Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News and the Western Daily Mercury

[printed in Plymouth.]

1874

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included: Andrews; Arthur; Austin; Avery; Axworthy; Balley; Barber; Barnes; Beattie; Beck; Bennett; Blatchford; Bloye; Bourlace; Bowring; Boyce; Bradford; Briton; Brown; Burnett; Burns; Butfield; Campbell; Carl; Chatty; Clampitt; Clapp; Cleak; Clemens; Cole(2); Cooper; Crocker; Crowdy; Cuddington; Culverwell; Currethers; Cusden; Cutts; Dare; Davy; Dedley; Dennis; Dirks; Down; Dumble; Dunn; Duperier; Eastmond; Eakins; Ellis(4); Exell(2); Exworthy; Fitzgerald; Fitz-Gurrold; Fooks; Foster; Foxworthy; Friend; Frost; Gale; Gammon; Gillieham; Glanville; Goss; Gould; Haar; Hallett; Ham; Hamlyn; Hammond; Harding; Harrington; Harris; Harrison; Hawkins; Haydon; Hearne; Helmore; Heysitt; Hicks; Hilton; Hoar; Holland; Honeywill; Hooper(3); Horne; Houston; Humphries; Hunt; Inkester; Jackman; Johns; Johnson; Keast; Langdon; Lappage; Lee(2); Leech; Leigh; Lethbridge; Lewis; Llewillyn; Lockyer; Luke; Mackerel; Maddock; Marsh; Marshall; Martin(2); May; Medland; Meredith; Miller; Mills; Mollard; Moore; Mortimer; Nelder; Newberry; Norris; Norsworthy; Northway; Odgers; Palmer(3); Parnell; Parsons; Pearse; Pedgeon; Perham; Perring; Pethrick; Pidsley; Pinhay; Potter; Powers; Priestley; Quick; Rawlinson; Reed; Rice; Rogers; Rose; Row; Rowe; Rowse; Ryder; Sable; Salter; Sambells; Sampson; Saunders(2); Seymour; Shead; Shepherd; Short; Smith(2); Soper; Southcott(2); Spry; Stanswood; Stark; Stevens; Stidworthy; Stocker; Stockman; Stone; Stratford; Street; Sweet; Tapper; Tarr; Tarrington; Thomas(2); Tonkin; Tovey; Townshend; Tucker; Turpin; Veale; Walke; Warren(3); Watts(2); Welsh; Western; White; Whittle; Wickett; Williams(3); Wilson; Winnacott; Wotton; Yelland(2).

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 1 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday, by Mr Deputy Coroner R. Sleman, at the Carlton Inn, Eldad, on the body of JOHN COLE, a maltster, aged 60 years. It appeared that on the previous morning the deceased went into the cistern at the Eldad malthouse with another workman to throw out some barley. He had not been there longer than ten minutes when he staggered and fell. The other workmen sent for a doctor, but within a few minutes the deceased was dead. The Jury, of which Mr Kent was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 1 January 1874
EXETER - Sad Death On The Bristol And Exeter Railway. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at the Valiant Soldier Inn, Exeter, on Monday, on the body of RICHARD HOOPER, guard on the Bristol and Exeter Railway, who was fatally injured at the Tiverton Junction a week since. It was proved by John Tucker, engine driver, that deceased was intoxicated and incapable of taking care of himself at Wellington on the night of the accident. When the train arrived at Tiverton junction, Mr Sweetland, the head guard, saw the deceased on the engine with Tucker, and after they had taken in water he went into his van thinking deceased was still on the engine. On arriving at Hele station, however, the driver told him that HOOPER got off at Tiverton Junction. The train then proceeded to Exeter. Mr Oaten, station master at the junction, proved seeing deceased, soon after the train arrived at the junction, at a crossing point which led from the up to the down line. It was very dark and he could not tell whether deceased was sober or not. He asked him to turn the point for him, and he did so. He did not see him until the next morning when he was suffering from the injuries which resulted in his death. John Babel, a policeman on the line, proved finding deceased lying on the line between the metals the next morning. He was insensible. There were several scars on his face, and a nasty wound on the back of his head. The accident happened on a Saturday, and deceased remained at the junction until the Monday, when he was taken to the Exeter Hospital. He was suffering from laceration of the brain, from which he died on Friday last. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased died from injuries received on the railway, but that there was no evidence to prove how he came by them.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 1 January 1874
EXETER - Suicide Of An Artilleryman. - An Inquest was held at the Hospital in the Higher Barracks, on Saturday morning, before Mr Coroner Hooper, touching the death of WILLIAM BEATTIE, a gunner in the K. Battery 11th Brigade, R.A., aged 38. The deceased was a married man, and his wife and four children were on the strength of the regiment. He was addicted to drink. He had served in America and in the Crimea. He joined the K Battery from Sheerness on the 19th December. A witness said he saw the deceased on the 20th, when he came to be examined by the medical officer as is usual when men join a fresh battery. He again saw him on the 21st in bed in the Hospital. At 8.45, witness told him to go and see the doctor. The deceased asked him to fetch his clothes from his quarters, and also to lend him his razor, because it was in his quarters. He then went to get the deceased's clothes. When he came back he saw the deceased lying on the bed on his back with his throat cut. Witness found a razor in the grate. Surgeon W. E. Riordan, R.H.A., said he examined the deceased, and found two gashes across his throat a couple of inches deep, almost severing the windpipe. He should say that from what he had seen of the deceased since the occurrence, he was suffering from delirium tremens when he committed the act. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 7 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - At the Brunel Hotel, Millbay, yesterday, before Mr Deputy Coroner Square, an Inquest was held on the body of an old woman named MARY NELDER, who resided with her husband at 6 Prospect-road. It appeared that on the night of her death deceased, who had been ailing from asthma for some considerable time, complained of being unwell, and a neighbour who was present, gave her some brandy, after which she felt considerably better. The next morning, however, she was found dead in her bed by her husband. The Jury, of which Mr Joseph Hicks was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 7 January 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - The Distressing Suicide At Stoke. - Mr Coroner A. Bone, and a double Jury, of which Mr John King was Foreman, met at Beaumont House, Stoke, yesterday afternoon, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of MR JOSEPH WHITTLE. - The first witness called was Mark Treleaven, an officer of the Plymouth Police Force, who stated that on Sunday evening last he went to the deceased's house, where he saw the body of the deceased lying on the floor. The witness found a letter on the floor of the dining-room some time after he entered, which he handed to Mr Metham, surgeon. - Mr Metham, surgeon, who was called, identified the letter produced as that given him by the former witness. The letter read thus:- "January 4th, 1874. My dearest wife, - I am in such trouble, I cannot longer live. I fell I am only a trouble to you and all my dear friends. My sins have been the cause. God bless you my darling JESSIE, and ever dear children. Kiss them all for their poor wretched father. God grant you my dear parents, brothers and sisters less unhappiness than you have lately had, and may they be your comfort and protector under all your trials. Do not regret your poor dear unhappy husband, but look to a brighter future, which I sincerely trust God will grant you. With kindest love to your dear self and all, believe me your loving husband, - JOE. P.S. - Keep the dear children with you if you can. Train them up to serve their God better than their poor unfortunate father has done. Kiss them all for me, dear. Good-bye. God bless you. I enclose cheque for £10. My book is at the bank." - Elizabeth Churcher, a domestic servant in the house of the deceased, said she had observed the deceased to be very strange at times. Sometimes he would fill the bath full of water and throw the dirty clothes into it. He had thrown bottles of scent over her and her fellow servant without saying anything. Sometimes he was sober and sometimes not. The witness saw deceased about 11 o'clock on Sunday morning, and he then appeared very melancholy. Shortly afterwards he left the house, returning in about half an hour with his wife. He applied his hand to his side, and said, "A nasty spasm; I felt it coming on." He scarcely appeared to be able to get along. He sank down on a chair and was apparently in great pain. Some brandy was procured and at the deceased's request Mr Metham was sent for. - Mr Metham said he had known the deceased between two and three years, and had seen him since then very frequently. He had been constantly on his list mostly through occasional outbreaks in drinking, and in the intervals he would be all right. The frequent excesses of drink no doubt produced an injurious effect on the brain. The witness saw the deceased on Saturday last, when he appeared to be more than usually depressed, and being incapable of collecting his thoughts. On Sunday the witness visited the deceased at his residence, when he complained that he was suffering violently from spasms. On the witness asking him for particulars, he requested his wife to leave the room. He then had a violent spasm which showed the witness that he had taken poison. He told the witness that he had taken, at half-past twelve o'clock, strychnine and prussic acid, which he said he had bought in Plymouth at several places. The witness continued to remain with the deceased until he died, which was about seven o'clock. When the witness asked the deceased why he had poisoned himself, he said, "I don't know why I did it; I was mad." - Mr Joseph Allen, chemist, carrying on business in Bedford-street, stated that the deceased came to his premises on Saturday, stating that he had a favourite dog, which he valued very much, and as it was getting old he wished to poison it. He asked which was the best poison, whereupon the witness informed him that strychnine was the best. The witness served him with two grains (in weight) of strychnine, and the deceased signed the register book of sales of poison with his name and address. - Mr Frederick Henry Foster, carrying on business at 2, Bank of England-place, said the deceased came to his shop about a month ago, and applied for some strychnine to kill a dog. Witness told him two grains would be sufficient to kill a dog, whereupon the deceased expressed a desire to have the dog killed as soon as possible. Witness then supplied the deceased with five grains. - Mr John Dampney, a chemist at Millbay, said the deceased came to his shop on Saturday and was supplied with a quantity of prussic acid, for the purpose, as the deceased stated, of poisoning a dog. - Mr Chandler deposed that there had been discrepancies in the deceased's accounts, and on the witness examining them, he found a considerable balance against him. The witness then discovered that although the deceased had no means he had purchased Beaumont House, Stoke, for £2,000. The witness told the deceased his acts were those of a madman, and that it would be necessary that his connection with the firm should cease. The deceased expressed a desire to go and see his friends at Sherborne, and accordingly the witness accompanied him there. It was there pointed out to him the absolute necessity of giving up Beaumont House, which he had bought and also that it was utterly impossible for him to live in the house, because of the inadequacy of his means. About the 21st of December the deceased's brother brought the witness a letter which the deceased had written, stating that he was in want of assistance, and also that his life insurance for £1,000 was due in a day or two, and that he was unable to pay it. The witness then wrote to the deceased, asking for a statement of his accounts, to which the deceased replied that the witness's letter had altered the aspect of affairs, and that he would go to them. That he did, and it was then made clear that the deceased was insolvent. The deceased appeared quite shocked at his position. - The Jury were unanimous in returning a verdict that the deceased died from the effect of administering to himself a quantity of strychnine whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 January 1874
EGG BUCKLAND - Fatal Accident At Laira. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Laira Inn, near Plymouth, last evening, relative to the death of WILLIAM JOHNS, a railway porter, who was killed on Tuesday night. The evidence shewed that the deceased and a guard named Ball were engaged in coupling up trucks at the Laira junction, and on Ball's calling out to deceased that they intended to go on the main line, and receiving no answer, he went to the deceased and found him lying down between the trucks dead, with his left leg, which was broken, under the wheel of one of the trucks. Both Ball and the deceased had their hand lights at the time of the accident, and the former believed that JOHNS was caught between the buffers. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 13 January 1874
PLYMPTON - Suicide At Plympton. - On Friday afternoon, shortly after four o'clock, an inmate of the workhouse, named JOHN PERRING, 56 years of age, committed suicide by hanging himself to the hand railing of the staircase leading to the male wards with five threads of rope yarn twisted together. This he must have taken from the oakum shop, where during the day he had been at work. Deceased in July last attempted to drown himself in the brook near the Workhouse, since which time he has conducted himself pretty well, but latterly he had been in very low spirits. An Inquest has been held by Mr R. Rodd, County Coroner. I verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 14 January 1874
SAMPFORD SPINEY - Mr Coroner Rodd held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Parlby Arms, in Sampford Spiney, on the body of JOHN MARTIN, a stonemason, aged 26 years. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 15 January 1874
BRIXHAM - Inquest At Brixham. - The adjourned Enquiry on the body found on the beach near Bury Head last week, was held yesterday at the Queen's Hotel, Brixham, before Mr W. H. Michelmore, Coroner. Charles Collier, one of the seamen on board of the Torbay Lass, identified the trousers found on the body as being the same as he sold to C. BENNET, ordinary seaman on board the same schooner, which arrived in Torbay on the 1st ult. The same evening C. BENNET was missed from the schooner. J. Binmore, also one of the crew, gave evidence which tended to show that the mate and BENNET were heard to create noises on deck by night. C. Collier said that the Captain told him that while they were at Savoni, BENNETT went on shore early one morning and reported to the Vice-Consul that the mate had treated him unkindly, threatening to heave him overboard twice; once he nearly succeeded in doing so. There was nothing on the official log to corroborate this statement. The Coroner said that the evidence produced led them to require further evidence on the matter, and therefore the Enquiry would be adjourned for two months in order that further evidence might be produced. The Enquiry occupied about two hours and a half.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 January 1874
PLYMPTON - Mysterious Death At Batten. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Castle Inn, Mount Batten, near Plymouth, relative to the death of GEORGE PRIESTLEY, who was found drowned the previous afternoon in Batten Bay. - HARRIET PRIESTLEY, wife of the deceased, said her husband was 64 years of age, and had been an innkeeper, but at the time of his death kept a lodging-house at No. 4 Southside-street. On Tuesday evening, between six and seven o'clock, after partaking of tea, the deceased left his home, but did not say where he was going. Lately he had said that he thought he should spend every pound he had, and then he did not know what he should do. During the past two months he had been in a desponding state of mind and in the last two weeks much more than before. - George Hine deposed that about 2.30 on Wednesday afternoon he saw the body of the deceased lying in the water off Batten beach, about five feet from the shore. He might have fallen over at the place accidentally. - John Pardon, sergeant Royal Marines, stated that about noon on Wednesday he saw the deceased in Batten field, going towards Batten, from Turnchapel. He saw him the previous night about ten o'clock at the Borringdon Arms, Turnchapel, where he was going to bed. When witness saw the deceased in the field he thought that he was looking very miserable, but he was perfectly sober. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Monday 19 January 1874
TEIGNMOUTH - The Fatal Boat Accident At Teignmouth. - An Inquest was held at Teignmouth on Saturday, by Mr W. H. Michelmore, County Coroner, respecting the death of CHARLES JOHNSON, who was drowned by the upsetting of his boat on the 9th inst. The deceased was 50 years of age, and his body was found on Friday floating close to the shore. The principal witness was John Thomson, and as he was too ill to attend the Inquiry, the Coroner and Jury went to his house. He stated that on the 9th instant he went out fishing with the deceased. There was a heavy sea on the bar, but a light wind. They remained out until about six o'clock, when the wind began to freshen from the east, and the weather to look dirty, in consequence of which they determined to make for the harbour. As they came near the bar a sea struck the boat, filling it with water, and shortly after another wave turned the boat bottom up. He and his companion caught hold of the keel, got on the bottom and called for help for about ten minutes. It was very dark, and they could not see the shore. Witness said he thought that it would be a bad job, and he should hold on to the boat, as his sea boots were so heavy. Deceased replied that he had hold of an oar, and should swim ashore. Witness then saw him about a boat's length ahead, and making for the shore. The chief boatman of the Shaldon coastguard picked Thomson up about a quarter of an hour after JOHNSON left. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 21 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at the Tradesmen's Arms, near the Octagon, yesterday, before Mr Deputy Coroner Square, to Enquire into the cause of the death of SARAH POTTER, aged 59, who lived at 3 Martin-street. Helen Wyatt, daughter of the deceased, said she visited her mother on Saturday evening and found her in bed very unwell. On her becoming worse she despatched her little brother for Doctor Pearse and the latter said he could not come at that time, but would do so in the morning, and gave the messenger two powders for her mother's relief. The deceased was then unconscious and could not take the powders. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and at the same time censured the conduct of Dr Pearse, who they considered should have sent an assistant if he could not have attended himself.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 January 1874
BISHOPSTEIGNTON - Sad Occurrence At Bishopsteignton. - A painful occurrence has taken place at Bishopsteignton. A young woman named ANN PETHRICK, 27 years of age, a lady's maid to Mrs Huddlestone, at The Lodge, returned from London, where she had been with her mistress on Monday, the 5th inst., and on the following Tuesday she was taken ill. She went to bed, and it was supposed that she had taken cold whilst on her journey down. She refused to see a doctor, saying that "it was very cruel of them to bring a doctor when she had no wish to see one." On the Wednesday and Thursday there were no signs of her getting better, and she was again advised to have medical advice, but she refused, stating that she would soon recover. On Saturday last Mrs Gater, wife of the gardener at "The Lodge", on going to a cupboard in the young woman's room, found the dead body of a male child wrapped up in a shawl. A doctor was sent for, and PETHRICK was accused of being the mother. She at first denied it, but on Sunday evening confessed to Mrs Huddlestone that she had given birth to the child. On Monday Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest, at which Mr Edwards, surgeon, gave evidence to the effect that the child was fully developed, but he could not say whether it had had an independent existence, and an Open Verdict was returned. The matter has had a still more tragical termination than is usual in such cases, for from the time the discovery was made, the unfortunate mother sank gradually and yesterday she died.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - Medical Certificates of Death. - Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the Tradesman's Arms, Octagon-street, Plymouth, relative to the death of SARAH POTTER, who died on Sunday morning last at her residence, 3 Martin-street. The Coroner said that about a month ago the deceased was attended to by Mr Pearse, surgeon, residing in Flora-place. On Saturday night last she was taken ill, and Mr Pearse was asked to come to her. He said that Mr Lewis, his partner, should see her the next morning, and he sent two powders for her to take, but she was unable to take them. No medical man saw the deceased between Saturday night and Sunday morning, when she died; but in the evening the surgeon came. If Mr Pearse could not have attended he should have sent someone else; and, had he done so, an Inquest would not have been held. As it was, however, he (the Coroner) had found it necessary to hold an Inquiry to ascertain the cause of death, more especially as the life of the deceased was insured. Ellen Wyatt, daughter of the deceased, deposed that when the powders from Mr. Pearse were brought her mother was unconscious and could not take them. Mr Pearse, sen., did not come until between five and six o'clock on Sunday evening, and he did not see the body when he came. - CHARLES POTTER, son of the deceased, said he saw Mr Pearse on Saturday night between nine and ten o'clock, and told him personally that his mother was very ill. Dr Pearse said that Mr Lewis was not at home, but that he should come the following morning. - Ann Crop stated that she was present during the whole of the time of the illness of the deceased, and up to the time of her death no medical man saw her. - The Coroner read the following certificate, given by Mr Lewis:- "I attended MRS POTTER, of Martin-street, a month since, for general dropsy and apoplexy. She was taken ill on the night of the 17th, and died of convulsions early on the morning of the 18th. - Lewis Lewis, surgeon." He (the Coroner) could not tell how anyone could give a certificate if he had not seen the person during illness. Certificates given in such a manner took away the protection due to the public. - A Juror said he thought a medical man should attend to a person that was ill, whether poor or not. - Another Juror considered that when the relations of the deceased found that Mr Lewis did not come, they ought to have sought another medical man. He thought that Mr Pearse was very attentive; but in many cases children were sent after a doctor, and did not bring back proper answers. It was not right for children to be sent upon such errands. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 24 January 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Sad Death of A Naval Pensioner At Devonport. The Coroner And The Medical Evidence. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr Deputy Coroner A. B. Bone, jun., at the Barley Sheaf Inn, Catherine-street, Devonport, touching the death of JOHN LUKE, aged forty-five years, who was a naval pensioner, and lived at Doidge's Well. - Jane Williams stated she lived in the same room with deceased. Last Thursday week, about half-past nine o'clock in the evening, she went downstairs and found the deceased lying at the bottom of the steps outside the house. He was a naval pensioner, and drew on the 1st of the month, 30s. He left home about seven o'clock the same evening, saying he was going out to get some biscuits for the child. When the witness found the deceased she sent for a man named Haynes, who went for Dr Bennett. The deceased was unconscious. The doctor did nothing that night for the deceased, who passed a very bad night. The following day the witness sent for Mr Bennett, but as he did not come she sent to the Relieving Officer for an order, which was brought to her, and which she sent to Dr Bennett about five o'clock. Dr Bennett came about seven o'clock, examined the deceased, but gave him no medicine as he was unable to take it. He ordered the witness to give the deceased some beef tea. On Sunday he gave him a powder. The deceased expired on Thursday afternoon. - William Haynes said that the deceased was at his house, at Doidge's Well on the night the accident occurred. The deceased was quite sober, and was not addicted to drink. The witness was called about ten o'clock and went to the room of the deceased, where he saw him lying on the floor on his back, covered in blood. At the last witnesses request he went for Dr Bennett. The latter came soon after and looked at the deceased, saying he had better be taken to the hospital as it was a hospital case. The doctor then asked to be paid 2s. 6d. for his visit, whereupon the witness told him that the deceased was a pensioner, and he might rely upon his being paid when the deceased received his pension. The doctor said if he could not be paid, it was no use for them to call him again as he would not come. It was very hard he should be brought out of his bed for nothing. - Mr Bennett, M.D., M.R.C.S.E., said that on the night in question he went to the deceased's house and found the deceased upon the floor with a quantity of blood on his head and clothes. He did not examine the wound, but looked at it. From the examination he formed his opinion that the case was a fatal one. He was convinced that it must have been a most violent blow that produced the wound in the deceased's head. He said it would be better for the deceased to be taken to the Hospital as it was a hospital case. He visited the deceased daily up to the time of his death. The woman that was with the deceased said he had only taken two spoonfuls of beef tea on the following day. On the first occasion of his calling he formed his own impression of the case and left. He directed that the deceased should be put to bed as soon as possible. His opinion was that the deceased was suffering from concussion of the brain, caused by violent injury to the head. Fracture of the skull was the nature of the disease, and he did not ascertain that until after the deceased was dead. - The Coroner: When was the memorandum made in the District Medical Relief Book to the effect that the deceased's skull was fractured? - Witness: That was made on the day the deceased became a district patient. - The Coroner: How did you know it was a fracture of the skull if you had not examined the deceased? It would be much better if you would explain that. - The Witness: Is it necessary for me to explain that? - The Coroner: If the Jury are satisfied, I am not myself. Did you cut off any part of the hair? - The Witness: No. The deceased was bald-headed. - Hayes: He was not bald-headed. - The Witness: It was not necessary because the cut was quite distinct from the hair. - The Coroner: I believe you made a superficial examination of the body of the deceased, did you not? - The Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: When was the first time during life that you carefully examined the wound? - The Witness: I did not examine the wound carefully until after death, because from the symptoms of the case I saw that no advantage would accrue to the deceased from such examination. - The Coroner: Then you made no careful examination until after death? - The Witness: No. - The Coroner: The statement made by the two witnesses was that you refused to attend to the case unless you were paid 2s. 6d. - The Witness: When I asked them to pay me 2s. 6d. they said they could not pay it, and I said I could not come any more. I thought that the proper thing in a case like that was to take the deceased to the Albert Hospital. I was rather indignant because they refused to pay. - The Coroner: Am I to understand that you refused to attend to the case because they would not pay you? - The Witness: I did not prescribe anything then, nor did I do anything to the wound myself, or examine it carefully. - A Juryman: Was it not your duty to examine the wound? - Witness: No. It was my duty to do the best for the patient. - The Coroner: That was to do nothing. you go on to say that it was a most fatal case, and that the man would die. Now how could you form an opinion of the case without an examination? - The Witness: There was nothing serious in the wound itself. - The Coroner: How could you tell that the deceased had fractured his skull if you did not examine the head? You need not try to answer that question, because it is impossible; and I ask you still further whether it was not your duty as a medical man not only to make an examination of the head, but a careful examination? The first thing you ought to have done was undoubtedly to carefully examine the wound. - The Witness: I did examine the wound. - Hayes: The deceased had blood in his right ear, and I told Mr Bennett of it. As soon as the blood was taken out of the ear it would fill up again. The deceased could not move his left arm or leg, and the doctor never examined his body at all. - Dr Bennett: There was an abrasure on the left hip not worth mentioning. - The Coroner: How was it possible for you to tell that the deceased had fractured his skull? - The Witness: Even supposing that the deceased had his skull fractured actually as long as no bone was pressing on the brain I could tell. - The Coroner: What light did you have? - Hayes: A rushlight candle. - The Coroner: What light did you get to examine the wound? - The Witness: There was plenty of light to examine it. It was moonlight. - The Coroner: Do you mean to tell me that you could examine the deceased in the condition he was by the light of the moon? In the first place you said that there was nothing serious in the wound itself, and then you go on to say that the case was a fatal one from the first. Those remarks are certainly very inconsistent. - The Witness: I don't think they are. The wound was more of a contusion than a direct cut, but if it had been made with a knife it might not have been serious. - The Coroner: Did you examine the head of the deceased at all carefully during life? - The Witness: I examined it on the first visit and on several occasions afterwards. I cannot tell when or how many times. On the first visit I satisfied myself by the cursory examination (made on Thursday night) as to the extent of the injury. I thought it was concussion of the brain, and that was all. - The Coroner: Will you undertake to say that there was no bone pressing on the brain. - The Witness: yes, because he did not suffer from symptoms of compression. Those symptoms are very deep sound sleep. - The Coroner: Did not the deceased sleep sound according to the evidence of the woman. - The Witness: There was no deep sleep in a medical aspect. - The Coroner: It was on the night of the 15th inst. you went first to see the deceased, and on the 16th you formed an opinion that the skull was fractured. - The Witness: Yes, and not before the 16th. - The Coroner: Will you undertake to say there was a fractured skull. - The Witness: No. In my opinion the deceased died from concussion of the brain caused by the injury referred to. - A Juryman: How long did you remain in the room on the first occasion? - The Witness: About ten minutes. I was told the deceased was drunk by Hayes. - Hayes: I did not tell you. - The Witness: How can you contradict it? (To the Coroner, quietly). Don't listen to him, he is an Irishman. - The Coroner: I observe that you are very clever in evading the questions put to you. - After the Jury had held a lengthy consultation in private, the Enquiry was adjourned until today. In the meantime a post mortem examination will be made on the body of the deceased by another surgeon.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 26 January 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Important Enquiry At Devonport. - Mr Deputy Coroner Bone and a Jury held an adjourned Inquest at the Barley Sheaf, Devonport, on Saturday, to further Enquire into the circumstances under which JOHN LUKE, a naval pensioner, 45 years of age, came to his death in Doidge's Well upon the 21st instant. The Inquiry was adjourned, because at the preliminary investigation it was alleged that Dr Bennett, junr., did not make a sufficient examination of the wound upon the head of the deceased (caused by his falling downstairs) to enable him to form an opinion as to its severity or extent, and it was decided that a post mortem examination should be made with a view to ascertaining if death was accelerated by inattention. - Dr Christopher Bulteel, of Stonehouse, was now called and stated that he had that day made a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased. He found a severe ecemosis on the right eye, with a diffusion of blood under the first membrane. There was also a scalp wound under the left side of the head. There was no depression of the bone at any part, nor could the fracture have been felt or recognised by manipulation during life. He had no doubt the injuries he had described caused death. - The Coroner: I should like to ask you if you think anything could have been done for him. - Witness: Nothing in the world could have saved him. - The Coroner: What should you have done, had you been called in? - Witness: There is nothing to be done beyond careful nursing. No medicine is of the slightest value. - The Coroner: Did the wound appear to have been dressed? - Witness: I could not judge. The dressing one would apply in such a case would be water, and that would not leave any mark. - The Coroner: Do you think it would have been desirable to dress the wound? - Witness: I should have put on a damp linen rag myself. - The Coroner: We have this difficulty, and should be glad to have some explanation from you. Suppose a patient suffering in the way described, the wound being caused by a fall, would it appear desirable for the wound to be examined and the extent of the injury ascertained? - Witness: In any case of this kind one always carefully examines the wound to ascertain if there is any fracture or not. - The Coroner: Quite so, but what would you have done in this case? - Witness: I would have examined it carefully. - The Coroner: You can only do that by manipulation, I presume? - Witness: Quite so. In this case there was bleeding at the ear, and that would denote that there was a fracture. - The Coroner: My difficulty is that this bleeding was not mentioned to the medical man until the next day. The medical man is called, and sees the patient suffering from a severe wound in the head, and without any manipulation, and with no other light than that of a small rushlight looks at the wound, and goes away without anything being done for the patient. Now, I fell bound to present it to you in that way, and ask you if you think that that was the mode in which the patient should have been treated? I should be glad if you could reply to that question. - Dr Bennett here interposed, but the Jury immediately protested against his saying anything, and he resumed his seat. - Witness: I think I had better reply to that question by saying what I should have done. I should certainly examine the wound carefully with my hand, and satisfy myself that there was no fracture within reach which I could relieve by attention. I should carefully enquire into the symptoms and if I found there was bleeding of the ear I should come to the conclusion that a fracture existed, and look at the case as a very serious one. - The Coroner: I should like to ask you whether you think the symptoms of themselves which the man would show during a quarter of an hour would have enabled you to form an opinion that there was a fracture at the base of the skull? - Witness: The bleeding of the ear would. - The Coroner: Without that? - Witness: No, it would hardly be sufficient. - The Coroner: What symptoms irrespective of the bleeding of the ear? That is the difficulty I have, and upon which I am seeking an explanation. What symptoms would you depend on? - Witness: The scalp wound or insensibility would certainly show that he had some serious injury. - The Coroner: Continuous insensibility or insensibility after the injury? - Witness: Insensibility after the injury. - The Coroner: I am confining the time to ten minutes or a quarter of an hour. That is the difficulty. - Witness: I don't see the drift of this. - The Coroner: This man falls over the stairs, the doctor goes to see him, is with him for ten minutes, sees he has a wound in the head, does not examine the wound with his hands, but simply looks at it, the man being insensible and saying nothing. I want you to tell the Jury whether it was possible without examination, and without an examination of the symptoms beyond that of insensibility to have ascertained that there was a fracture? - Witness: Certainly not. - The Coroner: It might have been a scalp wound or drunkenness? - Witness: Yes, or insensibility simply arising from temporary depression of the brain. I think simple insensibility combined with a scalp wound examined by the eye only would be insufficient to enable a medical man to form an opinion that the patient was suffering from a fracture of the skull, or what the extent of the injury was. - (In answer to Dr Bennett): You might still have symptoms of compression, with extravasation of blood. - Dr Bennett: If in going to see a patient such as the one described I found that there were no symptoms of compression, and was decided upon the point, would it not be superfluous to examine into that which I felt convinced did not exist? - Witness: I cannot say it would be superfluous to examine scalp wounds. - Dr Bennett: I don't deny an examination is necessary but in this case there was a considerable haemorrhage of blood from the wound and I did not like to insert my finger especially as I saw the symptoms were so strongly marked for I did not want to increase the haemorrhage. The symptoms were decidedly those of concussion. - The Coroner: You tell us you thought it was a fatal case, but at present I cannot see how you arrived at that opinion. - Dr Bennett: This was a severe concussion. - The Coroner: From what you said, this man might have got right again in half-an-hour. - Dr Bennett: No, sir, the degree was so distinct. - The Coroner: How did you ascertain the degree? - Dr Bennett: I can only tell you what I have from general appearance. - A Juror: I should like to ask Dr Bulteel, if he was called on this particular case, on entering the room and looking down at the patient in the manner in which it has been stated Dr Bennett did, if he could come to any decided opinion on the case? - Dr Bulteel: No, I could not. - The Coroner, in summing up, said: That is the case, gentlemen, - a very simple one so far as the cause of death is concerned. This poor man on the night of the 15th was well before falling over the stairs; he receives an injury, is ill for seven or eight days, and dies. Those circumstances alone would be sufficient to induce you at once to come to the opinion that the man died from the effect of this fall. The only point in the matter demanding any observation from me is the one we have been discussing so long - the mode in which the patient was treated upon the night of the 15th. I think it is but due to Dr Bennett to say that no doctor or anyone is bound to attend upon a patient unless he is paid for it. I have no doubt that medical men are very greatly taxed in their kindness, and I must do Mr Bennett the justice to say he is not bound to attend any case unless ordered to do so by parochial order, but Mr Bennett went, and he says he did attend to the case. We have clear evidence from Mr Bulteel, which you have heard, that whatever attention had been given to the patient on the night of the 15th or subsequently, nothing could have been done for him, so that it is quite clear that no want of attention did in the least contribute to his end. That disposes of the leading part of the case, but at the same time so much has been said about it that it is necessary that these observations should be made. I certainly think that it is to be regretted that notwithstanding the result, the manner in which the case has terminated, and the injuries from which the deceased was really suffering at the time, I think it is to be regretted that a more careful examination of the patient was not made when the doctor was called. - At the request of the Jury, the court was then cleared, and after an animated discussion in private, the following verdict was unanimously agreed to: "That the deceased met his death by an Accidental Fall. The Jury added that, whilst the omission did not, as the case fortunately resulted, either cause or accelerate the death of the deceased, yet they feel bound to express their regret that the patient was not more carefully attended to and examined by Mr Bennett on the night in question.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - A Drowned Man Found At Millbay. - Early on Saturday morning a labourer named Gilbert, working in the Great Western Docks, Plymouth, observed something floating in the water which he ultimately discovered to be the body of a man in a very decomposed condition, the body having evidently been in the water for three or four weeks. The clothes consisted of a shooting coat and waistcoat of mixed material, a new pair of pilot-blue trousers, two flannel shirts - one striped and the other dark-brown - and a pair of blutcher boots. In the afternoon Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Waterman's Hotel, Millbay, and he read a letter which had been received by the Great Western Docks' Company from a person named Rowling, living at Penzance. It was to the effect that a man named RICHARD ODGERS, who had been a seaman on board the schooner Eliza Baines, lying at the pontoon in the Great Western Docks on the 27th December, had since been found to be missing, and that Mr Rowling was afraid he was drowned. The Great Western Dock Company replied to the letter stating that the Eliza Baines had been towed down to Looe to load with copper, and that one of the crew was missing. The Coroner further informed the Jury that he had telegraphed to Penzance that morning a description of the clothes and had received a telegram from a MRS ODGERS, at Penzance, saying, "I am convinced he is my husband. Am not in power to have him brought to Penzance; please bury him there." The Coroner said the telegram was not evidence and he should have to adjourn the Inquiry in order that the clothes might be identified by MRS ODGERS. The Inquiry was accordingly adjourned until Friday next.

