Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1832-1833

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: Alderman; Ashelford; Austen; Bess; Billing; Bodley; Bond; Boyles; Boynes; Canniford; Collins(2); Cornish; Crabb; Creswell; Cuerton; Darby; Dening; Dunn; Elworthy; Fraser; Gillard; Gloynes; Govier; Halcombe; Harding; Hayward; Heddon; Hellier; Holmes; Hore; Humphries; Jacobs; Kingdon; Larcombe; Lee; Litley; Mayor; Middleweek; Mildon; Morgan; Morris; Mules; Nicholls; Norcombe; Parker; Parriss; Parsons; Patch; Phippen; Pile; Pyne; Radmore; Reddell; Restorick; Richards; Searle; Short; Smith; Snell; Soper; Stapleton; Stiling; Stokes; Stone; Taverner; Trott; Tucker; Venn; Vicary; Ware; Welland; Welsford; Westcott; Wilkins.

Western Times, Saturday 18 February 1832
ILFRACOMBE - An Inquest was held on the 10th instant at Ilfracombe on the body of JOHN BOYLES, 3 years old, whose death was occasioned by the falling of a basin of boiling water on his chest the previous day. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 3 March 1832
BROADHEMBURY - An Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., Coroner, at Broadhembury on the 21st ult., on the body of HENRY CANNIFORD, aged 16 years. Deceased was a parish Apprentice of Mr Thomas [?] of Broadhembury and had been to the Lime Kilns at West Leigh on the preceding day, (Monday) with Richard Bastin, a fellow servant with carts and four horses for lime. On returning, just within a short distance of Grange House, seat of E. S. Drewe, Esq, the deceased was driving the Horses, whilst Bastin was asleep in the waggon. On the waggon and horses passing the yard at Grange (about 3 o'clock in the afternoon), a man named Henry Baker, who was working for Mr Drewe, observing that there was no carter with the horses, immediately ran and stopped them, this [?] Bastin, who was lying in the waggon and asleep and appeared intoxicated. Baker then to Bastin, "How comest asleep" to which he replied "I did not know but the boy was with me, don't know where he has gone, though I gave him nothing to drink because he should drive along." The waggon having passed the field where the lime was to be delivered, Baker told Bastin he must turn round and they together turned the horses and Bastin drove them to that field, unloaded his waggon, and finally went home to his Masters with it. No anxiety was at the time felt for the deceased, but about an hour and a half afterwards he was found by a boy lying in the ditch adjoining the road about 10 yards from the gate of the Farm Yard at Grange. He was quite dead and cold; no marks of violence were found on his body, but a slight mark of a blow and some blood appeared over his eye-brow, and a mark or two of blood near the nose. His hat was lying nearly in the middle of the Road and the whip he had been driving with was near it, and there was the mark of some scuffle or of some person having been thrown or fallen in the wheel track, and apparently rolled off the road to the ditch. From the confused answers of Bastin and from no wheel marks appearing on the body of the deceased, and blood on his forehead, suspicion attached to Bastin, who was given into custody by Mr Drewe, who assisted by Robert Potter and others of his Tenants, conducted a most minute and prompt investigation of the circumstances and sent the same evening for the Coroner. - The Inquest was held at the Red [?] on Thursday, at which Mr Drewe and the Rev. Bond attended and all the witnesses who could throw any light on the subject were examined. The body presented the appearance of Apoplexy. Mr [?]ting, Surgeon, of Honiton, examined the body, and stated that there were no external marks of violence about the Head or Body, that on opening the head, though the vessels were gorged with blood, and there was more water in the cavities of the Brain than usual, he did not think those appearances sufficient of themselves to account for the death of the deceased. Mr S. then proceeded to open the abdomen, where he found that the Cavity was filled with venous blood, which proceeded from an extensive laceration of the right lobe of the liver and he was of opinion that such laceration and escape of blood was sufficient to have occasioned instantaneous death and that this appearance could have never been inflicted by abuse or by a blow given by anyone, but by some heavy substance passing over the Body, and that in his experience he had known many instances where death had occurred from such cases, although, as in the present instance, no external marks of violence appeared:- The Jury after consulting together for some time returned a verdict of Accidental Death and found a Deodand of 2s. 5d. but to work their sense of the misconduct of Bastin the waggoner, they added to their verdict "That Richard Bastin, who had the charge of the said Waggon and Horses, was drunk and asleep in the Waggon, and that great blame is imputable to the said Richard Bastin for his drunkenness and negligence."

Western Times, Saturday 25 August 1832
EXETER ST SIDWELL - On Saturday last an Inquest was taken before S. Walkey, Esq., Coroner at Mitchell's Poltimore Inn, St. Sidwells, in this City, on the body of a young woman about eighteen years of age, daughter of a dairyman, named LEE, which had been taken from the Basin, at the head of the Canal. She had been missing from the Thursday evening, all trace of her was lost. On the following morning a bonnet was found with a stone placed on it, at the edge of the landing place about mid-way on the north side of the basin, but being unclaimed, nothing was done in it, nor was it until Saturday that information of this reached the father, when the bonnet being recognised as his daughter's, some stout men dived at the spot and brought the body up. No cause was assigned for this act, except a trifling quarrel with her mother. Verdict - Found Drowned.

EXETER - A poor man, of the name of STONE, of Honiton, who, from the dread of the cholera, had on Friday last, most unwillingly come to this City for a cart load of laths, was, on returning home, so dreadfully crushed between the wheels and a wall, from his horse taking fright, as to occasion instant death, and on the Coroner's Inquest a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 1 September 1832
WITHYCOMBE RALEIGH - At Withycombe Raleigh an Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the 25th inst., on the body of JOHN PELLER CRABB, aged about five years, son of MR HENRY CRABB of that parish, yeoman. It appears that on the 13th instant, the deceased was in a field of his father's where they were carrying wheat, deceased was near the rick and his father was on it, when the pick which the latter was using, accidently fell out of his hand and entered into the left side of the neck of the deceased, making a wound an inch wide and two inches deep. Medical assistance was speedily procured, but he died on the 24th. Verdict, Accidental Death.

