Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1827-1831

Taken from the Western Times

[Printed in Exeter]

Inquests

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.

Provided by Lindsey Withers

[No's in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs]
 
Names included: Acton; Back; Badcock; Beavis; Bennis; Bolt; Bowden(2); Bowditch; Bradford; Brayley; Bricknell; Brittain; Burrough; Burton; Byne; Carlin; Carridge; Chaff; Channing; Chapman; Coggan; Cole; Coles; Collaway; Collings; Cornish; Crapp; Cudmore; Cummings(2); Curgenven; Daniell; Dare; Davey; Davie; Denselow; Dingle; Dodd; Duster; Edwards; Ellis; Ferguson; Fildew; Follett; Fowler; Gater; Gay(2); Giles; Gollop; Gregory; Hammett; Harding; Harris(2); Hart; Hawkins; Hayne; Hendicott; Hoare; Hodge; Hole; Holman(2); Hosking; Isaacs; Jenkins(2); Johns; Johnson; Joslyn; Kemp; Keys; Kittlewell; Knapman; Knighton; Lane; Lang(2); Langman; Leat; Letter; Ley; Lindsay; Locke; Manley; Marshall; Matthews; Mayo; McGinnis; Milson; Morgan; Morris; Newland; Nicholls; Odam; Odgers; Palmer; Pearce; Perring; Philips; Pike; Potts; Prince; Pyle; Pyne; Radley; Reed; Rogers; Rowland; Rugg; Scaddon; Scoines; Searle; Shepherd(2); Sheppard; Skardon; Skinner(2); Smith; Snell(2); Spurway; Squire; Stafford; Stevens; Street; Strong; Sweetland; Taylor; Thomas; Thorn; Thorne(2); Towell; Towler; Treble; Trible; Trowbridge; Tucker(4); Tuckett; Twine; Vicary(2); Vickery; Virgo; Wakeham; Walters; Watts; Webber; Weeks; West(2); Westacott; Westaway; Westcombe; Westcott; Woodrow; Wotton; Yeates; Yeo.

Western Times, Saturday 20 October 1827
OKEHAMPTON - On Tuesday an Inquest was held on the body of SUSAN PALMER, who fell out of a cart near Oakhampton and instantly expired. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 17 November 1827
EXETER - On Wednesday last, an Inquest was held at the Hospital, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of an elderly female, a char-woman, named JOHANNA MORRIS, whose death was occasioned by a severe burn. It appeared that she had been requested by her employer, on Monday last, to watch a small quantity of turpentine, (placed over an enclosed fire) for the purpose of making furniture paste, that in the act of examining it, a small portion slopped over, which taking fire, ignited the whole, and in her attempting to remove it, the blaze caught her wearing apparel and caused the injury of which she died the following day. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 24 November 1827
LYMPSTONE - A Coroner's Inquest was lately held at Lympstone on the body of MARY COLES, aged 6 years. It appeared she had been burnt in a dreadful manner on the 3rd. instant and died on the Tuesday following. She was buried without any enquiry, but it coming to the ears of the Coroner, the body was disinterred, and a Jury summoned; when it appearing that her death was occasioned by her clothes accidentally taking fire, a verdict was returned accordingly.

HONITON - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, esq. - On the 3rd. instant at Honiton, on the body of an infant, son of JOHN CARRIDGE, mason, aged 7 months. The child had been ill for some time of the hooping cough, and on the mother retiring to rest on the night of the 2nd instant, she suckled the infant, who was not then considered in a dangerous state, but on the following morning was discovered to be dead. Mr Woodward, the surgeon, attended the Inquest - he stated it was not uncommon for children having the hooping cough to die suddenly, and it was his opinion that the deceased had died in convulsions, verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

HONITON - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, esq. - On the 9th instant at Honiton, on the body of JOHN MARSH MAYO, whose death was occasioned by the explosion of rockets about his person, on the 5th of November, particulars of which appeared in our last - verdict - Accidental Death.

HONITON - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, esq. - On the 12th instant, at Honiton, on the body of HANNAH ELLIS, aged about 70. - Deceased, retired to rest on the preceding evening in perfect health - she resided with another woman, of the name of Anne Baker, and they both slept in the same room. Anne Baker stated on her getting up on Sunday morning she observed the deceased in bed, and considered her to be in a sound sleep, but finding she did not come down stairs at the usual hour, she called to her several times, and not getting an answer, went up and found her quite dead. - Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

Western Times, Saturday 1 December 1827
BICTON - A Coroner's Inquest was held on the 17th inst. at Bicton, before Isaac Cox, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JAMES PYNE, a waggoner in the service of Lord Rolle. His death was occasioned by a severe kick on the stomach, received while harnessing a horse on Thursday se'nnight. Medical assistance was immediately procured, but he died on the following day. Verdict, - Accidental Death.

TALATON - Also, on the 20th at Tallaton, on the body of HENRY SKINNER, Jun., aged about 31. The deceased had lived in the service of Mr Joshua Cook, at Ottery, but had left about three weeks, since which his mind had been much depressed. On the morning of Friday last, he rose about 3 o'clock, prepared himself some broth, took it, and again went to bed. He complained of not being able to get any rest, and at day-break he rose again, telling his father, that if he was not better, he should not be able to go to work. About 8 o'clock, his mother-in-law discovered him hanging to an apple-tree in the garden, quite dead. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 8 December 1827
STOKE RIVERS - On Wednesday last T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of MARY HARDING, aged 67, a pauper in the Workhouse at Stoke Rivers, who had dropped down and died suddenly, on the morning of the same day. Verdict, Visitation of God.

Western Times, Saturday 15 December 1827
EXETER - Accidental Death. - As an old man named COGGAN, was, on Tuesday evening last, driving a barrow up the middle of Paris-street, just as the Defiance coach was passing, he was knocked down and the wheels passed over his left leg and otherwise so injured him that he died the following morning. On Wednesday an Inquest was held at the Hospital where he had been conveyed, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, when the Jury after hearing the witnesses, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." It is but justice to state, that no negligence was ascribed to the coachman or guard, the usual caution having been observed of blowing the horn, and driving at a moderate rate. It is truly lamentable to reflect, that an old man, nearly 80 years of age, partly blind and deaf, should have occasion, or, if he had any friends or relations, be permitted to drive a barrow up a Street badly lighted, through which so many Coaches are daily passing.

Western Times, Saturday 19 January 1828
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - An Inquest was held, in St Thomas, Exeter, on the body of MR WESTAWAY, a respectable farmer, of Payhembury, who was accidentally rode over, a few days previous and who died in consequence of the injuries received.

CHITTLEHAMPTON - On Tuesday last an Inquest was held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, at Chittlehampton, on the body of WILLIAM HAMMETT, aged five years, who was so dreadfully burnt by his clothes taking fire, that he died soon afterwards. The mother was not absent from her house ten minutes during which time the melancholy accident occurred.

Western Times, Saturday 2 February 1828
EXETER - On Monday last, an Inquest was held at the Star Inn in this City, before S. Walkey, Esq., on the body of HARRIET NEWLAND, aged 34, who died suddenly on the preceding evening. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

UFFCULME - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, Esq., Coroner. - On the 14th ult., at Uffculm, on the body of MARY BURROUGH, widow, aged 82 years, who was found dead in her dwelling-house the preceding day. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God. "

HONITON - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, Esq., Coroner, - On the 18th ult., at Honiton, on the body of JOHN FILDEW, Seedsman, aged 52 years; on the morning of the 17th, deceased complained of having a pain in his side, an emetic was administered to him in the evening, and his feet put in warm water. His wife retired to bed, and in the morning when she awoke she discovered that her husband was dead. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

NORTH MOLTON - On Tuesday an Inquest was held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MICHAEL THORN, a child five years of age, who lived with his uncle, Farmer Shapland, at Walmscott, in the parish of Northmolton, and who on the preceding Sunday fell into a bucket of boiling water, which had just been put on the floor, and was so much scalded as to cause his death the day following.

EXETER - On Tuesday last, a Coroner's Inquest was held at the Colledge Kitchen, in this City, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a woman called MARIA LONG, who destroyed herself by taking arsenic. She cohabited with a man named Washington, who travels as a mender of china, and committed the rash act in a fit of jealousy; and a verdict returned accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 9 February 1828
CHURCHSTANTON - An Inquest was held by Isaac Cox, Esq., Coroner, on the 29th ult. at Clivehayes Farm, in Church Taunton, on the body of ROBERT HARRIS, a youth aged about 15, who was found that morning suspended to an apple-tree, in an orchard belonging to the Farm. Deceased was an apprentice bound by the parish, to Mr Rich. Blackmore, a respectable farmer and maltster, with whom he had lived six years, during which time he had behaved himself with great propriety and his master was consequently much pleased with him. On the morning of the 28th Mr Blackmore went from home, but previous to leaving gave direction to the deceased to rack a hogshead of cider and look after some malt. He duly attended to both these orders, and left his masters house about 12 o'clock; at two in the afternoon he was seen in a meadow belonging to the farm, setting want snaps. He did not return in the evening, and the family became alarmed and went in different directions to find him, but without effect. He was discovered in the morning as above described, in a pit orchard, called West Wood, some distance from the farm, quite dead. When found he had a want-snap, with a want in it, in his hand. The Jury returned a verdict of "Felo-de-se," and the Coroner ordered him to be privately buried in the Church-yard of Hemiock, within 24 hours of the time of finding of the verdict, and between the hours of nine and twelve at night. No cause for his rash act could be traced, except a slight rebuke, he received from a young girl in the house, and who was on that morning in the malt-house with him, and for whom it seemed he had formed some attachment.

Western Times, Saturday 23 February 1828
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Another of those melancholy accidents we have so frequently to report, took place at the Exminster quarry, on Wednesday last. JOHN MILSON, of St. Thomas, while in the act of loading a rock, by its premature explosion, was so seriously injured, that he died almost immediately, leaving a wife and five children wholly destitute. The body was removed to the Plymouth Inn, St Thomas, where an Inquest was held on the following day, before T. Gribble, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict returned of Accidental Death. In all those cases, where it can be ascertained that iron rods are used, instead of copper, it ought to call forth the marked censure of the Jury, on such overseers of quarries, who, by permitting their use, shew such a careless indifference for the lives of those under them.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide. - An Inquest was, on Saturday last, held by R. R. Squire, Esq., on the body of SUSAN COLE, wife of a superannuated sergeant, who resided in Richmond-street. It appeared, the deceased had been afflicted with an asthmatic complaint, and had long been confined to her house, in consequence of which her temper had undergone a complete change and symptoms of mental distraction had on many particular occasions, as well as in her general conduct become apparent. On the 12th, taking advantage of the momentary absence of her daughter, she cut her throat with a razor, and was immediately afterwards discovered leaning over a bucket into which the blood was pouring profusely. After committing the fatal act, she took an affectionate leave of her family, and soon afterwards lost her sight and speech. Verdict, Insanity.

STOKE DAMEREL - On Thursday se'nnight, a labouring man, named WM. KITTLEWELL, was found dead at the foot of the cliff, at the old Gunwharf- field, near Devonport. He was employed with others to clear the back premises of a house in Richmond-walk and one his companions having in the course of the work broke his shovel, the deceased was dispatched to Devonport for another. His way was through the Gunwharf-field, and it is supposed, that owing to the darkness, he missed the path, which runs near the edge of the precipice and fell over. An Inquest was held on the body and a verdict of Accidental Death returned.

Western Times, Saturday 8 March 1828
BUCKLAND BREWER - On Tuesday last an Inquest was held on the body of HENRY SQUIRE, before F. Kingdom, Esq., at Buckland Brewer, who hung himself the day before in a barn belonging to Mr Fulford, with whom he lived as servant. Verdict - Insanity. The deceased is the man who shot Sarah Glover, his fellow servant, on the 12th of Decr. last when the verdict was Chance Medley.

VENN OTTERY - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, Esq., - On the 5th ult. at Ven-Ottery, on the body of SARAH PYLE, aged two years, daughter of MR JOHN PYLE, a farmer. It appeared that in the morning of the preceding day, the deceased was walking across the kitchen reading a book which she held in her hand, and accidentally fell into a large iron boiler full of boiling water, which had been just taken off from the fire and placed in the room without a cover - she was taken out immediately and medical assistance procured, but she died in great agonies in the evening. - Verdict - "Accidental Death."

UPLYME - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, Esq., On the 20th ult. at Uplime, on the body of JOHN PIKE, an infant child of W. PIKE, aged 6 months. PIKE is a higler, and he and his wife attend the markets of the neighbouring (the mother towns; on the morning of the 18th they left home first suckling the infant) and intending to return on the Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. the deceased was left in the care of their five other children, the eldest not being more than 12 years of age, and no other person in the house. On the Monday night the infant (who was in good health) was placed in bed between one sister aged 10 and another aged 2 years, the eldest sister lay also at the foot of the same bed. The child awoke in the night and cried, when a candle was lighted, and after some time he went to sleep again; about daylight he was discovered laying on his face quite dead. - Verdict - "Died by the Visitation of God," and the Jury cannot refrain from severely condemning the conduct of the mother in taking the child from the breast and leaving him to the care of children of such tender years as she has in this instance done.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 March 1828 EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Sudden Death. - A young man, named RICHARD STEVENS, 19 years of age, from Tamerton Folliot, had just entered St Thomas, on Monday last, on his way to Exeter, to give evidence, at the Assizes, when he reeled, fell, and instantly expired, without exhibiting the least previous illness. An Inquest was held, at St Thomas's Workhouse, before J. Gribble, Esq., Coroner, and a verdict returned, Died by the Visitation of God.

THORVERTON - On Thursday se'nnight at Thorverton, WILLIAM MARSHALL, 20 years of age, shot himself through the head with a pistol, the Jury on the Inquisition, returned a verdict of Felo-de-se.

DARTINGTON - An Inquest was held at Dartington, near Totnes, on Thursday, on the body of a young woman called SEARLE, who threw herself into the river Dart, the day previous. She had been subject to fits, and a verdict of Lunacy was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 29 March 1828
BRENT - A shocking accident occurred at Buckfastleigh, on the evening of the 3rd instant. Two young men of Brent, named PERRING and Luscombe, being in company with two young women at the former place, engaged in a dispute with a family called Crossman, living near the bridge at the eastern end of the town; after some time, however, they both ran off on the Ashburton road, leaving their companions behind, and were pursued by Crossman and his three sons; perceiving an opening in a hedge a short distance from the town, which they naturally expected led into a field, the young men attempted through this to make their escape, but, unfortunately, the evening being very dark, and they unacquainted with the place, both at the same moment jumped into a quarry pit upwards of 20 feet deep, where they were afterwards found by their pursuers in a most deplorable state. They were conveyed back to the town. The injuries sustained by PERRING have proved fatal; he lingered until the 11th instant, when death terminated his sufferings. Luscombe was also materially injured, but we are glad to find he is likely to recover. An Inquest was held on the body of the deceased, at Brent, by J. Gribble, Esq., on Friday week, when, after a most patient and laborious investigation, rendered necessary in consequence of various reports in circulation, stating that the poor fellows had been ill-used after they were discovered in the pit, A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and no circumstance was elicited attaching the least blame to the Crossmans.

Western Times, Saturday 5 April 1828
BISHOPS TAWTON - An Inquest was held by T. Copner Esq., on Thursday last, at Bishop's Tawton, on the body of ANN LOCKE, aged four years, whose clothes caught fire while playing with her brother, about two years old; the mother had left the kitchen but a short time before, and on her return observed the poor girl (through the window) in flames; she was so much burnt as to cause her death the following morning. - Verdict, - Accidental Death.

HOLSWORTHY - An Inquest was held on Sunday last, at Holsworthy, on the body of URBANUS PEARCE, husbandman, aged about 55, before Francis Kingdon, Esq., Coroner. It appeared that the deceased had been for some time insane, and on Saturday cut his throat with a knife. Verdict - Cut his Throat in a Fit of Insanity.

Western Times, Saturday 12 April 1828
EAST STONEHOUSE - Drowning From Upsetting A Pleasure Boat. - On Monday an Inquest was held at Stonehouse by A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of ELIZ. JOHNS, a young woman, aged 19. It appeared that the deceased in company with 10 or 11 others of her own age, went out on Sunday, to take a sail in the sound, in a jolly-boat. One fool hardy youth, persisted in climbing to the mast-head, and was deaf alike to all the screams of the girls, and the cautions of his comrades, on going up the second time, the boat overturned, all on board were thrown into the sea. They were however rescued by the offices of H.M.S. Mersey, a considerable time elapsed before they were all picked up, and the unfortunate girl deceased was found entangled in the ropes under the boat. She was landed on Stonehouse Quay, but all means to restore animation failed. - The Jury returned a verdict "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Saturday 19 April 1828
SWIMBRIDGE - Inquest held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, - On Saturday last on the body of --- KEMP, the unfortunate man who was so dreadfully mutilated by the falling in of a quarry in the parish of Swymbridge, where he was at work. Verdict - Accidental Death.

CHULMLEIGH - Inquest held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, - On Sunday last on the body of JOHN VICKERY, who was for many years Parish Clerk of Chulmleigh; on Thursday evening he walked out to Ringsash, where at a public-house he drank some beer and was afterwards taken so ill as to be obliged to be put to bed, and on the next evening he expired. It having been currently reported that his death had been accelerated by some improper means, the body was opened, but the appearances not justifying such a conclusion, the Jury returned a verdict of - Died by the Visitation of God.

Western Times, Saturday 17 May 1828
STOKE CANON - On Saturday last, an Inquest was held at Stoke Canon, before James Partridge, Esq., one of the Coroners for Devon, on view of the body of JAMES SPURWAY, a postilion in the service of Mrs Street, of the Hotel, in this city, who was drowned the preceding afternoon. It appeared the deceased and another post-boy of the name of Horsham, were on their return from Tiverton, each with a pair of horses, and at Stoke bridge entered the Culm, for the purpose of washing them, when the horses SPURWAY rode getting into a pit, sunk; on rising again to the surface, SPURWAY was still on the horse, but immediately fell backwards, into the deep water. Several persons had by this time assembled, but not one able to swim, nor was there anything at hand by which to lay hold of him, or throw to his assistance; and though the distressed Horsham put his own life in jeopardy, his unfortunate companion, after once or twice rising to the surface, disappeared from view. About a quarter of an hour after the accident, Major Chichester rode by, and being informed of it, instantly plunged into the river, - three times he essayed the bottom of the pool, but the water being foul, to no purpose. Shortly after, another casual passenger repeatedly dived, but to no effect and the body was finally recovered by means of iron hooks tied to a rope. From evidence adduced before the Coroner, it appeared between 20 and 30 years ago, a person bathing in the same pool was drowned; - and the pool is smaller now than at that time, a quantity of gravel below, having been taken to repair the road at the end of the bridge, by the County Surveyor, which has given the water a free passage. That about 40 years ago, the arch of the bridge immediately above the pool was rebuilt by the County and the platform or bed of the river, under the arch is considered to be so constructed as to disturb the gravel and crate the whirlpool; - that it is a dangerous pool, particularly to strangers, and has never been fenced from the highway, which highway was raised and repaired by the County, about 10 years ago. And the Jury returned a verdict that SPURWAY was Accidentally Drowned; - and presented the County for suffering the nuisance to remain. - SPURWAY had been 7 years in the service of Mrs Street, and was a sober and faithful servant. - The horses were got out without injury.

