased at 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. Deceased was unconscious, and had a convulsion at 6 p.m. he vomited blood. She left at 7, returning at 8.45, and stayed until 11 p.m., when deceased died. Just before death occurred, deceased vomited a large quantity of blood. He died quite peacefully. - There was nothing in the room to show that deceased came by an unnatural death. - Mr R. Dickson Shiels, M.D., said on Wednesday he was called at 7.30 a.m. to deceased. He found him lying on his back in bed, with his mouth open, unconscious, breathing embarrassed, livid lips and hands clenched. Deceased's mother said he was found lying behind the door and showed witness the glass of whiskey and water and the six ounce bottle. Witness smelt deceased's breath, which had a distinct odour of alcohol. Three ounces of whiskey would not account for deceased's state. Deceased became more and more comatose, but there were no apoplectic symptoms. Had never seen deceased before, but he seemed to have had some central brain trouble. - Mr J. R. r. Pollock, M.R.C.S., who made a post mortem examination, said he found a discharge of blood from deceased's nose and mouth. On lifting up the brain the base was normal beyond general congestion. The left side of the heart was contracted, the right side dilated and full of ante-mortal clot. The liver was slightly enlarged and the kidneys were congested. The stomach was quite empty and there was no food in the intestines. The cause of death was heart failure induced by the congestion of the different organs. Deceased was a very young man to die in such a short time. - The Coroner, summing up, said that after the medical evidence the duty of the Jury appeared to be very light. Without the post mortem examination the case would have been full of mystery, for it seemed strange that a young man, who had never been known to lose a day's work, should be taken ill, become unconscious and die within a few hours. - The Jury (Mr T. Ward, Foreman), returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" in accordance with the medical evidence.

EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Friday on the body of JOB GOODING, employed at Seldon Nurseries, Sowton, who was accidentally cut on the thumb with a garden tool on December 28th, and who died at the Hospital on Thursday from lockjaw caused by the accident. Verdict of "Accidental Death."

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 6 February 1900
CREDITON - A Crediton Fatality. - On Monday last the chid of MR S. BAILEY, of Crediton, aged about nine months, was found dead in bed, it having become suffocated through pulling the bedclothes over itself. On Wednesday an Inquest was held at the Town Hall by Mr A. Burrow, Deputy Coroner. The following were the Jury:- Messrs. W. Doddridge, jun., H. Kelland, G. Kerslake, W. Labbett, W. Ley, H. Lock. W. Murch, W. J. Southwood, W. H. Snow, J. Stone, J. Trickey, C. Ware, J. Wescott, Mr H. Kelland was appointed Foreman. - MARY BAILEY, wife of SAMUEL BAILEY, said HAROLD BAILEY was her child and was aged nine months. He had been a strong child since his birth. On Monday last he was put to bed by her little girl, JESSIE, at 11 o'clock. It was a small bed. At 2 o'clock she asked the girl to go and see if he was all right. She gave a scream and said "Mother come upstairs quick!" She went up and thought the child was convulsed. She took it out of bed. It was "steaming hot." She then rushed downstairs and called for water, but before getting it ran with the child to Dr Campbell. He examined it and said it had been suffocated. When she first took it up it breathed its last. There were a blanket and jacket over the baby. The child was not off its pillow and was only slightly covered over when her daughter went up. - JESSIE BAILEY, 13, daughter of the former witness, said on Monday about 11 she put her brother to bed, putting a blanket and jacket over him. She only partially covered his face up. When she went up at 2 o'clock she found the jacket all over his head. He was not like that when she left him. She pulled it off and screamed for her mother who came up and took the child to Dr Campbell. - Dr W. Scott-Campbell stated that the child was brought to his surgery shortly after 2 p.m. He examined it and from the appearance of the body he attributed death to be due to suffocation. The body was quite warm, and the child had been dead only a short time. It was quite possible for a child to pull the clothes over itself until it became suffocated. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death through Suffocation."

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 13 February 1900
NEWTON ABBOT - JEREMIAH COLLINS, aged 58, an innkeeper, of Hennock, formerly in the navy, was found a few evenings ago on the rails near Newton Abbot Station, shockingly mutilated, having been run over. At the Inquest there was no evidence to show how he got there.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 27 February 1900
SWIMBRIDGE - North Devon Farmer's Suicide. - A painful sensation was caused in the neighbourhood of Swymbridge on Tuesday by the rumour, which proved to be true, that MR JAMES WARREN, of South Cobbaton Farm, had committed suicide. The facts were ascertained at an Inquest held on Wednesday at South Cobbaton Farm, by Mr J. F. Bromham, County Coroner. - James Henry Warren Jun., deposed that he was a farm servant in the employ of the late MR WARREN, and had been in his employ for three years. About 10 o'clock on Tuesday MR WARREN'S son told him to go and look for his father. he found the deceased in a barn hanging to a rope. He immediately ran into the house and told the son. He (witness) had been with the deceased early in the morning and chained up a bullock. - By the Foreman: Had not noticed in the morning that deceased seemed low-spirited. - JAMES WARREN said the body which had been viewed by the Jury was that of his father. He was aged 63 years. Witness continued: I was in the habit of sleeping in the same room with him and did so on Monday last, the 19th February. On Tuesday morning, about seven o'clock, my father went downstairs before me. I understood he was going out about the cattle as usual. He did not come in to breakfast. About 10 o'clock, wondering where he was, I sent the last witness to look for him. Soon after the boy came in, and told me what he had seen in the barn. I went to the barn and found the door open and a short distance inside I saw my father hanging by a rope. He was on the ground, kneeling I believe. My sisters were with me and I immediately cut him down. He was quite dead and getting cold. With assistance I got the body indoors, and sent information to the Police. I have noticed at times that my father has been depressed in spirits. I have no idea what caused this. I have asked him what troubled him, but he would never tell me. The family at home now consists of my two sisters and myself. - By the Foreman: There was no letter or paper found disclosing any reason for his committing the act. - P.C. Mules, stationed at Swymbridge, said that in consequence of information received, he proceeded to Lower Cobbaton Farm on Tuesday about 1 p.m., and found deceased lying on a sofa, quite dead. He examined the body and found on deceased a watch, a purse with 1s. 6d. in it, but no letter or paper whatever. He had known deceased for the last two years and had at times noticed that he was lost in thought. - The Jury, who expressed their sympathy with the relatives of deceased, returned a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging whilst Temporarily Insane."