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 January 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Injuries To A Somnambulist. - Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Newton Townhall relative to the death of MRS SUSANNAH SOPER, aged 84 years. The deceased resided at Hill View-crescent, and a few nights ago she walked out of window whilst asleep, and falling on the pavement, fourteen feet below, broke an arm and leg, and received severe internal injuries, from which, and the shock to the nervous system, she died on Sunday last. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fearful Murder In Plymouth. - Yesterday afternoon great consternation was excited in the vicinity of Clifton-place, Plymouth, on an alarm being given that MR SWEET, who, although a young man, is a well-known resident in that thoroughfare, had murdered his wife. About three o'clock some children, who were playing near the house in which the dreadful crime was committed, heard screams and cries, and by congregating in front, drew the attention of several neighbours thereto. No one, however, then had the slightest idea that an awful tragedy was being enacted within. The screams were not heard by any but the children, and the noise appears to have suddenly ceased. Soon, however, the dreadful fact became known that a wife had been murdered, in a most savage manner, by her husband. - The murdered woman was MRS SWEET, a daughter of MR ISAAC WATTS, of the Globe Hotel, who had only resumed cohabitation with her husband a few months ago, after a lengthened separation consequent upon a suit for nullity of marriage instituted by her. The suit was unsuccessful, and after MR SWEET had been abroad for a few months he returned, and the two settled down together, residing at 46 Clifton-place. They have since September last been living together, apparently one excellent, indeed, most affectionate terms. The commencement of the quarrel is not clearly known. About an hour previously Mr Watts, the deceased's father, in company with Mr Bates, called at the house to canvass MR SWEET for his vote, and held a brief conversation with both MR and MRS SWEET, with the former on election matters. MRS SWEET was ironing and there was then nothing to indicate that there had been or was likely to be ill-feeling between her and her husband. The visitors took their leave and almost immediately afterwards MR SWEET asked for some pomatum. There happened to be none in the house and MR SWEET proposed to send the servant out for some, but MRS SWEET objected. The servant (Emily Donovan) was, however, sent, and on her return found that a fearful crime had been committed during her absence. Her mistress was lying on the floor, fearfully wounded, blood gushing from many wounds, and completely saturating her clothing, and portions of the carpet, and other furniture of the room. What took place between the unhappy couple during the servant's absence can only be inferred. MR SWEET said, when at the police-station, that his wife and her friends had frequently taunted him and threatened to get him placed in a lunatic asylum. - Upon making the horrible discovery of what had taken place, Donovan, the servant, rushed to the front door, where she stood trembling and doing all she could to raise an alarm. Quickly the news now spread, and a large crowd soon surrounded the house and filled the street. A few of the more immediate neighbours entered the house and went upstairs, where they found the unfortunate woman lying on the floor, writhing in agony and literally soaked in blood. Mr Bickles, Mr Cornish, Mrs Chubb and one or two others were among those who at once rendered what aid they could to the dying woman. Others ran to P.C. Berton's house, which is regarded as a local police-station, in Mount-street. He happened to be at home and lost no time in proceeding to Clifton-place. Others ran for surgical aid. Mr Eccles, Mr Square and Mr Eales, surgeons, quickly arrived; but in the brief interval the poor woman had nearly succumbed to the fearful injuries she had received, and in a few minutes afterwards quickly died. She had previously been lifted on to the bed, and the blood having been partially washed from her face, head and hands, it was seen that she had been cut, hacked and stabbed most barbarously. The weapon with which the awful deed was committed was a kind of cutlass, about twenty-eight inches long in the blade, and an inch and a half broad, blunt, but sharp pointed. From the appearance of the wounds there is no doubt that the murderer must have attacked the deceased with great fury, and have continued his onslaught until his helpless wife lay dying at his feet. It is clear that she resisted desperately so long as strength remained. Her hands are fearfully cut, and one wrist was broken by the force of one of the blows she endeavoured to ward off. Across the top of the head were two deep gashes; there was another deep cut from the bridge of the nose across the right eye; a deep stab in the right temple; and a large open wound across the left ear, and far into the left cheek. Altogether, it is said that the deceased received no fewer than thirty cuts and stabs. - Up to this time no one knew what had become of the murderer, and search was commenced to be made after him, but the arrival of several police constables shewed that the shocking event had become known at the Guildhall police station, and it was then ascertained that SWEET had voluntarily given himself up. - It seems that on the servant's return with the pomatum the want of which alone appears to have been the immediate cause of the quarrel, the murderer left the house ran to the cab stand at the head of Torrington-place and ordered the cabman to drive to the Guildhall. Arrived there, he went into the magistrates' room, and began to throw about the books, and the cabman being unable to obtain his fare, seized SWEET'S hat and went round to the adjoining police office and gave information. Inspector Murch went up to where SWEET was and found him gesticulating wildly. He took his keys and money out of his pocket, and threw them out of the window, and raved incoherently. He was led down to the police-office and laid on his back, where for a considerable time he groaned and muttered about Bates and the election, about not being asked to the Globe, and other nonsense. The police could not detect any smell of drink in his breath, but as he asked repeatedly for water, and seemed so strange, the divisional surgeon, Mr Stevens, was sent for, and soon arrived. SWEET spoke something about having been subject to fits, and about having taken nitrate of soda three times a day to ward off attacks, but little importance could be attached to such intimations, as he was manifestly either partially intoxicated, or was afflicted by real of feigned madness. - For hours after the murder became known large crowds gathered around the house in which the deceased lies, and around the police station. The servant was, as may well be imagined, greatly frightened, and had to be taken to her home in a cab. - Opening Of The Inquest. - Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner, and a double Jury, of whom Mr John Hicks was Foreman, opened an Inquiry at eight o'clock last evening, at the Wellington Inn, Wellington Street. - The Deputy Coroner informed the Jury that it would be necessary for time to be given to the Inquiry, and remarked that he had no doubt all present were aware of the painful circumstances of the case. He had ordered the Inquest to be opened that evening simply for the purpose of identifying the body and viewing the scene of the tragedy. When the body had been viewed, he should give his certificate of burial. He should have to adjourn the Inquiry, when somewhat lengthy evidence would be taken. At the present time he did not intend to make any remarks relative to the cause of death. The statements already circulated had cast a deep gloom over the town. He wished them to dismiss from their minds any reports they had heard and also to avoid, as far as possible, any conversation upon the subject between the present time and the adjourned Inquest. He need not tell them that it was one of the most serious Inquiries that a Coroner's Jury could hold, and it was important that they should weigh the evidence which would be brought before them upon oath with dispassionate minds. - The Jury then proceeded to view the body and the scene of the murder, after which some necessary evidence was taken:- A relative of the deceased deposed that the deceased was the wife of SYLVANUS SWEET, who resided at 46 Clifton-place, Plymouth. They were married about four and a half years ago, and were subsequently separated; but they had lived together again since August last. On Saturday night last witness saw the deceased alive, being the last time. She and her husband appeared to live comfortably together. The deceased was ANN ELIZABETH SWEET, and she was in the 28th year of her age. - John Bickle, landlord of the Clifton Inn, Clifton-street, deposed about quarter past three o'clock that afternoon from information he had received, he went to 46 Clifton-place, where he found man named Yabsley. Witness inquired if a surgeon had been sent for, and was answered in the affirmative. Witness saw the servant of the house at the door; she was trembling very much. He went upstairs, and on going into the bedroom he found deceased lying on the floor. She was alive, but appeared to be quite unconscious. She opened her eyes but seemed to take no notice of him. She was struggling very much, and witness held her hands. Dr Eccles soon arrived, and witness assisted to put deceased on the bed. Soon afterwards Mr William Square, surgeon, arrived, and each of them remained until deceased expired, at twenty-five minutes to four o'clock. - P.C. Benton next deposed that he found the deceased lying in a pool of blood, with her head towards the room door. She was covered with blood; and was struggling greatly. Witness went to get a surgeon, but did not succeed, but on his going back, a surgeon was present. Witness found lying near the deceased and near a chest of drawers, a weapon similar to a "Jew's knife," the blade being twenty-eight inches in length by about inch and half wide. It was covered with blood and hair. Witness ultimately reported the circumstances at the Guildhall. - Inspector Murch stated that he was on duty at the Plymouth Guildhall that afternoon, when he received a message that a gentleman wished to see him upstairs. Witness went into the magistrates' room and saw MR SWEET, who appeared to him by his manner to be very drunk. He was greatly excited. Witness asked him what he required, when he began to cry, and said "Mr Bates, Mr Watts and my wife are going to send me to the asylum." He was detained in custody. - No further evidence was taken, and the Jury were bound over in £10 each to attend at the Plymouth Guildhall on Thursday next, to which day the Inquest was adjourned.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 31 January 1874
STAVERTON - Found Drowned At Staverton. - On the morning of the 8th of December last, a married man, named GEORGE WINSOR HAMLYN, a baker, 37 years of age, left his home at Broadhempston, and not returning, his friends became alarmed, and fearing some ill had befallen him, they offered a reward to anyone giving information of his whereabouts, whether dead or alive. This notice appears to have brought them news to the effect that he was working on the line at Dawlish, as a navvy, which occupation he sometimes followed. The friends did not trouble to go to see or enquire whether this information was correct. The other day two young men named Lowe, who were out shooting, observed something in the river Dart, near Staverton Mills, and informed a man named Wyatt, in the employ of Mr H. E. Mathews, of the mill, of the fact, and he, with the policeman stationed in the village, took it out, when it was subsequently identified by Mr James Barter, of Broadhempston, as the body of the missing man. The body was in a very decomposed state. This leads it to be presumed that he must have been in the water ever since he went missing. An Inquest has been held on the body by Mr Coroner Michelmore, when a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. The deceased had lived apart from his wife for many years. They had one child, which she maintained.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 31 January 1874
PLYMOUTH - The adjourned Enquiry into the circumstances attending the death of a man whose body was picked up near the Great Western Docks, was resumed yesterday at Cross's Hotel, before Mr Rodd, Coroner. ELIZABETH ODGERS said she had examined the clothes of the deceased and recognised them as belonging to her husband, RICHARD ODGERS, a seaman on board the schooner Eliza Baines. The Jury found a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 4 February 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Carlton Inn, St. Aubyn-street, Devonport, before the Coroner, Mr A. B. Bone, and a double Jury, touching the death of SARAH AUSTIN, who committed suicide by hanging herself on the morning of the 2nd inst. Anne Nugent stated that she was a servant to Mrs Ross, who resided with the deceased, who was her mother, at 26 St Aubyn-street. Witness had been in her present situation about nine months, and slept in the same room as the deceased, although not in the same bed. On Sunday the deceased appeared in her usual health, and partook of her meals with the rest of the family. Witness remarked that when eating her supper, which consisted of some meat and a glass of ale, MRS AUSTIN appeared to be rather more cheerful than usual. About half-past ten deceased went to bed, witness retiring at the same time. On the following morning, about seven o'clock, she was preparing to rise when deceased told her she need not get up yet, as daylight had not appeared. However, she got up and went downstairs, leaving the door of the bedroom ajar. Deceased not making her appearance at ten o'clock, Mrs Ross told witness to call her down, and she, therefore, went upstairs to do so. She noticed that the door of the bedroom was closed. She opened it and found the deceased in a half sitting, and half kneeling posture, with her face resting on the bed. A skylight was immediately over head, and from it was suspended a rope, which was twisted around her neck. Witness hurried downstairs and related to her mistress what she had seen. - Witness further stated that deceased, who had lost three of her sons at sea, was subject to fits of melancholy, and would sometimes sit in the kitchen for several hours without speaking. Witness had a suspicion that she had taken to intemperate habits. - The Jury, of which Mr Henry Simcox was Foreman, returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 5 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - Inquest In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held on Monday at the Brunel Hotel, before Mr Deputy Coroner Square, touching the death of a child of JOHN COOPER, a labourer. The child was five weeks old. ELIZA COOPER, the mother, stated that about half-past one on Sunday night, she took the infant in her arms to nurse it to sleep, and then placed it in bed. It was then in its usual health. The next morning, at about half-past eight, she found it dead. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 6 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Wife Murder In Plymouth. The Adjourned Inquest. - Mr Deputy Coroner E. Square, and the Double Jury, of whom Mr J. Hicks was Foreman, empanelled to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of ANNE ELIZABETH SWEET, re-assembled at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon and proceeded with the Inquest. Mr G. Pridham watched the case on behalf of the prisoner, and Mr Pearce on behalf of the friends of the deceased. - The depositions taken at the opening of the Enquiry were first read over, and Mr Thomas, uncle of the deceased, made a correction as to dates, stating that his niece was married in May 1868, was separated from her husband in February 1869, and resumed cohabitation on the 26th August 1873. She returned to her husband with the consent of her friends. - Inspector Murch gave additional evidence to that deposed by him at the opening of the Enquiry, but the whole of which he stated when examined before the magistrates. He also produced the clothing of the prisoner SWEET. The trousers and the handkerchief were spotted with blood, and the waistcoat was torn down the right side, shewing that there had been a severe struggle. In answer to Mr Pridham the witness said from what he could judge of the prisoner, he was out of his senses. - P.C. Venton, on being re-examined, stated that the prisoner recognised him when he came to the Guildhall, called him his friend, and made some allusion to the deceased being enceinte. He also informed him that his wife had desired him to allow her so much money, that he had made £50 a year over to her, and that now he could not rest. - Mr George Henry Eccles, M.R.C.S., gave evidence as to the nature of the wounds he found on the body of the deceased. In answer to Mr Pridham he said it was quite possible that a person subject to epilepsy might have become suddenly infuriated as SWEET appeared to have. - Mr Pridham: More than that, is it not a frequent occurrence that people subject to epilepsy fall into fits of frenzy? - Mr Eccles: It is not of frequent occurrence, neither does it follow as a natural consequence. - Henry Doney, cabman, deposed to SWEET coming to him on the afternoon of Wednesday week last and of his asking him to drive him as fast as possible to the Guildhall. - In answer to Mr Pearce, witness stated that there was nothing to lead him to treat SWEET otherwise than as an ordinary customer. He appeared to be reasonable, but hurried. - Mr Edward Bates, M.P., was then sworn, and stated: I was out canvassing on the day of the murder, and Mr Watts, took me into a house and introduced me to his daughter. I there saw the prisoner SWEET, and I noticed nothing particular in his manner. - Mr Pearce: Was there anything at all in his appearance, his actions, or his manner, to lead you to suppose he was other than perfectly sane? - Mr Bates: I did not take any particular notice, I do not think I even asked him for his vote. - Mr Pearce: But there was nothing at the time to lead you to suppose there was anything wrong with him? - Mr Bates: Certainly not. - Mr Pearce: Was there any mention of an asylum? - Mr Bates: Nothing, whatever. I did not know the man previously, and I was unaware, up to that time, that Mr Watts had a daughter. - Mr Pearce: You were all on very friendly terms? - Mr Bates: I saw nothing to the contrary. - Mr Pearce: Did you ask him for his vote? - Mr Bates: I cannot say I did. I am not sure, but I generally ask the ladies. - Jane Hext was next called and deposed that she was the servant of MR SWEET for some two or three years, and he was then subject to violent attacks of madness for days prior to a fit coming upon him, and that, whilst in such a condition he used to break up the things. When he recovered he used to tell her that he knew nothing about what had occurred. On one or two occasions when in such a condition she had seen him go to the cupboard in his bedroom, take out the sword, look at it, and put it back again. - The Foreman: Were you not afraid of him? - Witness: No, I felt I could conquer him. - A Juror: You could plainly see when the fits were coming on? - Witness: Yes, for days. - Mr Isaac Watts was then called by Mr Pearce and stated: On the 28th January last I left my house in Bedford-street in company with Mr Bates to canvass the neighbourhood of Clifton-place. About three o'clock in the afternoon I was passing my daughter's residence, and went in. MR SWEET came towards me, and shook hands heartily with me. My daughter was ironing, and I asked if all was well. My daughter said "Yes," and I then introduced Mr Bates to them, saying MR SWEET would vote for him and Mr Lloyd. MR SWEET wished to have something to do, and I told him to assist in the canvassing. On leaving I asked my daughter whether she wanted anything, and she said no. MR SWEET then appeared to be perfectly rational, and I saw nothing strange in him. My wife and myself have assisted in promoting their happiness in every way we could, and every time I have seen my daughter she has said she was perfectly happy. - The Coroner here objected to receive such evidence. They had nothing to do with anything other than the cause of death, and if any further evidence of a like character was brought forward he should exercise his prerogative and decline to receive it. - The Foreman: For myself, I should like to satisfy my mind as to whether SWEET was in his right senses or not. - A Juror: Have we to ascertain whether he was in his right mind or not? - The Coroner: Certainly not. You have only to say what was the cause of death. - MR CHARLES SWEET, the brother of the accused, testified to his having given his brother the sword, and also to the fact of there having been two instances of insanity in his family. - Mr Pearce hereupon said if this kind of evidence were admitted he should feel himself bound to produce evidence as to the sanity of the man. - The Coroner: I shall decline to take it, although you can call it if you like. We are not here to deal with the man's insanity, but only to Enquire into the cause of death. The opinions of people as to whether the man was sane or not cannot be admitted, but the authority of medical men might be taken. - Mr Pridham pointed out that the question for the Jury was whether they were to find that SWEET did wilfully and with malice aforethought kill his wife, or whether at a time when he was in a state of mental aberration and not knowing what he was about he committed the deed. At the present time he did not think the Jury had sufficient evidence to enable them to come to either conclusion, and he should therefore offer some evidence upon the point. He called, John Lewis Cocks, who stated that he was a master painter. Whilst at work near the Guildhall on Wednesday week last he saw SWEET drive down in a cab to the Guildhall. He was in a very peculiar condition, looked and acted strangely, and talked about being put into an asylum. Altogether he behaved in so irrational a manner that witness looked upon him as being mad. - The Coroner again objected to this evidence. - The Foreman: I don't know what the feeling of the Jury is, but so far as I am concerned I should like to hear every item that could be brought out in evidence. We have been called together either for a purpose or for no purpose, and if we have to come to any decision at all it is important that those persons, who can speak as to the mental condition of SWEET, should have some consideration, and of course it cannot be considered unless you allow the evidence to be called. - The Coroner: I will allow you to hear it, but I shall not take it. - Mr John Sims, the Governor of the Plymouth Gaol, again stated the conversations which he had had with the prisoner SWEET, and which have already appeared in the columns of the Mercury. - Dr Hingston stated that he had attended SWEET for over two years, consequent upon his suffering from apoplectic fits, the essential element of which was absolute unconsciousness. - Mr Pridham: From what you have heard today, and giving your opinion medically, do you believe this unfortunate man knew what he was about or not? - Dr Hingston: I am confident he was unconscious. - Mr Pridham: You think from what you have heard, and from what you know of him, that it would have been impossible for him to have committed this crime when in a sound state of mind, and with malice aforethought? - Dr Hingston: Most certainly. - A Juror: Might not domestic unhappiness, such as he has passed through, have the effect of aggravating the disease for which he has been treated? - Dr Hingston: It would certainly tend to excite it. Assuming it is true that he was labouring under the mental delusion of being about to be sent into an asylum, sufficient excitement might have been brought on as to throw him into fits. - Dr Allridge gave corroborative evidence. He stated that he was connected with the Plympton Asylum, and was intimately acquainted with epilepsy, having in times past at a certain hospital had to deal with so many as 500 epileptic patients at a time. When not under the influence of the disease, those persons were perfectly rational, but when under its influence they might commit any act without being aware of it. Any man who suffered from epilepsy might commit a most atrocious crime and would be perfectly unconscious of what he was about, for epilepsy was not epilepsy without utter unconsciousness. Besides that, it was subjective and not objective. A man might have an epileptic fit before their eyes and yet they could not notice it, as it was not necessarily attended with convulsive movements. In its early stage the disease was as he had described it; convulsions came on as a later symptom. Speaking medically he did not believe the man was responsible for his actions when he committed the murder. Epilepsy was most sudden and he knew of instances where persons had been taken when most dangerously engaged, such as in shaving, sitting before a fire, or cooking. - A Juror: Was it not strange he should have immediately gone to the Guildhall? - Dr Allridge: No; because to me it appears that he was labouring under the delusion that he was going to be sent away to an asylum, and he went to the Guildhall to seek protection. - A Juror: Would violence usually follow a fit? - Dr Allridge: Not as a necessary consequence. You may have violence, or you may have convulsions. - After one or two other witnesses had been re-examined, the Court was cleared, and the Jury proceeded to deliberate upon their verdict. After a lapse of about half-an-hour, the Court was again opened, and the following verdict was then returned:- "The Jury, after hearing the evidence, find that SYLVANUS SWEET killed his wife, ANNE ELIZABETH SWEET, on the 28th January 1874, but that there is no evidence of premeditation or malice aforethought."

Western Morning News, Monday 9 February 1874
BERE FERRERS - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Beeralstone, relative to the death of an elderly woman named JANE ELLIS, who, on Thursday was found dead by the roadside on her way home from Denham Wood, where she had been gathering sticks. 

Western Morning News, Monday 9 February 1874
BRENTOR - Mr Rodd also held an Inquest concerning the death of JAMES YELLAND, an old man 77 years of age, who cut his throat early on Thursday morning at Brentor, and died from the effects on the same day.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 February 1874
BRIXHAM - The Suspicious Death In Torbay. - The Inquiry by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, respecting the death of CHARLES E. BENNETT, who was drowned in Torbay in December last, was resumed at the Queen's Hotel, Brixham, last evening. The deceased was a seaman on board the schooner Torbay Lass, and whilst the vessel was lying in Torbay, he and the mate were on one occasion left alone on board, and BENNETT was never afterwards seen alive. Previous evidence had gone to shew that the deceased and the mate were on bad terms; and John Glanville, a shipmate of BENNETT'S, stated that the deceased had wished to leave the vessel in a foreign port in consequence of this ill-feeling. The witness added that the mate had repeatedly told BENNETT to jump over-board, as he was of no use on board. Edward Bryan stated that shortly after BENNETT was found to be missing he went on board the Torbay Lass and found the mate sound asleep in his cabin. He was quite sober. The Inquest was further adjourned until March 10th.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 11 February 1874
TORQUAY - Death From Burning. - An inquest was held at the Torbay Infirmary on Monday evening, before H. Michelmore, Esq., Coroner, on the body of LOUISA ROW, aged 10, of Paignton. The deceased, it is supposed, was in the act of taking a kettle of water off the fire when her dress became ignited. Her cries brought to her assistance two men named Smith and Pope, who extinguished the fire, and she was afterwards taken to the Torbay Infirmary, where she lingered until Saturday afternoon. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees, through Sergeant Ockford, to the father of the deceased.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 11 February 1874
TEIGNMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Teignmouth. - An Inquest was held by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on Monday, at the Teignmouth Infirmary, on the body of a little boy named NEWBERRY, who was killed on the previous Saturday. It would seem from the evidence adduced that the deceased, on the day named, was riding on a timber waggon, when he fell off and the wheels passed over him, resulting in his death shortly afterwards. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 February 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Concealment Of Birth At Devonport. - Mr A. B. Bone, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon, at the Royal Albert Hotel, Morice Town, Devonport, relative to the death of the newly-born male child of EMMA TONKIN. The evidence shewed, that in October last TONKIN was in the service of Mr Hitchings, forage dealer, Stonehouse, and on Tuesday last complained of being unwell and consequently went to bed for a few hours. She had previously had notice to quite, Mrs Hitchings having discovered that she was pregnant, and before leaving on Wednesday Mrs Hitchings gave her some brandy and ultimately she left in a cab. About five o'clock TONKIN went to a Mrs Donovan's house in Gloucester-street, Morice Town, where she remained. Mrs Donovan noticed that she had a bundle under her arm, which TONKIN subsequently put in with her clothes. Mrs Donovan's suspicions being aroused, she searched, and discovered that the parcel contained a newly born male child. Dr May made a post mortem examination of the body, but could not say whether the child had had a separate existence. Respiration had never been perfectly established. The lungs were slightly inflated. The Jury returned the following verdict:- The Jury are of opinion that the deceased was born dead, but there is no evidence to shew whether it had a separate existence."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 14 February 1874
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at the Torbay Infirmary, before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on Thursday afternoon, on the body of WILLIAM BURNETT, a marine store dealer, who resided at Brunswick Square, Torre. On Wednesday February 4, about six o'clock in the evening, the deceased was walking along the road leading from Torre station, when in trying to get out of the way of a carriage which was passing, he fell under the wheel of a waggon, and fractured his ankle joint. he was at once taken up and conveyed to the Infirmary, where his leg was amputated just above the ankle joint. The deceased, an old man about 67 years of age, never rallied from the shock. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating the driver (Richard Crute) of the waggon from all blame.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 16 February 1874
MARIANSLEIGH - Shocking Accident. - An Inquest was held on Friday at the King's Arms, Mariansleigh, touching the death of WALTER EASTMOND, who fell from a corn rick the Wednesday previous, and was impaled through the body by a stake or pole. Mr Deputy Coroner Toller and a Jury, of which the Rev. Gurney was Foreman, found a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 February 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident In Devonport Dockyard. - Mr W. Rundle, Mayor of and Coroner for Saltash, held an Inquest at the Devonport Dockyard relative to the death of CHARLES STANSWOOD, aged 26 years, an able seaman of H.M. lighter Falmouth. - John cocks, metropolitan policeman, said that about ten minutes past ten on Sunday night he was on duty in the dockyard and several seamen belonging to various vessels lying off the yard were passed through the gate, and amongst them was the deceased. It being low tide at the time, deceased had to descend to his vessel by means of an ordinary ladder and when, as witness thought, deceased was nearly on board, he heard a splash. He immediately procured assistance, and after a ten minutes' search they succeeded in finding the body near the bow of the vessel, a considerable distance from the spot where deceased fell. He was immediately brought on shore, and a surgeon from H.M.S. Royal Alfred, who was in attendance, tried every means of restoring life, but without effect. John Bond, seaman of the Falmouth, was descending the ladder at the time deceased was going down, and when deceased was only one step from the ship, witness was nearly thrown off the ladder by deceased falling from it. There were only three feet of water where deceased fell and he must have struck against the drain pipe which runs along the wall. Deceased was perfectly sober at the time. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 February 1874
TORQUAY - Poisonous Matches. - Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Townhall, Torquay on Monday night, respecting the death of an infant two years of age, named SABLE, the daughter of a labourer. The child, in crawling about on Saturday, got hold of some matches and sucked off the tops, the phosphorus poisoned the child, which died on Sunday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - Death By Burning At Plymouth. - Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the old Guildhall, Plymouth, yesterday, relative to the death of MAUD M. NORSWORTHY, aged 7 years. The deceased on Monday morning came downstairs in her night-dress, and whilst putting some coke on the fire her chemise ignited and in a second was in a mass of flames. Deceased ran to her mother in the parlour, who extinguished the flames, and ultimately took her to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where she was attended to by the house surgeon, Mr C. Gill, until she expired on Tuesday afternoon. In answer to the Coroner the mother said that she did not know the deceased was downstairs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 20 February 1874
MARWOOD - Fatal Mining Accident Near Barnstaple. - On Wednesday forenoon a man named GAMMON, a native of Marwood, was engaged in sinking a pit at Plaistow, in connection with the iron mining operations now going forward in that neighbourhood. Through some lack of care on his own part, a portion of the soil fell upon him, and he was buried beneath it. Assistance was at once obtained, but, when released, life was found to be extinct. Yesterday an Inquest was held on the body and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 24 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Warne's Hotel, Neswick Street, before Mr Deputy Coroner Elliot Square, relative to the death of JOHN RAWLINSON, a naval pensioner, 61 years of age. HENRY RAWLINSON stated that deceased enjoyed very good health, although he occasionally complained of pains in the side. - Mary Rogers, residing at Frederick Street, said deceased, who acted as the collector to the Prudential Club, used to call every Wednesday to receive the club money. Last week he also called on Saturday, when he appeared unwell and asked witness for some water. She got some and held it to his lips; he did not drink any, and laid himself down on the floor. He then rose and again sat down, but shortly after expired. Deceased was a very temperate man. The Jury, of which Mr Wellesley Hook was Foreman, returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 February 1874
EGG BUCKLAND - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquiry yesterday at Egg Buckland respecting the death of an unmarried woman named FANNY SAUNDERS, aged 29 years, who died in childbirth. A post mortem examination had been made by Mr C. Eccles, of Knackersknowle, and in accordance with this gentleman's testimony a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - Death Under Singular Circumstances. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, held his first Inquest since his serious illness, yesterday afternoon at the Plymouth Guildhall, on the body of MARIA VEALE, aged about 60 years, who resided in a garret at the top of a house in Lower-lane. - JANE VEALE, the sister of the deceased, stated that the deceased, who was a single woman, had been in service until seven years ago, since which time, in consequence of some bodily ailment, she had been living on her means alone. - Mary James, who lived in the same house as the deceased, said she last saw her on Friday in the passage, where, in a conversation about some spoons, she remarked that she would take one of the spoons into the workhouse and sell the others, as her money was almost expended. On Monday the rent for the room (6d per week) was due, and the witness accordingly went to see the deceased for the purpose of receiving the money, but found that she could not gain admittance, the door being locked from the inside. Witness procured P.C. Williams, who, upon breaking open the door, found the room in a state of great disorder and confusion, the smell arising from the filthy state of the house being intolerable. The deceased was undressed and lying on the floor. In the pocket of her dress there was 11s. 9 ¼d. and provisions were found in the room. The Coroner remarked that it seemed strange that it was possible for a human being to retire to her apartments and lie dead from Friday until Monday without being discovered. The Jury, of which Mr Loyd was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 February 1874
TAVISTOCK - Death From Suffocation. - An Inquest was held at Tavistock Workhouse on the 23rd before Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, on the body of a male child named DAVY. The child was found dead in bed. The Jury of whom Mr Stephens was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Suffocation."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 26 February 1874
PLYMOUTH - Medical Men And Their Certificates of Burial. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Cambridge Inn, Cambridge-street, on the body of SIDNEY SMITH, aged two years and nine months. - MARY ANN SMITH, the wife of a tailor and grandmother of the deceased child, whom she kept, said the child had been weak since its birth. The deceased had bronchitis in December last, when Mr Shepherd, surgeon, attended him, but he had not seen the child since. The witness had had charge of the child ever since his mother left him, which was last August twelve-months, during which time his mother had not seen the deceased. On Sunday the child was taken in a fit, and the witness sent for Mr Shepherd, surgeon, who came in a quarter of an hour, the child having died in the interval. Mr Shepherd told the witness to call on him on the Monday, when he gave her the following note in addition to the certificate to take to Mr Codd, the registrar:- "31 Portland-square, Plymouth, Feb. 23rd, 1874. Sir, - I have attended SIDNEY SMITH, aged 2 ¾ years of 40 Morley-place, Plymouth, on many occasions, seeing him last in December 1873. Last night I was called to see him as he had been suddenly seized with convulsions, but on my arrival I found he had expired. I think it probable the fit was occasioned by the accession of measles, which is frequently so ushered in, and from the known debility of his constitution it was just what was likely to prove fatal. - I am, sir, yours obediently, R. Shepherd, surgeon. - To the Registrar." - Elizabeth Brown, who lived in the same house stated that the surgeon was sent for after she got into the room, and the child just then breathed his last. - The Coroner said the case was not a satisfactory one. It was one of the class of cases that left a good deal of dissatisfaction on the mind. He could not call any more evidence before them. He merely said it belonged to a class which he did not like, and he was bound to speak out. The deaths amongst children were extremely numerous, and there were many cases of children dying which they passed over without notice. It was most singular, that in a great number of cases of children who died about the age of the one in the present case, the friends of the deceased were most remarkably slow in calling upon the doctor. There was a system, and it seemed a most easy thing of procuring the certificate of a medical man, upon which they could bury. It had come to his knowledge that some of the certificates were given with great carelessness because some of the forms were filled up with "male" where it ought to be "female", and vice versa. Mr Shepherd was not present, but if he was he should not hesitate in saying that he was not justified in sending that letter to the Registrar, and he would ask the Jurymen whether any respectable man could bury upon that note? Did they think that was a certificate upon which any certificate of burial should be given? - Mr Codd very properly would not act upon it, and what authority had he to say that the circumstances were all right? Someone would have to take the responsibility of causing the child to be buried upon a medical certificate. This was a system that he wanted to put down. If people could get medical assistance for the child t be buried, why could they not also get it for the purpose of saving the child's life. The doctor had not seen the child, and how could he give a certificate? He would be obliged if medical men, when they were called after death, would leave the case to take its course, and not give a certificate. - The Foreman: you see if a child gets a little unwell it is not always convenient for the mothers to procure a doctor. - The Coroner: The Coroners are not the doctors, and the doctors are not the Juries. - The Foreman: It is scarcely a correct thing to give a certificate. - The Coroner: Still it was enough to act upon Mr Codd's mind. - The Jury then returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 27 February 1874
ASHBURTON - The Death By Burning At Ashburton. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Market Hall, Ashburton, by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, respecting the death of the girl WHITE, who died on Tuesday night from injuries caused by the catching on fire of her clothes on that day. The evidence was identical with the facts stated yesterday. MRS WHITE, her grandmother, stated that the deceased had always shewn a great fancy for going close to the fire, and this had made them very careful of her. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 27 February 1874
PAIGNTON - The Fatal Accident To An Actor At Paignton. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday evening, at the New Pier Inn, Paignton, by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on the body of MR FRANCIS WALTER WATTS, an actor at the Bijou Theatre in that town, who met with his death on the previous day by falling over the stairs. - Mrs Dowell said the deceased used to lodge with her. He first came with her about three week ago, bringing his wife with him. About a quarter after one o'clock on Tuesday morning, after she was in bed, she heard the deceased and his wife enter the house. They usually returned home shortly after eleven o'clock. Before the deceased went upstairs, she heard some angry words pass between him and his wife, but she could not say what they were. She remembered, however, his wife ordering him to doors and he replied "I'll go ANNIE dear, give me my hat." he then went out of doors and she heard the door locked, the wife afterwards going upstairs. Just afterwards the deceased knocked at the front door and then he went round to the back of the house and threw gravel up to her (witness's) window. She got up and let him in at the back door. She tried the front door but found that the key had been taken away. She saw the key the next morning on her table, so that it had been taken out by someone. When she let the deceased in he did not speak to her, but made a sign with a little stick he had in his hand to go to bed quickly, and he went into his sitting-room. She then went to bed, and she thought "dozed" a bit. Presently she heard the wife go downstairs and enter the room where he was, and some words, as though in anger, spoken by the wife, but the deceased seemed penitent - she meant his words seemed those of kindness. She did not hear him make use of any angry words at all. The deceased afterwards went upstairs leaving his wife down, and presently she heard her come up, and directly she came up she asked deceased to go downstairs again to fetch the matches. He said "I will ANNIE my dear," and she fancied he then left to go downstairs. She thought she heard him go down over one or two steps when he fell to the bottom. He made no noise after the fall. His wife said "Then you are down, FRANK?" She thought this was also said angrily, as though she could not help her temper. After this she heard a gurgling sound as if in the throat, and she (witness) exclaimed to her husband, "The man is dying," and then the wife of the deceased came into her room and took a light which she had just struck, and went downstairs, she (witness) following her. When the wife got to the bottom of the stairs she cried out dreadfully, saying that he was murdered, or killed, or something of that sort. The deceased was lying at the bottom of the stairs insensible, but not dead. His wife held up his head, and she (witness) called a neighbour, named Joseph Elliott, who came at once. She did not hear any footsteps from the bedroom to the top of the stairs but the deceased's. There was one step from the bedroom to the landing, and to come down the stairs, which were rather steep, deceased must turn to the right. Her bedroom door was opposite the deceased's and she heard no scuffling at all; nor did she consider the deceased was drunk, as she saw him walk from the back door to the sitting room. Deceased died about two hours after she went to him, and about half-an-hour before Mr Pridham came. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 28 February 1874
DARTINGTON - Suicide Near Totnes. - On Tuesday night a married man, named JOSEPH TURPIN, 46 years of age, landlord of the Cott Inn, in the parish of Dartington, was found to have committed suicide by hanging himself in a linhay, situate near the rear of the inn. The deceased was last seen at Cott-court. At the Inquest held on the body on Thursday by Mr Coroner Michelmore, and a Jury, of whom Mr Edward Shinne, was Foreman, it was shewn that the deceased had been ill for some time past, and had consulted several medical gentlemen, who were rather afraid he would destroy himself, consequently they advised his wife to keep a close watch on him. The deceased had also been very much affected of late, owing to money matters. The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased committed Suicide by hanging himself whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 3 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at the Brunel Hotel, Millbay-road, on the body of SARAH SHORT, aged about 43 years, who resided at 44 Station-road, and was the wife of a pensioner. The deceased got up on Sunday, and appeared cheerful and in her usual health, until about seven o'clock in the evening, when she was taken in a fit, and expired before medical aid could be procured. The Jury, of which Mr Cousins was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 13 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Guildhall, before the Coroner, Mr Brian, on the body of JOHN ELLIS, a pensioner, who resided in Zion-street. John Walters stated that on Wednesday deceased was taken ill in the street, and was removed to the house of the witness, where he became slightly better. A doctor was sent for, but before he arrived the deceased had expired. The deceased, whose age was between 70 and 80, was described as a temperate man. The Jury of which Mr Richard Layers was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 13 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Sailor. - Mr Brian (Coroner) held an Inquest last evening at the Tradesmen's Arms, Plymouth, on the body of JOHN MAY, aged 17 years. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased left Plymouth last Saturday week in a sloop called the Victoria and whilst at sea he fell from the mast head to the deck. The vessel was put into Falmouth, where the captain landed the deceased and sent him by train to his home in Plymouth. Mr Lewis, F.R.C.S., stated that he was called in to see the deceased on the following Wednesday, and found him very much bruised in the region of the spine, symptoms of inflammation having appeared. He saw him on three subsequent occasions. On his first visit he strongly advised the father of the deceased to have him taken to the Hospital, and was very much surprised when he came again to find that this had not been done. Witness further stated that deceased should have been provided for at Falmouth, and considered that his illness was much aggravated by the journey in the train. The Jury, of which the Foreman was Mr Toop, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 13 March 1874
TORQUAY - Fatal Canoe Accident Near Torquay. - the body of ALFRED ERNEST CROWDY, the young gentleman who was drowned whilst canoeing off Anstis Cove, on Thursday last, was picked up on Wednesday off Hope's Nose, and an Inquest was held the same evening before Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, at Ilsham, a villa in the Middle Warberry-road, the residence of the parents of the unfortunate deceased. The evidence went to show that the deceased, though Thomas, the boatman, tried to persuade him against it, went out from Anstis Cove in a canoe about three o'clock, the water being very smooth at the time. He was able to manage the canoe well, but after being out about half an hour, and when three parts of a mile from shore, the deceased was noticed to lean over on one side, apparently for the purpose of catching hold of some floating object. The canoe immediately turned over and capsized, and the deceased fell into the water. He called out for Thomas, made an unsuccessful attempt to catch hold of the keel of the canoe, and then sank. A young man who had seen the occurrence through a glass on a high hill overlooking Anstis Cove at once gave the alarm, and within a few minutes two or three boats were pulled to the spot. The canoe was found bottom up, with the deceased's cap, the footboard and the sponge floating close by. No trace of the body was seen, however, and although lines and creeps were used, the efforts to find it were not successful until Wednesday. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental death, and through Sergeant Board gave their fees to the Torbay Infirmary. The Coroner advised Thomas not to allow young gentlemen who could not swim to go out in his canoes in the future.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident To A Fireman. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall on Wednesday relative to the death of JAMES BAILEY, aged 73 years. - James Swigg, foreman of the fire brigade of the West of England Insurance Company, said the deceased was a member of the brigade. On the morning of the 21st ult. he was in attendance at a fire on board the ketch Sophia Holton, which was lying alongside the Brunswick Wharf, Admiral's Hard, Stonehouse, and was engaged in directing a hose along the wharf. There was a large quantity of coal upon the wharf, leaving only about six feet clear to the edge of the quay. About ten minutes after witness and deceased had been conversing together he heard a cry of "A man overboard," and found that the deceased had fallen over the wharf into a dry dock, a distance of about fifteen feet. Assistance was procured and it being so intensely dark, he held a torch for them to see by. Deceased was got up, and taken in a cab to his home. Both witness and Mr Marshall asked him if he would go to the Hospital, but he refused. Witness asked deceased on several occasions how the accident occurred, and he replied, "I do not know; I fell over the quay, it being so very dark and I could not see where I was going." - Mr C. Chapman, surgeon, said that deceased was admitted into the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Friday last and died on Monday. He had since made a post mortem examination, and found that the third, fourth and fifth ribs were broken; the sixth, eighth and ninth fractured; and that there were internal injuries. He was of opinion that if deceased had been brought to the Hospital when the accident occurred he would have had a better chance of recovery. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 March 1874
EXETER - Mysterious Death At Exeter. - Early yesterday morning an Exeter policeman saw a hat on the bank of the river Exe, at the Quay. Inside the hat was the name and address of its owner, W. G. STONE, of Victoria road. Inquiries were made, and it was found that STONE, who was a shoemaker, but had lately been working at the Wheeler and Wilson sewing machine depot - had not been home for the night. This led to a search being made in the river, and at a place a few yards from where the hat had been found, the searchers also found the body of MR STONE. An Inquest was held last evening by Mr Hooper, Coroner. WM. CASLEY STONE, shoemaker, of Cathedral-yard, identified the body as that of his son, who was in the habit of working for him as a journeyman. He last saw deceased in his workshop about half-past one on Monday, when he appeared to be in his usual health. It seemed that he did not go home to dinner, and that he was not seen by any of his relations afterwards. MR STONE said his son was a moderately temperate man, and when he left him on Monday he was in good spirits. He had no knowledge of anything having occurred to give him no trouble. Miss Southwood, daughter of the landlord of the Britannia Inn, South street, deposed to having seen the deceased in the taproom at seven o'clock in the evening. He drank a glass of ale, and left in a perfectly sober state. The Coroner's officer had been unable to discover anyone who saw the poor man after this, but a woman at the ferryboat house - a few yards from where the body was found - said she heard a noise in the night, as if somebody had rambled against her door. The body bore no marks of violence, and there being no evidence to explain how the deceased got into the water, the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 18 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Distressing Suicide. - Mr Coroner Brian, and a Jury of whom Mr F. J. Kerswill was Foreman, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Royal Mail Inn, Richmond-street, to investigate the circumstances attending the death of MR WILLIAM BLAKE PEARSE, 50 years of age. - The deceased on Monday morning breakfasted as usual with his wife and daughter at his home in Tavistock-place, and subsequently left to go to his workshop in Morley-place. The deceased was evidently low-spirited, for he scarcely spoke during the whole time he was seated at the meal, and had indeed been much depressed for some time past, from what cause his wife had been unable to ascertain, but she had a suspicion that he was grieved because he was unable to let a house belonging to him in Garden-street. At a quarter to twelve a milkman named Alfred Dyer was in Cambridge-street, when he received information which induced him to proceed to the deceased's workshop in Morley-lane, and on gaining the room by a ladder attached, he found a coal dealer, named Mills, holding the deceased in his arms, the body having previously been hanging from a beam in the centre of the roof, with his feet several inches off the ground. The body was speedily cut down, and finding that life was not extinct, as was evidenced by feeble pulsations and weak breathing, the witnesses used all their exertions to induce respirations, but their endeavours were unavailing, and by the time Dr Thompson had been fetched all signs of animation had departed and he pronounced him to be quite dead. Witnesses, not connected, but acquainted with the deceased, gave evidence that he had been exceedingly depressed and that they were not astonished at the rash step he had taken. The deceased's landlord, Mr Hoare, was the first to open the door to see him for (it was understood) rent which was overdue, and he was so shocked that he ran off without staying to discover if the deceased was dead or alive. The Coroner, in summing up, considered that certain men most unnecessarily and foolishly sometimes got into their minds that which was termed by the French a fixed idea to which they paid such importance that it gradually, unless they took a firm determination to draw themselves out of the slough, drove them into putting an end to their existence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity," a Juror expressing his opinion that Mr Hoare was not a hard landlord, and that he was of too nervous a disposition to have saved the life of the deceased had he remained with him.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 18 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Singular Death Of A Female. - An Inquest was held later in the evening by Mr Brian, at the Guildhall, on the body of MARY ANN INKESTER, 56, the wife of a naval pensioner, at present serving in the merchant service, and living in Bilbury-street. The deceased was last seen about six o'clock on Sunday evening by a neighbour when she was noticed going into her room. From this she was not perceived to stir up to yesterday morning, and then her fellow tenants becoming alarmed burst her door and found the deceased lying dead on the floor, resting with her face against the edge of a washing pan, against which, judging from the presence of blood on the floor, and marks on the face, the poor woman had evidently fallen. The deceased had been addicted to habits of indulgence, but as the Jury were not of opinion that death was the result of any accident, and as they suspected the deceased to have been rather seized with a fit, they returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday respecting the death of the infant child of MATILDA STRATFORD, a single woman, residing with her mother in Morley-lane. The child was born about three weeks ago, and the services of a midwife were engaged, but no medical man saw it until after death. A post mortem examination by Mr C. Whipple, shewed that it was impossible for the child to have lived in consequence of its weakness, and of being affected by its mother's misconduct. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 24 March 1874
BRIXHAM - Inquest At Brixham. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of CHARLES BENNETT, seaman on board the Torbay Lass, of Brixham, who was found drowned on the beach near Berry Head on January 6, was held at the Queens Hotel, Brixham, yesterday, Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner. The Jury gave a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 24 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Found Dead In Bed. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall, yesterday afternoon, by Mr Coroner Brian, to investigate the circumstances attending the death of the male twin child of JANE STARK, living in Buckwell-street. The mother of the deceased stated that the child was seven months old, and had been delicate in health. A verdict of Natural Causes was returned by the Jury, of which Mr William Pearson was the Foreman.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 25 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held yesterday, by Mr Coroner Brian, on the body of EDMUND BOYCE, a plasterer, aged 29. Daniel Normand, a plasterer, said he was working with the deceased on the 11th instant, at the St. Andrew's Church, Plymouth, when a board fell from a scaffolding near them, and struck the deceased on the chest. He did not at first seem to suffer much from the blow, but the day after the accident he became very ill, and died on the 23rd instant. Mr Thorold, M.R.C.S., in accordance with the Coroner's request, had made a post mortem examination and he gave, as his opinion, that the deceased had been suffering from disease of the heart, and this much accelerated the effects of the blow received. The Jury, of which the Foreman was Mr James Harley, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 26 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by Mr Brian, Coroner, at the Golden Lion Inn, Fore-street, on the body of RICHARD HOCKING KEAST, who committed suicide by hanging himself on Tuesday last. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased, who was a pensioner from the dockyard, and aged 61, had been suffering for some months from melancholy. On the evening of the 24th inst., FRANCIS KEAST, the son of the deceased, knocked at his bedroom door and receiving no answer, he endeavoured to open it, but found it to be locked. Feeling alarmed, he forcibly broke it open, and on entering the room, was shocked to discover the deceased suspended by a cord from the ceiling. Mr Wilson, surgeon, was soon on the spot, but found life to be extinct. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 26 March 1874
PLYMOUTH - Mr Coroner Brian held an Inquest last evening at the Laira Hotel, concerning the death of JOANNA WARREN, who was found dead in bed on Tuesday morning at her residence, in Laira-street. The deceased, who was an aged person, lived with her daughter, with whom she also was in the habit of sleeping. She retired to rest on Monday night in her usual health, and her daughter on awaking in the morning found her mother dead by her side. The Jury, of whom Mr Sawyer was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Died from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 1 April 1874
WEMBURY - Fatal Accident At Wembury. - Mr Deputy Coroner Richard Sleman held an Inquest at Pryn's Farm, in the parish of Wembury, yesterday afternoon, on the body of PHILIP LEIGHT ANTHONY WILSON, aged 15 years, who was the son of a farmer, and died on Saturday under the painful circumstances related below. It appears that the deceased, on the 16th March last, was playing with some other boys in a field about a mile from his home, when he ran towards another lad named Hammett, and fell on an iron rake lying on the ground, one of the teeth of which pierced his head. The deceased was placed on a horse and conveyed to his home, being visited by Dr William Mould, M.R.C.S., of Plymstock, shortly afterwards, who attended him until he expired. His opinion was that the deceased died from a fracture of the skull and injury to the brain, apparently caused by the iron rake. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 4 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Mysterious Disappearance In Plymouth. Recovery Of The Body Of MRS SEYMOUR. - The mysterious disappearance of a Plymouth lady has at length been solved, and the body of MRS SEYMOUR, aged 49 years, for whose recovery a large reward was offered, has been at length found under the Plymouth Hoe, where it was generally supposed, from the fact of her umbrella being found near the Ladies' Bathing-place, that the deceased had committed suicide. The Inquest was held on Thursday last at the Plymouth Guildhall, by Mr Coroner Brian and a Jury, of whom Mr James Blake was Foreman. - Mrs Eliza Adams, wife of a tradesman carrying on business in Millbay-road, stated that she knew the deceased perfectly well, as she had been in the habit of dealing with her. The last time she saw the deceased was at half-past nine on the evening of Saturday, March 21st, when she called and settled a small bill, the receipt of which she placed in her pocket. She remained there but a short time, and there was some small conversation about the bill, in the course of which the deceased appeared quite calm and collected. She left shortly after, and witness noticed that she then carried the umbrella produced by Mr Kessell, the Hoe constable. - Mary Ann Knapp, living at 52 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, deposed to having on Sunday, 22nd March, whilst standing in the Ladies' Bathing-place, under the Hoe, picked up the umbrella, which was lying open, by the side of the dressing houses. She kept it in her possession until recognized by the friends of the deceased, when she handed the article over to them. - Robert Gardner, living at 2 Twickenham-place, Stonehouse, stated that he knew the deceased very well, and had been on the search for her ever since she disappeared. He had been frequently underneath the Hoe, but on that day, at twelve o'clock, he went to the Ladies Bathing Place with a young man. Leaving his companion in the roadway, he went down, and on turning the corner of the rocks he found the body several feet away from the wall enclosing the bathing place, but between two rocks, half submerged but not jammed; a gale was blowing at the time, and fearing the corpse might move he caught it by the dress and pulled the body in towards the shore, and with his companion, whom he now called down, he safely landed the body. He had several times previously searched the same spot. - Mr E. Kessell, the Hoe constable, said that about eleven o'clock on the day in question, he was called to the Ladies' Bathing Place where he saw the body of the deceased in charge of the former witness. He caused it to be removed to the tool house. On the body the witness found a pocket handkerchief, which was marked with the name of the deceased. He also found two rings, but no letters or anything that would throw any light upon what had occurred. - MR JOHN SEYMOUR, son of the deceased, stated that it was a custom for his mother to go out frequently alone for long walks. Sometimes she would be accompanied by her daughter. The witness knew that the deceased used to walk under the Hoe, even as late as half-past nine at night, and that she occasionally visited the Ladies' Bathing Place. The deceased was very near sighted. The witness noticed that Saturdays she would be rather more quiet than usual, that being the day on which her husband died. The witness had carefully examined all the deceased's papers, but had found nothing relative to the occurrence that had happened. The deceased was not in the habit of carrying much money about with her. The witness had not the slightest suspicion that she would make away with herself. Nothing whatever had transpired in the house to displease the deceased. - The Coroner, summing up, said there was no evidence whatever to show how the body got into the water, and that no one had any right to say that the deceased committed suicide. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," adding that as to how and by what means MRS SEYMOUR got into the water there was no evidence to shew.