EXETER - N. CHANNING, of Silverton, aged 70, fell from his horse and broke his thigh; from the effects of which injury, he died at the Exeter Hospital after four weeks illness. An Inquest was held on Monday last. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 24 May 1828
MARWOOD - Suicide. - by one of those events so appalling to human nature, but which it is greatly to be lamented are of so frequent recurrence, the respectable family of Lee House, Marwood, are involved in the deepest distress; GEORGE LEY, Esq., the proprietor of the Mansion, has for some time past betrayed considerable aberrations of mind, and it is rumoured that he had more than once before attempted self-destruction; but it does not appear that he has latterly exhibited any increased degree of indisposition, or that he experienced any unusual excitement; but between the hours of eight and nine o'clock on Tuesday morning he retired into the drawing-room, from whence a report was soon after heard of the discharge of fire-arms; his son, in the utmost alarm, instantly ran into the room, where a most horrid spectacle presented itself to his view, his father lay extended on the floor a breathless corpse, with the upper part of his head completely blown off. The instrument he employed was a double barrelled fowling piece, the stock of which he had rested on the sofa, and the muzzle he had applied to his mouth. Thomas Cooper, Esq., Coroner, held an Inquest on the body at one o'clock the same day, who found no hesitation in returning a verdict of Insanity.

Western Times, Saturday 31 May 1828
TORRINGTON - On Sunday last a Coroner's Inquest was held before F. Kingdon, Esq., on the body of WM. PHILIPS, of Black Torrington, a servant of the late Mr Leach of that place, who was found drowned in the river Lue, in the parish of Hatherleigh; it appeared that the deceased was returning home from Okehampton Market the night before, and unfortunately fell in. Verdict, Found Drowned.

Western Times, Saturday 7 June 1828
BRAUNTON - On Saturday last, an Inquest was held at the house of John Peard, Esq, of Lobb, in the parish of Braunton, on the body of GEORGE WEEKS, a man servant, whose death was occasioned by taking a quantity of arsenic. It is supposed he purchased the deleterious drug on the Friday preceding at Barnstaple, where he was sent by his master with a load of wheat. On his return home, being taken very ill, he was put to bed and died about twelve o'clock at night. He had shown symptoms of depression of spirits for two months previous to the commission of the fatal act.

Western Times, Saturday 21 June 1828
PLYMSTOCK - On Saturday an Inquest was held by A. B. Bone, Esq., Coroner, at Oreston, in the parish of Plymstock, on the body of MARY ANN WEST, late a servant in the employ of Mrs Hicks, a widow-lady residing at that place. - By the evidence of several witnesses, it appeared that some months since she formed an attachment for young man, who was about to marry her, but subsequently died in prison. This circumstance preyed on her mind at times she was heard to say that "she was bewitched, and could not tell what was the matter with her." About a fortnight ago, she persuaded her sister to purchase for her some poison, under the pretence that it was to be used for killing rats; she afterwards shewed it to a woman occasionally employed in the house and told her that if any person offended her, she would take it, and requested the woman to see that a lock of hair, and a pocket-handkerchief, given to her by her sweetheart, were placed in her coffin. On Thursday afternoon she put her threat in execution, and notwithstanding the immediate application of the stomach-pump, she expired at three o'clock on Friday morning. Verdict - Temporary Insanity.

SIDMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Sidmouth. Further Particulars. - An Inquest was taken at Sidmouth, on Friday last, before James Partridge, Esq., one of the Coroners for Devon, on the body of the unfortunate CAPTAIN POTTS, whose death we noticed in our last. From the evidence, it appeared that the evening was calm, and the sea unruffled when the party left, having gained about two miles, and while under press of sail, a squall from the N.W. through the Windgate Hills, struck and instantly capsized the vessel. Many persons on the beach witnessed the accident and from the calm state of the sea distinctly saw those who had been thrown out, struggling in the water. Mr Thomas Stocker (a brother) instantly manned a boat and pushed off to their assistance; notwithstanding hard pulling, it was half an hour before they came up with Mr Rhaban, who was quite senseless floating on his back. Having taken him into the boat, they proceeded a few yards and found Mr William Stocker supporting his brother George, in a state of complete exhaustion, the upper part of his head only appearing above water. CAPT. POTTS had sunk, and his body was not picked up till Friday. The attention of Mr Thos. Stocker, who is a surgeon, was anxiously excited towards his brothers and friend, who lay senseless before him, and directing every exertion to be made to reach the land, commenced the use of friction and other means to restore animation in which happily he was successful. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned. The lamented CAPT. WILLIAM POTTS was 25 years of age; his remains were interred on Tuesday, at Starcross, five mourning coaches filled with sorrowing friends following him to the grave, to which he was borne by 24 seamen who had searched for and found his body. The Mr Stockers, Mr Rhaban, and Radford and Bolt, the boat-men were present; they all appeared perfectly recovered, and the former gentlemen express their gratitude for the kind enquiries of their numerous friends.

Western Times, Saturday 28 June 1828
Western Times, Saturday 21 June 1828 - On Wednesday morning a serious accident befel MR THOMAS WATTS, son of MR GEORGE WATTS, painter and glazier, Bilbury-street. While engaged on a ladder, painting the front of Mr Hearle's house, near the post-office, a cart, belonging to the Workhouse, passed unattended by the driver, who had loitered behind (a practice too prevalent in this town) the wheel of which came in contact with the ladder, and threw it on the pavement, with its unfortunate occupant; the ladder fell upon him and struck the left temple with frightful violence. The poor man, who is married, has four young children, was picked up senseless, amidst the shrieks of terrified observers, and carried to his father's house, close by which medical assistance was obtained. Up to the time of writing this account, twenty-four after the accident, the unfortunate young man had not uttered a word, or evinced any other symptoms of animation than faint respiration. No hopes were entertained of his recovery. We would remark by way of caution, that the recent Improvement Act demands the attendance of a person at the foot of every ladder placed in our streets. The shameful carelessness of the man entrusted with the horse and cart, which led to his catastrophe, cannot be too severely censured. PLYMOUTH - The young man, named WATTS, whose misfortune we noticed in our last, lingered in a state of insensibility till Sunday last, when he died of a contusion on the brain. In the evening of that day, and by adjournment on the following, an Inquest was held on the body, before Mr Robins, solicitor, in the absence of Mr Squire, Coroner. The evidence produced elicited no other facts than those stated in our last. Verdict, Accidental Death; deodand on horse and cart, £1; in addition to which Mr Robins has since resolved on indicting the driver of the cart for leaving his horse. On Wednesday morning the body of the deceased was interred attended by an immense train of respectable friends and tradesmen, in deep mourning.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - On Thursday last a fatal accident occurred at Moreton-hampstead. As a boy of the name of NICHOLAS HOLMAN, was driving a cart near the town, the horse took fright, - the boy in endeavouring, as it is supposed, to impede the progress of the horse, fell and the wheel passed over his back; from the injury received he soon after expired. - On Friday an Inquest was taken before Joseph Gribble, Esq., one of the Coroner's for Devon, on the body of the unfortunate youth. - Verdict, Accidental Death - and a deodand of 1s. on the wheel of the cart.

Western Times, Saturday 5 July 1828
BISHOPS TAWTON - On Monday last, an Inquest was held at Bishop's Tawton by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, on the body of GEORGE TUCKER, 22 years old, who was drowned in the Taw the day before. It appeared that in company with several other young men, he went to bathe, and swam across to the opposite side and in attempting to return he was unable to contend with the strength of the current, and sunk in very deep water. It was nearly an hour before the body was taken up.

STOKE DAMEREL - On Monday last, an Inquest was held at the Workhouse, Devonport, by the County Coroner, on the body of SARAH ROGERS, an inmate of that establishment, who died on Saturday. She had for a considerable time refused her food, under the impression that poison would be administered to her: and her obstinate perseverance in this respect, produced a miserable state of debility, which caused her death. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 12 July 1828
AWLISCOMBE - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, Esq. - On the 26th ult. at Awliscombe, on the body of ELIZABETH DARE, of Awliscombe, aged 3 years. The father and mother of the deceased, together with the remainder of the family, had been busily employed on the above day, in a hay-field adjoining the house, and deceased had been amusing herself also there. About one o'clock, the mother, not seeing her in the field, enquired where she was, and not gaining a satisfactory answer immediately went in search of her, followed by the father of deceased, and several others, when the body was discovered in the mill dam near the house; it was instantly removed and restoratives promptly administered; but the vital spark had fled. Verdict - Accidentally Drowned.

CULLOMPTON - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, Esq. - On the second instant, at Haywoods in the parish of Cullompton, on the body of JOHN SHEPHERD, dairyman, aged 51 years. Deceased had been unwell for the last two or three months, but not prevented thereby from working. On the preceding day he had been assisting in a hay field, and on his return home had gone to a pump in the court to wash himself, (his wife being in the same court milking;) after he had finished he went into the house, and was soon after followed by his wife, who found him lying on the floor quite dead, having fallen from the chair on which he was sitting, in a fit. Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

EXETER - An Inquest was held on Monday last, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, at the Golden Ball, in this city, on view of the body of JANE LINDSAY, who threw herself into the river, on Sunday night, near the lime kilns. It appeared that deceased was the wife of a journeyman paper-maker, at Countess Weir Mills, was 42 years of age, had been married near 20 years, and had 3 children living. The marriage had been an unhappy one, and about 7 years since the husband had left her, and cohabited with another woman at Bath, by whom he had a child. He returned about 7 months since, and they had since been living together, though very unhappily, up to the Wednesday previous to the fatal act. On her husband's leaving her, and at times afterwards, she had shown symptoms of an aberration of mind, the injuries to her feelings seeming to weigh heavily on her spirits. On the day in question some quarrel had arisen between them, and she left her husband's house, and repaired to her sister's in St. Mary Arches Street, where not being enabled to lodge for want of room, she went on St. David's Hill and procured a lodging, where her conduct became very strange, accompanied by hysteric affections; and on Friday, medical aid was sought and a pupil of Mr Tucker, who is the parish surgeon, saw her, and directed that she should not be left, and that all destructive weapons should be put out of her way, and also sent her some medicine. - On the Saturday she seemed much better, and employed herself in sewing, &c. During the time of her stay at the lodging, she had repeatedly solicited the woman of the house to read and pray by her; and employed herself in reading from a prayer and sacrament book, on the Sunday, though she declined going to church. In the evening she said she had been engaged to work at Mr J. C. Williams, near the lime kilns, on the banks of the Exe, and that she was to go there and sleep that night, to be in readiness to commence her business early in the morning, and asked the woman to accompany her to the house. Her sister called on her in the meantime, and knowing she had been employed at Mr Williams' before, fully credited what she said, and agreed also to accompany her and the three set off from St. David's Hill, with that intent. Having taken Mary Arches street in their way, the company of the woman was thought unnecessary, and she returned home. The two sisters went into the house together; but the unhappy woman having said that she had left her spectacles behind, her sister went up stairs to procure her husband's for her use, and on her return was alarmed at not finding her sister. At first she thought she might have hid herself, but a search proving vain, the thought of her disordered mind flashed on her recollection and she immediately procured a lantern and went in quest of her distressed sister, in the direction of Mr Williams' residence. There all was silent, but near Mr W.'s house, the bonnet and shawl of the deceased were discovered. Alarm being given, search was immediately made, but without effect; it was resumed at day break, and continued until ten o'clock on Monday forenoon when the body was found. It appeared that the unfortunate woman was seen just before 11 o'clock, sitting on the ground, within a short distance of the water, in front of a large door near Mr W's premises, by Harriet Tout and William Attwood, who went up and several times spoke to her, but finding her not disposed to answer, pursued their way. The Jury returned a verdict "Destroyed herself while labouring under Temporary Derangement."

Western Times, Sunday 3 August 1828
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death By Excessive Drinking. - On Monday last an Inquest was held at Stonehouse on the body of WM. COLLAWAY, who for the last few months had taken to habitual drinking. About three weeks since deceased took to his bed, and from that time had existed solely on spirits. A surgeon had attended him on the 14th of July, when he was labouring under a rheumatic affection, from the use of spirits; he had not seen him till after his decease, which he had no doubt was occasioned by excessive drinking. The Jury returned a Verdict accordingly.

EXETER - Coroner's Inquest - Supposed Murder Of An Infant. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday last, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, at the College Kitchen public house in this city, on the remains of an infant, found in a box at the said house. It appeared from the evidence of Mrs Smith, the landlady, that a woman named HENDICOTT, who has been for some time past in the workhouse, had taken a lodging at the College Kitchen about three years since, where she remained six weeks, leaving 30s. to pay, (three of which she subsequently paid,) and a box as security for the same. The day following that on which she took up her residence there, she was taken ill and a young man, whose name she was afterwards told was Pepperel, came to see her in the evening, and afterwards brought a box, and also assisted her upstairs. That hat box remained upstairs till within the last six months, when it was removed to the cellar, where it lay unopened till Tuesday last, when her husband, who perceived a very noisome smell to emanate from it, opened it to ascertain its contents. He proceeded to examine it and under a chemise and a bedgown, the only articles of wearing apparel it contained, he discovered the skeleton of a child. The box was strongly made, and so securely locked, that the hinges were obliged to be wrenched off to open it. She had no suspicion of the woman's being with child when she came there to lodge. - Two other females deposed that they had known and visited MARY HENDICOTT, when she was ill, but knew nothing of her having had a child. - The evidence appearing very unsatisfactory, the Inquest was adjourned till Thursday morning, when William Pepperel was called. He stated that he had known JANE HENDICOTT for five years, when he first knew her, she was living in Goldsmith's-street, and afterwards at the Maltster's Arms; he had seen her at the College Kitchen, and took a box there which he had made some time before, was never paid for it; he had seen her at different times after, but knew nothing of the contents of the box. - John Shears, an officer of the Corporation of the poor, stated that he was sent for to examine the contents of the box; and found in it some articles of linen and 2 letters addressed to JANE HENDICOTT. There was a chemise marked J.H. The woman HENDICOTT is now in the Workhouse and has had a base child. - JANE HENDICOTT was questioned as to the contents of the box, she spoke with much caution, denying all knowledge of the child. She stated the box to have contained some linen, a shaving box and razors, and other articles, and that it was left unlocked. Her statement was contradicted by Mrs Smith. - The Jury took a very minute inspection of the box, and its contents; and from appearances it was considered that the body must have been deposited there immediately after birth. The Coroner having remarked on the evidence, which was certainly far from satisfactory, they, in default of further testimony, returned a verdict - "That the skeleton of the child was found in a box belonging to JANE HENDICOTT, nearly decomposed; but how it came by its death, or by whom deposited did not appear by the evidence adduced."

Western Times, Saturday 30 August 1828
SIDMOUTH - Coroner's Inquest - Death By Fighting. - On Saturday last, a Coroner's Inquest took place at Sidmouth before Isaac Cox, Esq., Coroner. It seems that on Friday evening the deceased, RICHARD BOWDITCH, a labourer, about 30 years of age, quarrelled on the Beach with George Elliott, a carpenter, but both latterly employed in the Mackerel Fishery, about his (deceased's) share of a small quantity of fish, Elliott contending that as he had lain asleep on the Beach while the sein was shot, he was not entitled to any. Elliott, in a moment of irritation struck him, they however afterwards shook hands and parted, deceased saying on separating, "good night, this shall be ended tomorrow." About an hour after this BOWDITCH was seen in search of Elliott, with the avowed purpose of provoking him to fight; at a Mrs Barnes's where he called and Elliott was, the latter shrunk back in his chair so as not to be observed by the deceased and Mrs B. denied him. Notwithstanding this precaution the deceased lingered near Elliott's door, using violent expressions towards him; they at length came again in contact, when BOWDITCH set on and struck Elliott, who did not return the blow, and said in reply to the offensive expressions deceased was using, "nonsense, nonsense" and endeavoured to avoid him; the by-standers also interfered and held BOWDITCH, who exclaiming "Elliott, it shall be your life or mine" burst from them and struck him a severe blow in the face; still the other endeavoured to avoid him, but being again struck, appeared much irritated, and the combatants closed, and several blows passed; the rally ended in favour of Elliott, the deceased falling upon his hands, and knees, - he recovered his legs without assistance and the spectators again interposed, upon which Elliott threatened to serve one of them in a similar way, if he did not keep back; BOWDITCH coming instantly on, and again planting the first hit, - he essayed to repeat the blow, but mistaking his distance, missed and staggered forward; - whilst in this position Elliott's blow took effect, and the deceased fell down on his face. As he lay, Elliott repeatedly called on him by the most opprobrious names to rise; the unfortunate man was, however, insensible to these and all other earthly calls, and in this state the by-standers removed him to his own home. It was at first supposed to be merely stupor produced by intoxication, combined with the blow and fall, but, after a time, appearances too plainly told the fatal truth, - that life was extinct. Medical aid was now sought and promptly rendered, but it was too late; Messrs. Cock, Underdown and Hodge, junr., inspected the body, there were no external marks of violence, and they were of opinion that the nervous system, had, by the fall, received so great a shock, as to cause death. - The examinations were conducted at considerable length, the Jury putting many questions. Elliott and his friends and the friends of the deceased, being present, were informed that they were at liberty to put such questions as they chose to the witnesses. And that every publicity might be given and the truth elicited, the Coroner directed the doors of the room in which the proceedings were going on, to be opened to the public. - The examinations being ended, the Coroner explained to the Jury, the legal distinction between Murder , Manslaughter and Justifiable Homicide, stated, if they considered under the circumstances Elliott had used all the forbearance that could possibly be expected from a man in his situation and that the blows he had struck had been merely in self-defence, he would be entitled to a verdict of Justifiable Homicide. No words could justify blows, and had death followed the first quarrel on the Beach, Elliott certainly would have been guilty of Manslaughter. The intervening time and mode of commencing the second attack, however, gave a very different feature to the case, and he (the Coroner) was scarcely prepared to say, that however reprehensible the whole transaction might be, Elliott had done no more than any other man would have been driven to under similar circumstances; still he had no wish to lead them, - it was their verdict and not his that must be returned, nor in their consideration should they lose sight of the fact that the blows given on the Beach were the primary cause of what followed. - After some time spent in deliberation, 15 of the Jury returned a verdict of Justifiable Homicide; at the same time stating that 6 of their brother Jurors were of opinion the verdict should be Manslaughter. The Coroner directed that of the majority to be recorded. - A great concourse of persons attended the investigation, which excited much attention in Sidmouth.

THORNBURY - On Friday last an Inquest was held on view of the body of JOHN WALTERS, of Thornbury, before F. Kingdon, Esq., Coroner. Verdict, - Died by an Apoplectic Fit.

Western News, Saturday 13 September 1828 EXETER - On Monday last, a Coroner's Inquest was held at the Duke of York, public-house, in this City, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOSEPH HAYNE, whose death was occasioned by a violent fall on some stones, in a field in St. Sidwell's, when a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

DARTMOUTH - Melancholy Accident. - Last Saturday morning, at six o'clock, a loaded gun having been left in the yard of Mr Follett, Shipwright, at Dartmouth, the apprentice, DODD, a fine boy of fourteen years, not knowing it was loaded, snapped it off, when it burst and part of the barrel entered his head to the depth of 6 inches and killed him on the spot. An Inquest was held. - Verdict - Accidental Death.