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 13 March 1900
EXETER - MRS SPRAGUE, 54, while driving home to Exeter with her husband, was taken ill and became purple in the face. This was not an unusual thing with her, but she was much worse than she had ever been before. MR SPRAGUE pulled up and called out to a friend that his wife was ill. She came up and after looking at deceased, said "She is dead." At the Inquest death was attributed to heart disease.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 20 March 1900
SAMPFORD PEVERELL - Suicide Near Sampford Peverell. A Sad Case. - Mr. A. Burrow, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Globe Inn, Sampford Peverell, on Wednesday evening, relative to the death of CORASANDA BEATRICE ARTHURS, of Uplowman, whose body was found in the G.W.R. canal between Sampford Peverell and Halberton on the previous day. - Mr W. G. Benge was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - JAMES ARTHURS, smith, of Uplowman, said deceased was his daughter. She was 20 years of age in March 1899. She was an assistant mistress at St. James' National School, Exeter. Witness last saw deceased alive on March 5th, when she left t go to Exeter. On two or three occasions deceased had said the school would drive her mad. she would not give her parents any reason, but she told other people that the head mistress would drive her mad. Witness received a letter on Monday morning from deceased saying that she had been ill and was better and that the mistress had treated her very kindly. The Coroner then read the following letter, found on the body, the handwriting of which witness identified as that of his daughter. - "Dear mother, don't worry yourself for me. It is no good to worry and trouble over me, I am utterly tired of it all. I fell almost worked to death. I have not felt happy since I came here, and I get more miserable every day. Dear mother, bury me in the new ground beside Lily Finnimore, and do put some roses on my grave. I feel so relieved to think that I am going out of this world; you don't know how happy I feel now, and I shall never have any more worry or pain. For the last two weeks my head has been very painful; my brain seems to have been swimming all day. Don't worry, any of you. I hope we shall all meet again. Dear mother, my heart seems to be breaking when I think of all the dear children. Let them all see me before I am buried. I can scarcely write this because I am crying so. I have not been to sleep for several nights. It was all a mistake my coming to Exeter, but I did not like to tell you I was so miserable, but never mind, dear mother." - On a separate slip of paper were the words:- "Here is the key of my box, dear mother." - The key was in the letter. - Continuing his evidence, witness said deceased had never threatened to take her life, but was always most cheerful, and had passed all her examinations. Before deceased went to Exeter to live she was at Uplowman with Rev. H. Moyaart for five years. So far as witness knew she had no business to come home on the Monday night. - Arthur Waygood, a lad, living at Sampford Peverell, said he knew deceased well. Between 10.30 and 11 a.m. on Tuesday witness saw a woman's hat on the canal bank about half-a-mile down. Witness saw something lying in the water a few yards on the Sampford side of Batten's Bridge. Going down to see what it was witness found it was a woman. He went for help and saw Mr Ponsford's boy, and together they tried to get the body out. Failing to do this, as the body was too heavy, they returned and told Mr Ponsford. The body appeared to be quite dead. - The Foreman said it was a strange thing that the two lads did not take the body out. The bank sloped down easily. - Witness said he was rather frightened. - John Payne, goods foreman at Tiverton Junction Station, said he knew deceased by sight. He last saw her alive on Monday night. She came from Exeter by the 8.58 train. Witness took her ticket as she passed out and she said "Good-night." She appeared to be in her usual health. - Mrs Elizabeth Gillard said she was the head mistress of St. James's National School, Exeter. Deceased came to be an assistance mistress there about a month before Christmas. Witness had no complaints from deceased, and she performed her duties as well as she was able. She stayed in bed on the previous Thursday and Friday with influenza and got up on Saturday. She stayed at home from church on the Sunday morning, which was contrary to her usual custom. She said that witness's daughter had been so kind to her during her illness that she would stay home and help her. She went to church at night. She appeared all right on Monday and did not tell witness she was going home that night, but witness found out the same night that deceased had gone, as she did not return again. Witness did not know while deceased was with her that she was depressed. Had not seen the letter deceased wrote to her mother. - The Coroner then read out that portion of the letter, which said "She got more miserable every day, and was worked to death." - Witness replied she did not know what deceased could have meant by that. During school on Monday morning witness requested deceased to stand in front of her class instead of going round to each child separately, in order to hear them read. Deceased looked upon that as a grave complaint on witness's part. It was simply a kind way of showing her a better method of going on with her lessons. After that she was quieter and had little to say. - The Coroner: We have been told here today that she used to tell some people that the way you went on would drive her mind. - Witness: I don't know what she could mean. I have not been angry with her or spoken an angry word to her in my life. I had occasion at one time to speak plainly to her, but without anger. - The Coroner: When was that, recently? - Witness: That was before Christmas. Some people had been to the school complaining that she had knocked their children on the head. Deceased happened to pass the doorway while the first woman was there, and I said, "This is MISS ARTHURS." The woman said in a civil way, "He is a bad child, and I know he is troublesome at home. Please don't knock him on the head." That was all. Some time afterwards a servant of the mother of some of the children who came to the school came to me and said that one child had been knocked by MISS ARTHURS. This was the second time it had happened. They had refrained from complaining before, but thought it right to do so as it happened again. I went and spoke very quietly to her, and she in return spoke loudly and let the class hear what she was saying, whereas if she had been as quiet as I was they would have heard nothing of it. I told her then if she continued she would get herself into trouble. Since Christmas nothing of the sort has taken place. She has made no complaint. - The Coroner: I call that a complaint. - Witness, continuing, said there was no reason why deceased should have left on Monday. She seemed to think she had a reason, and was crying in the dinner hour. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said she supposed the letter mentioned above was written by deceased. - The Foreman: I should like to know whether her class was a very large one? - Witness: There were 40 children in the class, but I think on Monday there were 29 or 30. There are usually not more than that. - The Foreman: Was she well qualified as a teacher; was it a trouble to her to keep her work up? - Witness: I should not say she was very well qualified. She worked to the best of her ability. From what I can learn it does not seem that it was her learning but the class that bothered her. It was very easy work. - Edwin Vickery, tailor, of Sampford Peverell, said he heard from Mr Ponsford that there was a body in the water and he at once ran to help get it out. This he did, with the assistance of Mr Ponsford and one of the Jurymen present. The place where the body was found was in Halberton parish. - Mr J. H. Jule, medical practitioner, of Sampford Peverell, said that with Mr V. E. Barrow, of Uffculme, he made a post-mortem examination of the body. The cause of death was drowning. There were no marks of violence on the body. The brain was perfectly normal and the organs of the body were all healthy. - In answer to the Foreman: There was no grass or grit in the deceased's hands, which would indicate that she had struggled whilst in the water. His opinion was that when deceased entered the water, she was in an exceedingly low and almost lifeless condition. As a rule, however determined people were to drown themselves, they struggled to get out at the critical moment, but deceased had apparently done nothing of the sort. She probably had been in the water at least eight hours, as there were signs that decomposition had already set in. He thought the girl walked along the canal banks most of the night and entered the canal early in the morning. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the only evidence they had of deceased's later movements was that furnished by Mrs Gillard. Since Christmas there seemed to have been no misunderstanding between her and deceased, except the small incident as to her standing up to teach the class. She was home at her father's on March 5th, and was heard to say that the head mistress would drive her mad. Of course it did not follow that because a person was complained of in any way she would destroy herself; at any rate ordinary people would not take much notice of complaints of that kind. There was no question that deceased did destroy herself: the letter showed that. The question was, was she in her right mind? - There was no evidence to show that deceased was in an unsound mind at the time of her death. The case was a very sad one, and their sympathies must go out to the parents and relatives of the poor girl. - After deliberating in private for five minutes the Jury found that deceased Drowned Herself whilst in an Unsound State of Mind.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 3 April 1900
SAMPFORD PEVERELL - Fatal Accident Near Tiverton Junction. - The Yeo level crossing about half-a-mile north of Tiverton Junction Railway Station, was the scene of an unfortunate accident about eight o'clock on Tuesday morning. ISAAC COLES, a carpenter living at Willand, was utilising the crossing as a short cut to Sampford Peverell, where he worked, when he noticed a mail train (en route for Exeter) coming towards him. Having stepped clear to allow the train to pass, he again essayed on to the line, but not noticing the [?] up goods train stepped in [?] was hurled violently to the [?] engine. His body fell [?] way and the whole train [?]. Some gangers working [?] were soon on the scene and removed the deceased to a place of safety, but the [?] man died shortly afterwards, before manifesting any signs of consciousness. - The Inquest was held at the Railway Hotel, Tiverton Junction, on Wednesday morning, before Mr Burrow, Deputy Coroner. Inspector Shattock watched the proceedings on behalf of the G. W. R Company. - MRS EMMA RICHARDSON, of London, said deceased, her father, was 71 years of age. She saw him leave home at 7.30 on Tuesday morning with the intention of going to Sampford Peverell to work. He was accustomed to using the crossing where the accident took place. - Charles Salter, ganger, Willand, said he knew deceased, who was a little deaf. On Tuesday morning he was working on the line about 300 yards above the crossing and saw deceased knocked down. He noticed deceased in danger of being run over by the up goods train after the mail train had passed and warned him by shouting, but deceased apparently did not hear in time. After the accident he went to the crossing and removed the body to the side of the line, but although deceased was alive he did not speak and died very shortly afterwards. Deceased's head was much knocked about. - In reply to the Coroner: Did not hear the goods train whistle until after the crossing had been passed. The line was slightly curved, but anyone on the goods engine on the look-out could have seen quarter of a mile beyond where deceased was. - John Rugg, packer, corroborated the previous witness, adding that he had known deceased for 30 years, but was not sure that he was "hard of hearing." - William Wiltshire, in the employ of the G.W.R., said he was the driver of the engine which killed deceased. The mail train and witness's train passed the crossing practically together. The mail train had passed 20 yards when he noticed deceased walking across the down line. He commenced at once to blow his whistle, but could not make deceased pay any attention. Deceased was looking up the line towards the packers, and only became aware of the goods train's approach as the engine struck him. Witness shut off steam and worked the brake whistle, but it was too late. - In reply to the Coroner: He could not after seeing deceased have pulled up in time to avoid the accident. His engine had a particularly shrill whistle and in the face of the wind it could be heard a mile. He thought deceased did not notice it because of the noise caused by the mail train passing. - Dr Tracey said he was called to deceased after death had taken place. There was very serious injury to the head, a large wound in the forehead having lacerated and exposed the brain; and in addition the right thigh was broken. The injuries were quite sufficient to cause almost instant death. He had previously attended deceased, but did not know him to be at all affected in his hearing. - The Coroner having briefly summed up, the Jury gave a verdict of Accidental Death, exonerating the engine driver from all blame, and requesting that with a message of sympathy their fees should be given to deceased's widow.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 17 April 1900
BAMPTON - Fatal Accident Near Bampton. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr A. Burrow) held an Inquest at Hutching's Farm, Petton, near Bampton, on Saturday morning, relative to the death of a lad named WILLIAM FLEW, 16 years of age, of Raddington, who was killed on Thursday, 12th April, owing to the horse and cart he was driving turning over. - The following comprised the Jury: Messrs. J. T. Periam (Foreman), W. Dinham, S. Gibbings, W. Blamey, M. Moore, W. Broom, W. A. Clark, W. Venn, A. E. Cottrell, R. Brewer, C. Davey, J. G. Yole, and J. Paul. - MR JAMES FLEW, farmer, of the Rectory, Raddington, said deceased was his son. About 8.30 a.m. on April 12th witness sent him to Venn Cross Railway Station to fetch some manure and about 11 a.m. he received information of the accident. Witness went to Hutching's Farm and found his son was dead. The horse was a quiet one and seven years old. - Mr John Luxton, dairyman of Hutching's Farm, Bampton, deposed that about 10 a.m. on Thursday morning he was in his shop when he heard a horse and cart coming down the road. It stopped suddenly and witness's daughter called out that a horse had fallen down. Witness ran out and saw that a cart, containing some bags of manure, had turned over, and the deceased was under it. With the assistance of his daughter, he lifted the cart and got deceased out. Asked if he were much hurt, deceased said "No." Deceased endeavoured to unharness the horse and then went and sat in the hedge. Witness noticed that something was wrong and deceased said "May I go in by the fire?" Witness said "yes," and deceased walked into the house without help. He sat in a chair and witness's daughter gave him some brandy. Witness went out to attend to the horse and cart and asked some people to take deceased home with the manure. Witness's daughter then said deceased was not in a fit state to go home as he was worse. Witness immediately sent for deceased's father. His daughter said that deceased was dying and witness laid him on the sofa and he expired shortly afterwards. - Elizabeth Ellen Chubbett, daughter of the last witness, said on Thursday morning she was looking out of the window and saw a horse fall. Going out she found the cart upside down and the deceased under the cart with his head and shoulders cut. After he had been released, deceased tried to unharness the horse. He said he wasn't much hurt, and then sat down in the hedge. After he went into the house, witness gave him some brandy. He complained of pains in the stomach, brought up some blood and died shortly after. - Mr A. R. Down, Medical Practitioner, of Bampton, said on Thursday he was called to see deceased and when he arrived about 2 p.m. the lad was dead. An examination of the body showed that the head and neck were very much swollen. There was a discharge of blood and froth from his mouth. Four of the right ribs were broken and the lungs and liver were severely injured. The cause of death was haemorrhage following internal injuries. The Coroner having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, due to injuries caused by a cart falling on deceased.