EXETER ST SIDWELL - Important Inquest. Caution To Overseers And Others. - An Inquest was held at the Red Lion Inn, St. Sidwell's, on Friday last, touching the death of JOHN VICARY, a vendor of sweetmeats, under circumstances which are detailed in the following evidence. - At two o'clock, the Coroner, S. Walkey, Esq., impannelled the following respectable Jury. - Messrs. Bourn, Dunn, Tolley, Cambridge, Twiggs, Westcott, Kingdon, Bradford, Flood, Chapple, Huxham, Ellicott, Eal, Hayman, Phillips, Boutchers, Manning, Hooper, Halse, Tolley, Johns, Cornish, Tozer, Grace. The case excited the utmost interest. - It appeared that Ginham the Captain of the Watch, had been informed about three o'clock on Thursday morning that a cart was going up Fore Street under very suspicious circumstances; he went out and stopped the vehicle opposite the Guildhall, when two men jumped off the shafts and he found a third asleep in the bottom, and on waking this man he appeared to be intoxicated. They informed him that they had a man in the cart who had been taken ill of the Cholera at Dawlish, and on going into the cart, Ginham found the wretched man lying along the bottom, under a single blanket and coverlid, with no clothes but his shirt and stockings on. The cart was not long enough and his feet hung out over the end. On touching him the poor fellow seemed as if the death chill had already closed the door of this life and all its brutalities on him. He appeared however on further examination not quite dead and his conductor, having his address, proceeded at once with the cart to St Sidwell's, where, in Kekewich Place, he resided. Ginham immediately sought medical assistance, the Medical Gentleman being all away from the Guildhall on their rounds; Dr Pennell however met the cart, and very promptly attended at the dwelling of the deceased. - The first witness called at the Inquest was Dr Pennell, who described the manner in which he found the deceased and stated his belief that the mode of conveyance had in all probability accelerated the death of the deceased. - William Edmonds, of Dawlish, shoemaker, deposed that he had known the deceased three or four months, who had lodged at Mrs Tuckett's, the Swan Inn, at Dawlish: he heard on Wednesday evening, about 7 o'clock, that the deceased was very ill; he went to him about half past nine or ten o'clock, and found him in bed; witness was accompanied by a Mr White, a hatter; deceased appeared to him to be in a great deal of pain; when they came to the Inn, White told deceased that he was to be removed by the gentlemen's orders; White was sent there by the gentlemen to tell deceased that he must be removed; witness then told deceased that he must be removed by the order of the gentlemen, Mr Leeson, Captain Hall and Mr Ferris, the overseer of the poor; deceased replied that he could not be removed; but that he would go early in the morning; White told him that he must be removed by the gentlemen's orders; and deceased asked if they wished to murder him? White then replied, "No, I don't wish to murder you." I don't wish to do it, but the gentlemen have ordered it. Witness then went down to Mr Leeson and Mr Ferris, who were in the bar and told them that the deceased said he could not be removed and Mr Leeson said, "d.... it, move him instantly out of the house, take him up, d..n it take him up, bed and all and take him out by force." Witness and White then told deceased that the gentlemen had ordered them to take him out by force and deceased then requested that they would put on his stockings, which was done; they then told the gentlemen that deceased had put on his stockings and Leeson said, "it's all right," and they went up with another man called Dolling. Witness got deceased into the cart and drove him to Exeter. Ferris told witness and Dolling that they should be "d...d well reward." They had 10s. to pay their expenses and a bottle of brandy. Witness thought deceased appeared to be very ill, as he spoke in a "hoarsey tone of voice," and seemed in a weak state, so that he did not think he was capable of putting on his stockings without assistance, deceased was given some cold water at the Inn and he believed there was brandy put in it, but he was not certain of that. - Second Day. Saturday - The Inquest was resumed at one o'clock on this day. Previous to calling over the Jurors, the Coroner reprimanded the Reporter of the Exeter Gazette, for having published the evidence of Dr Pennell and the witness Edmonds on the night before; giving the parties implicated an opportunity of escaping before the arm of Justice could reach them. The worthy Coroner said he had a great mind to forbid the Reporter of the Exeter Gazette staying in the room after such an abuse of the privilege. - The Reporter stated, that he did not hear the order of the Coroner, or he should have obeyed it. - Mr Shears the Beadle of the Corporation of the Poor, who has been indefatigable in getting witnesses and taking every measure to enable the Jury to decide justly upon the case - said that Mr Woolmer had kept back his Dawlish and Teignmouth papers, as the papers had not come out in time to go by that post, which he thought very honourable on the part of Mr Woolmer; it prevented the parties concerned knowing what was likely to come out. - John Down was the first witness examined. He deposed that he was a shoemaker and lived in Idel-lane and that he had recently been employed by Mr Shears, as a Nurse to the Cholera Patients. He had been desired to attend the deceased; he went to him about half past seven, on Thursday morning. Deceased died at half-pat twelve on the same day. - William White was now sworn. He said he was a hatter, residing at Dartmouth, and that he occasionally went to Dawlish to seek employment, to clean hats. He left Dawlish for Exeter on Saturday morning. He had been residing there three weeks come Monday August 27. Between seven and eight on the Wednesday evening previous, witness said he saw MR VICARY standing at the corner of the Pump by the Brew-house in the court of the Swan Inn, he appeared to be very weak, he trembled in his knees and cried out "White, do assist me," witness held him as long as he could and then called for help, when a young man came up whose name he did not know, they then helped him into the bedroom and White saw him put to bed, helping him to undress, witness added "I saw he was very ill; I went downstairs and lit my pipe. In about ten minutes after he had an evacuation and he appeared to suffer great pain, several times he repeated "I wish I was home with my dear wife," I did not put any questions to him before he said that; it was not my place. I then asked him if he would take any refreshment, he desired a cup of warm tea and I went and got it for him immediately; I got it from the mistress of the house. - A Juror: She had some feeling of humanity it appears. - Witness: I went and made the tea myself because I knew the gentleman before. The tea did not make him sick directly. The Surgeon came in soon after and asked if he were sick up or down and after a few more enquiries he went away. Shortly afterwards a young man came up and said that he must be taken off to Exeter where he wished to go. There were two or three young men there. The Doctor had gone out. One was named Vesey and the other was named Edmonds; the name of the third I did not know. When they said they had come to have the man down stairs, the old man immediately said that he wished to remain till morning. - The Coroner: That is different to what you said just now, when he expressed a wish to go home. - Witness: It appeared to me that he wished to stop the night, from a feeling that he was unable to get home. - Mr Huxham: Do you suppose the cause of his suffering was his reason for wishing to stay till morning? - I do. - (Several other questions were put by the Coroner, Mr Huxham, the Foreman and others of the Jury, with the view of having this point cleared; it appeared from the answers to these, that the deceased had changed his mind as his sufferings had increased. He was then taken and hoisted upon the bed and carried downstairs. I never heard him say don't murder me, nor words to that effect, he might have said it but I did not hear him. The Surgeon, Mr Goss, came into the room between 7 and 8, before we took him down. I did not put his stockings on, nor did I notice that they were on, we lifted up the bed and bedclothes just as he was and carried him down stairs, we did not take him into the house. I saw Mr Leeson, Mr Ferris and Capt. Hall during part of the evening; those are all the gentlemen I saw; they did not say a word to me about moving him. (The remainder of the witness's testimony merely went to the fact, that he accompanied the deceased to Exeter, 10 shillings being allowed to defray the expenses of himself and two companions and a bottle of brandy; he admitted he was rather overcome before starting, and appeared to have suffered much in his memory.) - Richard Lewin Pennell, Esq., M.D. - On Thursday morning last about a quarter before four, I was returning to the Guildhall from visiting my cholera patients, - when I was called to visit a person who it was said had been brought from Dawlish and who resided in Kekewich place. I immediately proceeded thither and examined him. I found the pulse extremely low and weak - his hands were cold - not so cold as I have felt the hands of patients - and purplish. His eyes were sunk, but I can't say whether more than habitually, as he was an old man. I think he complained of cramps. From what I saw and heard, it was my decided opinion that he was labouring under Cholera. - I think I visited him again about eight o'clock, and afterwards between ten and eleven. He was then sinking - I considered him dying. - The Coroner: Now to the question I am about to put I request a decided answer: it is this - allowing this man was brought away from Dawlish, labouring under the premonitory symptoms of cholera, do you think from the symptoms you found on him at ten in the morning, when you say he was sinking - do you think the exertion of bringing that man out of his room and putting him into a cart and then conveying him along the road, might not have brought on those symptoms? - Answer: I can't speak positively on the point; I can't say it did or did not. - The Coroner: I can't record that answer. Upon your oath, to the best of your judgment do you think as a medical gentleman, that the man's death was accelerated in consequence of that removal? - Answer: I am not prepared to give a positive answer to that question, for I don't know the state in which the man was at the time he was removed. - The Coroner: You must say yes or no; there must be a decided answer. Dr Pennell: You desire me to give an answer as a matter of fact, where I can only give an expression of opinion. - I should think it highly probable that the man's death would be accelerated by such a removal. - Stephen Weston Goss, Esq., deposed as follows: I was called in to see the deceased about six o'clock on Wednesday evening; I was passing at the time. I saw him in the skittle ground - he complained of a pain in the bowels and that he had vomited frequently. I requested that he might be taken into the house, where I asked him such questions as I thought necessary and the answers to which led me to conclude that he was labouring under a disease similar to that which is now prevalent in Exeter; and having learnt that he left St Sidwell's that morning, I went to Mr Parr, the Magistrate, to know whether they might not be compelled to receive him; he informed me that they were. I did not like to take upon myself the onus of ordering him to be received (a mob had got about the house by this time) and I immediately went to the Overseer of the Parish, Mr Ferris. I ordered him to procure him a warm bed and proper attendance. I did not say where. I also procured him medicine. I then sent my pupil to see him and about an hour after that I saw him myself again. I thought him better - I did not bleed him. An application was made to me soon after, requesting me to sanction his removal. I think Mr Ferris asked the question, I am not certain; I have no doubt he was present. There was a great number present very anxious for his removal. My answer was, that as a professional man I thought he might be removed - if with proper care and proper expedition, without rendering the disease under which he was labouring more dangerous than it otherwise would have been. I gave a written certificate to that effect. - Mr Goss then went on to say that a very unwarrantable use had been made of his certificate; he had strictly enjoined the Parish officer to provide proper assistance and a carriage or fly - adding that if no other suitable attendance could be obtained, he and his pupil would accompany the deceased home. He said they must get a carriage, if they even subscribed and had it burnt after it came back. He expressed himself very indignant at the mode resorted to. Mr Huxham then put the following question:- Then Sir, am I to understand that your opposition to such a removal, at such a time, and under such symptoms, went from a decided conviction that it would have been the cause of death, or at least its acceleration? - Certainly. At the conclusion of Mr Goss's examination, Dr Pennell was recalled, with the view of ascertaining if his opinion was different after hearing the evidence of Mr Goss. The learned Dr. made no alteration of his former reply. - William Dolling, one of the three men who came with the cart, was examined touching the parties who employed him, he professed to know nothing. The Coroner commented on the evidence and at 7 o'clock the Jury returned a verdict, in which they were unanimous - that JOHN VICARY came by his death by culpable and wilful conduct of Robert Leeson, Wm. and Richard Ferris and that they are all guilty of Manslaughter. - Warrants were immediately issued and Shears and other officers dispatched to Dawlish, but the parties escaped, having, it is supposed, been informed of what awaited them, were not to be found. On Tuesday, however, Captain Hall and Mr Ferris surrendered themselves and have been admitted to Bail, by the magistrates of this city, to meet the charge at the Sessions, Captain Hall and his sureties and Mr Ferris and his sureties in the sum of [?]. Mr Leeson has not yet surrendered himself.

Western Times, Saturday 15 September 1832
EXETER - On Thursday last an Inquest was taken on the body of MR GEORGE BODLEY, ironmonger, at his residence, Quay place, Shilhay, in this City, who, the morning, had been found dead in his bed. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God." MR BODLEY was a respectable and an ingenious man and Patentee of the Stove that bears his name.

Western Times, Saturday 6 October 1832
EXETER - On Monday about eight o'clock, the body of a man was discovered in the river Exe, at Sandy Point, near this City, by a labourer at work. The discovery was made in consequence of a hat being observed on the bank; assistance was immediately procured and the body removed to the Red Cow public-house, where it was recognised as being that of a man named HUMPHRIES, a journeyman tailor, of this City. He was quite dead and from appearances had been some time in the water; he was without shoes, which no where be found. A Coroner's Inquest was held in the course of the day.

Western Times, Saturday 10 November 1832
LYMPSTONE - An Inquest was held on Wednesday last, at the New Inn, Lympstone, on view of the body of JOHN WELSFORD, aged 52, maltster, in the employ of Mr Foster, Dolphin Inn, Exmouth, from whence he was going to Woodbury. It appeared that the preceding evening he was riding in a cart with a man named Smith, a resident at Woodbury - they were going the lower road, that is - along the beach, when they arrived at Lympstone Hill, instead of taking the road, Smith, against prayers and entreaties of the deceased, still continued by the wayside, though there must have been in that part a considerable depth of water. The deceased, finding his entreaties of no avail, screamed out for help; Smith then attempted to return, but in doing so, the water forced the cart out from land, the horse, however, swam with the cart to shore, to which Smith kept firm - the deceased had in the mean time been washed out of the cart, he was picked up shortly afterwards but quite dead. Verdict, Accidental Death.

DODBROOKE - A person named CUERTON, who was in easy circumstances, drowned himself in a water butt, at Dodbrook, about a fortnight since. He had seated himself on a low stool in the cask which contained only 3 feet of water and must have taken some pains to suffocate himself. A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body and the Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity." It is said that £200 were found deposited in the coal-pit after his death.

Western Times, Saturday 1 December 1832
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide. - We regret to state that a most melancholy instance of this nature took place on Sunday morning last, at Lower Stoke. MR AUSTEN, formerly a linen-draper in Devonport, lately lodger with Mr Chapple, boot-maker, was found in his apartment with his throat dreadfully lacerated, being nearly cut from ear to ear. On the morning in question he had been asked by the family if he intended going to church, to which he replied in the negative, and on their return was found in the state described. for some time past he had laboured under severe depression of spirits and at the Inquest, held before A. B. Bone, Esq., the Jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity.

Western Times, Saturday 12 January 1833
EXETER HEAVITREE - Inquest On The Late MR FRASER. - An Inquest was held on the body of this unfortunate gentleman, at Heavitree on Monday last, before Mr Partridge, Esq., coroner. A most respectable Jury was impannelled, Mr Edward Lloyd Sanders, Foreman. - The Jury had been summoned to meet at Mr Clarke's, the Horse and Groom, but for greater convenience the Inquest was adjourned to the Ship Inn. - Sarah Best, the first witness examined. Spoke as follows:- "I am Governess in the family of the deceased. I saw the deceased last at about a quarter past seven on Friday evening. I know it was that time because the little ones were going to bed. I saw him in the dining room. MRS FRASER was with him but no one else besides her and the young gentlemen. No conversation passed between him and me, excepting that he asked for the key of a cupboard, in which there were books and papers. I know of no quarrel with any of the workmen in the neighbouring building, that my master could have had; nor with anyone else, there is neither man servant or boy in the employment of the family. I saw him again about a quarter before eight; he passed down Baring Crescent; I observed him through the nursery window; MRS FRASER and her sister had gone out about twenty minutes before this, I have lived eighteen months in the family. - Mary Bartlett, the nurserymaid, was next examined, but her evidence led to no material fact; she was asked if her master had been in the habit of carrying much money about with him, but to this she could give no positive answer. Mr Adams, the silversmith, and several of the Jurymen, who had been intimate with the deceased, stated that he seldom carried any money about with him. - James Nosworthy was sworn, and examined. I am a fisherman and live in St Thomas's, about ten minutes after nine I was going down to a garden which I have at Salmon Pool; I saw something like a bundle of clothes; I saw no signs of arms or legs; it was about three or four feet from the bank; went to Mr Quicks, Salmon Pool House to get assistance; I saw a young man named Hosegood and told him what I had seen, I told him not to be surprised if there should be a body in it. I went and got a boat-hook from the fishing-house just below. William Mogridge also came to assist me. I put out the boat-hook and reached hold of the frock-coat, which was lying over the head, I then saw it was a man; the body was in a floating position, the head stooping and the feet apparently touching the ground. It appeared to have been carried down there by the tide, and was floating in the eddy. We got the body out and laid it on the bank, when I told Hosegood to watch it whilst I ran to acquaint the overseers of the parish (Heavitree) of it. On taking the body out, I observed a wound on the head, some blood also came out of the ear. I have taken many bodies out, but never knew an instance of one floating before so soon after the death, except that of the tailor who was murdered. Am certain that the blood came from the internal part of the ear, and not from the outside. I am convinced that it did not come from the outside of the head. The last time I was down by the river side previous to this was on the Friday morning. - Mary Greenhere, cook in the family, was the next witness called, but her evidence proved nothing material. - Thomas Hosegood was then examined and corroborated the evidence of Nosworthy as to finding the body; he watched it whilst the latter proceeded to the Parish Officers, stating that no body touched it. Witness was also rigidly examined to see if there were any circumstances of suspicion developed in the events of the preceding evening in that neighbourhood, where deceased was found, but nothing to the slightest degree led to the supposition, that he had met his death through the violence of others. - William Moggridge searched the pockets of deceased - they contained nothing but three shillings, some halfpence, keys, a pen knife, pencil case, some tobacco, &c. - Mr James Hooper, Assistant Overseer of the Parish of Heavitree, was called to see the deceased, on his being taken out of the water, he described the state in which he had found the body, corroborating the other witnesses who spoke to that fact. Witness had also examined the banks of the river and found heaps of rugged stones near the banks, which would possibly have caused the wound in the head, had such a heavy man, as deceased, fallen on them. - Mr Charles Henry Turner. Saw the deceased in bed on Thursday last. He complained of being very ill, that his mind was ill at ease at the embarrassed state of his affairs and talked of going again to India, if possible, to retrieve them. He was satisfied no doctor could cure him. - Edward Parker Pridham, Esq., Surgeon: I have known deceased several years, but have had no intercourse with him lately. I was at the Rev. Mr Atherley's, and heard by chance that an accident had happened - that a person had been found in the water. I rode to the spot and found the body lying on the bank, in the way described. I had heard that there was a wound discovered at the back part of the head; I examined it and found it was only a scalp wound, not of any considerable extent; about an inch and a half across and that a quantity of blood had flowed from it, as was marked by his coat collar and the grass. There was also blood on the side of the head. I certainly did not see any flowing from the ear, as I have heard the witness describe. I was certain that no fracture, as far as I can determine by a superficial examination had been produced in the head at all. The circumstance of the body being found floating, or semi-floating, was rather an unusual occurrence. The hands were also free from any indications of the struggle in the water; the nails were not soiled as they frequently are. The circumstance of the body being found floating coupled with a blow on the head induced me to think that some violence had been done the instant of falling into the water. Mr Pridham then spoke of the appearance of the neck; the integuments of which were pale. And the Coroner having put his testimony into writing, Mr P. retired for a few minutes to examine the head of the deceased again, when he returned, expressing his conviction that no blood had flowed from the ear, but that the lower part of the ear had made a channel from the wound at the back part of the head, by which the blood had flowed into the ear. - The worthy Coroner read over the evidence and the Jury returned a verdict of Found Drowned, but by what means to them unknown.