Western Daily Mail, Tuesday 7 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - Mr Coroner Brian held an Inquest last evening, at the "London Mail Inn," Richmond-street, Plymouth, respecting the death of HANNAH LEECH, aged 76, who resided at 15 Willow-street. It appeared that the deceased had been suffering from a complaint in her leg, and when a neighbour first discovered her after her death, she appeared to have expired in the act of bandaging the afflicted limb. The Jury, of whom Mr Wm. Stanbury was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 April 1874
BARNSTAPLE - Suicide Through Religious Mania. - Yesterday Mr Bencraft, Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of DOROTHY QUICK, aged 65, an inmate of the Barnstaple Workhouse, who hanged herself on Sunday morning. The deceased was admitted into the house ten days ago, and had frequently been in a very desponding state of mind. She told the nurse and another inmate that "It was no use talking to her, for she was going to hell and the devil, and was lost," and so forth. They did all they could to shake off this hallucination, but could not succeed. On Sunday morning, at five o'clock, the poor woman was missed from her bed in the sick ward, and was found sitting in an adjoining room quite dead, with a handkerchief round her neck, the two ends being fastened to a crook above. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in an Unsound State of Mind."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Death Of MAJOR DUPERIER - The Borough Coroner of Plymouth and a double Jury, of whom Mr R. E. Waddington was Foreman, assembled at the St. Peter's Schoolroom, yesterday afternoon, to Inquire into the circumstances attending the death of MAJOR CHARLES DUPERIER. - The Coroner, in opening the proceedings, remarked on the sadness of the event which had brought them together, and reminded the Jury that there were two points for them to consider: first, whether deceased caused his own death; and secondly, if that was so, in what state of mind he was at the time. - After the Jury had viewed the body witnesses were examined. - HENRY DUPERIER said: I am a lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. The late CHARLES DUPERIER was my father. He had been a major in the army. On Sunday morning last, about eight o'clock, I was in bed in my room in the house in which I lived with deceased. I heard a report of firearms, which proceeded from deceased's dressing-room, and I immediately hastened thither. On entering the room, I saw my father lying on his face on the floor. He had his night shirt, drawers, and socks on. I saw blood proceeding from the right temple, and there was blood on the floor. MRS DUPERIER had also hastened to the room. Deceased was living, but perfectly unconscious. I noticed two small pistols on the ground close by deceased. I afterwards found that one had been discharged, but that the other was still loaded. Medical aid was instantly procured. Deceased died at 4.15 a.m. on Monday. I have noticed that of late he had become more depressed than he used to be. He had been for some time depressed. He complained sometimes of pains in his head. Three or four days before he shot himself, I heard him complain of lightness in the head. He came into my room on Sunday morning just before he shot himself. I asked him how he had slept, and he said "Very bad," and added that he seemed to be like a person in a "maze." He said nothing more as to his condition. He was formerly of a very cheerful disposition; but of late that cheerfulness has given way to depression. In consequence of his physical condition Mr May had been in attendance on him for some time past. I do not believe my father would have committed this act had he been in possession of his right senses. I firmly believe that he was of unsound mind. - By the Foreman: The pistol, which was undischarged, was at full cock when I went into the room. - J. H. S. May said: The deceased was a patient of mine. I have been in immediate attendance on him this time for a fortnight previous to Friday last. I was requested to see him in consequence of his having twice sprained his leg, once when walking and once when riding. I noticed during the whole fortnight, and a long time before - even in 1870 - that he was depressed, sometimes more so than others. He complained greatly of dyspepsia, and did not like society. He would shun people if he could. That was opposed to his former disposition. I did not consider him in such a state of mind as to necessitate his being put under any restraint. I saw him on Saturday last. He was out for a drive, and called at my house. He was very excited, his great anxiety being to get out of the carriage, so that the ladies and horses should not be kept waiting. He said he had had bad nights for two or three nights previously, and that the medicine did not give him an appetite. He was perfectly rational, and did not shew the depression so much. On Sunday morning I was sent for at 8.30 and on arriving at deceased's house I found him lying on his back in his dressing-room, with his head on an ottoman. He was breathing. I noticed a quantity of blood on the floor and on his head mixed with brains. On examining the head I found a wound into which I could pass my finger on the right temple. A portion of the temple was fractured. I removed several pieces of bone, which were mixed with brain and blood. The brain was protruding. Deceased was unconscious, and remained so until between 9 and 10 o'clock that night. I cleansed the wound, and had deceased put to bed. From the first the case was a hopeless one, but I sent for Dr Prance, and he confirmed my opinion. The symptoms were more characteristic of a wound from powder and shots, and not powder and ball. If a bullet had taken the direction the balls had it would most probably have killed him on the spot. I drew the charge from the loaded pistol, which consisted of powder and shot. - By the Foreman: I had no conception of deceased ending his career in this way. From my knowledge of him I considered deceased always had a great horror of death. His great desire and wish was apparently to get well. Cannot say if he was always a temperate man, but certainly of late he was. Had great difficulty in inducing him to take any kind of stimulant. - C. G. Edwards said: The deceased for several years has been in the habit of visiting my shop frequently. I last saw him on Saturday, at noon, when he came to my shop. He produced from his pocket a small pistol powder flask, and asked me for a small quantity of powder to kill a cat. I supplied him with it. He asked what he had to pay for it. I told him "Nothing." He said, "I must pay you for it," and I said I could not think of such a thing. I noticed nothing particular in his manner. He was not the least excited. Had I noticed anything peculiar in his manner I should have hesitated to have supplied him with the powder. - Richard Hill, jun., said: Deceased was my brother-in-law. Formerly he was a person of very cheerful disposition. I have noticed no change in his mind lately. I visited the house last Sunday evening at 6.30, and remained with deceased until his death, which occurred at 4.15 a.m. on Monday. He never recovered consciousness. - LIEUTENANT DUPERIER, recalled, said: I could not say for the last ten or twelve years that deceased kept his pistols loaded. He was very fond of firearms, and had a large collection. I produce a letter. It is in deceased's writing. It was found on the chest of drawers in his dressing-room shortly after the occurrence, written in pencil. It bears on the back the simple word "ANN" (the Christian name of MRS DUPERIER), and is as follows: - "My dear, darling ANN; my dear, dear good wife, - I am driven by my nerves to commit this offence. Oh, forgive me, my darling wife; also dear HENRY and FLO, Pray them to forgive me. I dread the madhouse, and have long striven to keep down my feelings. Oh, I cannot live. Oh, my dear, good, guardian angel, pray all forgive me. May the Almighty be kind to you and the children. My head is on fire." - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said he did not propose to call any other witnesses. There could be no doubt that deceased killed himself; and then came the second question which he had alluded to at the beginning of the Inquiry. Supposing a man in full possession of his senses, and with full command over his mental resources, killed himself, it would be murder, because a man had no more right to take his own life than he had to take that of a fellow-man. But if the Jury came to the conclusion that a man was of unsound mind at the very time he committed such a deed, then it would not be wilful murder, but killing and slaying when in a state of temporary insanity, and when he was not responsible for his actions. In the present case they had it proved that deceased was formerly of a cheerful disposition, and that of late he was very much depressed, sometimes more so than at others. He might have multiplied the evidence on this point, but when they considered the letter which deceased wrote he thought they could have no doubt whatever that he was at the time he committed the deed in such a state of mind as to be unable to control himself, and not in the possession of his right senses. The letter was very incoherent, but two or three sentences stood out more obviously than the others in support of the condition of mind in which deceased was in at the time, especially the last words, "my head is on fire." - The Jury immediately found that deceased committed Suicide whilst suffering from "Temporary Insanity," and expressed their deep sympathy with the family. - The deceased officer was the son of the late LIEUT. HENRY DUPERIER, of the 10th and 18th Hussars, and was born at Ipswich in 1808. His father's career was one of great activity. He served under the Duke of York in the campaigns of 1808 and 9, and also in the Peninsular wars of 1813, and was severely wounded at Waterloo. His son, the deceased, commenced his military life at a very early age, and was selected for special service in Persia in 1833. He was engaged in re-organising the army of the Shah, and was so employed for six and a half years. For his services the Shah presented him with the gold medal of the Lion and Sun. Deceased was afterwards promoted to the 26th Regiment (Cameronians), and he served in the wars in China from 1840 to 1843. He was wounded in a night attack on Ningpo, and assisted in the storming of Shapo. He was present at the taking of Shanghai, and was wounded at the storming of Chin Kean Foo. He was present at the taking of Nankin, in the Yang-tza-Kan, and received a medal. On returning with invalids to England deceased was employed with the depot in Edinburgh, Chatham and Upnor; but being anxious for more active service, he was transferred by the late Duke of Wellington, in 1844, to the 80th Regiment. He served with them in the Sutlej campaign, in 1846 and in the campaign in Burmah in 1852-3, receiving a medal at the close of the wars. He retired with the rank of major in 1854. In 1859 he was solicited to assist in the volunteer movement, and organized the 2nd Devon (Plymouth) rifle volunteers in 1859. He served as adjutant of the 2nd Administrative Battalion Devon Rifle Volunteers from 1860 to 1870 when he retired.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 11 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - A Melancholy Death. - Mr Coroner Brian held an Inquest at the Tradesman's Arms, Octagon-street, yesterday, into the circumstances attending the death of ADELAIDE THOMAS, a married woman, living in Rendle-street. Mr Isaac Scoffern was Foreman of the Jury. - WILLIAM THOMAS, husband of the deceased, stated that her usual health was bad. She had not been under regular medical attendance. On the previous day she complained of being unwell, but no notice was taken of it, as she was frequently so. About 8.45 p.m. she became suddenly worse. He sent for a doctor, and also went himself, and on returning with Mr Lewis he pronounced her dead. Witness's son was sent out, between five and six, by his mother to fetch some laudanum. He returned shortly after six with the drug, which he gave to her. He was constantly in the habit of getting laudanum and taking to deceased without witness's knowledge. She was addicted to drinking this diluted in water, and also a quantity of brandy, which was always smuggled into the house without his knowing of it. He had known his wife to go a fortnight without eating anything, but latterly she had taken more food. She had been in the habit of taking laudanum for two years and a half, in quantities of three halfpenny worth at a dose. She had told witness that she had gone to the counter and drank three-penny worth at a time. He believed that her death had been accelerated through drinking the poison, she being a sickly person, and also through drinking large quantities of spirit. - WILLIAM HENRY THOMAS, 11 years of age, and son of the deceased, said: I have been in the habit of going errands for my mother. I have fetched a drop of ale, but no spirit for a long time before yesterday, when she sent me twice for three pennyworth each time. I also fetched some laudanum, which I used to do every day and she would drink it evenings. I have fetched as much as two or three shillings worth of spirit a day. She would take all the laudanum at one dose in water. She never used to eat much. Father "jawed" me for getting spirits and laudanum for her. - Mr Williams, the Coroner's Officer, found the deceased in a very emaciated condition, looking sallow and wasted. he discovered a great smell of laudanum, and found a bottle containing a small quantity on the mantel-piece. The Coroner described the case as a very melancholy one, and he thought with the Foreman that it was a matter to be deprecated that boys should be supplied with laudanum without any questions being asked. If a person meditated suicide it would be easy for them to make a store and have half-a-pint in a few days. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes", greatly accelerated by the undue use of spirits and laudanum. They thought it very undesirable and a very injurious practice that lads such as the one in the present case, should have such facilities for obtaining laudanum as had been shewn at this Inquiry.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 15 April 1874
PLYMPTON ST. MAURICE - Fatal Accident At Plympton Maurice. - An Inquest was held, yesterday, at the "Forester's Arms" before Mr Coroner Rodd, on the body of an old woman, aged 87, named MARY SALTER, who was killed by falling down a flight of stairs. MARY ELIZABETH SALTER, the granddaughter of the deceased stated that her grandmother rose on Monday morning about half-past six and without dressing herself went downstairs. Witness hearing a noise soon after, also went downstairs at the bottom of which she saw the body of the deceased lying on the ground. Witness lifted her up, when she found a deep cut on her head. A doctor was at once sent for, but before he arrived, the deceased had expired. The Jury, of whom the Foreman was Mr Robert Shepherd, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 April 1874
TAVISTOCK - Mr Coroner Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock on the body of a little girl called CATHERINE EMILY MOLLARD, about 15 months old. A few days since some carts laden with stone for the Kelly College were passing down Bannawell-street from the quarry at Hardwick, and the child, in running across the street, was caught by the wheels of one of the carts, and received such injuries that she died after lingering a week. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 April 1874
YEOVIL, SOMERSET - Sudden Death In Church. - An Inquest was held at Yeovil yesterday respecting the death of MISS MARY ANN HALLETT, whose relatives reside at Teignmouth. Deceased carried on business at Yeovil as milliner and dressmaker and had been treated for heart disease, but on Wednesday last the doctor who had been attending her discontinued his visits, as deceased appeared to have recovered. On Sunday evening she went to St. John's Church. On entering her pew she knelt in prayer, and on attempting to rise from her knees gave a faint shriek and fell down. Three medical men who were in the church at once hastened to her assistance, but found life to be extinct. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 April 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE- Child Murder And Mutilation At Plymouth. The Magisterial Examination. - The Plymouth Police Court was densely crowded at the holding of the Petty Sessions yesterday, when ELIZABETH HAAR, alias WARREN, was charged before the Mayor (Mr A. Rooker) and Mr H. Brown with the Wilful Murder of her child, FREDERICK HAAR, on the 16th inst. - Grace James, living at Rendle-street, said the prisoner, who had three children, lived about nine days in her house under the name of HOAR, and left last Thursday. She (witness) had seen the youngest child, but not its face. On Thursday morning she heard prisoner walking about overhead, and when she was dressing she saw the prisoner going down the yard with a tin pan covered over with a cloth. Prisoner emptied the pan at the bottom of the yard, and washed the pan out. She saw nothing of the children. - By the Mayor: It was unusual for prisoner to get up early, for she usually lay a-bed late. Heard the noise, which was simply that of walking, at daylight. It did not continue long; not up to the time that prisoner went into the court. Prisoner threw what was in the pan into the water-closet and did not stay there more than a minute, but washed out the pan at the tap and went into the house. - Elizabeth Bone, living in the same house as the last witness, knew all the prisoner's children, and last saw the youngest about noon on Wednesday, when it was sitting on the lap of another child. She had seen it dead at St. George's Hall, with the head severed from the body. - THOMAS HENRY WARREN, private R.M.L.I., had been confined to barracks since the 10th of the month. Prisoner had three children. He had been cohabiting with her since the 8th of March. He had seen the dead child at St. George's Hall, and it was the one he had seen with the prisoner on the last occasion he was with her. - The case was then remanded for a week in order that further inquiries might be made, and that the prisoner might obtain information necessary for her defence. The Inquest - The Inquest on the remains of the murdered child was resumed last night at the Stonehouse Townhall by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner. The Jury were re-sworn, in consequence of the head of the child having been found in Plymouth since the last Inquiry. - THOMAS HENRY WARREN, a marine, said: I have seen the body of the child produced. It is that of FREDERICK HAAR, who was, I believe, between 6 and 7 months old. I know this from what his mother, ELIZABETH HAAR told me. She is a widow, I believe. I last saw the child alive on the morning of the 10th instant, at 7.45 and he was then in bed beside his mother, in her room at 37 Rendle-street, Plymouth. I have known the woman, ELIZABETH HAAR since the 8th of March last, but did not cohabit with her until the 7th of April, and ceased to do so after the 9th, and I have not seen her since until today at the Guildhall, Plymouth. I never had any conversation with her on this matter, nor did she say a word to me about changing her residence, nor did I know, until today, that she had done so. The shirt now produced, which the body was wrapped in, I have seen the child wear. The reason I have not been to the house since the 10th instant was that I have been confined to cells. - By the Foreman: HAAR always treated the child very kindly, and never expressed any desire to get rid of it - at least not in my presence. She has told me it was her child, saying that the father of it was dead, he having died seven or eight months ago. the father was her late husband, I believe - at least, she told me so. - A man named Trant (not one of the Jury) here put this pertinent question to the Coroner. "If this yer be her own lawful child who is the murderer?" The Inquiry caused some amusement, and was felt to be unanswerable. - John Boyce said: I live at 3 Adelaide-lane, Stonehouse, and am a cabinetmaker. I found the body of the deceased last Thursday morning, about ten minutes before six, in a bundle in the lane. The bundle was tied very tightly, the old garments produced being round it. The head, feet and hands were missing. I gave the body to P.C. Reep. Whilst the body was being looked at a woman came by, but it was not the accused. - P.C. Reep proved receiving the body from the last witness, and that the wrappings produced were those which were around it. - Joseph James Essery, a lad residing in Stonehouse, said he was under the Hoe, near the women's bathing-place, on Friday morning between ten and eleven, and saw a parcel on the beach. He opened it, and found that it contained a child's head, wrapped up in a piece of linsey, of precisely the same character as that in which the body was enveloped. - Emma Townshend, wife of a carpenter, residing at 37 Rendle-street, Plymouth, said: The woman HAAR had three children when she lived in the house where I reside, and hearing that she only had two when she went to 42 Rendle-street - last Thursday morning - I told P.C. Monkley of it. The body of the child produced was that of her child. I saw him alive last Wednesday morning in the court. The woman's eldest boy was then nursing him. The child, to all appearances, was in good health then. I never saw him afterwards. I have seen deceased wear a shirt like the one produced, but I cannot say it is the same. - By the Foreman: I don't think the woman treated her children unkindly. I saw her empty a pan in the court on Thursday morning between six and seven, but I don't know what it had contained. I never saw the woman drunk. MRS HOAR (she was always called HOAR in the house) only lived at 37 Rendle-street for ten days. I never saw her up so early as I did last Thursday. I generally saw her for the first time about dinner-time. I don't know whether she left the house early that morning. - Elizabeth Bone, wife of a fireman, residing at 37 Rendle-street, Plymouth, proved seeing HAAR empty the pan on Thursday morning. It was covered over with a brown cloth. She afterwards washed out the pan. She gave notice that she was going to leave her room on the Thursday, and went out of it the same day. She appeared very kind to her baby (the deceased). Warren was the only man who visited her. Told HAAR last Tuesday that on the previous night her baby was crying for hours, and she said it had a pain in its inside. - P.C. Monkley, of the Plymouth Police, said: On the 18th inst., from information I received, I went to 49 Rendle-street, Plymouth. I went to an upstairs backroom, where I found a woman. I asked her name, and she gave that of Ward first, and subsequently that of Warren. I told her that I had been informed that she had three children, and asked where the youngest was. She said "My mother took it away." I asked where her mother lived, and after a long time she said in Cornwall. I asked what part, and she said near St. Cleer, adding, "My mother has taken it to my sister." I asked where she lived, but she would give no answer. I took her to the Octagon station, having told her that I did not charge her with anything then, but as one child was missing she must go with me. I went back to 49 Rendle-street and under the bed on the floor there was a quantity of wet clothing which had been recently washed. I examined it, and Inspector Anniss took off one article a piece of human flesh, or apparently it was such. Some of the clothes appear to be stained with blood. I took HAAR to the Guildhall. - By the Foreman: There were no marks of blood on the floor. I saw the mother, but she had no child with her. - Silas Rendle Anniss, inspector of the Metropolitan Police, said: About ten minutes before six on Saturday evening I went into the room occupied by ELIZABETH HAAR at 49 Rendle-street. There were wet clothes under the bed, which appeared to have been wet for twenty-four hours. There were undoubtedly marks of blood on many pieces, although they were well washed. On one of the pieces I found a piece of flesh, which had been cut and hacked by a knife. I gave it to Mr Leah, surgeon. A pair of woman's drawers were deeply stained with blood, although they had been well washed. - Thomas Leah, M.R.C.S., said: On the evening of Thursday I made a post mortem examination of the body of deceased. I should say the child had not been dead more than twenty-four hours. It was mutilated, as the Jury have seen, but had no other marks of violence. It was a well nourished child and I found all the organs perfectly healthy. There were no marks of vaccination on the stumps of the arm. The body was almost entirely bloodless. I saw the head on Saturday, fitted it to the body, and was satisfied that it belonged to it. The brain was perfectly healthy, and I could discover no natural cause of death. The body had evidently been cut by some very sharp instrument. I cannot say how death was caused. It was either caused by mutilation, or the mutilation took place immediately after death - which might have been caused by suffocation. The cause of death might have been decapitation. The head and limbs, if removed after death, must have been cut off soon after, or the body would not have bled as freely as it undoubtedly did. On the evening of the 18th I received from Inspector Anniss a small portion of animal matter, which I produce. I believe it to be ribrin, the colourless portion of a clot of blood. It was so much decomposed that I cannot speak confidently about it. - By the Foreman: The arms are fractured; the bones evidently having been broken with a blunt instrument. - The Jury, after consultation, suggested that the case should be adjourned to the 5th of May, in order that the spots of blood on the wet garments found by Monkley might be analysed. - Warren, in answer to the Coroner, said he could not swear to whom the clothes found by Monkley belonged. - The case was then adjourned to the 5th of May.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 23 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Accident At Sea. - Mr Coroner Brian and a Jury, of whom Mr Robert Frost was Foreman, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Guildhall on Tuesday afternoon, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS HARRISON, a merchant seaman, 20 years of age, who came to his death from injuries received on the 11th instant on board the ship Hetta, of Hartlepool, from Rotterdam, bound to Cardiff in ballast. AGNES HARRISON, the mother of the deceased, and a native of Hartlepool, stated that she received a telegram and subsequently a letter, from the captain of the Hetta, in which he stated the circumstances of the accident, telling her he had put into Plymouth to land the young man, and saying he had left £2 at the Hospital and his wages with the agent, and sailed for his destination. In consequence of the letter witness and her husband came directly to Plymouth, and soon after their arrival they went to the South Devon Hospital where her son was lying greatly injured and unable to move. He was perfectly conscious, and she was with him continually except at night until the time he died on Sunday. The deceased told her that after 11 o'clock on the night of Saturday, the 11th, he was coming along the deck to get a drink of water when he caught his toe against the framework of the main-hatchway into which he fell, it being entirely open. He said he laid there a considerable time feeling quite numb and he called out constantly until at length some of the men came. He was removed into his bunk, where a blanket was thrown over him, and he was left to himself, after the engineer had given him a glass of wine. During the night the poor fellow cried aloud for water, but none was brought him, although he seemed to be choking. The deceased told the witness that he had been served shamefully, and that the captain was the cause of his being in the Hospital. When witness came to Plymouth the vessel had left, but the captain had fulfilled his promise of presenting the Hospital with £2 to take care of the deceased, and he had also placed the balance of his wages in the hands of the agent. THOMAS JOHN HARRISON, the father, corroborated the evidence of his wife. He said his son seriously complained that the captain should have allowed the hatchway to remain open by night and also that he should have had no attendance during the night. Witness believed that the captain bore up for Plymouth as quickly as he could to put the deceased ashore. Dr Chapman, South Devon Hospital, said the deceased was received on Tuesday last. He was suffering from injuries to the spine, and from the crew the witness understood that the deceased fell eighteen feet. He saw nothing to complain of in the manner which the deceased was treated as far as he knew. Witness was given to understand that the captain administered the deceased some medicine. - The Coroner, in summing up, alluded to the complaints of the deceased about the hatchway, but said it was impossible to fix the blame on the captain, and they must be cautious under the circumstances in receiving statements alleging neglect. The captain put into a good port to land, and the letter he sent was not that of a careless or indifferent man. It was very hazardous to cast reflections on an absent man. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 24 April 1874
PLYMOUTH - Melancholy Accident At Sea. - Mr Coroner T. C. Brian, and a Jury, of which Mr Mann was Foreman, assembled at the Guildhall yesterday afternoon, to Enquire into the circumstances attending the death of a seaman, named ROBERT CURRETHERS, aged 29 years, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Wednesday, at three a.m. Captain James Brown stated that the deceased was the chief mate of the full-rigged ship Turkestan, of Liverpool. She sailed from Middlesbrough, and was outward bound. On Sunday, the 12th at noon, she was in lat. 48.12 north and long. 8.20 west. At midnight the wind commenced to blow, and all hands were summoned on deck for the purpose of shortening sail. After this had been completed, about ten a.m., and the ship was lying-to, shipping immense quantities of water, and labouring heavily, the bolts fastening the starboard spare spars broke, and the spars were washing about the deck. The deceased was endeavouring to secure them, and in doing so the sea came over the ship and washed him under the spars towards one of the ports which had been thrown open to allow water to pass through. The crew just got to the deceased as he was half out of the port hole, and on pulling him in found his earl had been almost entirely cut through against the side of the port. The witness gave orders that the deceased should be taken into his cabin, in order that he might ascertain the extent of the injuries. He discovered that the right leg of the deceased was smashed below the knee, the bone penetrating through the skin. The witness proceeded to set the broken limb to the best of his ability. He was quite sensible at the time. The witness then bore up for Plymouth, which port he reached on the 17th inst., just about midnight. He had the deceased conveyed to the Hospital on the following morning, and visited him every day until he expired, mortification having set in and caused his death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 April 1874
DARTMOUTH - Tossed To Death By A Bullock. - Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday respecting the death of a man named SAMUEL RYDER. On Monday Richard Lightfoot in the employ of Mr Burgoyne, butcher, of Dartmouth, went to Mr Huxham, farmer, of Charlton, for a fat bullock. He drove it all right on his way back until he had passed Slapton Sands, and reached Street-hill, where he met deceased, who had been very ill, and was now out walking, supporting himself by two sticks. The bullock set upon RYDER and tossed him three times, each time he came down his head coming in contact with the ground with great violence. He lingered until Thursday, when he died. The bullock turned on its driver after the attack on RYDER, but Lightfoot fortunately got out of its way by climbing a wall. Finally the animal was got into an orchard where it remained until the next day, when it was shot.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 April 1874
BARNSTAPLE - A Suspicious Case Of Baby Farming. - An Inquest was held at Barnstaple respecting the death of the female child of a girl named ELIZABETH MACKEREL, who, until recently, was in the service of M. Jacquot, teacher of languages. From the evidence it appeared that about thirteen weeks ago, without any previous warning, or any suspicion on the part of Madame Jacquot, the servant was delivered of the deceased child, which appeared to be weak and delicate. The nurse who was fetched, named Goss, subsequently gave it to her daughter-in-law, at the request of the mother, to keep; but after taking charge of it a fortnight she brought it back. It them seemed to be all right. On the day after the baby was returned a second guardian was found for it in Mrs Cowell, wife of a rural postman, who kept it a month. In the meantime the mother had left M. Jacquot's service and gone to London; and M. Jacquot himself became security that the weekly allowance of 3s. 6d. per week, which Cowell was to receive, should be duly paid. At the end of a month, however, Cowell brought the child to M. Jacquot's and saw his wife, whom he forced to take back the infant, saying he would have nothing more to do with it. According to Madame Jacquot's evidence, at that time the child was in a frightful state - nothing, in fact, but skin and bone. She was afraid to touch it lest it should "fall to pieces," and even the nurse Goss, who was immediately called in, and who had all along contended that it was a fine baby, said she had never seen a child so emaciated before. It had evidently not received proper treatment, and had not been given either proper or sufficient food. The poor little thing was in this state consigned to the care of a Mrs Davy, a dry nurse, in whose house it died on Wednesday. Mr Cooke, surgeon, saw it on the same day, and at the Inquest said it had certainly not received the care and attention which such a delicate child required. - The Coroner, in summing up, said no doubt the child's death was caused by neglect and by want of proper treatment; but as it had passed through so many hands it was difficult to say on whom condemnation must fall. He did not think it necessary that the case should be carried further, and therefore directed the Jury to return a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 28 April 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - An Idiot Poisoned In The Newton Abbot Workhouse. - An Inquest was held last evening in the Board-room of the Newton Abbot Union by H. Michelmore, Esq., Coroner, on the body of ELIZABETH HELMORE, an inmate of the house, who died from the effects of having taken poison on the previous day. The deceased, who was an idiot of about 16 years of age, had been an inmate of the house for the last five years. On Saturday last some carbolic acid, contained in a jar, was placed under a chair in one of the wards for the purpose of disinfecting. The deceased, on the following day, suddenly fell ill whilst in this ward, and although no one saw her drink any of the liquid, it is conjectured she did so, as her clothes, from the effects of vomiting, smelled very strongly of the poison. She soon became insensible, and notwithstanding Dr Haydon, who was quickly in attendance, did all he could for her, she died shortly afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased took the poison whilst in a state of Unsound Mind, and requested Mrs Bartlett to exercise more care in giving out this kind of liquid for the future.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 May 1874
PLYMOUTH - Carelessness Accelerating Death. - The Plymouth Borough coroner held an Inquest at the Guildhall relative to the death of JAMES STREET, a porter, aged 54 years. John North, a labourer, said he saw the deceased fall down in East-street on the previous evening about half-past eight o'clock, and helped him to his residence, where he died shortly afterwards. MARY STREET, wife of the deceased, stated that the health of her husband had been very bad for the last twelve months, and he had been under the care of Mr J. N. Stephens. He was of intemperate habits. Mr Stephens said that the deceased came to him on Tuesday morning last suffering from an attack of acute pleurisy. He ordered deceased to go home and have a mustard poultice applied to his chest, and take some medicine which he gave him, and he also told him not to drink any intoxicating liquor. Deceased, however, instead of going home, remained out in the cold air and death, which was caused by pleurisy, had been accelerated by exposure, and possibly from drinking intoxicating liquor. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 1 May 1874
WALKHAMPTON - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on Tuesday, at the Manor Inn, Walkhampton, on the body of WILLIAM HARDING. The Jury, of whom Mr Pearse was Foreman, after hearing the evidence of Mr Willis, surgeon, returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 1 May 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident At Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Golden Lion Inn, Fore-street, Devonport, by Mr Coroner Bone, on the body of a boy, named HENRY GIENSEPPE SHEAD, who met his death under the circumstances narrated below. SARAH ANN SHEAD, whose husband is a ship's corporal, on board H.M.S. Northumberland, said that she was the mother of the deceased. On Tuesday she went out with him to Mr Wise, in order that they might see the Northumberland being towed out of harbour. Having accomplished that object witness returned home without being accompanied, however, by the deceased, who remained behind to watch the ship being moored. Not very long afterwards the deceased was brought home insensible, and expired the next morning, without having uttered a word. He was twelve years of age. Daniel Sleeman deposed to having on Wednesday last about 4.30 p.m., been walking near Mount Wise. He was watching several boys playing on a sloping piece of ground, when he saw the deceased run down the slope and suddenly slipping his feet, strike his head a fearful blow against a low wall. He immediately ran to his help, and found him unconscious, with blood flowing from his nose, and a severe cut on his temple. He at once summoned assistance and had the deceased conveyed to his home, at 44 Princess-street. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 May 1874
HOLSWORTHY - An Inquest was held at Holsworthy respecting the death of JAMES HEYSITT, a miller living with Mr [?] at Milton Mills. The deceased was drowned whilst bathing in the river Weldron, and a verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 May 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - Accidents On The South Devon Railway Works. - As the workmen were employed in widening Forde cutting, near Newton, on Thursday afternoon for the purpose of laying down the third line of rail from Newton Station to the Torquay junction, a fall of earth suddenly took place without any warning, and the men began to run to save themselves; but one unfortunate fellow did not get away in time, and was buried under the debris. He was dug out as soon as possible, and was found to be dreadfully crushed and bleeding. He was taken to his lodgings in East-street, and on being put to bed he asked for some water, and died immediately. Another accident happened in the hurry of removing the earth that covered the deceased. Two of the workmen lifted up one of the metals which impeded the operations, and threw it aside, when it fell across the foot of a Newton labourer, named Mance, and cut off one of his toes. Mance was removed to Newton Station, and placed in one of the waiting-rooms until the arrival of the up North mail train, when he was forwarded by it t Exeter and taken to the County Hospital. An Inquest was held yesterday at Newton Abbot Workhouse by Mr C. Gaye, the Deputy Coroner for the district, when the deceased was identified as WILLIAM STOCKMAN, a labourer of Torquay. - William Rowell, labourer, said that he and the deceased were employed with other workmen in the cutting. Witness was digging, and the deceased was filling the wagons. A man called out that the earth was falling, and witness and the other men immediately ran; but the deceased stopped to pick up his shovel, and was knocked down by the earth and buried up to his chest. Deceased was taken out and removed to his lodgings. The earth that fell was about two tons weight, and it broke from the middle of the bank. There was a man placed on the top of the bank to give notice when the earth began to crack; but they had no warning from him. The earth was being removed in the usual way. - Thomas Isaac, the ganger, said he was on the bank watching the earth, but saw no sign of its being about to fall. He observed the men run away, but did not see the deceased. The fall was about ten feet, and the earth went down in a solid block. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 6 May 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Plymouth Child Murder Case. Verdict Of Wilful Murder. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of FREDERICK HOAR, the infant child of the woman ELIZABETH HOAR, alias HAAR, who now stands committed on the Plymouth Magistrates' warrant on a charge of Wilful Murder, was re-opened by Mr Coroner Rodd at Stonehouse yesterday. - The first witness examined was Grace James, the landlady of the house in Rendle-street in which the woman HOAR resided for a short time. She detailed the same circumstances as deposed by her when before the magistrates, and in answer to the Foreman, stated that she had no reason to suppose that the woman HOAR neglected her children. On the contrary, she herself was very clean, and kept her children in a similar condition. - Dr Leah, re-examined, stated that he considered it most probable that the child died from loss of blood occasioned by some cut, but whether the throat was cut previously or the head directly cut off he could not say. He believed, however, it was one of the two. The fact of the heart being so free from blood was put forward by him so as to bear out this argument that the deceased died from a loss of blood. - The Foreman here intimated that the Inquest was adjourned for the purpose of enabling the clothes to be analysed, so that the Jury might ascertain whether the blood on the clothes was human or animal. - Dr Leah: You cannot distinguish between human blood and some kinds of animal blood. - The Coroner then summed up. there was no doubt but that the deceased was the son of the woman HOAR, and that the child met with its death foully. It became a question whether the murder was committed by the mother of the deceased, and as reasonable men they would have to consider this point upon the evidence adduced before them. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict, and on returning, unanimously found "That the deceased was Wilfully Murdered; that the mother of the deceased was ELIZABETH HOAR; and that ELIZABETH HOAR was the murderess."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 7 May 1874
HARBERTON - Fatal Accident Near Totnes. - On Monday afternoon last, a married man named GEORGE FOSTER, in the employ of Mr J. Knapman, of the Edge Tool Works, Hill Mill, Harberton, about three miles from Totnes, met with his death under the following circumstances:- He was engaged in sharpening the edge of a tool on a grinding stone, worked by water power, when the stone burst, the plate hitting the poor fellow under the chin, and rendering him lifeless almost instantaneously. An Inquest was held on Tuesday at Hill Mill by Mr Coroner Michelmore and a Jury, of whom Mr Henry Whiteway was Foreman. the stone was stated to be a new one, and was fixed only three weeks ago. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury, who gave their fees in aid of the widow of the deceased, who is left with four young children.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 12 May 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death Under Singular Circumstances. - While P.C.'s Lampen and Osborne were on duty in Union-street, Stonehouse, on Saturday evening last, they observed a man named FITZ-GURROLD, aged 58, rolling about the street as though he were under the influence of drink. The policeman accosted him, and being under the impression that he was drunk, took him to the police-station, when it was discovered that their prisoner was in a dying state. Dr Leah was sent for, and a short time after his arrival the man expired. The Inquest was opened last evening by Mr Coroner R. Rodd, at the Stonehouse Workhouse. SUSAN FITZ-GURROLD, the wife of the deceased, stated that her husband was a plasterer. The last time she saw him was about twenty minutes to eight o'clock on Saturday evening, when he remarked that he was in good health. He was then in King-street west, Plymouth. The deceased had only recently been unwell. The Inquest was adjourned until this evening. [Note: Later adjourned Inquest gives the name as Fitzgerald].