EXETER - An Exeter Tragedy. The Results Of A Debauch. - An Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM HENRY BECKETT, stevedore, whose body was found in the river Exe at Exeter on 8th April, after being missing since March 31st, was held by Mr A. Burrow, Deputy Coroner, at the Mission Hall, St Thomas, on Tuesday. - JANE BECKETT said her husband and herself, on Friday night, march 30th in company with a man named Gregory and a woman named Searle, went, at the invitation of the captain (Kelson) on board the vessel May, lying in the Basin, Exeter. They had previously met the captain at the Golden Ball Inn. They had supper on board, and one lot of rum and water each. They were very friendly all the time and separated about 3 o'clock. Mrs Searle was very tight and witness could not say that she herself was not the worse for liquor. She could not tell who saw them off the vessel, but the mate (Dalton) came after them and asked her husband to come aboard the following night. Gregory then told the mate he had his hat on, and after a few words the mate knocked Gregory down. Her husband took off his coat and said, "You shan't serve him like that,"£ but there was no fight. The mate and her husband went away to the next opening from the bank, and she waited outside for about half an hour, but she never saw her husband again. She believed she fell asleep on the bank, and on awaking went home. Her husband had the key of the door and as he did not arrive she went and saw the captain of the vessel, who told her not to worry, as her husband was sure to turn up. The deceased's cap, coat and concertina, as well as her own hat and Gregory's, were afterwards found on the banks. When they left the vessel her husband was able to take care of himself, and was not likely to walk into the river. When she sat down on the bank someone touched her on the shoulder, and she heard her husband say, "I am quite capable of looking after my own wife." - Thomas Gregory, labourer, said the first time he had spoken to BECKETT was when they met at the Golden Ball on March 30th. Witness was with the captain of the May. After eleven o'clock the captain, the mate, and himself walked down Fore-street together. The captain said he was fond of music, and deceased, who was walking behind with his wife and Mrs Searle, offered to go on board. They all went on board and had supper. They were nothing "out of the way," and had half a glass of rum each afterwards. They left after about two hours, and all walked ashore all right. When they got to the top of the drangway he saw deceased trying to lift his wife from the ground. He assisted, and then wished them good-night. Missing his cap he turned round and saw the mate wearing one like it. He accused him of having his cap, and the mate knocked him down, stunning him. He did not know what happened afterwards, and when he came to his senses he walked to the ferry boat and went across the river. His wife told him it was about three o'clock when he got home. - Charlotte Searle, a widow, said she went aboard the May with the rest, and when she came ashore she was drunk and knew nothing about what took place. She sat on the bank and fell asleep and was awakened by the watchman. - Mr T. Kelso, master of the May, said after supper the parties only had about a gill of rum each. They left about two in the morning, Gregory and BECKETT were all right but both the women were the worse for liquor. The mate went ashore with them and he sent Weyland, the mate, to look after Mrs Searle. The mate was not away more than ten minutes and when he returned some wounds on his hands which he had received on the voyage, were freshly bleeding. He said he had had a few words with Gregory. Witness did not hear any splashing in the water or screaming, but was told in the morning that some clothes had been found on the banks. The mate had a good character, and the only thing he had to complain of about him was his leniency towards the men. - In reply to the Deputy Chief Constable, witness said he thought Gregory and BECKETT were quite capable of looking after themselves. - John Francis Dalton, mate of the May, said when the party left the vessel MRS BECKETT was led ashore by her husband and Gregory, the watchman, (Welland), looking after Mrs Searle, and he followed. The two men were not so bad, but had had enough. They went up the drangway together and when they turned the corner MRS BECKETT fell down. Gregory said to deceased, "Take your wife home," and BECKETT replied that he was quite capable of taking care of her. He afterwards took off his coat and asked Gregory if he was going to fight. Gregory said, "What is there to fight about?" and no blows were struck. Gregory then accused witness of having his cap, and tried to take his cap off his head. Witness knocked him down; he got up again, and caught him by the legs, and he (Dalton) shoved him clear. BECKETT and witness then went round the corner and had a friendly conversation, at the invitation of the former. They wished one another good-bye, and the deceased went away. Dalton went on board again. MRS BECKETT was lying on the ground and he did not know what became of Mrs Searle. - James Welland, the night watchman, gave corroborative evidence, and said the men and women were all drunk. He heard no splashing in the water, but one of the crew had stated that he heard someone call out. - P.C. Bubear, of the Exeter city Police, said he was on duty near the river about two o'clock on the morning of March 30th, and heard voices across the river. Harsh words were used, and woman said "Leave me go, leave me go," several times. He shouted to them and flashed his light across. He also heard something like blows. The disturbance quieted down. About 2.40 a.m. he heard a man say "Give us your hand," and another replied, "Why should I." In a few seconds there was a splash and he heard nothing more. They frequently heard rows across the river and also the splashing of salmon. - The Coroner: Why did you not go to see what this was about? - Witness: It would have taken me half-an-hour to get round to the spot. - The Coroner: It would not matter if it took you two years where human life is concerned. I think under the circumstances, you should have gone round. - Henry Slack deposed to dragging the body from the river on the Sunday and Mr Mark Farrant, jun., said death was due to drowning. There was a slight bruise on the nose, but nothing like sufficient to account for death. - The Coroner said there was no doubt that deceased met his death by drowning, but there was absolutely nothing to show how the man got into the water. If deceased was the victim of foul play he hoped that the person responsible would subsequently be brought to justice. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and added a rider that they considered the evidence of Gregory and MRS BECKETT very unsatisfactory. They desired that their fees should be handed to the mother of the deceased.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 1 May 1900
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Accident At Chittlehamholt. - An Inquiry into the death of FREDERICK TURNER, aged 24 years, of Kingsbridge Cottage, in the employ of Mr Thorne, of Snidle's Farm, Chittlehamholt, has been held at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, by Mr Bencraft, Borough Coroner. On the previous Friday the man was carting some manure from his master's house to his cottage, when the horse became frightened at the falling of the back of the cart and the noise caused by the chain and bolted. TURNER, finding he could no longer hold the horse in and that there would sure to be a smash-up, jumped off, sustaining serious injuries. Dr Wigham, of Southmolton, was called and dressed the wounds, and seeing it was a case needing more attention than could be obtained at the cottage, had him conveyed the next day to the Infirmary, where he died on Tuesday morning. In his evidence the doctor stated that the wound was an extraordinary one. It was large, deep and much lacerated, situated below the stomach on the right hip. - The widow of the deceased, ELLEN TURNER, who is left with three children, one only a month old, complained in her evidence that Farmer Thorne, when asked to call her father, laughed at her and was more concerned about his horse, delaying sending for him until the doctor had arrived. Her husband had crawled to their house from the scene of the accident. - The Jury, of whom Mr John Cummings was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and stated that, while not wishing to add a rider, they were strongly of opinion that Mr Thorne should have shown more feeling and common humanity in dealing with the widow, and sent for her father when asked to do so, seeing that she was unfit to be with her husband alone, having been confined only a month before. The Jury gave their fees, to which Nurse Ellen also added her fee, to the widow.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 15 May 1900
UFFCULME - Drowned At Uffculme. - Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Craddock, Uffculme, on Thursday, touching the death of an unmarried farm labourer, named WALTER JONES, who was found dead on Wednesday afternoon by a little child named Lane in a ditch near Ivy Cottages, Craddock, where he lived. - The following was the Jury:- Messrs. E. Crease (Foreman), F. Welland, W. Long, J. Hayward, A. Corner, T. Gorman, E. Rowsell, S. Jones, S. Vickery, F. Thorn, H. Tapscott, A. Ware, T. Hellier. - Deceased's father on being asked to take the oath said he did not believe in it. They were told in the Bible to swear not at all. He could speak the truth without doing this. - The Coroner: I do not want you to enter into argument. If you wish to affirm do so. The witness consenting to this course gave evidence which showed that his son, aged 25, was subject to fits. - The morning before his death deceased appeared to be in his usual good health. - The Coroner: Previous to an attack, was he in the habit of going to the water? - Witness: If he could wash or have a drop of water it would sometimes pass it off. - Coroner: Do you know any reason why he should go into this particular meadow? - Witness: No, except it belonged to his master and he might have walked to the farm as a "nearer cut." - Mr J. S. New deposed that at 5 p.m. on the previous afternoon he was at home watching a carter drawing coals, when the carter told him that "Lane's little maid" had said "a man in Mr Froom's meadow was in the gutter and could not get out." The carter, on mentioning this to him remarked, "probably it was WALTER JONES in one of his fits." To make sure of the matter witness jumped on his bicycle and found deceased in Long Meadow, lying flat on his stomach with face and hands in the water. His face was under water to his ears. Witness immediately took him out and unbuttoned his shirt, but there were no signs of life. Deceased's arms were beginning to get stiff. - The Coroner: There were no signs of a struggle? - Witness: No. Witness added that the water was six or seven inches deep. - MRS JONES, (mother of deceased) said her son's watch was stopped at ten minutes to three. - Elizabeth Trude stated that she saw deceased leave his house about 2.230 to 2.45 p.m. He went in the direction of Craddock, but she did not watch which road he took. - Mr V. E. Burrow, Medical Practitioner, Uffculme, stated that he was called about 5.30 p.m. when he found deceased lying beside the stream, life extinct. He considered he had been dead three or four hours. There were no marks of violence, and the body presented the usual appearance of death by drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning."