Western Times, Saturday 19 January 1833
AXMOUTH - An Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the 4th inst., at Axmouth, on the body of GEORGE PHIPPEN, an infant son of JOHN PHIPPEN, of that parish, yeoman, aged 2 years. It appeared from the evidence, that in the temporary absence of the mother of the deceased on the 12th instant, he had gone to the fire side, and the destructive element immediately communicated to his clothes; his cries brought the servant to his assistance, but he was so much burnt, that he died in the evening of the same day. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 23 February 1833
OTTERY ST MARY - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - On the 7th day of February, at Ottery St. Mary, on the body of JOHN BESS, labourer, aged 23 years. On the 5th ult. at 7 o'clock in the evening, he was in an orchard, called Hawkin's orchard with three other men, where they had some brandy, which they said they found. He, the deceased, was very tipsey; on his way home about 9 o'clock, he fell and could not rise. He was taken to his brother's house (WILLIAM BESS) and at 6 o'clock the next morning expired. Verdict - Died from Drinking Ardent Spirits.

GITTISHAM - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - On the 16th of Feb. at Gittisham, on the body of JOHN PYNE, yeoman, aged 65 years. On the 15th ult. he rose early in the morning, appeared in perfect health, took his breakfast as usual, within an hour after he died. - Verdict - Natural Death.

SIDMOUTH - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - At Sidmouth Feb. 15, on the body of DAVID HOWARD MORGAN, Esq., aged 30 years. On Friday the 8th inst. MR MORGAN and Alfred Palmer, Esq., of Sidmouth, took a ride in a gig of Mr Gullock's of the Commercial Inn, they were returning down the Lyme Road, towards Sidmouth, near Captain Clark's, the horse got head and broke into a gallop, ran off, and in attempting to stop him, the reins broke and Mr Palmer to save himself, jumped out of the gig and fell, receiving some slight injury on his head. He rose and saw the deceased lying in the road. He was removed to a neighbouring cottage until a fly could be got from Sidmouth to convey him to his own house. He lived until the 14th, then expired. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 2 March 1833
HONITON - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - On the 20th ult. at Honiton, on the body of CHRISTOPHER MAYOR, Butcher, aged 65, who was found dead near Sutton Thorn Hill, between Colyton and Honiton, on the Tuesday night, he was at Colyton, at Mr White's Dolphin Inn. About 6 o'clock and drank a glass of Rum and water, then left to go home. Being rather tipsey he lost his way and returned again about half pat nine o'clock, accompanied by a man who showed him back to the Dolphin, where he drank a glass of Gin and water. Miss White wished him to sleep there that night on account of the weather and he being in liquor. He refused and said he would not stop for £20 on account of his wife. About 10 o'clock he left and Miss White begged the Ostler to light him out. He went with him over the Bridge and saw him part of the way through the water, the water was up to his knees. On Wednesday, 20th, as Mr Richard Herons, Ironmonger, of Bridgwater was riding in his gig from Seaton to Honiton, he saw the deceased laying in the road on his back, his horse becoming unmanageable, he could not get out of his gig to ascertain whether he was dead or not, but called at a Cottage to inform them that a man was laying in the road. Two men went to the spot and found him quite dead. - Verdict - The opinion of the Jury was he came to his death from Exposure to the inclemency of the weather, he being at the time in a state of Intoxication.

Western Times, Saturday 16 March 1833
SIDMOUTH - Determined Suicide. - An Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., Sidmouth, on the 9th inst. on the body of MR R. SEARLE, brewer. It appeared that two years since the deceased fell from a horse and injured his head, ever since which his intellect had been occasionally impaired. On the morning of the 7th he attempted to cut his throat, but inflicted a mere scratch only. He was bled, had his head shaved, and put to bed. He was very restless however during the remainder of the day, and in the evening he suddenly rose up in the bed, complained of being sleepy, threw the clothes over his head and continued in that state ten or fifteen minutes. The nurse hearing something dropping from the bed like water, looked to see if he had removed the bandage from the arm in which he had been bled, when to her horror she discovered that he had cut his throat with a pen-knife which he had concealed for the purpose. Mr Hodge, Surgeon, was sent for, and arrived in the course of a few minutes, but life was extinct. Deceased had been very low and dejected for some months previous.

Western Times, Saturday 27 April 1833
SOUTHLEIGH - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - On the 22nd of April, at Southleigh, on the body of JOHN HARDING, Labourer, aged 70 years, who was on the morning of Saturday found dead in his bed. Verdict - Visitation of God.

OFFWELL - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - On the 22nd of April, at Offwell, on the body of JAMES TUCKER, Labourer, aged 14 years; the deceased was subject to violent pain in his head and on Friday morning last, he complained of that disorder and could not get up to work, and between 7 and eight he expired. - Verdict - Visitation of God.

AXMINSTER - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - On the 23rd inst. at Axminster, on the body of EMMA HORE, an infant 14 weeks old. It appears by evidence that the Mother of the deceased went to attend a Sister who was taken in labour, and asked her husband's Sister, Elizabeth Bussell, to take charge of her infant and suckle it, which she agreed to, having a child of her own about 2 months old. However, in the course of the night, she by some means overlaid it and in the morning when she awoke the child was dead. - Verdict - That Elizabeth Bussell Accidentally lay on the Child, by which it was Suffocated.

Western Times, Saturday 4 May 1833
CLYST ST GEORGE - Tuesday last an Inquest was held at Clyst St. George by Rob. H. Aberdein, Esq., one of the Coroner's for this County, on the body of MISS EMMA PATCH, who was found drowned in a small stream of water in Winslade Park on the preceding Sunday. Verdict - Found Drowned, having for some time previously been of Unsound Mind.

Western Times, Saturday 11 May 1833
CLYST ST LAWRENCE - Inquest held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - An Inquest was held at Clist St. Lawrence on the 1st of this month, on the body of JOHN SNELL, yeoman, aged 24 years. On the night previous to his death he went to Mr Turpin's, at Whimple, and left in good health about 12 o'clock. The next morning he was found on the road, quite dead. It is supposed that he was seized with a fit and falling from his horse, instantly expired. Verdict, Visitation of God.

TOPSHAM - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - At Topsham, on the 1st May, an Inquest was held on the body of HANNAH HELLIER, aged 13 months. ANNE HELLIER, the sister of the deceased, a child only 9 years of age, was out for a walk with the baby; her shoe being untied, she stood the infant on the bank of the dam, when it fell into the water and was drowned before any assistance could be rendered. A gentleman passing in a gig, took it out of the water when it was quite dead. - Verdict, Accidental Death.

WHIMPLE - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - On the 3rd ult. at Cannon's County Hotel, in the Parish of Whimple, on the body of JOHN COLLINS, horse-keeper, aged 40 years, who came to his death by a kick from one of the Defiance Coach horses, the property of Mr Richard Blake, of Honiton. It appeared by evidence that the deceased had put to the horses, when one of the leaders, being a bad one to start - sulky and restive, he struck it with a stick. The horse kicked the deceased in his left breast, with both of his hinder feet. He was carried into the parlour and instantly expired. Verdict, Accidental Death. - Deodand of five pounds on the horse.

SEATON AND BEER - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - On the 7th inst., at Seaton, on the body of MARY ANN LARCOMBE, aged 5 years. It appeared in evidence that some men were on the beach, raising a flag pole; whilst they were in the act of fixing it in the pit dug for the purpose, the man who had it on his shoulder let it slip off, and it fell on the head of the deceased and crushed her to the ground. She survived about 10 minutes and then expired. Verdict, Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 25 May 1833
LANDKEY - An Inquest was held last week before T. Copner, Esq., Coroner, in the parish of Landkey, on the body of MR JOHN HEDDON, yeoman, aged sixty years, who was found suspended by a rope in his pound-house. There were various proofs of apparent previous insanity; and the Jury returned a verdict of Temporary Derangement.

Western Times, Saturday 1 June 1833
PLYMOUTH - On Monday last died suddenly, JERRY BOYNES a well known character in Plymouth; It appears he had gone to Sandycove Quarries, with his cart and while there was taken ill. By the assistance of the workmen he was placed in the cart, in order to be removed to his residence but before he reached his home, he was no more. An Inquest has been held on the body and the verdict returned - Died by the Visitation of God.

Western Times, Saturday 8 June 1833
CROYDE - Shocking Accident. - A Coroner's Inquest was lately held on the body of THOMAS PEDRICK, servant to Mr Brayley, of Croyde. It appears that he went with a few other young men on Monday, to get some gulls eggs at Baggy Point. He had tied two ropes together for the purpose of descending the rocks, one end being fastened to a bar-iron on the top. PEDRICK had descended but a very short distance when the knot he had tied, gave way, and he was precipitated to the bottom, a depth of nearly 200 feet. He received a wound in the left temple and the jugular vein was divided, he had also some bruises on his left thigh and shoulder and is supposed to have died almost instantly. Verdict - Accidental Death.

UFFCULME - On Monday last an Inquest was held at the Commercial Inn, Uffculme, by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the body of JOHN WELLAND, shoemaker, aged 50 years. It appeared by the evidence, that the deceased was a lodger in the house of John Rowland, and was much addicted to drinking; on the 1st of June, about 12 o'clock, he appeared to be intoxicated and was reproved by a neighbour - who told him he would lose all his work if he neglected it so often; he said he had so much on his mind that he could not work, which made him drink more than he should else. He appeared much distressed in mind - he went home to his lodgings and went to bed - about half past four he again got up, and came downstairs, staring and looking wildly about; there was no one in the house with him but one of the children, who became afraid of him. He went upstairs again - and soon after, Mary Rowland, the wife of John Rowland, came home and sent the child upstairs - when she returned and told her mother that "JOHN (the deceased) was stood up asleep." Mrs Rowland instantly went up and found him hanging by his handkerchief which he had fastened to as rafter in the ceiling; he was not quite cold. All possible means were resorted to, to restore life, but without effect. Verdict - Hung Himself.