DEVONPORT - Melancholy Death Of MR BOLT. - On Tuesday evening an Inquest was held in the Board room of the Parish Workhouse, on the body of MR BOLT, a genteel man, about thirty years of age, many years a Clerk in the employ of Messrs. Fox and sons, Merchants, of Britonside, Plymouth, who had been found the same morning lying dead in the road of Stonehouse Bridge Hill. The Jury after taking a view of the body heard the evidence of numerous witnesses, by whose depositions it appeared that the deceased had been drinking till a late hour the preceding evening, at the Monument, a respectable public-house, near the Town Hall, Devonport, which he left a short time before 11 o'clock, and returned again in company with a Mr Birdwood, a stationer. They were both rather inebriated. Mr Lane, the Landlord of the House, refused to serve them with any more liquor and they left the house. Between 12 and 1 o'Clock, Mr Birdwood after rambling about till that time, met the deceased in Quarry-street, and they went together to a house kept by a woman named Hughes; here they did not stay any great time, and they afterwards walked about the Town, until about half past two o'Clock, when they were seen by the sentry on duty at the Main Guard House, at the entrance of the town from Stonehouse, towards which place they appeared to go. The sentry observed that they were both in liquor, but they seemed to be on the most friendly terms, and Mr Birdwood was endeavouring to lead his unfortunate companion, who resided at Coburg place, Plymouth. On arriving at the turnstile, on the Embankment, at the top of the hill, the deceased said that he should go across the fields, home, and wanted Mr Birdwood to go that way; however, as Mr B. resided near the Hoe, an entirely different direction, and knowing the lateness of the hour he refused to accompany the deceased any further and accordingly the deceased proceeded on his way across the fields, bidding Mr Birdwood "good night." Mr Birdwood walked slowly down the hill, and waited some time at the bridge, to know if the deceased was following him. He did not hear any noise nor scuffle, and went home. Between four and five o'Clock the following morning some shipwrights in the employ of Mr Moore, were going to their work, they found the deceased dead in the road, lying by the side of the bank, on the left hand coming from Devonport. There were two severe contusions on the head of the deceased, but he did not appear to be otherwise injured; his pocket had not been disturbed, and his watch, money, pencil case, pocket book, and other articles were found quite safe. The body was not cold and perspiration had not closed. The men carried the body to the Marine Guard House, and the assistance of Mr Little, a medical gentleman, was almost instantly obtained, but he discovered that the deceased had gone far beyond the time when his powers could be of the least avail, as he had ceased to breathe for many minutes. When before the Jury, the Surgeon gave it as his opinion that the contusions on the head of the deceased were such as would most probably have been inflicted by his having fallen accidentally from the bank, which is between 15 and 20 feet high, and that they were not such as would lead him to believe that they had been inflicted by a bludgeon, or other instrument. He did not think that they were of sufficient extent to produce death, but certainly they must have rendered the deceased insensible, and from his being found lying with his face towards the ground, he considered that suffocation must have taken place. - The Coroner (A. B. Bone, Esq.) shortly addressed the Jury, and said, that in the absence of all suspicion, and also of any positive evidence as to how the deceased met his death, he thought they had better return a verdict of "Found Dead" as they could not find a verdict on a matter of conjecture; besides, if any new evidence should be hereafter produced, it would not prevent further proceedings being instituted. - Verdict, Found Dead.

Western Times, Saturday 20 September 1828
MUMBLES, WALES - Finding of the Body of the late MR CORNISH, Comptroller of Customs of Ilfracombe. - The remains of the unfortunate and much lamented MR CORNISH, late Comptroller (acting) at Ilfracombe, was to the great consolation of his relatives and friends, met with and picked up at sea, between the Worm's Head and Mumble Light-House, on Tuesday the 9th, instant, by the Happy Return, trading sloop, bound to the westward. The body was very much disfigured. - Mr Truscott, the master, ran his vessel into the Mumbles, and caused a Coroner's Inquest to be held on the body. The contents of the pockets were examined, and found to contain Cash amounting to 35s. in silver, his watch and seals, together with his cigar case. Neither of these articles however, led to any discovery, but in one of his coat pockets a pair of gloves, which bore his name "C. CORNISH, Ilfracombe" on one of them. A coffin was then procured and proper care taken of the remains, being placed for some time in the parish church. Truscott having thus humanely acted, put to sea, and strange to remark, was driven into Ilfracombe by contrary winds, on Thursday se'nnight. The circumstance was immediately made known to the family and friends of the deceased, when Captain Dalling, a resident gentleman of this place, dispatched his yacht to bring across the Channel the remains of this deserving officer. The yacht, through contrary winds, did not return to this port, until Saturday. So great was the anxiety at Ilfracombe, all Saturday, fearing the yacht would not put to sea, that private orders were sent to the Commander of the Palmerston steam-packet, by N. V. Lee, Esq., and Captain Harris, to bring over the remains with all possible care and despatch. On the arrival of the remains within the port, it was understood that the body was ready for interment. The funeral was very numerously attended: - the vessels had their colours raised to half-mast on this melancholy occasion, and a sort of solemn stillness was observed throughout the town. We scarcely can say too much in praise of the kind and christian feeling manifested by all persons in and about Ilfracombe during this distressing calamity. It is said that the widow and child of MR CORNISH have no regular claim on the Government, for any allowance; but it is hoped that as MR C. lost his life in the execution of his duty, their claim is sufficiently powerful on the Honourable Board of Customs, to cause it to swerve from its common course, on such an uncommon occasion.

Western Times, Saturday 27 September 1828
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - On Tuesday morning an accident of a distressing nature took place, by which a little girl about four years old, daughter of MR DINGLE, of St. Thomas, was killed. The driver of a cart belonging to Mr Smale, of Moreton, returning from the potato market, stopped with the cart at Mr Tucker's, Grocer, Fore-street Hill, whilst he went in for a sack of bran; the horse finding itself at liberty, walked off and went to the King's Arms, in St. Thomas, and in turning from the road into the doorway of the court yard, knocked the child down which was standing on the footpath; not being able to get away in time, the cart wheel passed over its head, and killed it instantly. An Inquest was held on the body, the same afternoon, and a verdict of Accidental Death, with a deodand of £3 on the horse and cart, returned.

DREWSTEIGNTON - An accident of a most singular nature, and attended with fatal consequences occurred on Friday se'nnight at Drewsteignton. MISS ANN KNAPMAN, of Drascombe, in that parish, was returning from school, in company with her brother, riding, as they had been accustomed, on two donkies; when nearly arrived home, MISS K. incautiously fastened the halter round her waist, and alighting, the animal gave a sudden spring, which brought her to the ground, and after being dragged a considerable distance, the infuriated animal kicked her so as to cause instant death. The unfortunate father was in an adjoining field, and hearing the cries of his children, hastened in the direction, but too late to render the required assistance. - An Inquest was held on Sunday, before J. Gribble, Esq., Coroner, when a verdict of Accidental Death was returned, with a deodand of 1s. on the Ass.

Western Times, Saturday 4 October 1828
STOKE DAMEREL - On Saturday last an Inquest was held on the body of a young woman named MARY ANN SNELL, who was found dead on Friday afternoon on the beach near the moor-stones, under the north west bastion of the Gunwharf at Devonport. - W. Martyn, a lad 14 years of age, deposed to the discovering the body, lying on her face. - J. Gilbert, a waterman took the body from the water. - F. Webb, gunner of his Majesty's ship Lyra, on the night of Thursday was the watch on board that vessel. He saw very early in the morning a boat coming as if from the trench at the Gunwharf, near the moor-stones, he hailed her and was answered by a man, who said in a surly tone No! the boat then passed under the stern of the Lyra towards Southdown. He saw only one man in her. - Margaret Swan saw deceased on the Thursday night, when she told her she was in the family way. She had said she would drown herself if ever she should be so. - Mr W. Baldy, Surgeon, deposed to there being no marks of violence. From the appearance of the stomach poison must have been taken and he was further satisfied it was so from the appearance of the intestines. She was eight months gone with child. He was of opinion her death was occasioned by drowning. - Mr Sparks, Surgeon, corroborated the statement of Mr Baldy, as did also Mr Tripe, Surgeon. - Charles Palmer, heard a cry of distress twice between 12 and 1 o'clock on Friday morning, near the Gunwharf, but did not take any steps to ascertain what it was. - Mary Palmer deposed to hearing a strange noise twice. Her husband in consequence went on the beach to see what it proceeded from, but saw nothing. - Several other witnesses were examined but nothing material elicited, and the Coroner summed up the evidence. - the Jury after a few minutes consultation, returned the following verdict: - "Found Dead, but how the deceased came by her death, whether by poison or drowning, no satisfactory evidence is offered to the Jury."

Western Times, Saturday 1 November 1828
EXETER - A most distressing accident happened on Monday last, on the Tiverton Road, to MRS SHEPPARD, of Marle-field house, which caused her almost instantaneous death. - As MR C. SHEPPARD was driving a gig from the house of his mother, in which she was seated, the horse by some cause unknown, took fright, when MRS S. in her anxiety to get out of danger, attempted to leap from the gig, but was for some time prevented by MRS S. holding her, she however, ultimately succeeded, and the heart-rending sight was presented to him of his parent first dragging by the leg in the step of the gig, and then stretched lifeless on the road. In falling to the ground she received a blow on the left side of the head, which caused a concussion of, and extravasation of blood on the brain, and also a severe compound fracture of the right leg. An Inquest was taken on the body on Tuesday morning, before Samuel Walkey, Esq., Coroner, when these circumstances being deposed to, a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

HONITON - At Honiton on Saturday last, a melancholy accident happened, by which a lad, son of MR TOWLER, a mason, was killed on the spot, and a man of the name of Hopping so severely injured that no hopes are entertained of his recovery. It was occasioned by the breaking of a ladder, which partly supported a scaffold, on which were two other persons, who happily received no injury. An Inquest was held the same day by I. Cox, Esq., Coroner, on the body of the boy when a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

EXETER - On Thursday an Inquest was held on the body of a man called JOSEPH LEAT, but more commonly known by the name of Topsham Joe. The circumstances which led to his death were the following; he had on the preceding Saturday quarrelled with a man named Hooper, and challenged him to fight; this was at first declined by Hooper, but the deceased giving him a blow, it was returned with such effect that the deceased was hit down; he however got up to renew the fight, but was prevented; on the following day he was seized with vomiting, and was taken to the Hospital, where he died on Wednesday of an internal injury received in the fight. The Jury, after a patient investigation, returned a verdict of "Justifiable Homicide."

Western Times, Saturday 15 November 1828
EXETER - A Case of Sudden Death. - On Monday evening last, as THOMAS STAFFORD, esq., was on his return to the Hotel, from dining with his friend, Capt. Bond, R.N. he all of a sudden expressed that he felt rather ill and had no sooner made the remark than he fell down and expired. It is supposed his death was occasioned by some sudden affection of the heart. An Inquest was held on the body, when from the statement of Capt. Bond, the Jury returned a verdict - Died by the Visitation Of God.

BISHOPS NYMPTON - Sudden Death. - On Monday last, an elderly man, of the name of HUGH NICHOLLS, of Bishopsnympton, was going to Dulverton, to see his son, who resides there; and when he came to the Cuckoo public house, about half way on the road, he went in to refresh himself with half a pint of beer; whilst sitting before the fire he complained that he was poorly and reclining himself on the settle, he never spoke again, and before medical assistance could be obtained, he was a corpse. A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body by T. Copner, Esq., on Tuesday. Verdict, - Died by the Visitation of God.

Western Times, Saturday 17 January 1829
TORRINGTON - A melancholy accident happened here on Thursday last: as RICHARD ISAACS, gristman, in the service of Mr Martin, miller, was returning home from his daily occupation, between the hours of seven and eight o'clock, he unfortunately fell into the canal and was drowned. In all probability, the accident was owing to the extreme darkness that prevailed. The body was not discovered until the next morning when a Coroner's Inquest was held before Francis Kingdon, Esq. and after a minute investigation, the Jury returned a verdict of Found Drowned. The deceased was a very honest, trustworthy man, and had been in the employ many years. He has left a widow and three children to lament their loss.

EXETER - An Inquest was taken on Tuesday before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a child named JENKINS, who, on the preceding day, during the absence of its parents from their residence in Mary-Arches-street, caught its clothes on fire, and was so much burnt as to occasion its death.

Western Times, Saturday 31 January 1829
SANDFORD - Shocking Occurrence. - On Sunday last, a hawker of earthenware, named JOHN BURTON, with three others in the same line, went into the park of Sir Humphrey Davey, Bart. in the parish of Sandford, near Crediton, to slide on a pond that was frozen over, and where three boys were similarly amusing themselves. The men were accompanied by a dog, and they had not been there long, when the gamekeeper of Sir Humphrey Davy approached them, armed with a double-barrelled gun and after a slight altercation threatened to shoot the dog if it was not immediately taken away. One of the men in the most civil manner proceeded to remove the dog. Some words were exchanged between BURTON and the gamekeeper, in which the latter charged the former with being a trespasser, which was retorted by BURTON'S pulling out a penny from his pocket, saying it was all the money he had, and he would pay that for the trespass. This provocation, slight as it was, threw the gamekeeper into a passion, when he damn'd the man for a rascal and threatened if he did not immediately leave the grounds, he would knock his brains out. In order to obey the mandate, BURTON retreated towards a wall, at the distance of about 3 feet high on the side nearest the ground, and about 8 or 9 feet above the road. The gamekeeper followed him and in his progress removed the stock of the gun from the barrels, and threw the former on the ground, and while BURTON was in the act of letting himself down on the outside of the wall, the gamekeeper struck him a most violent blow with the barrels just behind the ear, which fractured the skull in a most dreadful manner, the brains protruding through the wound and the unfortunate man dropped lifeless into the road. - A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body, at Long Barn, on Tuesday, before James Partridge, Esq., Coroner, and a most respectable Jury. The three men and the three boys were separately examined out of hearing of each other and the particulars were given by each in the clearest manner and without the slightest variation, except that the boys did not hear the threat made by the gamekeeper to knock the deceased's brains out. A verdict of Manslaughter was returned! The deceased is about 24 years of age and has left a wife and one child. The gamekeeper has nine children and his wife on the eve of her confinement with her tenth. Sir H. Davy gave his servant an excellent character, and in his general conduct he has always been considered a kind, though a passionate man. [Note: Western Times, Saturday 28 March 1829 - Devon Assizes. - John Phelp, 49, gamekeeper, charged with manslaughter and also on the Coroner's Inquest in having caused the death of JOHN BURTON at Sandford on Sunday the 24th January. John Phelp was found "Guilty of a very aggravated Manslaughter," and on Monday the prisoner was sentenced to 7 years' transportation.]

Western Times, Saturday 7 February 1829
BISHOP'S TAWTON - An Inquest was held on Tuesday last, by T. Copner, Esq., at Downrew, in the parish of Bishop's Tawton on the body of MARY RADLEY, aged 64, who was taken suddenly ill the preceding day, dropped down and died immediately. Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

Western Times, Saturday 14 February 1829
MARWOOD - Suicide. - On Friday last, MARY, the wife of FARMER TUCKER of Marwood, during the absence of her husband at Barnstaple Market, put a period to her existence. During the afternoon she suddenly left her domestic occupations and went out telling her servants she should return presently; her protracted absence excited alarm, and the whole family were engaged in a search for her; at length a servant man going into the hay loft to fodder the horses, found her suspended by a rope to a beam in the loft. It appeared that immediately on her leaving her house she committed the fatal act, as she was quite dead and cold when discovered by the man. - A Coroner's Jury sat on the body on the following day, when evidence was produced of numerous previous symptoms of insanity and a Verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 21 February 1829
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Devon and Exeter Hospital on Thursday last before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MARY WEST, who died in consequence of her clothes taking fire, as stated in our last, when the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 14 March 1829
TAVISTOCK - A melancholy accident occurred at Mount Tavy, near Tavistock, the seat of John Carpenter, Esq., on Friday last, an elderly woman, the wife of JOHN HAWKINS, coachman in Mr Carpenter's family for many years, and who lived at the lodge, went to open the gates leading to the house to admit a waggon load of hay passing, and whilst holding the gate, the waggon wheel came in contact with one of the stone piers, which was thrown down and fell with such force upon the poor woman that she was killed upon the spot; A Coroner's Inquest was held upon the body on the following day, and a verdict returned of Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 28 March 1829
EXETER - A melancholy accident occurred on Thursday, at Mount Radford School. We subjoin the evidence as given before the Coroner. It appears from the testimony of the boys who were present as well as of the superintendant, whose business it is to attend to the boys on the play ground and keep them out of mischief, that several of the boys were amusing themselves in a swing of a particular construction, which is in use at the Infant Schools, at the Deaf and Dumb Institution and other places, the boys heard the pole crack and immediately got out of the swing and moved away; that they were going to return to it when one of them saw the pole falling and called to the deceased who was walking very slowly out of the way. - Almost at the same moment the pole fell and struck the deceased in the temple. The attendant, who was at a distance of 10 or 15 yards, immediately came up and with the boys carried the deceased into the house. His death was instantaneous. No blame whatever is imputable to anyone. - The swing is of a less dangerous description than the old construction, from the breaking of the pole alone could any accident have occurred; and it appeared in evidence that Messrs. Hooper had been applied to for the best pole that could be obtained, and had selected the one in question, as a remarkably good one. It had been erected only 18 months, and there was every reason to suppose it would have lasted several years. The coroner was immediately sent for and held an Inquest upon the body on Friday. The Jury after hearing the evidence returned a verdict of Accidental Death. - John Gray, 13 years of age - About two o'clock yesterday, I and several boys were swinging upon the ropes of the swing. I had just swung round once, when the pole cracked, the other boys had been there for some time. - Some of the boys moved off immediately, some still held to the ropes. WILLIAM REED, the deceased, had been swinging but he had got off and was walking away very slowly. We were about to go on the swing again, when I observed the post move. I saw it begin to fall. I called out to REED that it was falling but before I had finished the word the post fell and struck him upon the head, he had a cap on. - REED fell and I observed a wound in his temple, he could neither speak or move. As we were carrying him to the house he gave one move and I think died immediately. - Thomas Kingdon and Edward Houston corroborated the evidence of Gray and stated that the only grown up person present was the attendant Richard Brooks, who was at a distance of ten or fifteen yards. there were eight or nine boys they thought upon the swing. - Richard Brooks: - I have been 12 months employed at Mount Radford, my business is to attend to the boys during the play hours, and to take care they do not get into mischief. I was going towards some boys who were at a little distance and had my back turned towards the place where the accident happened. I took the deceased up and carried him to the house, he had a deep wound in his head and was quite dead before we reached the house. - Thos. Ebbells (one of the Jurymen sworn): I served my apprenticeship to a carpenter and have been for 30 years acquainted with timber. I was for some time in the Plymouth Dock yard and what was called a taster of timber. I have seen the pole of the swing, it is Norway timber. It might have stood 7 or 8 years charred and tarred, there is no accounting for a pole breaking. I have been great part of my life at sea and have known a mast that had stood a gale of wind, break afterwards from an apparently trifling cause. - John Tyrrell, Esq. - The model of this wing was sent by the Infant School in London to the Infant School in Exeter. - It was found a source of great amusement and a very beneficial exercise and then adopted at Mount Radford, it has likewise been adopted at the Deaf and Dumb Institution, and at other schools. - George Brown, Esq. - I was requested to get the pole erected. I applied to Messrs. Hooper and with the assistance of them and a carpenter selected what they considered the best pole that could be obtained. It was charred and pitched and we believe it would last 8 or ten years. - We understand that the directors have given orders for the removal of the other swings, which will relieve the fears that may exist of the recurrence of similar accidents.

Western Times, Saturday 4 April 1829
EXETER - On Sunday evening last, a Coroner's Inquest was held at the Fuller's Arms, Rock's Lane, in this city, on the bodies of a male and female twin children. It appeared that the mother, named ANN GILES, about 30 years of age, unmarried, formerly of Brixham, had been living as a servant, and in other capacities, for some time in this city and neighbourhood and latterly at lodgings in the house of a man called Radford, a porter on the quay, whose residence was on the Friars. She had for some time complained of a dropsical affection, which had baffled the skill of different medical gentlemen. Radford, at the quarter changed his residence, and his lodger with him, and her exertions on that occasion were considerable. In a garden at the back of the new residence, there was a small shed and on Saturday evening, (to which time the moving had been protracted, in consequence of the illness of Radford's wife,) the woman GILES, went, just after 8, with a candle and lantern, and remained there three parts of an hour, when Radford called her, his wife needing some assistance. She answered she would be in directly; but as she did not come for some time, he again called her, when she complained of being unwell, but answered pettishly, that she would be in directly. Radford returned to his house and fell asleep and did not awake till 11 o'clock, when his fire and candle were both out, and GILES not being in, he again repaired to the shed, where he still found her, and apparently extremely ill. She requested him to call a nurse, named Baker, who sent for the additional assistance of a woman named Susan Hawkins, and together they rendered the necessary assistance. They found GILES drenched with rain from the inclemency of the weather and the imperfect security of the shed, and much exhausted. the evidence was very positive as to the death of both children, when born. - Mr S. Barnes and Mr P.C. De la Garde, surgeons, were examined and stated, that the children were full grown and had every appearance of health, and that it was remarkable that they should be both dead-born, but that they could discover no marks of violence on the bodies and that an anatomical investigation would not establish any facts. Under these circumstances the Jury gave their verdict, "Still Born." - Mr Walkey and Mr De la Garde exonerated themselves from some aspersions that had been cast on them, with other medical gentlemen, by the witnesses as their non-attendance to render assistance when sent for. -

EXETER - Another investigation took place at the same house on the body of a man named WM. TRIBLE, a pensioner, who dropped down while cutting out some work, being a shoemaker and instantly expired. - Verdict, Died by the Visitation of God.