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 5 June 1900
SOUTH MOLTON - On Wednesday afternoon the Southmolton Borough Coroner, Mr Thos. Sanders, and a Jury (consisting of Messrs. Samuel Widgery (Foreman), R. Kingdon, G. Webber, J. Lock, R. Gould, J. Bushen, J. Mardon, W. Ayres, F. Trawin, W. Bawden, W. Hawkes, and D. Richards) attended at the Town Hall to investigate the cause of death of THOMAS WILLMETTS, of 49 East-street. - Mr Henry Brewer said he saw deceased in East-street on Saturday, 19th May, about 11 p.m. He was not then sober. Witness suddenly missed deceased from the footpath and subsequently found him lying in the roadway beneath. The foot path at the point where deceased fell on to the roadway was about 2ft. 6in. high. - Mr John Mair deposed to hearing a fall. He ran to the spot and found deceased lying in the road apparently stunned. Witness helped him into his house. - Mr H. J. Smyth, Surgeon, said he was called to the deceased on Monday, 21st May, when he found that he was suffering from concussion and lacerated brain. He did not recover consciousness and died on the 29th instant from the result of the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and recommended that a letter be written to the Town Council calling their attention to the dangerous condition of the footpath.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 12 June 1900
BATH, SOMERSET - Death of MR ROBERT CHANIN. Bampton Farmer's Sad End. - The death occurred on Tuesday under painfully sad circumstances of MR ROBERT CHANIN of Bampton. The deceased who was a well known agriculturist, having for many years been in the occupation of Deptford farm, Bampton, had gone to Bath on Friday, June 1st, to try the waters on account of repeated attacks of rheumatism. He took a room at the Weston Hotel, and on retiring for the night gave instructions that he was to be called at eight o'clock the following morning. On Saturday he was discovered in an unconscious state and there was a strong smell of gas in the bedroom. The jet was found to be half on. Medical aid was at once summoned, but without recovering consciousness MR CHANIN passed away on Tuesday last. - To a large circle of friends the news of the occurrence caused deep regret. Deceased was a brother of the late MR JOHN CHANIN, of Warnicombe, Tiverton, and had several relatives in the neighbourhood. Apart from his work as an agriculturist, he had rendered public service for many years as a guardian of the poor for the parish of Bampton; he was also a sidesman at Bampton parish church. - A Coroner's Inquest was held at the Weston Hotel, on Wednesday afternoon. - Mr J. Phillips, landlord of the Weston Hotel, said the deceased had been stopping there since Friday, when he arrived about 10.30 p.m. He told witness he had come to Bath for the waters as he was suffering from rheumatism. He went to bed just before 11, giving instructions that he was to be called at 8 o'clock. The maid who showed him to his room lit the gas. He was knocked for twice in the morning and then the chambermaid opened his door and finding a smell of gas, came and told witness, who entered the room and found the gas half on. Deceased was in a half-sitting position, with his head leaning against the bed-rail. The window and the register of the grate were both closed. The door fitted very closely with a mat against the bottom. The room was 11ft. by 9ft. and 10ft. high, containing therefore about 1,000 cubic feet. Deceased was insensible and breathing heavily. Witness opened the door and window and fetched Dr Bloxam, who attended deceased till he died on Tuesday. - Mrs Ellen Dunn, wife of Francis Dunn, Zeal Farm, Bampton, identified the deceased as her father. He came to Bath for his rheumatism. She was sure he had no knowledge of the use of gas burners or how they acted. - The Coroner: I ask because it is just possible that he may have tried to blow it out? - Witness: That is my idea. - The Coroner: I have known it done before. - Witness: He has never been accustomed to gas at all. - Isabella James, chambermaid, said she lit the gas for the deceased when he went to bed, and he remarked, "Oh, you have gas in this bedroom?" She left it about half on. She opened the room in the morning after repeated knockings and was quite staggered by the volume of gas which came out. - Mr C. S. Ellery, engineer to the Bath Gas Company stated that the gas in use on Friday was a mixture of coal gas and a small proportion of carburetted water gas. He could not give the exact proportions, but the water gas was less than at other times of the year. It would want an expert to distinguish any difference in the smell by reason of the presence of the water gas. - The Coroner: Would it affect at all the poisonous action of the gas? - Speaking of it from my own experience in the works we have had no single accident in making it pure. But you have a medical expert here, and I would leave that to him. - Mr Canterbury, the Foreman, was not content that the question should thus be let and asked Mr Ellery whether he was not aware that the mixture was more poisonous than pure coal gas, and desired to know the proportion of each in use on Friday. - Mr Ellery replied that it was impossible to give that because it was continually in and out of the reservoirs. - Mr Canterbury: If on Friday night pure coal gas had been sent out would it have been so deadly poisonous as the gas containing a mixture of water gas was? - Mr Ellery: I would much prefer to have your medical expert's evidence taken as to that. - The Coroner remarked that the purest coal gas coming into such a room in such volume would be quite enough to kill anyone, whether it had carburetted water gas with it or not. It was only a question of degree; there was no doubt the water gas was the more poisonous, but the ultimate effect on this poor man would be the same. - Mr Canterbury having tried again in vain to learn the percentage of water gas in use on Friday, said the company must keep a record because there were regulations which prevented their using more than a certain percentage. - Mr Ellery said Mr Canterbury had been misinformed; there were no such regulations. - Mr Canterbury: There has been much correspondence in the papers as to this business. - Mr Ellery: You don't believe much of what you read in the papers do you? - Mr Canterbury: I do much of what I read about gas. I want to get pure gas as well as pure bread. - Mr Ellery: You are getting it pure I hope. Going on to explain for the benefit of the Jury, Mr Ellery said it was purely a question of the amount of carbonic oxide, and as carburetted water gas contained more carbonic oxide it was more poisonous. - The Coroner: You start then with the fact that water gas is more poisonous, and it raises the poisonous properties of coal gas just in the proportion it is used. - The subject then dropped, Mr Ellery remarking that, as the Coroner had said, had it been coal gas simply the result would have been the same. - Dr Bloxam said when called he regarded the case as a serious one. As the result of a post mortem, he found pressure on the brain produced by the poison in the air. Death was due to poisoning from coal gas mixed with carburetted water gas. - The Jury found accordingly and Mr Canterbury said the Inquiry had brought out the need for greater caution even than before, because the mixture of the gas made it more poisonous than before. He hoped there might be some lesson learned from this. - Mr Ellery: The lesson is to turn off the tap of the gas when you go to bed.