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 12 May 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Coroner Brian, at the Tradesman's Arms, Octagon-street, on the body of a man named JOHN HARRINGTON, who died suddenly on Sunday night. - William Martin, a mason, said that on the 18th ultimo, he was working in company with the deceased on some works in Castle-street, and the scaffolding on which they were standing suddenly gave away, and they both fell to the ground injuring themselves very severely. Witness walked to the Hospital, where he saw the deceased, who was so hurt as to necessitate his being kept there. - Bridget McClucland deposed to having visited the deceased at the Hospital, from which he was subsequently removed. - Mr Whipple, M.R.C.S., stated that he was surgeon in the South Devon and Cornwall Hospital, and that he examined the deceased on the day of the accident, and found him to be very much injured about the head. The deceased rapidly recovered, though he had a slight attack of erysipelas and on the 6th instant he asked to be allowed to leave the Hospital. He was, however, cautioned by the witness not to do so. Deceased, notwithstanding the advice of the doctor, eventually left the Hospital. Mr Whipple considered that the death of the deceased was very much accelerated by his leaving the Hospital before the was fully convalescent. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 13 May 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death Under Singular Circumstances. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of JOHN FITZGERALD was resumed yesterday by Mr Coroner Rodd, at the Stonehouse Workhouse. Mr Butcher stated that he observed the deceased in Union-street on Saturday last, when he seemed to be very unwell. P.C. Lamping deposed to having seen the deceased on the same day, when, by his staggering along the street, the witness concluded that he was intoxicated, and took him to the police station, where it was seen that he was in a dying state. Dr Leah was sent for, and when he came he saw that the man had not long to live. From a post mortem examination made it was found that the liver and heart were affected, and the medical gentleman was of opinion that death was caused by Heart Disease, and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 May 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident On The South Devon Railway. - An Inquest was yesterday held by Mr Brian, the Coroner for Plymouth, respecting the death of JAMES YELLAND, who died from the effects of an accident on the South Devon Railway, under circumstances already reported. The deceased was acting as under guard of a goods train, and was putting a "sprag" between the wheels before going down an incline, when the sprag struck him violently on the lower part on the body. Elias Cole, the chief guard of the train, stated that he strictly cautioned the deceased not to put the sprag in until the train had stopped. It was an awkward thing t do in the way the deceased was doing it, supporting the sprag between his bent arms, and holding his lamp in one of his hands. the lamp was generally put between the legs, and the sprag held by both hands. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and added that they did not consider that there was a shadow of blame to be attached to anyone connected with the railway company.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 May 1874
PLYMSTOCK - Death From The Kick Of A Pig. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Elburton, near Plympton, relative to the death of JOHN LEIGH, aged 30, farm labourer, who had died from lockjaw. The deceased and another man were killing a pig on the 29th of April last, when the pig suddenly kicked the deceased and broke his right thumb. Mr Mould, surgeon, of Plymstock, amputated the thumb, and the deceased appeared to be improving until last week when lockjaw set in and he died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 May 1874
TORQUAY - Suicide Of A Torquay Tradesman. - An Inquest was held last evening at No. 9, Strand, Torquay, respecting the death of MR EDWIN BRADFORD. - The first witness called was one of deceased's servants - Jane Maria Redaway - who said as she went upstairs at a quarter t seven on Sunday morning she saw a body stretched out on the landing, and the top stairs were covered with blood. At the time she saw the body she did not know whose it was, and she ran down and called MISS BRADFORD. In cleaning the landing after the body was removed she found a knife covered with blood. It was a bread knife, which had been used at supper the night before. The deceased had been in a low state for some time. She saw him in bed the night before, and asked if he was comfortable, and he said he was. - DENIS BRADFORD, the brother of the deceased, said he last saw the deceased on Saturday night, when he was much depressed and fancied there was something growing in his throat. Deceased and his wife had always lived happily together, and he had been greatly depressed since her death in September last. - Dr Radclyffe Hall who had been attending MR BRADFORD, said he was suffering from general feebleness of health and a relaxed throat, which a change of air and scene would restore, and preparations were being made for his removal as soon as the weather became more favourable. He was informed that he had expressed a desire to his own daughter not to be sent to Plympton, meaning to an asylum. - Mr W. Pollard, surgeon, was called early in the morning to see the deceased. He found him stretched on the landing in his shirt and socks, covered with blood. He must have been dead some hours, as the body was cold. There was a large knife lying by his side; it looked as if he had just dropped it. Believed the act must have been committed about eleven or twelve o'clock. - In reply to a Juryman, witness said the deceased's father died in an asylum. The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased was in an Unsound State of Mind when he committed the act." The Jury gave their fees to the Torbay Infirmary.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 20 May 1874
TEIGNMOUTH - The Late Cases Of Drowning In The Teign. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by H. Michelmore, Esq., Coroner, at the Queen's Hotel, Teignmouth, on the bodies of ARTHUR FREDERICK HILTON and GEORGE CAMPBELL, who met with their death on the previous Sunday through the capsizing of a boat in the Teign. The evidence given bore out the facts of the accident, which have already appeared in the Mercury, and the Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 20 May 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - Inquest at Newton. - An Inquest was held yesterday before H. Michelmore, Esq., Coroner, at the Town Hall, touching the death of JOHN WILLIAM WOTTON, aged three months, the illegitimate child of MARY WOTTON, living in Newton. The child was found dead in bed on Sunday morning. The Jury having heard the evidence of several witnesses, including a surgeon, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 21 May 1874
BARNSTAPLE - A Boy Drowned. - A boy named JOHN LOCKYER, between eight and nine years of age, son of MR LOCKYER, glover, of Bradford, was drowned in the river Taw on Saturday evening last. There were a number of large rafters floating just above Rolle's Quay, inside the Railway embankment, one of which the deceased ventured on in order to reach a bird's nest in the side of the river wall. As he was doing so the timber moved away from the wall and he fell into the water, the rafters preventing his rising. After the deceased had been in the water nearly twenty minutes a young man named John Rolston stripped off his clothes and dived for the lad, and succeeded in bringing him to the surface. He was quickly removed to his parents' house and as the body was still warm, efforts were made to restore animation, but without avail. An Inquest was held on Tuesday night by Mr Deputy Coroner J. H. Toller (in the absence of the Barnstaple Coroner), at the Chichester Arms, Pilton, when a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 22 May 1874
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Torquay. - An Inquest, the second held this week in Torquay, was held at the Country House Inn, at Ellacombe, on Wednesday evening, before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on the body of a little child named ERNEST MARK STIDWORTHY. The deceased, who was nearly two years of age, fell under the wheel of a water cart which was passing Ellacombe-terrace, on Tuesday morning about eleven o'clock. The child was severely bruised across its face and chest, and the upper part of the ribs were fractured. He was immediately attended to by Mr Gill, a surgeon, who was passing at the time of the accident, but died during the afternoon. The Jury, of whom Mr John Riley was the Foreman, returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and gave their fees to the parents of the child.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 22 May 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Railway Accident At Coxside. The Coroner's Inquest. - Mr Coroner Brian and a Jury, of whom Mr John Westcott was Foreman, held an Enquiry at the Eagle Tavern, Coxside, yesterday afternoon, to investigate the circumstances attending the death of MARY ANN BLOYE, a girl 11 years of age, who, as reported in our issue of yesterday, was killed by being run over by the train on Wednesday. After viewing the body and the scene of the accident, the Jury proceeded to hear the evidence. Mr Compton, superintendent of the South Devon Railway Company was present, and Mr Thomas, superintendent, watched the case on behalf of the police. - JANE BLOYE, mother of the deceased, and wife of MR BLOYE, the landlord of the Eagle Tavern, deposed that the deceased was her daughter. About one o'clock the previous day deceased went out, as she thought, to play with her friends. Her daughter had been afflicted from her birth - she could hear very well, but very little. She required no one to look after her and watch her actions. - Fanny Baker, a child nine years of age, stated that about half-past one she was standing on the Plymouth side of the Sutton Harbour Branch railway near the gate. There was a part of the gate shut, the other half being open, but the gates on the Coxside side were shut. Whilst standing by the closed half the witness watched some trucks coming from the country side to the pool side with an engine behind. On the opposite side to which she was standing she saw a man whom she did not know. Just as the train was approaching the gate, witness saw the deceased just entering the open gate on her hands and knees in the direction of her home, but for what purpose she went in this position witness was unable to tell for the deceased might have walked as well as crawled. Two trucks were standing on the line; the engine came down to take them up, when they came in contact, and were bumped down to where the deceased was. Witness stretched out her hand to drag the deceased off the rail, but just as she touched her frock the wheel of one of the trucks went over her back. The deceased was picked up by a Mr Ray. She did not think the driver could see the deceased when coming down, nor did she think the man on the opposite side of the gate could see her. - James Rowley, inspector of nuisances, said he was standing, with Mr Howland, on the north side of the railway where some shunting was going on, and he was waiting to go across. His attention was first directed by hearing a scream, and he saw the engine in the centre of the road, between the gate. The driver stopped and backed at once, and witness then saw the child under the truck. The gates on the Coxside side were closed, but part of the gate on the opposite side was open, and the part was closed to which it should be locked. - John Ray, station-master, in the employ of the South Devon Railway Company, said: After the occurrence he looked to the gate, and one half of the gate on the Plymouth side was open. When shunting was going on the constant rule was that the whole of the gates should be shut. - The Coroner: Whose duty would it be to see the gates are closed? - Witness: I had a man with me generally to attend to that part of the duty. - Westlake here said that the little girl did not come through the open gate, but from her mother's house, and was caught on the other side. - Richard Wyatt said he was standing on the Coxside side of the level crossing where the gates were closed, and he should think from the position in which the child was lying that she did not come through the gate. - The Coroner said he did not conceal from the Jury the fact that if it had come out positively in the evidence that the child had gone through the open gate, which ought to have been closed, and in consequence of that gate being open she had met her death, it would have been a serious question if someone was not criminally to blame. He trusted that, as to be forewarned was to be forearmed, Mr Compton would for the encouragement of the public draw the attention of the company to the gate, because another accidental omission might result fatally. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating all parties from blame, and recommending that a porter should for the future be stationed at each side of the gate. Mr Compton promised that this should be done.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 May 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - An Inquiry was held yesterday by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, respecting the sudden death of WILLIAM HAWKINS, aged 54 years. The wife of the deceased stated that her husband was formerly a gardener, but had been unable to work at his trade for the past twelve months owing to his having hurted one of his toes by cutting the nail too close. A fortnight ago he complained of pains in the chest and right shoulder, and also stated last week that he was suffering there. On Thursday morning he got up at six o'clock and then said his toe was giving him great pain. He went to a store close by, which he was keeping for Messrs. Talbot and Goss, coal merchants, and shortly afterwards returned to light the fire. He staggered through the passage and upon witness going there she found him sitting down and motionless. Mr Lewis, surgeon, was sent for, but the deceased died before his arrival. Her husband was of a cheerful disposition, and never had a fit in his life. He was opposed to putting himself under medical treatment, but had consulted a herbalist, and had taken herbs. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 May 1874
PLYMOUTH - A Woman Burnt To Death. - An Inquiry was held on Saturday by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, respecting the death of AGNES ROWE, aged 74 years. The deceased lived with her husband, who is 77 years of age, in Claremont-court, Claremont-street. They were both very infirm, and could do little to help each other. On Tuesday night MRS ROWE was unlacing her boots by the light of a candle, which she had put on the floor, when her husband, who was reading, suddenly saw that she was on fire. He tried to make out the flames but failed and he then called in a neighbour, named Lake, who quickly extinguished them. Mr Jackson, surgeon, was sent for, and found that the poor old woman had been severely burnt about the chest, neck and face. There was little chance of her recovery from the first, and on Saturday morning she died. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 May 1874
TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at Torquay yesterday respecting the death of a child named EDWIN LETHBRIDGE between 4 and 5 years of age, when in taking a vessel of hot water from a table, upset it, and fatally scalded herself.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 May 1874
IVYBRIDGE - The Fatal Accident At Ivybridge. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Flete, near Ivybridge, yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of GEORGE MEDLAND, aged 20 years. The deceased was groom in the employ of Mr Splatt of Flete, and on Sunday last went into Ivybridge on horseback. He was returning when the horse stepped on a stone and fell, with his rider under. A lad, passing shortly afterwards, saw the deceased on the ground and as soon as possible procured assistance. Deceased was conveyed to Flete, where he was attended by Mr Langworthy, surgeon, until Thursday morning, when he died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 June 1874
TAVISTOCK - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Golden Fleece Hotel, Tavistock, relative to the death of SAMUEL EXWORTHY, a miner, aged 53 years, who committed suicide by hanging himself on Saturday last. MARIA EXWORTHY, sister-in-law of the deceased, said that the deceased, being unwell, came to Tavistock from Durham about a fortnight ago, and had been stopping at her house. He was out on Saturday morning, and told her that he was going to see her husband, who was working in a field close by. About one o'clock witness went to a cow-shed adjoining her house, and there saw the deceased hanging by his neck from a rope, which was attached to a beam. John Tyrrell, postman, stated that he went with the last witness to the cow-shed, and cut the deceased down. The man was quite dead. The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 2 June 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Child. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Tradesman's Arms, Octagon, Plymouth, by Mr Coroner Brian, on the body of ALICE POWERS, the child of ELLEN POWERS. The mother, who lives at 85 King-street, stated that the child was three months old and its death occurred in the following manner. On Sunday night when the child was put to bed it appeared to be in good health. At about five o'clock in the morning the mother fancied that the deceased was looking very strange, and called to a neighbour, who took it in her arms, when it expired almost immediately. The Jury returned a verdict of Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 2 June 1874
TAVISTOCK - Suicide At Tavistock. - A miner named SAMUEL AXWORTHY hung himself at Tavistock on Saturday afternoon. The deceased, who was about 50 years of age, had recently come from Durham with his wife and a little boy, on a visit to his brother, who resides in Trelawny-road. Although it had been noticed by his friends that he seemed at times rather low-spirited, there appeared to be nothing singular in his behaviour on the day in question. About two o'clock, however, his sister-in-law had occasion to visit her husband's linhay in the Launceston-road, and there found the deceased suspended by a rope. The poor woman was too much frightened to take more than a glance at the sight before her, and hurried away for assistance. She met Mr Henry Tyrrell, who at once proceeded to the spot, but found that he had arrived too late to be of any service, for, on releasing the body, life was found to be extinct. The body was taken to his brother's house, where an Inquest was held yesterday, the Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity". It is stated that the deceased intended returning to Durham.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 2 June 1874
PLYMOUTH - Suicide In Plymouth. - Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr T. Lewarne was Foreman, held an Enquiry at the Plymouth Guildhall last evening, into the circumstances attending the death of OLIVER SPRY, a coal porter, who was found drowned under the Hoe on Saturday evening. - Harriet Taylor, a widow, living in St. Andrew-street, said: I knew the deceased, and have lived with him for nearly seven years. He was a porter. I last saw him alive on Tuesday, about 5.30 a.m., when he left my house, to which he did not again return. He had been in very low spirits lately, and when spoken to often would not reply. He had since Christmas lost his work at the Pontoon, Millbay. At different times he has said that rather than he would be laughed at, he would make a hole in the water. - Mr Thomas Watts, foreman to Mr Waring, Millbay, saw the deceased alive on Saturday evening at 7.30, at Mr Ash's public-house, in Prospect-row. He was sober, but scarcely spoke to anyone. - Mr John Lyans, at 8.50 pm. on Saturday was in the road under the Hoe, overlooking Pebble-side, walking towards Millbay, when he had his attention drawn to a man who had gone into the water. On looking he saw something dark in the sea and on going down over the steps he saw a hat. Witness stripped off his shoes and entered the water to his waist, when he saw the body of a man floating on his back. He caught hold of it, and pulled it towards the beach. The deceased did not show any signs of consciousness at the time. Witness succeeded in getting him on the beach before any assistance came. The body was warm, and two or three gentlemen came down when they found the pulse beating. A medical gentleman came, and efforts were made to restore respiration, but without success. The Jury returned a verdict that deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 3 June 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - Alarming Accident On The South Devon Railway. A Stoker Killed. - An accident of a very alarming character, and which, we regret to state, has already been attended with the loss of one life, occurred between Newton and Totnes, about two o'clock yesterday morning. A luggage train, made up mostly of empty trucks, left Newton for Plymouth, and proceeded all right till it had reached the bottom of the incline about a mile and a half from the Totnes station, when the engine "Hercules," which had only come out of the shed at Newton new on the previous day, unaccountably left the metals and the trucks suddenly snapping the coupling chain from it, it ran on to the up line, where it turned over on its side, throwing the driver, Charles Daw, and the stoker, WILLIAM STEVENS, violently out. The former was severely cut about the head, and was likewise scalded very much about the neck and shoulders by the steam from the engine. STEVENS was even more unfortunate, for although not so badly cut as the other, he fell where the boiling water poured on him, and he was so severely scalded that he died about two o'clock yesterday afternoon. - The trucks, some on the line and about a dozen off, after the coupling chain of the engine had been broken, proceeded at least a quarter of a mile further on the line before they came to a standstill, four or five of them being smashed to pieces, and strewn all over the line. Had the accident occurred a minute before, a collision with another luggage train was inevitable. In fact, the up train had no sooner passed than the driver of it heard a crash, followed with a great noise, resulting from the escape of steam from the engine. - Believing something very serious had occurred to the down train, they at once pulled up, and on going back they found the engine across the line, and the two poor fellows mentioned above, in a very helpless condition. They were taken up, placed in the rear of the up luggage train and taken on to Newton. At Dainton tunnel they informed the pointsman what had occurred and he telegraphed on to Newton, so that by the time the train reached the station, Dr Gaye and Dr Drake were in attendance. The poor fellows were removed to the Cottage Hospital, where STEVENS lingered in great agony for about twelve hours, when death put an end to his sufferings. He was perfectly conscious up to within an hour of his death and repeatedly inquired after his mate. So serious are the injuries Dawe sustained that faint hopes are entertained of his recovery. The traffic was interrupted for several hours. The luggage and mail bags of the down early mail train had to be transferred, as had also, that of one or two of the other up and down morning trains, but the line was cleared in time for the 8.35 a.m. fast express from Plymouth to pass. Comparatively little damage was done to the engine, nor were the trucks much damaged. The cause of the engine leaving the line is a mystery; and so quickly did it turn over on its side when off the metals that the driver had not time even to blow the alarm whistle. - The Inquest. - An Inquest on the body of STEVENS was held last evening by Mr Michelmore, Coroner, at the Cottage Hospital. JOHN STEVENS said that the deceased was his son, and was 20 years of age that day. A soon as he heard of the accident that morning he went to the station and was then told that his son was in the waiting-room. The deceased, it would seem, heard him, for he called out and said, "Father do come in and take care of me before I die." He went in and said, "My boy you may get better," to which he replied, "Oh! father, never." He accompanied him to the Cottage Hospital, and remained with him up to the time of his death. At this stage of the proceedings the Coroner adjourned the Enquiry in order to procure further evidence.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 June 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - The Fatal Railway Accident Near Totnes. The Adjourned Inquest. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of WILLIAM AUGUSTUS STEPHENS, stoker of the engine Hercules, who died from injuries received in the railway accident near Totnes on Tuesday morning, was held at the Newton Townhall yesterday, by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner. - John Waldron, porter in the employ of the South Devon Railway Company, was the first witness called. He knew the deceased and saw him on Tuesday morning last, when witness was in charge of the special goods train from Newton to Plymouth. Witness was head guard, and left Newton at 12.35 a.m. on Tuesday morning. It was witness's duty before the train left to see that everything was right. The train consisted of twenty-six trucks of miscellaneous description and one engine. Charles Dawe was the driver of the engine, and the deceased was stoker. Witness examined the train on both sides before it left Newton, and it was all right. Witness rode in the last van, and another guard, called John Haywood, rode in the brake-van, about midway in the train. The train was stopped just beyond Torquay junction and divided, as it was too heavy to get up the incline. Haywood went on with the first part of the train, and witness remained with the second part, which got to Dainton Tunnel about two o'clock. At Dainton the train was united, after about five minutes delay. At the time the accident occurred it was very dark, and witness could not tell whether the engine had steam on or not. Witness's attention was first aroused by something coming against the side of the van he was in, whereupon he immediately put on the brake. Witness heard no brake whistle. The up goods train had passed the special just before witness felt the banging against the carriage, and had stopped near the tunnel to be divided. When witness stopped his train he got out to see what was the matter, and heard the guard of the goods up train calling out. Witness walked on to the engine with his lamp, and heard the guard of the other train again call for help. The van in which witness had been and thirteen trucks remained on the line. The other trucks and the engine had gone off the line and the second half of the train had gone on in front of it before it was brought to a standstill. Witness found the engine in a field about 250 yards behind the spot where his van had stopped. The men were lying about a yard from the engine among some large stones crying for help. They were taken to a carriage in the up goods train and conveyed to Newton. Witness believed that what struck his van was the tender part of the engine, as the lamp-iron outside the van was smashed and the glass of the van broken. The tender of the engine was projecting over the line. - In reply to a Juror, witness said he accounted for the tender striking his van and not striking the trucks because his van projected more out over the rails than the trucks would. There was nothing lying on the stoker and driver when they were picked up. - John Haywood, a porter, on Tuesday morning last was second guard of the special goods train from Newton. Witness was riding in the middle (brake) van. When the train had been united at Dainton, and was going down the incline, witness was startled by a sudden gust of steam and smoke coming into his van. Witness put the brake on, and the train was brought to a standstill within half a minute. Witness got out of his van and found several trucks across the line, but could see nothing of the engine. There was a timber truck in front of the train, which had canted over between the two lines of rails in front of all the other trucks. Hearing the guard of the up-goods train calling out, witness went backwards past the trucks which were on the line, and about 350 yards behind found the engine upset in a field. The coupling links between the engine and carriages were smashed and the buffers of the engine knocked off. Witness could not account at all for the accident. The up-goods train passed the special all right, and in no way caused the accident. - George Cole, a goods train guard, was working the 11.30 p.m. goods train from Plymouth to Exeter on Monday night. At 2.12 a.m. on Tuesday morning he met the down special goods at Dainton incline. Just before the train passed witness and the other guard had divided their train (the up goods), and witness, hearing the down goods coming, got into his own van until he had passed. Just after it had passed witness heard a sudden rush of steam, and looked back, but could see nothing because of the steam blowing about. He could still hear the steam going off from the engine. When the steam cleared witness (whose van was about 50 or 100 yards from where the engine went off the line) saw the locomotive lying in the field, and STEPHENS, who was making loud cries for help, about nine yards from the engine, on his hands and knees. One part of the train had passed on, and was about 300 yards down the line. Witness thought the special, which passed the up-goods all right, was going at a rate of from twenty-five to thirty miles, which was rather a high speed. The highest rate speed at which goods trains were allowed to run was twenty miles an hour. Witness got the driver and stoker (the former of whom was lying on his back in the field as if dead) into a part of the up-goods train, and after telling the switchman at Dainton to telegraph for medical aid at Newton, the men were taken on to the latter place with all speed. Witness did not hear from the injured men how the accident happened. They were in a pitiable state, and their cries were heartrending. - Mr Wright, superintendent of the locomotive department on the South Devon Railway, said the deceased came into the company's employ in January 1873. He had been on an engine nearly the whole of the time, but never with passenger trains. He was spare fireman, and had to take the place of any fireman who was ill, or else to pilot an extra goods train. He was a steady man and a very good fireman. No men were employed as firemen under 19 years of age, and then they were put on yard pilot engines. Deceased was fully capable of undertaking the duties of fireman. - Mr Compton, traffic superintendent of the South Devon Railway, heard of the accident at about five o'clock on Tuesday morning, and repaired at once to the scene, and found the trucks as described, except that one of them was down in a field. Witness examined the line. The permanent way was injured where the engine left the rails, but not to the extent he should have expected. He traced something having been off the line for about a quarter of a mile before the scene of the accident; but he could not say whether it was a truck or the engine. There were marks of a wheel on the transepts and the longitudinal timbers. It did not follow if a truck or engine went off the line that a driver or stoker would know of the fact. He had known of such cases where they did not. He examined the permanent way at the spot he first saw the mark of the wheel, but there was nothing wrong with it. He found nothing to account for the engine or trucks leaving the line. The working book of the company, which every driver had a copy of, laid down that the speed of goods trains was not to exceed twenty miles an hour. The truck in the field was on its side, but not much injured. It belonged to the down, and not to the up-goods train. The speed of the train was limited to twenty miles an hour, as that was thought to be a safe speed. It did not follow necessarily that the extra speed would cause the train to go off the line. At the point he first saw the mark in the permanent way there was a curve, but not a very sharp one. - Mr J. J. Drake, surgeon, of Newton, saw the deceased at the station about three o'clock on Tuesday morning, and found him partly unconscious and greatly scalded about the face and hands. He was removed to the Cottage Hospital with Dawe, the driver. At the Cottage Hospital he found that deceased was scalded from head to foot; in fact, there was hardly a sound piece of flesh in him, and some of the skin came off when his clothes were taken off him. He died the same day about two o'clock from the effects of scalding. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, pointed out that there was no evidence to shew how the train ran off the line. Mr Compton found traces of something having been off the line for a quarter of a mile, but he did not fancy it could have been the engine, because, then in all probability, the stoker and driver would have been aware of the fact, though it was just possible they might not have been. In all probability, however, by the engine jerking over the line they would have known of such an occurrence, and have blown the brake whistle, but the guards of the train, and Cole, the other guard, heard nothing of the sort. Cole saw the train pass him, and it appeared to him to be all right, but they had evidence that something had been off the line for a quarter of a mile, and, therefore, when the special goods passed Cole something must have been wrong, and the probability was that a truck must have gone off the line - perhaps the timber truck, which was fourth behind the engine at Newton, but which, after the accident, was found smashed in front of the train. There appeared to be no fault on anyone's part, and if the train was being driven at too great a speed that was the fault of the men on the engine. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and gave their fees to the Cottage Hospital.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 10 June 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Fearful Fall From A Viaduct At Devonport. - Mr Bone, Borough Coroner for Devonport, held an Inquest on Monday at the Sportsman's Arms, Ford, Devonport, on the body of a man of 70 years of age, named GEORGE WINNACOTT, who met his death by falling from a viaduct situate near Ford-road, and belonging to the Cornwall railway. It appeared from the evidence adduced that the deceased who was a naval pensioner, was much addicted to intemperate habits, and, as a witness affirmed, though he was in reality an intellectual man, yet when in drink he did things which otherwise he would not be capable of doing. The same witness, a person with whom the deceased had resided, also stated that it was his firm belief that the deceased had not for the last six weeks taken off his clothes; in fact, during the whole of that period he had been in a state of semi-intoxication, and he (witness) had observed that he had partaken of but one meal during that time. The deceased left his home on Wednesday morning without the knowledge of anyone. On Sunday a man named Pengelly saw him topple over the viaduct which is upwards of ninety feet from the road, and fall with fearful violence to the ground. He immediately ran to where the man had fallen, but found life extinct - death having been instantaneous. The Jury, which was a double one, returned the following verdict:- "That the deceased died from the effect of mortal injury occasioned by a fall from the Keyham Viaduct into the Ford-road, but whether such fall was wilful or accidental there was no evidence to determine."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 June 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday respecting the death of ALFRED BRITON, aged nine years. The deceased was ridden over about three weeks since, but did not complain of injury. A fortnight ago, however, he sprained one of his ankles, and had to be taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died on Sunday. According to the medical testimony death was caused by heart disease, accelerated by injury to the ankle; and a verdict in accordance with the evidence was given.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 11 June 1874
TAVISTOCK - Accident At Lomburn, near Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the Harvest Home inn, Lomburn, yesterday afternoon, on the body of ALFRED RICE, a child twenty months old, who on the previous day was accidentally suffocated in a tub of water. A verdict was returned in accordance with the facts.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 June 1874
BRIXHAM - An inquest was held last evening at Brixham concerning the death of JOHN MILLER, aged 14 years, who was killed whilst bird nesting on the cliffs, near Maidstone, on Monday evening. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 June 1874
PAIGNTON - On Monday evening at Paignton, the infant son of MR NICHOLAS HUNT, of Matthew House, Paignton, was found drowned in a tub of water near the house. An Inquest was held yesterday and a verdict of Accidental Death returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 June 1874
WINKLEIGH - The Inquest on the girl ELIZABETH PALMER, who gave birth to a dead child at Winkleigh, and died a short time afterwards, has resulted in a verdict that death was caused by some narcotic and virulent poison, taken with the view of procuring abortion, but by whom administered there was no evidence to show.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 13 June 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident By Falling Downstairs. - Yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, at the Harvest Home Hotel, Tavistock-road, on the body of WILLIAM MADDOCK, who at the time of his death was 73 years of age, and resided at 19 Clarence-street. On the 29th May, a fortnight since, at about 10.30 p.m. the deceased was ascending a flight of stairs, when he missed his foot and fell to the ground, violently striking his head and back. Mr Wm. Square, M.R.C.S., stated that he saw the deceased on the morning after the accident and found him much bruised. At the back of his head was a slight cut, and he had all the appearance of suffering from concussion of the brain. At first he became somewhat better, but not for long and he gradually sank until he expired on Thursday last. Witness said that the deceased had fallen down several times before in the street, and thought it must have resulted from attacks of apoplexy, to which the deceased had been subject. There was no doubt that death was caused by concussion of the brain produced from a fall, and to this effect the Jury, of which Mr William Maddock was Foreman, returned their verdict.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 16 June 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Coxside. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening, at the Plymouth Guildhall, on the bodies of THOMAS HENRY PHILLIPS KEEN, who, in company with GEORGE NAZARETH WATTS, met his death under the circumstances of which an account was given in our issue of yesterday. LOUISA KEEN said she was the mother of the deceased, who was eight years of age at the time of his death. He left his house at 16 Green-street, on Saturday last, at half-past twelve. - Charles Bradford, a boy said he saw the deceased bathing at Coxside. He then went away, and when he came back the deceased was nowhere to be seen. - By the Foreman: There were several boys bigger than the deceased in the water at the time. - Wm. Dawe stated that on Saturday last he was walking on the timbers at Coxside, when he saw the body of a boy floating on the water. He dragged it ashore, but found that life was perfectly extinct. Witness also stated that boys are very greatly in the habit of bathing at this place, some parts of which are very dangerous. The Jury, of which Mr John Burt was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - In reference to the death of GEORGE NAZARETH WATTS, CHARLES WATTS, the father of the deceased, said the latter was nine years old at the time of his death. The body was picked up at Coxside at 10 p.m. on Saturday. The Jury returned a similar verdict to the one given in the last case. Some remarks were made as to the desirability of preventing boys from bathing on the timbers at Coxside.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 June 1874
EXETER - An Inquest has been held at Exeter respecting the death of SABINA TARRINGTON, who had died from concussion of the brain caused by falling downstairs. The deceased who was a widow 63 years of age, resided at the College in the Close.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 18 June 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner and a Jury, of which Mr Graham was Foreman, held two Inquests yesterday afternoon at the Royal Naval Hospital, the first being on the body of ROBERT MEREDITH, aged 57 years, who was a naval pensioner, and resided in Park-street, Plymouth. The deceased fell from the side of a vessel, into the dry dock, as already reported in the Mercury. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 18 June 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - An Enquiry was held for the purpose of investigating the cause of the death of HENRY EAKINS, aged 54 years, who was a private in the Royal Marines. It appeared that during the past few months the deceased had complained of a pain in his left side. On Tuesday morning last the deceased amongst others was in attendance at his drill at Longroom, when he expressed a wish to "fall out" as he felt unwell. Soon after it was found necessary to remove him to the Longroom Infirmary, where, upon taking some stimulants, he rallied, and was put to bed, but expired just after eleven o'clock on the same evening. Dr Adams, on making a post mortem examination of the body of the deceased, found the cause of death to result from a fatty degeneration and enlargement of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 18 June 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest at Devonport. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, by Mr A. B. Bone, Borough Coroner, on the body of GEORGE PALMER, who met his death by unfortunately falling off a scaffolding. Richard Dobbs said that he, in company with the deceased and three other men, was working at Lady Devonshire's house, near the Victualling Yard, Stonehouse. They were standing on a scaffolding, which was about forty feet from the ground. The witness had occasion to go on the roof, and he had no sooner done so when he heard something giving way, and, on turning round, was horror stricken to perceive a part of the scaffolding had broken away, and the men who were upon it were precipitated to the ground. Witness descended, and finding the men much hurt, went and procured assistance. He was of opinion that the accident had been caused by the breaking of a "putlog," which is a piece of wood employed to support the planks on the scaffolding. The piece of wood was produced and appeared to be quite rotten and worm-eaten. It appeared that in the erection of the scaffolding this putlock had been put aside as unfit for use, but it had unfortunately happened that it had been taken up by the deceased who did not seem to be aware of its rottenness and was placed by him in a position which was ultimately the cause of an accident. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 19 June 1874
DAWLISH - The Case Of Drowning Near The Warren. - In Wednesday's Mercury, we gave an account of a man having been found drowned in the river near the Warren. Up to the time when an Inquest was held on the body, (name of the deceased was unknown). It has since been ascertained that the deceased was called GEORGE MORTIMER, he was a native of Teignmouth, and on the day when he met his death, he left home for the purpose of going to Exmouth. As there was a precipice near where the body of the deceased was found, it is supposed MORTIMER accidentally fell off, and thus met with his death. He has a wife in service at Torquay.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 June 1874
IVYBRIDGE - Fatal Threshing Machine Accident. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Dinnaton Farm, near Ivybridge, relative to the death of WILLIAM WALKE, aged 16 years, a servant in the employ of Mr H. Horton, farmer, who died from lockjaw on Saturday last. Mr Horton stated that the deceased was on the 12th inst. working a threshing machine, drawn by horses, when the machine suddenly stopped, and upon him going to the spot he found the deceased lying upon the ground, with his left foot caught under the driving bar of the machine. Witness asked the deceased how he came there, and he replied that he got down to tie one of the horses, which was loose, and the machine caught his foot. Mr Holmes, surgeon, said that he was called to see the deceased on the 12th inst., and found him suffering from an injured foot. He saw him again on the 14th and 15th and thinking that the deceased was progressing favourably he did not go again to see him until Friday last. On Saturday he met Mr Langworthy, surgeon, who told him that he had been to see the deceased, and thought it was a hopeless case. Witness went to the house directly, and found that lockjaw had set in, and that the lad was dying. He gave the mother of the deceased a certificate for his burial, and did not think an Inquest was necessary. - PEGGY WALKE mother of the deceased, said that on Wednesday last she went to Mr Holmes's house and asked him to come and see the deceased, because he had become worse. Mr Holmes said that he could not attend because he had other business. Witness had to go to the doctor's house several times before to ask him to come to see her son. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 June 1874
ASHBURTON - The Fatal Gun Accident At Ashburton. - Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Enquiry yesterday respecting the death of MRS HONEYWILL, and her infant child under circumstances already reported. The gun was a double-barrelled one, and both barrels were charged when left in the room by deceased's husband. The charge was so heavy that the deceased was quite bespatted with shot, and when presented at the Inquest one barrel was still loaded, and was discharged by a Juryman. The funeral will take place today.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 1 July 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Murder At Stonehouse. The Coroner's Inquest - Verdict Of Wilful Murder. - The shocking murder at Stonehouse by the Marine pensioner, THOMAS MACDONALD, of his paramour, BRIDGET WELSH, formed the one topic of conversation in the Three Towns yesterday. A rumour got afloat in the early morning that MACDONALD had expired from the effects of his self-inflicted injuries, but there was no truth in the report; and so far from being dead, there is every prospect of his speedy recovery, and no fear whatever of a relapse is entertained. The Inquest, owing to a variety of unforeseen circumstances, was not held till late in the afternoon, when Dr Sleman, the Deputy Coroner, sat with a Jury to investigate the circumstances connected with the tragedy. The Enquiry was held at the Market-house Inn, from whence, previous to hearing the evidence, the Jury proceeded to the house in Fore-street, where the body of the deceased was lying, for the purpose of viewing the corpse. The body was lying in a room just adjoining the entrance passage, being upon the floor in the same position as it was when the door was smashed open by neighbours for the purpose of discovering the cause of the unlocked windows. The face was disfigured by a deep scar near the mouth; the forehead had been smashed in the centre, and across the right hand also was there the mark of a severe blow. The face had the appearance of having been washed and relieved of its bloody stains, but upon the floor the head itself was lying weltering in a great quantity of congealed blood. By the side of the deceased was a pillow upon which MACDONALD is said to have been found resting his head, and behind the pillow was a pan partially filled with blood and water, in which the man had apparently washed his hands and the face of the deceased after committing the crime. A cursory glance showed the small room to be comfortably furnished with a sofa, chest of drawers, table, and several pictures, the bedroom in which they were accustomed to sleep being, it should be understood, upstairs. After the Jury had viewed the battered remains they returned and heard the following evidence:- Jane Phillips: I live in Fore-street, in a house opposite that in which the murder was committed, but I formerly lived in the same house as that in which the body of the deceased now lies, having removed in consequence of the occurrence. It is known by the name of the Newcastle Inn, and I slept there on Sunday and Monday nights. About a quarter to twelve on Sunday night I saw the deceased in the room in which she was murdered. I went into her room because she was quarrelling with THOMAS MACDONALD, and when I entered she was crying about her children. I noticed that she had a bruise on the top of the right hand, and I bound the wound with a handkerchief. She informed me that she would have been just strangled but for her little boy having just entered the window as MACDONALD was attempting to suffocate her. MACDONALD was present, and before him the deceased pointed out the marks in her neck, but he said nothing. I stayed with them some little time and left them apparently reconciled. MACDONALD has only lately come out of hospital, and he was the master of the house. There were several single women residing in the house, but I do not care to state the occupation they follow. The maiden name of the deceased was BRIDGET CASEY; she was a married woman, and had two children - a boy and a girl. - By the Jury: I heard no noise of any kind on Monday morning. I did not rise until half-past eleven, when I was roused by a companion who asked me to run for a policeman. My sleeping room is on the topmost storey of the house. The children do not sleep with the deceased, but the boy was with her on Sunday. They live in Plymouth. I never heard MACDONALD use any threats towards the deceased. The deceased and MACDONALD were in the habit of quarrelling, but I did not see them strike one another, and I never before interfered. I could hear from the "taproom" when they fell out. I believe MACDONALD has been in good health of late. I was not surprised that they were not abed on Sunday night, but they were apparently comfortable when I shook hands and left them at twelve. I never saw MACDONALD drunk, I could not say he was generally sober. MACDONALD was not crying on the occasion I have referred to - it was only the deceased who was in tears. The bruise she told me was inflicted in the day time, it was not done on Saturday, and when the deceased requested me to bind her hand that MACDONALD prevented me from doing so. - Mr Anniss, for the information of the Jury, said he never saw the deceased worse for liquor, in fact she was quite an exception for her class. - William White: Shortly after two o'clock on Monday afternoon, I was standing outside my door in Fore-street, when I saw a number of people around the door of the private house in which the deceased lived. I knew the deceased previously, and being attracted by the mob, went into the house to see what was the matter. On entering the passage I saw a man and woman of whom I enquired the reason of the crowd, and they said they believed that something serious had happened within. To ascertain what was the cause of the door of the deceased's room being locked, I went over and smashed it open. I went into the apartment alone, and the shutters being shut the room was dark, and for a moment I could not distinctly see who were inside. The gas in the centre of the room was a little alight, and a marine who came in after me, turned on the gas, and I then saw MACDONALD lying down on the floor by the side of the deceased. I could see his throat was cut, and thinking he was dead, I felt his pulse, and when the doctor came, by his orders, I gave him some water. MACDONALD lay on his back with his arms crossed on his chest, and on the left-hand side of him an open razor was lying, with which I thought the wound was inflicted. By the side of MACDONALD was the deceased, with her face hidden by a handkerchief loosely thrown over it, and until it was removed I was unable to see what was the matter with her. The deceased's head was resting upon her own boots, the heels being removed from her, and her head upon the instep. I removed the handkerchief from her face, and placed it on again immediately. By the side of the deceased was lying the piece of a bedpost, covered with blood, the weapon being the long square piece of wood produced. I went upstairs, and saw that the bed was in a sort of rummage, but it was perfect, and the piece of post produced did not appear to have been taken from it, nor from the sofa as far as I can say. On further examination of the room downstairs, there was a deal of blood on the floor, near the fireplace, and where MACDONALD cut his throat. When I took off the handkerchief from the forehead of the deceased, I saw the wound, but gave only a rough glance at it then. The woman was dead. When Dr Pearse came, I saw MACDONALD again, and said, "MAC, why did you do it?" He answered, "for justice," and then I asked what he committed the deed with, and he replied, "With that alongside of her" (meaning the wood). On the Monday morning I saw MACDONALD about eight o'clock. He asked me how I was getting on, and if I would have a glass. I told him I did not care about it then, it was too early. This conversation occurred in my house, which he was in the habit of frequenting. I observed nothing peculiar in his manner. He ordered half-a-pint of brandy from me, and drank one-half without any water, and presented me with the other portion of it. MACDONALD had not been in the custom of drinking in my house early mornings, and on Monday morning he was not there three minutes. When he departed he told me to take for the brandy out of the three shillings he had left in my possession; he asked me for ne shilling, which I let him have, and the other he told me to keep to drink his health with, together with my missus. He told me several times he would murder the deceased, but I never took any notice of his threats. - By the Jury: It appears that the deceased was a quarrelsome woman, and was violent especially when in liquor as I have seen her. He said she behaved badly to him. MACDONALD was a very quiet-disposed man, and he has been out of the marines six months. He has lived in this house several years. One could scarcely tell when MACDONALD was the worse for liquor; he could take plenty without showing signs of it. The deceased was 33 and she was married to a man named THOMAS JONES, a stoker in H.M.S. Royal Adelaide. He was home last on Tuesday, but I do not know if he saw his wife then. - Samuel Holwill: I am Sergeant of the Devon County Police stationed at Stonehouse. Yesterday afternoon, about a quarter before one, I was on duty in Union-street, when from information I received I went into Fore-street. I went to the house in question, which is a brothel known by the name of the Newcastle, in consequence of a public-house of that name having been formerly carried on there. I saw there the last witness and several other people in the room, in which the deceased was lying on her back upon the floor. I immediately sent for a doctor, who examined the body on his arrival. I produce the weapon with which I heard MACDONALD confess to White he did the deed. It seems to be the foot-post of the bed, and the bottom of it was covered with wet blood. - The son of the deceased was here brought into the room crying, but as he was much distressed, and did not like to give evidence, the Jury dispensed with his services. - Dr Thomas Pearce: About one o'clock on Monday I was called to this house in Fore-street over which the name of the Newcastle Inn is painted. I saw in an inside room a man and woman lying side by side both apparently lifeless the woman having been dead. I remained there and found the woman cold and stiff. Certainly she had been dead some hours, having been killed probably in the night. I am not aware that this room had been the sleeping room but they were both dressed, the woman only having her boots off. The face of the deceased was covered with a handkerchief which I untied, and underneath I found the skull fractured, and various marks of severe bruises. My first impression was that the wound had been inflicted with a hammer. The brain was exposed, and the wound must have been the result of violence, and might have been inflicted with the piece of wood produced. On satisfying myself that the woman was dead I stepped over her body and examined the man, and found he had a good pulse, but he was unconscious. Some water was thrown over his face, and the cushion taken from underneath his head, and he then made various movements and gradually consciousness returned. It was a quarter of an hour from the time I entered that I noticed certain vague movements of the man, and perceived indistinct mutterings. He was not sick whilst I was present, but there was vomiting matter near him, much nearer to him than to the deceased. there is no doubt that the cause of death was the injury to the brain. There was a deal of blood about which might have come from deceased. She was blanched, but this might have resulted from death or bloodlessness, but there was no blood on her face. It was evident attention had been paid the deceased after death from the manner in which the body and the head had been arranged. - The Coroner here observed that there was no doubt whatever in his mind what was the cause of death, but still in a case of this magnitude the Jury must go further. Mr Pearse made a superficial examination of the body, just the same as he himself should have done, but there was no doubt that the fracture was much more extensive than it would appear on the face of it. Now they had heard that there was poison in the room, and consequently, although he valued the time of the Jury, he thought that they must adjourn in order that a post mortem examination might be made, so that no doubt might arise that the deceased had taken of the poison. He was himself perfectly satisfied as to the cause of death, and should be satisfied with the evidence of the medical man. He would rely on the opinion of the Jury. - A Juror asked Dr Pearse if he thought by the appearance the woman now presented that she had taken poison? - Dr Pearse replied that he had not seen the deceased since, but The Coroner remarked that there was no appearance whatever which would lead anyone to suspect that the deceased had taken poison. - A Juror said Dr Pearse thought the woman had been dead several hours, but the vomiting was near the man and not near the woman. He could not see the necessity of adjourning. - The Coroner then proceeded to sum up, and in so doing alluded to the energy the police had exhibited in the case. The Jury would need no long address from him, for the case was clear, and there was no doubt whatever that the deceased was murdered by MACDONAD. The case could not be construed into one of manslaughter. - The Jury immediately returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against MACDONALD. 