NEWTON ABBOT - A Coroner's Inquest has sat on the bodies of the unfortunate individuals who lost their lives at the fire at Newton Abbot, on the premises of Mr Jardine, maltster, last week; when it was stated by the witnesses, that the fire having taken place in the higher part of the malt-house, and there being a quantity of property on the lower floor, a number of persons fearlessly attempted to save it, not reflecting that by the falling of the roof there was a probability of the whole mass falling on them. They had partly cleared the lower floor and were in the act of perforating the second floor, when the fire having consumed the ends of the beams which supported the roof, it fell in with a tremendous crash and with it broke down the supports of the floor below and buried them in the burning ruins. It was some hours before active operations could be exerted to remove the rubbish, from the fire being unsubdued and scarce any water to retard its progress. No time, however, was lost in removing the mass under which they were buried; and at length two men, HENRY WAKEHAM and JAMES BOWDEN were extricated alive, one of whom had one of his legs subsequently amputated, but died in two hours after, and the other died in the evening. Five were taken out quite dead, the names of the sufferers were JOHN SKINNER, a basket maker, leaving a wife pregnant and eight children; JOHN MCGINNIS, leaving a wife and four children; and RICHARD WOTTON, a wife and one child. The others were WAKEHAM and BOWDEN before named, THOMAS J. SCADDON and GEO SHEPHERD,. A verdict of "Accidental Death" has been returned. Subscriptions have been entered into in behalf of the relatives and books are opened at the different banks in this city.

BRAUNTON - On Friday last, an Inquest was held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, on the body of RICHARD VICARY, a pauper of the parish of Braunton, aged 73 years, who hung himself to the roof of his dwelling-house. Various symptoms of derangement were proved on the Inquest. Verdict, Lunacy.

Western Times, Saturday 11 April 1829
DARTMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Dartmouth on Friday last, on the body of MR SAMUEL CUMMINGS, late master of a vessel from Southampton, who was drowned about two months since. Verdict - Accidental death.

Western Times, Saturday 18 April 1829
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - On Tuesday evening an Inquest was held at the Oakhampton Inn, in St Thomas, on the body of a man named ODAM, whose disappearance, a short time since, occasioned various rumours, some replete with horror. It appeared by the evidence that he was a resident of Exmouth; that on the 14th of last month he was in Exeter and in evening had drank at the Oakhampton Inn; on leaving which, it is supposed, he must have taken the road down by the river, and have accidentally fallen in. His body was picked up just below the Double lock, about two miles down the canal. No marks of violence appearing on his person, a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 25 April 1829
EXETER - JAMES BRICKNELL, a respectable young man, in the employ of Messrs. Tuckers, corn-factors, Fore-street-hill, whilst labouring under temporary derangement, excited by fever, put a period to his existence on Wednesday last. An Inquest was held on the body on the following day. Mr W. Tucker stated that deceased had been ill since the preceding Sunday; that he had visited him twice daily; that in the evening he had been delirious; that on Wednesday he took him some tea, but missed him from the bed, and discovered him on the floor, weltering in his blood with his throat cut in a shocking manner. An open razor lay on his bed and he died shortly afterwards. Mr S. Kingdon stated that he attended deceased, who laboured under an attack of fever; that on Tuesday he was better, but on Wednesday complained of an affection of the chest. The Jury, without hesitation, returned a verdict that the deceased committed the act in a fit of Temporary Derangement.

EXETER - On Monday two Inquests were taken at the Devon and Exeter Hospital before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, the first on the body of WM. WEBBER, aged 9 years, who had been left by his mother, who resided in a court in St. Thomas, to take care of a younger sick child and do the household affairs, cooking, &c., on Good Friday, while she attended the meeting of the sect commonly called the Ranters. The poor child whilst employed in taking a steamer from the grate caught his clothes on fire and in a blaze ran into the courtlage and before any effectual assistance could be rendered, was so dreadfully burnt as to cause his death on Saturday. - The Jury expressed themselves very indignantly at the conduct of the mother and requested Mr Walkey to mark their sense of its impropriety. Mr W. said, that though he must beg to refrain from remarks on the propriety of any particular form of religion; yet, though no one was more anxious for the due and proper support of religious worship, or wished less to wound a heart, which if properly attuned, must already be suffering deep mental grief, she must pardon him from following up the request of an intelligent Jury, by telling her, and all mothers, that the proper discharge of their parental duties was far more preferable in the eyes of a wise and benevolent God, than all the outward-form and ceremonies they could perform, and he trusted all who heard him, would do him the justice to recollect that it was the abuse and not the practice of those duties that he was thus led to censure. Verdict, Accidental Death.

EXETER - The second Inquest was on the body of a child called SCOINES. Its parents reside in a courtlage in Exe-lane, and the mother had left it but a few minutes to fetch some water, and on her return into the court met her child in flames. The shock deprived her of all power to render assistance, as she instantly fell down in a fit: and a succession of fits prevented her attendance at the Inquest. An old man aged 90, was the only person present to render any assistance to the child and in consequence it was so much burnt that it died shortly after being removed to the Hospital. Verdict, Accidental Death.

CHUDLEIGH - At Chudleigh on Tuesday, during the fair, a child, named BOWDEN, about 7 years of age, in attempting to cross the road before a post chaise, was knocked down and the wheels passing over her, she was killed on the spot. An Inquest was held on the body and a verdict of Accidental Death returned. No blame was attached to the driver.

BARNSTAPLE - Suicide. - On Friday se'nnight a lad at Barnstaple called GEORGE THORN, about sixteen years of age, put a period to his existence, by hanging himself in an upstair room in his father's house. In the morning, it having been a holiday, he went out with some of his juvenile companions, who were discovered by a constable playing at balls. The constable ordered them to desist and on their refusal threatened to put them in confinement. Shortly after THORNE went home and having eaten a piece of bread and butter, he withdrew upstairs; in about an hour his parents enquired for him, when his brother sought him in his chamber, where not finding him he looked into the other apartments, and in the wareroom he found him suspended by a cord to a small crook in the wall. Screaming with terror he ran downstairs and instantly one of his father's workmen hastened to the spot and cut him down, but the vital spark was extinct. The cause which induced him to commit the fatal act is involved in the profoundest mystery as no symptoms of insanity had been previously manifested, nor had any disagreement taken place between him & his friends. A Coroner's Inquest sat on the body and a verdict was returned of "Temporary Derangement".

Western Times, Saturday 9 May 1829
PLYMOUTH - A distressing circumstance occurred here on Wednesday evening last. Two apprentices of Mr Harris, Plumber and Brazier, in High-street, had been teasing and irritating a journeyman, named Hepper, who was with them in the workshop, by jeering him about his work and throwing small missiles at him, he at last, having struck in the head by a burnt cinder, caught up a hammer and threw it at ODGERS, one of the apprentices and it unfortunately struck him on the temple which caused his death on the following day. An Inquest has been held but the verdict has not been given.

EXETER - On Tuesday last MR WM. STREET, was found dead in his privy, situate in his garden, adjoining his residence in Longbrooke-street. An Inquest was held the same afternoon, at the Black Horse, when it was deposed by MRS STREET, his wife, that her husband had been in a declining state for some months. On that morning he had complained of being very unwell, declined taking any breakfast, and said he should not leave his bed for the day. MRS S. visited him several times during the morning, and about 11 o'clock considering himself better, he got up and went for a short walk; he returned in a little time, and went to the privy, where, being absent a considerable time, he was sought for and found dead, and his body nearly cold. The Jury returned a verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

EXETER HEAVITREE - Supposed Murder. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Half Moon Inn, Whipton, in the Parish of Heavitree, to Enquire into the circumstances attendant on the death of SAMUEL WESTCOMBE, labourer. It appeared in evidence, that the deceased returned from his daily labour in good health, on Tuesday evening; that he partook of broth prepared by his wife, for his supper; that he was soon after seized with vomiting and purging, intense thirst and pain in his stomach; that he continued to suffer till between eleven and twelve o'clock on Wednesday night, when he died, without having received any medical assistance. The circumstance which excited the suspicion of the neighbours, is the reported immoral conduct of the wife of the deceased. E. P. Pridham, Esq., Surgeon, of Exeter, was directed by the Coroner, Saml. Partridge, Esq., to examine the body and to report his opinion to the Jury. The body was accordingly opened and the appearance of the stomach and its contents led him (Mr Pridham) to the conclusion, that the deceased died by the influence of some deleterious substance. As it was necessary, however, chemically to examine the contents of the stomach, the Inquest was adjourned until Wednesday next. The wife and a man of the name of Quaintance, are in custody.

Western Times, Saturday 16 May 1829
EXETER HEAVITREE - Coroner's Inquest On S. WESTCOMBE At Whipton. - We stated in our last that a Jury had been empanelled at Whipton in the parish of Heavitree, on Friday, before Mr Partridge, Esq. to Enquire into the death of SAMUEL WESTCOMBE, under strong suspicions of its having been occasions by poison. - The substance of the evidence on that day was as follows:- Mary Richards deposed to having known the deceased for several years. That about a year since KESIA WESTCOMBE was at her house assisting to nurse the children, who were ill; that she had heard KESIA WESTCOMBE say, she wished her husband dead; had since heard that she was much too intimate with Richard Quaintance. Some other conversation also occurred respecting some herbs, which her husband had threatened to throw away; but that she had threatened to "crack his crown if he did." - Eliza Davy stated that she had known the deceased for six years, who rented a part of her father's house. He had general good health and was apparently quite well on the previous Monday. On the Wednesday, KESIA WESTCOMBE told her that SAMUEL her husband) was very bad; and that she did not know what was the matter with him; that on advising her to call in Mr Pridham, who generally came to Whipton on Wednesdays, she answered that SAM would not see him. She then advised her to call Mr Pridham in without letting her husband know it; and she agreed, if Mr Pridham came to Whipton on that day, that she would. That in the afternoon KESIA WESTCOMBE came into her mother's room, and her mother asked her how SAM was; she said he was very bad, and had a pain in his stomach. Her mother asked what she had given him, and she replied nothing but tea. She also said, all SAM'S cry is for Cider. I am going to pick a bundle of sticks; SAM wants to come down stairs and go out into the sun he is so cold. She then went out to pick the sticks. On Wednesday morning, in presence of her mother, KESIA WESTCOMBE gave an account of her husband's illness. She said that when SAM came home on the Tuesday night, she told him there was no potatoes in the house for his supper, and asked him if he would have a basin of broth. He said anything would do. That she took a bit of fat mutton, put it into the crock, made it boil, and then thickened it with flour, and put it to some bread. She said she had drank a cup of the broth herself. That she had then went out with her sister Martha, and on her return had found SAM with his head on his hand; he said he was very bad and had vomited very much. She also said, that he complained much of thirst and that he had not had his clothes off all night. On Wednesday saw KESIA WESTCOMBE and Quaintance to tea together. WESTCOMBE said she was going to make some rosemary tea for her husband. On Thursday heard KESIA WESTCOMBE say, in the presence of MARY WESTCOMBE, that her husband's body should not be opened by a surgeon. Richard Broom told her that deceased had been poisoned, and she repeated what he said to KESIA WESTCOMBE, who said, she would rather have a sword to be run through her heart, than the body should be opened. - The evidence of E. P. Pridham, Esq., being given in substance on the adjourned Inquest, we omit it here as also that of some other persons, from which nothing of consequence was elicited. - Time being required to give the medical gentlemen an opportunity to analyse the contents of the stomach, the body having been opened by Messrs. Pridham and Madden, the Inquest was adjourned to Wednesday morning. Adjourned Inquest. - The Coroner arrived at the Half Moon, Whipton, soon after eight o'clock on Wednesday morning and the Jury having been sworn, he immediately proceeded to business. The first witness called was E. P. Pridham, Esq., Surgeon, deposed that on Thursday se'nnight having been informed that SAMUEL WESTCOMBE, labourer of Whipton, had died suddenly, and he being surgeon of the parish, thought it his duty to inquire into the circumstances of his death and accordingly went to the house where he saw deceased's wife; he asked her if her husband had not died suddenly? she said, yes; Mr P. then said, he should like to see the body, which request was immediately complied with. After the examination, he said he should open the body, for the neighbours had suspicions about his death; the wife of deceased said, she would not permit him (WESTCOMBE) or any person belonging to her to be opened, "she would rather have a sword ran through her body." After some time he opened it and found the stomach very much inflamed, apparently occasioned by the presence of some deleterious substance; he took out the stomach and has since emptied it off, and carefully washed its contents and in the presence of Dr Collilns scraped with a penknife from the coats of the stomach, a white gritty substance and Dr Collins had, in presence of him, (Mr P.) and several other medical gentlemen, proved by several (seven) chemical experiments, that that substance is, white arsenic, of the worst quality. He also has, by himself, made experiments with part of the contents of the stomach and the effect has been the appearance of arsenic. He is decidedly of opinion the deceased's death was caused by taking arsenic. - Dr Collins deposed that on Saturday last, Mr Pridham brought and delivered to him a sealed packet containing two small parcels, the contents of which he stated to have been taken from the body of the deceased, and which on opening, he (Dr Collins) found to contain a white gritty powder; these parcels having been weighed was found to be precisely one grain, this he divided into seven equal parts, and threw into 7,000 grains of distilled water; he then proceeded to analyze it, having previously stated (that from his experience in analyzing the contents of the stomachs of persons who had died from the effect of taking arsenic) what results would take place on the conclusion of each test, if, as he supposed, arsenic was the substance on which he was about to make the experiments. The Doctor then fully explained the nature of the seven experiments he had made, which proved to have the same results as he had predicted; he has not yet brought the substance into its metallic form, and bring it before the Jury in the after part of the day. He had no doubt the deceased's death was caused by taking arsenic. - J. M. Madden, Esq., Surgeon, corroborated the evidence of Mr Pridham and Dr Collins. - -- Collis, porter at Exeter Quay, having been sworn deposed that he knew the prisoner Quaintance, very well by sight, and had seen him several times within the last four months; that about three weeks since (does not know the precise day) he came to him and George Perry, as they were on the quay, and said, he wanted to buy some arsenic to destroy rats, but that he could not get it unless another person went with him; witness, Perry and prisoner then left the quay together, and went to Mr Salter's shop, at West-street, where prisoner bought six-penny worth of arsenic. Prisoner told Mr Salter it was to kill rats; after leaving the shop, prisoner, George Perry and myself went up Fore-street, as far as the Old London Inn, and then parted from Quaintance; believes he went home, did not see him after, nor had he seen him since till today. As they walked along, witness asked the prisoner if he knew how to mix the poison for killing rats; he said, yes, he had used it before. Witness is quite certain prisoner is the man. - The prisoner on being asked if he wished to put any question to Collis, said, he did not say he knew how to mix it, but the person did for whom he bought it; he bought it for SAMUEL WESTCOMBE, who gave him a shilling to pay for it. - George Perry deposed that he has known the prisoner four years; about three weeks since he came to Collis and himself on the quay at Exeter; he asked witness if he could tell him where he could buy some arsenic, as his master's barns were swarming with rats, they were thousands strong; he told prisoner he supposed he could get it any shop: prisoner said he could not get it unless some person went with him. They all went together to Mr Salter's, where prisoner bought the arsenic, as previously stated by Collis. - Mr Salter, deposed that about three weeks since, as far as he can recollect (he has no memorandum to speak from positively) three men came into his shop, and one of them asked for six-pennyworth of arsenic; he asked what they intended to do with it, he hoped they were not going to poison themselves, or each other with it; said so in a jocose way, as he considered if they had intended anything wrong three of them would not have come to purchase it; prisoner replied, no, that I am not. Prisoner gave me a shilling to pay for it, which I changed and put six-pence on the counter, which prisoner took up. The quantity which he weighed and sold was three ounces; he wrapped it up in two papers; thinks he marked both papers with the words "arsenic, poison;" is sure he did the inner paper with both words; should not have sold it to a person whom he did not know, but if two came together, he considered it was all right; he thought they were three honest fellows. - Two sisters and a sister-in-law were examined, but nothing material was elicited touching the death of the deceased. - Guyas Davy remembers the deceased asking him for his firkin of cider, saying he was very thirsty. Witness slept with Quaintance in the room below. - Mr Charles Wheaton in whose employ Quaintance had been, disproved his statement as to having fallen and hurt his arm. - John Horville proved the absence of Quaintance from his work on Wednesday evening and of his asking witness on Thursday morning in reference to WESTCOMBE whether the Doctors could insist on opening the body againit his wife's consent. - Mary Richards was again called, and recapitulated her evidence as to some conversation held with KEZIA WESTCOMBE, about the herb savine; when WESTCOMBE exclaimed, "Oh, you wicked woman, is that all I get for curing you of the itch?" - Sarah Tannt and Elizabeth Davy were re-examined on points of small importance. - Mr Pridham now came into the room with a pipkin (similar to what is used for dipping broth) to which small particles of fat still adhered. Mr P. said it had just been found at the house of the deceased, by Dr Collins and a gritty substance resembling arsenic was attached to some parts of it. KEZIA WESTCOMBE came forward and denied that the pipkin was hers. The pipkin was taken away by Dr Collins in order that the substance adhering to it might be analysed. - While Mr Rewe, for whom the deceased worked, was giving him a good character, he was contradicted by KEZIA WESTCOMBE, who said her husband was as great a heathen as could be found in a thousand miles. - William Horville, aged 13, and Anne Davey, of Clyst St. Mary, were examined as to some points of Quaintance's statements, which their evidence contradicted. The Coroner went through the evidence at considerable length, remarking on the different points and the Jury, after a short consideration returned a verdict against KEZIA WESTCOMBE of Administering Arsenic with Intent to Murder; and against Richard Quaintance, as Accessory before the Fact. - The Reporters were admitted into the room, but were not permitted by the Coroner to take notes. The above report is, therefore, given from memory. We purpose next week to remark on the Inquiry done to public justice by the prohibition.

BISHOP'S TAWTON - On Monday last, a Coroner's Inquest was held by Thomas Copner, Esq., on the body of RICHARD GREGORY, of Bishop's Tawton, aged 80 years, who, whilst walking across the church-yard, suddenly fell down and immediately expired. Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

PLYMOUTH - We stated in our last, the unfortunate circumstance of the death of a young man named ODGERS, apprentice of Mr Harris, Plumber. The Jury who sat on the Inquest have returned a verdict of Manslaughter.

Western Times, Saturday 23 May 1829
CREDITON - Death By Fighting. - Two youths, named Cann and TROWBRIDGE, residing in Crediton, on Monday last, went to a field adjoining that town to settle a dispute by a pugilistic encounter, and after fighting nearly an hour, TROWBRIDGE received a blow, by which he was felled to the earth; by the fall his neck was dislocated, and his death was the consequence. An Inquest was held on the body on Wednesday and a verdict of Manslaughter returned. Cann is committed to take his trial at the next Assizes. Though we certainly prefer the settling a dispute by the fists, to that of the stiletto; yet we must severely deprecate the feeling which generally actuates lookers on, on such occasions, who are top frequently found urging the combatants to a lengthened struggle, instead of striving to prevent, by a well time interference, the fatal results but too often recorded.