EXETER - Mr Gould held an Inquest at Exeter on Tuesday relative to the death of WILLIAM STEPHEN HORE, a brushmaker, aged 46. Deceased's son said his father seemed to be much upset on Sunday night and complained of pains in his side. He always had those pains when he had been drinking, but he had never threatened to take his life. Witness went to the house where his father lived on Monday morning and getting no answer broke through the window, and found his father hanging from a beam. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

EXMINSTER - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held at Exminster on Thursday by the Deputy Coroner (Mr Burrow) into the circumstances attending the death of MRS DOMMETT, the wife of MR DOMMETT, of Hooper's Farm, Exminster. It appeared that MRS DOMMETT was driving her four children and the servant in a governess cart along the road from Exminster to Kenn. When about a mile from Exminster the pony shied and attempted to bolt through a gate, which was open, at the side of the road. While going through the gateway one of the wheels came in contact with a large stone. The vehicle was upset and the occupants were thrown to the ground. Unfortunately, MRS DOMMETT'S neck came in contact with a stone fixed at the side of the gate and she was killed on the spot. The children and servant received no injuries. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TEMPLETON - Suicide At Templeton. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr A. Burrow) held an Inquiry at Templeton Cross, on Tuesday, into the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS WILLIAM POLLARD, 28, labourer, of Common Close cottage, Templeton, who was found dead in his house on Sunday, June 3rd. - Rev. J. Fowler was chosen Chairman of the Jury. - ALICE CHARLOTTE POLLARD, wife of deceased, said she last saw him alive on Saturday morning. Deceased had a restless night, and in the morning witness gave him a cup of tea with an egg beaten up in it. Later on, with deceased's knowledge and consent, witness went to Exeter to purchase some eggs for their poultry farm, and to see deceased's parents. Deceased accompanied her for some distance and appeared to be quite cheerful and well. Witness told him she should be back on the following Monday. Deceased had told her a day or two before that if his father did not come on Friday it would e too late. Witness did not know what deceased meant, and when she got to Exeter she told his parents. They became alarmed and deceased's father returned with her on Sunday morning. On arrival at Templeton they were told that deceased was dead. About a month ago deceased cut his thumb and since then he had been gloomy and despondent. he had sustained a rupture, which recently became worse and that had depressed him. He had told witness that all the neighbours were against him and that they must sell off and be gone as quickly as they could. Before witness left deceased to go to Exeter she offered to stay, but he said she ought to go, as he had had a holiday at Easter. She had no idea he would take his life or injure himself in any way. He had left no letter or communication of any kind which would furnish an explanation of his action. He had told witness that there was something troubling him, and that she should know what it was some day. - John Stone, road contractor, of Templeton, said he had known deceased for three years. On Thursday morning deceased and witness were at work in a quarry. Deceased stayed there for some time and then picked up his bag and tools and left without saying anything. Witness saw no more of him and on Sunday morning went to his house. The dog was outside and the back-door was partly open. Witness went inside and found deceased sitting on a chair fully dressed. He was dead. Witness sent for a Policeman and tried to get someone to go for a doctor. When P.C. Howe arrived witness went for a doctor. The Constable afterwards showed witness a razor covered with blood, which he found by the stairs. - In answer to the Foreman, witness said that since deceased cut his hand he had had very little to drink. On the previous Tuesday witness and deceased were tying wood in a copse when deceased suddenly stopped work, stared fixedly at the ground in a peculiar manner and then reeled. Witness sat him down and in half-an-hour's time he recovered and went on with his work. - P.C. Howe, stationed at Cruwys Morchard, said he was sent for at noon on Sunday. On arrival at the house he saw deceased, who had one arm in an armchair and his shoulder resting against the mantelpiece. He was dead. An examination of the body showed that his throat was cut. Witness searched the room and found the razor, covered with blood, under the stairs. - Mr C. E. Liesching deposed that on Sunday afternoon he was called to go to deceased, but as it was almost impossible for him to do so, and as he was told deceased had been dead some hours, he did not go. He had seen the body that morning and found a cut in the neck below the chin. the wound was an unusual one, the cut being straight down from the chin, instead of across. The arteries were severed and deceased must have died from loss of blood. - The Coroner, in summing up, referred to the evidence of the witness Stone as to deceased's condition on the previous Tuesday. Knowing that deceased had passed a restless night on Friday, his wife ought not to have left him to go to Exeter. If she had stayed at home it was probable that deceased would still have been alive. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased Committed Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 24 July 1900
EXETER - Drowned At Exeter. - At Doublelocks, near Exeter, Tuesday, Mr A. Burrow held an Inquest on SUSAN BOWERS, aged 25. - MRS SARAH DAVEY, mother of deceased, said there had been something very strange about her daughter for some months. There had been no quarrel. On Sunday deceased went out for a walk, and wore witness's brooch. Witness told her to take it off, but deceased refused and smacked her mother's face, and said she intended to kill her. Deceased was a thorough good Christian girl, and the only quarrel was about the brooch. They had got all right again before her daughter went out for a walk. Deceased might have been going to see some friends at Topsham. On one occasion her daughter walked to Tiverton. She had never threatened to commit suicide. It was not a fact that the neighbours had hissed her (the witness) on account of her treatment to her daughter. Deceased was too good to be treated badly. - Mrs Kate Harper said on Saturday evening deceased told her she had had a little unpleasantness at home in consequence of her mother wanting to take away a brooch she had given her. The girl seemed strange in manner. She had never complained before. There appeared to be "upsets" between MR and MRS DAVEY. - Henry Edward Taverner, a lad, deposed to seeing the body in the water. He at once telephoned to the Police. He could do nothing else as he was unable to swim. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

TIVERTON - Suicide At Withleigh. - An Inquest was held at Withleigh on Monday afternoon by Mr L. Mackenzie, Borough Coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of ABRAHAM BLAKE, a labourer, who on the previous Saturday was found dead in an outhouse at his home. - Mr Redwood was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was ABEL BLAKE, farm labourer of Withleigh Mill, deceased's brother. Witness said his brother was 56 years old and had been living with him since he gave up his house on the death of his wife, who was killed by a traction engine accident at Withleigh about two years ago. Deceased had been married twice. Witness had not noticed anything unusual in the state of deceased's health, although his appetite had not been so good lately. Witness last saw him alive last Sunday week. He went to the spot where deceased was, after he had been cut down by Osmond, and he identified him as his brother. Deceased went away as usual to his work last Saturday morning. Witness could not say if deceased was insured. - EMMA BLAKE, wife of the last witness, said she had noticed nothing unusual about deceased when last she saw him alive, which was on Friday evening. He came home about eight o'clock, had his pipe of tobacco and went to bed. Next morning he got up about six o'clock, but partook of no breakfast prior to his leaving, which was contrary to his ordinary custom. - James Osmond, quarryman, living at Withleigh and employed by the Tiverton Town Council, deposed that on Saturday morning as he was going to his father's garden he had occasion to pass an outhouse, the door of which was wide open. Looking in he saw a man's back facing the entrance and noticed that he had round his neck a rope, which was fastened to the rafters of the ceiling. witness immediately pulled the rope, which was tied in a slip-knot and let the body down. Deceased was quite dead; his hands were cold, there was blood in the nostrils, but there were no signs of life about him. The rope was one deceased used when pig-killing. Deceased's feet were just touching the ground. - William Gooding of Quirkhill, said deceased came to his house last Friday morning, about nine o'clock and asked for a drink of cider. Deceased drank it, and just as he was leaving said "I shall be under a clod before a fortnight. That's the last cup of cider I shall ask 'ee for." Witness thought he was joking and did not ask for an explanation. - The Coroner, having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict "That deceased Committed Suicide by Hanging whilst in a fit of Temporary Insanity."

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 14 August 1900
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Friday on the body of MR WILLIAM SOUTHERN, retired schoolmaster, of Kenton, who expired suddenly in the Higher Market. Evidence of identification was given by the REV. W. T. SOUTHERN, son of the deceased, who accompanied his father to the Exeter Market on Thursday. During the afternoon the deceased becoming ill, fell and expired before medical aid could be summoned. He was 72 years of age and during the past ten years had suffered intermittently from paralysis in the side. Verdict "Death from Natural Causes."