Western Times, Saturday 15 June 1833
BUTTERLEIGH - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein Esq., - At Butterleigh, on the 10th inst. on the body of JAMES MORRIS, a labourer, aged 28. Deceased was employed by a farmer to wash sheep in a pond, on the 8th inst., and while so engaged he amused himself with diving in the deepest part, for which he was reproved by his master. The latter had occasion to leave the spot for a few seconds and on returning missed the deceased, but did not at first notice it thinking perhaps he was still diving. Not making his appearance however, they became alarmed and as no one there could swim, they drew the water off and after the lapse of an hour the body was found. - Verdict, Accidental Death.

OTTERY ST MARY - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - At Ottery St Mary on the 10th inst. an Inquest was held on the body of WILLIAM HOLMES, aged 45. Deceased had charge of a Stallion on the Saturday previous and having given it to another person to lead for a short space, followed behind and struck it twice with a whip, whilst passing a team of horses. The animal kicked out and struck the deceased in the belly. He fell speechless, but in a few minutes rallied and acknowledged that the fault was his own. He died on the following morning. The horse belonged to Mr Chubb, of Butterleigh, and was not considered vicious. Verdict - Accidental Death.

AXMINSTER - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - At Axminster on the 11th instant, on the body of RICHARD WILKINS, a waggoner in the employ of Messrs. Russell and Co. On the Sunday previously he was riding on the shafts, when the horses making a sudden start, he was pitched off and the wheel passed over his head, crushed it and he died instantly. Verdict - Accidental Death. [The unfortunate man has left four orphan children; his wife died in the cholera last year. It is to be hoped the humane will do something for them.]

CULLOMPTON - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - At Collumpton, on the 11th inst. on the body of JOHN ELWORTHY, a child aged 4 years, who fell into the mill pond. - Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 22 June 1833
EXETER - Murder Of A New Born Babe By Its Mother. - The neighbourhood of Paris Street was thrown into a considerable state of excitement on Wednesday afternoon, in consequence of a report that a young woman named ANN SMITH, aged 21, lodging in Spiller's Lane, had murdered her new born infant. The child, a full grown male infant having been found in the privy, notice was immediately forwarded to the Coroner for the City, S. Walkey, Esq., who issued his warrant for a Jury and on Thursday morning, at half pat nine, the Jury assembled at the London Inn, to proceed with the investigation. Considerable tardiness was manifested in getting the Jury together and it was not till Howard, the officer, had been repeatedly despatched for the laggards, that the number could be mustered. - Mr William Henry Besley, Surgeon, was the first witness examined. He said - about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, a man came to Mr Land's and requested me to come immediately to a house in Spiller's Lane and see a boy who had fallen into a privy. I followed him into a garden at the back of the houses, immediately opposite the alm-houses in Spiller's Lane. I enquired where the boy was and they pointed to a form where it lay under a cloth. The form stood close by a privy. It was a full born male child, and appeared to have been recently born. I saw that the funis or naval string was not tied. I ordered the child to be taken into the house. I tied the naval string, as in case any symptoms of life should remain, I might be able to restore it by preventing haemorrhage. I then placed it in hot water and inflated the lungs in order to produce respiration, but it was of no avail, as the child was quite dead. I then enquired where the child was found and they told me in the privy. Witness then enquired for the woman who had borne the child and found on a surgical examination, that there was no doubt of her being the mother. She did not object to being examined. Witness did not know her name. She was sitting up in the room and after the examination witness ordered her to be put to bed. On a subsequent search in the privy, the afterbirth, with the umbilical cord and the membrane attached to it were found there. There was no ligature attached to the cord. Witness judging from external appearances would say that the child might have been born alive. There were no indications to show that it had not been born alive. - A Juror (Mr Cousins) did she say that she had had a child before? - Witness: "I do not know whether I am at liberty to state what she told me." The question was pressed, but no definite answer was given. In reply to other questions, he stated that he had been informed that the mother had complained of pains in her bowels, but made no mention of labour pains. At the close of Mr Besley's examination, the Coroner read over his evidence, commenting on the fact that the umbilical cord had not been tied and that the child might have bled to death in consequence of the absence of due care. - Mr Land, Surgeon, corroborated the evidence of the last witness. - Sarah Hewitt sworn and examined. I am a widow. I live in a house in Spiller's Lane. The woman in question was at Mrs Holman's enquiring for lodgings; on Tuesday morning she came to my house by Mrs Holman's directions between ten and eleven, and I consented to let her have part of my room as a lodger. I never saw her before. She was distressed and wanted a place. She had a cloak but no box or bundle; she had not even a night cap or any necessary thing for herself. She called herself ANNE SMITH. She was decently dressed when she came and complained that she was very poorly; she also complained on Tuesday and said she thought it was owing to her walking: She had walked 20 miles she said on Monday last. I offered to get her some tea but she refused to have it; she did not tell me where she came from. She slept with me, but I am sure I never perceived that she was in the family way. She slept well on Tuesday night and yesterday morning she got up before either myself or any of the neighbours were up. It was but just daylight. She did not eat any breakfast, but went out, & afterwards said she had walked two miles. Mrs Holman said she had seen her at Heavitree, she sat in the cloak all day. I did not observe that she appeared to be in any pain, she did not flinch, or appear uneasy, or in pain at all. In the afternoon she went downstairs. She would not take anything but a little tea, in the course of the day. It was between 2 and 3 that she went down yesterday afternoon, she did not say where she was going. She remained away about three quarters of an hour. She had been in the privy; from the time she first came she never gave any hint of her condition. She was totally unprovided with either baby linen or anything else fitting her state. She accounted for her being so long away, by stating that she did not like to come out, as there were men in the court. She had complained very much of a bowel complaint, but there were no signs of it when she came up stairs. On her return from the garden, she asked me for a flannel. I gave her one, which she said was not large enough; I gave her a larger one, I do not know what she did with it. She took it down stairs and afterwards returned with it. Witness then described marks on the floor, which gave the appearance of what had happened: and further stated that ANN SMITH desired her to go down into the court, for people were talking about her and she wished to know what they had to say. On going into the Court the neighbours were all up in arms about it and a Mrs Godfrey asked her who she had up stairs. Witness told her a young woman, a stranger to her, and on entering the place with Mrs Godfrey, they found the child after a short search, in the soil, whence Mrs G. extricated it with a pair of tongs. There were no signs of life about it. Mrs Godfrey immediately put it in a tub of cold water. Witness had not told anyone that she had seen the child breathe. A labourer opposite, had said that he saw it breathe. When I went upstairs, I said you good-for-nothing hussey, what do you mean by serving me as you did. She said what do you mean, I said don't ask me that, you are a bad woman. I asked her why she did not mention that she had had a child. She replied that she did not know she was so near her time. I asked her why she had not told me of it. She said she did not like, as she was a stranger to me. I blamed myself that I did not tell anybody of her being with me, but she said that she had only come to Exeter for a day or two on a little business. - By the Jury. There was another person present, when the child was taken out, besides. He was a labourer of the name of Richard Isaac. - John Pollard, the landlord of the house, was now called in by the Coroner, who, having asked him what he was. He stated that he had been a Sergeant in the Marines and had served his Majesty 23 years, and could refer with satisfaction to head-quarters for his character. The learned Coroner then addressed him as follows: "You, John Pollard, in his Majesty's name, I bind you over in the sum of £50 to guard, watch, protect, and safely keep ANN SMITH, who now lodges in your house, so that she may not escape the law which is now proceeding against her. If you do by any means of neglect, suffer her to escape, you must forfeit the sum of £50 to be levied on your goods and chattels - are you content? Pollard: "Yes I am." The worthy Coroner then repeated a solemn injunction on Pollard not to let her escape and he having undertaken the charge of the unfortunate woman, departed. - Richard Isaac: I am a labourer residing in Sun Lane. I was at work in Spiller's Lane yesterday afternoon between three and four. I heard screeching and cries of women and I went to see what it was and found the women exclaiming what had happened. They got me a pair of tongs and I searched in the soil and found the child. I first laid hold of it by the thigh , when it slipped and fell down again. I then grasped it by the sides and brought it up with its face upwards. I distinctly saw it gasp its mouth once after I had taken it out; while I was wiping it. I saw it clench its fist. - By a Juror: When I first took it up, I dropped it. - I laid hold of it a second time, and got it - it was covered deep in the soil, about 18 inches. The privy was perfectly light for me to distinguish what took place. - The Coroner. You are on your solemn oath; the question I am about to ask you may effect the life of a fellow creature, do not on any account answer it unless you are perfectly sure - did you, or did you not see any signs of life after you got the child out? - Answer - I am quite sure of it - I saw it grasp once after I took it out - I saw it grasp after I took the dirt off its face. - The Coroner: Did it breathe after it was put on the stool? - Answer - I did not see it breathe; they covered it over and I went away for Mr Land. - Several other questions were then added, but witness persisted in his story. The Jury then went to inspect the Privy. - Elizabeth Godfrey. I live in the same lane as that in which this happened. Yesterday afternoon between two and three, I was at work in my loom: that is about the fourth door from the privy, which is a public convenience for the whole row. Mrs Mellish came and called me and said "Mrs Godfrey, come down for God's sake." What do you want? I asked. She said something has happened in the privy. When I came down I saw ANNE SMITH there. I never saw her before to my knowledge. She went in with a flannel in her hand. She was wiping the floor. I said, my good woman, what are you doing? After about a minute she looked round and made an evasive answer that she had been unwell and had a severe pain round her loins. I said this was unusual and asked her if I should wipe it for her. She said no. I fetched a bucket of water for her as her flannel was dry. I told her she ought to go home and go to bed. She persisted however in doing it herself. She would not let me touch it. Her gown was very bloody at the time. She turned round and went into Pollard's house, but before that she went and washed the flannel and her hands at the pump and I went into Mellish's house and she said to me, Mrs Godfrey there must be something the matter there. With that I went down to the privy as I had some misgivings and there I saw that which convinced me there had been a child born there. I was much flurried and ran to my own house, for my tongs, and soon saw that which proved that there must be a child there and I searched with the tongs. I am particularly sorry to say that I let the dear infant drop twice, but the smell of the nuisance and the fright made me very weak. I directly turned round and alarmed the neighbourhood and I met the old man and said "My dear man be quick there is a child in the privy." - I was unable to do it myself - I was overcome. I can't say that I saw any life in it when I took it up. I can't say that I saw any gasping or sign of life when the man took it up. I was obliged to turn my head away when I saw it on account of the stench I went to the privy in consequence of Mrs Mellish telling me that something had happened there. It must have been more than a quarter of an hour from the time I was first called to the time it was taken up. When I was first called the woman was there with the flannel washing it up. I did not hear Isaac say that he saw the child breathe, he named it directly to the neighbours; when he had it in the tongs the second time I was standing away for fresh air. I did not put the child in any water, the man did. I saw it washed in two waters. If I had known the dear infant had been down there I would have jumped in and saved its life. I think there was life in that tender infant, but I can't say there was. Witness was rigidly examined by the Jury, but nothing was elicited to alter the tenor of her evidence in the slightest particular. - Mary Anne Mellish was the first who went into the privy after the accused, and in consequence of what she saw, she returned to her own house for five minutes before she gave the alarm. This according to the last witness, would make the time that must have elapsed from the placing of the child in the soil till it was extricated, at least twenty-five minutes; a long period for it to have been submerged in such a suffocating place, and yet to have retained life. Her evidence generally corroborated the statement of Godfrey. She said she did not give the alarm directly because she was overcome. - The learned Coroner read over the evidence, commenting with great minuteness on the various points of discordance. He said that the fact of the woman having come clandestinely to deliver herself, without provision for the birth and sustenance of the infant, coupled with the evidence of Isaac, formed a very strong case of suspicion; and if they believed the evidence of the latter witness, they were bound to return a verdict of Wilful Murder, which verdict the Jury afterwards returned. - The unfortunate and wretched woman now lies at the house of Pollard in a very dangerous state, caused more by the excitement and fear of consequence than the sufferings usually incidental on that trying operation of nature, which mothers alone undergo, and which has appropriately been termed "the trying hour of nature's sorrow." She is represented to be a fine young woman, aged as we before stated 21. It is rather singular that she bears the same name as Lord Rolle's cook, who was charged with a similar horrible offence in March 1830, but was acquitted of the capital charge, and sentenced to two years imprisonment for concealing the birth. She arrived in this City on Monday and slept at the White Horse Inn, therefore the account she gave of herself to Mrs Hewitt was not correct. In reply to a question from some of the Jury, as to who and what she was. Howard, the Police Officer handed in a Paper of which the following is a copy, - "ANNE SMITH left the service of Mr Williams, at Springfield, Sidbury on Friday the 13th of June 1833. Father of the child's name is Abraham Parsons, late servant of Capt. Wadland, of Woodbury." this formation was taken from her own lips, by Howard. - How she possessed strength to do what she did, fortitude to under go the pain she suffered, without writing or otherwise manifesting such symptoms as would lead to a suspicion of her situation, it truly astonishing.