Western Times, Saturday 30 May 1829
EXETER - On Friday last an Inquest was held by T. Gribble, Esq., Coroner, on the body of GEORGE KNIGHTON, a waterman, aged about 37, who cut his throat on the previous day. The deceased had shown many symptoms of insanity, and a verdict to that effect was returned.

DAWLISH - Also at Dawlish on the following day, an Inquest was held on the body of MR T. TUCKETT, landlord of the Swan Public-house, who hung himself on that morning to the tester of his bed, with a pocket-handkerchief. A previous depression of spirits had been observed in deceased, but no other cause was assigned for his committing the act. Verdict, Temporary Insanity.

SALCOMBE REGIS - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, Esq. - On the 18th instant at Salcombe-Regis, on the body of MR JOHN WILLISON, chief officer of the Coast Guard Service at Beer Regis, who was picked up on the 17th inst. Deceased had gone to Mr J. Stocker's, a brother officer at Axmouth, on the 4th inst. and in crossing the river Axe on his return about 11 at night, it is supposed, fearing being carried to sea in the boat, by the tide, he had attempted to swim ashore, but failed. A verdict of Found Drowned was returned.

OTTERY ST MARY - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, Esq., - At Ottery St. Mary, on the 22nd, inst. on the body of JAMES HOARE, 16, husbandry servant to Mr Thomas Luppit, who was found hanging in a linhay, in a field in which he had been sent to work, on the 21st. There were no marks of violence on his person, nor had his spirits appeared previously depressed. There was no evidence to show by what means he became hung, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

UFFCULME - Inquest held by Isaac Cox, Esq. - At Uffculm, on the 25th, inst. on the body of JANE ROWLAND, who with two other children of JOHN ROWLAND, tambourine-player at fairs, &c. had been left by the mother, while she went to look after her husband, who was attending the fair at Cullompton, on the 8th inst. and in whose absence the clothes of deceased had caught fire; and she was so much injured, as to cause her death on the 23rd. - Verdict, Accidental Death.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident. - A melancholy accident took place here, on Monday night last, by the incautious use of fire arms, which furnishes another proof, if any were wanting, of the folly and danger of handling them, at improper seasons. Two commercial gentlemen, Mr Joseph Gilbert and MR JOHN CARLIN, who were staying at the Royal Hotel, went out for an evening's walk and after making a call or two, were returning through Queen-street, between eleven and twelve o'clock when Mr Gilbert, feeling his pistols in the pocket of his travelling cloak, having forgotten to remove them, said Jocosely "let us fire a salute." He accordingly took out one of the pistols, and was in the act of cocking it, when the cock, which (being a detonating one) had a remarkable strong spring, slipped from his hold back upon the cap and instantly exploded and being pointed towards MR CARLIN, the ball with which it was loaded, entered the left side of his abdomen, when he fell mortally wounded. The other particulars will be gathered from the Inquest which we give at length. - Inquest. - Yesterday an Inquest was held upon the body at the Royal Hotel, by R. J. Squire, Esq., and a most respectable Jury. After the Jury had been sworn and the Coroner had stated an outline of the case, and pointed out the law which was to regulate them, Mr Gilbert sent in a message, requesting to be heard before any witnesses were examined, as what he had to say would probably shorten the Enquiry. The coroner consulted the Jury and, with their concurrence, Mr Gilbert was admitted. On his entrance he was cautioned by the Coroner not to say anything which might criminate himself, but he replied that he had only a plain tale of truth to tell, which must be borne out by all the witnesses to be examined. - He then entered into the detail of circumstances, showing that the deceased and he were on the most friendly terms, and explained the accident as we have done above. - Mr Gilbert having concluded his statement, the Coroner proceeded with the Inquest and the following evidence was adduced:- - In consideration of the many demands upon the time of the medical gentlemen, their evidence was taken first. - Dr Magrath being sworn, stated that about half-past twelve o'clock on Monday night, he visited the deceased at the Royal Hotel, having previously been informed that he had been wounded by fire-arms. He found deceased on the bed in a state of great exhaustion, complaining of great pain, and saying that he could not find ease in any position. His countenance was very much collapsed and covered with a cold, clammy perspiration; his pulse was faltering, and scarcely perceptible at the wrist; his mind was in a state of agitation and alarm; a condition which usually denotes that some organ essential to life has been much injured. He directed some wine and water to be given to revive him and proceeded to examine the wound. He found that a ball had entered the lower region of the abdomen, towards the left, about two inches above the groin and that part of the omentum protruded through the wound. He endeavoured to return this substance and introduced his finger into the wound to try if he could reach the ball, but without success. As the case required surgical management, he then requested that Mr Fuge should be sent for. After about ten minutes Mr Fuge arrived and made the same endeavours without success. After consulting on the case, the wound was dressed, and a draught given for the purpose of reviving the patient. Witness left him at one o'clock. Shortly after witness had entered the room deceased asked him if he was in danger and witness told him that danger was inseparable from all gun-shot wounds in the great cavities. This appeared to make no difference in the state of his mind. As some conversation took place in the room relative to the circumstances connected with the infliction of the wound, witness thought it right to ask the deceased whether there had been any enmity or difference between him and the gentleman to whom the accident was ascribed. His answer was "none whatever." - Witness then enquired whether there had at any time been any difference between them or whether they had quitted the house in good fellowship, to which deceased answered "perfectly so." Witness then enquired whether he ascribed the catastrophe to accident or not, to which deceased answered "it was entirely an accident." Shortly after this he quitted him and saw him again in the morning. Witness then found him still in an alarming state, no improvement having taken place, but unequivocal symptoms of a general visceral inflammation being evident. Having consulted with Mr Fuge, bleeding was agreed upon, and the deceased was accordingly bled largely, which produced some temporary mitigation of the symptoms. Shortly after this period, the powers of life gradually sank, and he expired in great pain about half-past five in the afternoon. At ten o'clock that night, witness and Mr Fuge proceeded to inspect the body and found that the ball had entered as above stated, passed through the bladder, and lodged in the buttock on the opposite side. It was extracted from without. The omentum, bowels and stomach were highly inflamed; a portion of one of the bowels was gangrened, and the cavity of the abdomen was much distended with serum, in consequence of inflammation. The death of the deceased was unquestionably caused by the wound. After the examination, Mr Joseph Gilbert spoke to witness, deploring in the most affecting terms, the accident of which he stated he was the unfortunate cause. He was in deep distress; and added that he had urgent business and had intended to proceed on his journey, but would now wait until the fullest investigation took place. - Mr J. Fuge was next examined. - He said that after the full and faithful statement given by ~Dr Magrath, it was unnecessary to go into particulars; he corroborated the statement in all respects; and added that he had put similar questions to the deceased, to those asked by Dr Magrath, and had received similar answers; about two hours before he died, witness asked the deceased if he did not think a written document properly attested, exculpating his friend, Mr Gilbert, would be advisable, to which he replied, "I have already done it," alluding, as witness supposed, to his previous verbal declaration. The rapidly sinking state of the deceased was sufficient reason for not pressing the subject. Mr Gilbert remained with deceased during the whole of Monday night and manifested the deepest anxiety about him; and received the most affectionate marks of regard from deceased, who never once upbraided him, but simply remarked that it was an unfortunate evening for him. - Dr Magrath here added to his testimony, that on the second day he put the same questions as he had before asked the deceased; and deceased unequivocally answered that Mr Gilbert was free from all blame. At this time deceased must have been aware of his dangerous state. Mr Gilbert was not present at this conversation. - John Peace Beedle was examined and proved the circumstance of hearing the report of the pistol, and finding the deceased and Mr Gilbert in the street, as above stated. On going to the Hotel, deceased said the ball was in him, and asked for a doctor, but did not blame any body. He said "We were standing close together and the pistol accidentally went off - it was a mere accident, and no one is to blame." - Witness remained with deceased until one o'clock and Mr Gilbert rendered every assistance and appeared in great distress at the event. - Several other witnesses, who had seen the deceased and Mr Gilbert together in the course of the day, and up to a short time previous to the accident, proved that they were on the most friendly terms. - Mr J. J. Lord, a commercial traveller, deposed that it was necessary for commercial men, particularly in the spirit trade (as Mr Gilbert is) to carry arms for their defence, as they have the charge of considerable sums of money. They are frequently detained at obscure houses and way-laid. Witness himself has been stopped three times. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury without a moment's hesitation, returned a verdict to the effect that the death of the deceased was purely Accidental. Deodand one shilling on the pistol. - The deceased was about 22 years of age and was in the employment of Messrs. Fisher and Co., thread-lace manufacturers, to whom intimation of his untimely end has been sent. Mr Gilbert travels for Sir Robert Burnett and sons, brandy merchants.

Western Times, Saturday 27 June 1829
EXETER - A Coroner's Inquest was held on Monday last, on the body of ANN MANLEY, a servant at Mr Swale's lodging-house, Mile-end Buildings, Topsham Road. It appeared that on the Thursday previous she had been reprimanded by her mistress, for improper conduct and that after the family had retired to rest, she quitted the house. On being missed search was made for her and her bonnet was discovered on the bank of the river, which led to a conjecture of her fate, but it was not till the Sunday following that the body was discovered. A verdict was returned of Found Drowned.

BISHOPS TAWTON - Inquest held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner. - On Thursday se'nnight at Bishop's Tawton, on the body of ELIZABETH DAVIE, who was found dead in her bed. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

KINGS NYMPTON - Inquest held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner. - On Friday se'nnight at Kingsnympton, on the body of JOHN TUCKER, aged three years, who fell into a well of water and was drowned. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Saturday 4 July 1829
EXETER - An Inquest was held on Tuesday last, at the Black Dog Public-house, North-street, in this City, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JAMES BADCOCK, aged 10 years, who was unfortunately drowned on the preceding evening, while bathing between the two weirs, at Head Weir. The depth of water at this place is very uneven, and the child having got into a pit sunk, there being no one near to render him assistance. Verdict, Accidental Death.

THORVERTON - An Inquest has been held at Thorverton, on the body of ANN TUCKER, 17, who was discovered lying dead in a brook, by the sagacity of a dog. Verdict, Found Drowned.

Western Times, Saturday 18 July 1829
NORTH MOLTON - On Friday an Inquest was held at Northmolton, before Thomas Copner, Esq., on the body of MR GEO. WESTCOTT, yeoman of that parish, who while returning home from Northmolton town, on the preceding day was attacked by a bull belonging to Mr Parkin, on the high road. - Sarah Gibbs, a woman living near the spot where the accident occurred, stated that she saw the deceased with his two legs on the horns of the bull and his head on the ground. She got into the hedge and made a noise to draw the bull from MR WESTCOTT, who repeatedly called to her saying "My dear soul, do come to me," he afterwards turned his face towards the ground and she did not hear him speak afterwards. - John Smith, blacksmith, Northmolton, saw the bull goring the deceased, witness threw a pitchfork at the bull, which drove him away. On taking up deceased, witness found he was quite dead, and covered with bruises from head to foot, besides having two of his ribs broken. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The bull was shot soon after the accident by the Rev. Mr Hodskin, the Minister of North Tawton, who lodged a ball in the ferocious animal's heart.

Western Times, Saturday 1 August 1829
EXETER - Coroner's Inquest on WM. LANGMAN. - On Tuesday morning last a considerable sensation was caused in the public mind, by a report that a man had been robbed and murdered, in St. Mary Arches-street, in this City, the dead body of a man having been found laying in a passage called Northam's passage, with his pockets turned inside out. Various were the rumours spread in the course of the day, but in the evening, about five o'clock, a Jury having been summoned at the London Ale-house, in the same street, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, the following particulars were elicited: - The deceased was a MR WILLIAM LANGMAN, of Bow. - On the evening of Monday, he had been at the Black Dog public house in North-street, and had been drinking in company with a woman named Skinner, who had served her apprenticeship with him and had had a child by him. She stated that she walked with him as far as St. Sidwell's, where she left him about nine o'clock. He did not then appear to be intoxicated. He said he was going to sleep at his sister's, Mrs Discombe's. - Mr Cattle, who keeps the Black Dog, deposed as to the deceased's having been drinking in his house between the hours of seven and nine on Monday evening. - Mrs Presswell, of the Smith's Arms, in St Mary Arches-street, gave her evidence in an incoherent manner, apparently under considerable alarm at being called as a witness. She stated that she did not know the man, but that he came to her house with two women; did not know the women; he was supplied with half a pint of rum and shrub; left her house with the women about eleven o'clock. - Harriett Presswell, daughter of the above witness, remembered a man coming into her mother's house about half-past ten o'clock, with two women; did not know either him or the women; he appeared about 56 years old; should not know him again; he had half a pint of rum and shrub, for which he paid 1s. 2d. On being questioned she deposed that he had a second half pint of shrub, in payment of which she had given him change for a sovereign; they had also had some bread and mutton. She was sent with Mr Smallridge to view the body, and on her return said, that she believed it was the man who had been at her mother's house the previous night. She should know the women again by their dress and general appearance. Two women, Grace Bryant and Elizabeth Cousins, were here brought id identified by witness as the persons who accompanied the deceased when at her mother's house. - Grace Bryant was now called in to state what she knew relative to the deceased, and was seriously admonished by the Coroner to state the facts: in the first part of her evidence she prevaricated very much, stating, that on quitting the Smith's Arms, she went home to her lodgings, and did not see him afterwards, and that the other woman also was home, and in bed with her. On being threatened to be committed if she did not state all she knew, she said that she would tell the truth. She then stated that deceased had accompanied her to her lodgings, at the house of a man called Baker, near the house where the body was found; that she fetched half a pint more of rum and shrub; the last words she heard him say was, they would have another half pint; she took the money from him; she afterwards said he threw the money about the room; he took out a five pound note and let it fall; Baker's wife said, they had better search his pockets; he had a five-pound note and a sovereign; she heard he had changed a half sovereign at the Black Dog; he was very drunk and she wished him to lie down on the bed, but Baker would not let him sleep in the house; she never gave him anything from her hands; Baker put him downstairs and she assisted, holding him by the feet; she left him at the bottom of the stairs, he was alive then; if he had remained with her, he should not have been hurt; Baker's wife wished him to stay, but Baker would not allow it; Baker's wife said in the morning, that if he had remained it would not have happened; he was not given anything, she should have seen it if he had; he was not used ill, he was not struck; Baker remained downstairs with him some minutes, and said he had left him in the passage above. Elizabeth Cousins came in when they were helping him down the stairs; Baker's wife had fetched something, she did not know what; what she had first stated she had been put up to and could not make it out; I was sent out to change the £5 note; Cousins said the man gave a groan and a struggle when she went down to see if he had any money about him; Cousins did not know the money had been previously taken from him. - Howard, the Police Officer, here produced the money, between six and seven pounds, which he had found in Bartholomew-yard, where Baker had hid it. Witness stated that Baker had burnt the purse and also a stick belonging to deceased; she did not know whether Baker slept in the house; it was in the morning witness agreed with Baker to frame the story she first old; had not had a farthing of the money. - Elizabeth Campion stated that she passed through the passage where deceased was found, called Northam's passage, to rooms she occupied thee, about twelve o'clock at night and there was no one in the passage at that time, nor did she afterwards hear any noise. - .... Godfrey was next called, and stated that a £5 note was changed at his mothers on Monday night, but he could not identify the person who changed it. - Hannah Godfrey, mother of the above, was called. Witness lived in Friernhay-street, and keeps a spirit shop; the woman Bryant came to her house for half a pint of rum and shrub and had change of a £5 note, of the Exeter Bank; it was after 11 o'clock; the spirit was not drank at her house, it was carried away. - Elizabeth Cousins, after being desired by the Coroner to state only the truth, said that she also lived with Baker, and that after leaving the deceased and Bryant, after they had been at the Smith's Arms, she went into Bartholomew Yard to meet a young chap called Jem; that she returned between twelve and one; remained some time talking with the young man at the door, Baker's wife called her, and she went upstairs, where she found Baker and his wife and Bryant and no one else; asked Bryant where LANGMAN was; she said she had left him. Witness then went to bed, and in the morning heard that a man was dead; never saw the old man after; did not know anything about Baker and Bryant helping him downstairs; did not go downstairs after; had known deceased intimately at Bow; lived next door neighbour to him there. Some questions being put to witness, which convinced her that the principal facts were known, she stated, that on returning, after having been with the young man, Jem, she saw Baker and Bryant with LANGMAN, at the bottom of the stairs; deceased was crouched down and was very intoxicated; he was two-double, and leaning forward; his hat was on; his neckerchief was not tighter than when she left him at the public-house; there was no light; she left him with Baker and Bryant; she heard him breathe; Bryant came upstairs directly, and Baker a short time after. Baker called Bryant out; she said she had taken four sovereigns out of his pocket; she went to the passage where the man lay, and found his pockets turned inside out; came back and told Baker he was groaning finely; came to live with Baker last Thursday; was afraid of him; lived at one time with Mr Rickard; deceased had no watch; had not shared any of the money; the purse was the foot of a stocking; Baker said "burn the purse, for God's sake;" witness burnt the purse at Baker's request; Baker said, if she mentioned anything about it, it would come short with him; never saw LANGMAN upstairs; he could not speak when she saw him; Baker said he did not leave him in the passage; did not know whether any drugs were kept in the house. - Adjourned till five o'clock on Wednesday evening. The body was directed to be opened by Messrs. Luscombe and Edye. Wednesday - The Jury assembled again this evening at 5 o'clock. Wm. Drew, labourer, saw the body laying in the passage about half-past four o'clock on Tuesday morning, as he was going to his work; kicked him on the feet, and told him to get up. Afterwards saw Mr Channing and another man, and asked if the man was dead, but they made no reply. I moved his hand and said he was dead. his face felt warm. I left him, and went to my work. - John Edye, Esq., Surgeon, stated that he had carefully examined the body and could discover no external marks of violence. There was a great suffusion of blood over the head; a very common occurrence in cases of sudden death. He had examined the viscera of the abdomen and its general appearance was healthy, except at the lower extremity of the large intestine, which was rather contracted. I afterwards emptied the contents of the stomach into a vessel, for the purpose of analyzing it, which I have not as yet had time to do; it smelt very strongly of rum and shrub. The coat of the stomach was not corroded. His opinion was that deceased died from an overflow of blood to the head, which is termed apoplexy. - Grace Bryant was again called, but nothing further was elicited from her evidence. - John Baker was next called, and was admonished by the Coroner to say nothing but the truth. Was married to the woman who was stated to be his wife, but had another wife. saw the man enter the room with Grace Bryant; had not known the latter above a week: my wife, as I call her, got her and Cousins from West-gate quarter. The deceased was drunk when he came to my house. He put out money for some drink; my wife pretended to fetch it, but did not, as she had some in the cupboard, which had been fetched before; more liquor was sent for afterwards. I sat the man upright in the passage; I told my wife the Sunday before the Betsey should not sleep with a man in my house. Bryant assisted me in taking the man downstairs; he was taken down with his feet foremost. - Grace Bryant was again called who stated before Baker that deceased was dragged down the stairs head foremost. - Baker here said - "The man was poisoned - the common prostitutes said they would do for me." - Baker re-examined - did not tell the girls about the fabricated story. They put away the money in a teacup; I afterwards put it in my pocket and carried it over in the yard. I did not say laudanum was put into the drink. Grace Bryant said she knew the best way to do a man that had got plenty of money; and that was the way Cornish Ann got her money. The man was not in my house a quarter of an hour. - Elizabeth Cornish (alias Baker) - I am the wife of Baker; I have another husband living; we were parted in the Town Hall. I was off from Baker some time; been with him again about a week. Deceased was not in the house above 20 minutes. Grace Bryant did not offer to pay for a bed for the deceased. I wished him to be put to bed, but Grace Bryant refused. I said the man has been with other girls, put him to bed and all will be right in the morning. I merely said, where the man got drunk there let him sleep. I afterwards called Elizabeth Cousins, she was with her young man; she burnt the purse and Baker burnt the stick. - Two or three witnesses were here called, but nothing material was elicited from their evidence. - John Baker was again called, and said, the man spoke after he was in the passage. It was his wife that told the girls to fabricate the story; his wife also kept on with him to put away the money. - Eliza Rumson was next called. Lived in the front part of the house, on the ground floor; her door opened close at the bottom of the stairs where Baker lived. Spent the evening at Miss Newman's; came home about 12 o'clock; never heard any noise whatever. - Frances Newman corroborated Rumson in her statement of having spent the evening with her. - Mary Gervis, an old woman, nearly 80, had lived in a room over those occupied by Baker near 30 years. Was awake on Monday night, and heard a great noise, as of persons coming upstairs and then a noise as if they had fell down on the floor; it shook the house; heard no groans. - Bryant was again called, but nothing further was elicited. - The Inquest was again adjourned to Thursday afternoon, 5 o'clock. Thursday. - The Jury met again this evening at 5 o'clock, and proceeded to call Joseph Taylor (alias Jem) who stated that he lived at the Golden Ball, and was there called Jem. He was not in company with any girl on Monday night, nor was he acquainted with the girl called Cousins, nor did he know anything about the transaction. - Elizabeth Cousins was then called, as also Grace Bryant and both stated that the former witness was not the young man who had been alluded to by the name of Jem. Cousins further said that the young man Jem, who was with her on Monday night, did not assist Baker in removing deceased. - .... Channing deposed that when deceased was found, he was laying on his face. - The Coroner now addressed the Jury, saying he considered the case had had a full and impartial investigation and proceeded to read over the evidence to the several witnesses. Several questions were put to them individually by the Jury, but nothing further was elicited. - The Coroner then summed up the evidence, and the Jury, after a short consultation, returned their verdict, "Found Dead in a passage called Northam's passage, but by what means deceased came by his death is unknown to the Jury." [Note: Western Times, Saturday 24 October 1829 - Exeter City Sessions - John Baker, 37, Elizabeth Cornish, 56 (alias Baker) and Grace Bryant, 29 were placed at the bar, charged with the manslaughter of WILLIAM LANGMAN, as also with a larceny. Details of the Court case followed with the result:- They were found guilty and immediately sentenced to transportation for life.]