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 21 August 1900
TIVERTON - Fatal Fall At Uffculme. Thatcher's Death. - On behalf of the Tiverton Borough Coroner (Mr Lewis Mackenzie), Mr A. Burrow, of Cullompton, held an Inquiry at the Tiverton Infirmary on Monday evening, into the circumstances attending the death of JAMES HOWE, a thatcher, who died at the Institution on the 11th instant, as the result of injuries sustained by falling from a rick at Pound farm, Burlescombe on 30th July. Mr D. Couch was elected Foreman of the Jury. - James Sampson, in the employ of Mr Badcock of Pound Farm, Burlescombe, said he was with deceased when he was engaged in thatching a rick on 30th July. Deceased was carrying some reed to the top of a rick and had ascended about nine rungs when he fell to the ground, pitching on his right leg. Witness place deceased against the side of the rick and procured a trap, and with Mr Badcock's assistance he was put into the vehicle and taken home to Uffculme, where Mr Barrow saw him and ordered his removal to the Infirmary. - Mr R. M. Wood, House Surgeon, said that when deceased was admitted to the Infirmary on 30th July his right leg was found to be broken six inches above the ankle and one of the bones was protruding through the skin. It was impossible to reduce the fracture and as deceased was greatly exhausted splints were applied and the fracture thoroughly examined by Mr C. E. Liesching, assisted by Dr Welsford and witness. The fracture, which proved to be a very bad one, was dealt with. The same evening deceased appeared to be progressing favourably but next day signs of gangrene were manifest. A consultation was held and amputation decided on as the only chance of saving deceased's life. Dr Welsford amputated the leg at the thigh and witness and Mr C. E. Liesching assisted. For a few days after deceased appeared to be better, but at the end of the fourth day his temperature began to rise, semi-consciousness set in and gradually sinking deceased passed away on the 11th instant. The cause of death was shock and exhaustion due to the amputation rendered necessary by the fracture. - JAMES HOWE, gardener, of Tiverton, son of the deceased, said his father was 67 years of age. Witness last saw him alive on the 9th instant, but deceased was then unconscious and the only remark he had made about the accident since he had been in the Infirmary was that he had fallen off a ladder. - In reply to a Juryman, Mr Wood stated that it would have been much better if deceased had had his leg put into splints before being brought to the Infirmary. It might have prevented the bone coming through the skin of the leg. - Deceased's son stated that when Mr Barrow examined his father the fractured bone was protruding. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 11 September 1900
WELLINGTON, SOMERSET - Fatal Accident At Westleigh. - Mr T. Foster Barham, Coroner for the Division, held an Inquiry at the Squirrel Hotel, Wellington, on Monday, as to the death of FRANCIS JOHN DREW, aged 35, a quarryman, of Redball, Holcombe Rogus, who died at Wellington Cottage Hospital from injuries received while at work at Westleigh Stone Quarries. From the evidence given it appeared that deceased and a man named Twose were working on a plank about 12ft. to 15ft. from the ground, drilling a hole for blasting. A quantity of loose material, estimated about two tons, fell from about 8ft. above the men. It caught deceased at the end of the plank and broke both the upright and the plank. At the Hospital it was found that deceased had a compound fracture of the left leg and that several of his ribs were broken. He died the next day. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a recommendation that the removal of over-hanging material should not be included in the price per ton paid to men on piece-work for quarrying stone.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 18 September 1900
HEMYOCK - Found Dead. - On Friday morning the infant child of MR GEORGE HUTCHINGS, Ashculm, was found dead in bed. The doctor being unable to certify the cause of death, P.C. Townsend communicated with the Coroner, Mr Cox, of Honiton. The post mortem examination was made by Dr Date, of Culmstock, and an Inquest held on Saturday. The medical evidence was to the effect that the child died from suffocation. The Jury, of which Mr John Wide was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 9 October 1900
SAMPFORD PEVERELL - Killed Near Sampford Siding. Labourer's Shocking Death. - The Great Western train, which leaves Exeter at 6.40 p.m. and passes Sampford-siding about 7.30, on Tuesday night, knocked down and killed a man named WILLIAM LOCK, mutilating the body in a dreadful way. Whether it was an accident or suicide is not known. There is no crossing at the point (a few yards above the bridge towards Burlescombe), neither could the deceased have got through the hedge on either side. The body was much mutilated, the heart being found yards from the trunk, and the head still further away. On the arrival of the train at Bristol, a portion of the deceased's shirt was found attached to the engine. LOCK was a bachelor and for a great number of years had been in the employ of Mr Robt. Pearce, of Whitnage, Uplowman, as an agricultural labourer. - The Deputy Coroner for the district (Mr A. Burrow) held an Inquiry at the Hare and Hounds Inn, Sampford Peverell, on Wednesday, into the circumstances surrounding the death. - THOMAS LOCK, the brother with whom deceased lived, said he last saw him alive at 7.30 on the previous morning. Deceased told him he was going away for the day, and he had told a neighbour that he was going to the doctor. He was then in his usual health. He was not at all deaf and, so far as witness new, had no trouble. Since harvesting deceased had complained of feeling something in his head. - Robert Pearce, farmer, of Uplowman, said LOCK had worked for him for thirty years. He used to drink more than was good for him. On the previous morning he sent word that he was not very well and should not come to work. His son inquired for him at his house, but he had then gone. - Valentine Wreford, farmer, of Burlescombe, said his daughter told him on the previous evening that she had seen a man on the line and that she believed a train had gone over him. He went down and found the body on the up line; and, having told the signalman, put the part of the body into the six foot way. - Sophia Wreford, ten years of age, and daughter of the last witness, deposed that she was on the railway bridge at Sampford-siding on the previous evening and saw a man get over the rails at the side of the line. He walked a little way across the track and then turned round and an up train came along and knocked him down. - Henry Holcombe, landlord of the Waterloo Inn, Burlescombe, said he had known the deceased for ten years. At about nine o'clock on the previous morning he met deceased at the railway bridge near where the accident happened. He said he was going to Uffculme to see the doctor. At 6 o'clock the same evening he came to the Inn, and witness asked him how he was. He replied that he felt ill. Witness asked him if he would have some tea, and he said he would have a pint of beer and try to go home. He was quite sober, and asked witness to have some cider as they might not see one another again. He kept on consulting his watch and said he could go home in an hour. He left the house at twenty minutes to seven, having wished witness good-night and shaken hands with him. - William Holwell, engine driver in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, said he was driving the 6.40 p.m. passenger train from Exeter on the previous day. He "felt a noise" just as he passed the siding; and when he got to Burlescombe he examined the engine and found blood and a piece of a man's shirt on it. he at once gave information to the signalman. He saw nothing on the line. - P.C. Fewings spoke to finding the body badly mutilated near the up line. He picked up the pieces and got the body to the Inn. The girl Wreford had pointed out to him the spot where deceased got on to the line and upon measuring it he found that it was about 80 yards from where the accident happened. There was no public crossing at the place of the accident. The deceased "took a drop" occasionally. - Witness had that day seen Dr Burrow, deceased's club doctor, who said he had not been there. He was told by a man named Welland that deceased was quite sober at 2.30 p.m. when he saw him at the Lamb. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead," being unable to state whether it was a case of suicide or an accident.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 23 October 1900
TIVERTON - Sudden Death At Crazelowman. Inquest. - Before the Tiverton Borough Coroner (Mr L. Mackenzie) at Crazelowman on Monday evening, an Inquiry was held into the circumstances attending the death of MR JAMES PERRY, occupier of Rollifants Farm, Crazelowman, who expired suddenly on the previous Saturday morning whilst engaged in milking. Mr J. Luxton was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The deceased's widow, SARAH ANNE PERRY, said her husband, who was 59 years of age, had occupied Rollifants farm for 11 years. He was in his usual health up to a short time ago, when he began to complain of pains in his chest, more particularly on the left side. He did not take much notice of his illness, however, and would not accept her advice to see a doctor. He became very thin, but was able to continue his work as usual. On Saturday morning witness and deceased had been milking the cows, when deceased came towards her carrying a milk bucket and holding his hand to his chest. He complained again of pain, and she advised him to have some whiskey. He said he had had some and she told him to have some more. They went into the house and she put a flannel across the place where the pain was. Deceased then resumed his work in the cow-shed, but after a while stood up and then fell to the ground. She ran to his assistance, but he did not speak, and she thought he died straight away. A child happened to be passing and Mr Maunder, a neighbour, came to her assistance. Deceased was then carried into the house, but Mr Maunder expressed the opinion that death had already taken place. A doctor was, nevertheless, sent for and on his arrival deceased's death was confirmed. - MISS CLARA PERRY, a daughter of deceased, gave confirmatory evidence as to her father's apparent good health and cheerful spirits till quite recently. - Mr Francis Maunder, dairyman, said his farm was close to Rollifants. While at work on Saturday morning, he heard MRS PERRY scream, and going to Rollifants, found her with her husband in her arms. Deceased breathed only twice after witness's arrival. They removed the body to the house and a doctor was sent for. - Mr R. Dickson Shiels, Medical Practitioner, Tiverton, deposed that he saw deceased between 9 and 10 a.m. Death had taken place on his arrival. There was nothing to account for death and he had since made a post mortem examination. The heart was slightly enlarged and fatty, and there was evidence of disease in the aorta. Deceased's stomach was much distended with gas and half-digested food. He was of opinion that death was due to angina pectoris, accelerated by the distended state of the stomach. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

CULMSTOCK - On Monday an Inquest was held at Hillmoor as to the death of an infant, SYDNEY JOHN SALTER, son of EDITH SALTER. The Jurymen were Messrs. F. J. Cormier, Browning, Blackmore, Kerslake, Westlake, S. Milton, J. Norman, W. Summers, J. Pike, W. Coombes, W. Fowler, H. Orchard, Carter, J. Dunn, and J. Davey. - Mr F. J. Cormier was chosen Foreman. The verdict arrived at was "Accidentally Suffocated."