Western Morning News, Friday 3 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - A Violent End To A Depraved Life. - Mr Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of ELIZABETH JANE BROWN, who was found drowned under the Plymouth Hoe on Wednesday morning. - Eliza Torrington said that the deceased was her companion, and resided at 83 Fore-street, Stonehouse. On Tuesday afternoon last she and deceased were at the Sutton Pool Regatta, and about 8.30 o'clock the same evening the deceased met a navvy in High-street, Plymouth. Previous to meeting him witness asked the deceased to go home with her, as she (witness) had borrowed the clothes which deceased was wearing. Deceased, in consequence, became angry, and a few minutes afterwards she missed the navvy and the deceased, and did not see either of them again that night. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said that deceased was rather the worse for liquor on Tuesday night, but knew what she was about. About five months ago the deceased was helplessly drunk, and on going into the room she found she had cut her throat, but not seriously. The following morning the deceased was ashamed of what she had done. - Witnesses gave evidence as to finding the body near the aquarium at Tinside, under the Plymouth Hoe, and as to her clothes - which she had borrowed - being on the rocks; and Mr Williams, Coroner's Officer, stated that he examined the body, and found no marks of violence on it. He had communicated with the friends of the deceased at Truro, but had received no answer. - Mr Marshall, the agent for the Anti-C.D. Act Association, asked if he might be allowed to say something to which the coroner answered in the negative. - Marshall said he knew more than had been stated; and the Coroner remarked that if the Jury wished him to be called as a witness they could do so. - The Jury first declined to hear what he had to say, but afterwards consented to do so. - Marshall then stated that he had had frequent conversations with the deceased during the past three or four years, and on many occasions she said she would kill herself rather than be dragged about like she had been. She seemed to be dissatisfied with her course of life, and witness offered to send her home or into some institution, but she would not agree to go. He believed she was not in her right mind at times. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that when she drowned herself the deceased did not forget that she was in possession of borrowed clothes, for which her companion was responsible. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 3 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Accident At Coxside. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday respecting the death of a Dutch lad named DIRKS, aged 14 years. The deceased was cook of the Dutch vessel Johanna, and was guiding a shute by which a cargo of china clay was taken on board, when he accidentally let go the rope, and the shute fell upon his head, breaking his skull, and killed him on the spot. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned. 

Western Morning News, Monday 6 July 1874
APPLEDORE - The Fatal Boat Accident At Appledore. - Happily the accident that occurred off Appledore on Friday night was not so disastrous as at first thought. It was believed by those who witnessed the accident that there were four men in the boat when it capsized, and for some time the only survivor, George Swindale, was so much exhausted to state the real facts. When, however, he became conscious, he stated that only he and another young man, named EDWARD HOOPER, were in the boat. HOOPER, who was a good swimmer, tried to reach the shore, but a heavy sea was running and he was drowned in the attempt. His body was picked up on Saturday, and at the Inquest a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. It appears that the young men were cautioned against going out in the boat.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 July 1874
MILTON ABBOT - Fatal Mining Accident. - An Inquest was yesterday held by Mr Rodd, County Coroner, at Milton Abbott, concerning the death of JAMES SOUTHCOTT, a miner, 57 years of age, who received a fatal injury at the Hogstor Manganese Works, the property of Messrs. Sims. On the 30th ult. deceased was working on the surface with a man named Ellery, underlaying a piece of ground, which was about 15 feet high. Without any previous warning the ground fell away, and the men made haste to escape, but in doing so a small quantity struck deceased, and threw him on the metal of the railway which runs through the mine. SOUTHCOTT received such injuries that he died on Saturday morning. The Inquiry was adjourned in order that Dr Foster, the inspector of mines, might be present, and the Coroner directed Mr Northey, surgeon, in the meantime to make a post mortem examination.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 10 July 1874
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Torquay. - On Monday last MR W. HARDING, pawnbroker, of Higher Union-street, was riding on a bus to Torre Station, and in shifting from his seat received some internal injury, through falling on a lamp, and died early on Wednesday. An Inquest was held last evening, at the Castle Inn, and a verdict in accordance with the facts returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 July 1874
TOPSHAM - Killed On The Railway. - Mr R. R. Crosse held an Inquest at Topsham on Saturday, respecting the death of the man WILLIAM REED, whose death, by being run over by a train on the Exeter and Exmouth Railway, was reported in Friday's Western Morning News. The accident occurred on Thursday shortly after noon, at the Newcourt crossing near Topsham, under circumstances which raised the suspicion that it was a case of suicide, and the evidence did not altogether remove the suspicion. Henry Pope, driver of the 1.20 p.m. luggage train from Exeter, said he passed Newcourt crossing about three minutes late. He saw no one there, but it was possible that the deceased might have stepped out behind the corner of the hedge just as the train came up without his observing him. Later in the day he examined his engine at Exmouth, and found upon it traces of hair and blood, shewing that he had run over someone. - William Smith, stoker, gave corroborative evidence. - John Routley, a farm labourer, who was working with the deceased on the day in question, stated that they stopped for dinner about quarter past one o'clock. After dinner they slept a little while, and on awaking deceased asked him how much of the dinner time there was left. Witness told him "five and twenty minutes." Immediately afterwards deceased walked away towards the railway, and Routley saw him no more alive. He had heard the deceased say, on the morning of the same day, that his head was full of trouble, but he gave no explanation. - Samuel Moore, foreman platelayer, found the body at the spot named, the information that it was lying there having been brought to Topsham station by the driver of the next passenger train. The deceased's hat was lying close to the gateway of the crossing; and his body, face downwards, was about three feet from the metals. - The evidence of Mr Gibbs, M.D., who examined the body, shewed that it had been crushed by one or more of the wheels of the train. The right collar bone, all the ribs on the right side, and the right fore-arm were broken; and the right side of the skull was fractured and laid bare. The injuries were such as must have caused instant death. The Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 13 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Marine Pensioner. - On Saturday afternoon last, Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr R. Steere was Foreman, assembled at the Cobourg Inn, Cobourg-street, to Enquire into the cause of the death of THOMAS CARL, a Marine pensioner, aged 46 years, who resided at 37 James-street. The evidence was to the effect that the deceased retired to rest on Friday night in his usual health. About one o'clock in the morning he awoke, feeling very thirsty, and after drinking some water he again fell asleep. About four o'clock the deceased's wife awoke and found her husband in a state of unconsciousness, in which he continued to remain for a short time, when he expired. The deceased had recently been engaged in the sugar refinery. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 14 July 1874
SOUTH MOLTON - An Inquest was held on Friday evening on the body of a child named TOM SMITH, aged seven years, who was killed about noon the same day by being crushed beneath the wheels of a waggon laden with lime. No blame was attached to the driver, as the child attempted to strike the horses unseen by him, and was knocked down by the shaft of the waggon, when the wheels passed over his body. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 July 1874
MILTON ABBOT - Crushed To Death. - An adjourned inquest was yesterday held at Milton Abbot by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, concerning the death of JAMES SOUTHCOTT, aged 57 years, who received such injuries at the Hogster Manganese Works on the 30th ult. as to result in his death on the following Saturday. The Inquiry had been adjourned in order that Mr Le Neve Foster, Government Inspector of Mines, might be present. The evidence shewed that deceased had been working in a quarry at the mines as tram filler, when a heading suddenly fell away, burying SOUTHCOTT and another man named Ellery, who has also died since. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 16 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Death In A Cell. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr John Bickle was Foreman, yesterday met at the Plymouth Borough Prisons to investigate the cause of the death of MARY NORRIS, aged 31 years, she being a recent prisoner in the gaol. Mary Abbot, a widow residing in Lower-street, knew the deceased to be the wife of a mate of a merchant vessel. The deceased who resided at Gascoyne-street, had been recently very ill and under the care of Dr Sheppeard. The witness had attended her during her illness. She had four children, one only eleven weeks old. Since her last confinement she had been very much addicted to drink. P.C. Yabsley was aware that the prisoner had been four times previously convicted, also that on Monday she was fined 5s. and costs, and in consequence of her inability to pay the fine was sent to prison in the afternoon for a period of seven days. On the way to the prison in company with P.C. Yabsley, she complained of weakness, and in consequence the police constable allowed her to rest as often as she wished to do so. The governor of the prison, Mr John Sim, received the prisoner at about five o'clock on Monday, and it was reported to him on the following morning that she and been found dead in bed. A Juryman: Was any report made to you with respect to the weakness of the deceased? - The Governor: No communication was made to me when the deceased was brought in. Dr Stevens, surgeon of the prison, paid the usual daily visits on Monday afternoon and afterwards visited the prisoners, who had been admitted during the day, and examined the condition of the deceased, who complained of being ill. The witness noticed that she was delicate and emaciated. The deceased in reply to a question admitted that she had recently been under the care of Dr Sheppeard. The witness gave an order for the deceased to have full diet. His opinion was that the deceased died from sudden cessation of the action of the heart during sleep. A Juryman: Did you think it was necessary for anyone to have watched her during the night? - Witness: No. It did not appear that she did. The warders discovered the deceased to be dead on Tuesday morning. During the night the deceased was able to communicate to the matron by means of a bell, but this she did not do. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 17 July 1874
YELVERTON - Inquest at Hole's Hole. - An Inquest was held yesterday Mr Rodd, at Hole's Hole, respecting the death of HARRY R. SAMBELLS, aged eleven years. About six weeks ago the deceased was bitten in the thigh by a dog, and three or four days afterwards was seen by a surgeon, who did not see him again until Sunday last, when he found him suffering from typhoid fever. The child died on Tuesday, and a post mortem examination was made by Mr Kent and Mr Thorn, of the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport. The examination clearly shewed that death was caused by typhoid fever, and not by the dog bite, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 20 July 1874
TEIGNMOUTH - Five Persons Drowned At Teignmouth. The Boatman Committed For Manslaughter. - Considerable consternation was occasioned at Teignmouth, about noon on Saturday, by a report being circulated that five persons (four young women and a young man) had been drowned within a few yards of the beach, opposite the mouth of the railway tunnel, near East Teignmouth Church, by the upsetting of a boat. The report, we regret to say, proved too true. Teignmouth and Dawlish just at this time of the year are places of great resort for excursionists. On Saturday last an excursion ran for the employees at Messrs. Robinson, printers, &c. of Bristol. Nearly 200 persons, most of them being females, comprised the party. Some got out at Dawlish, and others at Teignmouth. Among those who got out at the former place were AGNES SAUNDERS, EMILY LLEWILLYN, LILLIE BOWRING, ELIZA TOVEY, and a young man whose name at present is unknown. After awhile they fell in company with some young men, and then it was agreed that they should take a boat and row to Teignmouth. It was a beautiful day, the sun shone brightly, and very little wind was astir, but such as there was blew from the east, which generally creates a deal of surf along the coast between Dawlish and Teignmouth. They engaged a boat of a man named Payne, not by any means an experienced boatman, and he agreed to take ten of them to Teignmouth at 6d. a head. The boat only measured about 14ft by 5ft., so that it was well filled. Payne assuring them it was perfectly safe, they went. They proceeded all right till after passing the rocks known as the "Parson," about a mile and half from Teignmouth, when one of the young ladies noticed the boat was making water. She drew the boatman's attention to it, but he took no notice. By and bye as they approached Teignmouth, keeping all the way near the beach, they encountered a great deal of surf. The occupants it would seem became uneasy, and what with their moving about and the surf, the boat upset, and they were thrown into the water. The struggling that ensued is described by those who witnessed it from the shore as being very appalling. The poor females, not one of them over 23 years of age, struggled desperately for their lives. They seized hold of each other, but only to render their deaths the more certain, for not one of the females could swim. One of them laid hold of the boatman who said he had to shake her off to save his own life. Thus all four of the females were drowned, and a young man, whose name has not yet been ascertained. The others swam ashore. Unfortunately there was no boat at hand to go to their assistance. Efforts were made by some of those on shore to save those who were drowned, but unfortunately they were not sufficiently timely. All the bodies were recovered within twenty minutes after the boat upset, but although every effort was made by Dr Lake, the Rev. Mr Deshon, and others, to restore animation, it was of no avail. The whole of the young girls were described as being very handsome. One of them was about to be married, and it is reported that her intended not having been able to come with her sent a companion of his, the young man who was drowned with them. - The Inquest. - The bodies were removed to the Teignmouth Infirmary, where, Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, late in the evening held an Inquest on them. The following was the evidence adduced:- William Sharland said: I reside in Clifton-street, Stapleton-road, Bristol. I have seen the five bodies of the deceased and I identify the four women. They were called EMILY LLEWILLYN, LILLY BOWRING, ELIZA TOVEY, and AGNES SAUNDERS. They all lived, I believe, in Bristol, and were employed by Messrs. Robinson. Today about 250 of our work-people, the four young women being of the party, came down from Bristol for an excursion in the South of Devon. Our tickets allowed us to get out either at Dawlish or Teignmouth. A great many of the party got out at Dawlish, but I came on to Teignmouth. We reached here between ten and eleven o'clock. I was walking along the beach towards Dawlish, intending to walk to the latter place, when I saw a boat with two men in it just off, and I heard the men say "Pull along sharp, and send for the life boat." It was then, I should say, about a quarter past twelve o'clock. In about ten minutes I saw the men pull up two bodies and bring them ashore. I went to the boat and identified the bodies as LILLY BOWRING and EMILY LLEWILLYN. I had nothing to do with the party after they left the train, and I don't know anything as to what they had been doing. I have seen the fifth body lying in the mortuary attached to the Infirmary, and it is that of a young man, but I cannot identify him. - John Stacey said: I am in my nineteenth year and work for Messrs. Robinson, of Bristol. I came down today with the excursion party from Bristol, and got out at Dawlish with several others. I, Frederick Parfitt, Frederick Thomas, and Frank Bedford, met four girls of the party and a young man with them whom I did not know, and do not think he worked at our place. We saw a boatman and asked him to take us to Teignmouth. We had seen him before we met the girls, and asked him what his charge would be, and he said 6d. a head, but four would be too few. We then asked the girls and the young man to join us. We asked the boatman if the boat would hold nine, and he said "Yes." We went into the boat, the nine of us, and the boatman and a man besides. We had been in the boat about half an hour, and had just passed a rock which the boatman said was called "Parson" or some such name. We were looking at some birds on it, and watching them fly when LILLY BOWRING drew attention to some water in the stern of the boat, which I should say was up to the elastic of her boots. She said to the boatman, "Master, I don't like the water coming in here." I don't think he passed any remark. Then the girl called AGNES showed that the water was up to the top of the elastic, and she said, "Oh, we shall get tipped up," or some such expression. We bys tried to cheer her up, saying it was all right. We asked the boatman if it was. His reply was, "It's only the water coming in at the bow." One of the young men was steering, and wanted to take the boat in, but the boatman told him not to, or the boat would get on to a rock we were passing. After we had gone on a little further, the young man again asked if he should take the boat in, and the boatman replied, "No, for if we did we should get in the surf." We went on, and all at once the boat began to fill. One or two of the girls moved, and said "Oh," but the boatman told them to keep still and he then turned the boat towards the shore, and immediately the boat sank, stern first. I flung myself off and swam ashore. We were then just opposite the tunnel at the end of the beach. When I got to the shore I saw Thomas Parfitt and Bedford, but nothing of the others. The boatman swam ashore before. - William Gilpin said: I am an apprentice to a pilot, and reside at Teignmouth. This afternoon I was standing by Beach House just at the end of the beach at Teignmouth, between twelve and one o'clock, and saw a boat with several people in it being rowed towards Teignmouth. It seemed to me the boat was too near in shore. In about five minutes or more, I saw one or two nasty seas breaking in, and as the seas came, so the young women stood up and moved to leeward. One sea came and took the boat abeam, and threw her over on her side, and she nearly filled, and when the next sea came it turned her completely over, and then some were clinging to the bottom of the boat, and some sprawling about in the water. I got a boat and went off with another man called Albert Dyer, and when we reached the boat that was upset I found her still floating bottom upwards. There were some of the people about the boat, but some few yards off I saw the four young women. I picked up two, but as the sea was so rough I could not get another. I brought the two young women ashore, but they shewed no signs of life. They were taken to the Dawlish Inn. I saw all that occurred and what I have described I saw through a telescope. I watched the boat from the time she came in sight. I consider she was too low in the water, and that with the easterly wind we had today, there were too many in the boat. I should say the boat was 14 or 15 feet long, and may be 5 feet beam. I should not like to take more than five or six in the boat from Dawlish to Teignmouth knowing the coast as I do, for the further you come down the rougher it is. I don't know the owner of the boat that was upset. - P.C. Churchward said: I am stationed at Teignmouth. This afternoon about a quarter past twelve, I was standing on the Den, at the end of the pier, when I was told a boat was upset up by the Breakwater, full of people. As I went I saw the last witness and another man going out in a boat. I then saw a man who told me he had charge of the boat, and two young men coming in from the water. A young man called Elbons, living at Brimley, swam off and brought three bodies in to the shore. When the doctor came he said they were all dead. - Isaac May said: I am chief boatman of the Coastguard at Teignmouth, I have this afternoon seen the boat that was upset when she was brought ashore on the beach. She is fourteen feet in length from out to out, and her breadth four feet seven and a half inches or thereabouts, from out to out. Her depth is one foot nine inches. Her gunwale was knocked, but that was, I should think, done in taking her ashore. I should say at the outside it would not be safe to take more than seven people in such a boat, waterman included. I mean on a calm day, but with the sea at all washy, seven would be rather many. I cannot say if there was a plug there or not. - William Henry Drew said: I am a fishmonger and live in the Commercial -road, Exeter. I was at Dawlish this morning, and on the beach I met my uncle, George Payne, who lives at Dawlish, who told me he was going with a pleasure boat, and I would go with him. He was then waiting for parties to go out. Later on in the morning, he called me to come and told me he was going to Teignmouth with a party. I have often pulled in a boat on the Exe River, but never on the sea. I have been in a boat on the sea, but never in a rough sea, so rough as it was today. It was not rough until we got to the point where we tipped over. When the party were in the boat my uncle took one oar and I the other. I do not know much about seafaring boats, and did not notice there were too many in the boat. One of the young men of the party steered. My uncle directed him which way to steer. When we had got along to the rocks, one of the young women saw there was water coming in the boat, and they got restless. The water came over the stern. Seven of the party were sitting in the stern, and sides, and four of us forward. I heard the young man steering ask if he should turn the boat in, and my uncle said "No, not until we are clear of the rocks," and he told them to sit still, but they would not. I afterwards heard my uncle tell him not to turn the boat in then as it would go into the surf. After this we all began to get afraid, and I pulled as hard as I could to turn the boat in, and just as this was done the young women moved, and the water came in again, and the boat went down. We were all thrown into the water. I can swim. One of the young women clung to me. I held on to the boat which went round and over. I managed to stand in her up to my waist, and I then had hold of the girl. I saw a man swimming out. When he came I told the girl to take hold of him as he was stronger, and she let go me, and giving a "screech" jumped to the man. I then struck out for the shore. Just after I left I heard the man say "I cannot do anything more for you." A looked around and saw the man swimming without the girl then. I did not see her again until the body was brought out. When I got nearly in shore, my uncle and another man walked out and caught hold of me. I could not stand I was so exhausted. When we started the rudder was shipped. I did not hear anyone ask the young man to steer. - William Charles Lake, surgeon, Teignmouth said: I was called this morning to the beach, being told that a boat had upset on that part of the beach near East Teignmouth Church. I went at once, and on my way I was told that the bodies had been taken to the Dawlish Inn. I went there and found two young women stretched on tables in one of the rooms, and several persons busily engaged in endeavouring to restore animation. I endeavoured to produce artificial respiration, which, in fact, those who were there were already doing. We continued at this work about twenty minutes, and then we heard that three other bodies were taken to the Infirmary. Our efforts on the two bodies were unavailing, and I left and came to the Infirmary and there I found the bodies of two young women and a young man. - George Payne, the boatman was then cautioned by the Coroner, but wished to give evidence. He said: I am a labourer, and live in Chapel-street, Dawlish. I don't keep boats myself, but that day I had a boat belonging to Mr Parfitt, of Dawlish, who keeps boats. I have once before had one of his boats and taken a party out. Mr Parfitt knew I was going to have this boat today. He told me he was going out with a boat, and I was to take the other boat and get a job if I could. I am paid by taking half of what I get on the job. By trade I am a mason, and when I have nothing to do I go fishing with the Dawlish fishermen. I have been at that in and out for two or three years. I met the party this morning at Dawlish by the viaduct, , and they told me they wanted to go to Teignmouth in a boat, and I offered to take them. At first four wanted to go, but I told them that was too few to take at sixpence each, and then they said they would get a few more, and then nine came, and I agreed to take them to Teignmouth for sixpence a head. I was told by Mr Parfitt that the boat would take fourteen, and I thought I could take nine. I asked my nephew, William Henry Drew, to go with me. He had been out fishing with me once before, and I knew he could row a boat, but I did not know anything more about his acquaintance with the sea. I did not see anything wrong until one of the young women showed me the water in the bottom of the boat. It was not very much, and I told them it was nothing, and they were to sit still. After that another of the young women said "Oh! master, I wish this water was not here." I said it was all right, the water would not hurt them, and we should soon get in if they would sit still. Before any water was in the boat I made the young man at the helm let go the rudder, as he kept the boat too far in, and I knew if we got in among the breakers we should soon get the boat full. I was pulling the boat out and as soon as the young women saw the breakers coming, they moved and the boat lurched, and another sea coming upset it. I cannot tell where the water came from that was in the bottom of the boat. I did not ask the young man to steer. He took the rudder directly they got into the boat. The party asked me to put them ashore, but not until we came down to the rocks, where, if I had done so, we should have been dashed to pieces. I do not remember if I was asked after, and refused because of the surf. When the boat upset, I was thrown into the water, and I tried to keep up and paddled about for some time, and one of the young women caught hold of me, and nearly pulled me down. I could not get rid of her for some time, but at last I did, and then looked around to see where she was to take her in; but not seeing her I swam ashore, and cold scarcely reach it. I was only engaged to bring the party to Teignmouth. I believe the dimensions of the boat, as given by Isaac May, are correct. I have often taken out other parties before in other boats than Mr Parfitt's. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said that all persons presenting themselves to the public as capable of performing any duty, or filling any office, were supposed to bring to that office a knowledge sufficient for the due performance thereof; and that the point to which the Jury must especially direct their attention, was whether the upsetting of the boat was in any way due to the act of George Payne, the boatman, or whether the upsetting was purely accidental from the moving of the parties in the boat, or from other causes. - The room was then cleared, and the Jury, after some consideration, gave as their verdict that "the five persons were Accidentally Drowned by the upsetting of the boat, but at the same time we are of opinion that the boatman was not sufficiently experienced to take the management of the boat, and we also wish to express our opinion that there were too many persons in the boat, and the boatman was to blame in allowing so many persons in." - The Coroner pointed out to the Jury that he could not accept that verdict, as it was contradictory with its nature, and after a short consultation with them, the room was cleared again. The Jury afterwards returned the following verdict:- "That the deaths of the five persons were occasioned by the inexperience of Geo. Payne, the boatman, and of his allowing the boat to be too heavily laden." - This verdict was not given till midnight. - The Coroner then committed Payne for trial on a charge of Manslaughter, bail being accepted.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 21 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Determined Suicide In Plymouth. - Mr T. C. Brian held an Inquest at the Lord Ebrington Inn, Ebrington-street, yesterday afternoon, on the body of RICHARD HOOPER, who committed suicide as reported in our paper of yesterday. Mr William Stidston was Foreman of the Jury. - The first witness called was JANE HOOPER, wife of the deceased, who said: I reside at No. 36 Ebrington-street, my husband was 74 years of age, and a labourer, but out of employ. He had been working for about six years at the Great Western Docks, from which employ he was discharged three weeks since. He told me they were reducing the number of labourers, and that he was not wanted. Three years since deceased lost his right eye in his work. He received a severe blow at the time which has affected his head since. He has been much more low spirited since he was discharged than he was before. About a fortnight ago he said that rather than go to the parish he would jump overboard. On Saturday evening he complained of lightness in the head, saying "mother, I fell so funny," at the same time putting his hand to his head. On Sunday morning he rose as usual from bed, and left the room without saying anything, and I did not see him alive afterwards. Deceased had work to go to on the Monday morning had he lived. - Annie Stonelake, who resided in the same house, stated: At 9.15 a.m. on Sunday I went into the back yard, in consequence of what some children told me, and on looking into a workshop I saw the body of a man hanging from the roof, with blood running over him. The door was closed. I have noticed during the last week that deceased was very depressed in consequence of being out of work. - John Baker said: Between nine and ten o'clock on Sunday morning, in consequence of an alarm that was made, I ran into the workshop in the back yard, where I found deceased hanging to the rafters, with blood on his neck and hands and also on the ground. He was hanging clear of the ground. I cut him down, and found life to be extinct. I found a razor on the ground covered in blood. The rope was embedded in the cut of the throat of the deceased. - P.C. Strang was called to the house, when he found the deceased in a sitting posture on the ground. Dr Harper was present and pronounced the man to be dead. Witness noticed that the throat of the deceased was cut, the windpipe being severed. - The Coroner having briefly put the matter before the Jury, a verdict that deceased committed "Suicide whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity" was returned. - At the conclusion of the Inquiry Mr Stidston, the Foreman and his fellow Jurors made a liberal subscription on behalf of the aged widow of the deceased, which was at once handed over to her.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 23 July 1874
TAVISTOCK - Inquest At Tavistock. - Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was held in the Magistrate's room at Tavistock, before R. R. Rodd, Esq., Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr Charles Herris was Foreman, on the body of DANIEL ARTHUR, who was killed on the previous day at the Kelly College Works. Mr Elliot West, surgeon, stated that he believed the deceased died from heart disease, which was accelerated by the shock occasioned through the falling of some ground upon him. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was therefore returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 23 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - Singular Death. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday, at the Guildhall, Plymouth, on the body of a man named BARTHOLOMEW FROST, who met his death under the circumstances narrated below. - John Turpin said that he was intimately acquainted with the deceased who was in the employment of his brother. On Monday last deceased was engaged in milking three cows in a shippen situate at Crab Tree. In bending down by the side of one of the cows, which appeared to be somewhat restive, the deceased, by the animal suddenly moving, was crushed up against the wall. Witness ran to his assistance, but on extricating him from his position the deceased did not seem to feel much pain though he said he thought his back was broken. Assistance was procured, and he was ultimately driven in a spring-cart to the South Devon and Cornwall Hospital at Plymouth. Here it was found that his arms and legs were perfectly paralysed, and that he had received an injury to the spinal cord, and the sixth vertebrae from the neck. From the first it looked a hopeless case, and deceased expired shortly after his entrance into the hospital. The Jury, of which Mr William Pilditch was Foreman, returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 28 July 1874
PLYMOUTH - A Strange Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, on the body of JANE ELIZA COLE, who lived in Richmond-street, Plymouth. There were, it appears, suspicious rumours in the neighbourhood with reference to this case, as marks of violence had been observed on the deceased's body. Every doubt was, however, cleared by the evidence of the witnesses at the Inquiry. The first witness called was WILLIAM S. COLE, whom the Coroner advised was not obliged to take the oath, and would leave it to his option to do so. No objection, however, was made. Witness said he was a dairyman by trade, and was the husband of the deceased, who was aged forty-six. She has for some time been given to intemperate habits. She was, with the exception of two days, intoxicated during the fortnight previous to her death. Thursday last at 10 a.m., witness came home and found his wife very drunk. She had previously told him that she intended to reform, and therefore on seeing her he exclaimed, "Hullo, you have been drinking again today!" He was somewhat angry, and gave her a slight shake. Shortly after this the deceased was proceeding to go out of the house by the front door, when witness told her that she should not go. She made to turn, and stooping very much fell forward on her face upon the stone passage. Witness took her up, and carried her to bed. He did not notice at the time that her face was injured. She never spoke again, and witness thought she did not become conscious after the occurrence. The Coroner: At any time during the morning did you put hands upon her to offer any violence? Witness: No. - Elizabeth Borlase stated that she resided in the same house with the deceased, who, she affirmed, was addicted to intoxicating liquors. Some time ago, whilst the deceased was standing at a tray, washing clothes, the tray gave way, and fell on her and crippling her in a slight degree. She had often known the deceased to fall when inebriated and injure herself. When deceased was lying dead witness saw a bruise on her forehead, and left breast. - John Julian, inspector of the market, asserted that he knew deceased to be addicted to drink. Robert J. Shepherd, M.R.C.S., stated that he was called to see the deceased on the evening of the 23rd instant. He found deceased perfectly unconscious with a bruise on the right temple. There was no evidence of any fracture. He did not find any other mark of external injury. From the appearance of the face witness at once concluded that defendant was suffering from apoplexy, and that it was not probable that she would speak again. He gave it as his opinion that a sudden attack of apoplexy had caused the deceased to fall, and that she was predisposed to this attack by her habits of intemperance. The bruise on her temple had nothing to do with her death. The Jury, of which Mr Wm. Tremain was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 July 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - JAMES TOWNSHEND, who had one of his arms torn off at Messrs. Vicary's mill at Newton, about a fortnight ago, died early yesterday morning at the Cottage Hospital. An Inquest was held later in the day by Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" returned. The Jury gave their fees to the Cottage Hospital.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 August 1874
TORQUAY - An Excursionist Drowned At Torquay. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Torbay Infirmary, Torquay, respecting the death of JOHN GOULD, who died by falling from the steamer Sensation into the water on Wednesday night. Several witnesses were examined, and it was stated that the passengers had to get on the quay by a narrow plank. GOULD, who had been at the Paignton regatta, was believed to have been under the influence of drink. One witness said GOULD jumped from the paddle-box to the quay, and then fell back into the water; and another witness declared that deceased stepped on the plank, tripped up, and fell over. He had not been in the water two minutes before he was rescued, but he died a few hours afterwards from heart disease, death being accelerated by the sudden immersion. The Jury found a verdict to that effect, and cautioned the master of the Sensation to be more particular in future in landing his passengers - to provide himself with a proper landing stage, and to run alongside the quay instead of just touching at the pier head.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 1 August 1874
YELVERTON - A Sad Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Tuesday last at the Tamar Hotel, Hole's Hole, relative to the death of ELIZABETH DEDLEY, aged 65 years, the wife of a gardener. From the evidence it appears that on the preceding day while the husband of the deceased was driving down a hill, the cart gave a jerk against a stone, and the deceased was thrown out dislocating her neck and killing her instantaneously. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 4 August 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - The Recent Drowning Case In The Teign. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Dr Gaye, Deputy Coroner, on the body of W. HAYDON, who was drowned in the Teign whilst bathing on Saturday last. Evidence was given corroborating the facts which appeared in Monday's Mercury, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and recommended Dr Gaye to request the Newton Local Board to provide bathing places near the town.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 August 1874
TEIGNMOUTH - Fatal Accident In A Photographic Studio. - An Inquiry was held at Teignmouth yesterday by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, respecting the death of WALTER CHARLES TAPPER, a child about 18 months old. On Saturday last the child was brought from Bovey Tracey to Teignmouth, and taken to the photographic studio of Mr Poole, to have its likeness taken. The child had been photographed, and its uncle had given it something to eat whilst he was looking over an album, when on looking around he found that the child, to whom he had spoken but a few seconds before, had disappeared. He then noticed a hole in the floor, and on looking down this saw the little fellow lying at the bottom seemingly dead. He was taken up, and Mr J. H. Edwards, surgeon, sent for. Mr Edwards came and on examining him discovered that the skull of the child had been smashed in, and he died in the course of a few hours. The hole, which was fourteen inches square, had been in the room for six years, and was for the purpose of ventilation. At the time of the accident it was, according to Mr Poole's evidence, surrounded by two cameras, a head-rest, and a chair; and the child must have pushed between the rest and the chair to get at the hole. In summing up, the Coroner remarked that there had been carelessness on the part of Mr Poole in not having the hole properly protected, and the Jury, whilst returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" admonished Mr Poole to shew greater care for the future.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 7 August 1874
TORQUAY - Inquest At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at the Town Hall, Torquay, on Wednesday night, before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, touching the circumstances attending the death of SARAH DENNIS, a poor woman, who died somewhat suddenly in Swan-street, on Monday night. The evidence shewed that the deceased, who was 35 years of age, had been in a weak state of health some time prior to her death; and that, though she and her family lived in a state of destitution, no person was to blame for this except her husband, who, at the request of the Jury, was solemnly warned by the Coroner to give up his dissipated and drunken habits. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased came to her death by Natural Causes. The Inquiry lasted three hours.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 7 August 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Sudden Death Of A Freemason. - Yesterday afternoon Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr Emanuel Northey was Foreman, assembled at the Metham Masonic Lodge, 1 Caroline-place, Stonehouse, for the purpose of investigating the cause of the death of GEORGE WARREN, aged 59 years, who resided at 10 Frances-street, Plymouth, and expired under the circumstances related below. - MR FRANCIS WILLIAM WARREN, chemist, stated that the deceased was his father. He last saw him at his residence about six o'clock. The witness understood that the deceased intended to be present at a lodge meeting. Recently the deceased had complained of a loss of appetite, and a slight drowsiness at times. - Mr Charles Leigh said that the deceased was in attendance at Lodge Brunswick about half-past seven o'clock on the preceding evening. After the meeting had been held some refreshments were partaken of, when the deceased, who had previously assisted in the working of the lodge, appeared in his usual health. The deceased, while responding to a toast, proposed for his health, was suddenly taken by a slight cough, and after spitting there was a great flow of blood, which lasted for about five or eight minutes. Dr Pearse was sent for and attended the deceased, who died shortly afterwards. He administered stimulants to the deceased, but he expired within ten minutes. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 10 August 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Guildhall on Friday evening by Mr Elliot Square, Deputy Coroner, on SUSAN MARSH, of Holycross-lane, who was found dead on Friday morning. WILLIAM MARSH, husband of the deceased, said that his wife, who was 43 years of age, had been ailing for a fortnight, and complained of pains in the chest and side. He had obtained some pills for her, and she had also taken castor oil and powders. About two o'clock on Thursday, whilst he was at work, a neighbour asked Mr Annear, the relieving officer, for an order for the parish doctor, but as Mr Annear did not give one he went to him late in the evening. On his return from work he got an order, with which he went to Mr Stephens, who promised to call in the morning, and gave him a powder. When he returned home he gave deceased two eggs and a cup of tea, after which she took the powder, which eased her pain. He sat up in a chair with her all night and soon after daylight she said she had no pain since taking the powder. He went away to work at 6.30 a.m., returning home at eight a.m., by which time deceased had lighted the fire. He went out again to work, and on returning at ten found her dead. The Deputy Coroner said that as the statement of the witness who asked Mr Annear for the order would perhaps seriously affect him in his position as relieving officer; he should send for him that the statement might be made in his presence. Mr Annear was sent for and attended, and Emma Marshall then stated that she lived at 4 Holycross-lane, and had known deceased for two years. She had not known deceased to complain except of flatulence and pain in the left side; but a fortnight ago she became much worse. About two o'clock on Thursday deceased told her she felt very bad and asked her to fetch someone. Witness went out at once and met Mr Annear in Kinterbury street and asked him for an order for the doctor to see MRS MARSH. Mr Annear said he could not give it unless the husband came himself. She told Mr Annear that deceased was very ill, and asked him to go and see her. This he did not do, but said MR MARSH to come to him as soon as he came home. When Marshall came to her, deceased pointed out that she had palpitation of the heart and on witness speaking to MARSH he immediately went for an order. At 6.30 on Friday morning deceased came to witness's door, and asked her for some water. Witness noticed that her [?] was low, and did not see her again alive. One of the Jurymen expressed an opinion that Mr Annear had acted very improperly in not going to see the unfortunate woman when asked to do so by Mrs Marshall, especially as he was distinctly told that she was very ill, and at the time he was not a stone-throw from the house where she was. This remark appeared to be concurred in by all the Jurymen present. - Mr Annear excused himself, threw imputations on deceased and her husband, and contended that it was no place of his duty to call and see the woman. The Deputy Coroner told him that his attempted [?] made the matter much worse; he was paid by the rate-payers, not merely to economise the rates and cut the relief of the poor to the lowest possible limit, but was intended to be an officer in the cause of humanity, and that after he had heard what he had from Mrs Marshall, when he was not a stone's throw from the house where the woman was stated to be lying so ill, it was a gross neglect of duty and an act of the greatest inhumanity for him not to at once have made every inquiry. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." 