OTTERY ST MARY - Distressing Suicide - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - An Inquest was held at Ottery St. Mary, June 12th, on the body of MARY HAYWARD, servant, aged 28 years. - Joseph Searle Daniels, of Ottery St. Mary, servant to the Rev. Edwd. Coldridge, deposed as follows:- I knew the deceased MARY HAYWARD. She was a servant to John Ellis Lee, Esq., of this town. yesterday morning I heard a report that the deceased was missing. About half pat eight o'clock in the morning I was upstairs in my master's house and looking from the window towards the higher pond, in Mr Lee's garden, I saw something white under the water - I immediately went into the garden, and with a rod moved the substance that I saw from the window - it was the body of the deceased: She was lying in water about three feet deep, on her face and hands; I took the body out of the water - she had on a bed-gown, flannel petticoat and stockings. - Mr S. Tenny, Surgeon. I saw the body shortly after it was taken out of the water. She had evidently been dead many hours - I have examined the body externally, and I am able positively to say, that she died from drowning. From the appearance I have noticed in the body externally, my opinion is that the deceased is pregnant - I should think that she is six months in pregnancy. - JOHN HAYWARD of Topsham, butcher - said: The deceased is my sister - on the 4th ult. I called on the deceased, at Mr Lee's house and had some conversation with her, as to a report I had heard of her being in the family way. I asked her if she intended to get settled? She said, Yes she hoped. I asked he where Mr Salter lived? (as I heard it was by him that she was with child). She said, he lived in Broad-street. I asked her where he carried on trade, or what he was? She said he was living with his father carrying on trade for himself. I asked her when she should see him. She said in the evening and then she should know his intention and would write all particulars on Thursday or Saturday. She did not say which of the MR SALTERS it was. She did not expressly say she was with child by Mr Salter - but she said she should see him and know his intentions. I have not seen or heard from her since. - Anne Henley of Ottery St. Mary, servant. I am in the service of Mr E. Lee. The deceased was my fellow-servant. On Monday evening last (the 11th inst.) as the deceased and I were going to bed (we slept in the same room, but in separate beds) I remarked to her that she had been very low of late. She said, my head have ached very much, it is better for the present - we sat talking on indifferent subjects. I suppose for half an hour -during part of the time she was undressing herself. Just as I was undressed, she put her hand to her forehead and said her head was getting as bad as ever - pressed her arms to her chest and appeared to tremble very much. I bolted the bedroom door and went into bed. I looked and though the candle was out, I observed the deceased in bed - and within five minutes I was asleep. I awoke about half-past six o'clock next morning - (Tuesday) - the deceased's bed was empty and the door open. I observed her gown and cap were hanging up. I went downstairs and enquired of the man-servant, John Hayman, if he had seen MARY? He said he had not. I went upstairs again and found her shoes and stockings, we then became greatly alarmed. Of late she was very much altered in manners - she was at times very low, desponding in mind and very absent - her general manners when I first knew her was lively and spirited - her oppression of spirits increased very much of late. We could scarcely get a word from her, except in answer to questions which we put - at times forgetful of her work, but not negligent. I have seen her looking so earnest and fixedly, that she did not observe anyone till they were close to her. It was so on Sunday night, but I never told her the report I had heard respecting her pregnancy fearing it would wound her feelings. She has mentioned to me the name of Thos. Salter and of the various walks she had with him. She usually walked out with him once in the week besides Sundays. I have noticed for the last week or 10 days that the deceased has been gradually getting more melancholy and desponding. - John Hayman, of Ottery St. Mary: I am a servant to Mr Ellis Lee and have been the deceased's fellow servant since February last. I have observed the deceased had been very distressed in her mind for a month and more, particularly the last fortnight she has been quite lost at times. When Anne Henley came downstairs on Tuesday morning and asked me if I had seen MARY (the deceased) and told me that her dress was upstairs, and she could not find her. I said, good God she is gone then. I mistrusted something from the dreadful way in which she had been for the last month and more. - Anne Henley, having been recalled, further deposed as follows. On Sunday last it had been the turn of the deceased to have gone out with me, according to the usage of Mr Lee's house. I pressed her to go, but she declined. As I left the house she went upstairs. I returned about half past 9 o'clock. I enquired of the last witness who was in the kitchen where he had seen her. He said he had not, and desired me to look for her. From the state of mind I left her in, I had great apprehensions as to what had become of her. I looked for her and found her in her bedroom. She was very earnest looking out of the window. I was more than half way in the room before she appeared to notice me. She then told me she should go to bed and not come down any more that night. When I came to bed she had not been to sleep. She appeared very restless. She complained of pain in her head. She appeared uneasy and distressed in mind, at times there was a great wildness in her looks and manners, particularly on Monday night, when she complained of her head. - John Ellis Lee, Esq., of Ottery St. Mary. The deceased was a servant of mine, she had lived in my service some years, her general manners were cheerful, and her conduct was always decidedly respectable. I have observed a great change in her manners, for the last two or three months she was reserved and depressed. Yesterday morning, before the deceased's body was found, having heard she had left my house, I immediately went to Mr Thos. Salter, junr., Currier, he was not home, but afterwards met him in Broad Street. I then asked him if he had seen my servant, MARY HAYWARD. He said he had not. I said I was in hopes you had, as she had left my house very abruptly and I was apprehensive of the consequence. I said I come to you under persuasion that you are interested in her welfare, as well as myself, perhaps more so; I said she has left my house under circumstances which induces me to believe if you have not seen her, that she has destroyed herself. He said you may depend upon it she has not destroyed herself, but has taken some of her best things and gone elsewhere. I said that's not the case, as a great part of her clothes, I am told, are in her room at this moment. I said I have every reason to believe, by what I have heard, that she is pregnant by you and therefore it is your duty to exert yourself to find her as much as it is mine. He said she certainly is not pregnant, I have 50 sovereigns depending on it. I asked him when he saw her last? He said on Sunday week. I then said, whether she is pregnant or not, is a matter between you and your maker. I also said to him, have you not, Mr Salter, according to the current phrase, been keeping company with her some time? He replied, I have often been walking with the young Lady (the deceased). - John Hayman having been recalled, deposed as follows:- On Sunday week, the deceased was out, and I were out also, about half pat nine o'clock I returned and found the deceased in the kitchen, standing with her foot on the fender and looking at the fire in a very fixed way, and taking no notice of anyone. After a few minutes she went off. Ann Healey and I spoke to each other at the time, of the altered state of the deceased. On Monday she was much worse in her mind, very depressed indeed. - Thomas Salter, junr., of Ottery St. Mary, Currier. I knew the deceased. I have been in the habit of walking with her, as I told Mr Lee. I walked with her on Sunday week. I told her the report of the Town, that she was in the family way; she said I'll take care of that, I know best about that, the last time I saw her to have any communication with her was on Sunday week; this is not a long absence, for some times I have not seen her to speak to her for a month, and sometimes a fortnight. I have known her some years, but more particularly acquainted since last October. I told Mr Lee that I had bets to the extent of 50 sovereigns that the deceased was not pregnant, I mean to say not by me. - The Jury returned the following verdict: "That the said MARY HAYWARD for some time previous to the 11th of June, inst., was labouring under a very excited state of mind, arising from disappointment and wounded feelings inducing also great depression, and that the said MARY HAYWARD, on the said 11th day of June, in the year aforesaid was drowned and suffocated in the waster of a certain pond situated in a certain garden belonging to J. E. Lee, Esq., within the parish and county aforesaid."

Western Times, Saturday 29 June 1833
SOUTH MOLTON - A Coroner's Inquest was held on Monday the 17th instant, before William Flexman, Esq., on the body of WILLIAM SHORT, who while engaged in mowing on Cockram estate, in this parish, fell backward and instantly expired. Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

CHITTLEHAMPTON - On Wednesday last, MR JOHN MILDON, of Hallswell Farm, in the Parish of Chittlehampton, attended Southmolton fair, where he indulged himself in drinking to excess, till a late hour in the evening, when he left on foot to return home, having previously sent forward his horse by his servant; not having arrived the following morning, a diligent search was made for him and it was not till the Friday after that he was found in a linhay about one mile and a half from Southmolton, lying on the ground with a rope about his neck, quite dead. A Coroner's Inquest was held on the body, which returned a verdict of "Hung himself in a Fit of Insanity."

Western Times, Saturday 6 July 1833
THORNCOMBE (DORSET) - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - On the 28th day of June, at Thorncombe, o the body of WILLIAM PARKER, labourer, aged 72 years. It appeared by evidence that on the 25th ult., the deceased had come from Crewkerne with cabbage plants for sale; the cart in which the plants were in, was drawn by a Donkey; on arriving at the Royal Oak Inn, in Thorncombe, the deceased stopped his donkey, he gave him some grass, and went into the house and drank part of 1 pint of cider. He called for the second, but did not drink it; he went out to the Donkey and found he had nearly picked up all the grass, except a little scattered, he took a stick to rake the scattered grass together; as he put the stick before the head of the donkey, it flew at him like a dog; the deceased fell on his back to the ground. The Donkey then got upon him and heaved 2 or 3 times, as if he wanted to pull the cart over the deceased but could not. He (the deceased) was then conveyed to the Royal Oak, where he expired on the 26th ult. Verdict - Accidental Death.

WOODBURY - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - July 2, at Woodbury, on the body of JAMES STOKES, aged 70 years. It appeared that the deceased lived in Exe Lane, Exeter. That he was a pensioner, having been in the Army. About 6 or 8 months since he had a seizure in his head, and ever since that period he has not been right in his mind. On Monday about 5 o'clock in the morning he left his house and about 4 in the afternoon he was brought home by John Webber, a neighbour, who found him near Cowley Bridge. He had then got off his Coat, Waistcoat and Hat. He had tied his handkerchief over his head, had pulled out the lining of his hat and put it over his handkerchief. On Tuesday he was again missing, and between 2 and 5 o'clock he was found by James Gribble, shoemaker, of Woodbury, and two others, as they were walking by the side of the River Exe, in Woodbury Parish; The tide was coming in when they saw a body floating on the water and took it up and found that the flesh of the face and legs was all destroyed. JAMES STOKES, JUNR., recognised the body to be his father, from the peculiar formation of the fore finger of the left hand. - Verdict, that the said JAMES STOKES on the 1st day of July, in the Water of the River Exe, within the parish of Woodbury, was found drowned and suffocated, but how or by what means, no evidence thereof doth appear to the Jurors.

Western Times, Saturday 20 July 1833
ROCKBEARE - An Inquest was held at Rockbeare on the 8th inst., by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the body of JOHN BOND, labourer, aged 70. The deceased who was an inmate of the Workhouse, had long been subject to fits and on the preceding Saturday died suddenly after a return of his old disorder. - Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - On Sunday an Inquest was taken at the Sheriff's Ward, St. Thomas, before J. Gribble, Esq., on the body of MR WILLIAM WARE, aged 46, formerly timber-dealer of this City, who had died in that prison, and a verdict of "Died by the Visitation of God" was returned.