TIVERTON - A Tiverton Child's Death. The Importance Of Medical Aid. - The Borough Coroner, Mr Lewis Mackenzie, held an Inquest at Ashley on Wednesday afternoon upon the body of MABEL KINGDOM, the twelve months old daughter of GEORGE and LUCY KINGDOM, of Bushmount Cottage, Ashley, whose death took place early the previous morning. Mr Thomas Arthur Beck was the Foreman of the Jury and P.C. Norrish was the Coroner's Officer. - The mother stated that she had been married twelve years, and the deceased was her ninth child. All the others were living now. Deceased was just a year old and had never had any illness. She had never nursed her, but had fed her by bottle. Her food had been raw milk and sugar diluted with water and occasionally she had had pickings from the food partaken of by the rest of the family. The child was in its usual health up till Monday morning, when she seemed rather heavy and dull, and appeared to have a difficulty in breathing. Witness thought she was suffering from bronchitis, and Mrs Rattenbury, a neighbour, expressed a similar opinion. The child was therefore poulticed with linseed meal and camphorated oil on both chest and back. As she did not seem to be dangerously ill, a doctor was not sent for. The food was taken as usual throughout Monday, and at night deceased slept in her cot by the kitchen fire, witness sitting by her the whole time. She did not seem to sleep much, but at the same time she did not cry out and took food regularly. At six o'clock in the morning she last had some and then went to sleep. Half-an-hour later she died, quite unexpectedly to witness and Mrs Rattenbury, who was subsequently sent for. No doctor had been sent for as no danger was apprehended. Deceased was insured for a sum of money upon reaching a certain age. - Mrs Anna Jane Rattenbury, a neighbour, said the child was breathing with difficulty on Monday, but as she did not seem seriously ill it was not thought advisable to send for a doctor. They both thought it was bronchitis. - The Coroner: do you know that bronchitis in a child of that age is one of the most fatal things we have? - Witness: I have always thought it was a severe cold. - The Coroner: It's more than that, it's most dangerous. If you thought the child had bronchitis your duty was to at once send for a doctor. In future, if you ever see a child breathing tightly and rapidly you may know that that child is in danger, whatever you may think. - Witness: The child didn't seem severely ill. - The Coroner: What you mean by severely ill is dying. It's too late then; the chance of curing the child is all over. If you were to wait until it got blue in the face and was panting for breath, with blue lips and ashen cheeks, you would be waiting until the child was dying. I don't want to throw any blame on you, because there is no responsibility on your part except that you are the older woman of the two. Another time your duty will be to suggest no poulticing or anything else except sending for a doctor. You will then take no responsibility. - Witness: If we had thought the child was so ill we should have done. - The Coroner: Undoubtedly, this little child has lost its life through the want of being seen to. There's no doubt about that. - Witness: I have had my children the same and have done the same and relieved them. - The Coroner: You may relieve twenty and miss the twenty-first. But at any rate you have no right to take responsibility. - Witness: I didn't know I did. - The Coroner: You were assisting in not sending for a doctor. - Witness: I said nothing. - The Coroner: I think it would have been better if you had. Of course, she as the mother of eight children, ought to know as well as you. I want to impress upon you and I want you to impress upon MRS KINGDOM that it is no use waiting until the child is so ill before sending for a doctor. It's neither doing the child any good nor the doctor any credit. - Dr Robert Dickson Shiels said the father came to him the same morning and asked for a certificate, saying the child had died suddenly. After putting some questions to him, he told him it was impossible to give a certificate, not having seen the child at all. He had since made a post-mortem examination of the body, which he had found to be that of a fairly nourished child. The stomach, liver and kidneys were normal, but there was really pneumonia of both lungs. From his examination and the evidence he had just heard he had no doubt that the cause of death was catarrh and pneumonia primarily and cardiac failure. - The Coroner: Do you suppose that if the child had been seen by a doctor and treated differently its life could have been saved? - Witness: I hardly think so. The disease was rather extensive. - The Coroner: Can you account for the mother of eight children not recognising that it was a serious case? - Witness: With such a lot of them running about they don't pay much attention. - The Coroner: You think the more they have the less they look. - In summing up, the Coroner said it would form no part of the Jury's duty to inquire into the conduct of the parent under those circumstances. She had done her best probably, although that was a very bad best. He only mentioned that in case they felt that they ought to take some cognisance of the fact, because there had been recently several deaths where no medical man had been called in. It was unfortunate for those where it occurred, and it was awkward for the Jury, because they had to be called wherever a child died without a medical man. In the present case the mother had explained that she did not realise that there was any danger, and when she said that he thought she said all they must expect her to say. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 6 November 1900
ASHBURTON - Mr Kellock, Deputy Coroner, and a Jury Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of ELLEN TAYLOR, 44, a domestic servant, of Ashburton, on Tuesday. The evidence shewed that she had made a purchase of laudanum to cure toothache and the medical testimony was that death was due to poisoning. Verdict: "Death from Misadventure."

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 11 December 1900
BARNSTAPLE - Disorder In Barnstaple Market. - At an Inquest on MARY JANE RICHARDS, a Yarnscombe farmer's wife, aged 73, at Barnstaple on Thursday, it was stated that deceased, in the market about three weeks ago, was knocked down by two young men. - Miss Beer said it was purely accidental, but the young men were careless, a sudden turn round causing the accident. MRS RICHARDS was taken to the Infirmary suffering from a fracture of the hip and died on Wednesday. - Some of the Jurors thought that the young men should have been called. - The Coroner said they had promised to attend, but he could not call them except they were willing to give evidence, which might or might not incriminate them. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict, the Jury expressing the opinion that the conduct of young men in the market was open to censure, and that having regard to complaints, better order should be kept in the market.

SAMPFORD PEVERELL - Inquest At Sampford Peverell. - Mr A. Burrow, Deputy Coroner held an Inquest at the Globe Inn on Tuesday, touching the death of HENRY BURR, travelling umbrella repairer, aged 77, who was found drowned at Halberton on the previous afternoon. Deceased was a well-known character in Tiverton and the district, where he has pursued his humble vocation for many years. - George Pinson, inn-keeper, Sampford Peverell, identified the body. - Mary Ann Perkins, housekeeper for Mr Marks, of Venn Farm, Halberton, said she had known deceased as a travelling tinker and umbrella mender for years. On the previous day he called at Venn and asked for a job. Nothing, however, required repair, and she gave him some cider as well as some bread and cheese. He was quite sober and made no complaint. He said he was 77 years of age and was going across the meadows on to Mountstephen, a farm close by. - William Parsons, farm labourer, Willand, and Samuel Vinnicombe, labourer, Willand, spoke to finding the body in an irrigation gutter upon Venn Farm. Deceased was lying on his back and the water was two and a half feet deep. His hat and jacket were on the bridge close by. - Mr John Joule, M.L.R.C.P., of Sampford Peverell, said he had examined the body. There were no marks of violence and he should say the cause of death was drowning. The body had, in his opinion, been in the water about an hour. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 18 December 1900
CREDITON - Suicide At Crediton. - Early on Tuesday morning the Master of Crediton Workhouse (Mr W. W. Smith), who was called by one of the inmates, found that HENRY BUCKINGHAM, an inmate, had strangled himself by tying his handkerchief to the banisters and sliding down the stairs. The deceased was in such a position that it is thought he could have easily have saved himself from death had he cared to do so. - The deceased was 69 years of age, and until about twelve months ago had resided in Queen's-place, Crediton, for a number of years. Just over a year ago his wife died. This troubled him greatly. Within a few weeks his daughter-in-law also died, leaving three children under two years of age. His son, the father of these children, being in the Reserves, was called on to proceed to South Africa, where another brother - like the former, an Engineer - was engaged in the war. The deceased entered the Workhouse about a week ago. - The Inquest was held at the Union Workhouse on Wednesday afternoon, before Mr A. Burrow (Deputy Coroner). The Jury were Messrs. C. Kiell (Foreman), H. Burridge, J. Trickey, W. Reed, J. W. Denner, A. Bicknell, W. Doddridge, W. Labbett, S. Gillard, H. Gillard, J. White, W. J. Southwood, and M. Oldridge. - Mr J. Buckingham and the Rev. J. Tucker, two of the Guardians were present, and Mr J. Wellington, jun., represented the Guardians. - HARRY BUCKINGHAM, son of deceased, living at Exeter, gave evidence of identification. He had never heard deceased threaten to destroy himself. He had had a lot of trouble lately, his wife having died, also his daughter-in-law, while he had two sons at the front. He was a temperate man. He (witness) was much surprised to hear what had happened. - William Luxton, an inmate of the Workhouse, said he had known HENRY BUCKINGHAM for years and had never heard him threaten to take his life. About a quarter to seven on Tuesday morning he saw him hung by his handkerchief to the iron railings. He was lying on the stairs. He at once went for the Master, who immediately cut him down and laid him on the bed. He was quite dead, however. - Sidney Hooper, Workhouse porter, said deceased did not appear depressed on Monday, when he last saw him; he appeared as usual. His behaviour had been good in the House. - Walter Wilson Smith, Master of the Workhouse, said he had known deceased since June 11th, the date of his first admission. He was last admitted on the 5th. He had never threatened to take his life. He had always told him that he had had a lot of trouble. On Monday night, about seven o'clock, he last saw him alive and the following morning he was told that BUCKINGHAM had hung himself by the rails. He at once got him down. He was quite dead, but not cold. He did not think he had been dead more than a few minutes. One end of the handkerchief was tied in a slip-knot around the neck and the other to the rails. The body was partly supported on the stairs. - Dr W. Scott Campbell, Medical Officer of the Workhouse, said he had known deceased for many years. He had frequently attended him for various complaints. He saw the body about 11 o'clock. The cause of death was strangulation. He could not actually say he was of unsound mind, but he thought his condition would probably account for the act. - The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane, and expressed sympathy with the relatives in their trouble.