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 11 August 1874
TORQUAY - Strange Death. - On Thursday last ROBERT BECK, a mason 50 years of age, was found in Upton-road, Torquay, lying insensible. He was taken to his home, but continued to get worse during Friday, and on Saturday afternoon he died. An Inquest was held on the body at the Torbay Inn last evening.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 August 1874
DAWLISH - Fatal Bathing Accident At Dawlish. - MR ARTHUR HENRY FOOKS, of 5 Alsa Park Villas, Twickenham, a clerk in the Bank of England, who has been paying a short visit to Dawlish with his mother and sister, went yesterday afternoon with a friend (Mr Drever) to bathe in the gentlemen's cove. It appears they had both been swimming and were returning to the beach when the attention of Messenger, a superintendent of the bathing machines, was drawn to MR FOOKS. He called out to Mr Drever to go to MR FOOKS. This he did, and brought him to the rocks (it being low water). Holmon and Messenger had by this time made their way there, and then carried him to the beach. Instant measures were taken to restore animation. A doctor was sent for, and Mr M. Cann arrived almost immediately. Brandy and blankets were soon to hand, but were unfortunately of no avail, life being extinct. The body was removed to Piermont House, where deceased had been staying. We hear that he is an only son, and 22 years of age. Last night an Inquest was held on the body and a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 14 August 1874
TORQUAY - An Inquest was opened on Monday night and adjourned to Tuesday, at Giles's Torbay Inn, Tone, before Mr H. Michelmore, coroner, on the body of ROBERT BECK, a mason, who was found lying in Union-road in an insensible condition last Thursday, and died on the following Saturday. The deceased was 56 years of age, and was a widower with five children. The evidence showed that on the night prior to his being found he had been drinking rather heavily and the probability is that whilst intoxicated he fell in the road on his way home. The result of a post mortem examination showed that the cause of death was an effusion of blood on the brain, and the Jury returned a verdict to this effect.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 August 1874
EXETER - Fatal Accident At Exeter. - A fearful accident, which terminated fatally, occurred on Saturday to MR RICHARD PIDSLEY, the well-known auctioneer of Saint Sidwell's, Exeter. It appears he was in his office and in the act of examining, it is supposed, previous to cleaning, his gun, when by some means or other the weapon exploded, and the charge entered in an oblique direction the abdomen of the unfortunate man. He called for assistance and Messrs. Hunt and Perkins were soon upon the spot, but their skill was, of course, of no avail. He survived the accident nearly half an hour and was conscious up to the time of his death, which will be deeply regretted by many an old friend. - An inquest was subsequently held, at which evidence was given to shew that the deceased after the injuries had been inflicted, stated that he had accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun on the table. He signed a paper bequeathing all his property to his wife and son, TOM. Subsequently materials for gun cleaning were found on the table, and one of the witnesses said deceased was going to his cousin's at Moor Farm, Sowton, to shoot rabbits. The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased was Accidentally Shot.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 17 August 1874
PLYMOUTH - Killed By A Horse. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, at the Old Guildhall, by Mr Coroner Brian, on the body of WILLIAM BUTFIELD, who came to his death in the manner described below. Ann Frost said she was passing the Millbay-road on Friday last, between the hours of five and six p.m. She saw a waggon, drawn by two horses, belonging to the Sugar Refinery Company, advancing along the road, with a man walking by the side of it. Suddenly she observed the wheel horse, near which the deceased was, put out its fore leg, and immediately the man fell down. Witness went to his assistance, but found life to be extinct. - By a Juror: I think the horse knocked the man down. - Robert Power, a labourer in the employ of the Sugar Refinery Company, knew the deceased as a fellow workman. He saw him leave the refinery with a loaded waggon on the day in question. Witness considered the deceased to have been sober at his departure. - FANNY BUTFIELD, the daughter of the deceased, stated that her father had been knocked down and bitten by the horse. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Some discussion arose as to whether the horse was fit to be driven through the streets, as it was a very vicious animal. The Coroner strongly recommended that the manager of the Sugar Refinery should not allow the horse to be again driven through the public streets. If such another accident occurred, it would be a serious matter for the Company. The deceased leaves a widow and nine children, who are totally unprovided for.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 18 August 1874
PLYMOUTH - Death At The Plymouth Workhouse. Ungrounded Suspicions. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr Wm. Patten was Foreman, held an Inquest yesterday, at the Plymouth Workhouse, on the body of a child named FRANCIS ROSE, whose death occurred under the circumstances narrated below. - Henry Mitchell Drew, Master of the Plymouth Workhouse, was called, and produced the admission and discharge book, wherein it was stated that the deceased was taken into the Workhouse on Monday the 10th inst., in company with another boy. Deceased was fifteen months old. Witness saw the deceased almost immediately after its admission, and at first he thought it was dead. However, he subsequently found that his conjecture was not correct, but though the child was not dead he considered that it was in a dying condition. In compliance with his order it was taken to the doctor. On the morning of the following Thursday, the death of the child was officially reported to the witness, but Mr Thomas, the house surgeon, declined to give him a certificate of the death, which induced him (witness) to communicate with the Borough Coroner, and lay the facts of the case before him. Witness afterwards saw Mr Thomas again, who gave him to understand that it was his intention to communicate with the Coroner. - Sarah Jewell was examined and spoke as follows:- I live at 23 How-street. I knew the deceased FRANCIS ROSE, who was brought, in company with another child, by its mother, about ten weeks ago to my house. She said that her husband was drowned. Last Sunday week she was taken ill with English cholera, and died on the following morning. The deceased was also ill on the Sunday. On the preceding Friday it had been taken by its mother to Dr Stevens, who had prescribed for it. I did not hear Dr Stevens say from what it was suffering. He came to see the mother on Sunday, and saw the deceased at the same time. He ordered cornflour and brandy and water to be given to it. I gave these things to the child, but it appeared as if its stomach were too weak to contain them, for it threw it up immediately. The child was in a very weak state when it was first brought to my house. I am certain that it received every care and attention from its mother by whom I have often seen it nursed. She got her living by packing fish on the Quay, and she used to go out in the morning and stop out all day. She generally took both her children with her as deceased was a somewhat troublesome child. I consider that the deceased was suffering from decline. My impression was that the child would not live. - Elizabeth Andrews said she lived in the same house as the last witness. She brought the deceased to the Workhouse on the 10th instant. She went with deceased to Dr Stevens on Friday, the 7th inst., and he said it was suffering from diarrhoea, for which he prescribed for it. She knew the child to have always been of a weak constitution. She considered that it had every care and attention paid to it. - Maria Kingsley said: I am nurse to the female ward of the Workhouse. I remember the deceased being given over to my care on the 10th instant. From the first I thought it was in a dying state, but it lingered on until Thursday. In accordance with the doctor's orders I gave it arrowroot and brandy and milk, which it took readily. It suffered from diarrhoea on Monday evening, but the brandy seemed to appease it. - John Stevens, M.R.C.S., stated that the deceased was brought to his house on the 7th inst. He was told that it was suffering from diarrhoea, and he administered some astringent medicine. He noticed that the child was rather emaciated, and especially that the arms were very thin. The pulse was somewhat low. On Sunday he saw the mother, who was suffering from English cholera, and at the same time he again saw the deceased, who, he thought, was looking much better. He did not think the child was suffering from a want of proper sustenance. - F. Aubrey Thomas was then examined, and said: I am a M.R.C.S., and am resident surgeon in the Workhouse. The deceased was brought into my surgery on the morning of the 10th inst. I t was in a state of great exhaustion. I immediately administered some restoratives. I then gave it some brandy and milk, which it devoured very eagerly. I continued doing so for half-an-hour. On making an examination of its body I found it to be in an exceedingly emaciated condition. From the fact of its being so attenuated, and its devouring so ravenously what I had given it, I came to the conclusion that it was suffering from want of proper nourishment. I thought it was then in, might have resulted from diarrhoea acting on an exceedingly weak constitution. - The Coroner: Do you think the child was in a fit state to have been brought from the town to the Workhouse? - Witness: I do not. It had no apparent symptoms of diarrhoea when under my treatment; it did not refuse to take in what I gave it. I considered it right that I should withhold my certificate of its death. - The Coroner said the question was by what means the child had come to its death. Dr Thomas when he received the child had no idea that it had been treated for diarrhoea. He had said that its condition might have been produced by diarrhoea. It should have been stated when it was brought to the Workhouse what it was suffering from. Indeed it ought never to have been brought from How-street in such a weak state. But they should not attach any blame to the woman who brought it, as it was more than likely she did it in ignorance of the real state in which things were. They have no reason to doubt the evidence of the two witnesses who had certified that the child had received every attention. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 20 August 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Michelmore, Coroner, at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, on the body of JOHN PARNELL, who was killed, as stated in our third page, by a quantity of earth falling on him while making some excavations near the Torquay junction. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 22 August 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident At The Keyham Yard. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr Stepp was Foreman, assembled at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of investigating the cause of the death of a labourer named WILLIAM MARTIN, aged 42 years, who died on Wednesday last under the circumstances related below. A pensioner residing at Torpoint, named Joseph Jemison, stated that the deceased resided at Torpoint, and was employed in the Keyham Factory, Devonport. William Williams, a labourer, deposed that on Saturday week he was working with the same party as the deceased on board H.M.S. Himalaya, then lying in the north basin of the Keyham Yard. They were engaged in putting on board a cylinder cover from the jetty, by means of some suspended gear which, having a turn in one of the ropes gave way, and the cover falling crushed the deceased's right foot very severely. He was as soon as possible removed to the Naval Hospital, where he expired from the effects of the injuries received. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 28 August 1874
DARTMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Dartmouth yesterday morning, on the body of ALBERT ANDREWS, a boy of 7 or 8 years who was found drowned in the pool at Hawke's Slip on the previous evening. The boy had been sent to Mr Hawke's to order some coals.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 August 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Boat Accident In Cattewater. - Mr T. C. Brian held an Inquest last night at the Brunswick Inn, Barbican, Plymouth, concerning the death of JOHN WILLIAMS, aged 60 years. Deceased was a waterman in the employ of Messrs. Luscombe and Bellamy, and on Thursday afternoon was in his employer's boat with another man named Lynes, near Mount Batten, having put Mr Luscombe's clerk on board the French lugger, Michel. After being alongside the lugger for about a quarter of an hour the boatmen were endeavouring to get alongside to take the clerk off, when the boat "over-shot" the vessel and came under her bows, the boat almost immediately turning over on her broadside. Lynes jumped, and succeeded in getting on board the lugger by the shrouds of the bowsprit, but WILLIAMS sank with the boat. - Coroner: How came you thwart of the vessel? - Lynes: The lugger was underweigh and the pilot starboarding the helm in order to get clear of a schooner. - Coroner: Did the pilot see where the boat was? - Witness: The pilot saw that we had overshot the vessel. - Coroner: Could he see the boat? - Witness: Yes, he could see the sails. - The last words witness heard deceased mutter were "Oh, my god," the boat then being under the bows of the lugger. - Mr Oliver, the clerk, said that he was on board the lugger. He considered that no blame attached to anyone on board the lugger. - Yesterday morning the body was discovered between Batten and Lambhay Point, near the spot where the accident happened. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" considering that no blame attached to anyone on board the lugger.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 September 1874
EXETER - Fatal Trap Accident Near Northtawton. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening respecting the death of MRS ELIZABETH PERRIAM LANGDON. - Mrs Mary Beedell, a widow, residing in Beedell's-terrace, Exeter, stated that the deceased was her sister, and was the widow of an innkeeper. She lived with the witness, but about a month since went on a visit to Mr Hole, of Crook Farm, Northtawton. On the 21st of August she received a letter stating that deceased had met with a slight accident, and the next evening deceased was brought home by road in a conveyance, and told witness, in reply to a question as to her health, that she was not hurt very much. On the following morning witness observed that she was seriously bruised on the left temple and that she did not seem so well. She had been seen by a medical man at Northtawton, and on the witness pressing her she consented to a doctor being called in. Mr Woodman, surgeon, attended her. On the 28th Mrs Hole called in to see how the patient was progressing, and explained to the witness how the accident happened. Mrs Hole was driving the deceased to Shute Farm, and on the road the horse tripped and fell, throwing them both out. Deceased received a blow in the temple, but she was able to resume the journey, and did not complain very much. The deceased, who was 65 years of age, was always delicate and nervous; and according to the statement of the summoning officer, who had been to Northtawton for the purpose of getting evidence, it seemed that she was so ill prior to the accident as not to be able to leave her bed sometimes until late in the day. Mrs Beedell stated that Mrs Hole told her the horse was the quietest her husband had; and was selected for the journey on account of its being a steady animal. - The Coroner said he had endeavoured to procure the attendance of Mrs Hole as a witness, but he had received a medical certificate to the effect that it was impossible for her to come to Exeter. Mr Woodman stated that he found marks on both temples and on the back of the head. Deceased complained of acute pain, particularly on the left side. She was naturally a weak woman. She gradually sank, and died yesterday morning. The cause of death was the shock to the brain, resulting from the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 September 1874
EXETER - Suicide At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening by Mr H. W. Hooper, respecting the death of HENRY EXELL, marine store dealer, who had committed suicide a few hours previously by hanging himself in his store. MRS HANNAH EXELL, the widow, stated that her late husband carried on business in Rack-street. For some time past he had been in low spirits and rather "deficient in temper," as the witness expressed it, and he had been attended recently by Mr Perkins, surgeon. Trade had been rather slack, and the deceased complained that he had some difficulty in getting his money in. Deceased arose at six o'clock that morning and ate his breakfast as usual. He seemed rather strange, but did not complain of anything. Shortly after six o'clock he went out, and returned at eleven. He said nothing particular beyond remarking that he expected his sister home from Gloucester about half-past one. After a few minutes he left again, and witness did not see him again alive. There had been no quarrel between her and the deceased. It was a long time ago they had any words - quite a month. There was nothing in the approaching visit of his sister to disturb him that the witness knew of. - MRS EXELL was questioned as to whether her husband had not complained of her intemperate and she replied not to her. - HENRY EXELL, son of the deceased, said he saw his father that morning. He was in his usual health, but appeared very melancholy. A day or two before he had complained to witness that trade was very bad, and said that if it did not alter it would drive him mad. About a quarter after twelve yesterday (Friday) witness saw him go into the stable to give the horse a feed as he presumed, and he noticed that on leaving the stable he was muttering. Witness went home to dinner at one o'clock, leaving his father at the stores, and about half an hour afterwards he was called to go to the stores, in the loft of which he found his father hanging by a cord from a staple in the ceiling. Witness cut him down at once. He seemed to be dead - no signs of breathing could be detected, and the heart was still, but the body was quite warm. A doctor was immediately sent for, and Mr Webb came and pronounced life to be extinct. Deceased had been low spirited on account of his business for months. The business was not really in a bad state, but he was always an industrious man, and whenever he was obliged to be idle for a day or two he would fall into a moody state, and say he was sure to "come to the bad." Another witness, named Ford, stated that for four or five months the deceased had seemed to be in a depressed state of mind, as if he had some trouble which he wished to conceal. One of the Jurors mentioned that his son, who was on friendly terms with MR EXELL, asked him the same morning for a piece of cord, which he gave the lad, but remarked at the same time that if he wanted to hang himself he shouldn't have it. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 September 1874
TORQUAY - Fatal Accident At Paignton. - An accident, unhappily attended with a fatal result, occurred on Sunday evening, between eight and nine o'clock near the Torquay Gas Works, between Paignton and Torquay. A dogcart, driven by Mr Croot, of the Crown and Anchor Hotel, Paignton, with whom were his wife, MR JAMES HUMPHRIES, MRS HUMPHRIES and child, was returning to Paignton from Torquay, whither they had been for a drive, when on descending the hill, near the Torquay Gas Works, the trap slightly grazed the hind wheel of a passing cab, which belonged also to the Crown and Anchor. The horse on feeling this slight touch swerved across the road, and the wheel going up over the hedge upset the trap, throwing its occupants with great violence into the middle of the road. Mrs Croot jumped out immediately before the upset, and although much shaken was not severely injured. The child is suffering from slight concussion of the brain. MRS HUMPHRIES has a severe cut in the head, and it is feared is internally injured. Mr Croot is also much cut in the face and head, and has his collar-bone broken, whilst MR HUMPHRIES received such a severe blow on the back of the head that from the time of the accident until his death (at the Torbay Infirmary, whither he was removed) on Monday morning, between one and two, he remained unconscious. MR HUMPHRIES was a young man 27 years of age, and had but recently set on business in Paignton as a boot and shoe dealer, with a very bright prospect before him. He was a favourite with all, and possessing a good voice was ever ready to render assistance at entertainments and concerts got up for any charitable object. Much sympathy and sorrow are felt in Paignton for the suffering young widow in her sad and sudden bereavement. - An Inquest was held at the Infirmary yesterday on the body of HUMPHRIES. - William Warren, an omnibus driver, said that when walking home from Paignton he heard, at a quarter past eight, a crash of wheels on the top of the hill on the Torquay side of the gas works; then a trap came down, and as it passed witness it overturned, and threw out two men, a woman, and a child on the road. The horse went on, dragging the vehicle with it. The other trap was on the top of the hill, with its lights burning. He assisted with another man to pick up the people, and put them by the side of the hedge. The cab which upset had no lights, the other had. The night was very dark. Believed the horse ran away with the vehicle from the pace at which it came down the steep hill. - William Faull, who was with the last witness, deposed to the facts as above. He added that the trap was driven by William Hosking. After the crash the trap came down the hill at a great speed, and the people were thrown out. - Mr Nicholson, the house surgeon of the Infirmary, said the deceased was admitted at half-past nine o'clock on Sunday night; he was insensible. On examining him witness found that he was suffering from concussion of the brain and a scalp wound; he died at twenty minutes past nine on Monday morning. - The Coroner then adjourned the Inquest to the 18th, as the other material witnesses were too ill to attend.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 8 September 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Extraordinary Witness. - Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough Coroner, last evening held an Inquiry at the Clarendon Inn, Summerland-street, Plymouth, into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM EDWARD WILLIAMS, aged 6 months. Mr Thomas Bowden was Foreman of the Jury. Mr Brian, in opening the Inquiry, explained the facts as they had come to his knowledge. The mother had called on him on the previous evening, and stated the name of herself and child to be BARNES, that it had been registered but not baptised. She stated that her husband was in America, and that she at present resided at 12 Staddon-terrace, near St James' Church, Newpassage. He had since found out that the child was registered in the name of WILLIAMS. The Jury then proceeded to No. 13 Union-terrace, to view the body which was in an emaciated condition. The first witness called was the mother of the child, who after some trouble had been taken in explaining the nature of an oath, said:- My name is HANNAH BARNES, but by my marriage my name is WILLIAMS, and I reside at 10 Tamar-terrace, Devonport. - The Coroner: Have you not within ten minutes stated that your name is VENNING? - Witness: My christian name is ELLEN VENNING, and by marriage WILLIAMS; but I don't know anything about it. - The Coroner: Last night you gave your name as HANNAH BARNES, and now you say your name is WILLIAMS. - Witness: By marriage. - The Coroner: What is your proper name. You have given three names, and we must have the right one. - Witness: My name is WILLIAMS and my husband is in America. - The Coroner: Why did you give the name of BARNES? - Witness: That was my name before marriage. - The Coroner: You never mentioned WILLIAMS last night and you gave the name of BARNES. What did you mean by telling the Coroner's officer that your name was VENNING? - Witness: I believe that my maiden name was HANNAH or EMMA VENNING, I forget which, and not BARNES. my father's name was not BARNES. I cannot tell you any reason why I gave the name of BARNES. I have been married five years, and my husband's name is WILLIAM CHARLES WILLIAMS. I cannot read or write. - The Witness having made so many contradictory statements the Coroner and Jury decided not to examine her any further until Mrs Searle the other witness had been called. - Mrs Searle, a widow, residing at No. 13 Union-terrace, stated that she knew the last witness. She gave her name as JANE EMMA WILLIAMS, and entrusted an infant child to the care of witness. She was lodging in her house at the time and had been for some two months up to April 2nd. She left on the evening of that day and agreed to pay 6s. per week for witness to take charge of the baby. It shortly afterwards had an attack of thrush from which it recovered and its bodily health was good. Soon after recovering from the thrush the mother called and carried it into the garden where it took a chill, and was attacked with diarrhoea, and "wasted" very much. The mother used to come and see it about once in three months. On Friday last the child was taken in convulsions, and expired on Saturday night after two or three attacks. A medical man was not called because witness thought herself competent to deal with the case. She did not communicate with the mother because she did not know where to send. She represented herself as a married woman with one child besides the infant. She also said that she was in service at Stoke, and that she had come from Durham. She would not tell with whom she was at present residing. She had told witness that she resided at Tamar-terrace, but not that her name was VENNING or BARNES. The child was registered in the name of WILLIAMS. The only way the witness could account for the emaciated condition of deceased was from it suffering from inward convulsions. It never wanted for food nor care. She had no other stranger's child in her house. - The mother was then recalled and resworn, and said: My true name is HANNAH WILLIAMS. I am a married woman, and my husband is a miner at present in America. He left England about eight months since. - The Coroner: What is your father's name? - Witness: I don't know. I was born before my mother married VENNING. I was married about five year's since, and my name then was EMMA JANE MENHENIOT, and that was my father's name. - The Coroner: What did you speak of BARNES for. You said that your mother's name was Barnes. - Witness: I was not called BARNES or VENNING. I don't know any person called VENNING and I do not know why I said what I did. I live in service at Tamar Cottage, Stoke. - The Coroner: Why did you tell me last night that you resided at Staddon-terrace? - Witness: I can't explain it, nor give any reason why I did so. Deceased is my child, and it is called WILLIAM EDWARD WILLIAMS. I don't know how old the baby was. I think it was six months. I saw it about three weeks since, when it looked quite well. I came in yesterday and paid Mrs Searle £1 4s. for keeping it. As soon as I came in I said how is the baby, and Mrs Searle then told me it was dead. I saw the body and afterwards went to Dr Eales, who attended me during my confinement, for a certificate, although I knew he had not seen it since the birth. Dr Eales, however, directed me to go to the Coroner. I had no idea when I visited Mrs Searle yesterday that the child was ill. The woman who went to the doctor's with me was named Pearse. I asked Mrs Searle about a coffin, and she told me she knew someone who would provide it, but that it would be too expensive for me. I then went and enquired of a number of people, and was directed to go to the woman Pearse. I did not know then that she was in the habit of taking the bodies of children to the Cemetery. She said she could do nothing until she had seen Mrs Searle, and knew if a doctor had been called. She also said that she could not put it away without a certificate. - The witness then withdrew and the Coroner addressing the Jury said he was bound to say that during the last few months he had had a strong conviction that the mortality of children was increasing in the streets &c., adjoining Union-street. The cases had not, however, come before him but he had heard of them, and therefore he thought it was right to make a strict investigation when he had the opportunity. This was a most extraordinary case for they could not possibly tell what the name of the mother was. She had been before them and had given no less than five different names and how could they believe anything she had stated. That she had some motive for keeping them in the dark was perfectly evident and her saying she was not a scholar was no excuse for the different statements she had made. Did they for one moment think that it all arose from stupidity. No, she must have something she wished to conceal; but still that had nothing to do with the cause of death. Mrs Searle had had the sole charge of the child, and the mother had not seen it for three weeks. Mrs Searle had nothing to gain by the death of the infant, because she was receiving the allowance of 6s. per week. If they thought it necessary to have the Inquiry adjourned and a post mortem examination made, he should be happy to accede to their wishes. He, however, did not see what they would gain by adopting such a course. - The mother was here again re-called at the request of one of the Jury, and in reply to the Coroner said: I am getting £10 per year. My husband has sent home within the past eight months about £8. My reason for giving another name and address was that I did not wish to be bothered. - By a Juror: I was married at Launceston, but the clergyman is either dead or has left. I believe the chief hotel there is called the "Royal Duchy". I do not know if there is any parish or village between Launceston and St Stephens. I was never at Launceston more than a day or two. My other child is with my grandmother, Mrs Menheniot, who I think lives near the Castle, but I cannot give her address. The child is not in the Union. When I was confined with my first child I was staying with my grandparents at Launceston and remained with her for four months. I gave my name to my master as EMMA WILLIAMS. - The Coroner: Are you called EMMA or HANNAH? - Witness: I don't know. HANNAH, I think. My grandmother's name is MENHENIOT, and that must also be my mother's. - The Coroner remarked that she was evidently purposely keeping them in the dark, and her answers about Launceston were nearly all wrong. There could not be a single Juror who believed one word of her story. - The Jury then returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" entirely exonerating Mrs Searle from all blame. They also added that they were very much dissatisfied with the evidence of the mother and they did not believe one word she had stated. - A Juror remarked that it was a fortunate thing that she was not before a court of justice for she most certainly would have been prosecuted for perjury. - In reading the above report it will be noticed that the woman stated that she could not write but on the depositions being placed before her she signed her name at the bottom of each sheet.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 September 1874
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident In Keyham Yard. - Mr A. B. Bone, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Albert Hotel, Morice Town, yesterday, relative to the death of THOMAS PALMER, aged 65 years, who received fatal injuries whilst at work in Keyham Yard. The evidence shewed that on Monday afternoon the deceased with other men, was employed in breaking up a boiler, under Mr Lakeman, who has the contract for breaking up boilers. Whilst the men were taking off the side of the boiler an iron chain was attached to the winch, and the other end was fastened to the end of the boiler in order to pull it off; but in consequence of the end not coming down to the ground the deceased, with others, went to the centre of the plate to examine the rivets, all of which, with the exception of two or three, had been cut. The deceased turned around to come away, and whilst doing so the plate, weighing over a ton, fell upon him, crushing him to death. PALMER was superintending the work, and volunteered to examine the plate, and, it was stated, every care was taken to guard against accidents. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 September 1874
CHULMLEIGH - Suicide Through Drink. - A melancholy case of suicide through drink has occurred in the North of Devon. A farm labourer named GOSS, about 50 years of age, had been for a week or ten days drinking at various public-houses in Chulmleigh He slept at the house of Richard Goss, a marine store dealer, and it was his custom to go out in the morning and stay the whole of the day, and come home hopelessly intoxicated. On Friday, the 4th September, he told Mr Goss that he was "dying with horrors." On the following day he called at a public-house and begged from the landlord a pint of beer, which was given him. Having drank the liquor he went away. A few minutes afterwards a little girl saw the man standing moodily by the side of a stream called the Little Dart; and a little later another girl observed at the same spot a man's coat. The police were communicated with, and on a search being made the dead body of the deceased was found in the water within an hour after he had swallowed his last portion of liquor. - The Coroner in summing up, said this was a terrible case of drunkenness. It appeared that the deceased had spent all his money in drink at the public-houses at Chulmleigh, and had been drunk ten days in succession. He strongly impressed upon the police-constables present the necessity of visiting the houses at Chulmleigh where the deceased had squandered the little money he had, and thus brought his life to such an untimely end. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 9 September 1874
PLYMSTOCK - The Fatal Accident At Turnchapel. - An Inquest was held, yesterday at the Boringdon Arms, Turnchapel, on the body of WILLIAM ROWSE, quarryman, aged about 50 years. - Samuel Preece said he knew the deceased. On Monday afternoon he was on the Turnchapel quay. A report of blasting at a quarry at some distance off was heard, and witness saw several stones flying through the air in the direction where deceased was standing. Witness shouted to the deceased to "look out." Deceased jumped aside, and at the same time a large stone weighing several pounds struck him in the abdomen, knocking him down. While he was on the ground he was struck by another stone of smaller dimensions. Witness ran to the aid of the deceased, who, however, soon expired. The quarry was about 500 yards from the spot where the unfortunate man fell. - Wm. Davis stated that he worked in the quarry at Turnchapel. On Monday afternoon he was blasting a rock. He employed 1 ½ lbs. of powder. After ascertaining that everything was clear, and shouting "fire," he applied the fusee. Three minutes elapsed before it exploded. He noticed that the stones were cast to a greater distance than he had ever seen before. Witness affirmed that he had been working in the quarry for 15 years, and had not known of such an accident as that which occurred on Monday. The Jury, of which Wm. Kelly was Foreman, returned a verdict of Accidental Death. The Jury gave their fees to the widow of the deceased, the Coroner adding half-a-crown.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 10 September 1874
BURLESCOMBE - The Late Fatal Accident At Burlescombe. - An Inquest was held on the body of THOMAS PERHAM, the unfortunate man who was killed on the tramway in process of construction between the Burlescombe Railway Station and Westleigh, has been held at Burlescombe. - Jesse Arthur, the first witness called, deposed that he was a packer in the employ of the Bristol and Exeter Railway Company, and resided at Burlescombe. On Saturday last as he was working on the tramway, a trolley drawn with a rope by the deceased and a man named Gollop, passed him. Another man named Morrish was riding on the trolley attending to the break. Shortly after it had passed him he saw it suddenly upset, and the metals tumble out. He immediately ran to the spot and found the deceased and Gallop under the trolley. They were both got out as speedily as possible, and taken to the Ayshford Arms Inn. Dr Grigg, of Holcombe Rogus, was sent for, and Gollop was removed to the Hospital at Exeter, the train leaving Wellington at 5.40 being stopped for that purpose at Burlescombe, but the deceased, who never spoke after being taken from under the trolley, was considered to be in too dangerous a state to be removed, and died just before nine o'clock the same evening. As far as witness could see when he removed deceased from under the trolley, his neck and head and also one of his legs were badly injured, and Gollop and Morrish also appeared to have sustained serious injuries. Morrish was removed to his own house, and had, witness believed, kept his bed ever since. The trolley, at the time it passed him, appeared to be going faster than they were usually driven along. He should think that the deceased must have fallen in attempting to jump on the top of the trolley. - WILLIAM PERHAM, brother of the deceased, who was also working on the tramway, and witnessed the accident, and William Menhennet, Scripture Reader, of Burlescombe, who was near the scene of the occurrence, gave corroborative evidence, and both said they considered deceased and Gollop must have fallen in attempting to jump on the trolley when they found it would go along of itself, and thus occasioned the accident. - Mr Grigg, surgeon, stated that the injuries deceased had sustained were concussion of the brain, a compound fracture of the left leg separating the arteries, and other severe injuries in different parts of the body. Morrish, the other man in charge of the trolley, was also under his care, and was much too ill to be present at the Inquiry. The Coroner said if the Jury wished it he would adjourn the Inquiry for the attendance of Morrish, but as far as he was personally concerned, he did not see that any good could result from it. The Jury were of the same opinion, and after a short consultation together returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 12 September 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Accident At Mount Batten. - WILLIAM HORNE, 45, a married man, who resided at 14 Claremont-street, and who was injured while blasting rocks at Batten on Thursday last, died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital the same evening. William Matters stated at the Inquest held last evening, at the old Guildhall, by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, that the deceased was an experienced quarryman. He (the witness) was the Foreman of the works at Batten, and was present when the accident occurred. The witness thought there were cracks in the neighbourhood of the hole, and from what he saw after the explosion, it appeared as though some loose powder had fallen from his hand while filling the hole. The deceased lighted one match, but that going out, he threw it away. While the deceased was lighting the second match the witness went a short distance to give warning. He had his back to the wall and hearing the explosion looked around, but missed the deceased. On looking over the hedge of the cliff, he perceived the body of the deceased lying about 25 feet below. The deceased was insensible, and his face and chest were bleeding and blackened with powder. The Jury of which Mr J. J. May was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 12 September 1874
HUISH - An Inquest was held on Friday by Mr Rodd, the Coroner, at the Royal Oak, Newbridge, on the bodies of the two men named CUTTS and BLATCHFORD, who were found dead under a coil of wire rope near Gulworthy on Thursday. Only two persons were examined, viz. Dr Sleman and Mr Gand, of Gulworthy, there being no actual witnesses of the accident, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 12 September 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Accident At The Newton Station. - An accident, which proved fatal, happened to a lad named RICHARD JOHN PARSONS, 15 years of age, at the Newton goods station, on Thursday night, about 11 o'clock. Deceased has worked at the works for several years, and about six or seven months ago was engaged as stoker on the pilot engine at the station. On Thursday night he went to work about six o'clock, and about 11 o'clock he got off the engine to go to the goods shed to get some food which had been brought for him. He passed in front of the engine, and the driver not being aware it, drove on, and the engine passed over his body, mangling the left arm and leg and the bottom part of the body in a frightful manner. He was taken up and conveyed to the Newton Cottage Hospital, where he died about a quarter of an hour after being admitted. Dr Gaye, who was in attendance, gave no hopes of his recovery from the first. Deceased was a respectable lad, and was respected by his fellow workmen. The Inquest on the body of the deceased was held yesterday afternoon at the Cottage Hospital by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, when the following evidence was adduced. - HENRY PARSONS, father of the deceased, a labourer working on the railway, said his son was brought home to his house about half-past ten, and he was told that an engine had run over him. His son was on night duty on the little engine called Weasel, that runs about the yard and was acting as stoker. After witness returned from his work he called his son (who was in bed) in order that he might get ready for his work at six o'clock. - Dr Gaye and his assistant saw the deceased at witness's house and by their direction he was removed to the Hospital and died just after his admission. - James Pulman, of Newton Abbot, said his proper occupation was as fireman for the railway company. He was working with the deceased at the time. They went on duty at six o'clock, witness having charge of the engine and deceased acted as fireman. About five minutes to ten they were going back towards the goods station, when Warren (the foreman of porters) was on the footplate, and said "You must go steady back as the short points are not right," and witness then told deceased to stop the engine, which he did. He then said he thought he would go and get something to eat, when witness said "All right, my son," and deceased got off the engine to go to the cabin in the engine shed. It was very dark at the time. Just as deceased got down Warren showed the signal light for witness to come back, and he eased off the brake and backed the engine. Warren was then at the short points. As the engine was going back witness felt it go over something, and Warren and witness went back with their lamps and found that it had passed over deceased. Witness took up deceased under the arms and said to him "Why, JACK, how did you come to do it?" and he said, "Holloa Jimmy, am I dead, or am I dying," and he never spoke afterwards. Some other men took him away. The engine had only travelled about the length of the table before witness felt it go over deceased. He got off the engine the same side as the engine shed, and need not to have crossed the line to go there. - Dr H. S. Gaye, Newton Abbot, said he was called about a quarter after ten to see the deceased at his father's house, and found him lying on the floor in an unconscious state. He was very much injured and bleeding very much from a severe wound on the left elbow joint and the left ankle joint. Witness stopped the bleeding from the arm, and rallied him with the assistance of hot brandy and hot tea, and then had him brought to the Hospital. Witness thought there might be some slight hopes, but deceased died within a few minutes after admission. On examining the body after death he found other serious injuries. - James Warren, porter, corroborated Pulman's evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated both Pulman and Warren from all blame. - The Coroner entirely concurred with the verdict. - The Jury gave their fees to the Hospital.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 September 1874
The Double Fatality Near Gulworthy. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, last evening held an Inquest at the Royal Oak Inn, Newbridge, near Gunnislake, relative to the deaths of JOHN WILLIAM CUTTS, aged 18 years, and WILLIAM BLATCHFORD, aged 34 years. CUTTS was a blacksmith, in the employ of Mr Prout, millwright, and BLATCHFORD was a miner. Early on Thursday morning they went to the Tavistock Railway Station, and procured over ten cwt. of wire rope, which was placed on a cart belonging to Mr Prout. With this rope they set out for South Bedford Mine, and some time afterwards they were discovered lying in the road, near Gulworthy Cross, with the rope on them. The cart was also capsized. Both men were dead, and the evidence of Mr Sleman, surgeon, shewed that the ribs of the deceased had been broken in, and that they were otherwise injured. It was stated that they had been in the Harvest Home Inn for two hours on Thursday morning, but on the other hand, a witness who met them near Gulworthy Cross, said they appeared to be sober. They were then sitting on the wire in the middle of the cart, and it is supposed that in turning a corner, at a place where the road was 20 feet wide, the cart was driven into the hedge, and was thus upset. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Conflicting statements as to the sobriety of the poor fellows are in circulation in the district, and probably it never will be known what they had been drinking. BLATCHFORD was to have been married three weeks hence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 September 1874
DARTMOUTH - An Inquest was held last evening, before Mr R. W. Prideaux, Borough Coroner, at Dartmouth, on the body of WM. TUCKER, who was found drowned off a slip in the Lower-street, Dartmouth. TUCKER, who was a coal lumper, was subject to fits, and it is supposed that he was taken in one and fell into the water. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." Deceased was about [?] years of age.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 September 1874
PETER TAVY - An Inquest was held on Monday morning at Petertavy, respecting the death of JOHN FRIEND, who had his back broken at Wheal Friendship on the previous Saturday. The Inquiry was adjourned until Saturday next.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 16 September 1874
CHITTLEHAMPTON - A woman named JANE DOWN, wife of ELIAS DOWN, a groom, living at the Shallows, Chittlehamholt, has committed suicide by drowning herself in a well belonging to the dwelling-house. She had been observed to be in a low desponding state for some time, and her husband has been scarcely able to work of late on account of illness. They went to bed as usual on Wednesday evening, accompanied by their youngest child, an infant about nine months old. Towards morning the father was awakened by the cries of the latter, and on looking around saw that his wife had left the room. An Inquest was held on Friday afternoon, and a verdict was returned of "Death from Drowning, whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 19 September 1874
TORQUAY - The Late Fatal Accident Near Torquay. Adjourned Inquest. - The Inquiry into the circumstances attending the fatal accident on the Paignton-road, Torquay, on the evening of Sunday week, the 6th instant, was resumed at the Town Hall, Torquay, last evening, before Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr John Rowse was the Foreman. - The evidence then given was to the effect that shortly after eight o'clock on the Sunday evening in question, two vehicles were on the Paignton-road, near the Gas Works, the one returning to Paignton and the other coming to Torquay. It was said to be dark at the time, and the vehicle going to Paignton had no lamps. When on the top of the hill the wheels of the one vehicle collided with the wheel of the other, and immediately the horse started off at a furious rate down the hill in the direction of Paignton. Almost immediately after the vehicle struck against a stone and upset, and the occupants - Mr and Mrs Crute and MR and MRS HUMPHRIES and child, all of Paignton - were thrown out with some violence, and were more or less injured. JAMES HUMPHRIES, who was a shoemaker and about thirty years of age, sustained concussion of the brain, and died six hours after the occurrence at the Torbay Infirmary. - The following additional evidence was adduced:- Elizabeth Crute, wife of Wm. Henry Crute (who appeared with his head bandaged and his left arm in a sling), said on the night of the accident she was riding in the dog cart with her husband, who was driving. JAMES HUMPHRIES and his wife and child, were in the vehicle with them. Witness was sitting in front with her husband. There were no lamps lit. They left Torquay about eight o'clock, and she did not consider it a dark night. Her husband was quite sober when they left; he went into one public-house (Swann's London Hotel) but he only remained there a few minutes. They were not in Torquay more than an hour and a half. On going down over the hill, near the gas works, she saw another vehicle coming, and as they passed it she felt a jerk, and was thrown out. She was not rendered insensible, and remembered the horse and trap passing her whilst she lay on the ground. She could then see that her husband and HUMPHRIES and his wife were still in the trap, which went on, but she could speak of nothing that happened afterwards. - William Henry Crute, manager of the Crown and Anchor Hotel, Paignton, said on the evening in question he drove his wife and the deceased and his wife and child to Torquay, leaving Paignton at a quarter to six in a two-wheeled dog cart. They went through Babbicombe and St Mary Church, and left Torquay for the return journey at eight o'clock. All he had to drink at the London Hotel was a bottle of ginger-beer, with three-pennyworth of brandy in it. He had lamps in his cart, but he did not light them because he did not think it sufficiently dark. He had driven the same horse three times before, and it was a quiet animal. He saw the other vehicle coming as he was driving down over the hill near the Gas Works; he saw it was a fly, and he could make out distinctly that it was being driven by William Hosking, a man in his employ. He (witness) was driving at a trot at the time, about six or seven miles an hour. The fly was also coming towards him very slowly, and well on the left side. Just before he came to the fly the breeching of the harness broke, the mare jumped across the road and his heel struck the wheel of the fly. The effect of the sudden plunge was that his wife was thrown out. Then the animal bolted down the hill and the cart struck against a stone in the hedge, the vehicle upset and he and the others who were sitting behind were thrown out. - William Hosking, ostler of the Crown and Anchor Hotel, Paignton, said he was driving two ladies from Paignton to Torquay on the Sunday night. He had lamps in his fly, but did not light them because it was not dark enough. As Mr Crute was passing him in his dog-cart his horse jumped suddenly across the road and the wheel of the dog-cart struck against the hind wheel of the fly and Mrs Crute was thrown out. The horse then started off and ran against an embankment and the wheels struck against a stone, the cart turning over and one of the shafts being broken directly. He stopped his fly and as soon as he could, helped the deceased into it and drove him to the Infirmary. The harness of the dog-cart was thoroughly sound about ten months ago, and he considered it perfectly safe to be used on the day of the accident. - Miss Emily Weston, residing at Olivet, VansiHart-road, Torre, who, with her maid, was being driven in the fly at the time, said she heard her driver call out twice and immediately afterwards she heard a crash. Her driver was perfectly sober, and was driving very steadily at the time. - This was all the evidence, and the Coroner, in summing up, congratulated Mr Crute and his wife on having escaped with so little injury. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 September 1874
EXETER - The Case Of Drowning In The Exe. - The Inquest on the body of the deceased man, HUMPHREY CHATTEY, who was found in the river Exe, near Countess Weir, on Friday morning last, was held yesterday afternoon at the Country House Inn, Topsham-road, before Mr R. R. Crosse, County Coroner. On the night of the 10th instant the deceased attended Tiverton races, and some time after the sports were over he was seen going in the direction of the river Exe. Immediately afterwards a splash was heard and although during the night and the following day strenuous efforts were made to find him, nothing was seen of his body until it was picked up on Friday last, when it was in a state of decomposition. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 September 1874
EXETER - A Fatal See-Saw. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday touching the death of a child 7 years of age, named JAMES HOLLAND, residing with his parents in Johnson's-place, Coombe-street, Exeter. About two months since the youngest was at play in James-street, when he fell and cut his forehead. He was an out-patient of the Devon and Exeter Hospital for five weeks, but eventually got better. On Monday last week he went to the infant school in Rack-street, and when he came home complained of a sick headache, having fallen off a see-saw erected at the school. He was taken to a medical man on Thursday, but died on Friday. Mr Tosswill, surgeon, made a post-mortem examination and found an inflammation of the covering of the brain. He considered death resulted from the blow received in falling from the see-saw, which would be sufficient to cause the death of a child. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The see-saw was only two feet from the ground.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 22 September 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr Wm. Mugford was Foreman, held an Inquiry at Birkhead's Hotel, Union-street, Plymouth, yesterday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the death of MRS ELIZA CUSDEN, who died suddenly on the previous day. MR CUSDEN, Union-street, husband of the deceased, stated that his wife was aged about 33. She was advanced in pregnancy, and her general health was good. On Sunday afternoon she was downstairs and took a bath. At that time she appeared to be suffering from a cold. At half-past five in the evening the witness went out leaving his wife in the house. On returning shortly after seven he went upstairs and on calling on her received no reply. The room was in darkness and on obtaining a light he found his wife lying on the bed, undressed and dead. Mr William Belitho who was in the house on Sunday, stated that he knew the deceased and that afternoon had tea in the same room with her and MR CUSDEN. She complained of a cold. The last time he saw her alive was when her husband left and she was then in the kitchen. She wished witness "Good night" in a marked manner saying "I shall not see you any more tonight," and he did not see her again alive. John Harney, gunner, 16th Brigade, R.A., was standing in the bar of Birkhead's Hotel on Sunday night when he was called out by MR CUSDEN. On proceeding to the house he went upstairs with MR CUSDEN, where he saw deceased lying on the bed dead. He procured the attendance of Dr Pearse, but medical skill was of no avail. Mrs Salmon, who examined deceased, stated that there were no marks of violence on the body nor was there anything in the room to excite suspicion. It was not unusual for ladies when pregnant to take a bath. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 24 September 1874
EXETER - The Case Of Drowning At Tiverton Races. Inquest At Exeter. - Mr Coroner Crosse, County Coroner, held an Enquiry at the Countess Weir Country House Inn, on Monday afternoon, to investigate the circumstances attending the death of HUMPHREY CHATTEY, a native of Exeter, who was drowned at Tiverton on the 10th instant, and whose body was found in the Exe on Friday afternoon last, having been washed down twenty miles of the river. - MR CHATTEY, father of the deceased, said his son was a superannuated Metropolitan police sergeant, and he had been down to Exeter to pay the family a visit. The last time he saw him alive was on Tuesday evening, the 5th inst., and the following morning the deceased told his sister that he intended going to Tiverton races. he had with him a gold watch, a snuff box, pair gold eye-glasses, and a gold ring, but he was unable to tell the amount of money he had in his possession, as his son was always careful to conceal what he owned. - James Hookway, a mason's labourer, residing at Tiverton testified that he was at Tiverton Races on Wednesday, the 9th, and he saw there the deceased about half-past nine in the evening. He stopped outside the refreshment booth erected by the proprietor of the Palmerston Hotel, and of which witness was in charge. He seemed very drunk, and was in company with two other men, who wanted him to go to Tiverton with them, but this he refused to do unless they obtained a conveyance. The deceased remained inside the booth until after one o'clock, and then he became confidential, telling how he was related to the CHATTEY'S of that town. He stayed there until half-past three, when he walked to the other side of the booth which was adjoining the river. The witness asked him what he was doing there, and he answered that he wanted to count his money, and asked for a light to enable him to do so. Witness went to fetch him a light, and whilst he was so doing, Ward, a man who was acting as keeper with witness, called out that the deceased had run away, and on his looking he saw him running towards the river. Witness followed the deceased, but he went into the water and was soon lost sight of. Witness shouted out for the police, and there was plenty of assistance, but the deceased was not to be seen, and although drags were used he could not be found, so swollen was the river. - The Coroner strongly commented upon the fact that the deceased was supplied from the booths after illegal hours, and when he was in such a state of drunkenness that he was constantly being fleeced by those on the course. - George Lowden proved finding the body at Countess Weir. He thought it was strange the corpse should have been washed down over so many weirs, and would not say it was possible for it to have done so. - Dr Charles Fox testified that the body was not so much decomposed as to prevent making a strict examination. He could find no marks of violence about the body or limb, but there was a large extended ragged wound five inches long over the left side of the head, which had been made most probably since the body had been in the water. It was certainly not such as would have been inflicted in a fight. - The Coroner, in summing up, said no one could say that a most strict and full Enquiry had not been made. It was quite clear the man was not robbed, although there was no doubt in his mind that he was filched out of a little of his money. The law had evidently been transgressed, but that was not their business. - A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 September 1874
TRUSHAM - The Fatal Gun Accident At Trusham. - Mr Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Wednesday evening respecting the death of MR JOHN BARBER, of the New Inn, Trusham, who accidentally shot himself that morning under circumstances recorded yesterday. The deceased had loaded one barrel of a double-barrelled gun, put a cap on the nipple, and placed the trigger at full cock, and was loading the other barrel when the charge exploded, and entering under his left jaw, killed MR BARBER on the spot. The Coroner, in summing up, said the evidence pointed undoubtedly to the occurrence being accidental, but there was gross negligence on the part of the deceased. Had the gun gone off and shot another person, such carelessness would have caused the Jury to return a verdict of manslaughter; but as it was, he thought they would have no difficulty in agreeing upon a verdict. He hoped this sad occurrence would be a warning to the public. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." This is the third fatal gun accident that has happened in the deceased's family. MR BARBER was 59 years of age in July last.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 September 1874
SHALDON - A Strange Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Shaldon on Thursday evening by Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, respecting the death of HUGH MILLS, whose dead body was found in the river Teign, near a place called Daggar's-lane. The deceased, who was a mason, resided at Shaldon, and on Tuesday he rowed up the river to Newton. Here he transacted some business at the Workhouse, and was afterwards seen by his stepson, to whom he complained of being unwell, and of suffering from rheumatism. Apparently, however, there was nothing serious the matter with him, and the stepson saw him get into his boat and start down the river. At Coombe Cellars he landed, and had a pint of beer, and then got again into the boat. According to various witnesses he was at that time sober. Just after this a boat, which it was afterwards ascertained was the deceased's, was seen by Mr A. Addison, and a waterman, who were rowing down the river. In his evidence Mr Addison said:- I saw a man in a boat, but could not recognise him. It was about a quarter to seven. We suddenly heard a splash, but could see nothing but the boat. We rowed back and found a little dog sitting in the stern, a basket and a coat. We stopped about the place for half an hour, but could see no sign of the man. A boat came down the river with two or three men in it, and we asked if they had seen the man, but they said they had not, only while he was rowing in front of them. It was stated that there was no reason for supposing that the deceased had intended to commit suicide, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Deceased was 64 years of age.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 September 1874
BRIXHAM - Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Brixham respecting the death of HENRY NORTHWAY, who was fatally injured at Messrs. Dewdney's shipbuilding yard on Thursday last, by being struck in the face by a piece of timber that snapped in two whilst being cut in the steam saw mills. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 October 1874