Western Times, Monday 3 August 1829
EXETER - The body of a woman named SUSAN LANG, aged 79, was on Monday last taken out of the canal near Double Lock. She had formerly for many years been in respectable service, but previous to her decease resided by herself in a room in Bartholomew Yard. Nothing particular had been remarked in her demeanour until Sunday last, on which day she was seen removing several articles of her furniture into the burying ground, and on being spoken to, she said she had a right to do what she liked with her own. On Monday morning she was seen walking very quick, considering her age, down on the banks of the canal, out of which her body was shortly after taken. An Inquest was held on Wednesday, and a verdict of Found Drowned was returned.

EXMOUTH - Last week an Inquest was held at Exmouth, on the body of a child of MRS ACTON, who, while its mother was gathering fruit in a garden, fell into a pond and was drowned. Verdict - Accidental Death.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Tuesday at the Workhouse by R. J. Squire, Esq., on the body of RICHARD HOSKING, who was unfortunately drowned in the Sound on Monday last by the swamping of a boat. - Verdict, Accidentally Drowned.

Western Times, Saturday 22 August 1829
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by R. J. Squire, Esq., on Sunday last, on the body of SUSAN BRITTAIN, wife of MR BRITTAIN, tanner, Mill-lane, who put an end t her existence by cutting her throat on the previous day. Verdict - Insanity.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Richmond Inn, on Saturday last, on the body of JOHN TAYLOR, an infant nine weeks old, who died on the 13th inst., in consequence of receiving the preceding day a dilution of laudanum and water. It appeared from the evidence, that MRS TAYLOR, the mother of the child, had spent the day with a Miss Daw, who keeps a school at Plympton, and the infant being very cross, she expressed a wish to have some Godfrey's Cordial; accordingly they sent out for some, which not being able to obtain, Miss Daw suggested that she should try the effect of laudanum, and a small quantity of that dangerous drug was procured from a shop in the neighbourhood, and the whole quantity was sworn to be under six drops; of this, rather a large dilution was made, and one teaspoon full given to the infant, who died the next day in consequence. - Verdict - Died from having received laudanum, &c.

Western Times, Saturday 5 September 1829
EXETER - Mysterious Death. - On Tuesday morning last the body of THOMAS CRAPP, a journeyman tailor was found floating in the water near Trew's weir. The body bore strong marks of ill usage, and it was generally reported that the deceased had been murdered. He was a native of Cornwall, a very superior workman, but was much habited to company, and led rather a dissolute life. The man suspected of the deceased's coming to an untimely end, is a mason's labourer, and has for some time been parted from his wife, with whom deceased cohabited. The woman formerly kept a brothel in Rack-lane, where the deceased first became acquainted with her. The suspected man was at his work all day on Tuesday, but at the time of holding the Coroner's Inquest he was not to be found. - Coroner's Inquest. - At two o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, a respectable Jury met (by adjournment from the Workhouse,) at the King's Arms Inn, St. Thomas, to hold an Inquest on the body of the deceased - Mr Stocker was named as Foreman. - Joseph Gribble, Esq., the Coroner, shortly addressed the Jury; he said the case might perhaps turn out to be one of a serious nature, therefore he trusted they would patiently go through the evidence to be produced, and investigate the matter so as to come to a right conclusion as to the death of the deceased. - The Jury having had a view of the body, James Mackaile was sworn. - Yesterday, the 1st of September, at about a quarter past five o'clock in the morning, I was at work at my house, down by the Cotton Factory, which is in the parish of St. Leonard. - Some one called to me, saying there was either a man or a boy floating down the river Exe. I immediately went to the river side, and the man (deceased) floated over the weir. I then went to the place where a boat is usually moored, took my knife, and cut the cord which fastened the boat and by the aid of a clothes prop, soon came up with the body. I then saw Frederick Starks, and with his assistance got the body on shore. The deceased was floating upright in the water, and stood nearly as erect as I do now. We landed the body in Belle Isle Field. Frederick Starks searched the pockets of the deceased. I did not know the deceased. We landed the deceased with his face downward and then turned him on his back. I remarked he had a great many marks of violence upon his head. One wound in the front part of the head appeared like a cut or a stab. In the left coat pocket we found a snuff box, and in the right waistcoat pocket, a knife, and a piece of cloth stuck full of needles; there was not a fraction of money. In the fob pocket there were two shreds of cloth. We then brought the body to the engine house. The deceased had all his clothes on, except his hat. - Examined by a Juryman. - The water was very high at the time I found the body. It could not have been injured in passing over the weir. - By the Coroner. - The mark on the front part of the head appeared like a stab or a blow from a bludgeon. I cannot say whether the wound on the left temple was inflicted by a blunt or sharp instrument. - Frederick Stark sworn. - This witness corroborated the evidence given by Mackaile, and produced the things found in the pockets of the deceased. - Thomas Parsons, ostler at the Union Inn, St Thomas, sworn, - I know the deceased. Last Friday, the 28th of August, I saw the deceased in the skittle-alley: it was between six and seven o'clock in the evening. The deceased did not stay there any time; he just looked round, and went away directly. He did not appear to be in liquor. He had nothing to drink in the house. [Witness now went with the Constable to see the body of the deceased; on his return he said it was the same man he saw on Friday; he could speak to the identity of the neckerchief; it was the same as deceased wore on Friday.] I did not observe any difference in the behaviour of the deceased on Friday. He appeared just as usual. There was no person with him, and no one left the skittle-alley when he did. - Thomas Badcock, sworn. - I was at the Union Inn on Friday evening and saw the deceased there. - Robert Snow, sworn. - The deceased is my particular friend, and has been one of the my acquaintances for eight or nine years past. I have not seen him since last Monday week; I was then at Roach's, Custom-house Inn, near the Quay. I have often heard deceased repeat the fear he entertained of a man named Willie. He said, at four o'clock on Monday afternoon, that he was afraid to meet Thomas Willie, as he suspected he would murder him. Willie is a mason's labourer, living in Rock's Lane; he works for Mr Hooper, the builder. I believe the deceased has for some time past cohabited with Willie's wife. The deceased lived with her. He had been trying to get rid of her for some time. The deceased left the Custom-house Inn soon after eleven o'clock on Monday night. I and the other persons who had been drinking at the public house, walked as far as Stepcote hill with him; he then, all of a sudden, said, "Good night," and ran away. there was a fight at Roach's that night, but the deceased was not engaged in it. I never saw the deceased after that night, until he was found dead in the river. [Several of the Jury here expressed some doubts respecting the accuracy of the evidence of the two men who swore to their having seen the deceased on Friday. The Coroner therefore recalled Badcock, who, notwithstanding the strictest examination, still said he was quite certain that he saw the deceased in the skittle-ground of the Union Inn on Friday evening, between six and seven o'clock.] - William Bennett, a hackney coachman, sworn. - As I was going home last Saturday night, at eleven o'clock I saw Thomas Willie standing between the first and second Back-lane; he said something to me, which I did not hear. On Sunday morning he came to my house, and after observing that he had met me on the preceding night, and that I would not speak to him, he asked me to take half-a-pint of beer with him; I did so, and in the course of conversation, during the time I was drinking the beer, he said he had not been in bed all night and that he had drank four half-pints of beer already that morning. I asked him if he was on friendly terms with his wife. he replied, "No;" adding " I am never likely to be now." Willie was not cleaned and had on his working dress. - Richard Edwards, sworn. - On Monday or Tuesday week I was at the Sun Public-house; Willie was also there; we talked about his wife, and concerning CRAPP living with her. Willie swore that if he ever caught CRAPP he would cripple him. Last Saturday night I met Willie on Fore-street-hill, it was between eleven and twelve o'clock; his wife was walking about twenty yards before him. He called to me and said, that if he caught CRAPP that night, he would cripple him, and at the same time shewed me a stick he had in his hand. Willie appeared to be watching his wife home; she had her little girl with her. - James Stadden, sworn. - About six weeks ago, Willie came to my house and said, if he caught the deceased, he would be the death of him. - John Forrester, sworn. - In the end of June, or beginning of July, the deceased took a room in my house, in St. Thomas's parish. He passed by the name of Smail, and lived very comfortably with Willie's wife for some time. At last Willie came to my house and claimed his wife. I did not know but what she was the wife of the deceased at that time. Willie asked me to allow him to light his pipe and then said, the woman upstairs was his wife. We had some beer together in the back kitchen. His wife and he quarrelled very much; he said to her "D..... that CRAPP, if I catch him I'll crop him, and if you live with him, it shall be with a cripple." He left the house, and came again next morning, and broke the windows. The deceased and Willie's wife left my house on the 8th of August. - Maria Willie sworn. - I have not seen the deceased since last Monday week. He has been lodging with me for the last three or four months. The deceased worked at Mr Brunskill's, in Fore-street, during the last fortnight. He used to work for the witness, Snow. The deceased left home on Monday week, at eleven o'clock in the morning; he said he was then going to Mr Snow's. I went there after him, and found that he had left at one o'clock. I saw my husband last night and on Saturday night. On Saturday night he followed me about the streets, and at last I went and slept at a friend's house. He asked me where I lived; I did not tell him, and he said he would follow me home. When I saw him last night, I said to him, "What have you been doing?" He said, "I have done nothing at all." I asked him if he had seen CRAPP? he replied, "No, I have not." He afterwards said he had met the deceased about a fortnight ago, in company with young Wood, one of Mr Patch's clerks. My husband lives in Rock's Lane, with his mother, who is called Addescott; I am stopping with my mother, in Westgate. My husband did not say what brought him to our house last night. I told him that the Constables were after him; he said he did not care about that, as they could bring nothing against him. I did not hear him say he was not going to his work today; I have not seen any of my husband's clothes, and do not know that they have been removed from his lodgings. I have been parted from him the last five months. - A little girl, 11 years of age, the daughter of the last witness, confirmed a part of her mother's testimony. - Elizabeth Pengelly, the mother of the woman, Willie, was examined, but nothing relative to the manner by which the deceased came by his death was elicited. She corroborated the statement made by her daughter, of the assertions Willie made of his innocence. - She, however, admitted having removed his clothes from his lodgings in Rock's lane. She had no knowledge as to where Willie was to be found. - Mr Wm. Liddon, Surgeon, sworn. - I have examined the body of the deceased. I first saw it at 2 o'clock this afternoon. I found two cuts on the forehead, they were only through the scalp, they did not penetrate the skull. The face is much disfigured, but that may be from the length of time deceased laid in the water. It is impossible to say how long the body was in the water, but I should say at least between a week and a fortnight, judging from the present appearance. The marks in the head would certainly not occasion death. I have examined the body minutely and find no marks of violence. I cannot say by what instrument the blows in the head were occasioned. - Mr Wm. Woodman, Surgeon, sworn. - I examined the body of the deceased yesterday. I passed a probe into the large wound on the head; the skull evidently was not bare. The wound did not go beyond the scalp. After a second examination of the head, I can now say that the skull was not injured. I did not see any marks of violence on the body. The wounds did not appear to be bruised, but cut. I cannot hazard an opinion as to the nature of the instrument with which they were inflicted. I suppose the body must have been in the water at least a week, but it is impossible to judge correctly. I am quite certain the wounds would not occasion death. - The best clothes of Willie were produced, they did not show any marks of such a nature as to warrant their detention. - The Coroner shortly addressed the Jury: he said he did not conceive it necessary to go over the evidence, but he would do so, provided it was their wish. The testimony of the Surgeons went to prove that the wounds on the head could not cause the death of the deceased. With respect to Willie, there was not a tittle of evidence produced to connect him with the affair, save his expressions. There was no evidence to show how deceased met with his death; he might have fallen into the water, but of that it was impossible for them to say. He should therefore advise them to return a verdict of found dead. The Jury after a few minutes deliberation, returned a verdict of "Found Dead in the Water, but how the deceased came by his death was not known." [Note: Western Times, Saturday 12 September 1829 - Article regarding the Examination and committal of Thomas Willie, Charged with the Murder of THOMAS CRAPP.]

Western Times, Saturday 26 September 1829
ST GILES IN THE WOOD - Murder At Stevenstone, Near Torrington, The Seat Of Lord Rolle. - On Saturday last an Inquest was held at Stevenstone, near Great Torrington, the seat of the Right Hon. Lord Rolle, before Francis Kingdon, Esq., Coroner, on view of the body of a new born Bastard child, of which ANN SMITH, Lord Rolle's cook, was delivered the same morning, between the hours of three and four o'clock. - It appeared that the said ANN SMITH, who is about 25 years of age, had always been in respectable service and having lived with Earl Howe she on the 4th of April last entered on Lord Rolle's service as cook, with an unexceptionable character and pursued her employment with the greatest diligence up to Saturday last, without any suspicion of her being with child till the preceding day or two. Early on Sunday morning strong suspicions were entertained that she had been delivered of a child, in consequence whereof, Mr Caddy, of Great Torrington, Surgeon, was called upon to investigate the matter; and on examination he told her she had been delivered of a child, which she admitted, but observed she had been with child only four or five months and that was in the water-closet which was immediately searched, but no child could be found. - Anna Plimsole, another servant in the employ of Lord Rolle, and who slept with ANN SMITH, stated, that about two o'clock on the morning of Sunday the 20th instant, she awoke and found ANN SMITH out of bed; she asked her what was the matter. ANN SMITH replied "nothing;" she remained in bed till about three o'clock in the morning, when she quitted the room with a candle, and returned again about 4 o'clock without a candle, and came into bed, apparently in great pain, holding the bedstead with both hr hands. Anna Plimsole again asked what was the matter, she answered she had been dreaming. About half-past six o'clock in the morning Anna Plimsole asked her if she had not been sick, she answered "yes," and then desired her to tell the kitchen-maid to send her a bucket of warm water, which was not done, but she mentioned the circumstance to Mrs Denslow, Lord Rolle's housekeeper, who made them known to Lord and Lady Rolle; they directed that an investigation of the matter should immediately take place. - Mrs Denslow stated that she had only for a few days suspected that ANN SMITH was in the family way. About 7 o'clock on Sunday morning she went to SMITH'S bedroom and found her unwell and asked her to take tea, which she refused, saying she was going to get up; she heard a conversation which passed between Mr Caddy and ANN SMITH, about 7 o'clock on the Sunday morning, and ANN SMITH say that she had been delivered of a child that morning, and that it was in the water closet, which she and Mr Caddy searched, but no child could be found. In consequence whereof and by the direction of Lord Rolle, a general search was made for the child, and about ten o'clock the same morning, John Hooper and Grace Smale, servants in the employ of Lord Rolle, found a full grown male child, remarkably stout, wrapped up in a gown, belonging to ANN SMITH, and which she had worn the preceding day, in a charcoal-house, near the kitchen, at Stevenstone. they immediately placed the child before Mr Caddy, when, on examination, he found a wound about one inch in length, and two inches in depth, on the left side of the lower part of the neck and an appearance of a ligature or cord having been tied round the neck, and a fracture of the skull. He opened the body and found, on examining the wound, it had the appearance of being made by a sharp pointed instrument, which had divided the carotid artery; the lungs he found in a healthy state, and had been inflated; Mr Caddy was therefore decidedly of opinion the child had been born alive. On dividing the scalp, there was some coagulated blood on the skull and a fracture on the upper part of the left parietal bone, about an inch in length. He thought the death of the child was occasioned by the wound in the neck. - Lord Rolle with another Magistrate attended the Inquest, who gave every facility to the investigation. It appeared in evidence that ANN SMITH had received great kindness and attentions, as well from Lord and Lady Rolle, as from her fellow servants. ANN SMITH would not discover the putative father of the child, but she made a declaration it was not any of Lord Rolle's servants, but it was some person in London, with whom she had been long acquainted, by whom she had a child about two years of age. - After the Coroner had summed up the evidence, the Jury retired for a few minutes and returned a verdict of Wilful Murder against the said ANN SMITH, who was then committed to the Devon County Gaol, but the execution of the commitment was suspended till she could undertake the journey with safety. [Note: Western Times, Saturday 27 March 1830, Devon Assizes: ANN SMITH placed at the bar, charged with the wilful murder of her bastard child at Stevenstone, the seat of Lord Rolle. ..... The Jury returned a verdict of acquittal as to the murder, but found the prisoner guilty of concealing the birth. Sentenced to two years imprisonment to hard labour in the county gaol.]

PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Accident. - It is with sincere regret we communicate the following fatal event which took place in the Sound, on last Thursday evening, and has plunged the relatives of the unhappy sufferers in the deepest affliction. A boat having gone from the shore for the purpose of conveying some wine on board the Britannia, 120 guns, then lying in the Sound ready for sea, with a Custom House Officer named Oxlen and two watermen, arrived alongside with her cargo, which being discharged, the boat was about to return, when Mr Barker, a Midshipman, with MESSRS CARGENVEN, CUMMINGS and Scott, clerks, and others, engaged with the waterman to take them ashore. The party named having seated themselves in the boat, another was coming down the accommodation ladder to join them, when a heavy swell carried the boat under the ladder and the ship rolling heavily at the same time, the ladder struck the gunwale of the boat, which it instantly upset, plunging the whole of the party into the sea, with the exception of one waterman, who clung to the ladder. The alarm being instantly given, Lieut. Hawthorn, with Mr Carrol the second Master, Mr Hughes, midshipman and one seaman, got into a small gig and succeeded, after much exertion, in picking up Messrs, CURGENVEN, Barker, CUMMINGS, Scott and the custom house officer, who were all greatly exhausted. The gig being unable to pull back to the Britannia, were forced to steer for Plymouth, at the imminent hazard of being swamped by the heavy sea. Medical assistance was procured for the sufferers as soon as they landed, but although it was but twenty minutes after the accident, and all the usual methods of resuscitation were sedulously employed by Messrs. Baldy and Roberts, their efforts to recover MESSRS. CURGENVEN and CUMMINGS proved vain, - life having fled before they reached the shore: with the others happily they were more successful. A Coroner's Inquest was held on the bodies of MR CURGENVEN and MR CUMMINGS, on Friday, at the Barbican House, by R. J. Squire, Esq., when a verdict of Accidentally Drowned was returned. MR CURGENVEN, we regret being obliged to add, has left a widow and five children to deplore his loss and MR CUMMINGS a widow and six children, Jope a widow and three children. The body of Jope has not yet been picked up.