Tiverton Gazette (Mid Devon Gazette), Tuesday 25 December 1900
THORVERTON - Thorverton Man's Sad Death. Inquest. - Mr Alfred Burrow, Deputy Coroner for the district, held an Inquiry at the Exeter Inn, Thorverton, on Tuesday afternoon into the circumstances surrounding the death of a labourer of the village named TOM WAY, 22 years of age, who died at the Inn early the previous morning. Mr R. Wippell, J.P., was chosen Foreman of the Jury and P.S. Clarke and P.C. Ley were present on behalf of the Police. - ELIZABETH WAY, mother of the deceased, was the first witness called and she gave her evidence with a continuous manifestation of grief. Having identified the body as that of her son, she added that he left home at four o'clock on Saturday. She expected him home in the evening, and, knowing that he was in a weak state, she waited up for him all through the night. He did not however return, and she knew nothing of his whereabouts until the next afternoon when she was fetched and told he was very ill at the Inn. She at once went there and found him unable to speak. At the suggestion of those around him, she went to Dr King Lewis and asked him to go to her boy's assistance. He asked her if he belonged to a club, and she replied that he did not. He then said she must go to someone else, as he never got paid by the WAY'S. He was not going to give his medicine for nothing. He suggested that she should go to Dr Puddicombe of Silverton, but she answered that she feared her son would be dead before he could come. She went to another son and got him to drive to Silverton. She stayed at the Inn until Dr Puddicombe came, and after that saw nothing of the deceased until a quarter to one in the morning when she was told he was dead. She knew of no reason why her son should want to go there; she only wished she did. He had been drinking for a long time, but had been under a doctor at Exeter. Last Christmas he had influenza, and ever since he had been weak. He also had a chill and had always said his weakness was in his legs. There was never any unpleasantness at home. He had never before stayed away and she could not understand his going there. - A Juryman (Mr J. Milford): Is it a fact that he came home at half-pat three, having left work at one o'clock and been to the "Dolphin," and that after paying his lodge he went away because there was nothing there for him? - He had is dinner, or whatever he liked of it, and I made him some fresh tea. - Mr Milford: I am informed that he paid his lodge, gave you 1 ½d. for a glass of beer, and walked away again directly because there was no dinner for him. - Begging your pardon, his dinner was in front of the fire, and he had it. - The Coroner: How much did he eat? - He ate the meat and the bread, part of the vegetables and he had some of the tea. - The Foreman: Had you a thought when he left that he was not going to return? - No, sir. - Mr Milford: When you found he did not come home did you go and inquire for him? - I waited hour after hour. - Mr Milford: It's all very well to talk about waiting. We know what it was as far as that goes. If you didn't go to inquire it would look as though you didn't expect him. - The first thing in the morning I gave a report. - Another Juror (Mr Potter): is it not a fact that for many months past your son has been taking but very little food, nothing but drink and smoke? - Begging your pardon, he has been taking fatter food. He has had his meals and he has taken more than he used to. - Mr Potter: Your statement just now that he had had very little to drink for a long time I am sure is wrong, because I have seen him the worse for drink for a long time. - No, you have not. - Several Jurymen: Yes. - Mr F. Milford: Do you say you went to the doctor who asked if he was in a club or not? - Certainly I do. - Mr Milford: And he would not come unless he was in a club? - Dr King Lewis is no man. - Mr Milford: He refused to come and see your son because he was not in a club? - That isn't all he said, either. Perhaps it will be heard another day. - The Coroner: If you have anything to say you must say it. - He said my son was not going to have his medicine for nothing, because he never got paid by the WAY'S. But that wasn't all. The right thing will stand. - Witness was pressed as to what Dr King Lewis further stated, but gave no intelligible answers. She knew a lot, she said, but that was all she wished to say. - Henry Copp, landlord of the Exeter Inn, said he had known the deceased for a number of years. He used to come there occasionally, but not regularly. He was not at home on Saturday when deceased came there, but at six o'clock he saw him in the bar drinking brandy. Deceased said, "I've asked the missus for a bed here. I suppose it will be all right, Harry." Witness said, "Why do you want a bed here, TOM? Why don't you go home." He replied , "Oh, me and the old lady have had a word or two at home and I shan't go home tonight." under those circumstances he granted a bed. Deceased gave him no further particulars, and he did not ask for any. He had nothing either to eat or drink after the brandy at six o'clock. Deceased wished him "goodnight" at a quarter past ten, and then went to bed without having made any complaint. Next morning he stayed in bed, but witness took no notice of this as it was Sunday. At dinner time witness's little girl called him, but got no answer. At closing time, half-past two, witness himself went up, and, receiving no answer, went into the room, and found him lying in bed insensible. His wife bathed his forehead with cold water, and they then sent for the mother and constable. He had not seen deceased under the influence of drink for five or six years. When he called at the house he usually drank brandy. - Sergt. Clark: Isn't it a fact that he was lying down by the double doors intoxicated at half-past eight? - Not to my knowledge, sir. - P.S. Clarke: When the constable came in at 10.30 why didn't you ask him to go down and see his mother and advise him to go home, a man of the village? - I didn't think of it, sir. - P.S. Clarke: Don't you think it was your duty to do so? - I didn't see that it was. We gave him the bed out of kindness. I shouldn't like to turn anyone out of doors. - P.S. Clarke: You had no need to. He lived in the village and you could have sent to his mother. - Sophia Copp, wife of the last witness, said deceased had never to her knowledge taken too much drink. He sometimes called, and latterly his drink had been cold brandy and water. He came in on Saturday at about a quarter after five and after being there some time he asked if he could have a bed there. She asked him why he was not going home and he said there had been some unpleasantness at home. He said no more about it, but she told him she would rather that he went home. As far as she knew he only had one threepennyworth of brandy, and a lemonade. He had never complained to her of anything at home. - P.S. Clarke: Is it true he was lying by the double doors at half-pat eight? - I think not, sir, because I don't know that he left the house. - Mary Salter, a widow, of Thorverton, said she had known deceased since he was born. He was her grandson. At his mother's request she came to the Inn on Sunday afternoon and remained with him until death. He did not speak at all during that time. - Robert Short, labourer, of Thorverton, and brother-in-law to the deceased, said WAY, when he left his mother on Saturday afternoon at four o'clock, said he should be home to supper. There was no unpleasantness at all at home. He had never heard an angry word pass, and his mother tended him like a young child. There was no row on Saturday. Deceased went home at about three and stayed there until just before four. Then he asked his mother to get his jacket for him as she was going out. - He would swear that no words passed between them. He could only account for his wanting to stay at the Inn so that his mother should not know that he was ill. - Mr Milford: did you go to Exeter by the quarter past three train on Saturday? - Yes, sir. - Several Jurymen: The man didn't go home until half-past three. You don't know any more than you have been told. - The Coroner: How did you know all this if you were at Exeter? - I have heard his mother say it, sir. - The Coroner: Why didn't you tell us so, then. All you have told us about his coming home and going again and there being no row is only what the mother has told you? - I believed his mother. - A Juryman: How do you know he went home on Saturday? - His mother told me. - The Coroner: You know nothing about it. - James Tree, labourer, of Thorverton, said he saw deceased in the Inn at about six o'clock. - Replying to a Juryman, witness said he vomited at a quarter to eight whilst in the dancing room. He was quite sober, and he considered the dancing brought it on. - Dr Edward Leonard Puddicombe, of Silverton, said he was sent for on Sunday afternoon to see the deceased. When he arrived he was quite insensible, suffering from coma. It was impossible to get any symptoms, but it struck him at the time that he had been a heavy drinker. Of this, however, he had no absolute proof. He attended him during the night until he died. At about seven o'clock he showed symptoms of improvement and became nearly conscious, but then he had a very bad convulsion and that practically ended it. Next day, witness made a post-mortem examination of the body. The heart was pale and fatty and the muscular tissue flabby, and the stomach quite empty and contracted. The liver was very large and congested and the tissue soft - what was called a nutmeg liver. The kidneys were large and congested, and in the right kidney there was a large haemorrhage. The disease appeared to be of some months' standing. He imagined that he had that coma, which was common in kidney disease, brought on by some excited causes of which he was not aware. The cause of death was disease of the kidneys and liver, but the kidney was the chiefly diseased organ. A person suffering from that would be liable to get into a comatose condition. It would be brought on by excitement. It was doubtful if dancing would cause it, but alcohol would, being quite poisonous in all kidney disease. His legs were swollen, which again pointed to kidney disease. The cause of death was purely a natural one. - At the close of his evidence, the witness said he wished to thank P.C. Ley for the help he gave him in the post-mortem examination. - The Coroner said some of the facts in the case seemed to require some explanation, but the question of the row with his mother and his food did not matter. He was perfectly at liberty, if he were not satisfied at home, to get lodgings elsewhere, and when he came to the Inn it seemed to him it did not matter whether he had one or ten threepennyworths' of brandy. Had he died from alcoholic poisoning it would have been material, and it might be material with regard to the landlord of the Inn, whether or not he was justified in converting the man into a lodger. However, they had only to ascertain the cause of death, which, according to the medical evidence, was a purely natural one. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." They attached no blame to the landlord, one of the Jury remarking that the man was just as likely to have died in his shop as in the public-house.