HOLSWORTHY - The old man SAMUEL CROCKER, who cut his throat at Holsworthy on Thursday last, has since died of the wound, and at an Inquest held by Mr R. Fulford a verdict of "Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 1 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Horrible Murder And Suicide In Plymouth. - Plymouth was yesterday thrown into a great state of excitement by the intelligence that a terrible crime had been committed in Courtenay-street. All sorts of rumours were at first circulated throughout the town, and the crime, as usual, was laid to the door of several innocent people, but the actual facts were given by us in the special edition, which we published yesterday. They are as follows:- A man named WILLIAM THOMAS, who is about fifty years of age, has been a builder at Portsea, but some time since he came to the West of England to live - first at Truro and afterwards in this town. He and his wife appear to have lived an unhappy life, in consequence of THOMAS being jealous of her, but so far as can be ascertained the accusations he made against her were utterly unfounded and she has always been considered, excepting by her husband, as a highly respectable woman, and a good and faithful wife. THOMAS has repeatedly ill-used her, and of late has given way to drink, scarcely ever being sober. When in these drunken fits his attacks on MRS THOMAS have been more violent and scars are plainly visible on her forehead which have arisen from the blows which he has given her. The poor woman had for some time past wished for a separation, and the man had at length agreed to this course. During the past fortnight he has seen almost every solicitor in the town on the subject, but had again given the matter up without having come to any arrangement. At last it was decided that the matter should be entrusted to Mr Bennett (Whiteford and Bennett) and yesterday afternoon MRS THOMAS proceeded to the offices for the purpose of seeing the deed of separation that had been drawn up, and having an interview with Mr Bennett. She was shown upstairs in one of the rooms to wait for that gentleman, and while there, THOMAS came in and said to one of the clerks that he understood that his wife was there. He then proceeded upstairs, into the room where MRS THOMAS was sitting, and sat down by her side. Mr Were also went upstairs and saw them talking together. THOMAS shortly afterwards left the office and went into the street, and while he was absent, Mr Were had a conversation with MRS THOMAS, who told him that her husband had threatened to make a will depriving her of all his property, and also that he should get another solicitor, as he believed that Mr Bennett intended to alter his deeds. When THOMAS left the offices of Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett he proceeded to the shop of Mr Bruford, George-street, when he purchased a shilling razor, and armed with this weapon he returned to his wife. When he reached the office Mr Weare was still talking to MRS THOMAS, and that gentleman noticed that in sitting down by the side of his wife THOMAS dropped into the chair in a very careless manner. He, however, took no notice of the circumstance at the moment, but went downstairs leaving the two together. Almost immediately afterwards he heard a scream, and on rushing upstairs he saw MRS THOMAS coming out of the room where she had been sitting, with blood streaming over her from a cut in the throat. He called for assistance and led the poor woman into another room, where on laying her down she expired. The man was found walking up and down in the centre office, the same room where they had been sitting, with blood coming from his throat. He went towards the window, sat on a box, and leant his head against the glass, where he died almost immediately. Those who were the first to enter the room seeing THOMAS walking up and down with his back towards them had no idea that he also had cut his throat. The fatal wounds were inflicted with the razor which was found lying at the side of THOMAS. Medical assistance was at once sent for, and Mr J. N. Stevens was soon in attendance, but his services were, of course, of no avail, as the wounds were of such a desperate character as to cause almost instantaneous death in each case. The Inquest: - At six o'clock in the evening Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough Coroner, and a double Jury, of whom Mr Samuel Hutchings was Foreman, opened an Inquiry at the Old Guildhall into the circumstances attending the death of the deceased. Before the Jury were sworn, the Coroner explained to them the reason of their being empanelled, and added that although there was no doubt that the deaths of the two unfortunate people occurred simultaneously, it would be necessary that the two cases should be taken separately. He proposed to take the case of the woman first, and he presumed there would be no objection on the part of the Jury to take the case of the man afterwards. That being so, he should now ask them to consider their view of the bodies as applying both to the husband and wife, so that they might not be under the necessity of making a second visit. The bodies were still lying at the offices of Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett, because he had thought, under the circumstances, that it would be undesirable and perhaps unseemly to have the bodies removed through the streets in broad daylight. - The Jury then went to view the bodies, which were lying in separate rooms at Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett's offices; that of the man in the room in which the murder was committed, and that of the woman in an adjoining room, into which she was taken by Mr Were after her husband had cut her throat. THOMAS was half lying, half sitting, on a box against the window with his head hanging over his left shoulder, his left hand was resting on his leg, covered with blood, and appeared to have been cut near the thumb. His right hand was on the box, and was slightly stained with blood. The wound in his throat was partly hidden by his beard, but enough of it was visible to shew that it must have been inflicted with a very sharp instrument. The floor of the room was bespattered with blood in almost all directions, the chair on which the deceased woman had been sitting before her husband entered, was overturned, so that it was probable there was a struggle before the man succeeded in his murderous attempt. In the adjoining room the woman was lying on the floor with her head supported on some matting. She presented a sickening appearance. Her face was frightfully pale, the right side was covered in blood; her mouth was open, and across her throat there was a ghastly wound, the windpipe being cut through. The wound was a very deep one, and five inches in length. - On returning to the Old Guildhall, the following evidence was taken:- Mr John Peter Were, the first witness, said: I am clerk to Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett, solicitors, Courtenay-street, Plymouth. Today, about one o'clock MRS AMELIA MATILDA THOMAS came to the office and inquired for Mr Bennett. She was alone at the time. I told her he was not there, but I expected him soon. One of the office clerks then invited her to come to his room upstairs and sit down. The room is the centre one facing the stairs, and that in which the body of MR THOMAS is now lying. She went into the room and sat down, and I saw her sitting there. At about a quarter after one, MR WILLIAM THOMAS, her husband, came to the office and also enquired for Mr Bennett, and I told him that Mr Bennett was not there, but I expected him soon. After waiting a few minutes he said "My wife is upstairs waiting isn't she?" and I said she was, and he then said, "Can I go up to her." I replied "You can if you like." He went up and remained there for about ten minutes, when he came down and went out of the office again. When he first came to the office he had a parcel under his arm, which proved to be a bundle of deeds, when he left the office he carried the bundle away with him I then went upstairs and spoke to MRS THOMAS, who said she did not know how her husband knew she was there. I replied that I thought one of the clerks must have met him and told him. She then said he had threatened to make a will, and give away all his property from her. She also said that he told her that he thought Mr Bennett was going to alter his deeds, and that he should go to another solicitor, and she added that she said that he should be transported. In about ten minutes after going out, he returned to the office, still having the bundle with him. He came upstairs whilst I was still talking with MRS THOMAS, Mr Bennett had not then returned. On coming into the room MR THOMAS sat down close beside his wife, who was then sitting on the chair in the right hand corner of the room, the chair being the same as that which had since fallen down. I told him Mr Bennett had not returned but that I expected him there soon. I then went downstairs and had only time to take my seat on my stool when I heard a low shriek apparently coming from a woman. I ran upstairs and on reaching the landing MRS THOMAS came out of the room with her hands up, and I saw that her throat was cut and bleeding very much. I took hold of her and got her into an adjoining room, where her body is now lying. I laid her down, keeping her back and head resting against my knee. I called for Mr Whiteford who was in an adjoining office, and one of the clerks. The clerk was the first to come up. I said "run for the doctor and the police." Mr Whiteford then came in, and I told him he (THOMAS) had cut his wife's throat. Mr Whiteford then left the room. From the time I first saw her with blood flowing from her throat, MRS THOMAS never uttered a word up to the time she expired, which was some three or four minutes afterwards. I have known her for several years as MRS THOMAS. - The Coroner here said he did not propose to proceed any farther with the evidence as affecting the case of MRS THOMAS, but he should now open the Inquest on the man. There would have to be an adjournment, as it was not possible to finish the case that night consistently with the ends of justice. Evidence would be forthcoming at the adjournment as to the state of the man's mind, about which he himself knew something, as THOMAS was in his office on the previous day. - The Coroner then read over the evidence of Mr Were so far as it was applicable to the death of MRS THOMAS, after which Mr Were said: When I first saw the deceased, WM. THOMAS, he did not appear to be more than ordinarily excited. When he left with the parcel under his arm, I did not notice any change in his manner, but when he came back I noticed that he threw himself down on the chair by the side of his wife in a careless manner, but I did not notice anything in his hand with the exception of the paper parcel, nor did I observe that he had one hand in his pocket. Whilst I was holding MRS THOMAS in the position I have described, THOMAS came out on the landing twice. I then observed that his throat was cut; his mouth was open, and he was making a gurgling noise. He went back into the room where his body is now lying. No words were exchanged between us. Mr Whiteford came into the room where I was a second time, and said "he (referring to THOMAS) is sitting on a box in the room." I went in shortly afterwards and there saw the deceased sitting dead in the same position in which the Jury have seen him. Mr Stevens came shortly afterwards, examined both bodies and pronounced life to be extinct. Previous to my going into the room Inspector Manning went in. I have known THOMAS for the past ten or twelve years. - Inspector Manning said: Just before two this afternoon I was called to the offices of Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett. I proceeded to a room upstairs in which I found the body of the deceased, WM. THOMAS. I found the razor now produced, which is a new one, lying by the side of the deceased on the box, open, and covered in blood. It was free from his right hand but close to it. - George Alfred Harding, an apprentice at Mr Bruford's, cutler, in George-street, said: About half past one this afternoon a man came into the shop, and said to Mr Bruford "will you show me a cheap razor." Mr Bruford asked me to shew it, and I did so. The man purchased one, which is that now produced to the best of my belief. The one sold was marked "military razor" like that one now before the Jury. I gave him a case with it; the same now produced. He paid one shilling for the razor. Shortly after two I went to Mr Whiteford's office, where I was shown the body of the deceased WM. THOMAS. I cannot say positively that it is the same man, but to the best of my belief it is. The parcel I saw on the table in the office is that which the man had under his arm when he came to the shop. - Mr J. N. Stevens, M.R.C.S., said: I was called to Mr Whiteford's office at about a quarter to two this afternoon. I went upstairs and in the centre room saw the deceased WILLIAM THOMAS sitting on a box with his head leaning back against the sash of the window. He was quite dead. I examined his throat and found a wound extending from a little beyond the central line of the neck above the windpipe, and running backwards towards the spine to the extent of three-and-half-inches. It was a deep wound, and had divided the large vessels of the neck, the bleeding from which had caused death. It was such an incised would as might have been inflicted by the razor now produced and by the deceased himself. I next went into an adjoining office where I found MRS THOMAS lying on the floor supported by Mr Were. She was also quite dead, and presented a fearful wound directly across the neck, from side to side, which was five inches in length and had divided he wind-pipe. The wound was very deep, dividing the large vessels, and death had resulted from bleeding from this wound. The wound was I think, made from left to right with great force. It had commenced about two inches below the hole of the ear. It is such a wound as might have been caused by the razor now produced. Looking at the extent and the very deep character of the wound I should say that the deceased could not possibly have inflicted such a wound upon herself. - After this evidence, it was decided, on the suggestion of the Coroner, that the Enquiry should be adjourned until three o'clock tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 3 October 1874
EXETER - A Child Burnt to Death At Exeter. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at Topsham Inn, Exeter, last evening on the body of MARTHA ELLEN WESTERN, a child six months of age, who was burnt to death at the house of its mother, Chudleigh's-court, Coombe-street, on Thursday morning. Between seven and eight a.m. the mother went downstairs and left in the room the deceased and a child, who were both asleep in bed. Mrs Cornish stated that she was attracted to the room by the smell of smoke, and on entering the apartment found the bed on fire, and the smaller child's bed-gown enveloped in flames. About the bed there were several loose matches. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 3 October 1874
BERE FERRERS - Suicide At Beerferris. - On Thursday evening an Inquest was held at Beer, before Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr Ball was Foreman, on the body of MRS ELIZABETH GALE, who was found on the previous evening with her throat cut in an orchard at Ward farm. The deceased had been staying with her friends at the above-named farm, and she seemed frequently in a desponding state. On the evening mentioned they found her as described, and the act was traced to herself. The Jury, after hearing the evidence, returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 3 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Case Of Drowning In The Sound. - An Inquest was held on Thursday at the Old Guildhall, by Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner, on the body of JOHN FOXWORTHY, who, it will be remembered, was accidentally drowned while on board the trawler Mazeppa in the Sound. The body was found floating in the Sound on Thursday morning by Thos. Crick, a waterman, and was brought by him to the Quay. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 3 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - The Inquest And Verdict. - Yesterday afternoon Mr Coroner Brian, and a double Jury, resumed the Enquiry, which was adjourned from Wednesday evening, into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM THOMAS and AMELIA MATILDA THOMAS, the latter of whom was, on Wednesday afternoon, murdered by her husband, who afterwards cut his own throat. - Mr J. N. Stevens, surgeon, was first examined, and the evidence which he gave on Wednesday having been read over to him, he now said: On the same day, before I had seen the deceased, AMELIA MATILDA THOMAS, I saw her husband in an adjoining room. He was sitting on a box with his head reclining against the sash of the window. He was quite dead, death having been caused by the bleeding from the wound in his throat, which I described on Wednesday. I have no doubt that he committed the act with his own hands. - Mr C. C. Whiteford: I am a solicitor, and Town Clerk of Plymouth, and am in partnership with Mr J. N. Bennett. On Wednesday last on my return from the Railway Offices, about a quarter past one in the afternoon, I went upstairs to my own office, and as I passed the central office I saw Mr Were in conversation with the deceased woman, who was seated on a chair with her back against a book case on one side of the room. I passed into my own room, and I think I closed the door. I had been writing only a few minutes when I heard a noise in the passage which impressed me with the opinion that some person had been seized with an epileptic fit. The noise certainly had that character. I went out immediately and saw Mr Were supporting the woman, whom he was taking into another room - Mr Hamilton Whiteford's room. Mr Were was supporting her head, and he laid her on the floor. There was a profusion of blood on the threshold of the door through which the poor woman came, and also in the track over which Mr Were was taking her. My first impression was that the woman had ruptured a blood vessel, but I said to Mr Were, "Who is this woman, and what is the matter?" He replied, "It is MRS THOMAS, a client of Mr Bennett's, and he has cut her throat. I said "Who is he?" and Mr Were said, "Her husband, who is in the next room." I then went to the central room, the door of which was wide open, and there I saw THOMAS sitting on a large deed box which was under the window, apparently in a sort of stupor. When I looked into the room I was on my way downstairs to send for medical assistance, and at that moment I took no further notice of THOMAS. When I went downstairs I found that one of the clerks had already gone for a medical man, and upon this I returned upstairs, when I noticed that THOMAS was in precisely the same position as when I saw him before. Apparently he had not moved from the time that I saw him first. I then went into the other room, where the woman was lying, and there was every indication that she was dying fast. On being told that the man had committed this violence upon his wife, I feared that he might make a fresh attack upon her, and I therefore walked up and down watching him, to see that he did not make any further attempt. The woman was not dead then, but it was evident that her death was imminent. - The Coroner: Can you say whether, at the time you first saw THOMAS in the room, he was living or dead? - Mr Whiteford: I can only give you what my impression was afterwards. At that moment I had no idea whatever that he had injured himself, and therefore I had no reason to suppose that he was dead. - The Coroner: Was his head reclining on his left shoulder at that time? - Mr Whiteford: No, certainly not. had it been so I should probably have taken further notice of him. Seeing that he was quiet I went downstairs again to enquire if the medical man had come, and almost immediately afterwards Mr Stevens came in. He preceded me upstairs, and when he got to the top he went into the central room where THOMAS was seated. I said, "That is not the room. That is the man. Here is the woman in this room," and I indicated the room in which she was lying. But Mr Stevens first went up close to THOMAS, and said, "He is stone dead." I said, "Good God; you don't say so. He dead too!"; for I had not the least idea at that time that he had injured himself. It is true that I saw a profusion of blood on the floor of the room, but I supposed that it had come entirely from the poor woman. So far as I can recollect, his head had not then fallen. Although I used the expression, "He dead, too!" I had not at that moment positively ascertained that the woman was dead, although, as I have already said, she was evidently dying very rapidly when I first saw her. After Mr Stevens went into the room and pronounced the man to be dead, my impression was, and I still entertain it, that he was dead when I first saw him. There was no change whatever in his position; he seemed to be in a state of collapse. I had seen him at different times, when I was moving up and down in the way that I have described, and I kept my eye upon him to see that he did not attempt any fresh violence, but he never moved once. We afterwards went into the other room where MRS THOMAS was, and Mr Stevens also pronounced her to be dead. I knew nothing whatever about the relations of the people towards each other or of the business which brought them to the office. This was left to my partner. Until I went into the central room with Mr Stevens, I had not approached THOMAS nearer than about fourteen feet. - The Coroner: I do not now propose to call any further evidence with regard to MRS THOMAS. In the Inquest which will follow you will learn more about THOMAS himself. You have had the evidence of Mr Were and of Mr Whiteford who were the only two persons close to the spot where this occurred, and having heard what took place, I think you can have no doubt that this woman came to her death by having her throat cut. There was no one present who actually saw the wound inflicted, but Mr Stevens has described it to you, as well as the wound which caused the death of the man, and he has stated distinctly that the wound on the woman's throat could not have been inflicted by herself, whilst the wound in the man's throat may have been, and in all probability was, inflicted with his own hands. It is clear, then, that the woman was murdered by somebody, and it is for you to say whether, in your opinion, the evidence leads to the belief that she was murdered by any other person but her husband. As to the state of the man's mind at the time, that is a matter with which at present you have nothing to do. That will be forthcoming in the Inquest on the man which will follow this. - The Jury returned as their verdict that the deceased was Murdered by her Husband. - The Inquest on the deceased man was then proceeded with. The evidence of Mr Were having been read over to him as deposed by him on Wednesday last, a Juror asked whether the deceased was at all excited. - Witness: I cannot say that he was; he appeared to me to be about the same as ever I saw him. He was a very reserved man. I cannot say that I was long enough with him to say for certain whether he was labouring under excitement or not. - The Coroner: You say he went out and came back again. Can you say whether you noticed any change in him on his return? - Witness: No, I cannot say that I did. - Stephen Manning, Inspector of Police, and Gower Alfred Hardy, assistant at Messrs. Bruford's, cutlers, George-street; having had their evidence read over to them. - Mr J. N. Bennett, solicitor, in partnership with Mr Whiteford, stated: I knew the deceased and his wife for the last twenty years. When I first became acquainted with them, they were living either at Gosport or Portsea, and during the interval I have transacted business for them. Two or three years after I first knew them they came to live at Plymouth, and continued to reside for many years. I was occasionally seeing them, and they seemed to live harmoniously as man and wife. About two years after this they left Plymouth, and went to live at Truro, and just twelve months ago the deceased man called on me, and informed me that his wife had left him. He was evidently in a very great state of distress, and said that he had no doubt but what I should very shortly see his wife, if I had not done so already. He called on the two following days, and enquired after her, but I had not see her. Then she came, and told me she had left him, he being far more zealous and suspicious of her than he used to be, and she had some fear of his doing her bodily injury. She said she was staying at Devonport, but she would rather not tell me where, because I could then tell him. She also said she was sure he was watching for her all day long somewhere, and she begged me to allow her to come to my house after dark, instead of coming to the office, in order that she might avoid him. She did this once or twice for the purpose of knowing his answers to her proposals of terms of separation. After that she came to my house one afternoon, and, after some conversation, walked with me towards the office. When nearly in George-street, THOMAS saw her and ran towards her with the utmost violence, seized her around the waist and neck, and kissed her in the most impassioned manner, using aloud various terms of endearment at the same time. I went on, and they shortly afterwards arrived at the office together. He then, in my presence, made most solemn promises of amendment, and after a good deal of hesitation she consented to go back with him. I heard nothing more of them until on Tuesday week last, when the deceased man called upon me and said his wife had run away again, and he was afraid she would now never be induced to return to him. He was a good deal excited, and in very great distress. He asked if I had seen her, and I replied "No." The next morning, or the same day she called upon me, and her appearance at once showed me that she had been severely ill-treated. Her face shewed severe contusions, especially on each temple, her head was bound up and she was in a very nervous, shaky, and emaciated state. She said her husband's jealousy and suspiciousness had very much increased since the time I saw her last, and that she had led a wretched life with him at Truro. She gave me these two instances. She said, "We were at Truro a month or two ago, and in the street we met a gentleman." My husband said to me, "You have seen that man before, because he looked at you; I think there is something between you, and I shall not be satisfied, unless you go to him and ask him if he ever saw you before, and I will go with you and watch your countenances." He was so urgent that I was obliged to go. I followed the gentleman, stopped him and asked him if he ever saw me before, as my husband wished to know. He said no, and that he thought it a great piece of impertinence at having been asked the question. This is a fair sample of his suspicion. If I look out of the window and a man happens to pass, he would immediately say, "You have had a communication with that man, and I insist upon knowing who he is." Something of that kind happened to me the other day. I was standing at the window of my house when I believe some man passed, and my husband made the usual charge against me. Some words ensued, and he took up a razor. I then broke a pane of glass to give an alarm. When we came into contact the razor must have jerked out of his hand and he said at once, "What have you done with the razor." I said I have not see it except in your hand. We both of us looked for it, but could not find it and he then struck me the violent blows of which you see the marks, and I became insensible. On recovering I saw my husband lying on his back on the floor, uttering loud lamentations that he had murdered his wife." Continuing her tale, she told me that her husband drank occasionally, and that when he did drink his prevailing disposition was very much increased. She further said that she would never go back with him as she was really in fear of her life, and added that she should be glad to get an allowance to live separate from him and in peace. She said she was certain he would not allow her £1 a week, and she offered to take 9s., but at a subsequent interview with the man he agreed to give 10s. out of her own property, and asked me to prepare a document and sent it to Mr Edmonds. I animadverted on his brutal conduct towards his wife, and said "To allow her 10s. a week out of your income of £150 a year would be an act of inhumanity towards her." He said he should allow her no more under any circumstances unless she liked to take proceedings. At most of these interviews, after having been in the office he would become extremely excitable, his eyes staring out of his head. He charged his wife with bad and immoral conduct. During this conversation, and on referring to his brutal conduct towards his wife, he said, "Oh, Mr Bennett, don't be too hard upon me," and fell back in his chair and cried like a child, saying he should never see a moment's happiness again because his wife would never go back with him again. Mr Edmonds called upon me the same day in regard to the deed of separation, and said the man was evidently a brutal blackguard. I told Mr Edmonds I thought he was nearly mad, and at my last meeting with the man I said, "THOMAS, I think you are getting mad." He thereupon instantly sprang from the chair and left the room. - The Coroner: Did you think he was mad? - Witness: Well, I thought he was approaching madness, if he was not actually mad. - The Coroner: At this last interview was he sober or drunk? - Witness: I think he was sober. - Mr R. G. Edmonds, solicitor, stated: I had seen the man before, but I never knew him by name until Monday last. At 11 on the morning of that day he came into my office, and said he was going to be separated from his wife, and that Mr Bennett had got his deeds, and was altering them. I tried to get some reasonable explanation as to why Mr Bennett was altering the deeds, but could get none. I asked whether his wife had any property, and he replied £100 a year. I asked if he had any, and he did not answer the question. I then asked what amount he was going to allow his wife a year, and he replied 10s. a week. I said, "Do you mean to tell me that you are going to be shabby enough to take her £100 a year and allow her only 10s. a week." He said, "That's all." I could see that his manner was exceedingly peculiar; he had a very peculiar stare. I said, "What do you want to separate for." He did not answer, and I repeated the question. He then said, "When I go and walk up and down for an hour or two alone, my wife says, "Why don't you come and talk to me", when I keep on talking, she says, "Why don't you be quiet." When I sit down in a chair and say nothing, she says, "What are you moping for." I said, "Your wife must have some reason for talking like this; have you been drinking lately?" He gave a faint "No," but when I repeated the question he admitted that he had been drinking heavily. Then I said to him, "What is the real reason that you are going to separate for>" He said, "Letters, lots of letters she gets cupboards full of them!" I again said, "What is the real reason of your separating?" And he then said, "I have beaten her, beaten her severely," and then he described how he had ill-treated her. I said first to beat his wife and then to offer her 10s. a week out of her own money was not a very proper thing. He then began to talk about cheating somebody out of the property, and of Mr Bennett altering the deeds. I told him to go and return again at one o'clock, promising to go and see Mr Bennett. He thereupon left, and I never saw him again. He looked like a man who suffered from drinking heavily. - The Coroner: Was he perfectly rational, do you think? - Mr Edmonds: No, most decidedly not. I afterwards saw Mr Bennett, and he told me he did not think the man was right - an opinion in which I entirely coincided. Mr Bennett said that one of the clerks would certainly be the trustee under the deed of separation, and I said I should think twice before I mixed up one of my clerks with a man like that. I said I should not like to act for him. Mr Bennett had told me that the gentleman whom the deceased people had stopped in the streets of Truro had communicated with the mayor of the town, that that gentleman had communicated with the wife, and that she had informed the mayor that her husband was suffering from an hallucination. I left Mr Bennett believing I had impressed him with the state of the man, and I was not surprised when I heard of the murder. I suggested to Mr Bennett that the man should be brought up and bound over to keep the peace, but he informed me that the wife would have no such proceedings taken. - Henry Hamlyn, tailor, Finewell-street, stated: I have known the deceased for many years. I knew him at Portsea, where he carried on the business of carver and gilder. For the past fortnight I fancied he was acting very strangely. Last Tuesday week he came to my house with his wife; I saw there was something wrong, and he said if MRS THOMAS wanted any money at any time I could advance it to her. He was very excited at the time, and he asked me to write a letter to his son, saying he was so excited that he could not write it himself. In the cottage at Lipson, where he was staying, he went to get the address of his son, and not being able to find it, he tore out the cornice from the top of the wardrobe, saying he did not care if he tore it all down, and that MRS THOMAS must have taken the address. He was greatly excited and then desired me not to let his wife have money. I saw him on almost every day, and he would make contradictory statements, insomuch that I considered him to be far from sane. I was shocked to hear of the murder, but it was no more than what I expected, for the man undoubtedly was not in his right senses. - John Plimsaul, staff-sergeant S.D. Militia, stated: I was well acquainted with the deceased man. He wished me to become a tenant of his in a cottage belonging to him at Lipson. I took it and went to sign the lease. He then made some most extraordinary proposals to me, contradictory to his previous arrangements, and his manner was such that I refused to sign the lease. He thereupon tore it up and laughed, saying, "Now it's all over; I did not mean what I said; I will keep you on as my tenant, and when I leave it, you shall have it. Last week I went out to see him again according to his arrangement, but he was so very peculiar that I refused to sign the agreement. Whilst I was there, his wife came down, and he then ran out into the garden, plucked an apple, returned with it into the house, kissed his wife and gave her the apple, saying, "I have been talking to Mr Plimsaul, and I do not intend to let the cottage." He had not been talking to me about it. On my leaving, he came out as far as the gate, took up a grindstone, and offered to make it a present to me. - This was the whole of the evidence, and The Coroner, in addressing the Jury, remarked that under a different state of circumstances it might have been necessary for him to have gone very minutely into the case, but the whole of the evidence had been so clearly given that he did not think he need detain them by any lengthened observations. There appeared to be no doubt whatever that THOMAS took his own life as well as that of his wife's in a most ferocious manner, and the Jury had now to satisfy themselves as to the state of his mind at the time he committed the act. On this point Mr Edmonds, Mr Bennett and two other witnesses had given clear, and as it appeared to him, conclusive testimony. His conduct for some time past had been so strange and contradictory that each of the witnesses had satisfied themselves that he was insane. He was inclined to think himself that in murdering his wife THOMAS was actuated by a sudden impulse, otherwise it was likely that he would have procured the razor when he first went to the offices of Messrs. Whiteford and Bennett to see her, and not have gone out to purchase it after having conversed with her. - The Jury immediately returned as their verdict that the deceased Committed Suicide while in a state of Insanity.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 October 1874
SOUTH MOLTON - Sudden Death Of A Chulmleigh Tradesman. - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening at the Townhall, Southmolton, by Mr James Flexman, respecting the death of MR ROBERT MARSHALL, draper and grocer, of Chulmleigh. The evidence was to the effect that the deceased left Chulmleigh in the morning, with his wife and two children, for Southmolton market. The day previous he had felt ill, and before leaving he complained of a fluttering of the heart and pain in the stomach, and was obliged to lie on the sofa. he took some gin and revived, got to Southmolton, and went to Mr Swinburn, chemist, who prescribed for flatulency, and gave him a draught. He afterwards went to the Exeter Inn and was about to leave the house when he fell down on his face and hands in the passage and expired. The Jury, without the slightest hesitation, returned a verdict that Death resulted from Natural Causes - Heart Disease. Deceased was well known and much respected. He was registrar of births and deaths for the Chulmleigh district, and did a large wine and spirit business.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Cartman. - An Inquest has been held by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, respecting the death of a waggoner named JOHN LEE, who had been in the employ of Messrs. Barter and Jordan, timber merchants. According to the evidence, Mr G. Tippett was driving near Crabtree, on September 18th when he heard a man shout "stop," and on stopping and going back he found the deceased sitting in the road and a wagon laden with timber close by. The waggon had been in the charge of LEE, and he stated that the wheels had passed over one of his legs. He was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where Mr C. Gibbs, the house surgeon, found that he was suffering from a compound fracture of the left leg. Mortification set in on Thursday and the deceased died on Sunday. Mr R. T. Jordan, one of the deceased's employers, said he had cautioned LEE not to sit on the shafts of the cart, as it was a very dangerous practice, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". Deceased was 68 years of age.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 9 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Killed By The Falling Of A Cask. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the Old Guildhall on the body of LEVI CUDDINGTON, who died under the circumstances related below. John Redman said he was mate of the schooner Wild Wave, at present lying in the Great Western Dock. Yesterday he was engaged with deceased in loading the vessel with china clay which was in casks of 10 cwt. each. Both were in the hold. The casks were taken into the vessel by means of a steam-crane on the wharf. The men had shipped five casks and were lowering the sixth, when the chain of it broke, and it fell into the hold upon the deceased. He did not die immediately, but expired while on the way to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he was removed as quickly as possible. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 9 October 1874
EXETER - Sudden Death. - Mr Coroner Hooper held an Inquest at Exeter yesterday, on the body of a man named BENJAMIN CLAPP, a baker, aged 63. Deceased whilst walking in St. Sidwell's on the previous evening was seen to stumble and fall, and when picked up by some passer-by he was motionless. On being removed to his house near at hand a medical man was sent for but he pronounced life to be extinct. The cause of death was apoplexy and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 10 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sad Death Of A Woman In Plymouth. - Yesterday, Mr Coroner Brian, held an Inquest at the Tradesman's Arms, Plymouth, relative to the death of SARAH GILLIEHAM. Elizabeth Harrison said the deceased had lived with her. She had previously been an inmate of the Workhouse Hospital, as she was suffering from scrofula. She left the Hospital yesterday week, though she was not perfectly recovered. When she came to witness she was still suffering from a bad leg, and was perfectly destitute. During the week the only money she had was 1s. 9d., which she obtained by pawning a shawl. On the morning of the day in question witness heard deceased get out of bed, and then fall down. Witness, with whom the deceased slept, on looking at her found that she was dead. Chas. Mayell, relieving officer, said deceased was admitted to the Workhouse Hospital in January last. She was suffering from bad legs and arms. Last week she left after giving the usual notice to the master. She stated that she was about to proceed to her husband, who was in Jersey. She was not in a fit state to leave the house, but the authorities have not the power to keep a person in the house who expresses a desire to depart. The Coroner, in summing up, said he thought it was a very sad case. Deceased ought not to have left the Hospital, where she was attended with every care. There was no doubt her coming out accelerated her death, as the woman to whom she went was almost as destitute as herself, and could not supply her with the food she needed in her illness. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, accelerated by privation and destitution," which was the fault of herself and there was no blame to be attached to the Workhouse authorities.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 14 October 1874
EXETER - Suicide At Exeter. - A man named STOCKER, residing in Melbourne-street, Exeter, committed suicide yesterday by hanging himself with a rope to the banisters of the stairs, during the temporary absence of his wife from the house. Much sensation was caused in the neighbourhood by the tragic occurrence. At the Inquest held last evening, before the City Coroner, at the Hour Glass Inn, a verdict to the effect that deceased committed Suicide whilst in a state of Unsound Mind was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 October 1874
TAVISTOCK - A Suspicious Death. - An Inquest was held at Tavistock yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, relative to the death of ANN JACKMAN, a woman about 58 years of age. About a month since deceased's husband and a man named West were fighting at the Union Inn, and in her attempt to part them, deceased was struck by one of the men. She died last Tuesday night, and it was feared that death resulted from blows inflicted at the fight, but Mr Anthey, surgeon, testified that she died from apoplexy, and not in any way from the effects of the blows. The Jury returned a verdict of "Died from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 17 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Mr T. C. Brian, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the King's Arms Inn, on the body of ELIZABETH GLANVILLE. The deceased was an aged woman, and resided at 20 High-street; she slept in the same room as her son, who is a Naval seaman, and has supported his mother for the last twenty years. She had enjoyed excellent health all her life, but yesterday morning, about half-past three, she awoke her son, and complained of pain. He went to her, and in a very few minutes, before he could get assistance, deceased expired in her son's arms. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 20 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Killed By A Truck. - Mr T. C. Brian held an Inquest yesterday at the Freemason's Arms, Cattedown, on the body of a man named EDWARD WICKETT, whose death occurred under the circumstance given below. Richard Smith knew the deceased as a labourer in the employ of Messrs. Sparrow and Sons. Yesterday about 3 o'clock witness and deceased, and a man named King were employed in driving five trucks which were drawn by three horses. Witness was before the horses, the deceased was by the side of the truck, and King was engaged in attending to the break. They had gone about twenty paces when witness missed the deceased. The horses were stopped and witness looking back, saw the deceased lying across the rails, quite motionless. Witness on going up to him, found him dead. His body was very much cut. The deceased was lame in his right leg, and this might have had something to do in his being killed. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 20 October 1874
EXETER - The Suicide At Exeter. - Yesterday morning Mr Hooper, the City Coroner, held an Enquiry at the Fireman's Arms, Exeter, into the circumstances attending the death of the young man, HENRY EXELL, who committed suicide on the previous Saturday by shooting himself with a gun. - The first witness called was the mother of the deceased, and she stated that he was 26 years of age. He had never been ill, but since his father's death he had seemed a great deal troubled, apparently about business matters. On Saturday morning he got up as usual about half-past five, and she got him a cup of tea, but he did not drink it, and went away without speaking to her. - AMELIA EXELL, sister of the deceased, said the last time she saw him was on Friday evening, when she was in the kitchen with him. He had been thinking a good deal and talking about business matters. He said it was preying on his mind, and he did not know how he should get through it. On the Thursday he had been to the Probate Court about the will, and from that time he seemed very much altered. He was greatly depressed in spirits. - By a Juror: There has never been the slightest misunderstanding between us in consequence of the property having been divided amongst all the children. On the contrary, we have all been very happy since father died, and HARRY seemed very pleased that we all agreed with him in what he did. We let him have his way in every respect. - A Juror: It is said that the Will was not to his advantage; that it was so restricted that he would not have any benefit from it for some time. Is that so? - Witness: Well, he had his share the same as the other children, but HARRY'S share, so far as I can gather, was in stock, and he was going to trade with our money. - The Coroner: Was there any objection to that? - Witness: No; none whatever. We were all quite willing that he should do so. - Samuel Frost, labourer, gave evidence as to the finding of the body of the deceased at the stores in Preston-street. He was standing in the street when he heard someone whom he believed to be the deceased, call upon him from the inside to open the door. He tried to force it open, but not being able to do so, he ran to the deceased's mother, told her what he had heard, and she requested him to return and break open the door. This was done after some trouble, and with the assistance of others, and they then found the deceased lying on his side, and dying from a gunshot wound. He died shortly afterwards. - A witness named Ford said he was also at the stores when the door was broken open, and he spoke to EXELL before his death. He asked him what he had done, and the deceased replied, "It's trouble; it's trouble." Witness had previously conversed with him about his business affairs, and it struck him that the deceased was very much distressed. He seemed as if the business was too much for him. Witness, however, was not aware that there was the slightest ill-feeling amongst any members of the family. - Mr Tosswill, surgeon, having described the wound, which in his opinion caused death. - The Coroner said the case was a very sad one, following so closely as it did upon the death of the young man's father, who committed suicide by hanging only about six weeks ago. The only point for the consideration of the Jury was, first, whether the deceased committed suicide, and the next place whether he knew right from wrong at the time that he did it. He had taken some trouble to examine the witnesses, in order to see if he could ascertain any ground for coming to the conclusion that the deceased was in a state of temporary insanity at the time. He recollected very well when the young man signed his depositions on a previous occasion, that he appeared to be a good deal depressed on account of the death of his father, and this depression had probably been increased by what had since occurred with reference to the Will. So far as he understood it, the carrying out of the Will had taken a different turn from that which was at first anticipated, and had thrown upon the young man some excess of trouble, although in a pecuniary sense he would have been benefitted by the change. But the deceased did not appear to have been aware of this; he signed documents and papers, which afterwards distressed him; he seemed to have an idea that the business was going wrong, and this had evidently preyed upon his mind, and in all probability had thrown it off its balance. It was for the Jury to say if this was their view of the case. - The Jury immediately returned as their verdict that the deceased committed Suicide while in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 24 October 1874
AVETON GIFFORD - Accidental Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Aveton Gifford on Thursday on the body of ALBERT ROGERS, aged two years, who fell into a milk-can on the previous Saturday. He was severely injured, and died from the effects on Monday last. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned. Mr Pearse was Foreman of the Jury.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 26 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr T. C. Brian on the body of ELIZABETH MARY ANN AVERY, who died suddenly on Friday. The Jury returned a verdict "That the deceased had died from Suffocation occasioned by her falling out of bed."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 26 October 1874
BOVEY TRACEY - Fatal Accident Near Bovey Tracey. - Mr H. Michelmore, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday evening at Woodley, near Bovey Tracey, on the body of JOSEPH SAMPSON, a labourer, who met with his death on the previous evening by falling off a cart. The deceased was about sixty years of age, and was known at times to get rather the worse for liquor, but whether he was soon the present occasion is not known. It was only on Tuesday last, however, that he was fined by the Newton magistrates for being drunk. On the evening in question he had called at a public-house at Bovey, and afterwards whilst returning home in a cart drawn by a donkey, he missed his footing in trying to get out, and falling heavily he broke his neck. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 27 October 1874
EXETER - Shocking Accident At St. David's Station. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last night by Mr Deputy Coroner Barton, on the body of JOHN HAMMOND, a fitter employed on the South Devon Railway, and about 66 years of age, who died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital from injuries received at St. David's Station yesterday morning. Mr Mears, Bristol and Exeter Railway, and Mr Pearse, for the South Devon Railway, watched the case on behalf of the companies. About nine o'clock yesterday morning, Thomas Atkins, a waggoner, was at St. David's Station, engaged in unloading some trucks laden with stones, when he noticed the deceased repairing a "C.R." truck. he was standing with his back against it, and was pushing it along, when another truck, which had been standing motionless, with twenty others, was propelled towards him by the engine, and the unfortunate deceased was caught and crushed between the buffers of the two. The fact that the trucks were not joined caused a slight rebound and the deceased fell insensible between the rails. He was at once raised, but never spoke, merely uttering a groan as he was being conveyed to the Hospital in a cab. As a general rule, the deceased should have given the signal to the shunting foreman, and the trucks should not be moved without any such instructions. According to the testimony of the assistant fitter, HAMMOND did not give any such instructions, and the engine was moved before he had intimated that all was right. Had the deceased been pushing the frame instead of the buffers, he would have been perfectly safe, and the pace at which the shunting was being conducted, was about the same as usual. Under the circumstances the assistant thought that the deceased's own neglect had caused the accident. On his arrival at the Hospital the deceased was dead, and on examination several ribs on the left side were found to be broken. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned, and the Jury exonerated all parties from blame.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 29 October 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Coroner Brian, on the body of a man named WILLIAM H. PEDGEON, who died suddenly on Tuesday. Deceased, who was the landlord of the Royal Oak public-house, situate in Southside-street, suffered from heart disease, which probably was the cause of his demise. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Jury.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 November 1874
DARTMOUTH - The Coroner's Inquest concerning the death of MR PHILIP PINHAY, sen., who committed suicide in his house at Dartmouth was held on Saturday, and a verdict of "Temporary Insanity" was returned. He had a seizure six months ago, and was in embarrassed circumstances.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 November 1874
DARTMOUTH - Suspicious Death Of A Seaman At Dartmouth [Special Telegram]. - A seaman named MICHAEL LEE belonging to H.M.S. Britannia, was found lying in the road near Mr Redway's shipbuilding yard, Land Quay, on Monday night, and on being taken on board his vessel by two shipmates, it was discovered by the surgeon in attendance that he was quite dead. An Inquest on the body was held last evening before Mr R. W. Prideaux, Borough Coroner. Mr T. J. Matthews was Foreman of the Jury. - Mr John Lambert, second-class staff-surgeon of H.M.S. Britannia, said he had made a post mortem examination, and it was his opinion that deceased had died from the effects of some irritant poison. Witness had caused the contents of the stomach to be sealed up, and they were placed in the possession of the Coroner to be forwarded for analysis. The Inquest was adjourned until the 17th instant.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 November 1874
CHURSTON FERRERS - At the Inquest held at Churston Ferrers concerning the death of JOHN HOUSTON, head gamekeeper to Lord Churston, a verdict of Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind was returned. The deceased shot himself through the head, and after some evidence as to his state of mind for some time past, the Coroner (Mr H. Michelmore) remarked that it was a great pity more care had not been taken to keep firearms from the deceased.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 5 November 1874
PLYMOUTH - Mr Brian, the Borough Coroner, on Monday held an Inquest at Wyatt's Hotel, Exeter-street, on the body of a child eleven weeks old. ELIZABETH SARAH HAM, the mother of the child, said she went to bed about 10 o'clock, and next morning when she woke she found the child lying dead by her side. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 9 November 1874
PLYMPTON - Inquest At Plympton Workhouse. - On Saturday evening an Inquest was held at Plympton Workhouse, by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, touching the death of a child named BURNS, who was found dead in bed. The child had been Accidentally Suffocated and a verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 10 November 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Coburg Inn, Coburg-street, on the body of JOHN SHEPHERD who was found dead yesterday morning at about 6 o'clock on the premises of Messrs. Burnard & Co. - William Northmore stated that he was a carman in the employ of Messrs. Burnard & Co. He knew the deceased. He last saw deceased alive at the Chemical Works, Commercial Road, at about 10 p.m. on Sunday. His afternoon watch was over and deceased came to relieve him. He was in his usual health and went to do his duty. - Henry Watts said that he was in the employ of Messrs. Burnard & Co. Just before 6 o'clock he went to relieve the deceased. He proceeded to the vitrol making department where he expected to find him. He looked round and could see nothing of him. He then went to the gateway and asked the men there if they had seen anything of SHEPHERD, but they answered in the negative. He then took a lamp and went into the vitrol department and found him lying on his right side. He was quite dead and very cold, and appeared to have been dead several hours. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 12 November 1874
EXETER - An Inquest on the body of a child named WILLIAM ELI DARE, 3 ½ years old, was held at Exeter on Tuesday and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, it being elicited that it was unwell on Sunday and died as a poultice was being applied to its chest.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 November 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr E. Square, Deputy Coroner for Plymouth, respecting the death of WM. DUNN, aged 55 years. The deceased, who lived in Woolsden-street, went to church on Sunday evening, and after he had gone to bed was seized with a violent fit of coughing, and died before medical aid could be obtained. He had been unwell for some time, and the Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 19 November 1874
EAST DEVON - Distressing Suicide. - An Inquest was held on Saturday, before Mr Spencer M. Cox, Coroner for East Devon, on the body of MR THOMAS CULVERWELL, aged 68, a gentleman of independent means who committed suicide on Friday, by cutting his throat with a pocket knife, which he purchased a few days since. Deceased has been for some time in a desponding state, and frequently expressed a fear that he should come to want. The Jury returned a verdict that "Deceased Destroyed himself whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 21 November 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Found Dead. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on Thursday at the Exmouth Inn, Union-street, Stonehouse, on the body of a female child named LEWIS. Mr Salter was called and stated that he lived at No. 2, Clarence-cottage. He knew MARY ANN LEWIS, the mother of the deceased. She had been lodging three months with him in the cottage. On Tuesday afternoon she came home about two o'clock and said she was unwell. Shortly after she went out behind, and stayed an hour. Mrs Mary Warren said that on Tuesday afternoon she had occasion to go to Mr Salter of Clarence Cottages, and saw Mr Salter, who told her that MRS LEWIS was unwell and had been out behind for a hour and a half. When she came back she brought with her something wrapped up in her apron under her shawl, which he afterwards found to be the body of a female child. - Mr Thomas [?], surgeon, stated that he was called in to see MRS LEWIS last Tuesday night about half-past nine. He found that she had been recently confined. He was shewn the body of the child. The mother told him that she did not know that she was pregnant, and she had been suffering from diarrhoea. He made a post mortem examination and found that the child had come to its full growth. There were no marks of violence on it. The lungs contained a little air, which might have entered before birth. he could not say that the child had had a separate existence, but if the child had proper attendance he believed it would have lived. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Daily Mercury, Monday 23 November 1874
SYDENHAM DAMEREL - Sudden Death. - On Friday afternoon an Inquest was held at Cattsbridge, South Sydenham, before Mr R. R. Rodd. County Coroner, and a Jury of whom Mr James Stawt was Foreman, on the body of JANE HEARNE, aged 52, the wife of JOSEPH HEARNE, a mine labourer, who resides at Cattsbridge. The deceased had been unwell for some time, but not so bad as to prevent her carrying out some of her domestic duties; and on Wednesday morning last the husband went to his work, not noticing anything unusual in his wife's appearance. About midday, however, she was found dead in her kitchen. Mr R. Sleman stated that the deceased had been a patient of his for many years, and he could only attribute death to Natural Causes - perhaps the rupture of a blood vessel. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 4 December 1874
HONITON - Serious Charge Of Manslaughter At Honiton. A Female Herbalist Committed For Trial. - An Inquest was held at the Star Inn, Honiton, on Wednesday, before Spencer M. Cox, Esq., Coroner, and a highly respectable Jury, of which Mr John Read was Foreman touching the death of MARY CLEAK, wife of THOMAS CLEAK, a sawyer, of Honiton. - THOMAS CLEAK stated that his wife had suffered from her breast for about three years. This arose from the kitchen maid at the Grammar School pressing her breast with her elbow whilst putting her arm around her in sport. This action caused a knob to rise which gave her considerable pain. The deceased consulted Dr Mayne about the pain but left him for what reason witness did not know or when. The deceased afterwards went to Mrs Fish to cure it and was under her treatment for several months. There was a hole in deceased's bosom when she left Dr Mayne. Deceased continued under Mrs Fish's treatment until the 13th November, and witness did not see deceased's bosom from her first leaving Dr Mayne until her calling on him and again when it was considerably worse. Witness had at different times told deceased he was afraid she was doing wrong in going to Mrs Fish. Witness had very little talk to deceased about it. He believed other people used to fetch medicines from Mrs Fish, but he never saw them. Deceased died on Sunday last, and was then under the care of Dr Mayne and his assistant. Deceased had often told witness that whilst under Mrs Fish's care she was getting better. Deceased had told witness that the disease was killed, and that all to be done was to heal the wound which was nearly an inch long when she first consulted Mrs Fish. Deceased, he believed, had never paid Mrs Fish anything, but had said that if she got cured she would have to work hard to pay her off. Witness here said she had some of the contents of the bottle at home, and was ordered by the Coroner to fetch it. - ELIZABETH CLEAK, a daughter of the last witness, said that the deceased was her stepmother. The injury to deceased's breast took place about Christmas 1871. Deceased consulted Dr Mayne within a month or two after the injury. Deceased said there was a knob forming in her bosom about the size of an egg. Witness felt something hard. Deceased continued about eighteen months under Dr Mayne's treatment, but left him because he wished to cut it out, which deceased would not agree to. Shortly after leaving Dr Mayne she consulted Mrs fish. Witness found this out from seeing deceased applying oils to her bosom, which deceased said Mrs Fish was in hopes would cure her. Deceased always used to fetch oils herself from Mrs Fish, but on one occasion, when deceased was in bed ill, she (witness) by her direction fetched it from Mrs Fish. Witness asked Mrs Fish for oils for deceased's bosom. Mrs Fish gave her a little oil in a cup. witness told Mrs Fish that deceased was suffering in her mouth, and also that her jaws seemed closed and that she could not swallow anything. Mrs Fish asked if deceased had been to anyone, and witness told her she had been to Mr Turner, who had ordered her to bathe her face with boiling water and take an alum gargle. Mrs Fish said the alum was a great injury, to which witness replied that she should be obliged to go to a doctor. Mrs Fish said she should be very glad. This interview between witness and Mrs Fish took place three weeks ago last Monday. Witness took back the oil to deceased, and Mr Mayne was called in the following day. Deceased about a month or two ago told witness that Mrs Fish said the disease was out, and that she (Mrs Fish) only had to heal the wound. Deceased had all along said she was getting better. Among other things, by Mrs Fish's desire, deceased applied marsh mallow poultice to her breast. Deceased was under Mrs Fish's care for nine months, and went for medicine every week during that time. Deceased sometimes used ointment instead of the oils, but always got it from Mrs Fish. The only internal medicine which deceased took whilst under Mrs Fish's care was a box or two of pills by Mrs Fish's direction, which she bought of Miss Williams, and sometimes rhubarb pills, bought of Mr Lee, without Mrs Fish's direction were taken. Deceased worked at the Grammar School whilst under Dr Mayne's care until the tumour broke. Witness could not say whether deceased was getting better or worse for the last six months as she did not see the wound, but deceased afterwards appeared to be in very great pain. - Mr George Turner, a pharmaceutical chemist of Honiton, said the deceased came into his shop about six months ago with a printed paper recommending some ointment. Deceased said she was suffering from cancer. Deceased asked whether the ointment mentioned in the circular was applicable to her case. Witness advised her to have nothing to do with it, but to go to a medical man. - The Coroner here stated this was just the sort of advice he should expect from Mr Turner. - Witness continued that she did not have the ointment. Witness recollected nothing about the alum gargle or the boiling water. He certainly never recommended anyone to bathe her face in boiling water. He may have recommended warm water application and an alum gargle for a sore throat, but he did not recollect it. He occasionally supplied Mrs Fish with a mixture made of Neat's foot oil and vinegar containing half pint each, and two ounces of oxide and two ounces of acetate of lead, which he supposed were to be added to the oils, but he did not mix them. He should think the bottle produced contained a mixture of the oil, vinegar, acetate of lead, and oxide of lead. - Mr R. F. Mayne, surgeon, of Honiton, said that about two years ago the deceased came to him and said she had a swelling in her breast. Witness found a tumour about the size of a walnut and a depression of the nipple, which witness told her was a very serious case. Witness applied hot fomentations and iodine and gave preparations of iodine of potassium to aid absorption. He strongly recommended excision at once as the only chance of success. Deceased objected, but remained under his treatment for some months, and ulceration had commenced, and he then treated it with a lotion of carbolic acid and the wound assumed a healthier appearance, when she left witness without assuming any reason. Witness had heard no more of deceased until the 10th of November last, when he was sent for, and Mr Gray, his assistant, visited her. Witness saw her two days after and found a great stiffness about her jaw, and she complained of sore throat. After a short time he noticed a spasm in her back, and concluded she had tetanus. Witness asked to see her breast, but she did not show it until the next day. The ulcer was much increased in size; it was a cancerous ulcer as large as the palm of a hand. She said she had been using oils supplied by Mrs Fish, some of which he was shown in a cup. Witness advised deceased to get rid of it. The cancerous wound no doubt occasioned the tetanus. Application of vinegar might aggravate the wound, and the lead also would irritate. He should say the mixture mentioned by Mr Turner would be improper treatment for such a wound. A wound of the deceased's character was a dangerous wound, but he did not consider the treatment required much skill in the stage in which he last saw it. It was not a wound any unprofessional person would be justified in treating. Irritants applied to such a would be likely to cause tetanus. Vinegar and the preparations of lead mentioned are irritants. Tetanus may have arisen without the application of the lotion. He could not say whether the lotion actually caused the tetanus. He could not say whether or not the treatment by Mrs Fish for nine months would hasten death. - Mr Frederick Archibald Grey, the assistant, gave evidence which was entirely corroboratory. - The Coroner then summed up, and told the Jury that if they considered that the deceased's death had been hastened by the use of the oils supplied by Mrs Fish, they must return a verdict of manslaughter against that woman. - The Jury, of seventeen persons, after an hour's consultation, returned a verdict of Manslaughter; and Mrs fish, who seemed to be in an intoxicated condition, was removed in custody. - The Inquiry lasted five hours, and the result was anticipated in Honiton with much interest.