EXETER ST LEONARD'S - An Inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon in the Vestry-room, at St. Leonard's on the body of SAMUEL DARBY, 22 years of age, who early on Monday forenoon, was drowned while bathing in the river Exe, just below the Cotton Factory. The deceased was son of MR JAMES DARBY, joiner, Goldsmith-street, in this city, and had the misfortune to be dumb. He had been educated at an Institution for persons of this description in London, and having at length returned to his parents, had been brought up to his father's business. On Monday, he was at work on some part of Mount Radford with his brother, whom he left for the purpose of bathing in the river which runs below and where no assistance being sufficiently near, he perished. What added to the distress was, that his parents at that time were absent from Exeter. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

PLYMOUTH - Considerable excitement has been occasioned by a report that a woman of the name of NICHOLLS, who was buried a few days since, had been poisoned by having had arsenic administered to her in some cream. In consequence of this, the body of the deceased was disinterred and an Inquest held on Wednesday at the White Lion, Tavistock Street, by R. J. Squire, Esq., Coroner, which after sitting for several hours was adjourned until today.

Western Times, Saturday 27 July 1833
PLYMOUTH - Murder Of A Wife By Her Husband. - We noticed in our paper of last week that considerable excitement had been occasioned in Plymouth, from the circumstance of the body of a woman named MARY NICHOLS, wife of WILLIAM NICHOLS, herb doctor, having been disinterred, suspicion having arisen that she had come to her death by unfair means. In consequence of this the body was opened by Mr Roberts, Surgeon, and others, and the strictest investigation was instituted by R. J. Squire, Esq., Coroner, who held an Inquest on the body at the White Lion Inn, Tavistock Street, which was adjourned from Wednesday last to Friday and Monday. The result of that investigation we are now enabled to submit to our readers which was a verdict of Wilful Murder against the husband of the deceased, who is 70 years old. He will be tried at the present Assizes. The case was alluded to by the learned Judge, who had the depositions put in his hand, just as he concluded the charge.

Western Times, Saturday 10 August 1833
EAST BUDLEIGH - Inquest held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - On Wednesday last an Inquest was held on the body of GEORGE JAMES REDDELL, ESQ., at Salterton. It appeared that the deceased had been labouring under a severe attack of illness for some time, which had caused a general prostration of his faculties, both mental and bodily, and that he had removed with his mother and sisters to the house of his uncle, R. Maynard, Esq., at Salterton, for the benefit of the air. Previous to his illness, the deceased gentleman had been very fond of shooting and his favourite gun having been sent him on the 5th, on the afternoon of that day, he repaired to his bedroom and shortly after the report of a gun being heard, his uncle ran up and found him lying on the floor quite dead, from a gun-shot wound under his left breast. A verdict of Lunacy was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 17 August 1833
SIDBURY - An Inquest was held on Tuesday last at Sidbury, before R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the body of a child, named ANNA MARIA PILE, who was accidentally knocked down and ran over by a gig belonging to Mr James Walch, the travelling representative of Messrs. Christy and Co., Hatters, London. It appeared that Mr Walch was proceeding in his gig from Sidmouth to Honiton, when his horse started at something in the hedge and ran off at full speed. In its route, it overtook Mr Wheaton, Miller, of Sidbury, and the wheel of the gig came in such violent contact with Mr Wheaton's horse, that Mr Walch was thrown out of the gig with much violence, but escaped with only some very severe bruises. The horse proceeding with the gig, unfortunately met the child, who was knocked down and ran over and was so much injured that it died the same night about 12 o'clock. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned. It is but justice to Mr Walch to state that forgetting his own injuries, he was most indefatigable in rendering every assistance in his power to the unfortunate child, and in sympathising with its parents, to whom he acted in the most liberal and humane manner.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Suicide. - A young woman named TAVERNER, living at Sainthill, near Moretonhampstead, destroyed herself on Monday last by poison - she lingered from seven in the morning till eleven in the forenoon. The Coroner's Inquest brought in a verdict of Temporary Insanity. No cause whatever was assigned by herself or conjectured by her friends for the rash act.

Western Times, Saturday 31 August 1833
KENTISBEARE - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - An Inquest was held at Kentisbeer, on the 19th inst., by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the body of THOMAS BAKER STILING, a child two years of age. Susan Pine, an apprentice of MR THOMAS STILING'S, yeoman, of Kentisbeer (the father of the deceased child) was in the habit of nursing the child and was particularly fond of it - was on Saturday, the 17th inst., between three and four o'clock, about to clean the kitchen. The child was sitting on a form that was placed against the table. She lifted the child off, that she might be enabled to sweep in the place. She sat the child on the floor and it went to play - there was no one in the kitchen but the apprentice and the child. The apprentice pushed the table, when the form that was against it fell on the head of the child. The child made a little moaning nose, but did not cry. It was taken to its mother, but within an hour expired. - Verdict - Accidental Death.

MEMBURY - An Inquest as held at Mimbury, on the 27th ult., on the body of THOMAS PARRISS, yeoman, aged 75 years. On the morning of the 26th, the deceased went to one of his fields to rake an arrish, and in the afternoon he talked of going to rake an oat arrish, when his grandson wished him to stop at home and let him go and do the work, as it was so very hot. He could not, however, prevail on his grandfather. Not having returned at nine o'clock, some of his family went in search of him and found him in the field where he intended to work, lying on his face and hands, quite dead and cold. - Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

AXMINSTER - Inquest held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - An Inquest was held at Westwater, in the parish of Axminster, on the 28th ult., on the body of JAMES DENING, yeoman, aged 58 years. On the evening of the 26th the deceased supped with his family and appeared to be in perfect health. One of the mowstaddles being out of repair, he told them he should go the next morning to a field called Coombe, to cut a stick to repair the staddle - accordingly about half-past four on Tuesday morning, he arose and went to the field for the stick, but not having returned some hours afterwards, his son went in search of him, and found him lying on his right side, with the stick cut, and the hook lying near him. There were no marks of bruises and the body was quite cold. Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

Western Times, Saturday 7 September 1833
SOUTH MOLTON - Shocking Accident. - On Friday lat, as Mrs Widgery, wife of Mr John Widgery, butcher, of this town, was returning from the harvest field in a cart, where she had been with dinner for the labourers, in company with her niece, Miss Cock; a boy, named GEORGE ASHELFORD, about 14 years of age, was driving the horse and having given it a stroke with a stick, it went off at full speed and drawing the cart over a bank, it overturned, and killed the boy on the spot. Mrs Widgery and Miss cock were both so dreadfully injured as to render their recovery dubious the former had one of her ribs broken. A Coroner's Inquest was held the following day, on the body of the boy, and a verdict returned of Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 14 September 1833
OTTERY ST. MARY - An Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the 7th day of September, at Ottery St. Mary, on the body of JOHN LITLEY, an infant, aged 3 months. The deceased was nursed at night by his mother with great tenderness, and put to sleep, his parents afterwards went to bed, when the mother again suckled it. On awaking in the morning the father found that it was dead, the body was then examined internally by a surgeon. There were no marks of violence to be seen, but the left cheek was a little discoloured, being the other side on which it lay. Verdict, Died a Natural Death.

Western Times, Saturday 21 September 1833
MEMBURY - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - At Membury on the 13th inst., on the body of JOHN TROTT, aged 47. Deceased was working in a quarry the property of Mr Wakley, (the father of the celebrated Editor of the Lancet, we believe) when a quantity of earth, or "heading" as it is technically called, fell on him and buried him to the depth of 5 or 6 feet. The earth was seen to crumble away, by a boy of the name of John Newberry, who was drawing stones at the mouth of the quarry; he called to the deceased who ran to the mouth of the quarry when the falling earth struck him and buried him to the depth before mentioned. Assistance was immediately obtained, but it was upwards of two hours before they dug him out, when he was quite dead. - Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Times Saturday 12 October 1833
BRIDFORD - Mysterious Death Of MR CORNISH, of Bridford. - The supposed murder of this individual, on Wednesday se'nnight, was given in our last. On Saturday we went out to Bridford for the purpose of ascertaining the facts of the case, when we learnt the result of the Coroner's Inquest, which had been held on Friday to be the following verdict - That ANDREW CORNISH was Found Dead on the King's Highway, with his skull fractured and other injuries, but how or by what means he received those injuries there is no evidence to prove. - The Inquest was held before Mr Gribble, of Ashburton, and the following is an outline. The first witness was Elias Mortimore. He said that on the morning of Wednesday, as himself, brother and nephew were driving a drift of about 100 Bullocks towards Ashton, they, on Didworthy Down and near the spot where the body was found at night, met MR CORNISH, and spoke to him. About seven in the evening, having met by appointment after driving the Bullocks to their several destinations, they were returning on the same road, about a land rod below the gate entering towards Trenchford. The horse had stopped and was grazing at the road side: they thought it was MR CORNISH'S cart, having seen it in the morning and the witness called out, but received no reply. They proceeded onwards about a quarter of a mile, when he saw a man lying in the road - he called out, but received no answer. His brother was then about a land-yard before him and had passed, but had not seen the deceased. His nephew, about 19 years old, who was on the same horse riding behind him, got off and felt the deceased's face. He found it wet and told witness that he felt blood. He tried to lift him up but could not, and said, he thought the man was dead. Witness said he supposed he was in liquor asleep, and got off the horse also. They called out "MR CORNISH" thinking it was him, from having seen him in the morning, but received no answer. They then both tried to lift him and he also then became convinced that the man was dead. Witness called to his brother to come back, which he did, and he desired him to run into Trenchford, which he did and in about 10 minutes assistance came. Mr Ponsford, Surgeon, Moreton, was sent for, and came in about two hours. MR CORNISH was quite dead. The testimony was corroborated by the brother and nephew. The examination of these witnesses was separate and severe and every question that could possibly suggest itself in order to elicit the truth, was put through the Coroner, but the answers strictly corresponded and the evidence given with clearness and without hesitation. The sum found on the person of MR CORNISH was 1s. 9d., and this corresponded with what he had taken with him, deducting what he is known to have spent in Moreton. His watch was also in his fob, and in a private waistcoat pocket was found 3 sovereigns, which his family were not aware he carried with him. The value of the Wool was £26, which had been paid for the day before when packed, so that if murder had been committed with a view of obtaining this, the villain or villains have been mistaken. That such as been the case certainly appears to be negatived by the fact of the property on his person being untouched, unless the murderer or murderers were disturbed by the coming of the Mortimores or heard sounds of approach by other means. The hat of the deceased and his whip, were found a land-yard nearer Moreton, than the body; there were no marks however, of the cart having in any way become entangled, the track of the wheels being regular and without deviation from a straight line. Nor was there any appearance of scuffle or struggle on this part of the road. The deceased had been met too, riding on his cart, by Mr Daniel Harvey, of Moor, in Moreton, not half a mile from where the body was found. Mr Harvey told him (CORNISH) that his cart was coming and that he feared they would not be able to pass each other; to which the deceased replied, he had no doubt they would be able to manage it; and on being met by Mr Harvey's men with the cart, he (MR CORNISH) was walking, having his horse by the head, and they did pass without difficulty. It was dark, but he appeared to these persons to be quite sober. The above is an outline of all the material part of the evidence, so that it will be seen that the case is involved in very great mystery. Many persons in the neighbourhood profess to believe that the unfortunate deceased was murdered, and that the ruffians who caused his death, must have effected it at the moment that the Mortimores were approaching, and retreated on hearing them come up. This we were told is the opinion of his relations and certainly there appears very strong grounds for it. We trust for the satisfaction of the neighbourhood that this mysterious event will in some way or another be cleared up. The deceased was interred in the parish of North Bovey on Sunday last of which place he was a native. His remains were followed to the grave by a large concourse of spectators, drawn together by the tragical circumstances of his death, and respect for his memory - it was impossible from what we heard for a man in his station of life to be more highly esteemed.