Western Times, Saturday 10 October 1829
SWIMBRIDGE - An Inquest was held on Saturday on the body of JAMES BRAYLEY a servant of Mr Joce, of Swymbridge, who met his death by the accidental explosion of a gun in the hands of one Yeo, a rat-catcher, who had been assisting the deceased to squeeze some cheese he was making. The Jury returned a verdict corresponding with the circumstances and the gun, a very bad one, was forfeited as a deodand.

Western Times, Saturday 17 October 1829
PLYMOUTH - The result of the protracted Enquiry, by Mr Squire, Coroner, for this town, respecting the death of the female infant child of MARGARET EDWARDS, is a verdict of the Jury, "Found dead, but how, or by what means the child came by her death, no satisfactory evidence appeared to the Jurors; but from the gross prevarication of the parties concerned, and other circumstantial evidence, the Jury thought it right t solicit the interference of the magistrates, as a clear case of conspiracy to conceal the birth and actual concealment could be proved.

Western Times, Saturday 7 November 1829
KNOWSTONE - An Inquest was held on Tuesday last, by J. Partridge, Esq., Coroner of Tiverton, at Indylake Farm, in the parish of Knowstone, on the body of MR JOHN FOLLETT, aged 77, who was discovered by a neighbour extended on the floor of the barn where he had been threshing, a corpse. His two grand-children had left him but a few minutes before, apparently in good health. Verdict, Visitation of God.

BARNSTAPLE - A Child Burnt To Death. - On Tuesday morning a child, called WILLIAM YEO, aged about three years, whose parents reside in the Butcher-row, was burnt to death, by its clothing taking fire, while the mother was gone for some water; she had left it in bed when she went out. An Inquest has been held, and a verdict returned of Accidental Death.

PLYMOUTH - On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Coroner for the Borough of Plymouth, R. J. Squire, Esq., was occupied on an Inquest on view of the body of PHILIP BENNIS, late of the brig Levant, of Liverpool, whereof David Few, is master. It appeared that the vessel arrived at Plymouth with a cargo of corn from Hamburgh, on Saturday week, that the Captain had, he said, during the voyage been obliged to use coercion, and it was proved, once threw a knob of coal at the deceased; it also appeared that the deceased had fallen down the hold of a vessel three weeks previously in a state of intoxication, eight of the crew were examined, the ninth could not be found, and since the men who had been discharged gave a different version from the mate and those retained in the ship's employ, the Jury gave a verdict "Died from Typhus Fever, occasioned by an injury, but how or when inflicted, no satisfactory evidence appeared to the Jurors." - The Coroner strongly animadverted on the conduct of those concerned, since it appeared that the deceased shipped as cook and steward and was also compelled to perform the office of cabin boy and foremast man, keeping his watch day and night and only having four hours sleep in 24 hours, besides a dog-nap from 5 to 6 in the morning, and only received five shillings per month extra pay, and then in bad health.

ROBOROUGH - Atrocious Murder At Roborough, near Torrington. - On Thursday week a man of the name of GEORGE CUDMORE and a woman called Sarah Dunn, both of Roborough, were committed to Exeter Gaol, charged with the Wilful Murder of GRACE, the wife of the said GEORGE CUDMORE. The deceased was seized on Wednesday the 14th of October last, with violent sickness and a burning heat in her stomach, which in a few days terminated in her death. No suspicion was excited till after her funeral when reports were circulated that her death had been occasioned by poison. Henry Hole, Esq., a Magistrate, hearing the report, ordered the body to be disinterred, and an examination to be taken before some medial men, by whom a quantity of arsenic was found in her stomach. An Inquest was held on the body on Wednesday last, before Francis Kingdon, Esq., Coroner, and from the evidence adduced, it appeared that GEORGE CUDMORE was a labouring man, with whom Grace Dunn resided as a lodger, between whom and the said GEORGE CUDMORE, an improper intimacy subsisted. - Jane, the wife of William Trigger, who resided under the same roof with the prisoners, deposed that disputes frequently occurred between the male prisoner and the deceased, in consequence of the jealousy of the latter in reference to the female prisoner, Dunn; that on a certain day within three weeks previous to the decease of his wife, on account of a quarrel between the parties, CUDMORE swore that within three weeks she should never see his face again. Deceased desired witness to take notice of these words, in case anything should happen to her or her husband. On Wednesday the 14th of October, the deceased was taken ill, when her husband boiled some herbs and gave her the infusion, on taking which she began vomiting, and nothing would afterwards remain on her stomach; an apothecary of Dolton was called in, who bled the deceased under an impression that her disorder was pleurisy. Deceased lingered, till the morning of Monday the 19th, when she expired. During her illness, she frequently reminded witness of the awful threat uttered by her husband, and even with her last breath impressed the recollection on her memory. - Sarah Dunn made the following confession; that CUDMORE had had the poison in the house for several weeks, and had intended to have administered it a month previously; he had put some poison in his wife's tea, which caused her sickness; for which the Doctor sent her some powders to take; when CUDMORE asked his wife if she did not think she could take them better if they were made up into pills; she replied she thought she could; when he made some pills of the arsenic and gave her one which caused her death. - CUDMORE, on hearing of the confession of Dunn, did not deny the charge, but said she was as guilty as he was; for she had long pressed him to get some trade to put his wife out of the way; and after he had procured it he delivered it to Dunn, who, when any dispute arose between them, threatened to take it herself. On a day when they were digging potatoes they fell out and he insisted on her delivering it to him, which she did. - The Jury thought CUDMORE had been instigated by Dunn to the commission of the crime and returned, a verdict of Wilful Murder against both. The woman Dunn has had four illegitimate children and report says she is now with child by the prisoner CUDMORE. [Note: Western Times, Saturday 27 March 1830 - Devon Assizes: Geo. Cudmore and Sarah Dunn were placed at the bar, charged with the wilful murder of GRACE CUDMORE, wife of the former, by administering poison to her on the 14th of October, at Roborough, about 5 miles from Great Torrington. Another count charged the administering the poison on 18th Oct. ... The Judge, in a most perspicuous manner, summed up the evidence, which took him nearly two hours; and the Jury, after a short deliberation returned a verdict of Guilty against the male prisoner, GEORGE CUDMORE, but, in consequence of some doubts, acquitted Sarah Dunn. .... The Judge in a most impressive manner passed on him the sentence of the law, which was that he was to be executed on Thursday and his body afterwards delivered to the surgeons for dissection. He seemed very little moved and throughout the trial appeared quite insensible to his awful situation. His stature was short and rather deformed with overhanging eyebrows, and of rather forbidding aspect. What he had to say in his defence he spoke with a clear and distinct voice. The female prisoner is also of short stature and of a very fresh colour. She was accommodated with a chair and scarcely uncovered her face during the whole of the trial.]

Western Times, Saturday 14 November 1829
REWE - A melancholy occurrence took place on Saturday at Heazill Barton, in the parish of Rew. The farm is occupied by a family of the name of WARE, one of whom MR ROBERT WARE, has laboured under aberration of mind at different times, requiring his being placed under constraint. Unfortunately at the above period he was at liberty and getting into his possession a loaded gun, proceeded to the dairy of a farm rented by JOHN HOLMAN, and on entering found MARY HOLMAN, the wife, bending over a meal hutch, and immediately discharged the piece, the load of which went through her body and killed her on the spot. A respectable Jury was empanelled by Mr Partridge, the Coroner, by whom several witnesses were examined, so as to perfectly identify R. Ware as the cause of her death. Mr W. Tripp, who attended on behalf of the prisoner, questioned Dr Blackall, of this city, and Mr Hole, of Silverton, as to the state of his mind - when it appeared that the prisoner was insane in May last - that he then was, and had been for a fortnight previous, affected in a similar manner. The Jury unanimously agreed that the deceased came by her death by the hands of R. Ware, he at the time labouring under a fit of Insanity.

Western Times, Saturday 21 November 1829
EXETER - Suicide. - The case we alluded to last week having terminated fatally, a Jury was empanelled at the Elephant Inn, North street, at five o'clock on Monday evening, before S. Walkey, Esq. to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of GEORGE VICARY, whose body then lay at Mrs Tucker's, in St Kerian's Place. After the body had been examined, and the witnesses heard, the Coroner in a most humane manner summed up the evidence, and after some consideration, the Jury (just before nine o'clock) returned a verdict, - "That the deceased came by his death by taking Arsenic, not being of Sane Mind at the time."

Western Times, Saturday 5 December 1829
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held in the Marine Barracks, on Tuesday last, on the body of a quarry man, named WM. TWINE, who in attempting to charge a hole he had previously loaded, it having failed to fire, it exploded and caused his death in a few minutes. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

CREDITON - A verdict of Accidental Death was returned by James Partridge, one of the Coroners of this county, at Crediton, on the body of FREDERICK STRONG, whose death was occasioned by falling upon some working tools, whilst playing with some of his younger brothers, by which his skull was so dreadfully fractured as to cause his death.

Western Times, Saturday 12 December 1829
EXETER - An Inquest was taken on Tuesday at the Wynard's Hospital, Magdalene-street, in this city, before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner, on view of the body of JOHN JOHNSON, 84 years of age, an inmate thereof, who on the preceding evening had been found dead, immersed in the soil of the common privy of the Institution. It appeared on enquiry that the deceased had been subject to fits, and the probability being that in one of them he had fallen in, a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 9 January 1830
CHUDLEIGH - Sudden Death. - On Monday last, ... LANE, Esq., a gentleman of considerable property at Chudleigh, was found dead in his bed. A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body and a verdict returned accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 16 January 1830
TOPSHAM - An Inquest was held on Monday last, before J. Partridge, Esq., Coroner, in the vestry-room, at Topsham, on the body of GEORGE FERGUSON, who fell over the stairs, in his own house, in that parish, and bruised his head so severely as to cause his death. Several witnesses were called, who stated that the deceased had drank a quantity of cider and that the fall was purely accidental. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 23 January 1830
EXETER - The young man named SKARDON, whose accident we mentioned in our last, is since dead. An Inquest was taken on the body, before S. Walkey, Esq., at the Allhallows Inn and a verdict of Accident Death returned.

Western Times, Saturday, 20 February 1830
EXETER- Accidental Death. - On the evening of yesterday se'nnight, as MR DUSTER, roper, of Oakhampton, was returning from this city on horseback, it being extremely dark, he came in contact with the pole of a carriage; by the shock he was thrown under the horses feet and killed on the spot. An Inquest was held on the body and a verdict of Accidental Death returned. Some of the members of the family of the late Lord Graves were in the carriage hastening to Bishops Court. No blame was attached to the coachman.

EXETER - The body of the unfortunate man, HODGE, who was drowned on the 8th inst., by the upsetting of a boat at the Head Weir, was picked up on Tuesday last, near the Exe-bridge. A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body on the following day, and a verdict of Accidental Death returned.

EXETER - On Tuesday last, a Coroner's Inquest was held at the Hospital on the body of S. MATTHEWS, whose accident by the bell, at St Thomas's church we reported a short time since. The Jury, after hearing the evidence of Robert Kerslake, who saw the body immediately after the accident occurred, returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 13 March 1830
EXETER - On Monday last, an accident happened to a child named HART, about three years of age, whose parents reside on Stepcote-hill. The child, who was at a neighbour's house, playing with an elder sister, was accidentally pushed into a tub of boiling water, which scalded it in such a manner as to occasion its death on the following day. An Inquest has been held on the body and a verdict of Accidental Death returned.

Western Times, Saturday 10 April 1830
SOUTH MOLTON - A Coroner's Inquest was held on Saturday, before James Pearse, Esq., on the body of GEORGE TREBLE, gardener, who hung himself on Thursday. Verdict, Hung himself while in a state of Insanity, brought on by intoxication.

Western Times, Saturday 1 May 1830
UFFCULME - An Inquest was held at Uffculm on Sunday last, before Isaac Cox, Esq., Coroner, on the body of JOHN SWEETLAND, who came by his death under the following circumstances: Thomas Ballyman Churley, who resides in the same village, owed his brother a sum of money, for which the latter had obtained, in the early part of the week, a writ of distress. His goods were accordingly seized and he became dreadfully exasperated against both his mother and brother, whom he frequently threatened to shoot, and for which purpose he attempted to borrow the gun of the bailiff in possession, but which was, of course, refused. On Thursday he went to the house of the deceased, desiring the loan of a gun, stating that it was to shoot some ducks of his brother's. SWEETLAND, on hearing this, attempted, with the praiseworthy promptitude, to wrest the gun from Churley, which so exasperated him that, as SWEETLAND deposed before his death, he discharged the contents at him, which entered his bowels, so that his entrails protruded. Churley immediately ran off; and when passing along the street drew a razor from his pocket, with which he cut his throat in three places and now lies in a very dangerous state. The Jury returned a verdict of Manslaughter against Churley, who if he survives, will be committed to take his trial for the offence.

Western Times, Saturday 5 June 1830
HENNOCK - On Sunday se'nnight a man named HOLE, in the employ of Mr Loveys, a farmer of Hennock in this county, terminated his existence by hanging himself in a tallet. He was found the next morning by a son of Loveys, who learning that the deceased had not returned on Sunday night, went to the tallet (where the unfortunate man had sometimes slept when he returned home after the family had retired to rest) to look for him. A Coroner's Inquest has been held and a verdict of Temporary Insanity returned. the deceased was a very industrious and careful person, and no just cause can be assigned for the perpetration of this rash act. Two or three days after this event, the father of the deceased was seriously injured on the new road from Moreton to Newton, by the accidental explosion of a quantity of powder, which he had lodged in the rock he was blowing. The accident occurred from using an Iron rod in making a communication with the combustible materials, instead of a copper one. It is surprising that many workmen still persist in the use of Iron rods, when a remedy is so obvious and so many accidents continually occur from neglecting it.

Western Times, Saturday 19 June 1830
STOKE DAMEREL - On Tuesday an Inquest was held at the Lord Exmouth Inn, Old Town street by R. Jago, Esq., on the body of THOMAS GAY, a tanner, in the employ of Mr Tanner, who met his death by falling back on the steps of the house where he resided on the preceding evening, he being at the time in a state of intoxication. Verdict, that the deceased's death was caused by a violent concussion on the brain, and rupture of a blood vessel.

STOKE DAMEREL - On Wednesday, at the Fountain Inn, Castle-street, an Inquest was held by R. Jago, Esq., on the body of JOHN THOMAS, a shoemaker, who died in a fit on the landing place of the stairs where he resided, on the preceding day. Verdict, "Died by the Visitation of God."

Western Times, Saturday 26 June 1830
SEATON AND BEER - An Inquest was held at Beer on the 15th inst., Isaac Cox, Esq., on the body of JOAN YEATES, of that place, single-woman, aged 77, whose death was occasioned by her having taken Poison in mistake. The Jury returned a verdict corresponding with the facts of the case.

Western Times, Saturday 10 July 1830
EXETER - A man named JOHN MORGAN, while mowing in a field belonging to .. Hull, Esq., in the parish of Littleham, accidentally cut his knee so severely that after being brought to the Hospital, he died within ten minutes. The poor man, after the accident occurred was removed in a donkey-cart to Exeter, and there were upwards of six hours on the road. An Inquest was held on the body on Tuesday last, and a verdict of Accidental Death returned.

Western Times, Saturday 28 August 1830
UPLYME - A melancholy accident occurred at Kerswell limestone quarry in Uplyme, on the 18th instant, in consequence of the falling of the heading of the quarry, by which two labourers, GEORGE FOWLER, and BENJAMIN BEAVIS were buried in the rubble and killed on the spot. Inquests were held on their bodies on the following day by Isaac Cox, Esq. when the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death upon each of them.

Western Times, Saturday 9 October 1830
STOKE DAMEREL - On Monday last, as MR JOHN GAY, painter and glazier, of Pembroke-street, Devonport, was about to enter the gallery of the theatre, we was suddenly taken so ill as to be unable to proceed. Assistance was tendered by the bystanders, who removed him to the Bowling Green Inn, but he expired before medical aid could be procured. An Inquest was held by R. J. Squire, Esq., when a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 6 November 1830
STOKE DAMEREL - Dreadful Murders. - It is our most painful duty this week to record an event of as much atrocity, if wilfully designed by its perpetrator, as it is horrific, if the subject were under the influence of mental delusion. A Coroner's Inquest was held at Devonport Workhouse, on Saturday, and continued by adjournment to Monday last, on the bodies of JOHN, aged 9, and WILLIAM, aged 6 years, sons of WILLIAM TOWELL, a sawyer in the Dock yard, residing at William Street, New-passage, and a verdict of Wilful Murder recorded against the wretched Mother of these unfortunate Lads. She is committed to Exeter to take her trial for the dire offence at the next Assizes. We have heard various account of the exciting cause of this event, but not being in possession of the Evidence before the Coroner, we refrain from making any observations beyond the hope, that on the trial it will come out that the delinquent was not in the possession of a lucid mind. The remains of the poor sufferers who it would appear were strangled - were buried in Stoke Church Yard, on the 2nd Inst. amid an immense concourse of spectators. Since writing the above we have been favoured from an authentic source with the following additional particulars. - The husband of the prisoner states that his wife has always been a sober woman; that she is not a sectarian, as is generally reported, but visited various places of worship: - That the first indication of insanity appeared about three years and a half ago, at which time they kept a little shop in Pembroke-street, where they sunk money and consequently gave it up. Last Summer the husband applied to the parish officers at Devonport, Messrs. Rooke and Burnett, who took the necessary steps to remove the wife to the husband's parish, South-hill, Cornwall, she was examined as to her state of mind and took a letter to the overseers of South-hill. Her insanity was fully pointed out by Mr Kent, the assistant overseer for Devonport. - The two children were sent to Lezant, and resided under the protection of the husband's friends; but as his wife got better she returned to his house, they first took home one child, and afterwards the other. Two years since he found an infant child dead by his side in bed about two o'clock in the morning; he states that he does not believe that the child had died from foul means; the child had always been sickly, had had considerable cough, and was narrow chested; the latter circumstance is mentioned because reports are prevalent that the infant had also been killed by its unhappy mother.