Western Daily Mercury, Saturday 5 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Mr Coroner Brian held an Inquest last evening in Plymouth on the body of a male child, aged five months, named WILLIAMS. The mother died shortly after confinement. The child had been placed in charge of its maternal aunt, the father paying a weekly sum for its maintenance. The father married again some days ago, when the aunt took the child to its father. It died on Friday morning. The verdict was one of Natural Death, and the Jury added an expression of censure on the father.

Western Daily Mercury, Friday 11 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Death Of An Infant. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at Mr Sleeman's Hotel, Harwell-street, Plymouth, before Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, and a Jury of whom Mr W. S. Rilston was Foreman, relative to the sudden death of EMILY CAROLINE ELLIS, a little girl not quite four years old. - JOHN ELLIS, father of deceased, said that she had been a very healthy child, but that on Wednesday afternoon she was taken poorly, and continued to get worse until a quarter-past seven, when she died in convulsions. Mr Williams, Coroner's Officer, said that he examined the child yesterday afternoon, and found it an exceedingly fat child, but with no marks of violence on it. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 December 1874
DAWLISH - The Fatal Bathing Accident At Dawlish. - An Inquiry was held at Dawlish on Saturday evening respecting the death of CHARLES MOORE, aged 17 years, who was injured while bathing in August 2nd, and who died on the 10th instant at the Cottage Hospital. The principal witness was Richard Cole, who was bathing in the company of the deceased. He stated that he had dived, and his head was just rising above the water when he received a blow on the left hip, the deceased, who had just dived off a wall, having struck him there with his head. Witness continued "When I came properly to the surface I heard someone from the shore calling to me. I then looked, and saw the deceased with his head under water, and his back raised up. I swam to him and brought him ashore. he did not speak to me. I did not feel much of the blow until I got on shore, when I found I could not walk. The water was about eight feet deep, and the depth from the top of the wall to the water was four feet." Mr F. M. Cann, surgeon, stated that he examined the deceased on the morning of the accident, and found fracture or dislocation of the fifth segment of the vertebrae from the head. He expected him to die in a very few days, as the spinal marrow was entirely destroyed, but he lingered for several weeks. It was a most remarkable case. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the funds of the Cottage Hospital, of which the deceased had been an inmate from the time of the accident until his death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, with respect to the death of AMELIA BARNES, aged 63 years. The deceased was married, but had not been living with her husband for about four years. She was found lying dead on the floor of her bedroom on Sunday morning. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident On Shipboard. - An Inquiry was held yesterday by the Coroner for Plymouth concerning the death of JAMES HICKS, a seaman, lately belonging to the brigantine Escort, of Plymouth, Joseph W. Baker, master. The Escort was on a voyage from Porthcawl to Palermo, and about noon on Wednesday the deceased, whilst aloft reefing sails, fell from the topsail yard to the deck, fracturing his skull and breaking one of his legs. The leg was put in splints, and the Escort bore up for Plymouth, where she arrived on Sunday, but HICKS died the day after the accident. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and praised the conduct of Captain Baker. 

Western Daily Mercury, Tuesday 15 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Attempted Suicide. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Guildhall, relating to the death of JOHN WILLIAM ELLIS, aged 37, who died in the Hospital on Saturday last. - JANE ELLIS, the wife of the deceased, said she lived at 5 Park-street. On the 8th of October last the deceased came home with his clothes very wet. He remarked on this fact and a moment after went to a cupboard, took therefrom a razor, and passed it across his throat, inflicting a wound. Fortunately witnesses saw his intention, and rushing to him prevented him from doing himself further injury. He was then removed to the Hospital, where he remained for eight weeks, after which he came out, but again returned last week, shortly after which he died. To the knowledge of witness deceased had nothing preying on his mind when he attempted his life. He was, however, subject to fits, in attacks of which he was like a lost person, not knowing what he was doing. - MARY JANE ELLIS, step-sister to the deceased, said she lived next door to the last witness. On the 8th of October she hard last witness screaming, and going into the house found the deceased with blood flowing from his neck and his wife bending over him. Deceased suffered from fits, in which he behaved very strangely. Mr Chapman Gibbs, B.M., surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, stated the deceased entered the Hospital on the 8th of October, when he examined him and found several incised wounds in his throat. A piece of the windpipe had been almost cut out. This was replaced and retained by a stick. Deceased progressed so favourably that in six week she was able to leave the Hospital. Last week he was compelled to again enter the Hospital, and his condition was such as to necessitate an operation. For this purpose an attempt was made to apply chloroform, but the state of deceased would not then permit of this being done. After the operation, which was performed on Wednesday last, deceased became half unconscious, but revived on Thursday morning. He again relapsed, and on Saturday afternoon expired. Witness would not undertake to say that death was immediately caused by the injury to the throat or by the operation, though he had no doubt that the latter accelerated death. The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the "Deceased died from an Operation performed on him, with his consent, on Friday last, which said operation was, in the opinion of the medical man, necessary from the evil effects consequent on the injuries inflicted in his throat by himself on the 9th of October last, whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity." One of the Jurors remarked that it did not appear to him that the medical witness had given his evidence in a straightforward or voluntary manner. - Mr Gibbs: I answered each question as it was put to me. Witnesses are to give facts not to interpret them. Mr Gibbs then left the room.

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 16 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Mr Sleeman's Hotel, Harwell-street, Plymouth, relating to the death of CHARLES ALFRED DUMBLE, a little boy two years of age. EMILY DUMBLE, mother of the deceased, said that on Wednesday last, between 5 and 6 o'clock in the afternoon, she poured out a cup of tea, and whilst in the act of replacing the teapot on the stove, her little boy took hold of the handle of the cup, and threw the contents of it over his breast. She saw that he was very much hurt and immediately applied oil and whiting, and sent for Mr Lewis, surgeon, who arrived shortly after, and continued to attend to him until Sunday last, and on Monday he died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Scalding."

Western Daily Mercury, Wednesday 16 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of An Infant. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Swan Hotel, St Andrew's-street, Plymouth, before Mr T. C. Brian, Borough Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr Allen was Foreman, relative to the sudden death of WILLIAM CHARLES LAPPAGE, a child, two months old. MRS LAPPAGE, mother of deceased, said that the child had been sickly since its birth. She went to bed with it on the previous night, and when she woke up yesterday morning the child was lying on her arm dead. Mr Williams, Coroner's officer, said that he examined the body of the deceased yesterday and found no marks of violence on it. The hands were clenched, and the left arm drawn up and stiff. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Daily Mercury, Thursday 17 December 1874
NEWTON ABBOT - Found Dead. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Newton Abbot, by Mr H. Michelmore, Coroner, on the body of an infant, three months' old, the daughter of WILLIAM CLAMPITT, goods guard on the South Devon Railway. The child was found dead in bed that morning by its father. It had not shown any signs of being ill, and Dr Haydon, who examined the deceased after its death, was of opinion that id died of convulsions. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 December 1874
PLYMOUTH - Alleged Neglect Of A Relieving Officer. - Mr T. C. Brian, Coroner for Plymouth, held an Inquest at the Workhouse, last evening, relative to the death of RICHARD BOURLACE, aged 62 years. - Catherine Bond stated that she resided at 25 Lower-street, and on Thursday last the deceased, who lodged with her, fell over the stairs and received a severe scalp wound. On the following afternoon her daughter applied to Mr Annear, relieving officer, for a doctor's order for admission to the Workhouse, but was told to call again in the evening. Her daughter did so at six o'clock, and was then told by Mr Annear that it was too late that day for a doctor's order. On Saturday witness herself went to Mr Annear, and after waiting nearly an hour, until he had finished his dinner, she received an order and the deceased was conveyed to the Workhouse in a cab. Mr Prynne saw the deceased at her residence on Friday morning, and he gave her a note to take to Mr Annear, stating that he was suffering from concussion of the brain, and that it was a fit case for admission into the house. - Mr E. M. Prynne, surgeon, stated that he was called to see the deceased on Friday morning, and found him suffering from a severe scalp wound in the back of the head. He told Mrs Bond what the deceased was suffering from, and gave her a note to take to Mr Annear. He considered it possible that the immediate cause of death was apoplexy. - Mr J. Annear stated that the first intimation he received of the case was on Saturday morning, when Mrs bond came to him and he received Mr Prynne's note. He attended to the case immediately. He did not go to the Workhouse with the deceased, but Mrs Bond went on his behalf. BOURLACE appeared to be insensible previous to leaving his house, and he believed that Mrs Bond would have informed those at the Workhouse of the nature of deceased's injuries. He did not send to the Workhouse the certificate that he received from Mr Prynne, and upon the admission order that he gave Mrs Bond there was nothing to inform the master of the Union what BOURLACE was suffering from. - By a Juror: If any person came to his office after three p.m. for an application for relief, or for an order for admission into the house, the applications would not be attended to if he was not there; but he made it a rule to be at his office from 4.30 p.m. to five p.m. on every day. He denied in toto having told Mrs Bond's daughter that she could not have an order on Friday. - Mr Drew, the master of the Workhouse, said the deceased was admitted into the House on Saturday afternoon, and being informed that the man was suffering from a fit, he ordered him to be placed in the fit ward. He received the admission order from Mr Annear, but it did not state what the man was suffering from. He saw the deceased at 7 p.m. the same day, and BOURLACE then informed him that he received his injury by falling into a drain. The deceased tore up a blanket and had to be tied in a chair for a short time. He was not right then. No medical man saw him until Monday at noon, as the medical officer did not attend the House on Sundays unless there was a very serious case. - Mr Annear, upon being recalled, said that he never saw what a person was suffering from mentioned upon the admission forms of the Poor-law Board. - Mr F. A. Thomas, surgeon at the Workhouse, stated that he was called to see the deceased at the Union between noon and one o'clock on Monday. He found him in a dying state, and notwithstanding efforts being made to restore him he expired the same day. He might have been suffering from concussion of the brain, but his opinion was that he died from apoplexy caused by the fall. - The Coroner, in summing up, said there was no doubt that death was caused by an accidental fall, but he wished to draw the Jury's attention to certain facts that had come out in the evidence respecting the witness Bond's daughter going to Mr Annear for an admission order. The girl told her mother she saw Mr Annear, and this Mr Annear distinctly denied. Mr Annear did not go with the patient himself, as was usual in some cases, and it was clear that the master did not know what the poor fellow was suffering from, whilst if Mr Prynne's certificate had only been sent to the master the man would have been treated differently. - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding "That a copy of the Doctor's certificate sent to relieving officers should be appended by them to the order of admission, stating the condition of the man, and the extent of injuries received."

Western Morning News, Monday 28 December 1874
SHEBBEAR - Fatal Accident At Shebbear. - An Inquest was held on Thursday respecting the death of MRS HARRIS, the wife of a farmer residing at Shebbear. The deceased, who was about 40 years of age, was assisting her husband at the threshing machine, when her clothes were caught in the machinery, and her leg was dragged into it and torn to pieces before her husband, who heard her screams for help, could stop the machine. Amputation was successfully performed, but death shortly afterwards occurred. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 28 December 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - Horrible Deaths Of Children. Drunken Parents Censured. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held two Inquiries at the Red Lion Hotel, Stonehouse, on Saturday, respecting the deaths of children who had been burned to death. The first Inquiry was touching the death of EMMA CLEMENS, aged 2 years. - JOHN CLEMENS, father of the deceased, stated that he resided at 14 Newport-street, and at about seven o'clock on Wednesday evening his wife put the deceased and another child to bed. The bed was made up on the floor, at a short distance from the fire, and consisted of a straw mattress, a sheet, and a coat. He placed a piece of board by the side of the bed as a protection from the fire. The deceased was on the side of the bed near the fireplace and the board, which was touching the fireplace. He and his wife went to bed at eleven o'clock and he then blew out the candle, and made out the snuff with his finger, and put the candlestick upon a chair near his own bed. At twelve o'clock he was awakened by the crying of the deceased, and upon getting out of bed he struck a match, lighted the candle, and put the lighted match in the candlestick. The deceased asked him for a drink, and he gave it to her. He then blew out the candle again, and got into bed, and did not hear anything else until two o'clock the next morning, when his wife awoke him. The room was then full of smoke - so full that it was with great difficulty he could breathe. He then saw that the child's bed was on fire. It was not blazing, but smouldering. The screen was burnt on the inside near the deceased, and she was "screaming frightfully." His wife took the deceased, who was burnt very much, into a neighbour's room, and he went for a surgeon. - By the Jury: He did not examine the piece of board near the fire place previous to going to bed, neither did he smell anything like fire at twelve o'clock. He denied having thrown the match upon the floor when he lit the candle. The length of the bed was about five feet, and three feet breadth. The other - an elder - child in the bed was not touched at all by the fire. On Wednesday he went out at 6.30 p.m., again at 7 and again at 9.20, returning, finally, at 10.15 p.m. From quarter past 10 to the time he went to bed, he employed his time smoking his pipe. The Jury further questioned him as to the times he went in and out on the Wednesday evening, and as he contradicted himself in several particulars, the Jury expressed their unanimous opinion that the witness was not sober. - JANE ANN CLEMENS, the mother of the deceased, was then called, and said she believed that her husband had been drinking on the Wednesday evening, but he was not drunk. He went out twice during the evening, and returned finally at about eleven o'clock. he then remained up smoking about quarter of an hour, and afterwards came to bed. During the time he was smoking he lit his pipe several times from the table, but she could not say whether he lit it from the candle. The fire in the grate went out between nine and ten o'clock that evening. Witness did not hear the child cry until two o'clock on Thursday morning, when she found the child on fire, and the bed burning. There was no blazing with the fire, but "it was smoking in an awful manner." The deceased was at the bottom of the bed, and the other child at the head of the bed - some distance from the deceased. - By the Jury: She could not tell where her husband put the match he lit the candle with at twelve o'clock; but she saw him make the candle out with his fingers. The fire was in when witness made up the children's bed. Her husband put his pipe in the candlestick when he finished smoking. The deceased's bed was at the foot of her bed. - Mary Ann Bird said that she lived in the room next to that of CLEMENS, and about ten minutes to two on Thursday morning, she was called by MRS CLEMENS, who said "For God's sake come out Mrs Bird and see what he has done to my dear child." Witness opened her door, and MRS CLEMENS brought in the deceased, who was very much burnt, and placed it upon her bed. CLEMENS then said "If you (meaning his wife) don't shut up, I will throw you over the stairs." He also said she was making too much noise about it, the child was not hurt. The wife replied, "How can I shut up, seeing what you have done?" CLEMENS came to witness's door just after his wife brought in the deceased, and he then smelt very strong of liquor, but she could not say he was drunk. He appeared to be quite indifferent about what had happened. Witness left her room for about five minutes, and when she returned she found the other child, which was not injured on her bed. She believed that the mother of the deceased was not sober when she brought the deceased to her. Both husband and wife often got drunk, and were in the habit of quarrelling. - By the Jury: They treated the children kindly when they were at home, but they were in the habit of leaving them to do their best day by day, and it was a wonder that an accident had not befallen the children before. She saw CLEMENS whilst he was giving evidence, and believed that he had been drinking. - Mr Leah, surgeon, stated that he was called about a quarter to three on Thursday morning by CLEMENS, who told him that his child had been burnt at 14 Newport-street, that "He had gone to Mr Wey's to get some stuff for it," and that during his absence his wife had removed the child to her mother's house in Fore-street. he went with CLEMENS to Fore-street, where he saw the deceased, who was suffering from extensive scorching. The scorching was not very deep, but it covered a large extent of skin, and was sufficient to cause death. About one o'clock on Thursday afternoon he again saw the deceased, who was then at its own house; but it expired the same afternoon. - By the Jury: He did not believe that removing the deceased injured it in any way. When CLEMENS came to him he appeared very excited, but he answered his questions, and it did not strike him that he was drunk. It was possible that he had been drinking very heavily the previous night, and the burning of the child might have made him sober. It was possible for the father and mother to have been asleep in the room and not hear the shrieking of the deceased, and it was possible that both children might have been in bed together, and the one burnt and the other uninjured, if they were in the position the mother said she found them. - Several of the Jury, by the consent of the Coroner, visited the room and measured the bed, and upon returning said that what CLEMENS had stated with regard to its length and breadth was utterly untrue. The length was only three feet, and the breadth two feet. - A Juryman said that the evidence of the father was far from satisfactory, and he believed that it was impossible for both children to have been lying in the same bed. Everything that the father had stated was, in his opinion, false. - Another Juryman believed that the father set fire to the bed in lighting his pipe. - The Foreman of the Jury (Mr Graham): Will you say as your verdict, "Accidental Death, and that the parents be severely reprimanded." - Several Jurymen thought that this was not severe enough, and Mr Haddon (one of the Jury) believed that if the matter were sifted further they would find that the parents were not in the room at the time and he thought the Inquiry ought to be adjourned. - P.C. McNellan said he had brought all the witnesses he could, and had left nothing undone. He had had a conversation with a woman who lived in the same house and who was up until 1.30 a.m., on Thursday, and heard them come in at eleven o'clock. - A Juror: CLEMENS has perjured himself at this Inquiry. - The Coroner: We have nothing to do with that. - The Juror: Then it is time we had a public prosecutor. What are we to do? - Mr Taylor (one of the Jury): The man is not sober now, and we have evidence which proves that both father and mother had been drinking at the time the child was brought to Mrs Bird's. Shall you take any notice of their evidence, Mr Coroner? - The Coroner: No, I shall not take any notice of their evidence. - A Juryman thought that if CLEMENS and his wife were brought before them and reprimanded in the presence of the representative of the press that that would be sufficient. - Mr Taylor regretted that the strong finger of the law could not touch them; it was their duty to do it. - Mr Wakeham, a Juryman, proposed an adjournment for further evidence; and Mr Taylor seconded it. - The Coroner: You cannot have an adjournment; the evidence is closed. - The Foreman: Have you considered your verdict gentlemen? - The Jury, after a short consultation, returned the following verdict: - "That the deceased died from injuries received by Accidental burning, but there was no evidence to shew how the fire occurred; also that the parents of deceased be severely censured for the general neglect toward the children, and their drunken habits." - The parents were then brought before the Coroner, and he told them they had very narrowly escaped being committed for manslaughter. He advised them to give up drink, and pay more attention to their children. The Inquiry, which lasted four hours, then terminated.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 December 1874
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Coroner next held an Inquiry respecting the death of ELIZABETH ELLEN TARR, aged 3 years and 7 months. - MARY TARR, widow and mother of the deceased, stated that she resided in George-street, and at about 5.45 on Thursday evening she left the deceased sitting at the table taking her tea. There was a candle burning on the table. she was away about a quarter of an hour, and upon returning found the deceased very severely burned. Previous to the deceased's death, which was on Friday morning she told witness that she reached across the table, and caught her frock on fire by the candle. The deceased just before her death sang a hymn, and was sensible up to the last. - Susan Smith, residing in the same house as MRS TARR, said she heard the deceased upon the landing of her room crying "I am afire." Witness went up and placed a wrapper around the deceased, and extinguished the flames. - By the Jury: The mother never neglected the deceased; but she had to leave her sometimes, having to work for her living. - Mr Leah stated that he was called in to see the deceased on Thursday evening, and found her suffering from severe scorching, from the effects of which she died. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."