NEWTON ABBOT - A Melancholy And Fatal Accident. - On the morning of Sunday last, about six o'clock, the body of MR ISAAC SOPER, Farrier, residing at Newton Abbot, was found almost lifeless, lying directly in the middle of the road, between Teignmouth and Kingsteignton, about a quarter of a mile from the latter place, with his skull fractured on the right side of the back part of the head, bleeding profusely, he was almost immediately conveyed to his residence, where, after lingering about one hour and half, he died. - An Inquest was held on the body at Newton, on Monday morning, before J. Gribble, Esq., one of the Coroner's for Devon, and a respectable Jury, from which it was learnt that about half-past eleven o'clock on Saturday night last, MR SOPER, left Teignmouth, on horseback, very much intoxicated and also that the horse was seen to pass through Kingsteignton about a quarter before one o'clock on Sunday morning without a rider, this and the other evidence left no doubt on the minds of the Jury, that the poor man came by his death by Accidentally Falling from the Horse to the Ground, while in a state of Intoxication, which fractured his skull.

Western Times, Saturday 19 October 1833
OTTERY ST MARY - An Inquest was held by Mr Aberdein on the 11th inst. at Ottery St. Mary, on the body of HENRY GOVIER, aged 55 years. Mary Ashford, wife of Jas. Ashford, deposed as follows:- I and my husband keep the Workhouse at Ottery, of which the deceased was an inmate. I have done so for about 6 or 7 years. We contract with the Overseers for the keep and maintenance of some of the inmates. I knew the deceased, he was a lunatic and at times violent. He has been a lunatic ever since I have had charge of the Poor. He was confined generally in a cell in one of the rooms of the ground floor which is separate for the lunatics. He was always chained by the leg to a post fixed at the bottom of the bed. We were obliged to do so as he was so violent; he was at times apt to do violence to his own person if he could get at anything likely to effect it with. He had one day broken the plate on which his dinner was served and secreted one of the pieces, with which he had wounded himself on the arm, and he told me he had opened his arm as he was full of blood. When my husband was at home he used to take the deceased out to walk in the garden when he was not violent. I can't say when my husband took him out last. I never saw him attempt to get loose. About 8 o'clock yesterday morning I went to his cell and carried him his breakfast and found him laying on his bed covered with the blanket. I said HENRY here's your breakfast; he made no answer. I then turned down the blanket when he twisted his right shoulder twice. I put my hand to his breast and throat and felt a slight motion. I then sent for Mr Wreford, the Surgeon, who came down and examined him and his pulse had ceased. He ate his supper very well the night before. He always laid in bed unless when my husband took him out in the yard to walk. He used to dress him. The parish allowed me 5s. a week for the board of the deceased, for which I found him food and washing. There were 3 lunatics in the House, the other two are women. There are 3 cells in the room and these people were kept there. the two women are kept chained by the leg and in bed, unless when I dress them and take them out to the air. The two women are violent. One of them I took out today, the other had not been out for about 3 weeks. There is a fire kept in the room for them in the winter season. I get 5s. a week for the keep of each of the women. I diet them the same as I did the deceased with 3 meals a day. On going to look at deceased this morning, I found wounds on his hands, and that his right cheek had been eaten away. I conceived it had been by some vermin, rats I think, as no cat could have come to it, as the cell was kept fastened. There are several rat holes in the floor. I have not seen or heard rats in the house for some time. (By a Juror): I did not get the rat holes stopped, because I did not see rats. Neither have the people in the house complained of rats, only of mice. I do not recollect that I was ordered to keep a candle by the bodies of those who die, before they could be put in a coffin. I was ordered to keep a light when they were sick and to watch by them. It has not been the custom to keep lights by the bodies of those who died in the House. - Mr Samuel Wreford. - I am the Parish Surgeon, and have the care of the inmates in the Workhouse. I have known the deceased for upwards of 3 years. He was a lunatic. His general health has been good. He has never had but one attack of illness which was a complaint in the bowels. It was light and yielded to medical treatment in the course of a few days. He generally kept in bed and seemed contented. The delusion chiefly prevalent in his mind was that he had 30 or £40,000 due to him for prize money at Plymouth. I have frequently gone into his cell. He appeared to be generally well looked after and clean, and had sufficient bedding. When I saw him yesterday morning he was still warm, but his pulse had ceased. He was evidently dead. There was no marks of violence about the body. He looked to be a man properly fed. He certainly did not want food. Judging from all the symptoms I have seen I am of opinion the deceased did not die from violence, but in a natural way. Verdict - Natural Death.

COLYTON - At Colyford on the 14th day of October, on the body of ELIZA FRANCES RICHARDS, a spinster, aged 20 years. It appears by evidence that the deceased was a lunatic and had been in an Asylum. she has been in the habit of undressing and going into the water to bathe. On Saturday last about a quarter past twelve o'clock she was seen by a woman named Susan rocket, (who was going from Seaton towards Musbury) on the bank of the river about two or three yards below Axe Bridge. She was undressed all except her shift. She was pulling off her stockings. Her clothes was by her side. She went into the water and spoke to Susan Rocket. She said she got into the water because she was a little deranged once and had been to the Asylum. They talked together for near ten minutes. The water was near her shoulders. She then dipped her head back in the water and held fast to a boat that was in the water, by one hand, and afterwards threw water over her head. A little boy came along in the mean time and said to her you are going to drown yourself. She said I am not. She struck out with her hands and feet as if she was swimming and shortly after went under water. Then she seemed to try to get to the boat, but could not. Assistance was procured, but before she could be taken out she was quite dead. The Jury found that the deceased was Accidentally Drowned and further that for some time previously she had been of Unsound Mind, and that if it had not been for the blameable negligence of her friends it would not have happened. And the Jurors further say that they give this expression of their opinion as a public censure on the conduct of her friends.

Western Times, Saturday 26 October 1833
BAMPTON - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - An Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., on the 10th instant, at Bampton, on the body of ISAAC KINGDON, yeoman, aged 27 years. On the 14th ult. the deceased and his brother had been all day in the barn, threshing, until about three o'clock. After they had finished they stood looking out over the door. The deceased became faint and his brother helped him into the house, when the deceased drank some water. He then sat down by the fire, and complained that his heart beat cruelly. In the evening he was taken with vomiting and went to bed and a Surgeon was sent for, but before he arrived deceased was dead. - Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God. - The father of deceased died suddenly near Tiverton, about a year and half since.

CREDITON - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - At Crediton on the 18th inst., on the body of WILLIAM STAPLETON, carpenter, aged 23 years. The deceased came from Kingsteignton to Crediton, to get some work and slept at the Horse and Jockey Inn, on that and the following night. On Thursday afternoon, about five o'clock, as the servant was passing the bedroom door, she saw a man's head in the bed and on enquiry, finding that no one was gone to bed, her master went up, (not knowing but that deceased had left in the morning,) and found him dead. There was no mark of violence on his person, and a verdict was returned of Died by the Visitation of God.

TIVERTON - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - At Tiverton on the 21st inst., on the body of FRANCIS GLOYNES, chandler, aged 42 years. It appeared by evidence that the deceased was much addicted to drinking and frequently got intoxicated, sometimes for a fortnight together and sometimes for a longer period, and after a day or two's abstinence from liquor, became deranged in mind. On Tuesday last, between 8 and 9 o'clock, he came home very much intoxicated, and had been drinking several days previous. He went to bed and on Wednesday he got up and came downstairs, but did not go out of doors for the day. That night (Wednesday) between 8 and 9 o'clock he went to bed and from that time did not leave it again, until Saturday last, between 10 and 11 o'clock, when he was seen coming from his bedroom to a spare room and a noise being heard below, a woman who was in the house, went upstairs and found the deceased weltering in his blood with a deep wound in his throat and by the bedside a razor laying on a chair, open, and bloody (this razor used to be kept in the spare room, where deceased was seen to go). A surgeon was sent for, but he died in a few minutes after his arrival. - Verdict, Insanity.

Western Times, Saturday 2 November 1833
EXETER - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held on Thursday at the College Kitchen, on the body of MARY NORCOMBE, the wife of a labourer, who, on the day before, dropped down while waiting for water at the conduit, and almost instantly expired. Verdict - Died by the Visitation of God.

CULLOMPTON - An Inquest was held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., at Cullompton, on the 28th of October on the body of RICHARD HALCOMBE, aged 14 years. The deceased was a parish apprentice of Mr John Pitts, of Woodcock Mill, in the parish of Cullompton. On the 15th ult. the deceased and two women were picking apples. Deceased carried them from the Orchard to the Poundhouse. Before dinner he went up into the stable loft to hide some apples for himself. Standing on the top of the ladder, it slipped and fell with him. In falling he injured himself in the scrotum, from which mortification ensued the next morning and he lingered with great suffering till Friday, the 225th ult., being insensible for several days before his death. It did not appear that there had been any neglect, as a Surgeon was called in the next morning. - Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 9 November 1833
SEATON AND BEER - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - An Inquest was held at Seaton on the 31st ult. on the body of RICHARD RESTORICK, labourer, aged 20 years. On the 20th ult the deceased and Thomas Colman went to Seaton hole in a boat after a load of stones for building. They made one trip and went the second time. In returning it was dark. It was between 6 and 7 o'clock. The tide was running in, it was nearly high water, when they came near the beach, between 40 and 50 yards from high water mark. The broadside of the boat being towards the beach, the water came in over the stern and the boat immediately went down and deceased and his companion were both thrown into the water. Colman was saved by a boat from the shore, from which their cries were heard. The dead body of RESTORICK was found in a short time after floating. A verdict was returned of Accidental Death.

EXMINSTER - An Inquest was held at Exminster on the 1st instant on the body of ROBERT COLLINS. It appeared by the evidence that deceased was an apprentice on board the Ebenezer, Capt. Wacombe. That he had obtained liberty to see some friends at Starcross and had not returned, and fears for his safety had been entertained. His body was found in the canal, nearly opposite Topsham. No marks of violence was found on his person and a verdict of Accidental Death was returned. It appears that this is the second accident that has occurred from the open state of the Topsham lock. A man in the employ of Mr Green was drowned at the same spot some time back, and a representation was then made to the Chamber of Exeter by Mr Partridge, but no steps were taken to afford security.

TIVERTON - An Inquest was held on the 6th instant, at Tiverton, on the body of ANN ALDERMAN, widow, aged 84, who, at Bampton, on the 31st ult was severely injured by a cow, from which time she had been sinking and died on the 5th instant. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 16 November 1833
EXETER - Fatal Accident. - About 11 o'clock on the night of Saturday last, MR BENJAMIN CRESWELL, fuller, Rock's-lane, in this City returned to his house: His wife had retired to rest and he entering a sitting room on the first floor, the window and looks into the courtlage. he had been troubled with Asthma for some years and it is supposed opened and placed himself at the window for the sake of air. Of course, precisely how occasioned can never now be known, but out of this window he fell into the courtlage, fracturing his skull so severely that the brain protruded and his death must have been instantaneous. - About 5 the following morning, his wife awoke and missing him became alarmed. She provided herself with a light and coming from the bedroom into that her husband had last been in, the opened and broken window led her to fear the worst and in the courtlage as before mentioned, his dead body was found. - An Inquest was held on Monday before Samuel Walkey, Esq., Coroner for this city, at Spiller's King's Arms public-house, Rock's-lane, when after an Enquiry into the circumstances, the Jury returned a verdict accordingly. The deceased was 62 years of age.

WHIMPLE - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - On the 11th inst. at Whimple, on the body of HENRY DUNN, aged 2 years, who was burnt to death. Deceased had been left at home with his sister, only 5 years old, while the mother went to visit her sister who was ill, and had ignited its clothes while lighting a stick at the fire. It survived until about half past 8 the same evening. - Verdict - Accidental Death.