EXMOUTH - Two Inquests were held at Exmouth, by Isaac Cox, Esq., on the 1st instant, on the Bodies of JOHN LETTER and JOHN GATER of Topsham, Fishermen, who were found drowned by the preventive men of Exmouth. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 27 November 1830
HONITON - Singular Investigation. Liability Of Unlicensed Practitioners. - An Inquest was held by I. Cox, Esq., of Honiton, on Friday the 19th inst., on the body of JOHN GOLLOP, an apprentice in the service of Mr Humphry Baker, of Honiton, which excited considerable interest from a report which had generally prevailed that the deceased had died for want of proper medical attendance in the early stage of his disorder, and that proper nourishment had not been given him during his illness. With regard to the last point, it appeared to have been clearly shewn that the deceased had received every attention that the circumstances of the parties enabled them to supply. It appeared the deceased had on a Sunday, two months before his death, complained of having sprained his ankle, he however, made no complaint of this till the following day, when his mistress found him with his leg in a bucket of cold water, & gave him some oil to rub in; on the following day he appeared worse and had more oil - in the afternoon of the same day she consulted a Mr Needs, a neighbour, who is a Druggist, and as it seemed undertook the cure of diseases, who told her she had done quite right and advised her to apply a poultice of white wine vinegar and oatmeal; this was done and the boy went to bed at 3 in the afternoon. On the following morning he was taken to Mr Needs, who applied Leeches, - it would seem, in considerable number. - After this, it appears, poultices were applied, morning and evening and laxative powders given twice a day; that after some time, a considerable discharge took place from the abscess which had formed, and Mr Needs bandaged and dressed the wound twice a day; that he directed the patient to be kept low until the abscess broke and after that ordered him whatever he liked to eat; that he continued to attend him in all about a month, when Mr Needs suggested the propriety of sending him to Exeter Hospital, for which purpose Mr Flood promised a recommendation; but his removal being delayed, the friends of the boy (who was a parish apprentice) appeared to have complained of his want of proper Medical attendance, and Mr Woodward was called in. The following is the account given of the appearance of the deceased, when this Surgeon first saw him. - He had a large open wound on the front of the right shin bone from five to six inches in length - the proper covering of the bone gone - the bone dead; that wound was the centre of an abscess, extending from the knee to the ankle - there was a profuse discharge from it of healthy matter - every other part of the limb was swollen from the ankle to the knee - two wounds open, one on each side of the shin bone of the same leg, they also communicated with the bone, which was diseased. - Round the left collar bone there was a large abscess not then broken, and the bone evidently much diseased, as the rotten points of the bone could be felt with the finger - the boy was labouring under some difficulty of breathing - sleepless nights or nearly so, and some sweats at night. - He appeared in a sinking state and it was quite evident that he was beyond the reach of any Medical assistance. - He had an abscess forming from just below the right shoulder to some considerable distance down the arm, which afterwards broke and its first discharge emitted at least a pint of matter, he had some cough and was very much emaciated. - Messrs. Woodward, Jerrard and Sweeting gave the following account of the post mortem examination. - The body externally was in a very emaciated state. - On looking at the right leg, the shin bone was found denuded of the Periosteum, from the ankle to the head of the bone, the Periosteum detached all round the bone - the front of the bone was turned black for an extent of from 4 to 5 inches. An attempt had been made at exfoliation. - On each side of the head of the same bone, portions of it were diseased and ulceration had taken place. On examining the right arm, they found the orifice at which the abscess had emptied itself, and on making an incision, there was an extensive cavity there. - They found an extensive cavity where the abscess had existed round the collar bone, and the bone in a very bad state of ulceration. - On examining the left ankle, they found the disease had taken place in the ankle joint, the cartilage were in a state of ulceration - the only other mark perceived externally, was an old scar on the left knee of no consequence. On dissection, the examined the chest, the greater portion of the Lungs exhibited a healthy appearance, but the back of each Lung was in a state of Hepatization - there was a slight effusion of a watery fluid in the right Pleura - a similar effusion in the Pericardium - the heart itself was healthy, the contents of the abdomen healthy. They did not consider it necessary to open the head, as he never exhibited symptoms of any complaint there. They opened several of the Mesenteric glands, and found no trace of Scrofulous disease in them, or in any other part of the body. On opening one of the Mesenteric glands, there was a very small drop of matter, and that was not Scrofulous. - There was little if any enlargement of the Mesenteric glands and they were of opinion he died of exhaustion, arising from the great discharge of matter, and the constitutional irritation produced by the wounds and abscesses. That the means taken were inadequate. - That all the havoc the frame exhibited, was the result of unchecked inflammation - and that had he received proper Medical treatment, from the time he came under the care of Mr Needs, he would, in all probability, have been then living. - Pearse R. Nesbitt, Esq., Doctor of Medicine, attended the dissection on behalf of the person charged and concurred generally in the statement given as to the appearances on the dissection, but was of opinion that there was an incipient enlargement of the Mesenteric glands in an early stage; that half a dozen of these were diseased, and others taking on a diseased action; that from the circumstance of the collar bone being affected, the shin bone on the opposite side, part of the heel bone and the cartilages of the ankle joint, the inflammation coming on at the ankle joint, and attacking with inflammation tissues least likely to take on the disease, and most distant from the original seat of the mischief, shewed in his opinion the inflammation was not of a common but of a specific character; that if it were scrofulous inflammation, as he supposed it, the same active means as if it were common inflammation could not have been resorted to; that he was inclined to think seeds of this disorder had been sown in this boy's constitution for some time, and though scrofulous inflammation might have possibly worked all the mischief within the two months, it was impossible common inflammation could have produced diseased in the bone to the extent he saw it within that period, and concluded, by stating his conviction, that no remedial measures could have saved the life of the deceased. - A considerable time was now occupied between the medical gentlemen, in a cross examination, as to the tests by which to ascertain whether the abscesses were the result of common or specific inflammation, which we would gladly insert did we not consider the detail would be uninteresting to our general readers, however much they might gratify the scientific professor; the result was that the Jury were left in extreme doubt as to the nature of the disease and the degree of propriety or impropriety of its treatment; to remove which it was deemed desirable that another medical man should be called in and Dr Sully, of Wiveliscombe, was fixed upon, and the Inquest having sat from noon till midnight it adjourned to the next day. - Dr Sully, having arrived, inspected the body and stated his opinion that the abscesses had been produced by common inflammation, that he saw no traces of scrofula except in the lungs, that the disease of the bones were of much longer standing than two months, and that if in the incipient state of the disease it had been skilfully treated it was probable the deceased might have been still a living member of society. He added, that it was a lamentable circumstance that persons not professionally brought up should have anything to do with medical subjects. (This observation created considerable surprise, as it had been expressly arranged that the circumstance should not be communicated to Dr Sully, but Mr Sweeting admitted he had mentioned the fact to him. - Several persons were then examined to shew that scrofula to a considerable extent existed in the family. Dr Sully examined a brother of the deceased, and found a dangerous scrofulous sore on his toe, one of which had denuded the shin bone about 5 inches, and he advised him to procure the best medical aid as he was in imminent danger. - Others of the family were called to shew they were not afflicted with it, and Dr Sully was of opinion that scrofula was not hereditary; that it did not necessarily follow that one member of a family having scrofula, another should have that disease. - The whole of the evidence taken was then read over to Dr Sully, and in answer to questions by the Coroner, as to the treatment of deceased by Needs, he said it did not appear that the treatment had done good or harm, that the disease of the bones was of long standing and could not have been produced in 2 months. It did not appear to him that under the most skilful treatment, if resorted to only within the last 2 months, the life of the deceased could have been preserved. - In his remarks to the Jury the Coroner defined manslaughter to be the unlawfully killing another without malice express or implied which may either be voluntary upon a sudden heat or involuntary upon the commission of some unlawful act; and in general when involuntary upon the Commission of some unlawful act, and in general when an involuntary killing happens in consequence of an unlawful act, it will be either murder or manslaughter according to the act which occasions it. - Now with regard to the practice of surgery and the compounding of medicine, it appears to have been antiently the law that the acting in the one, or the administering the other was unlawful, and that if death ensued, in consequence of the treatment of diseases by unqualified persons, notwithstanding such treatment might have been the best that the circumstance of the case appeared to suggest, the person so acting would have been guilty of Manslaughter at the least. - It is however manifest to all of us that in the treatment of diseases, much latitude must be given to opinion, and many allowances must be made for misconception and mistakes, which the most acute sometimes fall into, and it seems that whatever latitude is allowed to the mistakes of persons who were regularly trained and initiated in the practice of surgery or medicine, yet that the same indulgence is not to be extended to those who have not gone through the prescribed rules and regularly been initiated and legally authorized to practice. - But is the practice of surgery, and is the practice of medicine at the present day unlawful? - With regard to Surgery it certainly does appear to me that it is now unlawful, at least in cases of the description we have been examining. - The statute of Henry VIII, gives as it appears to me, the power to all persons to minister in and to any outward sore, uncome wound apostomations, outward swelling, or disease, any herbs, ointments, &c. (the Coroner here read this curious act), and though it has been contended by some that this applies to the persons mentioned in the recital of the act, persons who take nothing for their pains, yet I think the construction of the act is not sound, for the act was manifestly intended not only to release such persons from the penalties they were subject to, but to enable the people to obtain the ministration spoken of without being put to the great expense of surgeons and to prevent the people from dying for lack of attendance as mentioned in the act. - Thus then so far as concerns all the cases of surgery referred to in the act of Parliament, it appears to me that they are legalized, and that the qualified and unqualified are placed upon the same footing, each being accountable for any gross negligence or misconduct in the mode of treatment of a patient, or for the consequence of gross and manifest ignorance of the nature or proper treatment of a disease which he undertakes to cure. - But with regard to the acting as an apothecary in the dispensing or compounding of medicine, the case as it appears to me is far different, for by the statute 55 Geo. III. cap. 194, there is a penalty of £20 imposed upon any person who shall act as apothecary without having obtained the certificate mentioned in that act; and consequently so acting without such a certificate is an illegal act, and if such a person so acting does administer medicine to another person which occasions death, though done with a good intent, yet such an act would in my opinion bring the party within the terms and meaning of the legal offence of Manslaughter, viz. the involuntary killing a person in consequence of an unlawful act, and although the unlawfulness of the act in question is only such as subjects a party to a pecuniary penalty, yet I think that a sufficient unlawfulness to bring it within the act, and I find in fact that cases have occurred in which it has been so held - an involuntary killing in the progress of an attempt to evade the laws against smuggling which subjected the party to a pecuniary penalty. So in attempting to remove goods to prevent a distress, where there are only pecuniary penalties, had been held to be Manslaughter. - With every deference to the very high authorities which have supported a contrary opinion, I cannot but conclude that the unlawful administration of medicine for profit, by which death ensues, may constitute Wilful Murder, in some cases manslaughter, in most others a high misdemeanour, in all according to the quantity of general malice, ignorance, or presumption evinced in each case. Under what class each individual instance may fall is a proper subject for a Jury. - It is however but just to observe that there is much authority for a contrary construction of the law, and in the recent trials which have occupied the public attention in London, the judges have given their opinion that there is no distinction in the eye of the law between the most scientific professor, and the humblest practitioner, between the learned and the uneducated. -

Western Times, Saturday 1 January 1831
EXETER - A man named KEYS, a labourer, in the employ of Mr Hooper, builder, of this city, who, together with his fellow-workmen, partook of the annual Christmas Eve Feast given by his master, was taken home in a state of insensibility at a late hour in the evening and the next morning was found dead in his bed. An Inquest has been held on the body - verdict - "Died by the Visitation of God!

TOPSHAM - Murder At Topsham - An Inquest was held on Wednesday last, at the Committee Room, Topsham, by J. Partridge, Esq., on the body of MICHAEL HARRIS, who was shot by William Berry, on the preceding Monday. The Jury sat from 11 in the morning until nearly 8 in the evening and as it appeared that the act was committed under very aggravated circumstances, a verdict of "Wilful Murder" was returned against Berry, who was accordingly committed to the County Gaol on Thursday morning, to await his trial at the ensuing Assizes.

SIDBURY - An Inquest was held by Isaac Cox, Esq., at Sidbury, on the 27th ult. on the body of JOHN DANIELL, of that parish, labourer, aged 55 years, who was found suspended from a tree in an orchard, adjoining the dwelling-house of MR JOSEPH SEARLE DANIELL, his brother, and with whom the deceased resided. - The deceased had worked as a labourer for his brother for about 19 weeks; he was a man of very weak intellect, he left his brother's house on Thursday the 23rd and was not found till Saturday, although it appeared enquiries were made for him at his sisters on the Thursday, but not finding him there, no further search was made, his brother thinking he was gone to a neighbour's house. In the morning of the 25th he was discovered by a neighbouring farmer hanging from a tree in the following peculiar manner, his body as far as the knees was completely covered with a bed quilt and the rope tied outside with a half hitch knot. It would seem that the deceased sat on one of the branches of the tree, and having adjusted the quilt and rope, jumped off, as his neck was very much cut and was dislocated. A Surgeon examined the body, no external marks of violence appeared; he was of opinion that the deceased could not have been forced into the situation in which he was found, alive, without marks of violence appearing, and the Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased not being of Sound Mind, did Hang Himself."

Western Times, Saturday 9 April 1831
LANDKEY - An Inquest was held on Saturday last by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, at Acland, in the Parish of Landkey, on the body of MISS ALICE WESTACOTT, aged nineteen, whose death was occasioned in the following melancholy manner; - She had taken down the candlesticks and other articles which occupied the mantle-piece to be cleaned, and amongst the rest, was a fowling piece, which she placed on a table near the fire place, where a little boy named Warren, a relative of the deceased, was sitting, who began to play with it unobserved, and presently it went off, and the whole of its contents passed through the cheek into the head of MISS WESTACOTT, causing her instant death. The lamentable occurrence has overwhelmed the family in unutterable grief.

PLYMOUTH - On Friday last a boy named STEPHEN VIRGO, fell from one of the rocks under the Hoe, near the boundstone, a spot commonly called Barberry's Leap. He was so severely injured that he expired shortly after he was conveyed home, of concussion of the brain. A Coroner's Jury sat on the body and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 16 April 1831
MARWOOD - Suicide. - On Wednesday last, a labourer in husbandry of the name JENKINS, of the Parish of Marwood, hung himself by a rope with which he had been making up his reed. The Coroner's Inquest returned a verdict of 'Insanity.'

Western Times, Saturday 28 May 1831
PLYMOUTH - On Monday, a woman of the name of SNELL, who resided in Cambridge-lane, cut her throat in such a dreadful manner, as nearly to sever her head from her body. An Inquest was held on the body. Verdict - Temporary Derangement.

Western Times, Saturday 11 June 1831
THORVERTON - On Friday evening last, as JOHN BACK, the waggoner to Mr Geo. Gill, of Thorverton, was taking the vehicle with a single horse for reparation, the animal became restive and in jumping from the shafts to restrain him the unfortunate man was thrown down and killed on the spot. The deceased was about 21 years of age and at the Inquest before the Coroner, on Saturday, a verdict of Accidental Death was returned, with a deodand of £1 on the horse.

Western Times, Saturday 18 June 1831
SIDMOUTH - An Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., coroner at Sidmouth, on the 4th instant, on the body of JOHN RUGG, a lad about 14 years of age, in the employ of Mr John Ebden, of Sidmouth, carpenter, who accidentally fell into a saw-pit in his master's yard on the 4th instant, and a piece of timber fell on him. Verdict, Accidental Death.

EXMOUTH - On Friday the 10th instant, at Exmouth an Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on LIEUT. CHARLES BYNE, who died on board the Sprightly Cutter off Exmouth, on the morning of Thursday the 9th. It appeared from the evidence that the deceased had taken the command of the Sprightly about two months since, - had been on shore on Wednesday with the boat's crew at Lyme and afterwards on board the Harpy, from whence he returned with Capt. Mingay, the inspecting commander about half past eight in the evening. Deceased retired to bed between 11 and 12 and was found dead about 4 the next morning. Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

Western Times, Saturday 2 July 1831
OTTERY ST MARY - An Inquest was held on the 23rd instant, at Ottery St Mary, by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., Coroner, on the body of MARY PRINCE, aged 7 years, daughter of THOMAS PRINCE, of that parish, labourer. The Jury, after a short consultation, returned their verdict "That the deceased Accidentally fell into the Water."

Western Times, Saturday 9 July 1831
PLYMOUTH - Suicide. - An Inquest was held on Sunday last at the Prince of Wales Arms Inn, Russell-street, by R. J. Squire, Esq., Coroner for the Borough, on the body of PETER CHAFF, a blacksmith, who terminated his existence on the above morning, by hanging himself in his bedroom, Willow-street. The Inquisition occupied upwards of four hours, but as no evidence was adduced of insanity in any degree, the Jury returned a verdict of Felo-de-se.

SIDMOUTH - An Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., Coroner at Sidmouth, on the 30th ult. on the body of JOEL WOODROW, of that parish, labourer, aged 59 years. Deceased had been working on the previous day in Mr Frost's hay field, at Sidmouth, and about eight o'clock in the evening, whilst he was in the midst of his work, he fell down and expired. Verdict - Natural Death.

EXETER HEAVITREE - At Heavitree on the 1st inst. an Inquest was held on the body of ISAAC BRADFORD, a lad about 8 years of age, in the service of Mr Robert Rew, of Heavitree. It appeared that on the 30th ult. the deceased was endeavouring to drive his master's horses from a field where hay was being carried into an adjoining field; that he struck one of the horses with a stick, upon which the horse kicked at him, and struck him in the head. A Surgeon was immediately sent for and every assistance rendered, but the deceased survived only an hour. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly and a deodand of one shilling was levied on the horse.

EXMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Exmouth on the 2nd inst., on the body of WILLIAM DAVEY of that place, aged 16 years. Deceased and Edmund Hallett, a youth about his own age, on the 1st inst., went down to the river Exe to bathe; they both swam out some distance; the deceased was a little way behind Hallett and he called out to him that he could not swim any further. Hallett went towards him and took hold of him by the arm; the deceased caught him round the neck and both of them sunk together. Hallett extricated himself and made towards the land. A boat was immediately put off, but the deceased had gone down. Verdict - Accidentally Drowned.

Western Times, Saturday 16 July 1831
TIVERTON - An Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., Coroner, on the 5th instant at Tiverton, on the body of GEORGE JOSLYN, a lad about 14 years of age, in the employ of Mr Robert Cooke, a respectable farmer residing at Bickleigh Court. - Deceased was in one of His Master's Hay Fields, on Saturday the 2nd instant, and perceiving something the matter with part of the yoke, by which one of the fore bullocks was attached to the slide, he got in between the bullock and the chain, in order to alter the yoke, whilst in the act of doing so, he became jammed between the bullock and the chain; he screeched: the bullock became frightened, and ran round on the left hand; one of the labourers ran to his assistance and the deceased got out. He complained very much of his belly being bruised, but after resting a little, he took on one of the horse slides and drove it to the rick twice, he still complained of pain, and he was advised to go home. Shortly after he left the field, went home, and was put to bed, he was very ill all night, and in the morning a Surgeon was sent for, who bled him and administered medicines. He lingered on in great pain till the evening of Sunday, when death put a period to his sufferings. - Verdict, "Accidental Death," and a deodand of 1s. was levied on the chain.

MEMBURY - An Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., Coroner on the body of JOHN DENSELOW, a labourer, in the employ of William Harvey, who was killed by falling out of a waggon he was driving. Verdict, Accidental Death, and deodand of 1s. was levied on the wheel.

Western Times, Saturday 1 October 1831
TOPSHAM - An Inquest was held at the Countess Weir Inn, Topsham, by J. Partridge, Esq., on the body of WILLIAM CHAPMAN, Bargeman, in the employ of Mr Davy: this unfortunate man was in the act of unloading a stone boat lying at Topsham, when a Dutch Galliott laden with bark coming up the river with a strong leading wind, run foul the stone boat with such violence, as to carry away the boom and do other damage, and by which CHAPMAN was struck and killed on the spot. By this sad event, a widow with 5 small children are left entirely unprovided for. The accident is attributed to the carelessness of the Pilot taking the vessel up too early on tide, by which she [?] and became unmanageable.

COMBE MARTIN - A Coroner's Inquest was held at Combmartin on Tuesday last, by T. Copner, Esq., on the body of J. THORNE, of Loxhore, aged 18, son of FARMER THORNE, who was unfortunately killed, about four o'clock he same morning, by the overturning of a cart which he was driving to the lime-kilns, and which falling on him caused his death. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 19 November 1831
STOKE DAMEREL - On Thursday week, an Inquest was held before A. B. Bone, Esq., on the body of RICHARD COLLINGS, well known in these towns as the Secretary of several Benefit Societies. On the Wednesday evening he had been acting in his official capacity at a Society's meeting, held at the Two Trees, Fore-street, from whence he retired t an eating-house in the neighbourhood for the purpose of getting supper. A portion of the food unfortunately got into his wind-pipe and death ensued within a quarter of an hour from the occurrence of the accident. Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.