TOPSHAM - Inquest By R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - On the 13th inst., at Topsham, on the body of SAMUEL RADMORE, late of the parish of Starcross, labourer, aged 32 years, who was drowned on Sunday the 10th while attempting to wade to a boat he had moored at low-water Mark. The tide was coming up strong and he was advised not to attempt it. When he got about up to his armpits in water he fell and was seen no more. Search was made for him but the body was not found until Tuesday about one o'clock, off Bowling green point, adjoining the River Clist, which runs into the River Exe, near Topsham. Verdict - Accidental Death.

Western Times, Saturday 30 November 1833
CHERITON FITZPAINE - Inquest held by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - On the 21st inst. at Cheriton Fitzpaine, on the body of SAMUEL GILLARD, labourer, aged 42. Deceased was a servant to Mr Hewish, of the Angel Inn, Cheriton. On the Tuesday previously, he had been sent to Exeter for a load of lime and deals. He was returning homewards, when descending Brown's Hill, near Newton St. Cyres, the cart upset upon him and killed him. A witness of the name of Parker, who was accompanying another cart, and was just ahead when the accident happened, described it and stated, that it was a quarter of an hour before deceased was extricated. He was riding on the top of the cart between the deals. Verdict - Accidental Death.

BURLESCOMBE - Inquest held by Mr R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - At Burlescombe, on the body of RICHARD WESTCOTT, aged three years. The deceased was son of the Landlord of the Red Bull Inn, Burlescombe. On the 18th inst., the father went into the garden about 6 in the evening, for the purpose of covering some potatoes which had been dug. The child held a candle for him, and there was a quantity of straw about where he stood. The father went to the stable for more straw, and had not left him above a few seconds, before the screams of the little fellow reached his ear; he ran back and discovered his clothes in flames. Notwithstanding the instant exertions of the father the child suffered so much that he expired on the morning of the 21st. Verdict - Accidentally Burnt To Death.

BICKLEIGH (NEAR TIVERTON) - Effects of Intoxication. - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - On the 25th instant, at Bickleigh, on the body of SARAH VENN, aged 53 years, when the following witnesses were examined, as to the cause of her death. - John Tapscott of Bickleigh, Cordwainer, deposed as follows:- I knew the deceased, SARAH VENN. She was a single woman. she lived in one of the poor-houses and was a pauper of the parish. I knew Charity Rutley. She lives near me. On Saturday last, the 23rd ult., I was in bed about half-past 4, when Charity Rutley and a man who stated his name to be James Hucklebridge, called me up and wished me to come down, for SARAH VENN was dead. I dressed myself and went into Charity Rutley's house and saw the deceased lying on the floor, near the fire-place. I touched her left arm; it was as cold as a stone. I said she was dead. They appeared rather alarmed. I told them to call assistance. I went down with Hucklebridge to Robert Smales', who came back with us - I then left them. - James Hucklebridge, of Fore-street, Exeter, Tanner, was next examined. He deposed as follows:- I live in Exeter and work for Mr James Jones, Tanner. On Friday last I was at Tiverton. I was returning on foot towards Exeter, between 3 and 6 o'clock. I had crossed Bickleigh Bridge and as I passed on, I saw Charity Rutley at her door. I told her I was much fatigued and asked her if she would make me a cup of tea. She said she would. While I was drinking the tea, the deceased came in. It was about half an hour after I was there. She sat down by the fire. After I had finished my tea, I thought I must give the woman something for her trouble and I asked them what they would have to drink. I sent the deceased after some gin, and gave her a shilling to pay for it. When she returned with the gin, I drank some of it mixed with water and sugar. So did Rutley and deceased. After we had drank it, deceased said she would have some more. I gave her another shilling. A daughter of Rutley's fetched some more - this was about 7 o'clock. We drank that mixed in the same way as the former. The deceased then asked me to toss for some beer. We tossed for a quart - she beat me. I did not send for it. I took her by the arm and wished her to go, but she would not. She wanted more drink. I think she was then a little in liquor. I then gave Rutley another shilling and she fetched more gin, which Rutley and I, and the deceased mixed and drank as before. I drank the greater portion. She, deceased, wanted more and I would not let her. She had some in a cup which I took from her. About 10 o'clock, it being very rough and wet, I asked Rutley to let me go up and lie down on her bed. She agreed to do so. I went upstairs. Rutley came up after. Before I went upstairs I wanted deceased to go to bed, but she would not. She sat up in the chair and Rutley brought down a pillow for her to rest her head on. Rutley after this came upstairs and went to bed. She did not go into the same bed with me. About 4 o'clock on Saturday morning, I got up to go to Exeter. Rutley had got up previously and was gone down to light a candle. She came up to me with the candle and appeared much alarmed, and she said, she thought the deceased was dead. I was much frightened. Went down and found the deceased lying on the floor on her right side. She was cold and dead. It was 10 o'clock when I went to bed. I did not hear any noise downstairs after. - Charity Rutley, of Bickleigh, widow:- I knew the deceased SARAH VENN. She used to come and look after my children sometimes, when I go out to work for a day. Between 4 and 5 o'clock on Friday last, I was standing at my door when James Hucklebridge came by. I did not know him. He asked me if I would make him some tea? I rather objected, but he said he would pay for it. He took out a shilling and sent my little girl after a pound of lump sugar. I made him some tea and we drank tea together. Whilst we were drinking tea, the deceased came in and sat down by the fire. I did not send for her. She had been to the turnpike gate to fetch her physic and was returning thence. She was labouring under dropsy, and Mr Hole, of Silverton, used to attend her. After tea, Hucklebridge gave her a shilling to fetch some gin. She brought home the gin in a cup. I borrowed a rummer and made some gin and water for Hucklebridge, which he drank. I had some in a tea cup, the remainder in the cup I put some water and sugar in and drank it. I wished her to go home, but she would not. She gave my little girl a half-penny to go to her house and say she should not be home for the night. After my child came back, Hucklebridge gave her a shilling to go to the Bridge Inn for some more gin. She did so. The gentleman and I drank the greatest part, I think. I cannot tell whether the deceased drank any of it or not. I was not tipsy. The deceased sat sleeping in a chair by the fire. She drank some of the gin mixed with water and sugar. I think she had it in a half pint cup. The cup was not full. I cannot say whether she had any of the second quantity of gin more than once or not, the deceased was a little intoxicated. I wanted her to go to bed. She would not. The deceased after this wanted to toss for beer with Hucklebridge. They tossed for a quart and the deceased lost. She put out twopence, which he gave her back again. Before this she said she would have something more to drink. I said nothing more should be brought. She then threw a tea cup at Hucklebridge, which he caught in his hand. After that she threw a saucer at him which was broken. She then swore she would have more. I refused to let any more be fetched. After this Hucklebridge gave me two shillings to fetch more gin. I fetched 1s. 6d. worth and kept the sixpence. I drank part of this and so did Hucklebridge. I do not think the deceased had any part of this gin. About ten o'clock the gentleman asked me if I could let him lie down on a bed. I said yes, and he went up and lay down in his clothes. The deceased was asleep on a chair by the fire. I went up and lay down by the side of my child and fell asleep. The gentleman was in the other bed. When I awoke in the morning, I went downstairs for a candle. When I got down, I found the deceased had fallen off the chair. I called to her but she did not answer. I felt her hand which was cold. I then called to the man to come down and said I think she is dead. He came down and we went and called Mr Tapscott. After this Robert Smale came. - Anna Upton, wife of Roger Upton of the New Inn, Bickleigh Bridge, said. I knew the deceased SARAH VENN. She was subject to dropsy. On Friday night last, about half past five o'clock the deceased came for a shilling's worth of gin. I served her. It was enough for three tumblers of gin and water. Rutley's little girl came to me for a shilling's worth of gin. I gave her the same quantity. After this Rutley came herself and she had a pint, which cost 1s. 6d. I asked no questions of Rutley, what made her fetch the gin. I never knew her fetch any before, except once when her child was ill. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from Excessive Drinking, whilst labouring under the disease of Dropsy, and blamed the conduct of Hucklebridge and Rutley for suffering her to drink to such excess.

WEST BUCKLAND - Inquest held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner. - On Thursday last at West Buckland, on the body of JOHANNAH MULES, aged 45, whose husband on the morning preceding, hearing an unusual noise proceeding from his wife, who was lying by his side, arose and procured a light, but by the time he returned, she had become a corpse. On a post mortem examination, it was discovered that her death was occasioned by water on the brain. - Verdict "Visitation of God."

WARKLEIGH - Inquest held by T. Copner, Esq., Coroner - On Sunday last at Warkleigh, on the body of a boy, eleven years of age, called JOHN PARSONS, in the employ of Mr Mills, of Warkleigh Barton, who whilst leading a mare with a foal by her side, was kicked by the colt in the chest, which caused his death. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Saturday 7 December 1833
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Coroner's Inquest. - An Inquest was held by Mr Gribble, Esq., of Ashburton, on Wednesday last, on the body of ISAAC JACOBS, a Dutch Jew, pedlar, who was found drowned in the Exe on the preceding day, by a man of the name of William Edwards, in the employ of Mr Ward, of St. Thomas's. Edwards was floating a raft of timber and observed the body between the logs. He immediately obtained assistance and the body was taken out of the water. It was in a shocking state of decomposition. Mr Abraham Hart recognised the deceased, who, he stated, he had known from childhood. He was a native of Amsterdam and had frequently employed witness to write Hebrew letters home to his friends, as he could not write them himself. Other witnesses proved that deceased had been for some time in exceedingly low spirits and that he left the Exeter Arms, where he had been lodging, on the night of Sunday November 3rd and had not been heard of afterwards, till the body was found. It was assigned by some of his brethren as the cause of his depression of spirits, that he had been robbed of his pack at Kingsbridge fair. The identify having been clearly made out, the Jury immediately returned a verdict of Found Drowned, but how, or by what means the deceased got into the water, there was no evidence to show. Mr Alexander, the Optician, on the part of the Jewish congregation applied for the body, provided the parish would defray the expenses of its removal. The Overseer stated that he could give no such undertaking as that; there would be no objection at all to the body being delivered up to the friends of the deceased, if they would bear the expense of the removal. Mr Alexander said the congregation were not sure that deceased were a Jew and they only made the application because they would err on the right side. It was ultimately arranged that the Jews should have the body at their own cost. They seemed to be animated by a very laudable desire, that their departed brother should be interred among his own people - but suppose the deceased were now a Jew - as they professed themselves not certain - it surely would be quite as great an injustice to the christian to be interred amongst them.

Western Times, Saturday 14 December 1833
CREDITON - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq. - An Inquest was held on Monday, December 2nd, at Crediton, on the body of WILLIAM MIDDLEWEEK, maltster, aged 43 years. The deceased was in the employ of Mrs Roberts of the above place - and on Saturday morning he was found in the malt-house, in a state of insensibility, laying on his right side. It appeared that he had been seized with an apoplectic fit, while furrowing a floor of malt, as he was laying near the floor he had partly furrowed. He was taken home and medical aid was soon procured, but he expired at eight o'clock the same evening. - Verdict, Died by the Visitation of God.

CREDITON - Inquest by R. H. Aberdein, Esq., - At Crediton, December 6th, on the body of WILLIAM BILLING, aged 13 years, a parish apprentice to Mr Norris of the Hamlet of Sandford. On the 26th of November, the deceased and JOHN BILLING, his cousin, was going to Knowle Farm with a cart and two horses, for some wheat. When they were going down the hill towards Knowle Farm, they were both riding and JOHN BILLING was driving, when the deceased jumped out of the cart. His foot slipped and he fell and the wheel went over his head. He lingered till the following Wednesday, when he expired. Verdict, Accidental Death.